If you knew that you were likely to develop Alzheimer's disease in your future, how would it affect your life in the meantime? This and other similar thought-provoking questions are discussed in a lesson plan about the availability of...

Young scientists demonstrate their creativity while completing several activities, to assess genetic variations and mutations. Instructors provide a list of options and scientists choose to write a comic strip, create a book,...

Students examine the genetics involved in the human genome. They brainstorm the advantages and disadvantages to this discovery. They research different experts opinion and write a case study which addresses an ethical dilemma.

High schoolers investigate the pros and cons of genetic engineering. They watch a short Bill Moyers video, conduct Internet research, create a poster, participate in a pro/con debate, and write an essay expressing their personal feelings...

How did scientists determine the cause of illness before technology? Science scholars play the role of medical researcher in an engaging guided inquiry activity. Using observations, technical reading, and Punnett squares, learners...

When it comes to the origin of the human species students are full of misconceptions. Clear up the hominid confusion with this evolutionary activity focused on assisting students in understanding prehistoric man and his family tree....

Students investigate different purposes for manipulating DNA. After reviewing the structure and functions of DNA, students explore topics related to the use or manipulation of DNA and the potential benefits and problems, later making a...

Find out the science behind ancestry testing! Investigators watch a video exploring how ancestry works before participating in a hands-on group activity. Scholars role play scientists while learning about testing protocols and test...

Young scholars choose topics for research based on human genetics and heredity. They conduct research via the Internet and write a brief explanation of the milestone in genetics and heredity and attach it to a class timeline. They...

Students explore the concepts of phenotypes and genotypes.  In this genetics lesson students work together to pick a superhero and determine the traits of the offspring. 

Students explore genetic disorders. They examine the genetic structure to physicial manifestations of various disabilities. Using internet sources, students analyze the characteristics of genetic disorders, whether they can be cured or...

Students investigate the risks of genetically modified organisms. They examine web site that contain information about GMO's and share the information with other adults.

Students are introduced to the concept of genetic engineering. In groups, they participate in a variety of experiments, in which they analyze the effect of chemicals on different substances. Using the internet, they research gossypol,...

Students create PowerPoint presentation on the topic they researched. In this biology lesson, students fill out a storyboard about their topic. They share their project in class.

Students explore genetic variation within a population. In this genetic adaptation lesson plan, students investigate the reasons contributing to genetic adaptation. Students collaborate and analyze DNA models. Multiple resources are...

How are the reactions between American and European consumers different when it comes to genetically modified foods? Use the New York Times article "Consumers in Europe Resist Gene-Altered Foods" to inform your middle schoolers...

Students explore and discuss genetics stories and answer questions about genetic outcomes of offspring. In this genetics activity, students read genetics stories on a web site. Students use a chart to answer questions regarding the...

Students describe genetics as if they were explaining it to a young child. After reading an article, they discover new discoveries in the human genome project. Using the internet, they research a pair of genetic terms and develop a...

Students write in their journals where they believe food comes from. After reading an article, they examine the proceses of cultivation and sale of genetically modified foods. Using the internet, they research specific countries and...

Students discover the uniqueness of deep sea hydrothermal vent organisms through an exploration of the NOAA Galapagos Rift Expedition. They study the genetics and evolution of a shrimp species that lives near the vents then they...

Students read a New York Times article associated with the issue of the decoding for genomes, the creation of life in scientific laboratories and various genetic engineering topics. They present speeches of the pro's and con's of these...

Students gather information about gene sequencing. In this biology lesson, students use the Internet to access information about gene sequencing, then work in pairs to read and record a gene sequence. Lesson includes extension activities.

Students use the Internet to gather information about genetics, then research a genetic disorder. In this biology lesson, students listen to an interview with a geneticist, watch an animation of "chromosome coiling", then research and...

Students construct various virus models using Fruit loops and Alphabits to represent nucleotides and molecules. They constructs capsomeres using shoes as the capsomeres and discuss various viruses.