+
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Extracting DNA

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Uncover the basics of DNA structure through exploration activities. Collaborative groups build DNA models and recreate the process of replication. Then, using plant cells such as peas or strawberries, they extract a DNA sample.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Determination of Phylogenetic Relationships Using Restriction Analysis

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students applied various mathematical analyses to interpret their data. By using the resulting DNA fragment patterns from several enzymes students established a possible evolutionary relationship among the mice.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Great Cafeteria Caper

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed
Learners extract DNA from their own hair roots. They run an electrophoresis gel to examine patterns of their DNA along with standard DNA. The experiment is based on a crime scene scenario.
+
Lesson Plan
Towson University

Case of the Crown Jewels

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Can your biology class crack the Case of the Crown Jewels? Junior forensics experts try their hands at DNA restriction analysis in an exciting lab activity. The lesson introduces the concept of restriction analysis, teaches pipetting and...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Dinosaur and DNA Days

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Biology stars extract DNA samples from beef thymus and then examine its properties. They use enzymes to digest the DNA samples, and then use electrophoresis to separate fragments. Finally, they discuss methods and principles of...
+
Activity
Nuffield Foundation

Extracting DNA from Living Things

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Help! Someone's trying to take my DNA! An interesting lab experiment has scholars use basic materials to extract DNA. By applying ethanol, cold water, and a protease enzyme, like pineapple juice, they pull strands of DNA from peas,...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Restriction Digest + DNA Comparison

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers compare different DNA and run a gel electrophoresis.  For this DNA lesson students complete a DNA activity that allows them to better understand its structure and function. 
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Biotechnology

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore biotechnology through various activities. For this biology lesson, students analyze its pros and cons. They study and read informative articles about biotechnology.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

To Smell or Not to Smell, That is the Ester

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils explain the basic concepts of polymerization. Students participate in a lab to create a crude preparation of carboxyl esterase and test its effectiveness in reducing the residual monomer in an emulsion such as paint.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Recombinant DNA - Electrophoresis Demonstration and Problem

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Suitable for an AP Biology class, the lab found here has teen bioengineers working with plasmids to clone DNA. If you have not done a similar lab, the instructions may be rather difficult to follow. Both the teacher and learner...
+
Lesson Planet Article
Curated OER

The Basics of Biochemistry

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Science teachers can introduce basic chemical concepts to biology students.
+
Worksheet
Serendip

Genetics

For Students 7th - Higher Ed
A handout on genetic inheritance begins with a reading on alleles and how they can result in albinism. Junior geneticists learn to complete Punnett squares and participate in a coin toss simulation of allele pairing. They also learn...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA on Stick

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students experience a "hands-on" activity to get visual evidence of the physical nature of DNA and the process of DNA purification. They explore one method of chromosomal DNA isolation and DNA extraction.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA Extraction From Living Things

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students extract DNA from split peas. In this biology lesson plan, students hypothesize what DNA looks like and perform the experiment to verify their hypothesis. They explain the importance of DNA in living things.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Selecting Soil Organisms in Compost

For Teachers 12th - Higher Ed
Learners demonstrate that many of the enzyme systems needed to break down--and therefore clean up-society's wastes already exist in nature among the decomposers. They select the best starch-munching organisms by altering the environment...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA Blueprint for Life

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students isolate DNA from different food sources. In this biology lesson, students research DNA extraction. They analyze DNA stands collected from the lab, and compare the differences between each.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pesticides and Eggshell Thinning.

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students analyze the calcium content of egg shells as an introduction to the toxic effects of pesticides on biological systems.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Anatomy and Physiology "Quickies"

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students use a variety of creative writing tools within this assignment: poems on particular organ systems, write a short story and/or create a word graph. They are involved in a demonstration of lactic build up in the muscles, a...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Labs on A Chip

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students are introduced to DNA microarrays. They discuss how scientists and doctors use them and how they work. They complete a worksheet and discuss their findings.
+
Lesson Plan
Serendip

Genetic Engineering Challenge – How Can Scientists Develop a Type of Rice That Could Prevent Vitamin A Deficiency?

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Brown rice contains vitamins B and E, while white rice lasts longer in storage. The availability of rice around the world makes it a great candidate for genetic engineering. Scholars apply their knowledge of genetic engineering to solve...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simulation of Gene Splicing

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students simulate gene splicing by examining bacteria. They create a bacterial DNA into which they insert the human DNA (gene) that codes for growth hormone. They cut the sites of the enzyme to study how the human DNA can be joined to...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Genes Work Lesson Plan

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students define the key terms that are the structure and function of DNA. In this genetics lesson students complete a lab activity in which they construct a model DNA structure.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

SAY IT WITH DNA: Protein Synthesis Tutorial

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders explore protein synthesis. In this DNA lesson students complete a worksheet and a DNA lab activity. 
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cracking the Code - Cloning Paper Plasmid

For Teachers 10th - 11th
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...