Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Learning the Structure and Function of DNA

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students read about Humane Genome Project, examine structure and function of DNA, and participate in gel-electrophoresis lab. They complete Internet activity to test their knowledge of DNA.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Mutations Lead to Changes in Cell Structure and Function

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate how mutations lead to changes in cell structure and function. They construct an oligonucleotide, identify a protein sequence, design a step-by-step mechanism of how they think cells repair damaged DNA, and prepare...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA AND BLOOD TYPING

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students list three descriptive characteristics and three functions of DNA, describe two ways that genetics is important in a forensic investigation, and list the four major human blood types.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Hands-On Approach to Teaching the DNA Structure and Function

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers investigate the structure of DNA, replication and transcription. In this DNA lesson plan, students build models of DNA using piper cleaners and paper clips. They demonstrate replication of DNA and transcription of DNA to...
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Extracting DNA

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Uncover the basics of DNA structure through exploration activities. Collaborative groups build DNA models and recreate the process of replication. Then, using plant cells such as peas or strawberries, they extract a DNA sample.
Lesson Plan
Serendip

UV, Mutations, and DNA Repair

For Teachers 9th - 12th
How effective are cells at repairing UV damage? An inquiry-based lesson has learners experiment with organism by exposing them to various levels of UV light and then examining their DNA after a period of time. Pupils test different...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cracking the Genetic Code

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners 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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Producing a Strain of E. coli that Glows in the Dark

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Learners observe the experimental process called bacterial transformation and demonstrate phenotype changes in bacteria that have been transformed with an antibiotic-resistance gene and a metabolic marker. They create a luminescent...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA Extraction

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students discover the basic structure of DNA and its function in living organisms by conducting an experiment in which they extract DNA from bananas using a lysis buffer solution.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA, Genes, and Chromosomes

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students review the structure and function of DNA, genes, and chromosomes and are engaged by a demonstration illustrating the relative size of DNA, genes and chromosomes. They also describe through analogy and model the structure and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Creative Ways To Teach Evolutionary Concepts

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Research how DNA, the genetic blueprint of living organisms, plays an essential role in the continuity of life. High schoolers will summarize how their influence may very well effect the destiny of the population from one generation to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Extracting DNA from Your Cells - Teacher Preparation Notes

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students extract their own DNA from cheek cells. In this biology instructional activity, students explain the replication process. They identify the structure and composition of DNA.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Genes Work Lesson Plan

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers define the key terms that are the structure and function of DNA. In this genetics lesson students complete a lab activity in which they construct a model DNA structure.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is the Relationship Between DNA and Cancer?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the structure and functions of DNA. They discover the effects radon has on one's DNA and how it leads to cancer. They discuss why DNA is so important to us.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Restriction Digest + DNA Comparison

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners compare different DNA and run a gel electrophoresis.  In this DNA lesson students complete a DNA activity that allows them to better understand its structure and function. 
Lesson Plan
Serendip

From Gene to Protein via Transcription and Translation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
DNA carries the codes for creating just the right protein. A well-designed lesson leads pupils through the process from start to finish and everywhere in between. Guiding questions with supporting video help scholars understand the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Great Cafeteria Caper

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed
Young scholars extract DNA from their own hair roots. They run an electrophoresis gel to examine patterns of their DNA along with standard DNA. The experiment is based on a crime scene scenario.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cell Wall Recipe: A Lesson on Biofuels

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Biotech engineers discover that changes in the DNA code for cell wall formation can help create crops better suited for biofuel production. They extract DNA from wheat germ. They decode paper strips with codes and relate the activity to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders complete a vocabulary assignment based on terms in the unit. They complete appropriate worksheets as each section of the unit is completed. They participate in classroom discussions. They construct a model of a DNA molecule.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA Extraction

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students are able to extract and observe a visible amount of DNA from Escherichia coli cells. They discuss the properties of DNA. Students confirm the presence of DNA by a reaction with an indicator.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cell Structure and DNA

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders identify, locate and describe the function of the parts of a cell. In groups, they state the five stages of mitosis and put them in the correct order. They are introduced to the structure of DNA and mRNA and how they...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cell (Biology)

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers conduct a series of activities to explore the nature of cells. In this biology lesson, students observe plant and animal cells under the microscope and compare them. They differentiate osmosis and diffusion.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Electrophoretic Analysis: DNA Fingerprinting and Evolutionary Divergence

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students examine the principles of electrophoresis. They evaluate both the agarose and polyacrylamide system of molecular separation. In order to bring the concepts of genetics and evolution full circle from DNA to protein, students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA Activities

For Teachers 6th - 7th
Young scholars work together to identify the structure of DNA. They practice using new vocabulary as well. They create a 3-D model of DNA to complete the instructional activity.