Young scholars define the following terms: mutation, mutagen and give examples of how they work. They also define and illustrate a point mutation. Students define and illustrate a frame shift mutation and name two types of frame shift...

Ninth graders construct and conduct a laboratory experiment illustrating the transfer of mutations. They compare and contrast natural selection in organisms with long and short reproductive cycles.

Learners explore the structure of DNA and the process of DNA replication, describe the process of protein synthesis, recognize the importance of proteins in the human body, and look at how mutations affect protein synthesis.

Students analyze DNA sequence differences between organisms in order to establish a reasonable picture of the evolutionary relationships between them. They take the role of molecular biologists and make genetic changes and constructing...

Eighth graders research a genetic disease and present the information to the class.

Learners explore genetic variation within a population. In this genetic adaptation lesson, students investigate the reasons contributing to genetic adaptation. Learners collaborate and analyze DNA models. Multiple resources are provided.

Young scholars research genetic disease and mutation causing traits in family pedigrees simulated in a class activity. Students are each assigned a genetic trait and a "spouse" and must conduct research on their traits and the...

High schoolers explore the basic process of natural selection and how people can manipulate that process today. The consequences of natural selection on daily life and the implications of evolutionary biology in basic and applied science...

Need an a-maize-ing lesson to show your class how regulatory genes work? If you use the well-written resource, they'll be all ears! Biology scholars discover the gene responsible for the evolution of the modern-day corn plant through a...

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...

A very timely instructional activity looks at the social and political factors that affect the spread of disease. Using the 1918 Influenza Pandemic as a case study, pupils research factors that influenced the spread of the disease,...

Students come to explain how the presence of a mutation in the BRCA-1 or BRCA-2 gene, along with another acquired sometime after birth, affect the chances developing breast cancer.

Tenth graders investigate the chemical composition of DNA and RNA and how they work together to synthesize protein. They discover genetic codes, gene chromosome theory, and how the environment influences our appearance.

High schoolers explore inheritance patterns of diseases. In this genetic activity, students explain how recessive genes may cause human disorders. They identify and research five genetic disorders and present their findings to the class.

Learners investigate the concept of evolution and its implications upon the origin and development of life. They conduct research using a variety of resources while focusing upon cross-over and mutations. The information is used to set...

A species-specific look at natural selection, the resource herein examines how adaptations have helped the population of rock pocket mice survive in a changing landscape. To begin, middle or high schoolers watch a 10.5 minute video,...

Students are able to discuss and prepare a written summary of a scientific article about AIDS. They propose solutions to the opening activity of which drug is more effective in the fight against AIDS.

Students examine the topic of natural selection. As a class, they write their own definition to survival of the fittest and watch a video. Using the internet, they research how Darwin started to examine this process using finches and how...

Students work in groups as they read chapters of Charles Darwin's, Voyage of the Beagle. They take notes on the chapter and in their group make a timeline of the chapter. They tape the timelines together in order to depict the entire...

High schoolers work in small groups researching different aspects of the sun and skin. The groups summarize and answer questions about the material in a presentation to the class.

High schoolers state the some diseases are the result of infection. They describe the risks associated with biological hazards, such as viruses. Pupils name ways that infectious disease can be prevented, controlled, or cured. Students...

Students consider the factors that relate to decisions regarding genetic disorders. They read case studies and complete a provided Bio-Ethical Decision-Making Worksheet.

Students use the Internet to gather information about genetics, then research a genetic disorder. In this biology lesson plan, students listen to an interview with a geneticist, watch an animation of "chromosome coiling", then research...

Students consider the far-reaching effects of the avian flu. In this personal health lesson, students visit selected websites to discover information about the flu, viral infections, and intensive farming. Students...