Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Comparison of Human and Chimpanzee Chromosomes

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students actively engage in the careful analysis of chromosome banding patterns and identify examples of inversion in homologous chromosomes.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Model of Morphogenesis in Drosophila Melanogaster

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate the following scientific terms and ideas: rates of diffusion, the role of morphogens in the development of larva, the chemical dynamics of a cell, and the significance of embryo polarity during development.
PPT
Curated OER

DNA: The Genetic Material

For Teachers 9th - 12th
The various experiments and processes that were completed in the 20th century to further our understanding of DNA are summarized here. There are wonderful slides to popularize the scientists who dedicated their professional life to...
PPT
Curated OER

Chemistry of Carbon - Building Blocks of Life

For Teachers 9th - 12th
A great review of the structure and function of carbon-based molecules important to life, especially with relevance to humans. The chemistry behind the combination of polymers and the breakdown of bonds is covered. Valuable content...
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Shedding a "Little" Light on Cancer Surgery

For Teachers 10th - 12th Standards
Many types of cancer treatments now depend on nanotechnology—a big "little" discovery. Scholars begin by removing "malignant" tissue from simulated brains, one using fluorescent markers thanks to nanotechnology and one without. This...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

18th Century Microscope

For Teachers K - 12th
Students examine a microscope from the 18th century. In this microscope lesson, students investigate how it works, what it was used for and how the tool has evolved through the years. Students also build knowledge on how compound...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Biotechnology

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore biotechnology through various activities. In this biology lesson, students analyze its pros and cons. They study and read informative articles about biotechnology.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Genetically Modified Organisms

For Teachers 9th - 12th
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.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Protoplast Production (Plant Cells Without Walls)

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the spherical protoplasts of plants. Students observe that plant cells have a plasma membrane in addition to the cell wall. Students plasma membranes, solutes and organelles.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mystery of the Matching Marks

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students view a Power Point and complete activities related to genetic evidence of human evolution. In this molecular evolution lesson, students view and discuss a provide presentation. They search for the "tell-tale telomere" and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Strawberry Smoothies

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Biologists extract the DNA from a strawberry. After completing the procedure, learners write answers to a few questions on the lab sheet provided. This is ideal lab practice during a DNA unit in your general biology course. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA Extraction Lab

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Students extract DNA and test for its presence from unroasted (raw) wheat germ using a prescribed procedure. They modify the procedure to provide a less expensive, easier method. They also extract DNA from different available plant,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Can You Predict the Characteristics of an Unborn Baby?

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students compare three sets of unlabeled human chromosomes and gather related data, trace chromosomes to pair them, and make observations about them.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bacterial Transformation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students discuss a bacterial experiment they previously performed and complete a pre-assessment. They participate in a lecture discussion given by the teacher through PowerPoint and then complete a cartoon worksheet and post-assessment.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lesson on Proteins

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students examine the importance of proteins including their function and structure.  In this protein lesson students play a game to help them better understand proteins.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Who Is It?/Who Done It?

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Young scholars conduct an experiment that allows them to assess individual differences in random DNA sequences and apply those differences when solving a forensic problem. After discussing the polymerase chain reaction and its use to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Blood Business

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Pupils identify the different kinds of blood. In this biology lesson, students investigate the antigens, agglutinins and Rh factor using their own blood. They use Punnett squares to predict blood type of offspring.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Genetics 5 Technology

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars, after studying extraction and gel electrophoresis, recombinant DNA, transgenic organisms, and reproductive cloning, summarize the main concepts in DNA technology. They analyze the applications of DNA: forensics, medicine,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Food For Thought

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine their school population about their health and exercise patterns. They brainstorm a list of factors that influence people to eat the way they do.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Using VNTR Analysis to Identify Guilt at a Crime Scene

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students collect DNA from cheek cells. They compare and contrast the processes of DNA replication and PCR. They discuss how this information can be used to determine guilt at crime scenes.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Identification of Animals by Serum Electrophoresis

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Learners compare their unknown serum against a set of known serum standards and determine the animal source of their serum. They write a lab report to communicate their results.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

GMOs: Should We Grow Them?

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students examine the ethics of biotechnology and genetically modifying various organisms. They complete various activities and labs on GMOs and then write a position paper regarding their individual opinions on the subject.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Spool Of Thread

For Teachers 9th - 12th
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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gene Regulation Mechanisms

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed
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...