American Museum of Natural History
Keeping a Field Journal
Young scientists begin a field journal by following four steps. A real-world example of an entry showcases the different parts, including location, date, drawings, and more.
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
PHENOTYPIC AND GENOTYPIC CHANGES IN BACTERIA
Students 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...
Curated OER
Martian Mummies
Students participate in "Raiders of the Future", a role play about futuristic scientists sending a spaceship to Mars for research and exploration. They collect geological samples for analysis, discover the ruins of an ancient...
Curated OER
Gene Regulation Mechanisms
Young scholars 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...
Curated OER
Cracking the Code - Cloning Paper Plasmid
Students 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...
Curated OER
Scientist Simulation
Students 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 end-steps...
Curated OER
USING YEAST AS AN ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT MEASUREMENT TOOL
Pupils 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 DNA...
Curated OER
Chromosomes
Students explore genetics, chromosomes and DNA. In this genetics lesson students design a chromosome and identify a family tree through genetics.
Curated OER
GMOs: Should We Grow Them?
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.
Curated OER
Studying Living Organisms
Students 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.
Curated OER
Biotechnology
Students explore biotechnology through various activities. In this biology lesson, students analyze its pros and cons. They study and read informative articles about biotechnology.
Curated OER
Mystery of the Matching Marks
High schoolers 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...
Curated OER
Transcription, Translation, and the Genetics of Microbes
Students construct various virus models using Fruit loops and Alphabits to represent nucleotides and molecules. They constructs capsomeres using shoes as the capsomeres and discuss various viruses.
Curated OER
Lost Baby
Learners simulate the steps involved in creating a DNA fingerprint by the RFLP technique. They analyze RFLP patterns to determine the parentage of a missing baby.
Curated OER
Biotechnology
Students are introduced to the topic of biotechnology. Using the internet, they research issues that have been improved or brought about because of biotechnology advancements. In groups, they participate in activities in which they...
Curated OER
Teaching Biotechnology With Models
Students are introduced to biotechnology by using models. The teacher uses A Sourcebook of Biotechnology Activities, Rasmussen and Matheson project co directors. One of the activities in the book is: students use a scale models to very...
Curated OER
Molecular Evolution in Plants
Students examine chlorophylls. They explore the absorbing pigments in a variety of plants. Through activities, students determine spectrophotometrically. They compare plant proteins from the family Brassicace to assess the level of...
Curated OER
Genes
Young scholars discuss the difference between a gene, DNA, chromatid, and chromosome. They predict how changes in chromosome number or structure affect development. Students discuss what causes genetic disorders. They view a...
National Geographic
Genetic Markers: Connecting the Dots
Biology buffs simulate how genetic markers are passed among populations in order to understand how these markers can help anthropologists map human migration. A couple of volunteers leave the room while you walk the remaining learners...
Curated OER
An Introduction to Four Groups of Biologically Important Compounds
Learners learn about the four biochemicals that are important biologically. In this biochemicals lesson plan, students identify the four major groups of biochemicals including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. They are...
Curated OER
The Electrophoresis of Human Hemoglobin
High schoolers are presented with a scenario that requires them to electrophoreses human hemoglobin samples in order to confirm a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia and/or to determine whether individuals in the scenario are carriers of the...
Curated OER
Cell Cycle, Mitosis and Meiosis
Seventh graders describe the processes involved in mitosis and meiosis. In this life science lesson, 7th graders create chromosome models using strings and beads. They play a jeopardy team game at the end of the unit to review concepts...
Curated OER
Genetically Modified Food (GMF)
Explore genetically modified foods through various experiments. In this biology lesson, students discuss the safety issues related to GMF's. They conduct a PCR analysis to identify the presence of genetic modification.