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...
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
Transcription Translation Tango
Students choreograph and perform a dance to simulate transcription/translation of the DNA molecule to make a protein
Curated OER
Inheritance of Genetic Disorders
Students simulate the inheritance patterns of several different diseases caused by recessive genes. They identify and research five genetic disorders they would like to know more about and present their findings to the class.
Curated OER
DNA, Protein Synthesis and Mutations
Tenth graders investigate the chemical composition of DNA and RNA and how they work together to synthesize protein. They discover genetic codes, gene chromosome theory, and how the environment influences our appearance.
Curated OER
DNA Replication
Students construct a 3-D model of DNA. They demonstrate an awareness of base pairs in written work and in a model. Students model DNA replication using edible materials. They record concluding thoughts in their science notebooks.
Concord Consortium
3D Exploration of Bound Antibody and Antigen
Our body manufactures antibodies that are the exact shape for the antigens it encounters. The simulation shows a 3-D model of an antibody and antigen pairing. It allows young scientists to explore the complementary shapes.
Virginia Department of Education
Viruses
Germs, parasites, and viruses, oh my! Facilitate a lesson on viruses as individuals explore functions of Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. They learn how viruses compare with other organisms in nature and how they contribute to health...
Curated OER
Constructing a Phylogenetic Tree
Students are given the opportunity to analyze DNA sequence differences between organisms in order to establish a reasonable picture of the evolutionary relationships between them (Phylogenetic Tree). In the simulation form they are...
Curated OER
Designer Genes
Students view a video on DNA. They discuss mitosis, meiosis and fertilization. They use strips of paper to simulate fertilization and analyze the genotype and phenotype of the combined chromosomes.
Curated OER
Electrophoresis Analogy
Students participate in a simulation of electrophoresis separation of DNA fragments. They link arms to form DNA fragments with each student representing a nucleotide. As they move through an obstacle course they discover how fragments...
Curated OER
Using VNTR Analysis to Identify Guilt at a Crime Scene
Students collect DNA from cheek cells. They compare and contrast the processes of DNA replication and PCR. They discuss how this information can be used to determine guilt at crime scenes.
Curated OER
Protein Synthesis Activities
Pupils compare the process of protein synthesis in an analogy. They simulate the process of protein synthesis kinesthetically using index cards and write a paragraph to explain the process.
Curated OER
Bears of Banff
Learners pretend they have just entered a national park. They imagine that the park borders are all impassable mountains, and students will play the role of grizzly bears. Learners list three things every animal needs to survive, in this...
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
Sequencing the Cystic Fibrosis Gene: A Simulation
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...
Curated OER
Molecular Medicine Comes of Age
Students simulate the roles of employees of two fictional pharmaceutical companies to analyze how human genetic variation at a molecular level helps scientist better understand and treat disease. They explain the molecular structure of...
Curated OER
DNA Race Track
Twelfth graders simulate a DNA fragment running through a gel electrophoresis in a class activity. Students work in teams as a DNA sample with each person on the team representing a fragment that moves through the gel at a specific speed.
Curated OER
Cutt-Off Genes
Students explore how gene sequence analysis can be used to examine phylogenetic similarities of different organisms. Students work in groups to simulate a gel electrophoresis separation of fragments using poster board to create their gel.
Curated OER
The Race for the Double Helix
Students participate in an ethics-based simulation. In this ethics lesson plan, students role play research scientists working to decipher a code. Students work in small collaborative groups and must interact with other small groups to...
Curated OER
Wolf Pack in a Bottle
Students participate in an activity of a mock electrophoresis using paper chromatography to study DNA and genetic restriction mapping.
Serendip
From Gene to Protein via Transcription and Translation
DNA carries the codes for creating just the right protein. A well-designed lesson leads pupils through the process from start to finish and everywhere in between. Guiding questions with supporting video help scholars understand the...
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...
Virginia Department of Education
Passing Traits to Offspring
What makes each one of us unique? Lead your class in this exciting and educational activity as you uncover traits that show how each individual is different from another. Pupils explore facts about DNA technology and predict the...