Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making a Brassica Model

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Pupils apply skills they have learned to construct an accurate model of the Brassica and then work together on a group project. They analyze how the parts of a system go together, and how these parts depend on each other. Finally,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Apoptosis: Programmed Cell Death During Development

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students model the plasticity of neural pathways for memory in the brain. They simulate the cell activity according to dots on cards that they are given. They complete various simulations of different cell combinations.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Matching Flowers With Their Pollinators

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students match flowers to pollinators and construct models of flowers to demonstrate why different kinds of flowers need different kinds of pollinators. They use their flower models and the "Scientific Method Format" included in the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Heart of the Matter

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students study the heart and the circulatory system. They practice taking their pulse. They create a model of blood cells and squeeze tennis balls to demonstrate just how hard the heart muscle works.
Lesson Plan
University of Minnesota

Connect the Neurons!

For Students 5th - 8th
Create a neuron frenzy as your pupils play the part of the neurons. An engaging lesson creates a human chain of neurons that pass cotton balls posing as neurotransmitters. Scholars learn about pre- and post-synapses as they complete...
Activity
Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Viral DNA Integration

For Teachers 9th - 12th
How do viruses hijack our cells to produce more viral particles? Junior immunologists model how viral RNA integrates into a host cell's DNA using pop beads and use interactive tools to explore a virus' genome. The teacher's guide...
PPT
Curated OER

Measuring Evolution of Populations

For Teachers 9th - 12th
The Hardy-Weinberg principle is the focus of this concise slideshow.  Some vocabulary definitions are given on the first 2 slides, and the rest are given over to examples of the Hardy-Weinberg theorem. Calculations of the H-W...
PPT
Curated OER

Measuring Evolution of Populations

For Teachers 7th - 10th
The five agents of evolutionary change are reviewed in this slideshow. Definitions of common terms involved with populations and equilibrium are given, and there are some presentations of Hardy Weinberg equations for common examples of...
Lesson Plan
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network

Can We Absorb Nanoparticle Pollutants?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Just because we can't see it doesn't mean it isn't there! A growing concern for environmental scientists is toxic nanoparticles in our air and water. Young scholars conduct an experiment to demonstrate how these particles can cross our...
Lesson Plan
University of Minnesota

Dendritic Spines Lab

For Teachers 9th - 12th
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...
Activity
Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Viral DNA Integration

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
How do reverse transcriptase inhibitors work? Young virologists examine the function of azidothymidine, a drug doctors use to treat HIV patients, during a hands-on modeling activity. Groups create a strand of DNA from an HIV RNA strand...
Lesson Plan
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Curated OER

Structure of Natural Narratives

For Teachers 10th - Higher Ed Standards
Class pairs select a prompt from a provided list and tell (and record) their story to their partner. They then examine linguist William Labov's model for natural narratives, and apply his model to their tale. Next, class members watch...
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Bacteria Take Over and Down

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Bacteria outnumber all other forms of life on Earth. Scholars observe the growth of bacteria in petri dishes to understand their role in maintaining good health. Then, they observe the growth of bacteria after they introduce...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Model of Morphogenesis in Drosophila Melanogaster

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Learners investigate the following scientific terms and ideas: rates of diffusion, the role of morphogens in the development of larva, the chemical dynamics of a cell, and the significance of embryo polarity during development.
Lesson Plan
Perkins School for the Blind

Chromosome Models- Karyotyping

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Create your own karyotypes with clay in a kinesthetic genome activity. This tactile experience was created for visually impaired pupils, but can be used for all hands-on learners who are beginning to study chromosomes. The preparation...
Lesson Plan
Nuffield Foundation

Modelling the Human Ventilation System

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Why is breathing so difficult for asthma sufferers? To find out, learners build their own lung models in the investigation (from a British website, hence the term ventilation system instead of respiratory system). Using...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Nerve Cell Informercials

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students research the structure and function of the nervous system. They prepare a model or representation of neural transmission. Students create an infomercial about nerve cells.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Using Models to Communicate

For Students 7th - 9th
For this models worksheet, students read about how models are used to communicate events or principles in science. They are given an example and answer 4 questions about models. They discuss accuracy and inaccuracy of models. They create...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Design a Plankton

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore animal and plant adaptation.  In this ecosystems science lesson, students view websites to gain information about plankton and its  interdependence within ecosystems. Students identify ways in which plankton...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Spotlight on Photovoltaics and Fuel Cells

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students conduct Internet research to examine the pros and cons of photovoltaics and fuel cells. They watch a web simulation on fuel cells, complete a handout, and create molecular models using pipe cleaners and gum drops.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Unit 3 Cell Structures: Cell Theory & Organelles

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students examine cell structures in depth. They decide what grade they want to work for and do the assignments for that grade. They complete various assignments on cell theory and organelles.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Systems of Word Problems

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders investigate systems of linear equations.  In this Algebra I lesson, 9th graders explore word problems that can be solved by using a system of equations.   The problems involve such topics as cell phone usage,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pregnancy, day 1

For Teachers 4th - 6th
A health lesson presents all aspects of conception and pregnancy. Fourth through sixth-graders define terms associated with pregnancy, label a chart of a woman, and discuss how pregnancy occurs. Some excellent activities and a wonderful...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders complete a vocabulary assignment based on terms in the unit. They complete appropriate worksheets as each section of the unit is completed. They participate in classroom discussions. They construct a model of a DNA molecule.