Genetics is one of the topics in biology that some students love and some students hate. It's so easy once you get it and infuriating when you don't. Since much practice and many variations on genetics problem-solving will be required for some students while others would be "treading water", it is a good unit for differentiation.
Technology comes to the rescue here. There is so much to explore in the area of genetics once the simple Punnett grid type questions are mastered. For those students with early mastery of that skill, what will engage their interest?
Are they interested in a family trait? They can construct pedigrees that a few emails or facebook messages to relatives can expand dramatically.
Are they interested in the biochemical details of how a genetic trait leads to the specific phenotype? They can research numerous examples everywhere from wikipedia to Genome.gov with links to entire human genome online.
Are they interested in the ethical questions that surround genetic testing? The ELSI project has links to position papers, ownership issues, and legal standing of personal and public genetics information.
Are they interested in genetic counseling as a career? They can research degree offerings, explore professional websites, and even look at online course offerings.
And what about the students who need more practice?
There are many tutorials and practice problem sets explained in a variety of ways and with a wide range of complexity. Hopefully, there is something for everyone.
In a topic that has been expanding at an incredible pace, and where even current textbooks are quickly out-of-date, the online resources can make genetics a topic for everyone.
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