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Protein Synthesis Activities
Students compare the process of protein synthesis in an analogy. They simulate the process of protein synthesis kinesthetically using index cards and write a paragraph to explain the process.
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Constructing a Phylogenetic Tree
Students are given the opportunity to analyze DNA sequence differences between organisms in order to establish a reasonable picture of the evolutionary relationships between them (Phylogenetic Tree). In the simulation form they are...
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Sequence Alignment
Students explore the uses of sequence alignment. In this DNA lesson students complete several experiments on sequencing and algorithms.
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Protein Synthesis and Words
Students explain the roles of mRNA, tRNA and ribosomes. They explain how mutations can occur in an individual. Students simulate parts of a cell to access about the process of protein synthesis.
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Cell physiology and chemistry
Students design an experiment to discriminate between chemical diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion and active transport through a membrane. Be specific about predictions and interpretations!
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How is Foreign DNA Inserted into Organisms During the Genetic Engineering of Crops?
Students examine the positive benefits and negative consequences of genetically modified organisms following a lecture covering key biotech concepts and techniques. Students then conduct and experiment comparing the travel rate of...
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Genetically Modified Organisms
High Schoolers complete a variety of activities as they examine the ethics of (and take a position concerning) genetically modified organisms in the field of agriculture. They complete a PowerPoint demonstration to go along with the unit.
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Creative Ways To Teach Evolutionary Concepts
High schoolers explore evolutionary concepts in cartoons and lab activities. They describe and explain evolutionary concepts featured in a cartoon and participate in laboratory activities.
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How Is the Genetic Code Ultimately Translated Into a Protein?
Students examine the functions of mRNA, rRNA and tRNA. They explain the steps in the protein synthesis process. They practice using new vocabulary as well.
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What Can We Learn From the X Chromosome?
Young scholars read about the X and Y chromosomes in humans and complete a worksheet.
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"Chips" Off the Old Block?
Students 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.
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Pseudogene Suite
Pupils use Biology Workbench to explore DNA sequence data for the GULOP gene in humans, chimpanzees, orangutans, and crab-eating macaques and the beta globin gene and its pseduogene in humans, gorillas, and chimpanzees.
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Teacher Preparation Notes on Genetics
Students explore genetics through various hands-on activities. In this biology lesson, students predict the probability of offspring genotypes and phenotypes using the Punnett Square. They explain the causes of genetic abnormalities.
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Genetic Testing
Complete a variety of activities to examine the pros and cons and ethical issues behind genetic testing. Your high school students will role play and examine various scenarios to determine if genetic testing is justified.
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Labs on A Chip
Students are introduced to DNA microarrays. They discuss how scientists and doctors use them and how they work. They complete a worksheet and discuss their findings.
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Live Well Now to Live Longer Later
Ninth graders select a topic to research, completing the sentence, "Are the effects of _______ really that detrimental to one's health?" They record information in a journal, including sources of information. Students work in groups with...
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The Meaning of Genetic Variation
Students investigate variation in the beta globin gene by identifying base changes that do and do not alter function, and by using several Internet-based resources to consider the significance in different environments of the base...
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You Gave Me What?
Students see how an infectious disease such as AIDS may be quickly transmitted throughout a population. They conduct a simulated transmission of an infectious disease and mathematically determine the number of possible infected individuals.
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Using Amino Acid Sequences to Show Evolutionary Relationships
Junior biologists compare the amino acid sequences from fragments of five different globin molecules. They count the letter differences between each species pair. They construct a graphic representation of the evolutionary relationships...
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Biology: Protein Study
Students in pairs, select and view proteins from the Protein Data Bank. After downloading the tutorial and instructions, they identify the protein's structures and primary biological functions. Then, students present their findings to...
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Virus Tracker
Sixth graders will simulate the spread of a virus such as HIV through a population by "sharing" (but not drinking) the water in a plastic cup with several classmates. Although invisible, the water in a few of the cups will already be...
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Cell Types
Fourth graders create cartoon characters which compare and contrast two types of cells: nerve and muscle. Cartoon characters show how these two cells are similar, how they are different, and the relationship between the two cell types.
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Onion Skins
Students explore the structure of a plant cell. They carefully peel a single layer of onion skin from a slice of onion and stain it with methylene blue to observe the structures inside. They use a Digiscope connected to a computer to...
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X or Y- Does it Make a Difference?
Students examine the X and Y chromosomes. In this research lesson, students use the 5E lesson model as they read articles about human chromosomes then discuss their findings and opinions.