Pupils explore the "genetic code." They observe how genes may be manipulated for genetic research, gene cloning, and genetic engineering. In a lab setting, students examine the mechanics involved in cutting and ligating DNAs into a...

High schoolers envision the work of a research scientist, and the relationship between molecular biology and medicine. This activity allows students to imagine themselves working as research scientists by asking them to complete the...

Students gather information about gene banks. In this biology instructional activity, students work in groups to complete an activity sheet about genetic databases and organism genomes. Lesson includes extension ideas.

Students explore genetics through various hands-on activities. In this biology lesson, students predict the probability of offspring genotypes and phenotypes using the Punnett Square. They explain the causes of genetic abnormalities.

Young scholars explain how DNA directs the production of proteins.

Pupils use a rapid method to render the bacterium Escherichia coli "competent" in order to uptake plasmid DNA. They also have growth on the plain LB plates by the untransformed cells (which serve as controls). Students perform a cell...

Pupils explore the control of expression of DNA into proteins which is divided into two main categories: transcriptional and post-transcriptional. They construct examples of the control mechanisms and discuss disease processes that...

Students develop an understanding of the rationale of ownership over scientific information. They research commercial applications of DNA sequences. They analyze how to evaluate medical ethics issues.

Students explore genetics, chromosomes and DNA.  In this genetics instructional activity students design a chromosome and identify a family tree through genetics. 

Reviewing the key terms and ideas from a chapter about viruses and bacteria, this activity helps students to reinforce their knowledge about the makeup and life cycle of a virus. Students answer true/false questions, blanks from a word...

In this biology worksheet, students respond to 13 multiple choice questions related to cell structure and function. They identify which are microfilamets and which have a cell wall. Students also describe what chloroplasts are and their...

Ninth graders determine nucleotide sequences. They identify those base sequences that are normal, those that are normal variants and those that cause cystic fibrosis. Students use DNA nucleotide sequences to determine amino acid...

Students make cheese in their classroom! For this cheese lesson plan, students use bacteria and active culture to clot and age cheese that could be edible in the future.

High schoolers are introduced to Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium without recourse to algebra. After participating in this activity, students gain a feeling for the significance of the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium without using algebra.

Students participate in an activity that uses a simulated meal of transgenic foods in order to initiate a discussion of the controversy concerning the use of transgenic food products.

Students examine the ethics of biotechnology and genetically modifying various organisms. They complete various activities and labs on GMOs and then write a position paper regarding their individual opinions on the subject.

Students realize the importance of organisms as standards of measurement and experimentation.The first lab is a simple survival curve that demonstrates the effects of UV light on cells. The second lab looks at repair mechanisms of the...

Learners design an experiment to discriminate between chemical diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion and active transport through a membrane. Be specific about predictions and interpretations!

Young scholars explore biotechnology through various activities. In this biology lesson, students analyze its pros and cons. They study and read informative articles about biotechnology.

Students view a Power Point and complete activities related to genetic evidence of human evolution. In this molecular evolution lesson, students view and discuss a provide presentation. They search for the "tell-tale telomere" and...

Students view videos, read, and fill in charts about agriculture production. In this agriculture lesson plan, students complete these agriculture activities and explore careers in agriculture.

Students study Norman Borlaug. In this reading and math lesson, students research Norman Borlaug's work and write a narrative interview with Borlaug. Students complete a variety of activities using wheat stalks.

Create larger-than-life insects for the classroom. Bugs are usually pretty small, but during the Jurassic period they were huge. Kids use diagramming and scale conversion to enlarge a modern day insect so that it is as big as its ancient...

Students act as forensic scientists to help solve a long-standing missing persons case. They study nuclear DNA and mtDNA.