Biology Junction
Protein Synthesis
Watson and Crick built the first model of DNA in the 1950s, and our understanding of DNA since then continues to grow exponentially. Scholars learn about protein synthesis by observing a presentation and completing a worksheet. Both walk...
Curated OER
Secret Codes
Students examine Morse code and how it is used. In this secret codes instructional activity students decode messages, make their own codes and have other students crack the code.
Curated OER
Genetic Jewels: Building the DNA Model
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.
Curated OER
Model Organisms: The Genes We Share
Students gather information about gene banks. In this biology lesson, students work in groups to complete an activity sheet about genetic databases and organism genomes. Lesson includes extension ideas.
Curated OER
Cracking Codes and Ciphers
Students explore different codes and ciphers including Morse Code, Egyptian Hieroglyphs, and the Alphabet. They discuss how and why codes are used. Students create their own code and message to exchange with classmates.
Curated OER
RNA and Gene Expression
In this RNA and gene expression worksheet, students match the letter of the description that best matches the term as it relates to gene expression. Students also answer questions as it relates to the process of transcription and...
Curated OER
From Restriction Maps to Cladograms
Biology aces analyze restriction maps to determine the relationships among different primate species and then complete a cladogram. Preface this lesson with an explanation of how restriction enzymes are used to create the DNA maps....
Beyond Benign
Kitten Creation
Your pupils become geneticists as they create cat offspring. The next lesson in a series continues an exploration of genetic makeup as scholars consider parent traits to build their offspring. Using household items, they create kittens...
Discovery Education
Blueprint for Life
DNA is the code for all biological traits, both plant and animal. Using an exploratory lesson, learners begin to explore the concept of a biological code by decoding word puzzles. They then extract DNA from plant cells using detergent to...
Curated OER
Human Cloning: Is it Biological Plagiarism?
Is cloning good or harmful? Help your class understand the risks and benefits as they read, research, and discuss human cloning. Individuals form teams, research information, and present to the class before concluding with an in-depth...
Cornell University
Extracting DNA
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.
Curated OER
Genetics Crossword
In this biology instructional activity, students complete a crossword puzzle with 38 questions on genetics. They identify the different parts and functions of a flower.
Curated OER
The Spanish Omelet
Young scholars use analogies to show the relationships among cell, nucleus, genes, chromosome, ribosome, replication, mitosis, transcription, translation, DNA, RNA, amino acids and proteins, genotype, phenotype, and genetics vs....
Curated OER
Relationships and Biodiversity Lab Practice
In this biodiversity activity, students determine the relationship and complete the evolutionary tree for the plants listed. Students review genetic code and DNA sequencing. This activity has 1 graphic organizer, 8 multiple choice, and...
ProCon
Obesity
Is obesity a disease or just a preventable risk factor for other diseases? Scholars attempt to form their own opinions by reading a background of the issue and watching videos that explore the main pro and con arguments using an included...
Curated OER
Who's Who and How Do You Know for Sure?
Students investigate the applications of DNA fingerprinting, They read crime scenarios and using the details of the crime and laboratory experimentation decide the suspects guilt or innocence.
Curated OER
Disproving the Proof
Young scholars 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.
Curated OER
Who am I and Why?
Students make comparisons about themselves and others, which are real and meaningful. They study some basic concepts in the area of genetics and do a complimentary series of experiments, or explorations that illustrate these concepts
Curated OER
Island Biogeography and Evolution
Learners use this activity as a logic problem that is based on real organisms and real data. The problem is to develop phylogenies for seven related populations of lizards living on the Canary Islands. Three phylogenetic charts are...
Curated OER
GenEng
Students investigate the process of genetic engineering. In this genetic engineering lesson plan, students use paper models of DNA and plasmid bacterium to investigate the process of replicating DNA, splicing genes from DNA, and...
Curated OER
Taster of Non-Taster?
Students investigate their own inherited traits by using taste papers. In this genetic traits lesson, students test their ability to taste various substances, which is determined by inherited genetic traits. They take home taste papers...
Curated OER
Inheritance Patterns in Zorks
In this inheritance patterns worksheet, learners create a visual of a Zork using chromosome strips to represent alleles from the father and the mother to determine the traits in the offspring. Students translate the genotype to the...
Curated OER
DNA Fingerprints
Students interpret different DNA fingerprints, then do a jigsaw activity to explore other uses of DNA forensics. They listen to a radio program about using DNA as evidence and discuss the limitations of and problems with DNA testing.
Curated OER
Zork Genetics
In this genetics worksheet, students use an imaginary species and a list of genetic traits and the alleles that code for each trait to determine the genotype and phenotype probabilities of offspring. Students complete nine monohybrid...