Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Viral Lysis and Budding
How do some viruses spread so quickly, and why do they make us feel terrible? Answer these (and many more) questions through a simple yet impactful lessons. Pupils observe demonstrations that show the two methods viruses use to escape...
National Academy of Sciences
Genetic Disease: Putting DNA to Work
Scientific knowledge of genetic information has grown quickly over the last decade. An interactive lesson has learners research the role of science and medicine in diagnosing and treating genetic disorders. They consider the job of the...
Virginia Department of Education 
Biotechnological Issues and Bioethics
Culminate a bioethics unit with the implementation of a lesson that incorporates the Socratic method to encourage class feedback and participation. Pupils participate in a discussion on bioethics and morality, complete a...
Curated OER
Ethical Applications of Human Genetics
Tenth graders read about, observe case study videos, and participate in live interactive broadcasts, and maintain a log book on all of the activities pertaining to the Human Genome Project.
Curated OER
Bioethics and the HGP
Students analyze case studies using the rules and principles of ethics. They comprehend which rules and principles of theics are of great importance to the Human Genome Project. Students participate in mock student hearings.
Personal Genetics Education Project
How Does Ancestry Testing Work? Exploring Admixture Testing
Find out the science behind ancestry testing! Investigators watch a video exploring how ancestry works before participating in a hands-on group activity. Scholars role play scientists while learning about testing protocols and test...
Curated OER
Simulated Genetic Counseling Session
Students, in groups, prepare a family history for a family with a genetic condition. They simulate a genetic counseling session and listen to a guest lecture by a genetic counselor.
Curated OER
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...
Curated OER
Cracking the Genetic Code
Pupils explain what the knowledge of DNA can tell us about ourselves and other organisms and species. They also explore the systematic study of the human genome.
Curated OER
Jurassic Park: The Science and Ethics of Genetic Engineering
Explore genetic engineering through an engaging "Jurassic Park" unit, which is an extensive use of a cross-curricular teaching event. Planned for AP Biology, English, and Calculus students, learners and teachers are involved for 4-6...
Curated OER
Doggy DNA: The Power of PCR
Students listen as the teacher lectures about Polymerase Chain Reaction, and the technical information about its uses. They collect dog saliva and run/analyze a gel electrophoresis. Students use a computer to integrate information, and...
Curated OER
Genome's Greatest Hits
Students explore the progression of discoveries that have led to the genetics knowledge that scientists currently have.  In groups, students research scientists that have made important contributions to understanding the molecules behind...
Curated OER
Model Organisms: The Genes We Share
In this genetics activity, students access a website to learn about how human genes mutate to cause heritable disorders such as Huntington disease. Students use the information on this website to complete 12 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Passive in Context
In this tense worksheet, students read the sentences or phrases and choose which tense they are written in. Students complete 10 problems total.
Curated OER
The Genetics of Antibody Diversity
Students distinguish between the light and heavy chain sections. In this biology lesson, students simulate the DNA splicing process. They calculate antibody diversity using the information given.
Curated OER
The Hope of Science: DNA Practical Applications Time Line
Students design a time line to inform and educate people about the history of DNA practical applications.
Curated OER
Who's the Father?
Students analyze gels to determine parentage in this lesson about scientific evidence, investigation, and DNA concepts.  The lesson includes a pre-activity worksheet, a final individual assessment, and student handouts for in-class...
Curated OER
Who am I and Why?
Students make comparisons about themselves and others, which are real and meaningful.  They study some basic concepts in the area of genetics and do a complimentary series of experiments, or explorations that illustrate these concepts
Curated OER
Mendelian and Non-Mendelian Heredity
Tenth graders discuss their physical features, and why they look the way they do. They listen as the teacher discusses DNA, alleles, and dominant or recessive genes. Students perform an experiment with different colored markers...
Curated OER
Lesson 16: DNA Technology
Young scholars research different areas of biotechnology. In this biology lesson, students create a presentation about their research. They debate the topic presented and share their views on the subject.
Curated OER
Who Owns Rights to Pharmacogenetic Information?
Students develop an understanding of the rationale of ownership over scientific information. They research commercial applications of DNA sequences. They analyze how to evaluate medical ethics issues.
Curated OER
Bioinformatics
Students are exposed to the tools and databases currently used by researchers in molecular and evolutionary biology.  They gain a better understanding of gene analysis, taxonomy, and evolution.
Curated OER
Chromosomes and Genetic Mapping
Students create models of chromosomes using clay, coins, beads, or marbles.  They complete a worksheet regarding their crossover frequencies they created with their chromosomes and gene models.  They read an essay on sex chromosomes and...
Curated OER
Double Trouble?
Students investigate cloned meat and animal products. In this food safety lesson, students research the noted Web sites in search of information about cloning and food labelling. Students use their findings to create informative...