Adaptations must be made as environments change. This fabulous presentation features Icelandic icefish, a transparent, scaleless specimen that even has colorless blood. Genetics and adaptations concepts are explored as scientists study...

In the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico, some tiny creatures show just how quickly natural selection can turn a mutation into an advantageous adaptation. Watch a video about rock pocket mice, who show that one small change can make all...

Students examine how living cells create new cells and how genetic mutations can cause disorders and be inherited.  In this genetic reproductionn lesson students create their own PowerPoint presentation. 

Young scientists learn about DNA replication through a video and model creation. They answer analysis questions before exploring the role of mutations and then complete a summative assessment.

In groups, learners read a case study of a couple who produced a child with hemophilia. Although tthe reading breifly mentions how a hemophiliac child is produced, the focus of this lesson plan is the ethical implications. This lesson...

A class of older and academically mature learners are divided into pairs, usually one male and one female and are told that they are expecting a child. Unfortunately, their child may or may not have inherited some form of genetic...

Using black and white construction paper, evolutionary biologists simulate the classic peppered moth study. They use beans in a frequency and natural selection exercise. Finally, they analyze germinated seeds for variations. All three...

Young scholars study how cancer cells mutate and affect cell division.  For this investigative lesson students view a PowerPoint presentation learn the seven warning signs of cancer. 

Mutations are not just deformed creatures we see in movies—they happen every day! Scholars study the different types of genetic mutations in the 12th installment of a series of 18 lessons. A creative activity uses candy and other food...

Students explore the causes and effects of genetic disorders. They examine the phenotype and genotype of individuals and predict the recurrenence risks. Students generate a Punnett square and construct pedigree charts.

Students describe the anatomy of a virus. In this biology lesson, students compare and contrast the characteristics of bacteria and viruses. They discover the genetic adaptations of viruses over time.

Students participate in a contrived natural selection simulation in which they build and modify simple paper airplanes. They study divergent and convergent evolution and how it is isolated in sub-populations.

Students predict traits of future offspring. In this biology lesson, students study karyotyping to predict genetic disorders. They research an assigned karyotype and present information about it.

Students explore genetic disorders. They examine the genetic structure to physicial manifestations of various disabilities. Using internet sources, students analyze the characteristics of genetic disorders, whether they can be cured or...

Fourth graders study sickle-cell anemia.

Designed to accompany the 13-minute video The Making of the Fittest: The Birth and Death of Genes, this handout serves as both a viewing guide during the video and an analysis of how the adaptations of the icefish might help treat...

Students examine why some freshwater populations of stickleback fish.  In this macroevolution lesson students read a study packet then answer questions. 

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...

Students consider the factors that relate to decisions regarding genetic disorders. They read case studies and complete a provided Bio-Ethical Decision-Making Worksheet.

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.

Students use this activity prior to the introduction of materials on Genetics. They read the article "Becoming a Male, Becoming a Female" in the publication From Egg to Adult. Students then complete the assignment in order to better...

Fourth graders represent a new predator on a population of colored worms. They mathematically determine the effect of the new predator on the survival and reproductive rates of the worms, simulating natural selection at work.

Middle schoolers gather information about gene banks. In this biology lesson, students work in groups to complete an activity sheet about genetic databases and organism genomes. Lesson includes extension ideas.

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...