Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Genetic Jewels: Building the DNA Model

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students construct segments of DNA to create a piece of jewelry.  In this genetics lesson students create a DNA sequence that they turn into something to wear. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Genetics DNA Replication

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore DNA replication. Beginning with a teacher led discussion, students examine inherited information, genes, and Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (DNA). As the teacher models the structures of DNA, tells about the contributions of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Candy DNA Model Lesson

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Young scholars explore DNA structure using materials such as Twizzlers, small colored gumdrops and/or toothpicks.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA Activities

For Teachers 6th - 7th
Students work together to identify the structure of DNA. They practice using new vocabulary as well. They create a 3-D model of DNA to complete the instructional activity.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA and Individual Differences

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students list differences between DNA-related terms and create a simple DNA circle map. They order terms including human body, organ, tissue, cell, nucleus, etc. from largest to smallest. They discuss differences and similarities among...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Macro-DNA: Doing DNA Fingerprinting and Gel Electrophoresis

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Learners 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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA Models

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students construct paper model of the DNA molecule.  In this genetics lesson, students assemble paper parts that represent nucleotides into a DNA molecule.  Extension ideas are also provided.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Learn DNA Replication

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students explore physical science by participating in a science role-play activity. In this DNA structure lesson, students discuss the different parts of the code that makes up our DNA and instructs our cells. Students utilize the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Building a DNA Molecule, Mitosis in Motion and Mutation Gossip

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students explore three lab experiments involving DNA, mitosis, and mutation. They complete activities and play games to review DNA, mitosis and mutation concepts. They build a DNA molecule and create flip cards representing mitosis in...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Testing DNA and the Death Penalty

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore issues surrounding death penalty debate and participate in a values-clarification activity to help them form their opinions on this topic. They create a talk show to discuss issues involved with DNA testing and the death...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

From Restriction Maps to Cladograms

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Biology aces analyze restriction maps to determine the relationships among different primate species and then complete a cladogram. Preface this instructional activity with an explanation of how restriction enzymes are used to create the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Evolutionary Relationships Based Upon Comparative Genetics

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers investigate the protein cytochrome c in an attempt to use its genetic chemistry to study possible evolutionary relationships between organisms. The lesson integrates technology with the use computers to perform DNA analysis.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Case of Regulation in Cells

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
After your biologists have learned about transcription, translation, and gene regulation, they work in a small group to create a poster of a system that serves as an analogy of the gene regulation process. They share their creations with...
Interactive
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

DNA Is Only the Beginning for Understanding the Human Genome

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
Mario Capecchi requested funding for a new procedure targeting genes and was rejected. Four years later, after he proved it worked, the NIH apologized and funded his research. Use an online interactive to learn about his research and the...
Activity
Exploratorium

Breakfast Proteins - Construct a Protein through Cereal Additions

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Match my cereal sequence. Pupils view a sequence made by colorful cereal rings and create copies of it. Learners must either remember or write down the sequence to transport the code to another location. Scholars replicate the cereal...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Recombinant DNA - Electrophoresis Demonstration and Problem

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Suitable for an AP Biology class, the lab found here has teen bioengineers working with plasmids to clone DNA. If you have not done a similar lab, the instructions may be rather difficult to follow. Both the teacher and learner...
Lesson Plan
Science 4 Inquiry

"Something Old, Something New..."

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Young scientists learn about DNA replication through a video and model creation. They answer analysis questions before exploring the role of mutations and then complete a summative assessment.
Lesson Plan
Science 4 Inquiry

The Monster Mash

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Young scientists create monsters by applying their knowledge of transcription and translation. They randomly find the DNA, assign it a codon, and build monsters piece by piece. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Creating New Forms of Life

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers are asked to use their imaginations to take the idea of biotechnology one step further. Before beginning this activity students read and complete a report on the book "Jurassic Park," which deals with the use of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Create A DNA Fingerprint

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students engage in a lesson that is about the DNA molecule and focuses upon the sequencing of proteins to identify individuals. They conduct research using a variety of resources and then complete the activities included in the 3 parts...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

String Cells

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Use this resource to have your class learn about the cell. This resource walks learners through the construction of a model of a cell. This project is completed in a cooperative learning group, and  reinforces the higher-order...
Interactive
PBS

NOVA Evolution Lab Game

For Students 6th - 12th Standards
Many scholars study phylogenetic trees without understanding how they are made. Through an online game, young scientists use the given data to create phylogenetic trees of increasing complexity. They rely on the trees they create to...
Lesson Plan
PBS

NOVA Evolution Lab Lesson Plan

For Students 6th - 12th Standards
It doesn't matter if you look on land, in the air, underground, or in water—evolution is everywhere. Scholars complete worksheets with multiple question types as they progress through six online missions creating phylogenic trees. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Do We Generate a Large Amount of a Specific DNA Sample?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the Polymerase Chain Reaction technique that is used to create larger amounts of a gene. They watch and discuss a PowerPoint presentation, explore a website, and write a report listing the materials needed to...