Lesson Plan
California Academy of Science

Color Vision Genetics Evolution Simulation

For Teachers 7th - 12th Standards
At one point, all mammals carried only two color receptors, but now most humans carry three. An informative presentation and hands-on activity demonstrate how this evolved through genetics. By participating in the activity, pupils...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Structure of DNA

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students describe the structure of the double helix, explain how DNA copies itself, and recognize that the sequence of DNA is what makes each individual unique.
Interactive
Open Colleges

Your Brain Map: Strategies for Accelerated Learning

For Students 9th - 12th
The brain is a complex organ with many different structures and functions. An interactive diagram allows learners to explore the different structures while pop-ups describe their functions. Secondary interactives show the structures of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Influenza Virus: A tiny moving target

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the structure and adaptability of viruses. In this viral diseases lesson plan, students play a game to introduce viruses and disease. They conduct computer research and complete interactive activities to investigate...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mitosis and Meiosis

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Learners model and differentiate between the processes of mitosis and meiosis. In partners, they use yarn and construction paper to create models for each of the phases of mitosis and meiosis then compare the chromosome numbers in each...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cellular Cellebrities

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders, in groups, learn the morphology and function of organelles within plant and animal cells.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Viewing Viruses

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students view the characteristics of viruses following the 5-E learning model. By participating in discrepant events Students observe the impact of viruses over humans. By participating in discussion students examine the characteristics...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Microbiology Design Challenge

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students discover dangers to human health by researching what's in our drinking water.  For this water purification lesson, students discuss the conditions of water in undeveloped countries and why it is unsafe to drink....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Genetically Modified Organisms

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High Schoolers complete a variety of activities as they examine the ethics of (and take a position concerning) genetically modified organisms in the field of agriculture. They complete a PowerPoint demonstration to go along with the unit.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Genetic Testing

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Complete a variety of activities to examine the pros and cons and ethical issues behind genetic testing. Your high school students will role play and examine various scenarios to determine if genetic testing is justified.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Protein Synthesis Activities

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Young scholars participate in a teacher-guided activity to teach about protein synthesis. Student roles include one person as the DNA molecule, another is a single stranded sequence of complementary mRNA.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pliable Proteins

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students make models of protiens using wire and paperclips. They are given step by step instructions with lots of information about proteins throughout the directions. They make the three basic structual elements of proteins;...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Protein Synthesis Activities

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students compare the process of protein synthesis in an analogy. They simulate the process of protein synthesis kinesthetically using index cards and write a paragraph to explain the process.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Shells

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders label diagrams of the 6 different classes of mollusks and explain the meaning of the labeled terms. They identify 8 common New Haven shells. They organize their own shell collection during this series of lessons.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Long Road to Coffee

For Teachers K
Students organize picture cards of the sequene of how food gets from a farm to their home. They then sequence cards of how coffee grown in Colombia gets to their home comparing the differences.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Background Reading and Coral Dramas

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students create a dramatic play. In this coral lesson plan, students explore the anatomy of coral. Working in groups, students research the form and function of coral and present a skit to represent their learning.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hazard Mitigation: Bioterrorism

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers discuss different ways to spread infectious diseases. In this bioterrorism lesson, students model the rate of smoke emission using CalRoad software. They analyze the effects of airborne release of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Science: Designer genes

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners engineer new organisms using biotechnology. In small groups, they write procedures, list benefits and drawbacks, and explain how their new organism might affect the environment. After creating their new organisms, they present...