Towson University
Berries...With a Side of DNA? (High School)
Is DNA still present after picking fruit or cooking vegetables? Biology scholars extract and collect DNA strands in an impactful lab. Working groups prepare their samples and compare their results to negative and positive standard...
Towson University
Berries...With a Side of DNA?
Sometimes science lab can be ... delicious! Middle school science scholars extract DNA from strawberries and other fruits in an engaging lab activity. The teacher's guide includes pacing, materials list, and worksheets with answer keys.
Towson University
Chestnut Tree Lab
What will your class learn in a curious tale of a fungus, a virus, and a chestnut tree? Biology scholars discover the world of viral biocontrols through a DNA restriction lab. Groups research the decline of the American chestnut tree at...
Towson University
The Wildlife Forensics Lab
Can science put an end to the poaching of endangered species? Show your young forensic experts how biotechnology can help save wildlife through an exciting electrophoresis lab. Grouped pupils analyze shark DNA to determine if it came...
Curated OER
Extracting DNA from Your Cells
Three steps are needed to extract DNA from learners' inner cheek cells. The procedure and reasons for each step are explained. As enzymes work on the cells, a series of questions are answered regarding the structure of the DNA molecule....
Curated OER
Mitosis Cookies Activity
Reward biology learners for working hard in their mitosis lesson with a sweet snack at the end! They begin by twisting apart creme-filled cookies and using the icing as a cytoplasm. Colored candy sprinkles make up chromosome pairs,...
Curated OER
DNA Cut and Paste Activity
Here is a cut and paste activity worksheet designed for older students. They fill in the blank with information about the composition of DNA, then create a DNA strand with its complimentary nucleotide chain.
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...
Curated OER
Were the babies switched? – The Genetics of Blood Types
Human biology or genetics learners apply their knowledge to a unique situation: two newborn baby girls being possibly switched in the hospital. The engaging activity ends with a Punnett squares assignment in which pupils...
Serendip
Genetics
A handout on genetic inheritance begins with a reading on alleles and how they can result in albinism. Junior geneticists learn to complete Punnett squares and participate in a coin toss simulation of allele pairing. They also learn...
Towson University
Case of the Crown Jewels
Can your biology class crack the Case of the Crown Jewels? Junior forensics experts try their hands at DNA restriction analysis in an exciting lab activity. The lesson introduces the concept of restriction analysis, teaches pipetting and...
Curated OER
DNA Fingerprinting Simulation
In this DNA fingerprinting simulation worksheet, students perform an activity that represents using a gel electrophoresis. Students decide who commits a crime in a forensics style lab.
Western Kentucky University
Understanding Genetics: Punnett Squares
Can scientists really predict genetic outcomes or are they simply making a lucky guess? Scholars first learn about Gregor Mendel and how to make Punnett squares. Then they extract DNA from a strawberry in a lab with included conclusion...
Curated OER
An Inventory of My Traits
In this biology activity, students identify and describe a number of easily observable genetic traits and compare the traits they have with other students. Then they identify and describe that some traits are common while others are not...