Curated OER
Teaching the Chemical and Structural Properties of DNA
Young scholars work together to answer questions about DNA. They identify where DNA is found and its function in the cell. They note any physical similarities they have with their family members
Curated OER
Extraction of DNA from Onion
Young scholars study DNA by isolating it from plant tissue. They determine the purpose of each step in the isolation procedure as it relates to the physical and biochemical characteristics of the genetic material
Curated OER
Extraction of DNA from White Onion
Students investigate techniques involved in extracting and isolating DNA. Students extract and observe onion DNA.
Curated OER
Extraction of DNA from White Onion
Students conduct lab test with minced onion to determine where chromosonal DNA is located within the cell, and whether or not it can be extracted.
Oklahoma State University
Hairy Heredity
Young scholars learn that heredity comes down to the flip of a coin with this cross-curricular math and science lesson. Using smiley faces as a model, students toss coins to determine which dominant or recessive traits...
Virginia Department of Education
Owl Family Natural Selection
How do genetic mutations within a population lead to future variations? Provide your class with the resources to answer this question and more upon completing an activity on natural selection. The entire class participates in a...
The New York Times
Sequencing the Stages: Understanding H.I.V. Infection at the Molecular Level
How does HIV operate at the molecular level? Pupils discover the progression from a healthy immune cell to one infected with HIV, watch an animation of the HIV life cycle, and finally identify each of the stages with illustrations...
Cornell University
Bacteria Take Over and Down
Bacteria outnumber all other forms of life on Earth. Scholars observe the growth of bacteria in petri dishes to understand their role in maintaining good health. Then, they observe the growth of bacteria after they introduce...
Curated OER
DNA Dry Lab
Students use a DNA strand to identify the component parts. They discuss an RNA molecule, protein fragments, and nucleotides. They explore how the order of nucleotides determines the order of amino acids in proteins.
Curated OER
A Spool Of Thread
Young scholars describe a spool of light colored thread that the teacher holds in his/her hands. They are asked what substances (cotton and wood) are present and what structures (thread and spool) are present. The teacher conclude that...
Curated OER
Learn DNA Replication
Students explore physical science by participating in a science role-play activity. In this DNA structure lesson, students discuss the different parts of the code that makes up our DNA and instructs our cells. Students utilize the...
Curated OER
DNA Models
Pupils construct paper model of the DNA molecule. In this genetics instructional activity, students assemble paper parts that represent nucleotides into a DNA molecule. Extension ideas are also provided.
Curated OER
Simulation of Gene Splicing
Students simulate gene splicing by examining bacteria. They create a bacterial DNA into which they insert the human DNA (gene) that codes for growth hormone. They cut the sites of the enzyme to study how the human DNA can be joined to...
Curated OER
Electrophoretic Analysis: DNA Fingerprinting and Evolutionary Divergence
Students examine the principles of electrophoresis. They evaluate both the agarose and polyacrylamide system of molecular separation. In order to bring the concepts of genetics and evolution full circle from DNA to protein, students...
Curated OER
How do things flow in and out of a cell?
Students revise thier partner's essay. They also write the second draft of their essay for homework. Students use the Protein Explorer web site to visualize molecules, ATP, DNA, proteins and lipid bilayer. They are able to see all the...
Curated OER
Evolutionary Relationships Based Upon Comparative Genetics
Students investigate the protein cytochrome c in an attempt to use its genetic chemistry to study possible evolutionary relationships between organisms. The lesson integrates technology with the use computers to perform DNA analysis.
Curated OER
Building a Model DNA
Students explain the function of DNA in the body. In this biology lesson plan, students build a DNA model using simple materials. They demonstrate how bases pair up in the helix.
Curated OER
DNA and RNA
Tenth graders research the history and discovery of DNA. Using their text, they label a basic DNA structure and the composition of genes. They explain how RNA and DNA differ from one other and discuss the processes of transcription and...
Curated OER
Who's Who and How Do You Know for Sure?
Students investigate the applications of DNA fingerprinting, They read crime scenarios and using the details of the crime and laboratory experimentation decide the suspects guilt or innocence.
Curated OER
What is the Relationship Between DNA and Cancer?
Students examine the structure and functions of DNA. They discover the effects radon has on one's DNA and how it leads to cancer. They discuss why DNA is so important to us.
Curated OER
DNA Replication
Students construct a 3-D model of DNA. They demonstrate an awareness of base pairs in written work and in a model. Students model DNA replication using edible materials. They record concluding thoughts in their science notebooks.
Curated OER
DNA Fingerprinting through a Chemistry Lens
Students explore DNA and restriction enzymes using fragments of DNA separated by electrophoresis on an agarose gel. They analyze the results to see "whodunit".
Curated OER
Simulation of Gene Splicing
High schoolers use the exercise as a prelude to a "wet" lab or as a substitute for such a lab. It correlates well with colony transformation labs. This lab is recommended for students what have difficulty with the abstractions that...
Curated OER
Edible DNA
Learners use multicolored soft candies (gumdrops and candy orange slices) and toothpicks to create models of DNA structures. They discuss the fact that DNA must copy itself before splitting into two cells. Students demonstrate this by...