Cornell University
Extracting DNA
Uncover the basics of DNA structure through exploration activities. Collaborative groups build DNA models and recreate the process of replication. Then, using plant cells such as peas or strawberries, they extract a DNA sample.
Curated OER
Genetic Analysis
Students formulate a hypothesis regarding the validity of the current status of the Arizona Hedgehog cactus as a distinct variety of cactus. They design a procedure to isolate DNA from the tissue of plants, given a list of chemicals and...
Curated OER
Plant and Animal Cells
Young scholars investigate the difference between plant and animal cells. They observe a variety o plant and animals cells by looking at a piece of cork, an onion, elodea, prepared slides of paramecium, human bone, frog blood, and human...
Curated OER
Comparing Mitosis with Meiosis
Life science learners view an online animated mini textbook comparing two types of cell division. Working in groups, they use a digital microscope to capture images of cells in different stages of mitosis and meiosis. Then they create an...
Curated OER
What is Life? Demonstrations & Discussion
Display seven items for your biologists to consider. Are they living or non-living? How can you tell? This is a simple outline of what you can display and questions that can be discussed as this topic is explored. One way to use this...
Curated OER
Plant Classification
Students share with the class how they think plants are classified and are assessed on their prior knowledge. They use a packet to complete throughout the week at their own pace, which includes various activities to familiarize...
Curated OER
Plant and Animal Cell Structure
Seventh graders identify the different parts and functions of the cell. In this biology lesson, 7th graders make a labelled diagram of either a plant or animal cell. They write a story about it.
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Extraction of DNA from Onion
Students experiment with DNA by isolating it from plant tissue. They investigate whole onions to prepare DNA. They complete the experiment to examine the structural characteristics of DNA.
Curated OER
What is Life?
Students investigate the characteristics of living things. In this life science instructional activity, students examine several living and non-living specimens. Students determine which things are living and non-living.
Curated OER
Fungi
Lovely pictures help to summarize the different characteristics of fungi in this PowerPoint which covers structure, function and the way that fungi get nutrients. Symbiotic relationships are examined, and some commercial uses are...
Curated OER
Eukaryotes vs. Prokaryotes
Seven simple slides list characteristics of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. After viewing this presentation, future biologists will be also able to name the unique characteristics of plant, animal, and fungal cells. Ideally, you would...
Curated OER
The Five Kingdoms
An overview of the five kingdoms within the biological classification system is presented in this set of five slides. The first lists the objectives of the slide show, and the second gives general characteristics of plant, animal, and...
Curated OER
Genetics and Heredity: The Next Generation
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...
Curated OER
Survey of the Plant Kingdom
In this plant kingdom worksheet, students will review the characteristics of the 12 divisions of the plant kingdom, comparing and contrasting their structures and life cycles. This worksheet has 17 matching, 5 short answer, and 5 fill in...
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Reviving Celery
The classic in-class demonstration using celery dipped into water with food coloring is the highlight of this biology lesson plan. Young scientists discover that organisms are made up cells and have distinguishing characteristics. After...
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Plant Pigments
Students investigate the components of chlorophyll. They use paper chromatography to separate the many pigments of chlorophyll from one another.
Biology Junction
Viruses, Viroids, and Prions
Are viruses living or non-living? According to the presentation, they are both and neither. Clearly, this requires clarification and an in-depth look at viruses, viroids, and prions. Young scientists learn about the history, structure,...
K12 Reader
Tissues, Organs and Systems
Young scientists are introduced to the connections among cells, tissues, organs, and systems in a life science reading comprehension worksheet that asks them to respond to a series of questions based on the passage.
Curated OER
Backyard Bugs
Explore the concept of scientific classification and the similarities and differences between plant and animal species. Your class will participate in hands-on activities by investigating dichotomous keys and classifying their shoes. To...
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What Does Life Look Like Under a Microscope?
Young scholars discover cells make up all living things. In this life science lesson, students investigate living organisms and the cells that create them. Finally the young scholars create a testable question, conduct an investigation,...
Biology Junction
Seed Plants: Gymnosperms and Angiosperms
One of the reasons plants found success on land relates to seed development. Scholars learn about many different forms of seeds and how they changed over time. It describes the structure and function of many different types of seeds in...
Curated OER
Extraction of DNA from Onion
Learners study DNA by isolating it from plant tissue. They determine the purpose of each step in the isolation procedure as it relates to the physical and biochemical characteristics of the genetic material
Curated OER
Life Cycle: Diversity in a Balance 4th Grade Workbook
For this life cycle workbook, 5th graders examine plant and animal cells, classification of organisms, human biology, photosynthesis, and natural environments. 21 different activities make up the Life Cycle Workbook.
Curated OER
Photosynthesis Cookies
Middle schoolers identify photosynthesis as a process through which organisms make their own food. They practice the process for writing the formula for the photosynthesis equation.
Students describe how the processes of photosynthesis...