Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reebops a Model "Organism" for Teaching Genetics Concepts

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Reebops are cute, marshmallow-based creatures that can be used to teach inheritance. Beginning biologists draw strips of paper that represent chromosomes from two envelopes, one for the father, and one for the mother. Each parent...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Secret Writing Devices

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Elementary and middle schoolers explore the world of secret writing, otherwise known as cryptography. After an interesting introduction to the activity, learners utilize a decoder badge which uses the St. Cyr cipher - which is a cipher...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Encoded Meanings

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students explore symbols in art and complete related activities. In this art symbols lesson, students compare symbols they recognize to those of an African culture. Students create a collaborative work of art with symbols that have an...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Born of Blood

For Teachers 6th - 7th
Learners define attributes of human chromosomes and match them to make a human karyotype.  In this investigative lesson students demonstrate how traits are encoded in genes found on chromosomes. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What Does This Song Really Say?

For Teachers 3rd - 7th
Students investigate communication by analyzing lyrics from a song. In this music arts lesson, students discuss slavery, the Underground Railroad and African American traditions while listening to a song called "This Train." Students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Problem Solving Model

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Use a vocabulary chart to introduce math functions. The class defines a list of mathematical vocabulary terms on a worksheet, as well as completes equations and expressions. They examine word problems and practice transcribing them into...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pete And Repeat

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students draw a picture of a person from popular culture, then "clone" it using printing techniques in this Art instructional activity that tackles the questions surrounding cloning, DNA, and current scientific techniques. An emphasis is...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cracking the Genetic Code

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students investigate different purposes for manipulating DNA. After reviewing the structure and functions of DNA, students explore topics related to the use or manipulation of DNA and the potential benefits and problems, later making a...