Biology Junction
Evolution – Diversity of Life
Scientists noticed animals with backbones share similar bone structure despite having different forms, such as fins, arms, and wings. Young scientists gain an appreciation for evolution by understanding the history of the theory. They...
Curated OER
Climbing the Double Helix: DNA Lesson Plans
With the right DNA lesson plans, students can learn about the structure and function of DNA.
Virginia Department of Education
A Dichotomous Key of Virginia’s Native Plants
Can your class correctly classify plant species? Individuals explore native plants of the local environment and correctly classify them into their respective categories. They investigate differences in the plants and discuss similarities...
Discovery Education
The Science of Addiction: The Story of Teens
Users of Discovery Education's interactive on the biology of addiction examine common misconceptions about opioids and learn about the factors that cause addiction. Additionally, they listen to the stories of three teens and their...
Curated OER
Massif Mystery
After reviewing plate tectonic theories and the discovery of both the Atlantis Massif and the Lost City hydrothermal vents, earth science learners complete a worksheet and participate in discussions about what the types of rock found...
Curated OER
Galapagos - Discover the Diversity
Pretend you are exploring a newly discovered species of fish in the Galapagos. Your budding marine biologists access FishBase Database's list of marine/brackish fishes and choose one to research. The link through this website does not...
Curated OER
Biotechnology and The Chocolate Milk Cow
Students discuss new discoveries that have resulted from the use of recombinant DNA technology and otehr biotechnology. In groups, they create a transgenic cow capable of producing chocolate-flavored milk.
Curated OER
Exploring Explorations
Students describe human benefits from ocean exploration. In this ocean exploration lesson, students focus on the historical, biological, and physical features of the deep oceans and man's exploration.
Curated OER
Magnificent Microscopes
Students use a microscope in a series of activities that are designed to help them explore the "invisible world" and make meaningful microscopic discoveries and learn the importance of the microscope as a tool in science and research.
Curated OER
Seed Dispersion of Strawberries and Dandelions
Young scholars investigate how seeds are dispersed on land. In this plant biology lesson plan, students use a dissecting microscope to study strawberry seeds and dandelion seeds, they draw what they see, then create a hypothesis on the...
Curated OER
Genetic Research: Decisions to be Made
Students examine the genetics involved in the human genome. They brainstorm the advantages and disadvantages to this discovery. They research different experts opinion and write a case study which addresses an ethical dilemma.
Curated OER
Plant and Animal Cells: Alike and Different?
Seventh graders create a mneumonic device and a graphic organizer about the parts of plant and animal cells. In this biology lesson plan students are introduced to the parts of the cells and then work in groups to create projects that...
Curated OER
Finding the Structure: Pieces of the Puzzle
Students gather information about DNA. In this biology lesson, students watch video clips of scientists discussing their contribution to the understanding of DNA, then work a puzzle correlating information to scientist. Lesson includes...
Curated OER
Mendel Pea Plants
In this Mendelian genetics worksheet, high schoolers answer a variety of questions about Mendel's experiments and discoveries and they practice determining probability of outcomes in pea plants.
Curated OER
Plant Pollination
Students investigate methods of pollination for various flowers. In this plant biology lesson plan, students learn the parts of a flower and form a hypothesis about the method of pollination for the flower. They determine the validity of...
Montana Natural History Center
Studying Grassland Ecosystems
At first glance, grassland ecosystems might seem dull and uninteresting, but once you start to explore it's amazing the things you'll find! Through this series of engaging lessons, activities, and experiments, elementary students examine...
Curated OER
Palm Use in Biology
Students view bacteria through a microscope. They draw and label the bacteria using microbiology software loaded onto their Palms.
Curated OER
The Race for the Double Helix
Young scholars participate in an ethics-based simulation. In this ethics lesson, students role play research scientists working to decipher a code. Young scholars work in small collaborative groups and must interact with other small...
Curated OER
Lasers Saving Sight
Young scholars review some basic biology by talking about how the eye works. They cover the concepts behind laser surgery as a treatment for saving sight. They begin to recognize the overlap of disciplines (physics and biology) required...
Curated OER
2005 Submarine Ring of Fire Expedition: What's for Dinner?
Students compare and contrast photosynthesis and chemosynthesis as sources of primary production for biological communities, and describe sources of primary production observed in biological communities associated with volcanoes of the...
Curated OER
The Fractal Geometry of Nature
Learners identify patterns found in nature. In this algebra lesson, students model situation in nature using fractals. They investigate biological geometric structures and draw conclusion based on geometric concepts.
Curated OER
Lesson Plan: The Cell- A Historical Perspective
Young scholars discover the impact the invention of the microscope had on scientific discovery as well as the concept of spontaneous generation and the cell theory. Students examine these scientific concepts through a WebQuest and by...
Curated OER
Look At Those Leaves
Learners observe leaves. In this plant biology instructional activity, students examine leaves and classify them according to size, shape, and color. Learners learn more about the leaves by visiting suggested websites.
Curated OER
The Cell - Internet Activity
In this cells worksheet, students click on the links to learn about the plant and animal cells complete a comparison chart and answer short answer questions about it. Students complete 10 questions total.