Curated OER
Scientist Simulation
Students imagine themselves working as research scientists completing the end-steps of a molecular research project and interpreting the data. They compare the gene sequences of normal and abnormal mice and evaluate the protein product...
Curated OER
Gene Regulation Mechanisms
Students explore genetics. They discuss how chromosomes and/or genes are regulated during the life of an organism. In a lab setting, students compare and contrast the genomic regulation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells using...
Curated OER
Scientist Simulation
Students envision the work of a research scientist, and the relationship between molecular biology and medicine. This activity allows students to imagine themselves working as research scientists by asking them to complete the end-steps...
Curated OER
Cracking the Code - Cloning Paper Plasmid
Students explore the "genetic code." They observe how genes may be manipulated for genetic research, gene cloning, and genetic engineering. In a lab setting, students examine the mechanics involved in cutting and ligating DNAs into a...
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"Chips" Off the Old Block?
Learners study using analogies between common items or occurrences and science concepts. They use the analogy of cookie recipes to that of the DNA "recipes" for living things to help us explain more about mutations.
National Geographic
Genetic Markers: Connecting the Dots
Biology buffs simulate how genetic markers are passed among populations in order to understand how these markers can help anthropologists map human migration. A couple of volunteers leave the room while you walk the remaining learners...
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Pharmaceuticals and Treatments
Learners perform an experiment involving reverse transcriptase-polymerized chain reaction HIV replication to better examine the biotechnology used by scientists in pharmaceutical research of infections diseases like HIV. Students examine...
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Antibiotic Resistance
Students conduct an experiment to examine the effects of six different antibiotics on two different types of bacteria. They monitor Petri dishes with bacterial cultures and antibiotic soaked disks. They relate the bacteria growth...
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Genetically Modified Food (GMF)
Explore genetically modified foods through various experiments. In this biology instructional activity, students discuss the safety issues related to GMF's. They conduct a PCR analysis to identify the presence of genetic modification.
Curated OER
Escape! Survival of the Fittest Grasshopper
Fourth graders, in groups, design a paperclip grasshopper. They determine its ability to survive a prey by jumping high, far, or with a distracting behavior.
Curated OER
Gene Regulation Mechanisms
Students explore the control of expression of DNA into proteins which is divided into two main categories: transcriptional and post-transcriptional. They construct examples of the control mechanisms and discuss disease processes that...
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Transcription, Translation, and the Genetics of Microbes
Students construct various virus models using Fruit loops and Alphabits to represent nucleotides and molecules. They constructs capsomeres using shoes as the capsomeres and discuss various viruses.
Curated OER
Chromosomes
Students explore genetics, chromosomes and DNA. In this genetics lesson students design a chromosome and identify a family tree through genetics.
Curated OER
Superbugs and Antibiotic Resistance
Students complete experiments on antibiotics and antimicrobials. In groups, they explain how antibiotics affect the evolution of microorganisms. They test various types of bacteria to discover how much resistance they have to antibiotics.