With paper DNA patterns, budding biologists model translation and base-pair substitution within sequences. Through these activities, they examine how mutations can result in genetic disorders. The modeling that occurs is an enlightening...

Why do the bases in DNA pair up the way they do? Unravel the mystery of the double helix in a virtual lab. Young scientists follow in the footsteps of Watson and Crick to determine the free energy associated with DNA base pair binding....

Students describe genetics as if they were explaining it to a young child. After reading an article, they discover new discoveries in the human genome project. Using the internet, they research a pair of genetic terms and develop a...

Students describe the structure of the double helix, explain how DNA copies itself, and recognize that the sequence of DNA is what makes each individual unique.

Compare protein fragments, count amino acids, and use the information to explore common ancestry. The resource mentions a student worksheet, however, a separate printable worksheet is not provided. The exercises are written into the...

Young scientists create monsters by applying their knowledge of transcription and translation. They randomly find the DNA, assign it a codon, and build monsters piece by piece. 

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...

Ninth graders investigate what restriction enzymes do, and explain how a DNA sample can link a suspect to a crime.

Students, working in teams, assume they are the newly hired research director of a biotech firm interviewing the top two candidates for the position of research scientist. They evaluate the candidates and decide who should be hired based...

Students simulate the steps involved in creating a DNA fingerprint by the RFLP technique. They analyze RFLP patterns to determine the parentage of a missing baby.