Media Literacy: Consumer Awareness Lesson - Genealogical DNA Tests

All prices are in Canadian dollars.

Total Pages: 27 pages
Answer Key: Included
Teaching Duration: 90 minutes
File Size: 5 MB
File Type: Zip

How accurate are at-home DNA tests – and can they tell you everything about your ancestry? In this engaging media literacy and consumer awareness lesson, students explore the reliability of genealogical DNA testing through the fascinating case of identical twins receiving different results.

Perfect for Grade 8, this cross-curricular resource encourages students to question scientific claims in marketing while supporting curriculum expectations in science, media literacy, and health education. It’s also an excellent introductory lesson for the Cells Unit in Grade 8 science.

Click Here To View The Preview

What’s Included:

• 1 Complete Media Literacy & Science Lesson Plan
• Comprehension Questions
• Graphic Organizer
• Journal Entry Assessment (2 options)
• Quiz
• Extend Your Learning Choice Board + Rubric
• Assessment Rubric
• Answer Keys for all activities
• PDF and Google Slides™ Formats for flexible teaching

Topics Covered:

• Introduction to Consumer Awareness
• Evaluating the Accuracy of At-Home DNA Tests
• Understanding Genetics and Identical Twins
• Analyzing Marketing Claims
• Building Critical Thinking

Get the Best Value – Grab the Full Media Literacy Bundle!

Unlock all 11 engaging and ready-to-use lessons that dive into consumer awareness, digital literacy, and advertising strategies – all designed to connect with your middle school students in meaningful, real-world ways.

Perfect For:

• Grade 8 Science – Cells Unit Introduction
• Media Literacy
• Consumer Education
• Consumer Awareness & Advertising Lessons
• ELA Lessons
• Critical Thinking or STEM Extensions
• Sub Plans or Cross-Curricular Connections

Why Teachers Love This Lesson:

• Science Meets Real Life: Students love seeing how DNA and marketing intersect in the real world.
• Engaging Video & Discussion: The twin DNA case makes an excellent hook for critical conversation.
• Digital-Ready: Includes PDFs and Google Slides™, ideal for middle school classrooms.
• Assessment-Ready: Comes with rubrics, a quiz, journal prompts, and answer keys—everything you need!
• Curriculum-Aligned: Supports outcomes in science and media literacy.

This resource is a great way to start meaningful conversations around DNA testing, genetics, and consumer trust. Students will learn how to critically assess marketing claims, explore basic genetics concepts, and become more informed about scientific products presented in everyday life.

Resource Notes:

• Regular, reliable internet access is required for this resource.
• Internet must be able to access online video sources.