Young scholars examine different types of DNA fragments. They record and analyze their results. They determine who is the criminal in the story.

Students explore the various components of the digestive system and learn about both the physical and chemical processes that work together to break down food into absorbable molecules.

Eleventh graders work together to complete a simulation on infectious diseases. They determine which concepts affect a disease more. They complete discussion questions as well.

Students grow E. coli strain HB101, which contains the plasmid pUCD607 with the bioluminescence (Lux+) gene. The plasmid containing the Lux+ gene is isolated from the E. coli, then characterized by restriction analysis.

High schoolers played a game of Jeopardy where there was five categories with five questions each in order to assess the retention of concepts taught over the semester. The categories included: Graphing/Summarizing/ Scientific Method,...

Tenth graders review the Energy, Matter, and Organization unit. They have one week to complete an essay. Students must submit a concept map or drawing. The activity is introduces by reading a short story line which presents a simple...

Brown rice contains vitamins B and E, while white rice lasts longer in storage. The availability of rice around the world makes it a great candidate for genetic engineering. Scholars apply their knowledge of genetic engineering to solve...

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.

High schoolers examine fire flies. They measure the frequency of light stimulus used by communicating fire flies. Students explore the concept of organisms using light to communicate. High schoolers film the fire flies and quantify...

Learners are introduced to DNA microarrays. They discuss how scientists and doctors use them and how they work. They complete a worksheet and discuss their findings.

Young scholars create a model of DNA and simulate replication with their models in an activity that uses licorice, colored marshmallows, and toothpicks. Students also label a diagram of replication and indicate major parts of the DNA...

Students perform an experiment that measures respiration.  In this performing an experiment that measures respiration lesson, students discuss aerobic and anaerobic respiration.  Students measure the gas produced by putting...

Students examine the West Nile virus and how it is impacting an American Indian reservation,  In this virus lesson students devise a prevention plan for an Indian reservation to help limit the transfer of the West Nile virus.

Students explore gel electrophoresis using paper models. They model DNA sequences and shade the boxes on their Gel Electrophoresis Sheet which represent the individual fragments.

Learners explore how gene sequence analysis can be used to examine phylogenetic similarities of different organisms. Students work in groups to simulate a gel electrophoresis separation of fragments using poster board to create their gel.

Students explore the process of evolution. They examine examples of how homeotic genes may work and obtain gametes. Using a microscope, students observe the fertilization of sea urchins. They video tape the process and write a...

Students examine "multiple chemical sensitivity" and how it relates to genetic variation and environmental factors. They read an article, conduct research, and identify risk factors related to chemical sensitivity, asthma, breast cancer,...

Young scholars complete a pre-test on the relationship between heredity and the environment. As a class, they write down descriptions of themselves and identify which traits can be changed and not changed. In groups, they determine...

Learners use a variety of creative writing tools within this assignment: poems on particular organ systems, write a short story and/or create a word graph. They are involved in a demonstration of lactic build up in the muscles, a...

Students conduct an experiment that allows them to assess individual differences in random DNA sequences and apply those differences when solving a forensic problem. After discussing the polymerase chain reaction and its use to identify...

Second graders discuss worm composting. In this decomposition lesson, 2nd graders look at the anatomy of the worm and how it eats food. They have their own worm bin and review what foods can and can not be given to the worms for...

Students 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.

Students create numbered DNA sequences by taping together the order of the sequence. They count the number of bases in their RFLP's and shade the boxes on their Gel Electrophoresis sheets that represent individual fragments. They...

Ninth graders explore protein synthesis. In this DNA lesson students complete a worksheet and a DNA lab activity.