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My Name is Gene and Fun with Gene by N.L. Eskeland, Ph.D. and N.C. Bailey, Ph.D Review by Alan Robinson, D.V.M.

My Name Is Gene

My Name Is Gene is an introductory text for genetics and biotechnology. The text is presented in first person style by "Gene", a strand of DNA. In the early chapters students will be exposed to all of the units of a cell as if they were being introduced to members of "Genes" family. This introduction to cell biology covers all of the cell structures and their function. Reproduction, both sexual and asexual, is presented without direct reference to human sexuality and no discussion of human anatomy.

In the middle chapter the focus moves to the actual DNA and its function in heredity. Mendelian genetics (dominant - recessive) are first described in the historical aspect of Mendels work with peas. The heritability of several diseases and physical traits is discussed in this area. Many students will begin to identify with the text as they learn more about conditions, such as diabetes, that they come in contact with in their lives.

The final chapters explore the practical applications of DNA through medical and forensic sciences. Cloning of DNA only (Factor IX for hemophilia) versus whole organisms (Dolly the sheep) is covered both technically and ethically. The authors state in the strongest terms that cloning of humans is wrong but they also defend the medical advances with gene therapy.

Each chapter begins with a Bible verse and ends with review questions and discussion topics. A glossary, bibliography, and answers to the six exercise questions are included at the end of the text.

Recommendation: My Name Is Gene is a good text for introducing cell biology, genetics, and biotechnology subjects. After completion of the program, motivated students will be ready to study more detailed texts, while the student that is not going to pursue further science will have a practical understanding of the genetic code we all share. The authors have also bridged the "secular" versus "creation" issues very easily. All through the text they credit God and His creation with the very existence of DNA and then explain the great and varied advancements that modern scientists have given us through their understanding of our "Genes."

Fun With Gene

Created as a complement to My Name Is Gene, this workbook consists of three sections and twenty-seven exercises. The teachers edition includes all of the material and format of the student workbook plus answers and explanations to the exercises.

Section 1 has ten "solve the case" exercises. The first five are "basic" and the second five are "beyond the basics". Each case lists the chapter and major idea from My Name Is Gene needed to solve the case so that the student can readily compare the case to the text. The cases utilize real diseases (Sickle-Cell Anemia) or mysteries (the remains of Jesse James) to engage the student and further illustrate the applications of genetics and biotechnology.

Section 2 has crossword and word search puzzles as well as activities that require materials and equipment that the parent would need to provide and supervise. The exercise "How to Extract DNA" may be too involved for some homeschool families, but its elimination should not diminish the value of this workbook.

Section 3 consists of four straight-forward exercises reviewing the structure of DNA, RNA, the structures inside the cell, and DNA mutation. All students should be able to accomplish these exercises without trouble.

The teachers edition of Fun with Gene reproduces the student book and adds answers for all exercises and explanations for many of them.

Recommendation: This workbook is a good supplement to the textbook My Name Is Gene. The exercises are drawn from the information in the textbook and require an understanding of the material to correctly work the exercises. The teacher edition is not mandatory if a parent is willing to study the textbook, but most parents will benefit from having it. The only criticism I can level at Fun With Gene is that in several of the exercises one or more choices in the multiple choice answer are located on the following page. I found this distracting, and I believe that many students will fail to notice the additional choice(s) which could frustrate them if they cannot find the correct answer.

About the author:

Alan W. Robinson, D.V.M., father of 4 homeschooling children, is the late husband of Martha Robinson, who does many of the reviews here at HomeschoolChristian.com. He graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor's degree in Animal and Dairy Science and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.

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