Curated OER
An Enzyme- Substrate Model
Students explore reaction rates of an enzyme-mediated reaction. They examine the effects of environmental variables on enzyme function. Students collect, graph, and analyze data relating to the reaction.
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...
Curated OER
21st Century Medicine: Nerves of Steel
Students model a sarcomere's action, they gain a kinesthetic and visual understanding of muscle contraction. They use this exercise stimulates the production of myosin and actin. Students use two colors of clay, make a "sandwich" of...
Curated OER
Macro-DNA: Doing DNA Fingerprinting
Students explore gel electrophoresis using paper models. They model DNA sequences and shade the boxes on their Gel Electrophoresis Sheet which represent the individual fragments.
Curated OER
The Challenge to Deliver Insulin
Students study the types of diabetes and why insulin is important. In this diabetes instructional activity students build molecular models and create a healthy lifestyle plan.
Serendip
Diffusion and Cell Size and Shape
Is your class ready to size up the topic of diffusion? Help them get cell shape savvy with a well-written handout. The resource covers how substances such as oxygen passively move through the cell membrane and how cell size and shape...
Curated OER
How Genes Work Lesson Plan
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.
Curated OER
X or Y- Does it Make a Difference?
Students examine the X and Y chromosomes. In this research lesson, students use the 5E lesson model as they read articles about human chromosomes then discuss their findings and opinions.
Virginia Department of Education
Physical and Chemical Properties of Water
How can you effectively provide detailed concepts of water properties to your high school class in a way they find exciting and challenging at the same time? By letting them play, of course! Through a variety of...
Virginia Department of Education
Macromolecules
Finally, a chance for the class to play with their food! Allow pupils to simulate stomach acid with common foods, and introduce specific macromolecules into the mixture to explore characteristics of carbohydrates, lipids,...
Curated OER
Control of Prokaryotic (Bacterial) Genes
A nicely formatted set of slides that logically follow and define the structure and function of the genes in Bacteria. The repressor proteins and other gene regulators are listed and diagrams support the explanations of their function on...
Virginia Department of Education
Structure and Function of Cell Membranes
Lead your high school class on an exploration inside the cell. Individuals investigate the relationships between cells structure and function given their relative locations on the cell membrane. They explore the concept of homeostasis...
Curated OER
How Mutations Lead to Changes in Cell Structure and Function
Students investigate how mutations lead to changes in cell structure and function. They construct an oligonucleotide, identify a protein sequence, design a step-by-step mechanism of how they think cells repair damaged DNA, and prepare...
Curated OER
Pharmaceuticals and Treatments
Learners perform an experiment involving reverse transcriptase-polymerized chain reaction HIV replication to better examine the biotechnology used by scientists in pharmaceutical research of infections diseases like HIV. Students examine...
Curated OER
Climbing the Double Helix: DNA Lesson Plans
With the right DNA lesson plans, students can learn about the structure and function of DNA.
Curated OER
How Can You Predict the Characteristics of an Unborn Baby?
Learners compare three sets of unlabeled human chromosomes and gather related data, trace chromosomes to pair them, and make observations about them.
Serendip
Structure and Function of Cells, Organs and Organ Systems
Cells of different organs have unique cell functions. Learn how cell functions vary depending on their roles in the body using an inquiry-based activity. Scholars analyze the cell structure to make comparisons to its functions, allowing...
Curated OER
DNA Extraction from Yeast Cells
Young scholars explore DNA. They work in groups and mix prepared detergent/ salt solution, meat tenderizer solution, Fleischman's yeast and water to extract DNA from yeast. Observations are recorded.
Serendip
From Gene to Protein via Transcription and Translation
DNA carries the codes for creating just the right protein. A well-designed lesson leads pupils through the process from start to finish and everywhere in between. Guiding questions with supporting video help scholars understand the...
Curated OER
18th Century Microscope
Students examine a microscope from the 18th century. In this microscope lesson, students investigate how it works, what it was used for and how the tool has evolved through the years. Students also build knowledge on how compound...
Curated OER
GMOs: Should We Grow Them?
Students examine the ethics of biotechnology and genetically modifying various organisms. They complete various activities and labs on GMOs and then write a position paper regarding their individual opinions on the subject.
Curated OER
Gene Regulation Mechanisms
Students explore genetics. They discuss how chromosomes and/or genes are regulated during the life of an organism. In a lab setting, students compare and contrast the genomic regulation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells using...
Curated OER
Macro-DNA: Doing DNA Fingerprinting and Gel Electrophoresis
Students create numbered DNA sequences by taping together the order of the sequence. They count the number of bases in their RFLP's and shade the boxes on their Gel Electrophoresis sheets that represent individual fragments. They...
Curated OER
Wolf Pack in a Bottle
Students participate in an activity of a mock electrophoresis using paper chromatography to study DNA and genetic restriction mapping.