Howard Hughes Medical Institute
The Making of the Fittest: Got Lactase? The Co-evolution of Genes and Culture
Got milk? Only two cultures have had it long enough to develop the tolerance of lactose as an adult. Learn how the responsible genes evolved along with the cultures that have been consuming milk. This rich film is supplied with a few...
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Science Lesson Plans
Students conduct a variety of exploration activities on various science topics. In this science lesson plan outline, students design a cell encapsulation to hold a specific type of medicine. They give examples of physical and chemical...
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Pesticides and Eggshell Thinning.
Students analyze the calcium content of egg shells as an introduction to the toxic effects of pesticides on biological systems.
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Auxin: Indole-3-Acetic Acid (AAA), A Hormone with Diverse Effects: Synthesis and Applications
Students synthesize Indole-3-Acetic acid from 3-indolylacetonitrile. In this biochemistry lesson, students determine the effect of different concentrations of IAA on lima beans. They explain how hormones help in plant development.
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Molecular Evolution in Plants
High schoolers are using a paper chromatography study that is suitable for introductory biology. The absorption spectra studies and gel electrophoresis studies are appropriate for students who have complete both introductory biology and...
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Characterization of the Bioluminescence (Lux+) Gene E. coli
Students grow E. coli strain HB101, which contains the plasmid pUCD607 with the bioluminescence (Lux+) gene. The plasmid containing the Lux+ gene is isolated from the E. coli, then characterized by restriction analysis.
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Auxin: Indole-3-Acetic Acid
Students identify auxins from their structural formulas. They understand the process of refluxing in chemical synthesis. Students perform thin layer chromatography using silica gel plates to differentiate chemical substances.
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Molecular Evolution in Plants
Students examine chlorophylls. They explore the absorbing pigments in a variety of plants. Through activities, students determine spectrophotometrically. They compare plant proteins from the family Brassicace to assess the level of...
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Our Universe: Designed or Evolved?
Students brainstorm and write arguments for Evolution and Intelligent Design. They research the history of each of these ideas. They also examine the controversy of teaching one or both ideas in schools.