Using GenScope ™ with SALI

GenScope, a project of the Concord Consortium (based in Concord, Massachusetts), is a software program that explores genetics. SEPUP has developed two genetics activities that utilize GenScope. These activities are intended to supplement Unit D, “Our Genes, Our Selves,” of Science and Life Issues (SALI).

Note: The student sheets and teacher’s notes for these activities are found in Appendix F, “Using GenScope,” of the SALI Teacher’s Guide.

To install and use this software, you must have a Macintosh computer (68K or PowerPC) with at least 4 MB of free RAM (not counting what is required to run the system) and 3 MB of hard disk space.

1. Go to the GenScope website to download a free copy of the GenScope program. Follow the directions on the website to download the program. In addition to downloading the software program, you can also download a 28-page tutorial (available in .pdf format).
   

2. Download the GenScope activities created by SEPUP to supplement Unit D, “Our Genes, Our Selves.” Download both the “Wings” and “DragonDiversity” files.
   

3. Both the GenScope and SEPUP files have been compressed using StuffIt™ software. If you do not have it installed on your computer, you can download a free copy of StuffIt Expander from Aladdin Systems. Be sure to install it onto your computer before attempting to install the other files.
   

4. The GenScope tutorial requires Adobe Acrobat Reader software. If you do not have it installed on your computer, download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader from Adobe.
   

5. On your desktop, select the GenScope installer file to install the software onto your computer. (If you are using this software on multiple computers, you may find it best to install it first on a server.) If you have done this correctly, you should see a GenScope Folder containing “Dragon,” “Evolution,” “Genscope,” and “Readme” files. You may find it helpful to read the “Readme” file, which explains the other files in this folder.
   

6. From this point on, each student sheet contains specific directions on how to use the files and complete the activities. Student Sheet GS 1 should be used with the “Wings” file, and Student Sheet GS 2 should be used with the “DragonDiversity” file. (To start the first activity, double-click on the “Wings” file; this automatically opens GenScope as well as the activity file.)