60 years ago the structure of dna was identified.  10
years ago scientist mapped the human genome.  Every generation
from this point forward will have access to their own genetic
code.  This is a surreal idea for most high school
students. 

This lesson will introduce them to what we currently know about
their dna and how much more we must understand if we are to
use gene therapy in the future as a reliable form of medicine.

This lesson works best after the students have had some
instruction in dna, protein synthesis and genetics.

Note - 
The school I teach at integrates English into most of our
lessons.  We use a book titled,
G
enome, by Matt Ridley.  The book was written in 2000 on
the verge of the Human genome discovery.  The author has
assigned an attribute/theme to each chromosome such as:
history, disease, or instinct.  I assign a chapter/chromosome
to each group of students to read and later incorporate that
information into their chromosome project.  Not every school
or class may be able to do this.  However, I strongly
suggest you give the groups something other than the Internet to
gather information from.