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Soap Opera Genetics – Genetics to Resolve Family Arguments
Did she cheat on her husband? Did the hospital switch the babies? Should they have children? As much as this sounds like the plot for a soap opera, all of these questions fit into a single lesson on genetics. Scholars read about three...
Curated OER
Pseudogene Suite
Pupils use Biology Workbench to explore DNA sequence data for the GULOP gene in humans, chimpanzees, orangutans, and crab-eating macaques and the beta globin gene and its pseduogene in humans, gorillas, and chimpanzees.
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Labs on A Chip
Students are introduced to DNA microarrays. They discuss how scientists and doctors use them and how they work. They complete a worksheet and discuss their findings.
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Genetically Modified Organisms
High Schoolers complete a variety of activities as they examine the ethics of (and take a position concerning) genetically modified organisms in the field of agriculture. They complete a PowerPoint demonstration to go along with the unit.
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Teacher Preparation Notes on Genetics
Students explore genetics through various hands-on activities. In this biology lesson, students predict the probability of offspring genotypes and phenotypes using the Punnett Square. They explain the causes of genetic abnormalities.
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What Can We Learn From the X Chromosome?
Young scholars read about the X and Y chromosomes in humans and complete a worksheet.
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Creative Ways To Teach Evolutionary Concepts
High schoolers explore evolutionary concepts in cartoons and lab activities. They describe and explain evolutionary concepts featured in a cartoon and participate in laboratory activities.
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Live Well Now to Live Longer Later
Ninth graders select a topic to research, completing the sentence, "Are the effects of _______ really that detrimental to one's health?" They record information in a journal, including sources of information. Students work in groups with...
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"Chips" Off the Old Block?
Students study using analogies between common items or occurrences and science concepts. They use the analogy of cookie recipes to that of the DNA "recipes" for living things to help us explain more about mutations.
Cornell University
The Making of Macromolecules
Compare and contrast macromolecules made from the same elements. Young scholars learn how the structure of a molecule has as much influence on a compound as the elements in the molecule. They experiment with molecular model kits to...
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Plant Reproduction
Students plant seeds in order to investigate and explore the questions: "How do seed companies develop varieties of plants?" and "What is the ideal plant?" Students will study related vocabulary and sketch seeds as they emerge. Students...
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Genetic Testing
Complete a variety of activities to examine the pros and cons and ethical issues behind genetic testing. Your high school students will role play and examine various scenarios to determine if genetic testing is justified.
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Not Just a Bag of Beans
Students determine the types of natural selection and variation that exists in a population, using beans.
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You Gave Me What?
Students see how an infectious disease such as AIDS may be quickly transmitted throughout a population. They conduct a simulated transmission of an infectious disease and mathematically determine the number of possible infected individuals.
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Cells
Students explore the cell and cell processes. They create "cytoplasm", make a model of the cell and its organelles, and simulate the osmosis and the diffusion of materials into and out of the cell.
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Embryology as Evidence of Evolution
Learners observe the two major developmental pathways (protostome and deuterostome). They analyze data regarding differences in nucleotide sequences and construct a phylogenetic tree. They observe the similar evolutionary history shared...
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Biology: Protein Study
Students in pairs, select and view proteins from the Protein Data Bank. After downloading the tutorial and instructions, they identify the protein's structures and primary biological functions. Then, students present their findings to...
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What Can Pseudogenes Tell Us About Common Ancestry?
Students compare/constrast DNA sequence data for a portion of the rat GULO gene to the corresponding sequence in the inactive GULO gene in humans, chimpanzees, orangutans, and crab-eating macaques by identifying the shared sequences in...
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Plastics by the Numbers
Learners investigate plastic resins and their uses. In this plastics lesson plan, students describe major plastic resins and what they are used for, they compare and contrast the properties of plastic resins and they list products that...
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The Bottom Line
Seventh graders assume the role of stockholders in a fictitious biotech company. After investigating the cloning of pets, the effects of cloning on the health and well being of the cloned animal, and the ethical issues involved, groups...
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Cell Types
Fourth graders create cartoon characters which compare and contrast two types of cells: nerve and muscle. Cartoon characters show how these two cells are similar, how they are different, and the relationship between the two cell types.
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How Is the Genetic Code Ultimately Translated Into a Protein?
Students examine the functions of mRNA, rRNA and tRNA. They explain the steps in the protein synthesis process. They practice using new vocabulary as well.
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Onion Skins
Students explore the structure of a plant cell. They carefully peel a single layer of onion skin from a slice of onion and stain it with methylene blue to observe the structures inside. They use a Digiscope connected to a computer to...
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X or Y- Does it Make a Difference?
Students examine the X and Y chromosomes. In this research lesson, students use the 5E lesson model as they read articles about human chromosomes then discuss their findings and opinions.