You may not know if that zebrafish in your fish tank is a model citizen—but it is definitely a model organism! What can we learn about ourselves from a tiny zebrafish? Discover more about the polygenic trait of skin color through a...

Some traits only exist in males and some only in females. Pupils learn how the location of genes on sex chromosomes determines them using an interactive lesson. An animation illustrates how scientists know this to be true and shows how...

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 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 work with a partner to complete an inventory of their traits and compare and discuss their unique qualities. In this biology lesson, students determine percentages for the frequency of observed traits of classmates, compile the...

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 conduct a simple experiment to determine if a trait has been passed from a family member to them.

In this literacy instructional activity, students find the words that are related to the concept that is the theme of the word search puzzle.

For this biology worksheet, students track and record the passage of colored pom pom traits through three generations of ginger-bread people. Then they describe that traits are passed from parents to offspring and that siblings may or...

Young scholars model traits on genes using colored paper and tongue depressors to represent chromosomes. In this heredity lesson plan, students use their "chromosome sticks" to understand chromosome pairs, genes, dominant traits,...

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...

Sixth graders list traits that all sixth graders share. They receive worksheets "Tracking Down Traits," working in groups to complete the chart. Students share results with the class and a class summary is tallied. Students discuss the...

Students attempt to pick up various objects with a wide variety of beaks, including scissors, spoons, etc.

Seventh graders assume the role of stockholders in a fictitious biotech company. After investigating the cloning of pets, the effects of cloning on the health and well being of the cloned animal, and the ethical issues involved, groups...

Students work as a class to first construct a pedigree of a popular singer, showcasing the singing gene being passed down through the generations. Students then make their own family pedigree and follow two traits through their family...

Students create a fictional organism. In this biology lesson, students predict the traits of resulting offspring. They complete activity worksheet and discuss answers in class.

Students extract DNA from split peas. In this biology instructional activity, students research how chromatin form into chromosomes. They draw the stages and present their work in class.

Learners slve a case of unclear heredity using three lines of evidence and knowledge gained from the instructional activity in this biology instructional activity about Mendelian inheritance. The instructional activity includes handouts...

Kids are given a lot to think about, as they delve into the world of high-tech foods. They discuss GMOs, biotechnology, food enhancements and domestication. They view videos, engage in class discussions, complete worksheets, and learn...

Today researchers identify a gene suspected of causing a genetic disease in a matter of days rather than years, thanks to the Human Genome Project. Young scientists learn about the Human Genome Project and the scientists who designed the...

Here is a detailed presentation to assist in your lectures on the difficult topic of genetic transcription.  The history, discovery, and scientific breakthroughs will spark interest. The last 15 slides deal with the biochemistry and...

Different types of mutations cause unique types and degrees of muscular dystrophy. Scholars learn about the types of mutations and the impact on the body. They compare the location of the mutations and draw conclusions about how it is...

Students examine how traits are passed to offspring.  In this genetic reproduction lesson plan students develop a model of dna and learn about its structure, replication and function.