The 2001 Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, delivered by Sir John Sulston, provide a remarkable insight into the field of genetics from one its most prominent and engaging pioneers. Children studying National Curriculum science at Key Stages Three or Four - or their Scottish equivalents - will find the Lectures and associated activities Bug Lab and Chromosome 11 both educational and exciting. Each Lecture addresses certain components of the curriculum, as outlined below: Lecture 1: What is life? This lecture covers the questions asked when we encounter life in all its forms. Key Stage 3 and Scottish equivalent curriculum aspects of science and biology are covered, including the definitions of life such as growth, reproduction and respiration, and the classification of life. Lecture 2: How do I Grow? In this lecture, the building blocks of life are discussed in more detail, from amino acids to proteins and DNA to chromosomes. Scottish national curriculum and Key Stage 3 science topics such as nutrition, growth and feeding relationships are introduced. Lecture 3: What am I? This lecture covers DNA and evolution in the most detail, from the primordial soup to the animals and plants we see today. Variation, inheritance, adaptation and competition are defined and discussed to Key Stage 3 science and Scottish national curriculum standards. Lecture 4: Can We Fix It? The impact of genetics on our health, past, present and future is the subject area for this lecture. The genetic basis of disease and inheritance are visited, along with aspects of human health and welfare relevant to Key stage 3 and Scottish national curriculum science. Lecture 5: The Future of Life? The questions and opportunities that genetics brings are examined in this lecture. Key Stage 3 and Scottish equivalent curriculum aspects of science and biology are covered, such as cells and cell functions, health, and humans as organisms. As well as being broadcast over the Christmas period, the Lectures will also be shown as part of 4Learning's schools service in January 2002. Please look at Channel 4's listings pages for more information on broadcast times. There is also a colour booklet to accompany these lectures entitled "The secrets of life: Genes and genetics from evolution to engineering". As well as the science, the booklet includes discussions of the crucial ethical dilemmas: Should we allow human cloning? Should we allow genes to be patented? Should we allow 'designer babies'? To obtain a copy, please send a postal order or cheque (made payable to Channel 4 Television) for £4.95 (including postage and packing) to: The Secrets of Life PO Box 4000 Manchester M60 3LL Or telephone 0870 5 44 66 99.
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