This cluster includes the following access points.
Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this topic.
| Name |
Description |
| Biotechnology (Genetically Modified Organisms) and Government Part 2: | This is Lesson 2 of a 3-lesson series on Biotechnology and Government. Students develop a deep understanding of the effect of biotechnology on the individual, society, and environment. Several examples of Genetically Modified Organisms are reviewed. Laboratory procedures for how GMOs are made are not included. Students have the misconception that Genetically modified organisms are not evaluated and monitored for safety. Students will learn the cooperative roles that the Food and Drug Administration, the US Department of Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency have in approving a GMO. Lesson 1 – Introduction and scaffolding. **Lesson 2 – Deepening understanding and practice. Lesson 3 – Apply what has been learned. |
| Biotechnology (Genetically Modified Organisms) and Government Part 1: | Students have the misconception that Genetically Modified foods are sold without an evaluation of safety, regulation, or monitoring.
Students will learn what Genetically Modified Organisms are. Specific examples of Bt Toxin and Herbicide Resistance genes are highlighted. Laboratory techniques are not discussed.
Students will analyze a graph showing Bt corn, Bt cotton, and Herbicide Tolerant corn, soybean, and cotton use has increased from 15 percent in 1996 to 90 percent in 2022.
Students will learn the need for regulating agencies, and where they fit within government organization. Students will learn that the Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency work together to evaluate GMOs and approve for use. |
| DNA and the United States and Florida Constitutions: | Students will summarize the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution and selections from Florida Statute 817.5655. The relationship between DNA collection and testing as they relate to their constitutional rights will then be explored in this integrated lesson plan. |
| DNA True Crime Analysis: | Students will investigate the Fourth Amendment implications of DNA collection techniques and technologies used in solving true crime examples in this integrated lesson plan. |
| Cell Theory and Foundations of our Government: Lesson Three: | Students will connect the concepts of Cell Theory and our founding documents by researching cell related issues including cancer cells, stem cells, and cloning. They will be able to explain how new ideas and unique solutions require people of various backgrounds and specialities working together and how the founding documents created a system of government that works to protect the rights of both scientists and public health. |
| DNA and the Fourth Amendment : | Students’ knowledge of DNA will be broadened to include the concepts of touch/shed DNA, PCR, genetic genealogy, and how the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution relates to those cutting edge technologies in this integrated lesson plan. |
| Who Regulates It?: The Government’s Role in Biotechnology: | Students will learn about some applications of various biotechnology advancements by reading a series of scenarios. They will evaluate some ethical, legal, and moral implications of biotechnology, including if or how it can be regulated by the government in this integrated lesson plan. |
| Using DNA to Identify People: | Learning objectives: Students will learn what DNA fingerprinting is, what it is used for, and how it is used in paternity testing and forensics. Students will see how this technique actually works in lab. Students will learn how to analyze the gels used in this technique to match babies to parents, and crime scene evidence to suspects. |
| Do You See What I See: | The student will be able to describe the process of human development including major changes that occur in each trimester of pregnancy. Students will become scientists and explore the major changes that occur during embryo development. First, students will work in groups and correctly match the fetal development picture cards with the appropriate description. Next, students compare and share their findings with other groups and record this data. Finally, students will act as physicians as they investigate a medical case study of a pregnant woman and determine what trimester she is in by analyzing ultrasound reports detailing certain makers of the stages of development. Students will use a claim, evidence, rationale style activity using the ultrasound pictures and learned content to support their answers. The lesson culminates with students sharing their findings through a gallery walk. |
| The Monster Mash: A Lesson About Transcription and Translation: | Students will model the process of protein synthesis and then model how those proteins result in phenotypic changes. Students will also be able to explain the function of models in science. Students will explore how variations in DNA sequences produce varying phenotypes. Students will complete transcription and translation of DNA and RNA and then determine phenotypes produced based on amino acid sequences while completing hands on activity. During this lesson, students will create a factious organism by rolling a dice to determine which DNA sequence it will receive. Students will then perform transcription and translation. Finally, students will determine the phenotype of the organisms by comparing its amino acid sequence to a key that will be provided. Lastly, students will create a picture of the fictitious organism. |
| RNA and Protein Synthesis Activity with Lab: | This lesson will clear misconceptions and probe student thinking by utilizing differentiated instruction and implementing meaningful learning. The educator will also be able to provide students with real world examples. Students are given multiple opportunities to excel and demonstrate their content knowledge throughout this lesson. By assessing their prior knowledge prior to the beginning of a new chapter students will make connections to complex concepts. |
| Transcription and Translation: | This lesson will help students understand how DNA directs the making of proteins. This lesson will also assist students in understanding the relationship between DNA and RNA and how transcription produces a single-stranded RNA molecule. |
| Non-Mendelian Genetics: Not All Genetic Crosses Are Easy-PEAsy: | Students will compare and contrast the non-Mendelian inheritance patterns of codominance and incomplete dominance. |
| Sex or No Sex? That is the Question!: | This lesson plan allows your students to research methods of reproduction that some organisms have available to them. The students will learn how some organisms can reproduce through asexual reproduction (mitosis) as well as through sexual reproduction (meiosis).
