Lesson Plan
Code.org

Sending Binary Messages

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pairs build a device that will be able to send a binary message. They then update their device to allow it to send four possible messages before upping the ante to eight. The provided self-assessment rubric comes with reflection...
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Animal Classification

For Teachers 3rd - 5th Standards
Present information about the classification of animals. After participating in the teacher-led discussion about scientific names, small groups devise their own way of classifying everyday objects present in the classroom, developing...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA Extraction

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students extract and observe a visible amount of DNA from Escherichia. coli cells. They discuss the properties of DNA. Confirmation of the presence of DNA by a reaction with an indicator is confirmed within this lesson. Many hands-on...
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Magnetic Mad Libs

For Students 6th - 8th
Examine the science behind computer communication. After defining the properties of magnets, learners simulate how a computer hard drive works by sending each other binary codes using the magnets. They use these communications to...
Lesson Plan
Code.org

Sending Numbers

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Binary graphing ... bit by bit. Pairs work together to develop a protocol in order to send the points of a graph. One partner sends the points and the other receives them and tries to recreate the graph. The pupils use the rubric to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Communications: To the Rescue!

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students role-play as soldiers rescuing lost mountain climbers. Working in teams, they interpret maps to locate the climbers and use flashlights to send and receive coded messages about the rescue. Their goal is to complete the task in...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Dedication to Douglass

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students study the controversy surrounding the proposed Frederick Douglass Circle monument in Central Park. They review the notion of historical inaccuracy by reading and discussing the article, "In Douglass Tribute, Slave Folklore and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Born of Blood

For Teachers 6th - 7th
Students define attributes of human chromosomes and match them to make a human karyotype.  In this investigative lesson students demonstrate how traits are encoded in genes found on chromosomes. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Clock Arithmetic and Cryptography

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students perform basic operations in modular (clock) arithmetic. Students encode and decode messages using shift and affine ciphers. Students apply their multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction skills.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Clock Arithmetic and Cryptography

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners investigate modular clock arithmetic and cryptography. They perform basic operations in modular (clock) arithmetic and encode and decode messages using simple shift and affine ciphers.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA Replication, Transcription, and Translation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
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.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Apple Picking

For Teachers K - 1st
Students practice reading Dolch words using an apple theme.  In this sight word instructional activity, students play an apple picking game that allows them to practice reading several Dolch words.  Students play this game...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

All Systems Go!

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Secret codes are so much fun, and a great way to practice nearly any math skill. Let your class become code breakers as they investigate inverse matrices. They use TI-Nspire technology to solve systems of equations which help them crack...
Lesson Plan
Museum of Science

Mirror Writing: Writing Backwards

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Young scholars experiment with writing backwards as Leonardo DiVinci did.
Lesson Plan
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Cracking the Code

For Teachers 3rd - 12th Standards
Some interesting reading on the history of barcodes opens this technology lesson plan. Readers find out how engineers contribute, and then they gather into groups to discuss possible improvements to our current UPC barcode system. Know...
Lesson Plan
Code.org

Lossy Compression and File Formats

For Teachers 9th - 12th
I'm compressed. Groups do a rapid research of different file types to determine what kind of compression the formats use and how it works. They share their information with the rest of the class until everyone has all the information for...
Lesson Plan
EngageNY

Using Matrix Operations for Encryption

For Teachers 11th - 12th Standards
Data encryption is an important security measure for sensitive data stored on computers. Pupils learn how to utilize matrices for creating code. They also get a great review of matrix multiplication, inverse matrices, and the identity...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA Fingerprinting

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners study the process of DNA Fingerprinting and how DNA Fingerprinting is used in solving crimes. They examine a crime scenario that involves collecting DNA Fingerprinting information from blood collected at the crime scene. They...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Problem Solving Model

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Use a vocabulary chart to introduce math functions. The class defines a list of mathematical vocabulary terms on a worksheet, as well as completes equations and expressions. They examine word problems and practice transcribing them into...
Lesson Plan
Code.org

The Need for Encryption

For Students 9th - 12th
Scholars investigate the need for encryption as they read a portion of the book Blown to Bits and discuss encryption techniques. They finish by attempting to decode a message written using a Caesar cipher.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pete And Repeat

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students draw a picture of a person from popular culture, then "clone" it using printing techniques in this Art lesson that tackles the questions surrounding cloning, DNA, and current scientific techniques. An emphasis is placed on the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Matrices: A Secret Weapon

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Students perform operations with matrices. In this algebra lesson, students use cryptography and cryptanalysis to solve problems. They add, subtract, and multiply matrices.
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Making and Observing Life in a Terrarium

For Teachers K - 4th Standards
Young scholars understand the parts of the terrarium and why they are important in establishing an ecosystem. In this ecosystem lesson, students recall background information on aquariums, terrariums and the water cycle. Young scholars...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cracking the Genetic Code

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate different purposes for manipulating DNA. After reviewing the structure and functions of DNA, students explore topics related to the use or manipulation of DNA and the potential benefits and problems, later making a...