Curated OER
Development in Drosophila melanogaster
Students study the least familiar aspect of development in Drosophila melanogaster; the development of the pupa. Students isolate and culture "First-day" pupae. They are dissected daily to study the progressive developmental changes.
Curated OER
Comparing Chimp mtDNA to Learn about Races
In this computer-based lesson, students will measure genetic diversity within and between three subspecies of chimpanzees in order to gain a better understanding of genetic distinctiveness and explore race as a genetic concept.
Curated OER
They're more evolved that way
Students explore the notion of local evolution, or genetic selectivity among different continent-based human populations. They consider specific examples of local evolution, such as lactose tolerance, skin color, and cognitive capacity,...
Virginia Department of Education
Viruses
Germs, parasites, and viruses, oh my! Facilitate a instructional activity on viruses as individuals explore functions of Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. They learn how viruses compare with other organisms in nature and how they...
Curated OER
Ghost in Your Genes
Students explore DNA microarrays. In this genetics lesson, students model DNA microarrays that are used by scientists. Students work to determine levels of breast cancer genes in patients. They will determine the treatment required based...
Curated OER
Cell (Biology)
Students conduct a series of activities to explore the nature of cells. In this biology lesson, students observe plant and animal cells under the microscope and compare them. They differentiate osmosis and diffusion.
Curated OER
It's Alive! Using Microorganisms in Cooking
Students create a KWL chart about food. In this chemistry lesson, students differentiate physical and chemical changes. They explain how microorganisms are used in food preparation.
Curated OER
Human Cloning: Is it Biological Plagiarism?
Is cloning good or harmful? Help your class understand the risks and benefits as they read, research, and discuss human cloning. Individuals form teams, research information, and present to the class before concluding with an in-depth...
Virginia Department of Education
Adaptation and Evolution
Um may be the atomic symbol for confusion, but it won't be needed in this lesson. Scholars rotate through seven stations completing experiments, hands-on activities, writing exercises, and analysis. Stations include material on...
Odell Education
Plant and Animal Cells
Incorporate multiple facets of the cell into your next high school lab! Through an introduction to cell organelles, class members observe each cell type and draw visuals to further demonstrate understanding of cellular processes in both...
Virginia Department of Education
Cell Division
Searching for simple ways to teach mitosis to high schoolers? Using colored chalk and onion root tips, pupils visually demonstrate what they view when looking through the lens of a microscope. There are also various ways to expand the...
Curated OER
How Things Go Wrong
High schoolers identify where mutations might occur and examine what effect those mutations will have through class discussion of DNA replication and cell division. Students then differentiate between mutations that affect individuals...
Curated OER
What Is Cloning?
Students differentiate between reproductive and therapeutic cloning and then use research, discussion, and writing in journals to examine their own personal opinions on these subjects.
Curated OER
Karyotype Puzzle
Students identify chromosome pairs based upon band patterns and location of centromere. They order chromosome pairs based upon size. Students differentiate normal karyotypes from abnormal karyotypes. They correctly record karyotype...
Curated OER
Plant Biotechnology: Controlling Tissue Differentation
Learners demonstrate skills of biotechnology stringent aseptic technique and statistical analysis. They describe hormonal control of plant tissue differentiation and relate this to gene expression. Students observe the effects of...
Curated OER
Mitosis and Meiosis
Pupils model and differentiate between the processes of mitosis and meiosis. In partners, they use yarn and construction paper to create models for each of the phases of mitosis and meiosis then compare the chromosome numbers in each...
Curated OER
Genes
High schoolers discuss the difference between a gene, DNA, chromatid, and chromosome. They predict how changes in chromosome number or structure affect development. Students discuss what causes genetic disorders. They view a...
Curated OER
Hormone-Induced Plant Propagation Lab using Carrot Root Cultures
Learners evaluate the importance of hormones in living things. In this biology lesson, students experiment on carrots to differentiate how humans and plants reproduce. They collect data from experiment to answer analysis questions.
Serendip
Evolution of Fur Color in Mice – Mutation, Environment and Natural Selection
Most species of animals include a variety of fur or hair color, but why? Scholars watch a video about a changing environment for mice. As the rocks around them change hues, different colors of mice begin to thrive. Discussion questions...
Curated OER
Background of Diseases-- Germs or Genes?
Students explore the background of common diseases. In this personal health instructional activity, students research causative agents of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Students use their research findings to create data...
Curated OER
How Life on Earth Began
Seventh graders investigate the concept of evolution and how it was a mechanism for the foundation of life on Earth. They conduct research and attempt to make cognitive connections with the evidence to agree with the presupposition of...
Curated OER
Lesson 16: DNA Technology
Students research different areas of biotechnology. In this biology lesson, students create a presentation about their research. They debate the topic presented and share their views on the subject.
Curated OER
Apoptosis: Programmed Cell Death During Development
Pupils model the plasticity of neural pathways for memory in the brain. They simulate the cell activity according to dots on cards that they are given. They complete various simulations of different cell combinations.