This resource can be as detailed and as lengthy as the teacher desires it to be. It can be used long-term to teach multiple subjects and skills, such as, plants, mitosis, meiosis, genetics, microscope skills, slide making, data keeping, research techniques, and/or nature of science. It can be begun at any time during the course of the school year. |
| Illustration of the Cell Cycle: Using Printmaking Techniques to Design the Phases of the Cell Cycle : | Through use of arts integration and the 5E Lesson Model, students will use printmaking techniques to design and illustrate the cell cycle. |
| Life after Death: Some Genes Remain "Alive": | In this lesson, students will analyze an informational text intended to support reading in the content area. The article explains what happens to certain genes after an organism has died. This lesson also introduces a related video that explains how the fields of Genetics and Biotechnology have affected the field of Forensic Science. By reading the article and viewing the video, students will learn about new discoveries in gene function after death and the impact varying fields of science have upon another. This lesson includes a note-taking guide, text-dependent questions, a writing prompt, answer keys, and a writing rubric. |
| Say Cheese! Do You Have a Genetic Disease?: | In this lesson, students will analyze an intended to support reading in the content area. The article explains how biotechnology is being used to identify genetic conditions with a phone app that gathers data from a photo to generate a list of possible genetic conditions. This lesson includes a note-taking guide, text-dependent questions, a writing prompt, answer keys, and a writing rubric. |
| These GMO Apples Won't Turn Brown: | In this lesson, students will analyze an informational text intended to support reading in the content area. The article discusses the availability to the general public of GMO apples that take longer to turn brown. The article discusses the techniques utilized to accomplish the apples' genetic modification. A video explains the process of genetic modification and explains how GMOs have already been integrated into society. This lesson includes a note-taking guide, text-dependent questions, a writing prompt, answer keys, and a writing rubric. |
| The Spread of Rabies in Peru: | In this lesson plan, students will analyze an informational text intended to support reading in the content area. The article explains how the rabies virus is likely to spread from the interior of Peru to its coast by the year 2020. It further discusses the technology used to determine that the male vampire bat is most likely the carrier of the rabies virus to different areas in Peru. The lesson plan includes a vocabulary guide, text-dependent questions, a writing prompt, answer keys, and a writing rubric. |
| Central Dogma Protein Construction Stem Challenge: | Proteins are essential for all functions necessary for life in organisms. Proteins are created by reading the sequence of nucleotides in genetic material (DNA). During cellular processes known as transcription and translation, the DNA code is read, transferred into a copy called mRNA, and then the copy is read to create specific amino acids bonded together. The amino acids and their interactions create the specific shapes of proteins. In this activity you will be translating strands of DNA to mRNA, and then into small sequences of amino acids. The amino acids will then be bonded together based on their properties. The proteins will be analyzed for correct bonding patterns since the shape of the protein is directly related to the amino acid sequence and the protein's function. |
| The Amazing Octopus: | In this lesson, students will read an article from the National Science Foundation that discusses the information gained through the first-ever sequencing of the octopus genome. The information gained will help scientists learn more about the function and development of the nervous system and can be applied to various aspects of brain research. This lesson is designed to support reading in the content area. The lesson plan includes a note-taking guide, text-dependent questions, a writing prompt, answer keys, and a writing rubric. |
| STEM Genetics Board Game: | This is a STEM challenge to assist in teaching the probability of traits being passed down from parents to offspring by creating and playing a board game.
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| Transcription & Translation in Action: | In this lesson, students will use manipulatives to act out the processes of transcription and translation. Upon completion, students are asked to complete a One Pager, graphic representation/reflection of their learning. |
| The Making of a Marvel: Part 3: | This lesson emphasizes the phases of meiosis and how it is different from mitosis. Students will model each phase using candy worms as chromosomes and other types of candy to represent other cellular structures. This gives students a hands on perspective of meiosis, allowing them to better grasp the differences in phases, as well as to understand the importance of meiosis in sexual reproduction. |
| New Research into Epigenetics and Rheumatoid Arthritis: | In this lesson, students will analyze an informational text that describes recent research into the underlying factors affecting rheumatoid arthritis. The text describes how epigenetic analysis in knee and hip joints revealed unique patterns that suggest the disease may differ from joint to joint. The findings may allow for the development of more effective, personalized treatment for those who suffer with RA. This lesson is designed to support reading in the content area. The lesson plan includes a note-taking guide, a vocabulary handout, text-dependent questions, a writing prompt, answer keys, and a writing rubric. |
| The Making of a Marvel: Part 4: | In this lesson, students will examine the process of fertilization. First, students will make predictions regarding the structures of egg and sperm and how it will aid or impede the fertilization process. Students will also make predictions about why meiosis produces differences in the numbers of sperm and eggs made available. Next, students will use microscopes to examine prepared slides of sperm and eggs. They will sketch each and label structures, and answer follow up questions at various DOK levels. For a final activity, students will use a word bank to fill in a narrative paragraph describing the fertilization process. |
| Genetics, Genetics, and More Genetics: | Students will use appropriate tools (Punnett squares) and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret data.Students will explore various modes of inheritance through a hands-on activity creating offspring of a fictitious organism. Students will complete Punnett Squares for various genetic crosses, and analyze and interpret the results of those crosses. Students will be able to predict the genotype and phenotype of P1 and F1 generations using Punnett Squares. Students will be able to identify complex patterns of inheritance such as co-dominance and incomplete dominance. |
| Something Old, Something New...: | Students will reflect on prior knowledge, record their understanding of DNA replication based on a 3D computer model, and will then create a model demonstrating the process of DNA replication. Students will investigate where DNA replication occurs in the human body and why it occurs there. Additionally, students will investigate DNA mutations and their potential impact on the organism. Finally, students will summarize what they learned by collaborating with other classmates. |
