Curated OER
The Watson-Crick Model of DNA Structure
Junior geneticists construct models of DNA to discover sequencing and pairing of nucleotides. They use the models to simulate protein synthesis and then translate the codes into physical traits. Finally, they use the traits to create a...
Curated OER
Tracing Genetic Ancestry Using DNA Microarrays
High school learners read and discuss an article about genetic ancestry and genetic ancestry testing. They complete a paper and pencil activity that mimics the function of a DNA microarray and consider the ethics of genetic testing in...
Curated OER
Determining Cutting Site Locations
Learners explore DNA restriction mapping. They cut pieces of paper into lengths representing those produced when specific enzymes are used to cut a strand of DNA.
Curated OER
Producing a Strain of E. coli that Glows in the Dark
Students observe the experimental process called bacterial transformation and demonstrate phenotype changes in bacteria that have been transformed with an antibiotic-resistance gene and a metabolic marker. They create a luminescent...
Curated OER
Pharmaceuticals and Treatments
Students perform an experiment involving reverse transcriptase-polymerized chain reaction HIV replication to better examine the biotechnology used by scientists in pharmaceutical research of infections diseases like HIV. Students examine...
Curated OER
Cell Wall Recipe: A Lesson on Biofuels
Biotech engineers discover that changes in the DNA code for cell wall formation can help create crops better suited for biofuel production. They extract DNA from wheat germ. They decode paper strips with codes and relate the activity to...
Curated OER
High-Tech Food: Science in Your Shopping Cart
Kids are given a lot to think about, as they delve into the world of high-tech foods. They discuss GMOs, biotechnology, food enhancements and domestication. They view videos, engage in class discussions, complete worksheets, and learn...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
The Making of the Fittest: The Birth and Death of Genes
Adaptations must be made as environments change. This fabulous presentation features Icelandic icefish, a transparent, scaleless specimen that even has colorless blood. Genetics and adaptations concepts are explored as scientists study...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Got Lactase? The Co-Evolution of Genes and Culture
Does the human body evolve as quickly as human culture? With a stellar 15-minute video, explore the trait of lactose intolerance. Only about 1/3 of human adults seem to still have the enzyme lactase and therefore, the ability to digest...
Personal Genetics Education Project
DNA, Crime and Law Enforcement
Civil rights meets biotechnology in a instructional activity that scrutinizes the collection of DNA of citizens who have been arrested, but not yet convicted of a crime. Real-life cases are examined in which the DNA of a relative was...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Stem Cells and Diabetes
Students investigate stem cells. In this science lesson, students discuss stem cells and view a video about human embryonic development. Students conduct the pulse-chase.
Curated OER
Birth of the Earth
Students examine the major events that have taken place in the Earth's development. In this Earth lesson students view a video and put major events in chronological order.
Curated OER
Cell Division
Learners describe the cell cycle. They make a connection between DNA replication and cell division. Students describe the parts of the cell that participate in cell division and the steps of cell division.
Virginia Department of Education
Building a DNA Model
It has been decades since the discovery of DNA. Still, activities such building this DNA model allow blossoming scientists to better understand the components that form this overall structure. During this activity, they will also...
Curated OER
Bears of Banff
Learners pretend they have just entered a national park. They imagine that the park borders are all impassable mountains, and students will play the role of grizzly bears. Learners list three things every animal needs to survive, in this...
Curated OER
DNA: The Human Body Recipe
Students describe DNA and the roles in which engineers are involved with the human body. In this DNA lesson students participate in a class demonstration.
Curated OER
Mapping the Human Genome
Young scholars study DNA and how it was discovered. In this biology lesson students see the effects of mapping the human genome would have.
Curated OER
DNA
Learners explore the basics of DNA and its history. In this DNA lesson students extract DNA from fruits and understand how it is used in forensics.
Curated OER
Genetics DNA Replication
Students explore DNA replication. Beginning with a teacher led discussion, students examine inherited information, genes, and Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (DNA). As the teacher models the structures of DNA, tells about the contributions of...
Curated OER
DNA and Genetic Expression
Pupils, in groups, complete a worksheet on DNA transcription and translation. They determine codons for particular amino acids. They attempt to introduce mutations to determine what will happen to the DNA sequence.
Curated OER
Molecular Evidence for Evolutionary Relationships
Learners compare the amino acid sequences in cytochrome-c for a variety of organisms and use this information to infer evolutionary relationships. Students investigate the role of homeobox genes and what this indicates about the...
Curated OER
Protein Factory
Students examine protein synthesis and how DNA is transcribed. In this investigative activity students play a role in the messenger RNA when it creates nucleotides.
Curated OER
DNA, Protein Synthesis and Mutations
Tenth graders investigate the chemical composition of DNA and RNA and how they work together to synthesize protein. They discover genetic codes, gene chromosome theory, and how the environment influences our appearance.
Curated OER
Dinosaur and DNA Days
Biology stars extract DNA samples from beef thymus and then examine its properties. They use enzymes to digest the DNA samples, and then use electrophoresis to separate fragments. Finally, they discuss methods and principles of...