Students discuss methods used by forensic scientists and the basics of DNA and how it can be used to identify an individual after reading an article from The New York Times.

Learners role-play a scenario in which a car crash patient is inadvertently given the wrong blood type during a transfusion. They perform blood typing and explore the genetics behind ABO and RH blood types using simulated blood.

Pick and choose which activities to include in this crime scene investigation. Junior detectives can examine fingerprints, DNA, blood samples, or bone structure.  The plan suggests you have teams solve a mystery, but it does not...

Students create their own bird study in their own schoolyard using the scientific method (see Testing a Hypothesis in Join the Project). Students do research in the library, at a local college, or on the Internet to determine the...

Students view bacteria through a microscope. They draw and label the bacteria using microbiology software loaded onto their Palms.

Fifth graders explore the effects of overpopulation in an ecosystem while applying the scientific method. They discuss overpopulation and its meaning. Students as an organism competes for space in an overpopulated area. They plant...

Students examine a PBS special about howler monkeys as an introduction to scientific forensic investigative methods. In groups, they conduct a host of experiments containing clues which point to discovery. By challenging assumptions,...

Students answer the question "How are the concepts and processes I examine in Biology relevant to my other classes, to my life, and to my community?" This assignment has students actively involved in the intellectual work of location,...

Middle schoolers discuss ten important Pennsylvania hardwood trees, examine characteristics of each tree species, evaluate economic and ecological importance of hardwood trees, and recognize at least two characteristics of each species.

Young scholars investigate the effect that sterile and non-sterile environments have on growth of microbes. In this biology lesson, students observe the appearance of sample test tubes for 7 days. They explain why some test tubes'...

Students use scientific methods to investigate the concept of DNA. They observe the DNA of human cheek cells. This is done with the use of a lab experience. Students record their observations and reflect upon on how each organism is...

Students analyze information and draw conclusions about the reality of human life expectancy; the battle between health care technology and our own internal time clocks. Students answer questions such as "Why does aging occur and can...

Learners work in groups as they read chapters of Charles Darwin's, Voyage of the Beagle. They take notes on the chapter and in their group make a timeline of the chapter. They tape the timelines together in order to depict the entire...

Students investigate biology by researching wild animals. In this animal extinction instructional activity, students research African wild dogs and discuss the impact of the environment on their survival. Students read and analyze an...

Students explain the principles of experimental design and reinforce the steps of the scientific method. Each group of students create a "slush" type mixture to store a chicken liver.

Students investigate water pollution. They develop an understanding of the behavior of organisms, of the structure and properties of matter, and of natural and human induced hazards by conducting lab tests. They present their data...

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.

Students observe a planaria without a microscope and with a stereoscopic microscope. They draw the planaria and describe its motion and eating habits. Students research planarias various body systems and behavior. They design an...

Students discover new ways to preserve the ecosystem by completing graphic organizers.  In this environmental lesson plan, students read an article from the Natural Inquirer in small groups and fill out a graphic organizer based on...

Students investigate the monarch's searching behavior and ability to find food. They determine whether or not a caterpillar can find food in a simple Y-shaped maze. They record and graph or chart the data from several attempts using...

Middle schoolers learn about transect lines through a study of marine debris.  In this marine debris lesson, students calculate the items on a transect line and graph them.  Middle schoolers complete a category worksheet.

Young scholars use hands-on field-testing of authentic application from principles pertaining to: Psychology- A. Develop a positive, can-do attitude with a high degree of self-reliance that is transferable to human interactions outside...

Students, in groups, develop their hatcheries, working cooperatively in its design and construction. The lessons begin with the introduction to Artemia as a primary food source of many aquaculture species during their larval stages.