| Frankenfood or Superfood?: | In this lesson, students will analyze an designed to support reading in the content area. The article addresses opposition to genetically modified foods. The text discusses the possible reasons why so many people are anti-GMO even though science finds them safe. GMOs allow for more of the world to be fed with a lower impact on the environment. The author suggests some ways that misinformation can be combated with education. The lesson plan includes a note-taking guide, text-dependent questions, a writing prompt, answer keys, and a writing rubric. Numerous options to extend the lesson are also included. |
| Biotechnology at Work: GM Mosquitoes Reduce Dengue Fever: | In this lesson, students will analyze an informational text that addresses the release of genetically modified mosquitoes in Brazil to reduce the transmission of dengue fever. The male mosquitoes were modified so that when they reproduce, their offspring die before they can transmit the disease. The article contains a data table that shows a drastic reduction in the number of dengue cases in places where GM mosquitoes were used in addition to conventional control methods. This lesson is designed to support reading in the content area. The lesson plan includes a note-taking guide, text-dependent questions, a writing prompt, answer keys, and a writing rubric. |
| Gene Transfer and Cancer: Are They Linked?: | In this lesson, students will analyze an informational text intended to support reading in the content area. The article addresses a recent discovery linking bacteria and cancer cells in human tissue. Researchers believe that lateral gene transfer might play a role in cancer and other diseases associated with DNA damage. These results may lead to personalized medicine and might possibly be used as preventive measures. The lesson plan includes a note-taking guide, text-dependent questions, a writing prompt, answer keys, and a writing rubric. |
| Editing Humanity's Problems with CRISPR: | In this lesson, students will analyze an informational text that describes a promising new gene editing technology called CRISPR. The text describes what CRISPR is and some of its potential applications for individual and public health. Potential ethical considerations and drawbacks are also discussed. The article highlights the inventor of the technology, Dr. Jennifer Doudna, who was recently awarded a $3 million Breakthrough Prize for life sciences. This lesson is designed to support reading in the content area. The lesson plan includes a note-taking guide, text-dependent questions, a writing prompt, answer keys, and a writing rubric. Options to extend the lesson are also included. |
| Far From Home: NASA's Year in Space Mission: | In this lesson, students will analyze an informational text that presents information on a year-long space mission aboard the International Space Station. This lesson is designed to support reading in the content area. The text describes the mission of studying the long-term effects of microgravity on human health. Astronaut Scott Kelley and Cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko were used in the year-long study, along with Kelly's identical twin brother, Mark Kelly, who remained on Earth and was used as a control subject. The lesson plan includes a note-taking guide, text-dependent questions, a writing prompt, answer keys, and a writing rubric. Options to extend the lesson are also included. |
| Cancer: A result of mutation?: | In this lesson, students will learn that genetic mutations can occur during the S phase of the cell cycle when DNA is replicated. When mutations arise in genes that control cell division, cancer may result. |
| Cell Cycles, UV Damage, and Cancer: | This lesson asks students to investigate the potential risks of cancer associated with everyday carcinogens, including UV gel manicures, a popular beauty regimen in nail care. |
| Of Mice and Mutations: Natural Selection in Action: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. In this lesson, students will analyze a text that addresses the issue of evolution by natural selection and mutation, using Florida "beach mice" as a case study. The lesson plan includes text-dependent questions, a writing prompt, answer keys, and a writing rubric. Ideas for extending the lesson are also included. |
| The Making of a Marvel: Part 1: | The Making of a Marvel Part 1 is the first lesson of the reproductive unit (six lessons total). Students will begin with making cost analysis lists, as a class, of costs and benefits to asexual and sexual reproduction. The goal of this introductory exercise is to grab attention and illustrate that in sexual reproduction, the value of genetic diversity is well worth the cost. The second phase of the lesson begins with a brief discussion on the anatomy of both male and female reproductive systems. Together as a class we will then label diagrams of both systems. As a final activity in the lesson, students will receive cut out diagrams of both male and female systems. In this hands-on-manipulative students will match the corresponding structure and function labels given to them with the correct part of the diagram. This lesson follows the gradual release method of I do, we do, you do. |
| Modeling Transcription and Translation: | This lesson plan consists mostly of student-centered activities that involve learning and mastering the steps in DNA replication, transcription, and translation. |
| Getting Tangled with Yarn and the Cell Cycle: | Students will use different yarn colors to illustrate the cell cycle, including interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis.
Then, they will present their assignments in front of the class and complete a post-lesson worksheet. |
| Got Bull?: | This MEA is a genetics based lesson for upper level biology students. Students will review the data on several bulls and help a client choose the best bulls to begin a new cattle operation. Model Eliciting Activities, MEAs, are open-ended, interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that are meant to reveal students’ thinking about the concepts embedded in realistic situations. Click here to learn more about MEAs and how they can transform your classroom. |
| Making Mitosis with Yarn: | Students will model stages of mitosis and meiosis using yarn. By the end of the lesson, the students will be able to recognize the difference between mitosis and meiosis, know what type of cells are produced from mitosis and meiosis, and how many new cells are created at the end of each process.
This lesson is designed for student with mild/moderate disabilities enrolled in an Access class or in the inclusion classroom with assistance from the support facilitation teacher or possibly an Advanced Placement Biology student. |
| Mutation Manipulation Simulation Lab: | DNA replication, mutations, the cell cycle, and cancer are often taught separately in high school biology. Composing an activity that connects the understanding of these concepts and how they are interrelated is not always done effectively. DNA replication is a normal task for all cells, yet some cells become cancer cells because of changes to their DNA. This unwanted mutation can surpass the check points in the cell cycle and overtake normal cells.
