Teacher Resources
Take a look at these helpful guides
- Science and Our Food Supply – Exploring Food Agriculture and Biotechnology – Teacher’s Guide for High School Classrooms
- UConn Molecular Biology Teaching Resources
- Credibility of Sources and GMOs
- FDA: Agricultural Biotechnology
- The Center for Food Integrity
- The Ronald Laboratory: Crop Genetics & Scientific Literacy – Education and Policy
- National Agriculture in the Classroom Homepage
- Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Lesson Plans:
This work is supported by Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Professional Development for Secondary Teachers and Education Professionals Program Grant #2019-68010-29122 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Educational Games
Unpeeled: A Food Marketing Label Game
Navigating the grocery store aisle is challenging for many consumers—especially those who want to buy the most nutritious food and stay within their budget.
The UConn Extension New Technologies in Agricultural Extension (NTAE) team developed an interactive learning activity (or game), Unpeeled: The Case Studies of Maya McCluen, in August, 2021. The purpose of this game is to increase our audiences’ understanding of food marketing labels. The development of the game is made possible through support by the Learning Games Lab at New Mexico State University. The Extension Foundation supports this team through key informant expertise to help grow the overall project.
Consumers gain knowledge about food marketing labels they read in the store and reduce confusion they may experience while grocery shopping. Play the game at https://unpeeled.nmsu.edu/.
Empowering Youth Through Biotechnology and Game Design
A USDA-NIFA funded initiative is engaging UConn 4-H youth in the exciting world of biotechnology through video games! These games are designed to be both fun and educational, delivering science-based information on topics like genetic engineering. By combining creativity with scientific learning, the project aims to build public confidence in the safe use of biotechnology in agriculture and the food system, while also inspiring youth to explore careers in this dynamic field.
Led by UConn Extension and faculty from the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR), in collaboration with the Learning Games Lab at New Mexico State University (NMSU), the project brings together expertise in education, science, and game design.
Youth participants take part in interactive meetings while curriculum features hands-on 4-H lessons, industry field trips, and guest speakers. Outreach materials—including two interactive games and educational videos—have been developed and shared. NMSU plaid a key role in guiding youth through the game design and development process, giving them firsthand experience in digital storytelling and STEM innovation.
Through this program, 4-H members are expanding their knowledge of biotechnology, including how it supports climate-resilient crops, the basics of CRISPR, and foundational lab techniques. They also explore the global impact of agricultural biotechnology and the work of scientists around the world. The program is grounded in the 4-H principles of belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity.
Project Leader
Jen Cushman (Jennifer.Cushman@uconn.edu)
GMO-related Videos
Curious about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and how they impact our world? You’ve come to the right place. This page is your gateway to a collection of engaging, informative videos that explore the science, benefits, concerns, and real-world applications of GMOs. Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply someone who wants to understand more about the food you eat and the science behind it, these videos are designed to inform and inspire.
Dive in to discover how GMOs are developed, their role in agriculture and medicine, and the debates shaping their future.
Portal to Possibilities: Biotech Edition
Players enter through a ‘career portal’ where they become part of the biotechnology industry. Players participate in a variety of biotechnology careers while understanding real-world tasks through the lens of field professionals.
The game features multiple laboratory perspectives including food advances to prevent disease, increased crop yield with minimal inputs, and an understanding of laboratory safety compliance. Other professions include an extension educator, government regulator, environmental specialist, and teacher. Each of these professions plays a key role in biotechnology while opening young minds to a realm of possibilities!
As players complete tasks as career professionals, they earn awards and a sense of possible career opportunities in biotech and understand that this is a vast field with many avenues, far more than what is expressed in the game.
Training Materials
Genetic Engineering Curriculum Downloads – Formal and Non-formal Curriculum Available
Please fill out this form to download the Genetic Engineering/PD-STEP formal and/or non-formal curriculums.