Curated OER
DNA and RNA
Tenth graders research the history and discovery of DNA. Using their text, they label a basic DNA structure and the composition of genes. They explain how RNA and DNA differ from one other and discuss the processes of transcription and...
Community Resources for Science
A Whole New World of DNA and Proteins
Lead your young scientists into an exciting world as they participate in a role play and experiment focused on proteins and DNA. After researching the Central Dogma of Biology, individuals or groups participate in a classroom slide...
Curated OER
Transcription and Translation Lab Activity
Students investigate DNA strands. They study the sequence to determine if it is DNA or RNA and write the mRNA nucleotide sequence. After stringing the beads together to create the mRNA sequence they translate it into an amino acid...
Curated OER
Genetics 3 Translation
Ninth graders first summarize the process of translation, and then they identify and restate the processes of DNA replication, transcription, and translation in their own words. They also define the purpose of each and identify what the...
Curated OER
Genetics -- Midway Review
Young scholars spend the lesson reviewing for their Genetics exam. In groups, they compare and contrast the structures of DNA and RNA and discuss how DNA can cause mutations. To end the lesson, they share their knowledge on the...
Curated OER
Secret Codes
Learners practice writing and decoding secret messages before discussing DNA and its role as a code for making proteins. They translate DNA into RNA and identify the sequence of amino acids to find a secret message. An interactive...
Curated OER
DNA Dry Lab
Students use a DNA strand to identify the component parts. They discuss an RNA molecule, protein fragments, and nucleotides. They explore how the order of nucleotides determines the order of amino acids in proteins.
Curated OER
Building YOU from MOO
Students build protiens according to whether they are suppose to be a plant, a cow, or a person. They discover that all proteins are made from the same amino acids and it is just the order of these amino acids that change.
Curated OER
Building You From Moo
Students are given an envelope that turns each of them into either a field of grass, or a diary cow, or a famous person (only one type of organism per student). The object is to get the correct building blocks for proteins (amino acids)...
Curated OER
Constructing a Protein Sentence
Fourth graders, in pairs, examine how every cell contains a 'blueprint' coded in DNA molecules. They use a DNA template to determine the m-RNA and t-RNA sequences for protein.
Curated OER
DNA Replication, Transcription, and Translation
Students apply the rules of complementary base pairing to finding the complementary sequence to a given strand of DNA. After extensive researching, the also find the amino acid sequence encoded by a given strand of DNA.
Curated OER
Gel Electrophoresis
Young scholars conduct a variety of experiments to explore gel electrophoresis. In this biology lesson, explain how this process separate DNA and RNA. They discuss the practical applications of this method.
Virginia Department of Education
DNA Extraction from Strawberries
Has your class ever been astounded by the complexity of DNA analysis? Have they ever asked why genetic engineering has become so important to our daily lives? Young scientists perform DNA extraction on strawberries and explore how the...
Curated OER
The Great Cafeteria Caper
Students extract DNA from their own hair roots. They run an electrophoresis gel to examine patterns of their DNA along with standard DNA. The experiment is based on a crime scene scenario.
Curated OER
The Coding of Protein Molecules by DNA
Students investigate the production of proteins by the DNA. In this protein synthesis lesson plan, students use paper models to explore transcription and translation to make proteins using DNA. Students answer 10 questions to demonstrate...
Curated OER
Pliable Proteins
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;...
Curated OER
Viruses and Host Evolution
Students are organized into groups of four. On Day 1 they are given a worksheet about viruses and their effects on the evolution of a rabbit population. After about 30 minutes of group work, a class discussion of the material begins. ...
Curated OER
DNA and Protein Synthesis
Tenth graders work with a partner, and copies of the attached worksheet "Amino Acid Codon Table" They discuss ways an organism, obtains and uses proteins. Students view a teacher prepared DNA strand banner, and record the complementary...
Curated OER
Molecular Evidence for Evolutionary Relationships
Students compare the amino acid sequences in cytochrome-c for a variety of organisms and use this information to infer evolutionary relationships. They investigate the role of homeobox genes and what this indicates about the evolution of...
Curated OER
Genes, DNA, and Mutations
With paper DNA patterns, budding biologists model translation and base-pair substitution within sequences. Through these activities, they examine how mutations can result in genetic disorders. The modeling that occurs is an enlightening...
Curated OER
String Cells
Use this resource to have your class learn about the cell. This resource walks learners through the construction of a model of a cell. This project is completed in a cooperative learning group, and reinforces the higher-order thinking...
Curated OER
The Way We Were: Embryological Development and Disease
Young scholars use microscopes to study live fish embryos and animated diagrams of cell division on the Internet. They see that scientists rely on technology to enhance the gathering and manipulation of data. They create web pages on...
Curated OER
Variation and Heredity
Junior geneticists tally eye color and height in their lab groups. They examine certain traits in soybean and corn seedlings. For each activity, they gather data and learn about continuous and discontinuous genetic variation. In another...
Curated OER
The Human Genotype
Six different chromosome activites introduce biology aces to heredity, chromosomal abnormalities, sex-linked traits, and the human genome. The hands-on activites are fairly simple for the teacher to prepare and will prove to be both...