Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Implications of the Human Genome Project

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students study the Human Genome Project through classroom discussion and the video, Cracking the Code of Life. They research reports about the issues of disease, human health, and the ethical, legal, and societal implications of the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

And the Verdict Is...

For Teachers K - 8th
Young scholars identify the unique pattern DNA forms in each individual, and how that pattern can be used to identify criminals. They have the opportunity to simulate the process of matching DNA samples to those taken at a crime scene.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA-B-C's

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars review what they already know about DNA. After reading an article, they discover a new technique to map the course of evolution. In groups, they create ways to present this material to younger children and research DNA's...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Challenge to Deliver Insulin

For Teachers 5th - 9th
Learners study the types of diabetes and why insulin is important.  In this diabetes lesson plan students build molecular models and create a healthy lifestyle plan. 
Lesson Plan
Serendip

DNA Structure, Function and Replication

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Before a cell replicates, its DNA must replicate. Take advantage of a hands-on guided lesson to teach budding scientists how this happens. Using a set of nucleotide cards, learners become the DNA and work to create matching strands...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

(Clues to) Copying the Codes: Examining the Evidence

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students view animations of DNA replication and transcription and complete a worksheet. In this genetics lesson, after watching on-line video clips to gather information about DNA replication and transcription, student teams identify...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Genetics and Molecular Biology

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students create DNA models using colored construction papers. In this biology instructional activity, students identify enzyme restriction sites. They model how DNA plasmids replicate when taken up by a bacterial cell.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Code of Life

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study genes, DNA and medical research. They watch "The Code of Life" video and answer discussion questions regarding the transcription and translation of DNA and how errors in these processes and mutations in DNA can produce...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Genetic Disorders

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders discuss traits, traits that are inherited and how genes and chromosomes carry the code for traits. They research genetic disorders and their link to chromosome abnormalites and write a report on their findings. which...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Condon Bingo

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students use COndon Bingo to decipher genetic codes. Students practice transcription and translation of codons while playing the game. They enjoy playing the game, while actively participating. Students develop an increase proficiency...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Protein Synthesis

For Students 9th - 12th
In this protein synthesis activity, students use a given strand of DNA to write the complimentary base pairs. They transcribe the message to the RNA and then they translate the message into the proper amino acids using the codons on the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students explore the basics of DNA and its history.  In this DNA lesson students extract DNA from fruits and understand how it is used in forensics.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Secret Codes

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students practice writing and decoding secret messages before discussing DNA and its role as a code for making proteins. They translate DNA into RNA and identify the sequence of amino acids to find a secret message. An interactive...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Molecular Evidence for Evolutionary Relationships

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students compare the amino acid sequences in cytochrome-c for a variety of organisms and use this information to infer evolutionary relationships. Students investigate the role of homeobox genes and what this indicates about the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Using Blood Tests to Identify Babies and Criminals

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Learners solve a crime by matching a suspect's blood type to physical evidence collected at the crime scene. In this forensic science lesson, students identify the different blood types. They explain how blood tests work.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Reading the Code

For Students 9th - 12th
In this DNA worksheet, students access a website to read about the scientists who make significant contributions to the DNA puzzle. Students complete 7 short answer questions based on the reading. Then students complete 3 short answer...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Extracting DNA from Your Cells - Teacher Preparation Notes

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students extract their own DNA from cheek cells. In this biology instructional activity, students explain the replication process. They identify the structure and composition of DNA.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Challenge to Deliver Insulin

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate these fundamental chemical and cellular processes. They recognize the long-term danger that comes from a diet of fast food, chips, and soda, realize that avoiding diabetes is their responsibility, and establish...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Happy Face Spider Propagation

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students research genetic adaptations. In this chromosome lesson plan, students investigate dominant and recessive genes using spiders indigenous to Hawaii. Students create Punnett squares to determine the probability of passing specific...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Relationships and Biodiversity Lab

For Students 9th - 12th
In this relationships and biodiversity worksheet, students investigate the relationships between 4 plants sample using 7 different tests. These include looking at structural characteristics of the plants, seeds and stems, using paper...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Heredity

For Teachers 6th - 8th
For this science worksheet, students find the answers to various types of heredity problems. They use the sheet to set goals for completing the unit.
Interactive
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

RNA Is an Intermediary Between DNA and Protein

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
For years, scientists believed tRNA was junk left over from larger RNA. Three scientists used different approaches to prove tRNA actually exists as the connection between DNA and protein. Learn about their experiments, their lives, and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cut-off Genes

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Investigate the relationships between different deep-sea organisms by DNA sequencing. A worksheet provides instructions for DNA sequencing and space to work. They simulate gel electrophoresis by cutting out paper "DNA strands."...
Worksheet
Curated OER

BioFax Quiz 11 - Nutrient Biochemistry

For Students 7th - 12th
Here is a quick online quiz on the basics of the DNA molecule. Biology buffs can choose one of five answers for each of the 10 questions and submit the quiz when they are finished. They receive immediate feedback on their performance,...