Tara Raines

Raines' "Everyone is Unique" project allows 8th-grade students to explore the world of genetics and become familiar with the DNA molecule by use of photomicrographs, videos, and kinesthetic, visual, and interpersonal learning styles. During the project, students compare common traits and expected and observed results using bean color to predict the probability of gene combinations, create a 3-D DNA model, and determine polygenic inheritance by graphing the height of each student. Through these hands-on experiments, students learn the structure and function of DNA and gain an understanding of inherited diseases and traits, and the evolution of organisms.