In this section, you will find resources to bridge concepts in ecology, plant science, photosynthesis, genetics and genomics together. Genetic research is a powerful tool used across disciplines in ecology, agriculture, and plant sciences. We highlight below resources created by HudsonAlpha to help bridge your ecology unit to your genetics unit.
Timeline Challenge
Timeline Challenge is a companion module for the Progress of Science Timeline. Students are assigned an agricultural challenge, then investigate key genetic tools on the timeline. They then select a tool to address their challenge and defend their selection using a modified CER. Teachers can create an account and monitor in real time, or students can play as a guest and email responses to the teacher.
Teacher Tip:
Supports AL Biology COS Standard 10. Construct an explanation and design a real-world solution to address changing conditions and ecological succession caused by density-dependent and/or density- independent factors.
Timeline Challenge
Download Timeline Challenge Educator Guide.pdf
Agricultural Genomics
Infographic showing key agricultural technologies in corn, conifers, wheat, potatoes, tomatoes, and cotton. Developing high yeild plants optimized for changing environmental conditions is a cornerstone of meeting our food, textile and bioenergy needs. Using genomic information to shape agricultural processes is a key to accomplishing sustainable agriculture.
Download ED HA Posters 11x17 Agricultural Genomics.pdf
Agricultural Genomics Infographic
Genetics, Plant Growth and Photosynthesis
Investigate the genetic drivers of plant growth and photosynthesis and explore new applications of genetic changes that impact the type of photosynthesis. Examine how chromatin remodeling drives gene expression across plant development.
Teacher Tip:
Supports AL Biology COS Standard 6. Analyze and interpret data from investigations to explain the role of products and reactants of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in cycling of matter and the flow of energy.
Download ED HA Genetics Plant Growth and Photynthesis.pdf
Shareable Science Plant Genome Sequencing
Dig into how reference genomes for plants are made at the HudsonAlpha Genome Sequencing Center. Step-by-step guide from the lab to the computer explains how plant genomes are assembled.
How we make the reference genomes that define plant genetics
Pecan Research at HudsonAlpha
Jeremy Schmutz, a leading plant genomics researcher, describes research into the pecan tree genome and how this creates new tools for pecan farmers and breeders. This short video and accompanying guiding questions can be used to introduce further investigation of the role of genomic sciences in the development of sustainable agricultural practices.
Pecan Research at HudsonAlpha Vimeo Link
Download Guiding Questions- Pecan Research at HudsonAlpha.docx