In this two day lesson, students will be reminded of those DNA concepts using reading strategies needed to support scientific explanation with research evidence in a concise activity. This lesson builds a scaffold of background knowledge from Day 1 to enhance the simulation lab of cancer cell engulfing normal cells in Day 2, which often causes the demise of otherwise healthy individuals. The entire lesson should take about 45 minutes each day. |
| Protein Synthesis Math Relays!: | While working in cooperative groups, students will gain practice acting out DNA replication, transcription and translation! Instead of students creating a protein as their final piece, they will need to solve a math problem and supply the correct answer as their "protein"! |
| The Real Story of Where Babies Come From: | Students will observe, explore, and create a story about the main structures of the female/male reproductive systems, describing how these systems interact during the process of fertilization to a create human being. |
| Cell-U-Lar Wars ~ What Will Survive? Binary Fission Versus Mitotic Cell Division: | The students will learn that binary fission and mitosis are both methods of cell division used by various organisms. The students will compare and contrast the difference between both methods of cell division, while building background knowledge through cooperative, direct, and fun-filled scientific discovery. This lesson requires students to use multiple reading and learning strategies to increase their comprehension skills. |
| Let's Cure Cancer!: | This a Model-Eliciting-Activity (MEA) that provides students with the opportunity to investigate the process of cancer as they research new chemotherapeutic agents to reduce cancer mortality rates and improve outcomes for cancer patients. |
| Mendelian Genetics - Dihybrid Crosses: | This lesson allows for students to solve dihybrid crosses by applying their knowledge of Mendelian genetics. Students should already be familiar with monohybrid crosses prior to attempting this lesson. |
| One Fly, Two Fly, Red Fly, Blue Fly: | Students apply the scientific process in an online lab inquiry of how traits are inherited with the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. They also learn and apply the principles of Mendelian inheritance. Students make hypotheses for monohybrid, dihybrid and sex-linked traits and test their hypotheses by selecting fruit flies with different visible mutations, mating them, and analyzing the phenotypic ratios of the offspring. Students record their observations into an online notebook and write an online lab report. |
| The Code of Life: | This is a basic lesson on DNA transcription, one of the two primary steps in protein synthesis. Students will learn about the role of messenger RNA (mRNA) in transcription and translation through teacher- and student-led activities. |
| Modeling Mitosis: | During this lesson, students will watch animated videos to provide a visual representation of the different phases of mitosis to reinforce the essential content being taught. Students will model the process of mitosis to demonstrate that cells repeatedly divide for growth and repair and daughter cells are identical to the parent cell. |
| Understanding Translation: | In this lesson, the students will learn about the final step of protein synthesis through a series of activities. At the end of this lesson, the students will be able tie in translation and its role in protein synthesis. |
| Protein Car Synthesis: | Students will use this hands on activity to work their way through Transcription and Translation. Students can work in small groups to first construct a complete code of mRNA, and then construct a protein by finding corresponding Anticodons from tRNA. The accurate Base Pairing will result in the accumulation of Amino Acids. Amino Acids will be represented with automobile parts. For the completion of this activity, students will be able to piece together a fully formed automobile (or protein). This activity is accompanied by a written analogy of Transcription and Translation using a library and a mechanic. |
| Livestock Plans for Raising Red Nosed Reindeer: | This lesson about genetics and mutations investigates how red nosed reindeer could be raised in a livestock setting. Students will draw Punnett squares and design livestock plans for reproduction of red nosed reindeer. |
| Protein Synthesis: Transcription & Translation: | Students will explore the process of protein synthesis, specifically transcription and translation, using a sequenced graphic organizer and an interactive simulation (Lesson 1 & 2).
This resource contains 3 lessons:
- Lesson 1: Transcription & Translation
- Lesson 2: Lac Operon
- Lesson 3: Proteins & Cancer
As an extension (Lesson 3) the students will justify the applications of biotechnology that uses transcription and translation to synthesize proteins that target cancer cells or reason the possibilities of the amplification of antibodies using immortal cells.
They will explore how mutations, genetic or epigenetic (lifestyle-chemicals, radiation, viruses), resulting in cancer.
The student will connect changes that occur in the genetic code, during transcription and translation, to the deleterious impact on proto oncogenes that promote cell division and tumor suppressor genes that normally inhibit it. |
| DNA Mutations: | In this lesson, students will learn the effect of DNA mutations on protein formation and phenotype. The students will convert a DNA sequence to an amino acid sequence and use color-by-number pictures to show the difference between an original and mutated sequence. Through comparisons with other students in the class, the students will learn that not all mutations will result in a change, while some may cause a great deal of change in a gene (and therefore the protein and/or phenotype). |
| Ice Cream Sundae Gene Expression: | This lesson allows students to visualize how genes are expressed by completing the process of transcription and translation of 10 ice cream sundae genes. After students have completed the transcription and translation they will be using the expression of each gene to assemble an ice cream sundae with their coded ice cream type and toppings. The students will be able to make a connection between how genes are expressed in an ice cream sundae and relate it back to human gene expression. |
| Transcription and Translation Made Easy: | "Transcription and Translation Made Easy" is an interactive whole-class activity that follows the transfer of information from the DNA to protein formation. The activity uses letters as parts of words as an analogy for amino acids as parts of proteins to allow the students to observe the type of mutations that may occur and the level of damage that each can cause. |
| Eggenetic Baby: | Students will apply their knowledge of genetics and predicting heredity to synthesize an original model of traits. |
| Cell Cycle Picture Book: | After reading the sections and/or chapter on the concept of the cell cycle, including mitosis, the students will be guided through the process of making a picture book. This picture book will enhance the students' knowledge of what occurs within the cell structures as it moves through all the stages of the cell cycle. This book will then be shared with other students and/or the teacher to demonstrate that each student can accurately describe the process of the cell cycle. |
| Super Power Proteins: | In this lesson the students will have the opportunity to explore the concept of transcription with a hands-on, easy to use model and also be able to create a super hero to apply the concept. |
| "DNA:Breaking the Code!": | In this lesson, students learn about DNA, the building block of genetic material. Students learn the basic components of DNA and see how they fit together. The teacher will offer activities and support to support with these goals. The goal of this lesson is to familiarize students to the cell and its DNA as the genetic material that manages how the cell will function. It is recommended to teach this lesson before teaching heredity is the passage of these instructions from one generation to another. |
| Suspect Strawberry, DNA testing?: | This lesson uses the scientific method to extract DNA from food sources, other than strawberries, to support that DNA is common to almost all organisms. |
| The Cell Cycle: | In this lesson students will explore the cell cycle and cell division. They will utilize Power Point presentations, videos and interactive animations to answer questions pertaining to the importance of mitosis and cell growth. To reinforce skills and concepts, students will do a flip chart activity. |
| Alien Encounters -- Transcription and Translation: | This is a 3-4 day lesson which focuses on the role of DNA and RNA in protein synthesis. It teaches students about the process of transcription and translation which makes the amino acid chains. This lesson has a variety of activities to engage students in learning, including virtual manipulatives, tutorials, videos and a summative lab to wrap up information learned. |
| Formation of New Cells: | This lesson focuses on comparing and contrasting mitosis and meiosis. Included in the activity is an interactive resource that allows students to explore both processes side by side. |
| The Truth about Blue Eyes: |
Students work together to understand an article describing how genes cause eye color (and it probably doesn't match what's in your textbook!)
