The goal of Genetics: Gateway to the Future is to provide information about the science of genetics in an interactive, exciting, and educational format that captivates visitors, drawing them in as curious knowledge-seekers and whetting their appetite for more in-depth, thought-provoking research. The intended audience of our Entry will be high school and college students interested in a career in genetics or biology, or students in those age groups who require information on these subjects for academic research.
Our site will present information from basic concepts of heredity to more advanced principles, such as DNA mutations, complex genetic diseases, future applications of gene therapy and genetic engineering, and biotechnology as an emerging scientific frontier. We will cover the legal and ethical issues and dilemmas involved in genetics, allowing visitors to express their opinions on these issues and collaborate with others in a Web-based discussion forum.
The site will also contain an interactive game, a survey with real-time statistics, information about careers in genetics, and many other interesting facets that both illustrate and utilize the Internet style of learning.
The above text was originally submitted by the authors as part of their application to participate in the ThinkQuest competition. Though the site has evolved and changed somewhat during its translation from ideas to reality, the bulk of the work has closely followed the original plans. The only major deviation involved the expansion of the intended audience from high school and college students to include casual visitors and teachers.
During the development of this site, several freeware programs were used to help give the final product its finished, professional appearance. Documentation of permissions to use such programs can be viewed by clicking here. (Use your browser's BACK button to return to this page.) These programs and their authors are also credited on the credits page. All images are credited in the source code of the page on which they are used.
Created by Kate Stafford and Michael Mannor for ThinkQuest.
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