After looking at the many aspects of the issues behind genetic testing, students are exposed to the pros and cons and must take a stand by writing a position paper. They will view the "Who Gets to Know?" video and/or reading case studies...

How do changes in DNA affect an organism? Scholars explore chromosomes, genes, DNA, and mutations by modeling the DNA of a strawberry. They build a DNA model, then manipulate it to show how changing the genes transforms the strawberry...

Students engage in DNA manipulation using forensics techniques. Students investigate topics involved in forensics studies such as cloning, electrophoresis, gene mapping, replication, and transcription.

Students explore DNA microarrays. In this genetics lesson, students model DNA microarrays that are used by scientists. Students work to determine levels of breast cancer genes in patients. They will determine the treatment required based...

Biology aces analyze restriction maps to determine the relationships among different primate species and then complete a cladogram. Preface this lesson with an explanation of how restriction enzymes are used to create the DNA maps....

Students identify the structures that actually assort independently. They are taught how gene maps are produced. Students compare the processes of mitosis and meiosis. They are shown their (mitosis and meiosis) significane to sexual...

Students create models of chromosomes using clay, coins, beads, or marbles. They complete a worksheet regarding their crossover frequencies they created with their chromosomes and gene models. They read an essay on sex chromosomes and...

Students are introduced to mapping by crossover frequency. Genes travel as packaged trains on chromosomes. They use this experiment, genetic mapping assignment, that allow students to quickly complete the assignment and yet examine the...

What do cats and human DNA have in common? The second lesson of a series focuses on the mapping of mammal genomes. Scholars learn about the structure of DNA as they compare the chromosomes of humans and felines.

Students read and discuss the background of plants, seeds, and gene banks and grow seeds on their own. In this seeds lesson plan, students also use maps to identify seed banks and research plant farmers.

Students define attributes of human chromosomes and match them to make a human karyotype.  In this investigative lesson students demonstrate how traits are encoded in genes found on chromosomes. 

Young scholars choose a fish from anywhere within the Ocean Center. They observe it for a given time, recording its behavior. Students comprehend the concept that living things have individual characteristics that enable them to live in...

Students explore DNA restriction mapping. They cut pieces of paper into lengths representing those produced when specific enzymes are used to cut a strand of DNA.

Can peas have grandparents? Learn about inherited traits and heredity with a set of activities focused on Mendelian genetics. As your class learns about the process of passing traits along in Punnett squares, they take on the role of...

Students study the details of DNA restriction analysis and how RFLP's are used to locate genes on a map of DNA.

Students explain the difference between dominant and recessive genes, identify what causes differences in the traits of parents and their offspring, and explain how sex is determined. They will also improve their reading and...

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...

Students create a checklist of traits common in all of their families. Uisng a table, they compare and contrast their family members to non-family members. They also review dominant and recessive traits and discuss how knowing about...

Students develop an understanding of the role both nature and nurture play in determining an individual's traits. Using a website, students answer questions about nature and nurture in order to solve the riddle, What do you call a smart...

Students create mixed breed dogs using paper illustrations of various breeds. They label dogs created by students using the Genetics Center and discuss the aspects of genetics that affect the outcome of the various projects.

Young scholars develop a matrix to determine the number of differences between each set of primate species. They determine closely related organisms then complete the cladogram and answer a set of questions.

Four intriguing and scientific activities invite learners to explore the natural resources of their town. The activities cover concepts such as genetic traits, organizing species in a taxonomy, the differences between different species...

Tenth graders work in teams to order events of DNA transcription and translation protein synthesis. In the second lesson, they put the steps of mitosis and meiosis in order using a concept map poster. They use modeling clay to create...

Students explore genetic engineering and issues related to risks and benefits of altering agricultural products.