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| Cloning and Genetic Modification: What's the Difference?: | This multi-step lesson engages students in comparing and contrasting two current methods of bioengineering; cloning and genetic modification. After identifying how these processes are completed, students organize their new knowledge, peer review, and apply their ideas to hypothetical scenarios. Finally, students evaluate misconceptions and correct them in a letter to the editor format. |
| Drawing the Cell Cycle Using Onion Root Tips: | In this lesson students will observe onion root tips under a microscope, count the number of cells they find in each stage of the cell cycle, and then use this information to draw a pie graph that will predict the percentage of time spent in each stage. |
| What are HeLa Cells?: | Students will watch a short video introducing what HeLa cells are and why they are worth some attention.
They will:
- In a group, research specific perspectives (family, society, medical/technology, legal rights).
- Record reasons they support/refute the ethical use of HeLa cells.
- Get into different groups with one perspective each to debate and come to a consensus as a whole: "Is the use of HeLa cells ethical?"
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| Mitosis and Meiosis Pipe Cleaner Simulation: Crossing Over and Independent Assortment: | This lesson requires the students to simulate the movement of chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis using different-colored pipe cleaners. The pipe cleaners allow the instructor to highlight both recombination (crossing over) and independent assortment, two important components of meiotic cell division. The processes that create variation among gametes are also emphasized.
This lesson plan includes excellent teacher support in the form of videos that explain how the pipe cleaners should be manipulated to demonstrate the concepts of mitosis, meiosis, and independent assortment. |
| Bioengineered Foods: | In this lesson, students compare the processes of selective breeding and transgenic manipulation of plants. They consider the pros and cons of growing genetically modified crops. They explore the possible future consequences of genetically modified organisms. Finally, they analyze public opinion data about the use of genetically modified foods |
| Evaluating Claims About Cancer: | Students identify claims about UV exposure presented in a selection of media items, then design, execute, and report the results of an experiment designed to test one such claim. |
| Cancer and the Cell Cycle: | Students use five web animations and four videos to help them construct an explanation for how cancer develops, then use their new understanding to explain several historical observations about agents that cause cancer. After completing this activity, students will:
- understand that many different agents can cause cancer,
- understand that cancer represents a breakdown of the processes that regulate the growth of normal cells and tissues,
- recognize that cancer develops as a result of genetic damage that occurs to cells across time,
- be able to explain that cancer is associated with the occurrence of damage to particular classes of genes involved in the normal regulation of the cell cycle, and
- understand that studying the processes involved in the development of cancer has led to a significantly increased understanding of the normal cell cycle as well as to new strategies for treating cancer.
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| Cancer as a Multistep Process: | This lesson is the third in a series, preceded by "The Faces of Cancer" and "Cancer and the Cell Cycle." In this lesson, students use random number tables and an Internet-based simulation to test several hypotheses about the development of cancer.
After completing this activity, students will:
- understand that cancer results from the accumulation of genetic damage to cells across time, and
- be able to explain the increase in cancer incidence that occurs with an increase in age in terms of a multiple hit (mutations in a number of genes) hypothesis for cancer's development.
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| Acting on Information About Cancer: | Students assume the roles of federal legislators and explore several Cell Biology and Cancer website resources to identify reasons to support or oppose a proposed statute that would require individuals under the age of 18 to wear protective clothing when outdoors.
After completing this activity, students will:
- understand that science can help us improve personal and public health,
- be able to explain that good choices can reduce an individual's risk of developing cancer and can improve an individual's chance of survival if he or she does develop it,
- understand that ethics brings to public policy debates two presumptions: that we should protect individual autonomy and that we should protect individual and societal health and well-being,
- recognize that ethical values sometimes conflict in public policy debates about strategies for reducing the risk of cancer, and
- understand that it is possible for people to hold different positions on a controversial topic and still participate in a reasoned discussion about it.
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| Mendelian Genetics: | A full lesson plan on teaching Mendelian Genetics and how to use and understand Punnett squares. |
| Tissue Specific Gene Expression: | How is it that all cells in our body have the same genes, yet cells in
different tissues express different genes? A basic notion in biology
that most high school students fail to conceptualize is the fact that
all cells in the animal or human body contain the same DNA, yet
different cells in different tissues express, on the one hand, a set of
common genes, and on the other, express another set of genes that vary
depending on the type of tissue and the stage of development. In this
video lesson, the student will be reminded that genes in a cell/tissue
are expressed when certain conditions in the nucleus are met.
Interestingly, the system utilized by the cell to ensure tissue specific
gene expression is rather simple. Among other factors - all discussed
fully in the lesson - the cells make use of a tiny scaffold known as the
"Nuclear Matrix or Nucleo-Skeleton". This video lesson spans 20 minutes
and provides 5 exercises for students to work out in groups and in
consultation with their classroom teacher. The entire duration of the
video demonstration and exercises should take about 45-50 minutes, or
equivalent to one classroom session. There are no supplies needed for
students' participation in the provided exercises. They will only need
their notebooks and pens. However, the teacher may wish to emulate the
demonstrations used in the video lesson by the presenter and in this
case simple material can be used as those used in the video. These
include play dough, pencils, rubber bands (to construct the nuclear
matrix model), a tennis ball and 2-3 Meters worth of shoe laces. The
students should be aware of basic information about DNA folding in the
nucleus, DNA replication, gene transcription, translation and protein
synthesis. |
| From Teenage to Old Age: How Cancer Develops Over Time: | This lesson focuses on: how cancer is caused by mutations that
accumulate over time in cells' DNA, how the genes mutated in cancer are
involved in normal cell growth & division, and how different types
of mutations affect the functions of these genes. We recommend that this
lesson be the first BLOSSOMS lesson on cancer, that the students use,
from the series of three cancer lessons made by scientists at the Broad
Institute of MIT & Harvard. It would be helpful if the students
already knew basic information about DNA structure & function, and
how mutations can affect the RNA & protein encoded by this DNA.
Only paper and writing utensils, and the ability to print out or
display the provided handouts, are necessary to complete this lesson.
This lesson is intended to take one or two class periods. The two most
central hands-on activities in the lesson are as follows:
- Students do an activity with a "mutation mat" (which is much like a
bingo board) that shows how mutations accumulate in cells over time.
This activity demonstrates why cancer is a disease of old age, because
the more years that pass, the higher the chance that enough mutations
have occurred in the relevant genes in a single cell, to cause it to
become a cancer cell.
