Curated OER
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Students reflect on the role of DNA in society since its discovery in 1953 by creating works of art and poetry that metaphorically illustrate the importance, influence and concerns of DNA research.
Curated OER
Cracking the Genetic Code
Young scholars investigate different purposes for manipulating DNA. After reviewing the structure and functions of DNA, students explore topics related to the use or manipulation of DNA and the potential benefits and problems, later...
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 instructional activity, they put the steps of mitosis and meiosis in order using a concept map poster. They use modeling...
Curated OER
RNA Worksheet
In this RNA worksheet, students determine the function of mRNA and tRNA and create an mRNA strand from a given DNA strand. Students describe and compare the 3 types of RNA. This worksheet has 1 drawing, 2 fill in the blank, and 14 short...
Curated OER
Review of Molecular Biology
In this molecular biology worksheet, learners complete 50 multiple choice questions on DNA and RNA replication, translation and transcription.
Curated OER
Genome: A Tour and Genetic Disorder Brochure
Learners use the Internet to gather information about genetics, then research a genetic disorder. In this biology lesson, students listen to an interview with a geneticist, watch an animation of "chromosome coiling", then research and...
Curated OER
Biology: Genetics and Heredity
Seventh graders explore the connection between genetics and heredity by examining the cellular structure. Among the numerous activities to engage students are drawing DNA molecules, vocabulary puzzle sheets, and predicting possible...
Curated OER
Dedication to Douglass
Students study the controversy surrounding the proposed Frederick Douglass Circle monument in Central Park. They review the notion of historical inaccuracy by reading and discussing the article, "In Douglass Tribute, Slave Folklore and...
Curated OER
Forensic Files
Students create a model of DNA and relate it to the differences between individual people in their nitrogen base sequences. They analyze a crime scenario in which they perform several different types of tests.
Curated OER
Extracting DNA
Learners explore DNA, genes, chromosomes and the chemicals that make up DNA. They research Internet resources to develop their knowledge of DNA. They conduct an experiment to separate DNA from peas and create a poster that they can use...
American Museum of Natural History
All About Cloning
Start seeing double. The American Museum of Natural History website provides pupils with information about Dolly, the cloned sheep. Learners find out the procedure used to create Dolly along with why scientists clone animals.
Kenan Fellows
Unit 4: Bioethics and the Future of Biotechnology
What's the future of biotechnology? Explore a hot topic in the fourth and final unit in a series of Biotechnology lessons. Learners develop an understanding of the many issues in bioethics, then create an argument for or against the role...
Science Friday
Colorful Chromosomes
Everything is in the genes. Individuals observe 14 different traits of themselves. Using pipe cleaners and beads, the learners create models of a chromosome representing their traits. The class then compares and contrasts everyone's...
Towson University
Transformation Lab
Transform your class' understanding of genes and antibiotic resistance with the Transformation Lab. Junior geneticists create and observe their own resistant strains of E. coli through research, discussion, and experimentation. The...
University of Colorado
Punnett Squares with Piebald Deer
Explore the science behind Earth's amazing diversity of life with this instructional activity on genetics. Looking at specific traits in piebald deer, carnations, and roan cattle, young scientists use Punnett...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
HIV Protease Inhibitors
How do doctors fight a virus that's constantly mutating? Show science scholars how we fight HIV using one of its own most fundamental processes through a thoughtful demonstration. The lesson focuses on how protease inhibitors prevent HIV...
Science Geek
Polymers
A pirate's favorite amino acid is Arrrrginine! Presentation begins with the difference between a monomer and a polymer. Then it applies that to carbohydrates and proteins and ends with DNA and plastics. Presentation is the last in a...
Curated OER
Gel Electrophoresis: Sort and See the DNA
Students construct DNA fingerprints. In this genetics lesson, students watch an on-line gel electrophoresis animation, then they work in groups to use a restriction map to create a restriction enzyme and use that to arrange a DNA...
Curated OER
Dealing with DNA Controversy
Pupils research controversial statements about biological applications and write a persuasive essay. In this biology lesson plan, students are assigned a controversial statement as a research topic, then they use this topic to create a...
Curated OER
Ecosystems Beneath the Surface
Sixth graders create a KWL chart about microorganisms. In this biology lesson, 6th graders create and label a diagram on a microbial mat. They investigate the processes involved in the carbon, oxygen and sulfur cycles.
Curated OER
The Cloning of Plasmid and Spinach DNA
Students will first extract genomic DNA from spinach and perform a restriction enzyme digestion on both the spinach DNA and the plasmid using the same restriction enzyme. They then ligate the cut plasmid DNA with the cut spinach DNA in...
Curated OER
Extraction of DNA from White Onion
High schoolers conduct lab test with minced onion to determine where chromosonal DNA is located within the cell, and whether or not it can be extracted.
Curated OER
DNA, Protein Synthesis and Mutations
Tenth graders investigate the chemical composition of DNA and RNA and how they work together to synthesize protein. They discover genetic codes, gene chromosome theory, and how the environment influences our appearance.
Curated OER
Cloning of Plasmid and Spinach DNA
Students ligate fragments of genomic DNA from spinach into a vector plasmid. They perform a restriction enzyme digestion. Student use a ligated DNA molecule to transform E. coli cells. Students analyze their procedures and outcome of...