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DNATwist: a Web-based tool for teaching middle and high school students about pharmacogenomics
D S Berlin1, M G Person, A Mittal
1Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.
Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
|March 23, 2010
Summary
DNATwist is an engaging web tool that teaches pharmacogenomics to middle and high school students, focusing on relevant drug responses and molecular mechanisms. Students found the learning experience understandable and enjoyable.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacogenomics education
- Biotechnology in learning
Background:
- Pharmacogenomics is crucial for understanding individual drug responses.
- Educational tools are needed to make complex genetic concepts accessible to younger students.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce DNATwist, a web-based learning tool for pharmacogenomics.
- To assess the tool's effectiveness and engagement with middle and high school students.
Main Methods:
- Development of a web-based platform (DNATwist).
- Inclusion of pharmacogenomics concepts relevant to teenagers (e.g., alcohol intolerance).
- Integration of molecular and cellular drug response explanations with reusable graphical interfaces.
Main Results:
- Students found the DNATwist tool and pharmacogenomics topic understandable.
- Student testing indicated the tool was engaging.
- The tool is being adapted for museum exhibition.
Conclusions:
- DNATwist effectively explains pharmacogenomics to a young audience.
- The tool's design promotes understanding and engagement in genetic science education.
- Web-based tools can successfully bridge the gap between complex science and student learning.
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