Teaching the Chemical and Structural Properties of DNA

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...

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...

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. 

Newcomers to chemistry compare hydrogen peroxide to water, realizing that the difference of one oxygen atom significantly affects the chemical properties. Other pairs of compounds and their formulas are also examined. A few chemical...

Nine action-packed organic chemistry exercises are contained in this mini-unit on carbon containing compounds. Examples include constructing models of alkanes, producing aromatic esters, and preparing pigments for paint and dyes....

Bond with your chemistry learners through a presentation on chemical bonding. This attractive and informative collection of slides walks beginning chemists through types of molecular bonds, orbital shapes, how to draw Lewis structures,...

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...

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...

Get them thinking big about chemistry! Young chemists learn about the large and elaborate structures created through covalent bonding in the fourth of a six-part video series regarding elements, mixtures, and compounds. The video covers...