- Students complete a worksheet about various examples of "mutations"
that could affect a steam engine train and cause it to barrel out of
control (for example: if the train's brakes aren't working, or if the
coal shovelers are shoveling too quickly).
The lesson ends with two additional discussion topics: how a person
can be pre-disposed to cancer if he/she inherits a mutation from his/her
parents; and how different tissues in the body get exposed to different
mutagens, thus causing different types of cancer.
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| The King of Dinosaurs or a Chicken Dinner?: | This lesson uses the fundamentals of protein synthesis as a context for investigating the closest living relative to Tyrannosaurus rex and evaluating whether or not paleontologist and dinosaur expert, Jack Horner, will be able to "create" live dinosaurs in the lab. The first objective is for students to be able to access and properly utilize the NIH's protein sequence database to perform a BLAST, using biochemical evidence to determine T rex's closest living relative. The second objective is for students to be able to explain and evaluate Jack Horner's plans for creating live dinosaurs in the lab. The main prerequisite for the lesson is a basic understanding of protein synthesis, or the flow of information in the cell from DNA to RNA during transcription and then from RNA to protein during translation. You will find downloadable handouts of the necessary documents for the lesson. To complete the lesson, you will need the handouts and ideally computers with Internet connections so that students can complete the BLAST on their own or in groups. The computers are not a requirement, however, because the video has an optional segment that goes through the BLAST step-by-step and shows students exactly what they would see if they were doing it themselves. There is an optional reading assignment from WIRED magazine at the close of the lesson, and the article can be accessed for free on-line at . The lesson should take somewhere around 90 minutes, a portion of which is group or classroom discussion based on prompts from the video or the handouts. |
| Cells on Stage: | The lesson addresses the phases of the cell cycle and mitosis through live acting |
| Cleaning Up Your Act: | Cleaning Up Your Act Model Eliciting Activity (MEA) provides students with a real world engineering problem in which they must work as a team to design a procedure to select the best material for cleaning up an oil spill. The main focus of this MEA is to recognize the consequences of a catastrophic event, and understand the environmental and economical impact based on data analysis. Students will conduct individual and team investigations in order to arrive at a scientifically sound solution to the problem. Model Eliciting Activities, MEAs, are open-ended, interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that are meant to reveal students’ thinking about the concepts embedded in realistic situations. Click here to learn more about MEAs and how they can transform your classroom. |
| The Making of a Super Hero (39855): | Part 1 - Students will transcribe and translate their way through a fun classroom scavenger hunt.
Part 2 - After genetically manipulating Joe's DNA, students try to develop the next Super Hero. |
| How to be a Molecular Biologist the Easy Way: | This lesson plan details the ethical concepts of biotechnology and allows students to explore basic concepts of manipulating and analyzing DNA in a classroom setting. The lesson takes the students through a discussion of controversial topics related to molecular biology and biotechnology, DNA isolation, restriction digestion of DNA, gel electrophoresis, and DNA cloning. |
| From Cell to DNA: | The goal of this lesson is to introduce students to the human cell and its DNA as the genetic information that governs how the cell will function. |
| Genetically Modified Foods: | Using short videos, articles and a scavenger hunt, students will learn the process of genetically modifying crops and understand the benefits and drawbacks of genetically modified foods. |
| Cancer: Cells Make Mistakes Too!: | Students will practice reading in the content area and answer questions regarding cancer and how it spreads. |
| Bird Brains - Evolutionary Relationships: | Students will compare the sequence of amino acids in a gene shared between humans and six other organisms and infer evolutionary relationships among the species. |
| Killer Microbe: | A lesson about the important topic of antibiotic-resistant bacteria with student activities and A/V resources. |
| Profile: Judah Folkman Cancer Research: | This PBS/NOVA lesson combines a discussion of the Nature of Science using a renowned Cancer researcher (and supported by the profiles of several other renowned scientists in the activities) to study concepts of creativity and tentativeness in the Nature of Science with a study of the biological characteristics of cells in disease (cancer).
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| Personal DNA Testing: | A lesson with multi-media components from PBS/NOVA that focuses on DNA testing, including techniques, purposes, and considerations for biotechnology and human decisions regarding health. Students will learn about single nucleotide polymorphisms, how they are used in science, and how they are being used in the medical field. Students will apply this knowledge by looking at a mock data set and probabilities to inform medical recommendations. |
| Pandemic Flu: | In this lesson, students will model an avian-human flu virus structure, replication, and spread. The accompanying PBS NOVA movie Pandemic Flu regarding H5N1 Avian and Swine Flu highlights interactions between the virus, humans, and birds. |
| Applied mitosis and meiosis: plant biotechnology: | Students will learn about sexual and asexual reproduction and relate each to the process of mitosis and meiosis within the context of plant biotechnology |
| CRACKING THE CODE/CLONING PAPER PLASMID: | This is an activity where students "crack" the genetic code. They will "read" and "write" a message. They will also participate in "cloning" a plasmid. |
| Dragon Genetics: | In this lab, Dragon Genetics: Principles of Mendelian Genetics, students learn the principles of Mendelian genetics by using Popsicle sticks, each of which represents a pair of homologous chromosomes with multiple genetic traits. Pairs of students use their sets of Popsicle sticks to represent a mating and then identify the genetic makeup and phenotypic traits of the resulting baby dragon. |
| Genotype and Phenotype Activity: | This is a hands-on activity that will help students distinguish between genotype and phenotype. |
| How Do Babies Develop?: | In this lesson, students explore the development of the human fetus during pregnancy. |
| Human Reproduction: | Students learn about the male and female reproductive systems and the developmental changes of pregnancy. Students will create a timeline about the trimesters of pregnancy. |
| The Wolfman Syndrome: | This clicker case uses congenital generalized hypertrichosis (CGH), a rare genetic disease, to teach students the basic principles of Mendelian inheritance.
