Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Constructing a Phylogenetic Tree Using DNA Sequence Data

For Teachers Higher Ed
Students analyze DNA sequence differences between organisms in order to establish a reasonable picture of the evolutionary relationships between them. They take the role of molecular biologists and make genetic changes and constructing...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA Models

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students create DNA models. Using puzzle pieces to represent the parts of a DNA strand, they put together a segment of DNA. Once everyone has completed their individual strand, they being linking with other students using tape. Class...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Standard 4 Review Sheet-Key Ideas Biology-The Living Environment

For Teachers 9th - 12th
In this living environment worksheet, students answer a variety of questions about living organisms, the processes they go through to make food and break down food, absorb nutrients, and release toxins. They explain homeostasis, they...
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 lesson, they put the steps of mitosis and meiosis in order using a concept map poster. They use modeling clay to create...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Electrophoretic Analysis: DNA Fingerprinting and Evolutionary Divergence

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students examine the principles of electrophoresis. They evaluate both the agarose and polyacrylamide system of molecular separation. In order to bring the concepts of genetics and evolution full circle from DNA to protein, students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Study Guide for Chapter 12: The Cell Cycle

For Teachers 11th - 12th
In this biology worksheet students map out and describe the process of mitosis for the nine questions. The last four questions are several combined in each.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Biotechnology -- An Introductory Lesson to the Study of the Structure and Manipulation of DNA

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the structure of DNA and how it works. They discover jobs in which use biotechnology and answer questions. They use the internet to discover other ways biotechnology can be applied.
Lesson Plan
Virginia Department of Education

Adaptation and Evolution

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Um may be the atomic symbol for confusion, but it won't be needed in this lesson. Scholars rotate through seven stations completing experiments, hands-on activities, writing exercises, and analysis. Stations include material on...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Who Are We? An Introduction to the Life Within Our Bodies

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Young scholars examine cell structure, cell division, and the basic structure of DNA. They read and discuss a case study of DNA research, answer discussion questions, role-play the process of mitosis, and complete a DNA Fact or Fiction...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA Model and Protein Synthesis

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students build a 3-dimensional model of DNA coding for the hormone oxytocin.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA: The Search for the Genetic Material

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students study the history of DNA and how to extract it. In this genetic instructional activity students complete a DNA experiment using bacteria.
Lesson Plan
California Academy of Science

Color Vision Genetics Evolution Simulation

For Teachers 7th - 12th Standards
At one point, all mammals carried only two color receptors, but now most humans carry three. An informative presentation and hands-on activity demonstrate how this evolved through genetics. By participating in the activity, pupils...
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Plant Cell Crime Scene

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Use science to solve the mystery of the Poplar murder. Pupils use forensic botany to determine if a suspect could be the killer. By analyzing images from a Transmission Electron Microscope, learners determine if the material found on the...
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

Genetic Jewels: Building the DNA Model

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students construct segments of DNA to create a piece of jewelry.  In this genetics lesson students create a DNA sequence that they turn into something to wear. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA Blueprint for Life

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Did you know that meat tenderizers contain DNA cutting enzimes? Did you know that you can isolate your own DNA? Or the DNA of fruit? Explore with your learners the DNA world with a series of experiments using readily available materials...
Lesson Plan
Virginia Department of Education

Prokaryotes

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Lead your biology class on a cell-sized adventure! Emerging scientists construct models of prokaryotes, then design an experiment to properly grow a bacterial culture. They conclude the activity by viewing the culture under a microscope....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Genetics -- Midway Review

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers spend the lesson plan reviewing for their Genetics exam. In groups, they compare and contrast the structures of DNA and RNA and discuss how DNA can cause mutations. To end the lesson plan, they share their knowledge on...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA and Genes

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students analyze the structure of DNA. They describe how the structure of DNA enables it to reproduce itself accurately. Students discuss genes and the sequence of nucleotides occur in DNA.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA AND PROTEIN SYNTHESIS IN THE CELL

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the structure of DNA and the process of DNA replication, describe the process of protein synthesis, recognize the importance of proteins in the human body, and look at how mutations affect protein synthesis.
Lesson Plan
Virginia Department of Education

Cell Division

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Searching for simple ways to teach mitosis to high schoolers? Using colored chalk and onion root tips, pupils visually demonstrate what they view when looking through the lens of a microscope. There are also various ways to expand the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Time Conceptualization

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students use this activity to establish a new mode of reference to the conceptualization of time. To present hominid evolution in terms of millions of years and endosymbiosis of eukaryotes in billions of years carries little meaning to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA in a "Snap"

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Students observe a model of DNA and answer probing questions like, "What does this model represent?" They then work in small groups to construct an accurate model of DNA per rubric provided and present to the class explaining their model...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

I Dream of Genome

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High school learners identify chemical and structural properties of DNA and explain the differences between genotype and phenotype. They develop a scientific investigation to determine the ethnic heritage of a large group of people.