Last updated: July 16, 2013
Genes in Motion
Genes in Motion
Genes in Motion was a unique program held during National DNA Day 2007. It was put together by researchers and educators from the National Institutes of Health, in collaboration with dancers and choreographers from the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange. On April 30, 2007, students and teachers from Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C. gathered for a unique day of exploring genetics topics through dance. Students worked with dancers and choreographers from the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange (www.danceexchange.org) and genome researchers from the NHGRI to create novel dance routines to explain tough concepts in genetics, such as mitosis and mutation. At the end of the day, students performed their pieces for each other.
A short documentary was created to give an overview of the Genes in Motion program. Click on "Play" on the video screen above to see how students from Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia created an original demonstration of mitosis through dance. The video is approximately 7 minutes long.
The Liz Lerman Dance Exchange created a full length performance called Ferocious Beauty: Genome. Liz Lerman Dance Exchange explores the current historic moment of revelation and questioning in genetic research. Under the artistic direction of choreographer Liz Lerman the subject is represented through a plurality of viewpoints, mirroring a dialogue among multiple voices - artistic, scientific and scholarly - in all their varied perspectives.
Materials for the mitosis session are also available. Take a look to see how you can apply some of the tools in your classroom:
- Genes in Motion: Mitosis/Lesson Guide
- Slides used to present mitosis to participants in the workshop
For more on the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange visit: www.danceexchange.org [danceexchange.org]
For more about Ferocious Beauty: Genome visit: Current Projects: Ferocious Beauty: Genome [danceexchange.org]
The Genes in Motion participating schools included:
- School Without Walls
- Bell Multicultural High School
- Washington Math Science and Technology Public Charter High School
- Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
- Henry A. Wise Jr. High School
- Northwestern High School
- Digital Harbor High School
- Duke Ellington School of the Arts
Resources: Interdisciplinary Lessons of Biology & Fine Arts
Access Excellence: Activities Exchange
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