Anthropological Association
Race: Teacher Guide: Race
How has the concept of race changed over time? Explore the genetic, cultural, and social aspects of race through a series of impactful activities. Scholars discover how race is influenced by inherited traits, examine census records to...
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It's Genetic--Or Is It?
Students identify examples of the interplay between genes and environment on certain traits and discuss how the Human Genome Project has led to a greater understanding of the role of genes on complex traits.
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Biology: Genetics and Heredity
Seventh graders explore the connection between genetics and heredity by examining the cellular structure. Among the numerous activities to engage students are drawing DNA molecules, vocabulary puzzle sheets, and predicting possible...
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Simulated Genetic Counseling Session
Young scholars, 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.
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DNA Detectives
In order to understand DNA fingerprinting, advanced biology aces divise a crime scenario and analyze three different samples of lambda DNA. This creative lesson plan provides practice with micropipettes, electrophoresis boxes, and other...
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Model Organisms: The Genes We Share
In this genetics activity, students access a website to learn about how human genes mutate to cause heritable disorders such as Huntington disease. Students use the information on this website to complete 12 short answer questions.
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GMOs: Should We Grow Them?
Students examine the ethics of biotechnology and genetically modifying various organisms. They complete various activities and labs on GMOs and then write a position paper regarding their individual opinions on the subject.
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Biology Assignment on Sex determination
Students use this activity prior to the introduction of materials on Genetics. They read the article "Becoming a Male, Becoming a Female" in the publication From Egg to Adult. Students then complete the assignment in order to better...
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A Look Into the Past
Students practice looking at their genetics to inquire about their past. In groups, they determine their recessive and dominant genes and plot their height on a graph. They compare and contrast the processes of meiosis and mitosis. ...
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Variety is the Spice of Life
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...
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DNA and Individual Differences
Students list differences between DNA-related terms and create a simple DNA circle map. They order terms including human body, organ, tissue, cell, nucleus, etc. from largest to smallest. They discuss differences and similarities among...
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Biotechnology, GMOs and Food
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.
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TECH: Geneticist
A brief PowerPoint is used to introduce the class to the field of genetics by explaining the fields of work, the education required, and the job prospects. A trait inventory worksheet is completed by individuals, and then they gather...
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Human Evolution
Students investigate hominid evolution to learn the difference between a relative and an ancestor. They study the emergence of bipedalism and the related physical adaptations and cultural ramifications, and chart patterns of hominid...
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Innocent or Guilty: A Lab on DNA Gel Electrophoresis
Students use the prelab as an introduction to the importance of DNA fingerprinting- a form of identification that us being accepted by both scientific and leagl experts. They prepare a gel for electrophoresis. DNA fragments, which have...
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Gene Action/Mutation Worksheet
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...
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Lesson 5: Untangling DNA
Students extract DNA from split peas. In this biology lesson, students research how chromatin form into chromosomes. They draw the stages and present their work in class.
Serendip
How Eyes Evolved – Analyzing the Evidence
Octopodes existed for hundreds of thousands of years before humans, yet our eyes share many similarities. Scholars analyze the evidence to determine if the evolution of eyes best fits a homology or analogy model. They discuss the issue...
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STS Biology - Teaching Controversial Topics
Each of the three activities submitted presents difficult science topics in the context of the human experience. The activities focus on real-world problems, which have science components, from the students' perspectives.
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Munching Mice
Students examine different variables and their effects on weight gain in mice. They consider the validity of relating the results in mice to humans.Finally, they discuss the ethics of using animals in experiments.
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Natural Selection
Students observe, measure and record variations that may be due to genetic inheritance. They look at the length of seeds for germinating pinto and lima beans and measure the distance between eyes in humans. They graph and discuss the...
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Probability, Genetics and the Human Condition
Students explore the concept of probability as it relates us to be able to make predictions about future events based upon our knowledge of past outcomes. They have an innate appreciation for probability. Students make a connection...
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Genes, Environments, and Behavior 2
Students explore the genetic and environmental factors that interact to produce variation in behavior across a population. They are introduced to the various approaches scientists use to explore this interaction. Students explore how...
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Meiosis
Students study meiosis and how it leads to variation. In this genetic reproduction lesson students complete a lab activity that calculates different genetic possibilities.