NTAdigital Tema EGG
Collaboration with NTA Digital
We collaborated with NTA Digital on the development of a new digital learning theme, Evolution, Genetics & Genetic Engineering (EGG), for Swedish primary and secondary education.
NTA Digital develops interactive science and technology learning materials as part of the NTA (Naturvetenskap och Teknik för Alla) programme. The EGG theme introduces students to fundamental concepts in biology, including cells, DNA, inheritance, evolution, phylogenetic relationships, and modern genetic engineering.
The project consisted of a series of interactive applications, simulations, animations, and visualizations designed to support inquiry-based learning across multiple difficulty levels. Students progress through five chapters ("Uppdrag"), each containing a collection of activities ("Uppgifter") that combine exploration, experimentation, and assessment.
Chapter 1 — What Is Life
Living and Non-Living Objects
Students explore an interactive landscape containing hidden objects and classify them as living or non-living.
Cell Types
Students learn that all living organisms consist of cells and sort organisms according to four fundamental cell types using interactive 3D cell models.
Characteristics of Life
An optional activity where students identify the criteria that define living organisms and discover that all life contains DNA.
Chapter 2 — DNA and Inheritance
DNA Replication
An interactive simulation introducing DNA structure and the process of DNA replication.
Mitosis and Meiosis
Students explore the differences between mitosis and meiosis and learn why meiosis is essential for sexual reproduction.
Transcription
A simulation demonstrating how DNA is transcribed into RNA.
Translation
Through animations and interactive activities, students learn how genetic information in mRNA is translated into proteins.
Chapter 3 — Evolution and Natural Selection
Variation, Mutation and Natural Selection
A series of simulations showing how random genetic variation arises and how natural selection acts on populations in different environments.
Applications of Evolution
Students apply their understanding through scenarios such as antibiotic resistance and climate-driven adaptation.
Chapter 4 — The Tree of Life
Evolutionary Relationships
Students use an interactive evolutionary tree to investigate common ancestry and relationships between species.
Evolutionary Time
Activities place major events in evolutionary history on a shared timeline, from the origin of life to the extinction of dinosaurs.
Build an Evolutionary Tree
Students construct their own phylogenetic trees based on anatomical and genetic similarities between species.
Evolution Across Generations
Students compare evolutionary change across species with different generation times.
Chapter 5 — Genetic Engineering
Introduction to Biotechnology
A short introductory film covering the history of biotechnology and the emergence of genetic engineering.
CRISPR-Cas9
An animation explaining how CRISPR-Cas9 works at the molecular level.
Interactive Genetics Lab
Students experiment with genetic modification scenarios, including crop improvement, disease prevention, and gene therapy.
Ethics and Discussion
Discussion-based activities examining real-world applications and ethical questions surrounding genetic engineering.