Kenan Fellows
Unit 2: DNA Analysis
Ever wonder how they solve those mysterious murders in TV crime dramas? The second of four units in a Biotechnology series introduces scholars to the many methods of DNA analysis. Pupils create and run their own gel electrophoresis...
Curated OER
DNA Technologies
After giving some of the basic characteristics of the DNA molecule, the slides provide process information and many detailed diagrams about plasmids, vectors, and their application in cloning genes.
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Biotechnology and The Chocolate Milk Cow
Learners discuss new discoveries that have resulted from the use of recombinant DNA technology and otehr biotechnology. In groups, they create a transgenic cow capable of producing chocolate-flavored milk.
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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...
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DNA Chips
High schoolers explore issues surrounding DNA microarray technology. They focus on a single area of biomedical research to help them explain how science, people, ethics, and history all fit together. They analyze gene-expression data.
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Creating New Forms of Life
Although not particularly educational, here is a creative group activity in which high school biologists will use their imaginations to create a new life form combining characteristics from existing life forms. Each group must come up...
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Lesson 16: DNA Technology
Students research different areas of biotechnology. In this biology lesson, students create a presentation about their research. They debate the topic presented and share their views on the subject.
Virginia Department of Education
Biotechnological Issues and Bioethics
Culminate a bioethics unit with the implementation of a lesson that incorporates the Socratic method to encourage class feedback and participation. Pupils participate in a discussion on bioethics and morality, complete a writing seminar,...
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Science Lesson: Chocolate Flavored Cherries
Students are able to identify start and stop sequences in DNA. They are able to model using restriction enzyme and ligase to remove sections of DNA and reattach them. Students are introduced to the process of recombinat DNA through the...
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Time Conceptualization
Students use this activity to establish a new mode of reference to the conceptualization of time. To present hominid evolution in terms of millions of years and endosymbiosis of eukaryotes in billions of years carries little meaning to...
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DNA Recombination II
Students model recombination in DNA. They color the DNA sample and cut it out. Students use their "restriction enzymes" to cut the DNA into specific fragments. They separate the fragments using the "gel electrotrophoresis." Students...
Kenan Fellows
Unit 1: Introduction to Biotechnology
Biotechnology is big! Introduce the uses of biotechnology to science scholars with a fascinating, fact-filled unit. The first installment in a series of four biotechnology units covers the role biotechnology plays in human and...
Kenan Fellows
Unit 4: Bioethics and the Future of Biotechnology
What's the future of biotechnology? Explore a hot topic in the fourth and final unit in a series of Biotechnology lessons. Learners develop an understanding of the many issues in bioethics, then create an argument for or against the role...
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How Things Go Wrong
Students identify where mutations might occur and examine what effect those mutations will have through class discussion of DNA replication and cell division. Students then differentiate between mutations that affect individuals and...
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DNA Recombination
Young scholars describe the process of DNA Recombination and its uses. They are asked what genetic effect is associated with the exercise? Students discuss other opportunities of DNA recombination. They are given a worksheet, and...
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Vaccines
Students explore and explain the role of vaccines in infectious disease, They emphasize immunological principles and viral/bacterial infection processes. Students explore the three main vaccine types: DNA vaccines ("gene gun"),...
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Genetically Modified Organisms
High Schoolers complete a variety of activities as they examine the ethics of (and take a position concerning) genetically modified organisms in the field of agriculture. They complete a PowerPoint demonstration to go along with the unit.
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Using Yeast as an Ultraviolet Light Measurement Tool
Students accurately measure the relationship between radiation dose and either survival or some genetic event such as mutation or recombination. They investigate the damage that was done to the DNA molecule as a result of exposure to...
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Creating New Forms of Life
High schoolers are asked to use their imaginations to take the idea of biotechnology one step further. Before beginning this activity learners read and complete a report on the book "Jurassic Park," which deals with the use of...
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Ethical Ways to Acquire and Distribute Fish as a Food Source
Students complete a variety of activities as they examine the ethics of acquiring and distributing fish as a food source. They touch on the ethics involved in genetically modified salmon, as well.
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Spork and Beans
Students examine natural selection, how it works and how it can cause microevolution. For this evolution lesson students complete a lab activity that shows the effects that natural selection has on organisms.
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Genetically Engineered Food: Altering the Blueprint
Students explore the genetic engineering of food. In this health lesson students explain how DNA technology can be used to produce food.
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Science: Designer genes
Students engineer new organisms using biotechnology. In small groups, they write procedures, list benefits and drawbacks, and explain how their new organism might affect the environment. After creating their new organisms, they present...
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Cracking the Code - Cloning Paper Plasmid
Students explore the "genetic code." They observe how genes may be manipulated for genetic research, gene cloning, and genetic engineering. In a lab setting, students examine the mechanics involved in cutting and ligating DNAs into a...