Students watch a video clip from an ABC News interview that introduces them to Danny Gomez, a circus performer with the Mexican international Circus. Danny and several other family members of his family have a condition called hypertrichosis-excessive hair growth in areas of the body that is not predominately androgen dependent. In the process of meeting Danny and his family, students learn basic genetic concepts including DNA organization, karyotype analysis, dominance and recessive patterns of inheritance, sex linkage, and lyonization, as well as a brief introduction to the evolutionary idea of atavism. |
| Where it all Begins: The Basic Structures of the Reproductive System: | Students will identify and/or describe the basic anatomy and physiology of the human reproductive system. Students will understand how the structures of the human reproductive system work together to create and deliver gametes for fertilization. |
| Name |
Description |
| This App Uses Facial Recognition Software to Help Identify Genetic Conditions: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. The article describes a new tool (Face2Gene) that is being used by geneticists to help identify genetic disorders. The app uploads a picture and searches databases for specific facial measurements and characteristics common to specific genetic conditions. The app sends out a list of possible conditions, as well as a metric of their likelihood. |
| Some Genes Remain "Alive" for Days After the Body Dies: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. Researchers from the University of Washington, led by microbiologist Peter Nobel, found that hundreds of genes reawaken and function in mice and fish for up to four days. Nobel also discovered that these genes are responsible for responding to stress and regulating the immune system. There were also others that are important for a developing embryo being used and these shouldn’t be needed after birth. In addition, the genes may also be linked to increased cancer in organ transplants and scientists are hoping to use the information in forensic science to better estimate a time of death. |
| Rabies Could Spread to Peru's Coast by 2020: | This informational text resource is designed to support reading in the content area. The article discusses how the rabies virus is likely to spread to the coast of Peru by the year 2020. It further discusses the technology used to determine that the male vampire bat is most likely the carrier of the rabies virus to different areas in Peru. |
| The First Non-Browning GMO Apples Slated to Hit Shelves Next Month: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. The article discusses newly developed apples that have lower levels of PPO enzyme, thus keeping them from turning brown quickly. |
| First-Ever Octopus Genome Sequenced: | This informational text resource is designed to support reading in the content area. The article discusses the information gained through the sequencing of the octopus' genome. This information will help scientists learn more about the function and development of the nervous system and can be applied to brain research. |
| GM Mosquitoes Succeed at Reducing Dengue, Company Says: | This informational text resource is designed to support reading in the content area. The article describes a recent study that allowed researchers to prove the benefits of releasing GM mosquitoes in Brazil in order to decrease disease transmission. At first, research showed that the mosquito population had dropped, but then the research also showed that diseases like dengue fever had dropped dramatically in comparison to areas with conventional mosquito control. |
| Why People Oppose GMOs Even Though Science Says They Are Safe: | The informational text resource explains why the conventional wisdom of much of the public tends to be against GMOs: genetically modified organisms. Author Stefaan Blancke discusses why people feel hostile toward GMOs: because of emotions, intuitions, and essentialism. The author explains that science has found nothing unsafe about GMOs, but he does conclude that each GMO should be researched and admits that some GM applications could have unwanted effects. |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis Mechanisms May Vary by Joint: | This informational text resource is designed to support reading in the content area. New research indicates that rheumatoid arthritis mechanisms may vary by joint. These findings may point to developing specific therapies for individual patients that target precise locations. |
| Bacterial DNA May Integrate into Human Genome More Readily in Tumor Tissue: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. The article describes how scientists have recently found that lateral gene transfer occurs more rapidly into cancer or tumor cells than in normal, healthy cells. Scientists are going to further their research to see if there is a link between lateral gene transfer from the microbes that live on or around us and cancer. They believe this will also lead to a more personalized type of medicine. |
| Rewriting Genetic Information to Prevent Disease: | This informational text resource is designed to support reading in the content area. CRISPR is an ancient immune response mechanism found in many bacteria that can locate and destroy the genome of an invader, such as a virus. Now researchers want to harness this natural system to control gene editing and regulation, and potentially correct harmful genetic mutations in humans. The ethical considerations of this technology are also discussed. |
| Ten things to know about Scott Kelly’s #YearInSpace: | This informational text resource is designed to support reading in the content area. The article describes an ongoing NASA research project where astronaut Scott Kelly and cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko are being tested for the effects of a year-long spaceflight. However, the science of their mission spans three years: one year before they left, one year in space, and another upon their return. In addition, part of the research also includes the Twin Study; Scott’s identical twin brother, and a former astronaut, served as a human control on the ground during Scott’s year-long stay in space. |
| The Mythology of Natural Selection: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. The text describes how natural selection occurs when mutations occur in an individual's DNA sequence. Two different populations can have two different genetic mutations yet end up with a similar phenotype. |
| Long-held Theory on Human Gestation Refuted: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. This is a fine synopsis of a previously reported (and highly technical) study that shows the thought process behind challenging an existing theory. The subject is human evolution and the biology of childbirth. It encompasses basic anthropology concepts such as walking upright, as well as the biology of energy needs in pregnancy. Long-held views (that narrow birth canals are required for bipedalism) are debunked by careful analysis of how women with varying hip widths actually walk—and the authors found no difference. |
| Genetic Solution to Cancer, Diabetes?: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. The text describes a rare form of dwarfism called Laron's Syndrome, which is associated with an unusually low incidence of cancer and diabetes. This combination of characteristics allows scientists to speculate on the relationship between all three conditions. It appears that a mutation that causes dwarfism protects against the common diseases of cancer and diabetes. |
| Cloning Is Used to Create Embryonic Stem Cells: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. The article explains how cloning technology has achieved the long-desired goal of creating embryonic stem cells. It explores the science and morality of this complex issue. |
| Is Large-Scale Production of Biofuel Possible?: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. Is large-scale production of biofuel possible? The author attempts to answer this key question. As the world seeks to decrease its dependence on petroleum fuel by genetically engineering certain crops, there is the potential to commercially produce biofuels. Plant sources for bioenergy, the harnessing of plant bioenergy, and the sustainability of the industry are all issues considered in this text. The article discusses both environmental and economic consequences. |
