Students complete a pre-test on the relationship between heredity and the environment. As a class, they write down descriptions of themselves and identify which traits can be changed and not changed. In groups, they determine which...

In this STEM group of 10 activities, lesson two focuses on the question, "Just because we can, should we?" when considering genetically engineered food. Classes hear a scenario and, as young scientists and geneticists, must determine if...

Personality traits and physical appearance traits within families are the focus here. Learners make a poster which lists the shared physical traits they have with their family. Peers look at each poster and write down the traits they see...

Young scientists demonstrate their creativity while completing several activities, to assess genetic variations and mutations. Instructors provide a list of options and scientists choose to write a comic strip, create a book,...

It's alive! Turn young biologists into mad scientists with this engaging genetics activity. Using their knowledge of chromosomes and genes, students create dragons with unique sets of traits,...

Students describe the differences between incomplete dominance and codominant alleles, and between multiple alleles and polygenic inheritance. They describe how internal and external environments affect gene expression. They then...

Middle schoolers create their own baby pets based on the genes of the two parents.

Students draw a picture of a person from popular culture, then "clone" it using printing techniques in this Art lesson that tackles the questions surrounding cloning, DNA, and current scientific techniques. An emphasis is placed on the...

Students explain the concepts of what DNA is and where it is located in a cell, identify the two types of molecules that make up the rungs of a DNA molecule and identify the two types of Purine and Pyrimidine molecules

Tenth graders work in teams to order events of DNA transcription and translation protein synthesis. In the second lesson, they put the steps of mitosis and meiosis in order using a concept map poster. They use modeling clay to create...

Students explore and analyze human and animal communications and create a short film that illustrates their findings.

Students use multicolored soft candies (gumdrops and candy orange slices) and toothpicks to create models of DNA structures. They discuss the fact that DNA must copy itself before splitting into two cells. Students demonstrate this by...

Seventh graders explore the function of a cell and cell division.  In this investigative lesson students construct a 3-D model of a DNA molecule.

Students investigate their own traits and how they are affected by heredity. In this human traits and heredity lesson, students observe, compare, and describe physical differences among themselves. Students read the book 'We're...

Students construct their own diorama based on the life of a dinosaur. In this dinosaur lesson plan, students create models of dinosaurs and dinosaurs' eggs to explore the life cycle of this extinct species.

Young scholars determine their inherited characteristics from their parents. In this biology instructional activity, students study the life of Mendel using an interactive website. They differentiate dominant and recessive characteristics.

Eighth graders investigate the concept of nature versus nurture in human development through this series of lessons.

Young scholars explore ways to turn back the genetic clock. They explore cells and mitosis. Students participate in an activity to create a flip book that will animate the process of mitosis. They explain each stage of mitosis.

Students design a morning routine for a 60 year old female senior with vision disorder. In this biology lesson plan, students collaborate with their team to come up with possible solutions. They present at least two ideas of their design...

Students work together to identify the structure of DNA. They practice using new vocabulary as well. They create a 3-D model of DNA to complete the instructional activity.