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Science Writing for the Masses: a Primer
Students demonstrate a basic understanding of the molecular basis of heredity. They discuss the chemical and structural properties of DNA and explain how genetic information is encoded in genes, replicated, transcribed and translated...
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The Mysteries of Twins
Third graders experience reading in the content areas by reading about heredity and practicing summarizing the reading.
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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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Cells
Students explore the cell and cell processes. They create "cytoplasm", make a model of the cell and its organelles, and simulate the osmosis and the diffusion of materials into and out of the cell.
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Sociobiology: Heredity Factors
Students examine DNA replication and how proteins are synthesized from DNA codes and continue to explore the effects of genetics in additional lessons. Among the topics covered are: protein synthesis, cell chemistry, environmental...
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The Genome: Controversy for All Times
Students examine the genome and discuss the ethical and moral issues surrounding it. In groups, they discover the differences between ethics and morals and discuss where the concepts of good and bad come from in society. After reading...
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The Bottom Line
Seventh graders assume the role of stockholders in a fictitious biotech company. After investigating the cloning of pets, the effects of cloning on the health and well being of the cloned animal, and the ethical issues involved, groups...
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Human Genetics and Heredity
Students choose topics for research based on human genetics and heredity. They conduct research via the Internet and write a brief explanation of the milestone in genetics and heredity and attach it to a class timeline. They share...
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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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Science: Designer genes
Students engineer new organisms using biotechnology. In small groups, they write procedures, list benefits and drawbacks, and explain how their new organism might affect the environment. After creating their new organisms, they present...
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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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Cells Study Questions and Definition
In this cells worksheet, students define 14 words associated with cells. They answer 12 short answer questions about the structure and function of the cellular system.
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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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Experimentation with Teratogens on Zebrafish
Students compare mitosis and meiosis with regard to chromosome number in parent cells versus daughter cells, types of cells produced, total number of cells produced, and the number of divisions. In groups, identify and differentiate the...
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Transgenic Mammals
Students are provided with a real life example of research in the areas of genetic and molecular biology. Students examine ethical considerations and related issues such as patent laws and regulatory procedures.
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Biotech in a Bag
Students carry out a series of experiments using self-locking plastic baggies. Each experiment demonstrates a phenomenon or principle of biotechnology.
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Ocean Creature Classification
Young scholars develop their own system for classifying a group of objects or organisms using observed similarities and differences. They investigate the process of scientific classification, and explain how marine organisms are...
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Relationships and Biodiversity
Students examine diversity on the planet and the differences within a species. In this investigative instructional activity students complete a lab that allows students to better understand the relatedness between plants.
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Biology Honors Final Project
Tenth graders work on a project about cellular biology and genetics. In this biology instructional activity, 10th graders research about the assigned human body system and genetic disorders that affect it. They create a multimedia...
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Biotechnology: Drug Delivery and Diffusion
Students discover advances in biomedical technology such as transdermal delivery and other non-invasive procedures. In lab activities, they examine how medication is given and how molecules travel, observe electrophoresis, and conduct...
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Genetics Edited: Translation and Review
Students complete a short review on the relationship between RNA and DNA. As a class, they take notes on the processes of translation and identify examples. To end the instructional activity, they complete a genetic code worksheet and...
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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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How Do Cells Reproduce?
Students discuss the importance of reproduction of cells. They identify and describe the stages of Mitosis. They discover what happens to chromosomes and DNA during reproduction.