Young scholars try to confirm the sequence of a given cDNA clone using the WWW tools and traditional restriction analysis. They grow the clone, prep the plasmid, cut the plasmid with restriction enzymes and compare their results to what...

Students will first extract genomic DNA from spinach and perform a restriction enzyme digestion on both the spinach DNA and the plasmid using the same restriction enzyme. They then ligate the cut plasmid DNA with the cut spinach DNA in...

Students conduct an experiment to demonstrate that many of the enzyme systems needed to break down society's wastes exist in nature among the decomposers in a compost pile. They culture compost bacteria on starch agar to examine the...

Students demonstrate that many of the enzyme systems needed to break down--and therefore clean up-society's wastes already exist in nature among the decomposers. They select the best starch-munching organisms by altering the environment...

Students ligate fragments of genomic DNA from spinach into a vector plasmid. They perform a restriction enzyme digestion. Student use a ligated DNA molecule to transform E. coli cells. Students analyze their procedures and outcome of...

Learners perform a lab in which they extract DNA from onion cells. Students break through the cell and nuclear membranes and then break down the protein that the DNA is wrapped around.

Students use this lab as a follow up to the introduction of the ecosystems and productivity levels, bioassays and what and how they measure, and Daphnia magna as an index organism, i.e., a species whose health within an ecosystem...

Students isolate DNA from different food sources. In this biology lesson, students research DNA extraction. They analyze DNA stands collected from the lab, and compare the differences between each.

Students examine diversity on the planet and the differences within a species.  In this investigative lesson students complete a lab that allows students to better understand the relatedness between plants. 

Young scholars learn about the four biochemicals that are important biologically. For this biochemicals lesson plan, students identify the four major groups of biochemicals including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids....

Students create glue from milk by curdling milk with an acid. In this protein denaturing lesson plan, students experiment with milk and vinegar to denature the proteins in milk, create curds and whey and use the curds to produce glue by...

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.

How can you effectively provide detailed concepts of water properties to your high school class in a way they find exciting and challenging at the same time? By letting them play, of course! Through a variety of...

Students experience a "hands-on" activity to get visual evidence of the physical nature of DNA and the process of DNA purification. They explore one method of chromosomal DNA isolation and DNA extraction.

Students explore gel electrophoresis using paper models. They model DNA sequences and shade the boxes on their Gel Electrophoresis Sheet which represent the individual fragments.

Students explore the process of evolution. They examine examples of how homeotic genes may work and obtain gametes. Using a microscope, students observe the fertilization of sea urchins. They video tape the process and write a...

Students analyze the calcium content of egg shells as an introduction to the toxic effects of pesticides on biological systems.

Students investigate the process of hydroponic agriculture. They grow beans in different hydroponic solutions, compare results and graph their observations.

Learners investigate the process of genetic engineering. In this genetic engineering lesson plan, students use paper models of DNA and plasmid bacterium to investigate the process of replicating DNA, splicing genes from DNA, and...

Students read about how forensic entomologists use maggots to solve murders. In this forensic science lesson, students read an article and answer questions. They go to different websites about evidence and fingerprinting. 

Students explore how PCR works through various activities. In this biology lesson, students explain how PCR generate copies of DNA. They simulate the process using an online interactive website.

Students differentiate chemiluminescence from bioluminescence. In this biology instructional activity, students explain how fireflies and other animals emit light. They discuss the applications of engineered bioluminescence.

Students create numbered DNA sequences by taping together the order of the sequence. They count the number of bases in their RFLP's and shade the boxes on their Gel Electrophoresis sheets that represent individual fragments. They...

Students use DNA fingerprinting to demonstrate the concept that DNA fingerprinting can be used to identify individuals and solve problems. They use gel electrophoresis to analyze the DNA of a suspected criminal to prove innocence or guilt.