Genomics Analogy Model for Educators (GAME): Fuzzy DNA Model to Enable the Learning of Gene Sequencing by Visually-Impaired and Blind Students

Much of the general population is aware of terms such as biotechnology, genetic engineering, and genomics. However, there is a lack of understanding concerning these fields among many secondary school students. Few teaching models exist to explain concepts behind genomics and even less are available for teaching the visually impaired and blind. The purpose of the Genomics Analogy Model for Educators (GAME) tutorial is to enable an understanding of the fundamental aspects of genomics. The GAME tutorials use simple analogies to convey scientific information. Recent articles have introduced the GAME approach and two of its components: (1) An explanation of sequencing technology using Lego ® blocks (the Lego ® analogy model [LAM]), and (2) use of a small town analogy model to explain cellular biology. In this article, we present the concept that the Lego ® analogy model can be adapted to enable learning of the concepts of sequencing for visually-impaired and blind students. Textured Lego ® blocks, combined with classroom physical activities, are proposed as a teaching module to explain gene sequencing. We term this teaching approach the Fuzzy DNA Model (FUDMO). Genomics is becoming one of the most important scientific advances of the 21st Century. Genomics technologies have already transformed biological, biochemical, and medical research. The sequencing of the human genome has laid the foundation for the development of new drugs and new diagnostic techniques, and will undoubtedly play a major role in the future of preventive