National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science
In Sickness and in Health
Based on family history, how likely is it that a couple's children will have a recessive disease? In an in-depth, but easy-to-follow case study, future geneticists learn the story of Greg and Olga, who are hoping to have children, but...
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Designer Babies
High schoolers differentiate phenotypes and genotypes. In this genetics lesson, students complete the punnett square. They design their own baby by choosing the phenotype they want.
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It's All in the Genes
Twelfth graders investigate the inheritance of traits through several hands-on activities that illustrate the transmission of genetic characteristics. Students study advanced topics including multiple alleles, polygenic traits,...
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Development in Drosophila melanogaster
Learners study the least familiar aspect of development in Drosophila melanogaster; the development of the pupa. Students isolate and culture "First-day" pupae. They are dissected daily to study the progressive developmental changes.
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The Genetic Basis of Neurological Disorders
Students describe some aspects of known genetic defects on the human neurological condition. They participate in a variety of exercises including drawings, games, and analogies.
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Mendellian Genetics
Students describe the inheritance patterns other than simple dominance. They are taught how Mendel's principles apply to all organisms. Students review the use of Punnett Squares. They are taught the principles of probability and...
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Environmental Causes of Birth Defects
Get your high schoolers thinking about the factors that lead to birth defects. They examine how environmental factors and personal choices can cause birth defects in unborn children. They discover the effects of various handicaps such as...
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The Genetic Basis of Neurological Disorders
Students explore neurological disorders. They examine the presence and absence of discernible genes. Students describe neruological diseases and draw faces of affected persons. They play a human neurology disorders learning game.
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Inheritance Intrigue
Pupils slve a case of unclear heredity using three lines of evidence and knowledge gained from the lesson in this biology lesson about Mendelian inheritance. The lesson includes handouts and a question sheet for final, individual...
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Karyotypes & Chromosome Inheritance
Students study Mendelian genetic terms, locate and name loci on chromosomes, karyotype construction, inheritance patterns through families.
Michigan Sea Grant
Fish Identification
Using a dichotomous key, pupils identify characteristics of fish who live in the Great Lakes and explain how these features help them survive. In small groups, class members discover what features scientists consider important and...
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Freshwater Sharks Bite Children at 35th Beach. A Play
Students delve into a study of sharks. In this science lesson plan, students examine the many different scientific occupations, as well as some possible specializations therein, and perhaps a little bit of other life considerations,...
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Karyotypes and Inheritance of Chromosomes
Students explore the mode of inheritance of chromosomes. Given a scenario, students use the Human Genome sheet to determine inherited chromosomes. They illustrate the difference between genotype and phenotype. Students develop a model...
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Disease Information Station
Tenth graders study disease and how it changes normal body functions. In this research lesson students research a disease and use a word processing software to construct a presentation.
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The History of Evolutionary Theory
Students are introduced to the concept of evolution by natural selection from a historical standpoint. They examine the evidence and arguments that support the theory of natural selection.
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Microarrays: Chipping Away at the Mysteries of Science and Medicine
Students research microarrays on the internet in cooperative groups. Students write an essay describing the use of microarrays in environmental research and in medicine.
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Natural Selection
Learners practice calculating allele and genotype frequencies in the framework of a simple simulation using hard candy, calculators, and a worksheet. This lesson includes a three-page worksheet and an assessment question for conclusion.