Curated OER
Kernels of Wisdom: Investigating Natural Variations in Corn
Here is a brain-popper! Corn, or more appropriately, maize, was intentionally domesticated by humans around 9,000 years ago and over a period of hundreds to thousands of years! Genetics and botany researchers have collaborated to find...
National Geographic
Exploring Modern Human Migrations
Using maps, images, websites, and handouts, learners work to understand the nature of human migrations. They compare and contrast human migration from the past to the present, identify causes for migration, and trace migration routes on...
Curated OER
Do we Really Need Wild Nature
Students research challenges with which modern biotechnology confronts wild nature. Students collect articles that relate to biotechnology and the environment. Students prepare a collaborative answer to the question, "Do we really need...
Curated OER
The Story of Corn
Students use primary sources to compare the early development of corn with current techniques of biotechnology and genetically engineered seeds, and identify plants natural to the Americas and those natural to Europe that were part of...
Curated OER
Ethical and Personal Decisions
Students will learn about the current technology of genetic testing within the
framework of the biology curriculum through a lesson-produced PowerPoint presentation: "Genetic Testing" at: http://jbois.tripod.com/index.html.
Curated OER
Breaking News: GM Cows to Produce Human Breast Milk
Students explore current events by reading and analyzing an article in class. In this human diet lesson, students read an article about cows which are being genetically modified in order to produce human breast milk for consumption....
University of Minnesota
Dendritic Spines Lab
This is your brain on drugs ... literally! Your neuroscientists-in-training examine the evidence of drug use on the human brain and how neurons change their connectivity when altered by drugs. They then work together to create testing...
Agriculture in the Classroom
A Rafter of Turkeys
How did that turkey get from the early Aztec culture to your table? Learn about the history of wild and domesticated turkeys in North America, as well as their inclusion in Thanksgiving traditions, with a two-part agricultural science...
Michigan Sea Grant
Fish Identification
Using a dichotomous key, pupils identify characteristics of fish who live in the Great Lakes and explain how these features help them survive. In small groups, class members discover what features scientists consider important and...
Curated OER
Evolution and Genes
In this psychology worksheet, students complete 5 short answer questions about traits, mutations and the theory of natural selection.
Curated OER
The History of Evolutionary Theory
Learners are introduced to the concept of evolution by natural selection from a historical standpoint. They examine the evidence and arguments that support the theory of natural selection.
Curated OER
Michigan Ecosystems: The Web They Weave
Students examine the forest ecosystem and how all life in the forest depends upon itself. In this ecological lesson, students participate in a personal connections activity where someone pulls on a string and everyone feels it,...
Curated OER
Variation in Human Skin Color
Students classify themselves according to the six skin types. In this biology lesson, students explore the causes of human skin variation. They present their findings in class.
Channel Islands Film
Island Cattle Ranching
Is cattle ranching on Santa Rosa island viable or non-viable? Rather than focusing on the issues of the transition of Santa Rosa island from a privately owned island cattle ranch to a national park, class members are asked to consider if...
Curated OER
Social Darwinism and American Laissez-faire Capitalism
Students investigate Social Darwinism. In this government systems lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture on the details of Social Darwinism and American laissez-faire capitalism. Students respond to discussion...
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of Natural History: Arctic Science: Dna and the Peopling of Siberia
Scientists from the University of Arizona are conducting Y chromosome research on native Siberians to try to determine whether there is a genetic affinity to North American native people. The rationale and direction of this research are...