Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Comparing Mitosis with Meiosis

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Life science learners view an online animated mini textbook comparing two types of cell division. Working in groups, they use a digital microscope to capture images of cells in different stages of mitosis and meiosis. Then they create an...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Onion Skins

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Students explore the structure of a plant cell. They carefully peel a single layer of onion skin from a slice of onion and stain it with methylene blue to observe the structures inside. They use a Digiscope connected to a computer to...
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Extracting DNA

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Uncover the basics of DNA structure through exploration activities. Collaborative groups build DNA models and recreate the process of replication. Then, using plant cells such as peas or strawberries, they extract a DNA sample.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Great Archeological Dig

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore biology by identifying a diagram. In this cell anatomy lesson, students read a story about archeology and conduct a fictitious archeology dig in class in which they search for animal cells. Students define a list of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cell-a-bration

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders study the structures of a plant cell and animal cell. They create a graphic organizer and a food model. Finally, they write an essay comparing and contrasting plant and animal cells.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

You...Instead of the Onion Skin

For Teachers 2nd - 8th
Learners observe their own epithelial cells from the inside linings of their cheeks using DigiScope technology. They prepare a slide with both onion cells and epithelial cells and make an illustrated booklet for a PowerPoint presentation...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plant Galls

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students study what a plant gall is and the different types that there are.  In this plant instructional activity students examine what causes galls and how to prevent them.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plant Parts

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders identify plant parts by using different classification methods. In this plant lesson plan students observe and draw different types of leaves then classify them according to species.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pollination Power

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders study and examine the structure of a flower.  In this pollination lesson, 2nd graders observe pollinators in the garden and dissect a flower. Students then plant strawberry plants in the garden and observe the process...
Lesson Plan
LABScI

Photosynthesis: How Do Plants Get Energy?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Examine the mechanism of photosynthesis through different light scenarios. Pupils vary the amount and type of light exposure on plant leaves in the fifth lesson plan in a 12-part series. Through observation, they determine the rate of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Genetics and Heredity: The Next Generation

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders work in teams to order events of DNA transcription and translation protein synthesis. In the second instructional activity, they put the steps of mitosis and meiosis in order using a concept map poster. They use modeling...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Plant And Animal Cells

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners identify parts of plant and animal cells and describe the functions of each part. They distinguish between plant and animal cells. After a lecture/demo, students perform experiments which help them construct models of plant and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Slimy cells

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students study the parts of a cell.  In this chemistry instructional activity students complete an activity in which they make as much slime as they want. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Studying Plant Development Through Metabolic Activity

For Teachers 9th - 12th
A hands-on activity which allows young scholars to learn about cellular respiration. This lesson contains a range of investigations testing the rates of cellular respiration to demonstrate the relationship between metabolic rates of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cells

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students are introduced to the life cycle of a cell. In groups, they identify and describe the function of organelles. They compare and contrast the differences and similarities between plant and animal cells as well. They complete a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Giant Cell

For Teachers 6th - 8th
After actively participating in a unit on cells, the students act out and become the organelles. They will act out and explain the functions of what each of the organelles do for the cell.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Biology: Make a Model Cell

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students compare and contrast plant and animal cells and then create a model of the latter. They visit Websites to view the cells and answer questions about them. In pairs, students create cell models using plastic baggies, syrup,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Genetic Analysis

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students formulate a hypothesis regarding the validity of the current status of the Arizona Hedgehog cactus as a distinct variety of cactus. They design a procedure to isolate DNA from the tissue of plants, given a list of chemicals and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Living Environment

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders show what they know about plant and animal cells. In this cell project instructional activity, 6th graders get to choose a project based on their learning style. They can create a visual representation of cells, auditory...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Chloroplasts

For Teachers K - 12th
Students study chloroplasts, their structure and evolution.  In this photosynthesis lesson plan students experiment with polarized light and the production of chlorophyll.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Use of Microscopes and Creation of Slides

For Teachers 3rd - 11th
Students explore the use of microscopes and the creation of slides. They practice using, adjusting and viewing with a microscope. they view slides of familiar substances such as blood and fibers. In addition, they create slides using...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cell-ebrations in Science

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Young scholars recognize that all living things are made up of cell and that they cannot easily be seen by the naked eye. Students become familiar with the use of microscopes as a tool for investigation.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Temperature and the Tomato

For Teachers 9th - 12th
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....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Blend-A-Plant Levels of Organization

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students' identify and analyze the levels of organization and the emergent properties through experimentation. Students' apply the differences in the properties of a plant before and after it has been subjected to a kitchen blender.