Cross-Disciplinary Unit Unravels Secrets of DNA

In a science unit about the structure and function of DNA, Grade 7 students learned to extract the genetic material from strawberries, bananas and kiwi fruit - a feat made possible, in part, by the contributions of the 20th-century Jewish scientist Rosalind Franklin. Students in Nikki Gutierrez and Angela Williams' classes also explored the bio-ethical implications of utilizing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to make food and other products. In Judaic Studies, a variety of texts will be used to understand Jewish perspectives on genetic engineering. Students will then develop their own views and express them in a persuasive essay written in their English classes. Cross-disciplinary learning helps students become critical thinkers who can demonstrate learning in a variety of ways.