Genetic mutations occur throughout life, from conception to old age, and the timing influences the severity. Young scientists learn about four different mutation times and the diseases that sometimes occur as a result. They observe the...

Are some mutations more damaging than others? An engaging simulation encourages scholars to alter DNA through insertion, deletion, and substitution. It then forms resulting amino acids—or not—and the resulting protein—or not—depending on...

A red delicious apple tree with a simple mutation means we now benefit from the existence of golden delicious apples. Learn how simple mutations change genetic information in DNA sequences. Using biographies, videos, and animations,...

Does natural light damage or repair DNA? Learn the answer discover the scientists who researched the topic with an online interactive. Scholars read through an online animation presenting the content at their own pace. Then, they read...

Transcription means a written copy but how can DNA write a message? The video explains transcription and translation as they relate to DNA and RNA. Then in the interactive, scholars practice base pairing and answer analysis...

In this viruses and evolution activity, students read an article on line about the avian flu virus and its evolutionary changes. They answer ten questions about the article including topics such as natural selection, mutations...

Very few universities still offer a master's degree in the ecology of grasses, but that was the degree that led George Wells Beadle to an interest in genetics and later a Nobel Prize. Scholars learn about the discoveries of Dr. Beadle...

Scientists work every day to find solutions to genetic diseases. Scholars learn about the process of gene sequencing, mutations, and the results. They explore genetic diseases and therapies to intervene and help and, through case...

Have you ever been so tired you missed a major announcement? Eric Wieschaus woke to a call explaining he won the Nobel Prize, but he thought it was just a dream until Christiane Nusslein-Volhard, a co-winner, explained it to him later...

All human infants are lactose tolerant, yet some adults are lactose intolerant—why is that? Individuals discover the process of gene mutation through a study of the lactase gene (LCT). They understand the geographic connections,...

Evolution occurs though change over time, but can it go any faster? Scholars speed up the process of evolution and observe a simulation of 20 blue organisms fighting for survival. A graph displays the changes in phenotype over time. By...

The marine bacteria vibrio harveyi helps with DNA repair in humans. Understanding how to manipulate and genetically mutate this bacteria fascinates researchers. Young scientists observe two different mutations, predict the resulting...

Virochips detect and identify viruses at a higher rate than other tests. Show young scientists how Virochips work to identify existing viruses. They analyze results demonstrating mutations or the evolution of viruses and view videos...

Cells demonstrate a life cycle like other living things, but what if death was no longer part of the cycle? Learn about the important balance requiring death to continue functioning. An online interactive introduces a group of scientists...

How do scientists discover treatments for cancer? A presentation and accompanying worksheet explain how one cancer spreads and a theory of how to stop it. It details the trials and relapses after using the medication. Scholars learn...

Everything evolved from a common ancestor, but how did modern plants and animals develop so many more genes? Scholars use an online interactive to learn about the process. They begin to understand common genes with an animation, multiple...

Biotechnology changes lives every day, but how did it all start? Learn about Cohen and Boyer's technique for recombinant DNA and the founding of this new scientific study. Then, scholars use the online interactive to discover how Hanahan...

Are all academicians allured with alliteration? Use this cross-curricular online resource to simultaneously expose your scholars to parts of speech and the genetic mutation causing albinism. Initial context gives students an introduction...

You've probably spent plenty of time discussing animal adaptations with your young biologists, but what about human adaptations? Explore the evolving traits of humankind through an interactive that combines text and video clips. Scholars...

Curing cancer or finding the fountain of youth—the answer may be understanding the structure and function of telomeres. The relationship of telomeres to both aging and cancer have triggered aggressive research. A thorough lesson...

Messenger RNA, transfer RNA, and ribozymes ... the many faces of RNA. The structure of RNA makes it much more versatile than the very similar DNA. Learners view a slideshow presentation to learn all about the different forms and...

A classic experiment that stumped scientists for years grabs the attention of young scholars. A slideshow presentation explains the experimental discovery of RNA interface. The lesson goes on to explain in detail the function of RNA...

Mario Capecchi requested funding for a new procedure targeting genes and was rejected. Four years later, after he proved it worked, the NIH apologized and funded his research. Use an online interactive to learn about his research and the...

How closely are animals related? Check their phylogenetic trees! The use of DNA sequencing altered our understanding of these relationships. Individuals explore and gain a better understanding of how scientists sort, align, and determine...