CRACKING THE CODE
EDUCATOR TOOLKIT
We are pleased to offer the following toolkit to inspire conversations and assignments to accompany Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution. This guide is designed to be a flexible resource to support the documentary in diverse middle and high schools and higher education settings.
Central themes that are woven throughout the documentry and toolkit activities:
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A Passion for Discovery
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A Talent for Collaboration
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A Depth of Imagination in Science
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A Vision to Combine Science and Entrepreneurship
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An Ethical Responsibility in Scientific Innovation
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A Redefinition of Who Belongs in Science
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A Commitment to Hard Work
Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution is free to stream at no cost on PBS, and on Hoopla, and Kanopy for users with accounts. If you would like to get a link from Uncommon Productions or receive a free DSL (Digital Site License) for your school library, please fill out the form below.
Click on the buttons below to explore the activities.
Fill out the form below to get access to all of the accompanying teachers guides and support materials.
GET THE EDUCATOR GUIDE & SUPPORT MATERIALS
Note: These materials were created by 4 experienced curriculum designers during the summer of 2026 and are not yet piloted. If you are interested in piloting and reviewing any of the activities in exchange for an Amazon gift card, please send us an email.
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE EDUCATORS WHO DESIGNED THIS TOOLKIT
Rebecca Brewer
Biology Teacher
Troy High School
Rebecca is a nationally award-recognized high school biology educator with 25 years of experience. She has co-authored the high school textbook Biology Now and educational resources for more than a dozen organizations, including Science Friday, PBS NewsHour, the National Center for Science Education, BSCS, Science Communication Lab, and the Pulitzer Center. Rebecca has secured 46 science education grants, including $27,000 for her classroom as the top recipient of the 2011 Voya Unsung Heroes Award, and served as a Teacher Ambassador for multiple organizations, including the Smithsonian, the Society for Science and The Economist.
Martha Perez Murillo
Biotechnology Teacher
San Mateo Unified School District
Martha Perez Murillo is a high school biotechnology educator and curriculum developer. She currently teaches Biotechnology Courses as a part of the Biotechnology Pathway program at San Mateo High School. She has collaborated with programs like InnovATEBIO and Skyline College. Her work includes creating instructional materials such as protein structure and function unit plans for high school science students.
River Suh
Biotechnology/Biology Teacher
Lincoln High School
River Suh is a science educator and artist who specializes in teaching biology & biotechnology, data literacy, and socio-emotional learning (SEL). They also develop inclusive curriculum and advocate for supporting immigrant, first-generation college-attending, and LGBT+ youth. River has additional professional background in publishing, law, and bioarchaeology.
Emily Mills Ko, PhD
Adjunct Assistant Professorin the Los RiosCommunity College District
Emily's PhD is in Immunology with an emphasis in Biotechnology and she teaches classes including Immunology, Neuroscience, Biotechnology and Microbiology. Her work focuses on creating authentic, equity‑minded STEM curriculum and partnering with interdisciplinary faculty and student researchers on CUREs and pedagogical inquiry. She is committed to approaches that strengthen scientific identity and expand access to meaningful research experiences.
Learn more about Cracking the Code.