Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gene Puzzles

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students come to understand that in sexually reproducing organisms, such as humans, typically half of the genes come from each parent. Students examine a fictional pedigree and determine which gene is responsible for a given trait. The...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Mendel and Meiosis

For Students 9th - 12th
In this meiosis worksheet, students review Mendel's process of the passing on of traits to the next generation. This worksheet has 3 short answer questions
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Principles of Heredity

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students model traits on genes using colored paper and tongue depressors to represent chromosomes. For this heredity lesson plan, students use their "chromosome sticks" to understand chromosome pairs, genes, dominant traits, recessive...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Cell

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study the basic processes by which cells divide and transfer their genetic information. They recognize and distinguish possible inherited traits and through the discovery method of the facts and principles of inheritance....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Natural Selection in Protected And Unprotected Populations

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Studnets compare how two elephant seal populations fare during successive generations. They participate in a simulation using a card game to look at the differences in two populations, one that is protected from mortality by human...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Biology: Natural Selection

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Young scholars explore evolutionary processes and theories using the spotted fish applet. They observe what happens to fish in a closed environment with both food and predators. Students run the model several times and answer questions...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cell Reproduction and Inheritance

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students determine their inherited characteristics from their parents. In this biology lesson, students study the life of Mendel using an interactive website. They differentiate dominant and recessive characteristics.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Building a Model DNA

For Teachers 6th - 8th
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.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Whose DNA Is That?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners investigate the use of technology in order to identify different sequences of amino acids by using online web tools. They enhance problem solving skills with amino acid identification skills and strengthening comfort with using...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Disproving the Proof

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the progression of discoveries that have led to the genetics knowledge that scientists currently have. They determine how genetic experiments disproved previous theories on inheritance.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Monohybrid Punnetr Squares

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Students explore Punnett squares and illustrate specific genotypic and phenotypic genetic outcomes. After a class discussion, students predict the probability of a specific trait being passed on by using Punnett squares. They reveal the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Genes Count

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students view a video that reviews Mendelian genetics. They discuss the Hardy-Weinberg Law and use Popsicle sticks to simulate genetic variations and ratios in offspring.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Genes

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students explore the history, inheritance and mutations of genetics.  In this genetic lesson students complete experiments on DNA sequences.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Peanut Butter Broccoli

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders explore food production by viewing DNA presentations. In this genetic engineering lesson, 5th graders discuss the foods they typically eat at home and how many common foods are engineered in a way that can produce a bigger...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Chromosomes

For Students 6th - 10th
In this chromosomes worksheet, students complete a crossword puzzle with 33 questions about genetic mutation in chromosomes. They identify traits associated with certain genes.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Breeding Bunnies

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students learn the impact that genetics can have on the evolution of a population of organisms and become aware of the influence that the environment has onorganisms.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Nature vs. Nurture

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders investigate the concept of nature versus nurture in human development through this series of lessons.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Evolution Lab

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the pattern of natural variation in a society. They examine Darwin's theory of evolution and analyze data. They use computer programs to graphically display the variation in organisms.
Lesson Plan
ARKive

Biodiversity and Evolution – Darwin’s Finches

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Teens experience natural selection firsthand (or first beak) in an activity that has them act as finches foraging for food. Using different household items  to act as different beak styles, your little finches will collect as much...
Lesson Plan
WK Kellogg Biological Station

Sounds of Selection

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Do you want a creative and fun way to teach about natural selection? Hop to it by turning your middle school princes and princesses into frogs trying to catch as many bugs as possible in a Hungry Hungry Hippos style game. For high...
Lesson Planet Article
Curated OER

Where It Comes From: All About Heredity

For Teachers All
Characteristics are not only inherited, but can be acquired through interactions with the environment.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA Extraction from Yeast Cells

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Students explore DNA. They work in groups and mix prepared detergent/ salt solution, meat tenderizer solution, Fleischman's yeast and water to extract DNA from yeast. Observations are recorded.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plants 1: Plant Parents

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students review their prior knowledge on plants. In groups, they compare and contrast the difference between reproducing asexually and sexually. Using the internet, they research how some plants can be forced to produce asexually.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Marshmallow Babies

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders interpret the genotypes and phenotypes, then pair up chromosomes.