Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Dealing with DNA Controversy

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Pupils research controversial statements about biological applications and write a persuasive essay. In this biology lesson plan, young scholars are assigned a controversial statement as a research topic, then they use this topic to...
Worksheet
Curated OER

From DNA to Protein

For Students 9th - Higher Ed
In this DNA worksheet, students will compare the chemical differences between DNA and RNA. Students will review what makes up the genetic code and the steps of transcription from DNA to mRNA to proteins. This worksheet has 26 fill in the...
Worksheet
The Science Spot

Bikini Bottom Genetics 2

For Students 6th - 12th
In this biology activity, students use the information given on genetics, Sponge Bob and other characters to complete each of the questions on the sheet. They write the phenotype for each stated trait. Students also determine the...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Generations of Traits

For Students 5th - 7th
For this biology worksheet, learners track and record the passage of colored pom pom traits through three generations of ginger-bread people. Then they describe that traits are passed from parents to offspring and that siblings may or...
Worksheet
Curated OER

An Inventory of My Traits

For Students 5th - 7th
In this biology activity, learners identify and describe a number of easily observable genetic traits and compare the traits they have with other students. Then they identify and describe that some traits are common while others are not...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Take a Closer Look

For Students 7th - 8th
In this science worksheet, students complete five sentences about genetics by choosing the correct word from a list. For example, "Inside each cell is one..."
Worksheet
Curated OER

Human Genetics-- Class Tally: Do You Have a Hitchhiker's Thumb?

For Students 4th - 6th
In this science instructional activity, students study diversity in human genetics by participating in a class survey and generating a tally graph. Students are asked if they have a "hitchhiker's thumb" and the results are displayed on...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Review of Chromosomes, Cell Division and Meiosis

For Students 8th - 9th
In this cell worksheet students review processes of cells. Students recall terms associated with cell division. Students label and explain phases of mitosis.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Natural Selection Day 1

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students define the concept of classification. In groups, they categorize a series of objects into categories they identify. As a class, they participate in a variety of activities to examine the concept of natural selection. To end...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Who am I and Why?

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students make comparisons about themselves and others, which are real and meaningful. They study some basic concepts in the area of genetics and do a complimentary series of experiments, or explorations that illustrate these concepts
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Basic Introduction to Foundation of Life: Genes, Genetics and Genetic Diseases

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students are introduced to genetics along with genetic diseases and heredity. In groups, they complete a Punnett Square to determine the dominant and recessive genes. After viewing diagrams, they identify the characteristics of DNA and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Where Did That Curly Hair Come From?

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students pronounce (as best as they can) the scientific term used in explaining heredity. They study the meaning and/or significance of these genetic terms and use these words in sentences relating to the information taught in the unit.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Clone of Your Own: The Legal Issues and the Future of Genetic Engineering on Humans

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders define cloning in their own words and examine the different types of cloning. After reading an article, they summarize it in their own words and use the internet to research the history of cloning. In groups, they...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA Modeling

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study DNA and its nucleotides. They manipulate paper nucleotides of DNA and investigate how the molecule is produced. Paper versions of sugars, phosphates, and nitrogen bases included.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Human Genome Project

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the goals of the Human Genome Project. They research issues of the project such as scientific, potential and ethical implications of the project. In addition, they create a presentation to present their findings.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Selection and Variation in the Egyptian Origami Bird

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars investigate genetics and evolution of species. They simulate the breeding of birds using origami birds. In addition, using dice they introduce genetic variation into the species.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Bottom Line

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders assume the role of stockholders in a fictitious biotech company. After investigating the cloning of pets, the effects of cloning on the health and well being of the cloned animal, and the ethical issues involved, groups...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Geniacs-Biographies of Genetics Researchers

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students examine the lives and contributions of people who have worked in the fields of genetics and biotechnology. Students work in small groups and read a biography of a person associated with genetics. After filling out a comparison...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Let's Get Square

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students predict possible phenotypic and genotypic outcomes for avariety of common plant hybrids. They review and explain the characteristics of dominant and recessive traits and explore Mendelian genetics. Students plot the possible...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Design Yer Genes

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders explore general structure of and natural changes that occur in DNA strands, and discuss concept of genetic engineering by creating small portion of strawberry chromosome with three genes, modeling naturally occurring...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Snappy Products

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore genetics and biotechnology. Working in a group as a "biotech company", they genetically modify a plant and then promote their product at a biotechnology funding fair.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bird Land

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students role-playing the concept of evolution through naturally occurring mutations. Working in pairs, they model how birds have adapted to the food sources in their environment through changes in their beak size and shapes. Students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Survivors on the Ocean Ridge

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students discover the uniqueness of deep sea hydrothermal vent organisms through an exploration of the NOAA Galapagos Rift Expedition. They study the genetics and evolution of a shrimp species that lives near the vents then they...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Genetically Modified Food

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Young scholars work in teams to develop a presentation and handout representing a particular point of view in a genetically modified food debate. They synthesize their knowledge of food, food contamination, nutrition, and their issues,...