In order to give young scientists experience with critical thinking skills, introduce them to a current controversy and prepare them to debate. Choose a topic, such as genetically modified organisms, and assign groups to represent...

Using maps, images, websites, and handouts, learners work to understand the nature of human migrations. They compare and contrast human migration from the past to the present, identify causes for migration, and trace migration routes on...

Lead your young scientists into an exciting world as they participate in a role play and experiment focused on proteins and DNA. After researching the Central Dogma of Biology, individuals or groups participate in a classroom...

Selective breeding has resulted in some novel and beautiful or useful dogs over the years. Using the American Foxhound as an example, genetics learners find out how and why they came about. Then, in small groups, they select breeds to...

Students examine a case study of a woman with a family history of type 2 diabetes and create a "family health portrait" that assesses her risk of developing diabetes. They use the family health portrait to record the woman's family...

Students research and assemble their own pedigrees using star patterns for each family member and coloring in various dominant traits. They arrange these patterns on long strips of paper making large, colorful family pedigrees.

Tenth graders read about, observe case study videos, and participate in live interactive broadcasts, and maintain a log book on all of the activities pertaining to the Human Genome Project.

Students examine case studies involving bioethics. They write a paragraph explaining the problem. Students construct a list of values that are involved in the conflict. They list probable solutions to the problem and consequences to...

Ninth graders complete a monohybrid cross and a dihybrid cross. In this biology lesson plan, 9th graders predict the traits of offspring using the Punnett square. They differentiate recessive and dominant genes.

Students examine Punnett squares charts and analyze how they are used for successful breeding and predictions of certain traits. They complete interactive Punnett square charts, quizzes, problems, and concentration games.

Students apply the principles of ethical decision making to actual cases. They appreciate that there is usually no one "right" decision. Students compare their conclusions to those of individuals who are in the field.

Students distinguish between the light and heavy chain sections. In this biology lesson, students simulate the DNA splicing process. They calculate antibody diversity using the information given.

Students create DNA models using colored construction papers. In this biology lesson, students identify enzyme restriction sites. They model how DNA plasmids replicate when taken up by a bacterial cell.

Students explore natural selection. For this genetic adaptation lesson, students discover why certain traits continue and some traits disappear. Students discover how species evolve and change. Resources are provided.

Students investigate the relationship between humans and yeast. In this evolution lesson, students compare amino acids in a variety of life forms.  Students will watch films on similarities of the genetic code that structures an...

From crime to paternity, DNA fingerprinting has revolutionized how the world views inherited traits. Science sleuths investigate the facts about DNA profiling through a variety of activities. The Teacher's Guide includes printable...

Times have changed—and so have science practices. An introductory activity describing the components of DNA begins with a discussion of the discovery of DNA and its perception in different cultures and genders. Scholars then learn about...

It turns out blue is not just for the Smurfs! Introduce young geneticists to the Fugate family, known throughout Kentucky for their unusual skin tone. A two-day lesson from K20 explores dominant and recessive traits through partner...

Transform your class' understanding of genes and antibiotic resistance with the Transformation Lab. Junior geneticists create and observe their own resistant strains of E. coli through research, discussion, and experimentation. The...

Students investigate how selective forces like food, predation and diseases affect evolution. In this genetics lesson, students use red and white beans to simulate the effect of malaria on allele frequencies. They analyze data collected...

Students complete a study guide using a website which is an animated primer on DNA, genes, and heredity. The Web site is organized around key concepts. The web links and study guide are included.

Learners study the number of chromosomes in the body cells, sperm cells, and egg cells of humans. They define allele, and examine the difference between dominant and recessive alleles. They complete an activity with jelly beans that...

Students define the following terms: mutation, mutagen and give examples of how they work. They also define and illustrate a point mutation. Students define and illustrate a frame shift mutation and name two types of frame shift...

Learners discuss and compose a document discussing the transmission of the Huntington's gene- dominant or recessive, sex linked, etc. Additionally, they ought to consider Dr. Wexler's own odds for contracting the disease.