Gene Environment Interactions

Poster, 8.5" by 11". Features our EH Venn diagram that visually represents the relationship between environment, genes, choices and health. Available in two sizes.

Classroom Activity, 7 pages. This activity is designed to get students or community members thinking critically about the complex issue related to workplace genetic testing for disease susceptibility. Participants read a two-part narrative, answer questions related to the reading, and are given an outcome based on their decision-making.

A collection of worksheets and resources that helps teachers engage their students in locally relevant environmental health research projects. These inquiry-based materials provide the scaffolding necessary for students to successfully identify and investigate how things in their environment impact their health. Portions of the curriculum are also available in Spanish, 40 pages

A collection of integrated lesson plans designed to introduce middle school students to the topics of asthma and environmental health. This curriculum provides EALR aligned lesson plans to teachers in a variety of subjects. At least two lessons are provided for each subject. The lessons are designed to be stand alone units, allowing teachers to mix and match lessons and present them in any order. Resource materials are also included to help school librarians who are facilitating student research projects.

This hands-on lesson explores the characteristics of nine different sugars, sugar substitutes, and artificial sweeteners. Learning objectives include helping students understand the similarities and differences between the nine products, identify the sweeteners in different foods, discuss the benefits and risks of various sugars and sugar substitutes for different stakeholders (for example, diabetics and dieters), and consider their own choice of sweeteners. Includes lesson plan, student worksheet, and powerpoint presentation. This lesson aligns with Washington State EALRs.

A role play activity designed to promote discussion and critical thinking about the issues of genetic testing and pesticide exposure. The activity is carried out with groups of 4 participants and is appropriate for middle and high school students as well as adults. This activity is also a part of the lesson Introduction to Health. Environment + Genes + Choices = Your Health in this table.

This 48-slide powerpoint presentation introduces the subject of environmental health. Contents includes definitions, hazards, and the seven core concepts of environmenal health: (1) toxicity, (2) exposure, (3) dose/response, (4) individual susceptibility, (5) risks and benefits, (6) environmental justice, and (7) community resources to find more information and/or take action. The PDF suggests ways to use short portions of the powerpoint for environmental health lessons.

This activity serves as an "Introduction to Health" lesson. Students generate or are given a list of health topics and write each topic on its own sticky note. Students then place the sticky note on an enlarged Venn Diagram posted on a wall, placing it on the circle (Environment, Genes, or Choices) where they think it belongs, or across two circles if they think the topic overlaps. A group of teachers can take part in this activity using the topics taught in Health Class. 50-minute class period.

In this activity, students research the environmental and genetic medical conditions in their own family or in the people they live with. After they complete the family tree, students create an informational brochure about a medical condition in their own family and share with family members, who provide feedback. This activity is also part of the lesson Introduction to Health. Environment + Genes + Choices = Your Health in this table.

A 50-minute hands-on activity that will help students identify the connections between genetics, the environment and personal choices, and how they affect our health.