Curated OER
'Hunger Games' Science: Investigating Genetically Engineered Organisms
In The Hunger Games novel and movie, a futuristic, dystopian society is the setting. In it, a genetically engineered bird escapes control of the government. Using this as a starting point, teenagers examine the realistic possibility of...
Curated OER
I Wear My Genes Inside Out: The Genetic Characteristics of Animals
Students create mixed breed dogs using paper illustrations of various breeds. They label dogs created by students using the Genetics Center and discuss the aspects of genetics that affect the outcome of the various projects.
Curated OER
Wolves: DNA Pawprinting
A mystery canine was shot and killed near Yellowstone National Park in the early '90s. Genetics whizzes explain how they might go about identifying whether the animal was a true grey wolf or a hybrid. A drawing of the animal's DNA bands...
Virginia Department of Education
Meiosis
Intrigue the class by completing a instructional activity on meiosis, filled with challenging and insightful activities to spark the interest of every person in the room. Each member of the class learns about genetic disorders due to...
Curated OER
DNA from the Beginning Study Guide
Students complete a study guide using a website which is an animated primer on DNA, genes, and heredity. The Web site is organized around key concepts. The web links and study guide are included.
Curated OER
Genes at Work
Students explore and discuss genetics stories and answer questions about genetic outcomes of offspring. In this genetics lesson, students read genetics stories on a web site. Students use a chart to answer questions regarding the...
Curated OER
Controlling the Code: Molecules at Word
Students investigate how cells determine which genes will be expressed and which will be silent. In this genetics lesson, students use on-line resources to complete a worksheet and gather information about gene regulation. Lesson...
Curated OER
Genome: A Tour and Genetic Disorder Brochure
Students use the Internet to gather information about genetics, then research a genetic disorder. In this biology lesson, students listen to an interview with a geneticist, watch an animation of "chromosome coiling", then research and...
Curated OER
Genetics
Students explain the difference between dominant and recessive genes, identify what causes differences in the traits of parents and their offspring, and explain how sex is determined. They will also improve their reading and...
Curated OER
Model Organisms: The Genes We Share
Students gather information about gene banks. In this biology lesson, students work in groups to complete an activity sheet about genetic databases and organism genomes. Lesson includes extension ideas.
Curated OER
From Restriction Maps to Cladograms
Biology aces analyze restriction maps to determine the relationships among different primate species and then complete a cladogram. Preface this lesson with an explanation of how restriction enzymes are used to create the DNA maps....
Curated OER
Animals and Humans Say the Darnedest Things
Students explore and analyze human and animal communications and create a short film that illustrates their findings.
Curated OER
Cloning Around
Review concepts of cloning and genetic engineering and participate in a round-table discussion based on the ethics and potential of cloning with your class. Each learner then writes a formal essay on the topic, stemming from the debate.
Curated OER
Sequencing
Students gather information about gene sequencing. In this biology lesson, students use the Internet to access information about gene sequencing, then work in pairs to read and record a gene sequence. Lesson includes extension activities.
Curated OER
Finding the Structure: Pieces of the Puzzle
Students gather information about DNA. In this biology lesson, students watch video clips of scientists discussing their contribution to the understanding of DNA, then work a puzzle correlating information to scientist. Lesson includes...
Curated OER
Dealing with DNA Controversy
Pupils research controversial statements about biological applications and write a persuasive essay. In this biology lesson plan, students are assigned a controversial statement as a research topic, then they use this topic to create a...
Curated OER
Homology
Students investigate the concept of homology. They are particularly interested in finding information about developmental homology. Students design a new animal correcting obvious mistakes on a worksheet provided by the teacher. They...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Survival of the Fittest - Variations in the Clam Species Clamys sweetus
It's not often that you come across a clever laboratory activity that is both imaginative and comprehensive! Using M&M's and Reese's peanut butter candies to represent two different clam species, young biologists test for "relative...
Curated OER
DESIGNER GENES: ONE SIE FITS ALL?
Students explore genetic engineering and issues related to risks and benefits of altering agricultural products.
Curated OER
Molecular Evidence for Evolutionary Relationships
Students compare the amino acid sequences in cytochrome-c for a variety of organisms and use this information to infer evolutionary relationships. Students investigate the role of homeobox genes and what this indicates about the...
Curated OER
What's For Dinner?
Students share their own views on eating genetically altered foods. After reading an article, they research any issues concerning these types of foods in the United States. In groups, they create a campaign slogan to help gain funding...
Curated OER
(Clues to) Copying the Codes: Examining the Evidence
Students view animations of DNA replication and transcription and complete a worksheet. In this genetics lesson plan, after watching on-line video clips to gather information about DNA replication and transcription, student teams...
Curated OER
Gel Electrophoresis: Sort and See the DNA
Students construct DNA fingerprints. In this genetics lesson, students watch an on-line gel electrophoresis animation, then they work in groups to use a restriction map to create a restriction enzyme and use that to arrange a DNA...
Curated OER
Anatomy of a Virus
This PowerPoint summarizes details about the virus from the structure and reproduction methods to the different modes of infection. Various viral diseases of animals and plants, viroids, prions and genetic origins of viruses are discussed.