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
Do we Really Need Wild Nature
Students research challenges with which modern biotechnology confronts wild nature. Students collect articles that relate to biotechnology and the environment. Students prepare a collaborative answer to the question, "Do we really need...
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Foods for Better Health
Students define biotechnology and discuss the economic impact of biotechnology. They also describe what a 1015 onion and a slow-softening tomato are and how they are produced. They examine the safety of genetically-engineered or altered...
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Maintaining Plant Genebanks
Students examine the use, costs, and the need for plant gene banks. The rationale for gaining ownership over scientific information and the implications of the developing nations' reliance on biotechnology is explored in this...
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GMOs: Should We Grow Them?
Students examine the ethics of biotechnology and genetically modifying various organisms. They complete various activities and labs on GMOs and then write a position paper regarding their individual opinions on the subject.
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Biotechnology in Agriculture: Non-surgical removal of fertilized embryos from the Bovine Uterus
Learners simulate the step-by-step procedures needed to non-surgically remove embryos from the uterus of a superovulated cow using the Kalver training cow.
Kenan Fellows
Farm to Fuel: The Alternative Fuels Industry
Need a lesson to fuel young minds? A variety of hands-on activities is sure to get your class fired up! Beginning with an introductory slideshow and culminating with group presentations, the week-long unit has something for everyone....
Curated OER
Genetic Engineering
Here is help with the definitions and biotechnological impacts of genetic engineering. These slides also cover the many products and sociological impacts that have been affected by genetic engineering. A discussion could be started about...
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Genetics 5 Technology
Students, after studying extraction and gel electrophoresis, recombinant DNA, transgenic organisms, and reproductive cloning, summarize the main concepts in DNA technology. They analyze the applications of DNA: forensics, medicine,...
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KORN-TV Newsroom
Role-play to learn. Writers pretend to be a team of news writers. They research information about genetically engineered corn and the impact of biotech food products. Then create a video, Powerpoint, or oral presentation to present their...
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Genetic Engineering
Students are introduced to the concept of genetic engineering. In groups, they participate in a variety of experiments, in which they analyze the effect of chemicals on different substances. Using the internet, they research gossypol,...
Curated OER
Genetic Engineering: Friend or Foe?
Students brainstorm and discuss ways genes can be altered, transferred and cloned. They will complete a subject sampler, opinion paper and prepare to debate their opinion on genetic engineering.
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Peanut Butter Broccoli - Creating New Produce Through Genetic Selection
Fifth graders understand that traits are inherited and change over time. In this physical traits lesson, 5th graders compare produce items for similar traits. Students create large graphs to show their results. Students discuss genetic...
Curated OER
Why Does Evolution Matter Now?
Students are shown why they should care about evolution. They become specialists in one sphere influenced by evolution and then share their findings with their group. Students are lead into a class discussion, so that each student can...
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T-Shirt Chromatography
Students study about chromatography, a process used to separate mixtures. They see that chromatography is used to detect, separate or purify different substances. This nice lesson results in a beautiful t-shirt for each student!
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Let's Get Square
Learners 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...
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Chromatography
Students study about chromatography, a process used to separate mixtures.
Curated OER
Growing Crystals
Young scholars explore the different types, visual appearance and creation of crystals. They grow an edible crystal - rock candy.
Curated OER
A Feast for the Future
Students participate in an activity that uses a simulated meal of transgenic foods in order to initiate a discussion of the controversy concerning the use of transgenic food products.
Curated OER
Investigating the Uses of Backyard Bacteria
Students discover that the answers to some of society's waste and clean-up problems may be no further than the soil beneath their feet. They perform a Gram stain on the colonies to determine some of their characteristics.