Curated OER
Genetics and Heredity: The Next Generation
Tenth graders work in teams to order events of DNA transcription and translation protein synthesis. In the second lesson plan, they put the steps of mitosis and meiosis in order using a concept map poster. They use modeling clay to...
Curated OER
DNA Technology
Students summarize their classmates' presentation in class. In this biology lesson, students create a graphic organizer based on concepts presented. They discuss and share their organizer.
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
Using the Internet: Punnett Squares
Seventh graders discuss their own genetic traits. Using computers, they research the creation of Punnett Squares. They preform online experiments with peas, predicting the appearances of the offspring. They determine how genetic traits...
Curated OER
Dragon Genetics Lab-Principles of Mendelian Genetics
Students study genetic traits using popsicle sticks as chromosomes. In this biology instructional activity, students explain how traits are inherited from parents. They differentiate dominant and recessive genes.
Curated OER
Nature And Nurture
Students develop an understanding of the role both nature and nurture play in determining an individual's traits. Using a website, students answer questions about nature and nurture in order to solve the riddle, What do you call a smart...
Curated OER
My Family And Me
Students create a family pedigree, relate the laws of inheritance to a family pedigree, and determine certain phenotypes and corresponding genotypes of members in their family.
Curated OER
Natural Selection And Evolution
Seventh graders investigate the concept of natural selection and its relationship to the theory of evolution. They conduct research using a variety of resources and use the information to create a class presentation and open up the...
Curated OER
Genetics: Mice Rule! (Or Not)
Learners explore genetics and evolution by examining a hypothetical mouse population. Using coin tosses, they determine mouse traits of parents and offspring. Finally, they consider the outcomes of changing environmental conditions on...
Curated OER
Square Dancing
Fourth graders investigate the concept of using punnett squares in the determination of the offspring.They collect drawings and pictures and create a collection for student science journals.
Curated OER
Entrepreneurs are Born, but Can They Be Taught?
Students explore the concept of entrepreneurs. In this entrepreneurs lesson, students read an article about entrepreneurship and whether or not it is an inherent trait or a learned skill. Students discuss why entrepreneurship is...
Curated OER
Candy Dish Selection
Learners explore natural selection. They explore the concepts of adaptations, and the way which random factors affect the survival of individuals and populations.
Curated OER
How Unique Are You?
Students explore how genetic information is passed down from parent to offspring. Because of this, they examine how this causes the variation in each species.
Curated OER
Natural Selection and the Peppered Moth
Students study natural selection and its process in the peppered moth. In this evolution lesson plan, students read about the concept of natural selection as suggested by Charles Darwin. Students then complete a natural selection...
Curated OER
Diversity and Adaptations of Organisms
Eighth graders discover how animals adapt to their surroundings. They identify physical traits and behaviors that are important to survival. They examine the results of an organism's failure to adapt.
Curated OER
High-Tech Food: Science in Your Shopping Cart
Kids are given a lot to think about, as they delve into the world of high-tech foods. They discuss GMOs, biotechnology, food enhancements and domestication. They view videos, engage in class discussions, complete worksheets, and learn...
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...
Curated OER
Brays Bayou Spiderwort Genetic Study
Students formulate hypothesis based upon data gathered by examining possible crosses of spiderworts using Punnett squares. They present explanations for physiological adaptations of spiderworts that resulted from interactions within the...
Curated OER
Preying on Beans
Students act as predators searching for prey (beans) in two different settings to demonstrate the processes of adaptation and selection.
Curated OER
Mealworm Metamorphosis
Students observe offspring (mealworms) that do not initially resemble their parent organism (darkling beetles) throughout complete metamorphosis. They also create and maintain an appropriate habitat for the mealworms.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
How Novel Icefish Genes Can Improve Human Health
Designed to accompany the 13-minute video The Making of the Fittest: The Birth and Death of Genes, this handout serves as both a viewing guide during the video and an analysis of how the adaptations of the icefish might help treat some...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Color Variation over Time in Rock Pocket Mouse Populations
A species-specific look at natural selection, the resource herein examines how adaptations have helped the population of rock pocket mice survive in a changing landscape. To begin, middle or high schoolers watch a 10.5 minute video,...
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...
Curated OER
All in the (Insect) Family
Students participate in a series of activities in order to explore the diversity of insects. They explore how insects are grouped and categorized.