Does the human body evolve as quickly as human culture? With a stellar 15-minute video, explore the trait of lactose intolerance. Only about 1/3 of human adults seem to still have the enzyme lactase and therefore, the ability to digest lactose. Scientists look at the DNA and the history of two cultures that might explain why. Follow the video with one of the accompanying lab activities in which biochemistry learners measure glucose changes over time after adding lactose (milk) to simulated intestinal fluid samples (lactase solution). This is a thick and creamy lesson!

Concepts

dna, deoxyribonucleic acid, evolution, the theory of evolution, genetics, heredity

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Additional Tags

lactose intolerance, heredity, genetics, dna, evolution, science

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Pros

• The combination of a video and related simulation makes a memorable lesson
• The video script and footage holds attention
• Video can be downloaded in several different formats
• Meets several Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards
• Resources include a film discussion guide, a lab instructions for teachers, a student lab sheet, and an assessment quiz

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.3 RST.9-10.4