Teaching the Chemical and Structural Properties of DNA

Young chemists have unknown compounds they need to sort. Performing three different tests on each, the chemical behaviors they observe become the basis for data analysis. 

In a fun and interactive two-day lesson, learners sort anole lizard pictures by appearance. Next, they watch a video about the anoles and re-sort based on the information in the video. In addition to physical characteristics, budding...

DNA is not just in humans — it is present in all living cells, even those we consume every day. Assist your class as they extract DNA from a banana through using chemicals and filtration. 

Everyone loves a good mystery ... can your class actually solve one? Partnered pupils take on the role of forensic investigators during a three-part activity focusing on DNA evidence processing. Learners discover the methods used to...

Two pages of neat notes introduce chemistry novices to chemical reactions. Opening with a simple description of what constitutes a chemical reaction and progressing to the practice of balancing reaction equations, this worksheet is...

This lesson demonstrates differentiated instruction at its best. Over the course of 2-3 class periods, young chemists have the opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of metals and their chemical properties from a variety of...

What is your favorite crystal? Scholars learn about the variety of different crystal in an episode of a video series on chemical reactions. The video presents intriguing facts about these crystals that make each unique—a fun approach to...

Teach the basics of writing chemical equations with a video introduction. The video lesson discusses the components of the chemical reaction and how chemical equations represent each. The discussion includes mention of catalysts and...

Introduce biology classes to the structure of DNA, the role of genes, and how mutations occur with this nifty resource. After viewing an animated video, discuss the accompanying Think questions and then explore the myriad of additional...

It's time we get to the heart of the matter! Explore standard PS1A in an informative video. The narrator guides viewers through the basic ideas of the structure and properties of matter. then discusses helpful strategies for...