Where is a geneticist's favorite place to swim? A gene pool. Young geneticists complete hands-on activities, experiments, and real-world problem solving throughout the unit. With extra focus on dominant and recessive genes, Punnett...

Scholars become detectives and use science to solve a crime! A complete unit introduces DNA and includes hands-on activities that have learners model DNA and extract it from different food types. A culminating activity challenges...

Students engage in DNA manipulation using forensics techniques. Students investigate topics involved in forensics studies such as cloning, electrophoresis, gene mapping, replication, and transcription.

Students use DNA to solve an identity mystery. In this biology lesson, students use the Internet to gather information about sex-linked disorders and complete a Punnett square for hemophilia, then examine a handwriting analysis, ear...

Learners interpret how to communicate information and ideas in ways that are appropriate to the purpose and audience through spoken, written, and graphic means of expression. They use information-gathering techniques, analyze and...

Young scholars read about how forensic entomologists use maggots to solve murders. In this forensic science lesson, students read an article and answer questions. They go to different websites about evidence and fingerprinting. 

Share their opinions on the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations. After reading an article, they evaluate the pros and cons of the databases and work in groups to answer discussion questions. They write a letter to a state...

High schoolers role play the position of a scientist to gather information on Meriwether Lewis' death. They discover what he did after the famous expedition and how centuries affect the study of a body. They share their information with...

Students interpret different DNA fingerprints, then do a jigsaw activity to explore other uses of DNA forensics. They listen to a radio program about using DNA as evidence and discuss the limitations of and problems with DNA testing.

Students watch a Nova program examining the earliest in habitants of the Americas. In groups. they take notes on various topics covered in the program. Among the topics covered are: the Clovis people, Solutrean culture, migration...

Young scholars view the film, "The Big Sleep" focusing on the investigation techniques employed by the main character. Throughout the viewing, students respond to essay questions explaining actions by the characters. The questions...

Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this research skills lesson, students research the death of Meriwether Lewis using forensic evidence presented in primary...

Students engage in a instructional activity that is about the DNA molecule and focuses upon the sequencing of proteins to identify individuals. They conduct research using a variety of resources and then complete the activities included...

Sixth graders explore scientific observations by analyzing a group of data. In this fingerprint identification lesson, 6th graders identify the reasoning behind fingerprinting and create their own ink fingerprints. Students discuss the...

Students read a New York Times article associated with the issue of the decoding for genomes, the creation of life in scientific laboratories and various genetic engineering topics. They present speeches of the pro's and con's of these...