Curated OER
Why do we need Vitamin C in our diet? Or Why do we carry old inactive genes in our genome?
Students explore and explain how mutations in the DNA sequence of a gene may be silent or result in phenotypic change in an organism and in its offspring. They analyze how evolution and biodiversity are the result of genetic changes that...
Virginia Department of Education
Biotechnological Issues and Bioethics
Culminate a bioethics unit with the implementation of a activity that incorporates the Socratic method to encourage class feedback and participation. Pupils participate in a discussion on bioethics and morality, complete a...
Virginia Department of Education
Adaptation and Evolution
Um may be the atomic symbol for confusion, but it won't be needed in this lesson. Scholars rotate through seven stations completing experiments, hands-on activities, writing exercises, and analysis. Stations include material on...
Curated OER
Molecular Approaches to Evolution
Students are introduced to working with molecular data. The first activity does both simulated and original data are used to compare amino acid, protein or DNA differences to construct phylogenetic trees or cladograms. These activities...
Curated OER
The Cytochrome-C Lab
Students examine a method biologists use to try to determine relationships. They examine how amino acid sequences have been determined for a number of proteins, and how scientists can make inferences about DNA based on the amino acid...
Curated OER
Island Biogeography and Evolution
Young scholars use this activity as a logic problem that is based on real organisms and real data. The problem is to develop phylogenies for seven related populations of lizards living on the Canary Islands. Three phylogenetic charts...
Curated OER
The Spanish Omelet
Young scholars use analogies to show the relationships among cell, nucleus, genes, chromosome, ribosome, replication, mitosis, transcription, translation, DNA, RNA, amino acids and proteins, genotype, phenotype, and genetics vs....
Curated OER
Translating Genetic Information
Students explore the process of translation. They determine the correct sequencing and present their strands to the class. In addition, they compare normal red blood cells to sickle cells and complete discussion questions.
Curated OER
Basic Introduction to Foundation of Life: Genes, Genetics and Genetic Diseases
Learners are introduced to genetics along with genetic diseases and heredity. In groups, they complete a Punnett Square to determine the dominant and recessive genes. After viewing diagrams, they identify the characteristics of DNA and...
Curated OER
Biology Honors Final Project
Tenth graders work on a project about cellular biology and genetics. In this biology lesson, 10th graders research about the assigned human body system and genetic disorders that affect it. They create a multimedia presentation and...
Curated OER
A Lab Trilogy for Beginning Biology Teachers
Young scholars are able to explain their models to other students and to their parents. Then young scholars like to decorate the room by hanging the models or constructing mobiles of a number of models.
Curated OER
Gene Action/Mutation Worksheet
Young scholars define the following terms: mutation, mutagen and give examples of how they work. They also define and illustrate a point mutation. Students define and illustrate a frame shift mutation and name two types of frame shift...
Curated OER
Find the Index Case
Students investigate the tracking of viral diseases. They view experiments that compare the genome of the virus known to cause the disease from different areas. Students analyze how these scientists try to figure out the relationships...
Curated OER
The Human Genome Project: WebQuest Jigsaw
Twelfth graders research facts about the Human Genome Project. In this biology lesson, 12th graders brainstorm on the pros and cons of this project. They complete the jigsaw puzzle and present their findings in class.
Curated OER
How Cells Reproduce
Learners construct a mitosis flip book. For this biology lesson, students describe the different stages of mitosis. They discuss the importance of cell reproduction.
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
Polymerase Chain Reaction Activity
Students explain the importance and function of enzymes. They compare and contrast the processes of DNA replication and polymerase chain reactions. They practice using new vocabulary as well.
Curated OER
Gel Electrophoresis Simulation
Students identify the steps in a gel electrophoresis experiment and describe the role of enzymes. They examine the relationship between fragment size and migration rate in a gel. They view DNA fragments as well.
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
Fractals Rock
Students identify the repeated sequences of a pattern. In this geometry lesson plan, students identify fractals in patterns and nature. They construct a fractal tree and make conjectures.
Curated OER
Fractals Rock: Investing the Fractal Tree
Young scholars investigate the relationship between fractals and sequences. In this geometry lesson, students build a fractal tree. They investigate different career fields where fractals are used in the real world.
Curated OER
Scientist Simulation
Students imagine themselves working as research scientists completing the end-steps of a molecular research project and interpreting the data. They compare the gene sequences of normal and abnormal mice and evaluate the protein product...
Curated OER
Invent PCR: You May Win a Nobel Prize
Students gain an appreciation for the simplicity, but also complexity and elegance of PCR. They comprehend all components of the protocol. Students explain exactly how CPR works, and why, after the third cycle, the predominant DNA being...
Curated OER
How to Conquer a Genetic Disease
Students study the details of DNA restriction analysis and how RFLP's are used to locate genes on a map of DNA.