Learners explain how offspring inherit traits from their parents. In this biology lesson, students investigate the genes for nicotine addiction using an interactive website. They construct a fictional pedigree using their chosen...

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

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...

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...

Twelfth graders investigate the inheritance of traits through several hands-on activities that illustrate the transmission of genetic characteristics. Students study advanced topics including multiple alleles, polygenic traits,...

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

Seventh graders describe how the traits of an organism are passed from generation to generation. They distinguish between asexual and sexul reproduction. Students identify traits through genes and those resulting from interactions with...

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.  For this genetic reproduction lesson students develop a model of dna and learn about its structure, replication and function.

Seventh graders describe the basic structure of the DNA molecule. They identify what an inherited trait is and how it can be determined by one or more genes. Finally, 7th graders identify that plant and animal cells contain several...

Students review the inheritance patterns of simple dominant and recessive traits in humans. They use PTC tasting as a model trait. Each student determines whether or not they are a taster using PTC paper then they compile and discuss the...

Students explore genetic engineering and issues related to risks and benefits of altering agricultural products.

Students identify inherited traits. In this heredity lesson, students watch a video and construct a genetic description of themselves.

Learners investigate the principles of probability that can be used to predict hereditary traits.

Students look into the role both nature and nurture play in determining an individual's traits. They examine how genes and the environment affect personality

Students formulate hypothesis based upon data gathered by examining possible crosses of spiderworts using Punnett squares. They present explanations for physiological adaptations of spiderworts that resulted from interactions within the...

Students describe some aspects of known genetic defects on the human neurological condition. They participate in a variety of exercises including drawings, games, and analogies.

Seventh graders investigate the concept of natural selection and its relationship to the theory of evolution. They conduct research using a variety of resources and use the information to create a class presentation and open up the...

Students study variation of organisms. They determine this variation arises from genetic and environmental causes.

Students explore how genetic information is passed down from parent to offspring. Because of this, they examine how this causes the variation in each species.

Students extract their own DNA from cheek cells. In this biology instructional activity, students explain the replication process. They identify the structure and composition of DNA.

Find out the science behind ancestry testing! Investigators watch a video exploring how ancestry works before participating in a hands-on group activity. Scholars role play scientists while learning about testing protocols and test...

Students view a video on DNA. They discuss mitosis, meiosis and fertilization. They use strips of paper to simulate fertilization and analyze the genotype and phenotype of the combined chromosomes.

Students explore the basics of DNA and its history.  For this DNA lesson students extract DNA from fruits and understand how it is used in forensics.