University of Colorado
Punnett Squares with Piebald Deer
Explore the science behind Earth's amazing diversity of life with this lesson plan on genetics. Looking at specific traits in piebald deer, carnations, and roan cattle, young scientists use Punnett squares to determine the possible...
Curated OER
Biology Wordsearch
For this biology worksheet, students identify and locate various vocabulary terms found in a biology lesson. There are 39 biology terms located in the word search.
Curated OER
Dragon Genetics-Independent Assortment and Genetic Linkage
Students build chromosome models using popsicle sticks. In this biology lesson, students simulate the Law of Independent Assortment. They use Punnett squares to predict the resulting genotype and phenotype.
Curated OER
Designer Genes
Learners view a video on DNA. They discuss mitosis, meiosis and fertilization. They use strips of paper to simulate fertilization and analyze the genotype and phenotype of the combined chromosomes.
Curated OER
Disproving the Proof
Students investigate the progression of discoveries that have led to the genetics knowledge that scientists currently have. They determine how genetic experiments disproved previous theories on inheritance.
Curated OER
Genetic Disorders
Seventh graders discuss traits, traits that are inherited and how genes and chromosomes carry the code for traits. They research genetic disorders and their link to chromosome abnormalites and write a report on their findings. which...
Curated OER
Here's Looking at You
Students assess some common inherited traits which are easily observable and note their phenotype for the trait. Students compare their phenotypes to those of their parents and attempt to describe the pattern and manor of inheritance.
Curated OER
The Cell Cycle
In this biology worksheet, students label 9 diagrams with the correct names. They also write short answers to 6 questions that follow.
Curated OER
Gene Action/Mutation Worksheet
Students define the following terms: mutation, mutagen and give examples of how they work. They also define and illustrate a point mutation. Students define and illustrate a frame shift mutation and name two types of frame shift...
Curated OER
Genetics and the Work of Mendel
Excellent examples and clear diagrams in this PowerPoint will help you explain the genetics of alleles and the combinations of hybrid crosses. A high school class would appreciate having this student copy of the PowerPoint as the images...
Virginia Department of Education
The Cell Cycle and Mitosis
What a packed lesson plan! Provide your class with the opportunity to learn about the cell cycle in several exciting ways. Biologists first learn about the theory behind mitosis, then proceed to view onion tips under the microscope and...
Virginia Department of Education
DNA Extraction from Strawberries
Has your class ever been astounded by the complexity of DNA analysis? Have they ever asked why genetic engineering has become so important to our daily lives? Young scientists perform DNA extraction on strawberries and explore how the...
Curated OER
Genetics and The Work of Mendel
If you need a summary of all aspects of Mendelian genetics then this slideshow is for you. The information included is essential for complete understanding of crosses, genotypes, phenotypes, and heredity.
Virginia Department of Education
Meiosis
Intrigue the class by completing a lesson 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 faulty meiosis, and...
Curated OER
Genetics PowerPoint
If mom is bald, will her babies be bald? Here is a practical presentation that can answer that question. Viewers can take notes on the difference between dominant and recessive genes, mutations, and heritability. A large portion of the...
Serendip
DNA Structure, Function and Replication
Before a cell replicates, its DNA must replicate. Take advantage of a hands-on guided lesson to teach budding scientists how this happens. Using a set of nucleotide cards, learners become the DNA and work to create matching strands...
Serendip
DNA
Get up close and personal with DNA! A two-part hands-on activity has learners extract DNA from a small organism and then their own cheek cells. Scholars then explore DNA replication using questions to guide their analyses.
Curated OER
Fruit Fly Ranch Activity
Seventh graders describe how the traits of an organism are passed from generation to generation. They distinguish between asexual and sexul reproduction. Students identify traits through genes and those resulting from interactions with...
Cornell University
Extracting DNA
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.
LABScI
Genetic Equilibrium: Human Diversity
Investigate the Hardy-Weinberg Principle to explain genetic equilibrium. The 10th lesson plan of a series of 12 is a laboratory exploration of genetic equilibrium. Your classes use a mixture of beans to model allele and genotype...
American Museum of Natural History
Nature or Nurture Quiz
Eighteen questions ask pupils whether certain behavior or trait is based on nature or nurture. Scholars take a quiz, reflect on their answers, then challenge a friend or family member to complete it.
Curated OER
Intolerance in American History
Examine the United States through the lens of intolerance using this 2-week unit plan, which includes details for 13 days of instruction. Scholars study examples of prejudiced behavior throughout history, discuss issues in groups,...
Curated OER
Mutations and Cancer
Students study how cancer cells mutate and affect cell division. In this investigative lesson students view a PowerPoint presentation learn the seven warning signs of cancer.
Curated OER
Gene Action and Mutation
Students review terms related to DNA structure and function. They complete a variety of worksheets in small groups or in pairs reflecting the unit's concepts regarding DNA. They submit their worksheets for grading.