Curated OER
From Restriction Maps to Cladograms
Biology aces analyze restriction maps to determine the relationships among different primate species and then complete a cladogram. Preface this instructional activity with an explanation of how restriction enzymes are used to create the...
Curated OER
DNA's Discovery and Structure
With a professional appearance, this presentation introduces advanced biology learners to the history and structure of the DNA molecule. The details included in this resource are definitely more in-depth than what you would expose a...
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
RNA Was the First Genetic Molecule
Can organic molecules come from a pre-biotic environment? Stanley Lloyd Miller proved it is possible when exactly the right conditions exist. Learn about his experiment and the other experiments later building off of it that changed the...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Stalking the Genetic Basis of a Trait
Need an a-maize-ing lesson to show your class how regulatory genes work? If you use the well-written resource, they'll be all ears! Biology scholars discover the gene responsible for the evolution of the modern-day corn plant through a...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Using DNA to Trace Human Migration
Can scientists trace all humans back to a small region in Africa? An intriguing lesson turns back time to reveal artifacts leading scientists to believe human life originated in Africa and dispersed from there.
Exploratorium
Breakfast Proteins - Construct a Protein through Cereal Additions
Match my cereal sequence. Pupils view a sequence made by colorful cereal rings and create copies of it. Learners must either remember or write down the sequence to transport the code to another location. Scholars replicate the cereal...
Curated OER
DNA. RNA, and Proteins
A comprehensive five-page quiz or study guide covering DNA and its related processes. Young geneticists will need a strong understanding in order to complete this handout, which includes multiple choice, matching, compare/contrast, and...
Biology Junction
Nucleic Acids
In this DNA instructional activity, learners identify the different parts of the DNA and color them. They complete 16 short answer and fill in the blank questions on DNA.
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
Evolution and Genes
In this evolution and genes learning exercise, students answer 10 multiple choice questions related to genetics, DNA, polygenic traits and heredity.
Curated OER
GenEng
Students investigate the process of genetic engineering. In this genetic engineering lesson plan, students use paper models of DNA and plasmid bacterium to investigate the process of replicating DNA, splicing genes from DNA, and...
Curated OER
Protein Synthesis
In this protein synthesis learning exercise, students use a given strand of DNA to write the complimentary base pairs. They transcribe the message to the RNA and then they translate the message into the proper amino acids using the...
Curated OER
Producing a Strain of E. coli that Glows in the Dark
Learners observe the experimental process called bacterial transformation and demonstrate phenotype changes in bacteria that have been transformed with an antibiotic-resistance gene and a metabolic marker. They create a luminescent...
Curated OER
And the Verdict Is...
Students identify the unique pattern DNA forms in each individual, and how that pattern can be used to identify criminals. They have the opportunity to simulate the process of matching DNA samples to those taken at a crime scene.
Curated OER
Mendelian and Non-Mendelian Heredity
Tenth graders discuss their physical features, and why they look the way they do. They listen as the teacher discusses DNA, alleles, and dominant or recessive genes. Students perform an experiment with different colored markers...
Curated OER
Cracking the Genetic Code
Students explain what the knowledge of DNA can tell us about ourselves and other organisms and species. They also explore the systematic study of the human genome.
Curated OER
Building a Model DNA
Students explain the function of DNA in the body. In this biology lesson, students build a DNA model using simple materials. They demonstrate how bases pair up in the helix.
Curated OER
DNA and RNA
Tenth graders research the history and discovery of DNA. Using their text, they label a basic DNA structure and the composition of genes. They explain how RNA and DNA differ from one other and discuss the processes of transcription and...
Curated OER
Design Yer Genes
Seventh graders explore general structure of and natural changes that occur in DNA strands, and discuss concept of genetic engineering by creating small portion of strawberry chromosome with three genes, modeling naturally occurring...
Curated OER
Codon Bingo
Learners participate in a stimulating game that involves deciphering the genetic code. They practice transcription and translation of codons while playing the game.
Curated OER
Genetics and Molecular Biology
Students create DNA models using colored construction papers. In this biology instructional activity, students identify enzyme restriction sites. They model how DNA plasmids replicate when taken up by a bacterial cell.
Curated OER
The Genetics of Antibody Diversity
Students distinguish between the light and heavy chain sections. In this biology lesson, students simulate the DNA splicing process. They calculate antibody diversity using the information given.
Curated OER
Genetic Engineering
Students discuss the risks and benefits associated with biotechnology. In this biotechnology lesson, students discuss the role of genes in the body and brainstorm ethical issues relating to biotechnology. They read about an ethical issue...
Curated OER
How Is the Genetic Code Ultimately Translated Into a Protein?
Students examine the functions of mRNA, rRNA and tRNA. They explain the steps in the protein synthesis process. They practice using new vocabulary as well.