Table 4.

Partially correct answers to “What does the epigenome do?,” from initial pilot test

Rubric category	Examples from students’ responses
The epigenome is involved in gene expression.	The genome is the full genetic information of a human. The epigenome is what tells those genes how to be expressed.
The epigenome reacts to the environment.	The epigenome is sitting above the genome and changes chemical signals according to environmental factors.
The epigenome influences traits.	The epigenome decides what traits you get.
The epigenome reacts to signals.	The epigenome arranges in response to signals.