Biology Junction
DNA Technology
One of the first biotechnology breakthroughs occurred in 1982 with the creation of synthetic insulin. Young scientists learn about DNA technology with a presentation and accompanying worksheet. It focuses on DNA extraction and...
Curated OER
DNA Technology
In this DNA technology worksheet, students look at genetic engineering and how it has helped humans. Then students will read about the human genome and how DNA fingerprinting is used in crime scenes. This worksheet has 4 short answer...
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Genes Can Be Moved Between Species
Biotechnology changes lives every day, but how did it all start? Learn about Cohen and Boyer's technique for recombinant DNA and the founding of this new scientific study. Then, scholars use the online interactive to discover how Hanahan...
Curated OER
DNA Technology
In this DNA technology worksheet, students will review 12 vocabulary words relating to the uses and results of DNA technology in this crossword puzzle.
Curated OER
Biotechnology and the Human Body
For this biotechnology and the human body worksheet, students fill in the blank with information about the advances of biotechnology as it relates to gene therapy.
Curated OER
Human Genetics
In this biology worksheet, 9th graders describe whether the father or mother is affected by a sex-linked disorder and why. Then they name two genetic disorders that are caused by a recessive allele on the X-chromosome. Students also name...
American Museum of Natural History
All About Cloning
Start seeing double. The American Museum of Natural History website provides pupils with information about Dolly, the cloned sheep. Learners find out the procedure used to create Dolly along with why scientists clone animals.
Curated OER
Genetic Technology
In this genetic worksheet, students will match 6 terms associated with gene engineering to their correct definition. Then students will complete a table indicating if the vector is mechanical or biological. Finally, students will...
Curated OER
Punnett Square Popcorn
In this genetics worksheet, students use the Punnett Square to learn about dominance and codominance in inherited traits. This worksheet has 1 short answer question and 6 problems to solve.
Curated OER
Biotechnology
In this biology instructional activity, students complete a crossword puzzle with 23 questions on biotechnology. They identify the benefits and ethical issues about biotechnology.
Curated OER
Ecological Dilemmas
In this ecological dilemmas worksheet, students read about people's impact on ecosystems. Students complete 3 activities that require them consider the negative impact humans have on their environment.
American Institute of Biological Sciences
Action Bioscience: Genetic Engineering & Xenotransplantation
In efforts to cure some cases of Type I diabetes scientists are considering xenotransplantation. With this practice, islets from animals other than human are transplanted into humans. With further studies scientists will discover...
OneWorld UK
One World: Tiki the Penguin: Genetic Engineering: Whose Genes?
Come along with Tiki the Penguin as he discovers what makes you a human or him a penguin! This site details some of the major issues relative to genetics - such as genetic engineering - in a way that is interesting and relevant to kids.
Other
Stephen W. Hawking: Lectures: Life in the Universe
This lecture covers the topic of life now and into the future, including the role genetic engineering will play.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: On Human Cloning
Three cloning experts share their opinions of cloning in these interviews from NOVA: "18 Ways to Make a Baby."
Other
Canadian Institutes of Health Research: Human Stem Cell Research [Pdf]
A recent study in which the authors examined the health and ethical issues related to human stem cell research. As a result of this study, Canada did allow human stem cell research to proceed. The report is in PDF format.
Other
J. Craig Venter Institute
A non-profit research institute that specializes in the capture of genome information on all forms of life, including human. Information is very scholarly.
PBS
Pbs: Fact of Fiction
At this site from PBS you can challenge yourself with this quiz to see if you know what is true and what is false in genetic and reproductive technology. You'll be surprised by some of the things that we are currently able to do with...
National Institutes of Health
National Center for Biotechnology Information: Education
This link has many tools to help understand the revolutionary sciences and discoveries in genetics.
American Institute of Biological Sciences
Action Bioscience: Designer Babies: Ethical Considerations
Ethical considerations are discussed in an article about the scientific ability to create "designer babies." Identify safety, moral use, effect on society, and whether it is for enhancement or therapy when humans have the option to...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Religion and Ethics Weekly: Dr. Francis S. Collins Interview
Read a discussion with Francis S. Collins, director of the Human Genome Project, who touches on the role that faith plays in his profession. Collins discusses the Human Genome Project and its goals and results, genetic disorders, and the...
BBC
Bbc: Gcse Bitesize: Mitosis and Cell Specialisation
This lesson focuses on cloning. Plants can make identical copies of themselves by asexual reproduction, for example by tubers and runners. Humans have been cloning plants for years and have recently started to develop techniques to clone...
Georgia Department of Education
Ga Virtual Learning: Water, Soil, and Agriculture
Students learn about the fundamental importance of water, soil, and agriculture in sustaining the human standard of living; and the heavy toll that current agricultural practices take on water and soil resources.