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...

High school learners read and discuss an article about genetic ancestry and genetic ancestry testing. They complete a paper and pencil activity that mimics the function of a DNA microarray and consider the ethics of genetic testing in...

Engage young biologists in exploring the mysteries of life with this collection of hands-on activities. Enlisting the help of numerous digital resources, students get an up-close look at the structure of plant and animal...

Scholars become detectives and use science to solve a crime! A complete unit introduces DNA and includes hands-on activities that have learners model DNA and extract it from different food types. A culminating activity challenges...

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.

How do cells know when to replicate, transcribe, and stop? James E. Darnell, Jr. shifted from studying medicine to biochemistry and decided to address this mystery. Learn about his research, discoveries, and the impact on future medical...

Students review what they already know about DNA. After reading an article, they discover a new technique to map the course of evolution. In groups, they create ways to present this material to younger children and research DNA's uses.

Scientific knowledge of genetic information has grown quickly over the last decade. An interactive lesson has learners research the role of science and medicine in diagnosing and treating genetic disorders. They consider the job of the...

Personalized medicine prevents many trial-and-error scenarios when time counts the most. Learn how gene expression and screening genomes improves health outcomes in cancer patients, those with auto-immune disorders, and more. An online...

Take young naturalists on an exploration of the world's tropical rainforests with this extensive collection of lessons and activities. Whether its creating leaf and flower prints or investigating the absorption spectrum of...

Students synthesize information gathered from the web on reading the DNA code. In this upper-level biology lesson, students use an online resource to gain information about DNA codes and then create posters on what they have learned....

Mr. Bergman has been murdered and we need you to solve the crime! The cross-curricular unit covers 11 different types of forensic science and includes 17 activities. Scholars perform blood type analysis, blood spatter analysis,...

Share their opinions on the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations. After reading an article, they evaluate the pros and cons of the databases and work in groups to answer discussion questions. They write a letter to a state...

Pupils examine new vocabulary words from a news report about human DNA being implanted in rice and grown in Kansas. Students read the article and discuss the vocabulary terms as well as take a quiz and complete a worksheet to help them...

Students study DNA and how it was discovered.  In this biology lesson students see the effects of mapping the human genome would have. 

Young scholars investigate the protein cytochrome c in an attempt to use its genetic chemistry to study possible evolutionary relationships between organisms. The lesson integrates technology with the use computers to perform DNA analysis.

This is mostly an exploration of race through an interactive website, class readings, and discussion. Individuals take an online quiz about race, they answer questions on a worksheet by visiting another website, and discover that race is...

Find out the science behind ancestry testing! Investigators watch a video exploring how ancestry works before participating in a hands-on group activity. Scholars role play scientists while learning about testing protocols and test...

Have you ever been so tired you missed a major announcement? Eric Wieschaus woke to a call explaining he won the Nobel Prize, but he thought it was just a dream until Christiane Nusslein-Volhard, a co-winner, explained it to him later...

Mutations are not just deformed creatures we see in movies—they happen every day! Scholars study the different types of genetic mutations in the 12th installment of a series of 18 lessons. A creative activity uses candy and other food...

Your standard word search activity, this worksheet uses terms specific to the concept of cell reproduction such as cytokinesis, meiosis, and transfer RNA. There are 24 terms to find in this activity but the online interactive nature of...

Students examine the concept of DNA. They work together to extract DNA cells from their classmate's cheek. They answer questions related to what to do with their DNA now that they have it.

Students explore genetic variation within a population. For this genetic adaptation lesson, students investigate the reasons contributing to genetic adaptation. Students collaborate and analyze DNA models. Multiple resources are provided.

Students investigate the dangers of radiation by exploring recent nuclear tragedies.  For this scientific debate lesson, students define the idea of radiation "half life" and determine if low doses of radiation are truly damaging to...