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The Effects of Ultra-Violet Light on Yeast
High schoolers work in small groups collecting and analyzing data as they learn how to best grow yeast. This lesson allows students to conduct several student-created experiments as they continually generate questions and hypotheses. ...
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Proteins Expressed At Different Stages
Students investigate protein electrophoresis in a lab setting. Full laboratory equipment is needed and safety should be taught. The level of prior knowledge needed to perform lab is high and is ideal for an honors class.
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Antibiotic Resistance in E. coli
Young scholars discuss the antibiotic resistance of bacteria. They design an experiment to test the resistance of different strands of E. coli. They answer discussion questions to end the lesson.
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Transformation of E. coli with Antibiotic Resistance
Learners participate in an experiment in which they transform an E. coli cell. They discover how the genetic make-up of the cell can be changed by added foreign DNA. They answer questions to complete the lab.
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DNA Isolation
Students use scientific methods to investigate the concept of DNA. They observe the DNA of human cheek cells. This is done with the use of a lab experience. Students record their observations and reflect upon on how each organism is...
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Polymerase Chain Reaction and DNA Profiling
Students examine DNA fingerprinting and polymerase chain reaction and how they are used in everyday life and for criminal investigations. They discover how these techniques can also be used to answer ecological and evolutionary questions.
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Grow a Plant
Young scholars combine their prior knowledge about plants with a garden learning activity. In this science gardening instructional activity, students discuss what plants need to survive. Young scholars then plant a seed themselves and...
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What Is It?!
Working individually or in groups, 4th graders are presented with unusual or at least unfamiliar objects and are asked to speculate on what they are and/or how they are used. The intention is to get students to make careful observations...
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Analysis of Lobster Claw Function. An Exercise in Biomechanics
Students observe two chelae. They write three differences they observe in their notebooks. Students suggest a hypothesis which would explain these differences. They dissect the chela. Students analyze the lobster claw as a mechanical lever.
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Earth and Space Science
Young scholars investigate space travel. In this science lesson, students discuss the space station and its representation in orbit. They talk about food, travel and survival in space with the correct equipment.
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Smart Ideas Lesson Plan
Seventh graders create a concept map about the cardiovascular system. In this life science lesson, 7th graders identify the parts and functions of each system component. They explain how cardiovascular system works with other systems in...
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Hypothermia on the High Seas
Students identify and present the effects on humans when the body temperature falls, demonstrate and explain how the body loses heat, and understand hypothermia and cold water survival techniques.
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How Alzheimer's Affects the Brain
Students study how Alzheimer's affects different parts of the brain, sketch a healthy neuron and its parts, and diagram brain changes during the early and late stages of Alzheimer's.
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Understanding Digestion
Young scholars analyze data from their primary literature (textbook) and explore multiple
aspects of digestion by generating alternative or multiple explanations for questions posed during the lesson. This lesson includes a handout...
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Using My Senses
Students observe crickets in the terrarium. Have them record in their journal any evidence of crickets having senses. Then they answer questions like these: How do they use their sense organs? Where are they are located?
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Hazard Mitigation: Bioterrorism
Students discuss different ways to spread infectious diseases. In this bioterrorism lesson, students model the rate of smoke emission using CalRoad software. They analyze the effects of airborne release of biological...
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Sci-Fi/Biotech Video Worksheets
Students watch two commercial films which portray an historical perspective and possible uses of biotechnology in order to better understand the vocabulary and techniques involved in genetic engineering.
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Survival in the Open Ocean
Students examine how scientists conduct pelagic research and identify pelagic predators as they study the open-ocean ecosystem. They discuss and conduct small group research of this environment in order to produce a presentation.
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Earthworm Movement and Landscape Structure
Students describe differences in animal usage of habitats depending upon successional status of site. They also design other experiments to test movement patterns of animals through habitats of differing structure.
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It's All In The Rocks
Learners think critically to determine fact or inference when examining sedimentary layers with embedded fossils. Geology and evolutionary biology are introduced. They individually write a story about various diagrams and share their...
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Exploring Organisms
Students investigate various organisms in an attempt to understand the process of evolution and related ecological issues. This elementary lesson uses small plastic animals and includes a worksheet for student assessment and reflection.
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Eelgrass Bed Exploration
Students study the function and biological value of eelgrass beds. They discover the habitat requirements of the beds by reading a hand-out and completing a worksheet.
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Lake Pepperidge Farm
Students calculate proportions to determine the total population of Lake Pepperidge Farm. They collect a blind sample of fish and count the number of tagged and untagged fish. They collect data from all samples and record the data in a...