| Humans and Squid Evolved Same Eyes Using Same Genes: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. The text discusses the evolution of the eye across different types of organisms. Eyes have evolved independently several times (such as in squid vs. humans), though all animals with eyes share the Pax6 gene, which is responsible for organizing the formation of a simple eye. The evolution of the Pax6 gene, particularly in how its RNA product is spliced, is responsible for the diversity of eye types, such as the camera eye in squid. |
| Killing a Patient to Save His Life: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. This article explores a controversial clinical trial being conducted by the University of Pittsburgh. Scientists are exploring more efficient ways to save lives when patients enter the emergency room in critical condition. The idea involves draining the patient's blood and replacing it with freezing saltwater to induce a hypothermic state that will buy doctors more time to save human lives. This is causing an ethical debate as patients will be essentially clinically dead during this procedure. The technique is known as Emergency Preservation and Resuscitation (EPR). |
| The Cell's Protein Factory in Action: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. The ribosome, the site of protein synthesis, is the focus of this article. The text describes how a problem-some antibiotics are targeting the ribosomes of both harmful and beneficial bacteria-is being solved by studying the movement of ribosomes during translation. |
| Ethical Issues in Genetic Engineering and Transgenics: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. This thought-provoking article explores ethical issues and legal implications associated with genetic engineering and transgenics. It discusses the science behind genetic engineering, current research developments, and potential societal issues surrounding bioengineering of humans and other organisms. |
| Cell Cycle and Cell Division: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. The phases of the cell cycle are described, along with scientists' methods of studying the process. The proteins and cyclins involved in cell division are explained as well. The text ends by exploring future opportunities for discovery in this field. |
| Body's Immune System Kills Mutant Cells Daily: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. This article explores how scientists discovered that the immune system naturally suppresses cancer while they were researching how B cells change during the growth of lymphoma. The text explains how T cells work as an "immune surveillance" and can be a way of preventing blood cancers. Through experimentation, scientists discovered how vitally important those cells are to possibly suppressing other forms of cancer in the future. |
| Raman Method Analyzes Live Cells Quickly and Accurately : | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. The Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology has developed a non-invasive process for analyzing living cells. This technique uses Raman spectroscopy and will be able to to identify cancer cells based upon their unique Raman spectra. Alternative applications include separating bone marrow from other tissues for transplantation. |
| How Basic Research Fuels Medical Advances: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. Research out of Scripps Research Institute's Florida campus illustrates how studying simple processes, such as DNA replication, can lead to highly beneficial medical advances: in this case, a possible cure for adult-onset muscular dystrophy. The article also shows how basic research has led to some familiar medical applications. |
| Animal Clones: Double Trouble?: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. Would you want to eat "clone chops?" This article discusses the possibility of food products derived from cloned animals appearing on our plates in the future. Also included is a brief history of cloning and the methods by which it is executed. In addition, the ethical and health arguments surrounding this development are discussed. |
| Sexual Reproduction - How it Works: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. This article gives an overview of the human reproductive system, including the organs that are present in both sexes and the role that each gender plays in reproduction. It is organized in a manner that supports readers' comprehension of the subject and captures their attention. |
| "Nanodaisies" Deliver Drug Cocktail to Cancer Cells: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. This short but sophisticated article explains how a team of researchers developed daisy-shaped nanostructures to battle cancer cells and the potential impact this biotechnology may have on medical issues. |
| Chemists Expand Nature's Genetic Alphabet: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. This article provides some of the newest and most exciting information relating to the DNA in living things. It is a synopsis of a recent experiment in which scientists were able to successfully add two new "letters" into DNA and have the cell replicate these new bases. This could lead to advances in genetics, medicine, and various other fields of study. |
| "Designer" Chromosome for Brewer's Yeast Built from Scratch: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. Scientists have been able to create a synthetic functioning chromosome (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) found in yeast. With this breakthrough, they might be able to create customizable bio-fuels, vaccines, or even synthetic organisms in the future. |
| Fetal Development, Human: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. There are many stages of the development of living things. This article focuses on the development of a human being starting at fertilization. The author gives vivid descriptions of each step of the process, breaking these steps into two larger groups: early development and the fetal period. |
| Know Your Genes: | This website is a good resource for reviewing the basics of the study of genetics. It conveniently lists and describes common genetic disorders, and describes procedure for setting up a medical family tree. |
| Cells' Fiery Suicide in HIV Provides New Treatment Hope: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. The article explains how HIV-infected cells go through a self-destructive response called "pyroptosis," and how a drug might be able to prevent the infected cells' death. |
| Live Cells Printed Using 'Rubber Stamp' Method: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. This article discusses how new 3D printing methods can be used to print new living cells rapidly. |
| Slug-Inspired Glue Can Heal a Broken Heart: | This informational text is intended to support reading in the content area. The article describes a new glue, mimicking the sea slug, that can be used to mend heart defects. |
| Incredible Technology: How to Bring Extinct Animals Back to Life: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. The article discusses possible ways in which an extinct animal might be revived, as well as the potential consequences of de-extinction. |
| Human DNA Is Not A Document, It's An App: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. This article discusses the relevance of the new findings regarding DNA coding and uses seven technological metaphors (i.e. Apps and Zappos) to compare DNA coding to contemporary physics. |
| Discovery of New Enzyme Could Yield Better Plants for Biofuel: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. The text describes the discovery of a new gene that produces an enzyme that controls lignin production in plants. Withholding the gene results in less lignin in plants and makes it easier to extract sugars used in the production of biofuels. |
| Blood Made Suitable For All: | This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. The text explains how blood is classified into types based on the presence of antigens. It describes a process whereby antigens can be removed by an enzyme to make all blood types the same as the universal donor. |
| What is Cancer? What Causes Cancer?: | This informational text is intended to support reading in the content area. This article both identifies cancer and some of its causes; specifically, the fact that uncontrolled cell growth may result in a cancerous tumor. |
| IVF Pioneer Wins Medicine Nobel Prize: | This informational text is intended to support reading in the content area. This article covers the topics of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), bioengineering, the scientific pioneers, and the ethical debate surrounding it. |
Vetted resources students can use to learn the concepts and skills in this topic.
Vetted resources caregivers can use to help students learn the concepts and skills in this topic.
