Image from http://www.asianscientists.com
Today I read this article at Asian Scientist:
Researchers Sequence Mongolian Genome Using DNA Of Genghis Khan Descendant
Two Mongolian universities and genomics giant BGI jointly announced today the first complete sequencing of the Mongolian genome, using the DNA of a 34th generation descendant of Genghis Khan. If you are teaching genetics, this story would be a great discussion starter! Click on the picture above for more information.
Reading this short article lead me rediscover my collection of genetics resources, and I wanted to share. These are aimed at high school students, but could be great background resources for 6-8 teachers. Several of these resources have you breed or cross organisms selecting up to 5 genes. Choose the one which is the best fit for your students.
Bunco
Before I get to the online resources, I’d like to share a SMART Notebook file. Melissa Matula, from MacArthur HS, has taken a lesson on Bunco and Genetics and put it into Notebook. Thank you for sharing with us, Melissa!
Ology: Genetics
Ology is an outstanding free website from the American Museum of Natural History where students can learn about archaeology, astronomy, biodiversity, earth, Einstein, genetics, marine biology, water, and paleontology. The site is user friendly for kids and has an attractive interface that students will enjoy. Each subject has polls, inside stories on the subject, experiments, book lists of related books, interactive games and activities, “make it” ideas, interviews, a snapshot of scientists at work, and more. The Gene Scene portion of Ology has 15+ activities and lets kids look at nature vs. nurture, cloning and geneticists as well as make their own DNA. This site is recommended for students in need of extra support in higher grades as it has a lower readability level.
NOVA: Sequence DNA for Yourself 
This Nova site provides multiple links. Take an animated journey into DNA, read about the milestones for cracking the human genome, a recipe for whipping up a batch of DNA, and two interactives: RNAi-What is it and how does it work and Sequence DNA for yourself. NOVA has multiple resources that you can link to from here.
Interactive DNA Replication activity 
The DNA Replication activity from Interactive Corner covers basics of replication, replication forks, DNA polymerase, Okasaki fragments, and finishes with an overview. Questions are built into the interactive and reviews content for missed items.
Genome Glossary from the Human Genome Project
Search here for definitions related to genetics.
by DNAi Interactive
The science behind each genetic concept is explained by: animation, image gallery, video interviews, problem, biographies, and links. Topics cover looking at genetic code, manipulating DNA, the human genome project, applications in genetics and reflecting on the past.
A virtual lab from SAS Curriculum Pathways - VLab: Mendelian Genetics
See segregation and independent assortment in action: perform genetic crosses, observe traits, and determine genotypes. The lab has three parts: showing genotype, hiding genotype, and discovering genotype using up to 5 butterfly genes.
Dog Breeding from DragonflyTV
Choose one or multiple genetic traits to create border collie puppies with the phenotypes you need.
Virtual Transgenic Fly Lab
The Virtual Transgenic Fly Lab will familiarize you with the science and techniques used to make transgenic flies. Transgenic organisms, which contain DNA that is inserted experimentally, are used to study many biological processes. In this lab, you will create a transgenic fly to study circadian rhythms. (Click here for more on experimental design.) The fly glows only when a certain gene involved in circadian rhythms is activated. After making the glowing fly, you will use it to explore basic principles of circadian biology and genetics. This lab requires Shockwave.
