The Media Library of Genesee Valley BOCES

Uses photography and computer animation to explore evolution through natural selection. Examines different aspects of natural selection, including genes, results of environmental pressure, best-adapted individuals, and the passing of genes to future generations. Discusses divergent, convergent, and parallel evolution, fossil dating methods, genetic drift, bottleneck, and founder effect

This program explores how traits are passed down during reproduction, genes, chromosomes, single-celled and multi-celled organisms, dominant and recessive traits, and DNA. Looks at Mendel's work with plants up and today's advances in the fields of DNA research and genetic engineering, including concerns it raises about how this new knowledge will be put to use

Features some of the most current advances in genetic research. A historical tour of the main advances in genetics in the 20th century highlight the foundational research which led to the discovery of DNA. Examines genetic engineering, recombinant DNA, transgenic organisms, and the production of vaccines

The work of Gregor Mendel is explored in detail in this program. Though his early work with pea plants, many important discoveries were made, laying the groundwork for the study of modern genetics. Vivid examples and colorful animations clearly illustrate the difference between genotype and phenotype, as well as the difference between heterozygous and homozygous genotypes

This program builds on the work of Mendel and takes students though additional genetic discoveries made in the 20th century. The Law of Segregation and the Law of Independent Assortment are explored and the concepts of incomplete dominance and codominance are discussed

Through numerous real-life examples, students are introduced to some of the foundational principles heredity. The early work of Gregor Mendel is highlighted, providing an introduction to the concepts of dominant and recessive traits. Examples of dominant and recessive genes common in people bring this concept to life for students

Through cutting edge technology and DNA testing, scientists can now for the first time trace the beginnings and the migration of the human race and see the pattern of where, when, how, and from who the human race developed. Explores the patterns of migration, the reasons for migration, and the ways humans have adapted to their environment to ensure their survival

Viewers will learn how characteristics are transfered from one generation to the next through Gregor Mendel's experiments with the pea plant. Includes a discussion of dominant and recessive factors and what the Hardy-Weinberg law proves

Geneticist Stephen O'Brien looks at the reasons why some individuals managed to survive or escape the bubonic plague, the gruesome disease known as the Black Death. By the time it ran its course during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, millions throughout Europe had succumbed to the disease, yet in some villages, there were pockets of people that escaped infection. Scientists are now looking at historical records and samples from descendants to investigate genetic mutation as a possible explanation for their survival.

Some experts think the Human Genome Project will be the most revolutionary scientific project of all time. This program takes viewers inside an automated gene sequencing laboratory where students will learn how human genes are isolated and fragmented and how their DNA base sequences are determined. Explains why the project is so revolutionary and its implications for the 21st century. Risks and benefits are discussed and illustrated