Fifth graders explore genetic traits. In this genetic traits lesson plan, 5th graders investigate dominant and recessive traits. Students identify similar traits between a parent organism and its offspring.

Students review genetic concept of traits, define and discuss phenotypes and genotypes, examine differences between single gene traits and multiple gene traits, and compare and record phenotypes with every other student in class.

Students explore Gregor Mendel's work with genetics. They complete a survey of their friends and family in order to identify dominant and recessive traits. Once their surveys are complete, students discuss the ways in which dominant...

Students investigate the concept of evolution and how natural selection is used as an indicator that evolution has happened. They recognize the three effects it has on diversity and how adaptations can develop. Diversity is explained as...

Students participate in a genetics activity in which they determine genotypes and phenotypes for given traits. They work with a partner and create babies based on their genotypes. Once traits for babies are determined, they write...

Students construct paper model of the DNA molecule.  In this genetics lesson, students assemble paper parts that represent nucleotides into a DNA molecule.  Extension ideas are also provided.

Students examine molecular evidence, discover the structure of DNA and gain understanding of genetics.  In this molecular lesson plan students compare anatomical evidence with molecular evidence.

Learners identify the different steps involved in DNA transcription. For this genetics lesson, pupils complete a worksheet and model the translation process with a paper chain activity. They watch a video on sickle cell anemia and...

Students, in groups, prepare a family history for a family with a genetic condition. They simulate a genetic counseling session and listen to a guest lecture by a genetic counselor.

Students design a human genetic condition pamphlet which they present to the class and then take to a doctor's or pediatrician's office.

Students explain what the knowledge of DNA can tell us about ourselves and other organisms and species. They also explore the systematic study of the human genome.

Eugenics philosophy takes survival of the fittest to a whole new level. With a research-focused activity, young scientists examine the history of the eugenics movement and its impact on society. Pupils engage with a video clip, primary...

Students explore, through discussion, research, dramatic skits, and writing, the debate over genetic ownership of biological products and evaluate the economic viewpoints of the countries and companies involved.

Twelfth graders explore controversy around genetically modified foods, identify source of controversy, and role play town hall meeting on genetically modified foods, to examine viewpoints and arguments for and against genetic modification.

Young scholars research genetic adaptations. In this chromosome instructional activity, students investigate dominant and recessive genes using spiders indigenous to Hawaii. Young scholars create Punnett squares to determine the...

Eighth graders research a genetic disease and present the information to the class.

Learners complete a variety of activities as they examine the ethics of acquiring and distributing fish as a food source. They touch on the ethics involved in genetically modified salmon, as well.

Students discuss the risks and benefits associated with biotechnology. In this biotechnology lesson plan, students discuss the role of genes in the body and brainstorm ethical issues relating to biotechnology. They read about an ethical...

Students create models of chromosomes using clay, coins, beads, or marbles. They complete a worksheet regarding their crossover frequencies they created with their chromosomes and gene models. They read an essay on sex chromosomes and...

Students explore biotechnology and examine how it is used to improve plants and animals.  In this genetic plant lesson students investigate how plants are crossed to create a plant with more desired traits. 

Young scholars investigate dominant and recessive traits by studying their schoolmates.  In this genetics instructional activity, students analyze specific traits of other children in school and create a database of information...

Biology aces analyze restriction maps to determine the relationships among different primate species and then complete a cladogram. Preface this lesson with an explanation of how restriction enzymes are used to create the DNA maps....

Genetics learners read an article and watch a video about personalized medicine and the hope it holds for treating patients more specifically than doctors currently are able to. They research, design, and produce a brochure about the...

Review concepts of cloning and genetic engineering and participate in a round-table discussion based on the ethics and potential of cloning with your class. Each learner then writes a formal essay on the topic, stemming from the debate.