The Gene Jury project is a fun and interactive way for school pupils to explore modern bioscience and the impact it has on everyday life. Pupils learn about genetics via presenter led workshops and are asked to consider relevant bioethical issues, and express their opinions using electronic clickers. Using lively, fun and scientifically accurate methods we hoped to increase pupil enthusiasm for science, and awareness of modern genetics.

The Process

After lengthy consideration and discussion with colleagues I constructed a trial workshop which I took to my local primary school and generated as much useful evaluation as I could. From there I worked up a pilot project proposal which Wellcome agreed to fund as a people award. After this I have successfully secured funds from the 3 last annual rounds of Scottish Government funding. In total Gene Jury has now been awarded over £80,000.

Extensive evaluation to date indicates that pupils and teachers enjoy and learn from our workshops and resources. Our use of clickers to record bioethical responses has demonstrated good engagement as evidenced from the swings of opinion during the reflective phase of our workshops.Children as young as 9 have demonstrated a willingness and ability to engage with these, often complex, issues despite many peoples’ reservations.

Additional Outcomes

Gene Jury has provided an opportunity for many undergraduate students from a wide variety of courses, as well as for post-graduate volunteers, to develop ther communications skills. Some of our workshops have been embedded in the Our Dynamic Earth educational programme.