Curated OER
Simulation of Gene Splicing
Students use the exercise as a prelude to a "wet" lab or as a substitute for such a lab. It correlates well with colony transformation labs. This lab is recommended for students what have difficulty with the abstractions that genetic...
Curated OER
GMOs: Should We Grow Them?
Students examine the ethics of biotechnology and genetically modifying various organisms. They complete various activities and labs on GMOs and then write a position paper regarding their individual opinions on the subject.
Curated OER
Biotechnology, GMOs and Food
Twelfth graders explore controversy around genetically modified foods, identify source of controversy, and role play town hall meeting on genetically modified foods, to examine viewpoints and arguments for and against genetic modification.
Curated OER
Rennet Cultured Cheese
Fifth graders make cheese using two different methods. In this cheese making lesson, 5th graders make rennet cultured cheese following the step by step directions. They also make cheese using a genetically engineered bacteria that makes...
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...
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...
Virginia Department of Education
Biotechnological Issues and Bioethics
Culminate a bioethics unit with the implementation of a lesson that incorporates the Socratic method to encourage class feedback and participation. Pupils participate in a discussion on bioethics and morality, complete a writing seminar,...
Chicago Botanic Garden
Calculating Your Carbon Footprint
Unplugging from technology for one day per week will decrease your carbon footprint—are you up to the challenge? Part two in a series of three allows individuals to explore their personal carbon footprints. By first taking a quiz at home...
Curated OER
Temperature and the Tomato
You will need a photovoltaic system and monitor at your school in order to obtain all of the data required to thoroughly implement this lesson. Your class monitors daily temperature and insolation amounts over a two week span of time....
Curated OER
Heredity Mix 'n Match
Learners randomly select jelly beans that represent genes for several human traits such as tongue-rolling ability and eye color. Then, working in pairs (preferably of mixed gender), students randomly choose new pairs of jelly beans from...
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...
Curated OER
Simulation of Gene Splicing
Students simulate gene splicing by examining bacteria. They create a bacterial DNA into which they insert the human DNA (gene) that codes for growth hormone. They cut the sites of the enzyme to study how the human DNA can be joined to...
Curated OER
Science: Designer genes
Students engineer new organisms using biotechnology. In small groups, they write procedures, list benefits and drawbacks, and explain how their new organism might affect the environment. After creating their new organisms, they present...
Curated OER
Issues in Genomics
Students explore the definition of ethics and genomics. In this organism lesson students participate in the chosen teacher lesson.
Chicago Botanic Garden
Calculating Your Ecological Footprint
You can lower your ecological footprint by recycling! Lesson four in this series of five has individuals, through the use of a computer, calculate their ecological footprints. Through discussions and analysis they determine how many...
Curated OER
The Challenge to Deliver Insulin
Students study the types of diabetes and why insulin is important. In this diabetes lesson students build molecular models and create a healthy lifestyle plan.
Curated OER
Biotechnology and The Chocolate Milk Cow
Learners discuss new discoveries that have resulted from the use of recombinant DNA technology and otehr biotechnology. In groups, they create a transgenic cow capable of producing chocolate-flavored milk.
Curated OER
The Perfect Cow?
Students examine how cattle have evolved through natural selection and selective breeding. In this natural selection lesson students compare and contrast natural and artificial selection.
Curated OER
The Challenge to Deliver Insulin
Learners investigate these fundamental chemical and cellular processes. They recognize the long-term danger that comes from a diet of fast food, chips, and soda, realize that avoiding diabetes is their responsibility, and establish...
Curated OER
High Tech Food
Learners view videos, read, and fill in charts about agriculture production. In this agriculture lesson plan, students complete these agriculture activities and explore careers in agriculture.
Curated OER
Biotech in a Bag
Learners carry out a series of experiments using self-locking plastic baggies. Each experiment demonstrates a phenomenon or principle of biotechnology.
Curated OER
Taxonomy Project
Students act as a taxonomist and, given a certain situation, classify existing organisms.
Curated OER
GM Foods: Are They Safe?
Students examine the process for testing GM foods. They research benefits and hazards of a selection of GM foods. They also create images of new labels and marketing for GM foods.