Curated OER
Diversity/Natural Selection
Young scholars examine mechanisms behind biological evolution and the theories that feed it, and are able to demonstrate their knowledge of these theories in a story.
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Ecology and Evolution
Students identify the different taxonomic classifications of organisms. For this biology lesson, students create their own organisms and make some changes according to environmental conditions. They present their work in class.
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Evolution of the Virus: Teaching Macroevolution Through Microevolution
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.
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Charles Darwin's Hardware Shop
Using an assortment of hardware, junior biologists explore the theory of evolution. They consider how simple pieces of hardware might be changed into similar items and display their discoveries on a poster. The lesson would be...
ARKive
Adaptations for Movement
What animals are best suited for moving around a rainforest, or a desert? Design your own animal species based on a particular habitat, focusing on the characteristics it will need for optimal movement. Great as a group lesson or...
Curated OER
Introduction to Biology
Students participate in a variety of activities to introduce them to biology. In this biology lesson plan, students use microscopes, discover bacteria, view human anatomy, and more.
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Bioinformatics
Students conduct a series of scientific investigation using bioinformatics. In this molecular biology instructional activity, students collect experimental data using different educational softwares. They calculate and analyze...
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Thanksgiving: Bird Evolution
Students explore the evolution of birds. In this biology lesson, students research articles that discuss evidence about the ancestry of birds. They discuss their findings with the group and draw a journal magazine cover highlighting...
Curated OER
Create Your Own Animal
Students design and create their own hypothetical animal. In this biology lesson, students identify the factors organisms need to survive. They classify their animals according to its correct phylum.
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EVOLUTION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
Young scholars create a project using a provided "Evolution of Biotechnology Timeline". Students may pick from many different ideas in order to find a project that interests them. They examine how the use of biotechnology has increased...
Curated OER
Scavenger Hunt: Simulating Natural Selection
Students simulate natural selection using pinto beans. In this biology lesson plan, students identify the factors affecting organism evolution. They record data from the experiment and formulate a conclusion.
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Lizard Lab
For this detailed and comprehensive multi-day activity, budding evolutionary biologists use real data from lizard populations in the Canary Islands to examine evolution and natural selection.
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From Wolf to Dog
Students explain how dogs evolved from wolves based on the video. In this biology lesson, students research about breeding animals for specific traits. They interview dog owners and create a presentation about the dog.
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Bioluminescence
Students differentiate chemiluminescence from bioluminescence. In this biology lesson, students explain how fireflies and other animals emit light. They discuss the applications of engineered bioluminescence.
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AP Biology Demonstrations
Students explore difficult-to-understand topics in biology. For this biology lesson, students participate in a series of demonstration on genetics, evolution and many others to gain insight on these topics. They write a report after the...
Curated OER
The Wonders of Bacteria
Young scholars explore the evolution and features of bacteria through a series of activities. In this biology lesson plan, students collect data and graph bacterial growth. They design a brochure about bacteria's role in society.
Curated OER
Survival of the Fittest – Battling Beetles
Students explore natural selection. For this genetic adaptation lesson, students discover why certain traits continue and some traits disappear. Students discover how species evolve and change. Resources are provided.
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Sounds of the Wetlands
Students identify the sounds of different bird calls. In this biology lesson, students create a sound map. They explain how this method is important in tracking wildlife.
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Fun with Phylogenetic Trees
Tenth graders differentiate angiosperms and gymnosperms. In this biology lesson, 10th graders construct a musical phylogenetic tree from information they gathered on resource websites. They present their project in class.
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Who Stole My Salad?
Eighth graders explain how protein is made in the cell. In this biology activity, 8th graders translate RNA and DNA using an internet database. They determine the thief based on evidence collected.
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Climate Change Effects on Organisms and Ecosystems: You are the Experts!
Seventh graders research about the effect of climate on different ecosystems. In this life science activity, 7th graders present their research by creating a poster, infomercial, skit or song. They discuss how organisms adapt to climate...
Curated OER
Rename Fruits, Vegetables and Spices
Students explore fruits and vegetables. In this fruits and vegetables activity, students study traits of various fruits, vegetables and seeds. Students rename fruits, vegetables and seeds.
Curated OER
What's in a Name?
Students study the binomial system of naming organisms. They are given a name of an organism and they must draw a picture of what they think the organism looks like. Then they research the organism, find what it really looks like, and...
Curated OER
The Formation and Value of Temperate Grasslands
Students get an overview of the climate and organisms of the North American Prairie. After a lecture, and watching some videos imbedded in this plan, students compile research data on the North American Prairie.