Standard 16: Heredity and Reproduction

This interactive website provides challenging questions for students to work cooperatively as they review for formative or summative assessments. The questions provide scaffolding as they progress in order from factual recall to inference.This activity addresses several standards including meiosis, mitosis, gamete/spore formation and independent assortment.

Type: Educational Game

The Control of the Cell Cycle educational game is based on the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, which was awarded for discoveries concerning the control of the cell cycle.

Type: Educational Game

Type: Educational Game

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

Students will investigate the Fourth Amendment implications of DNA collection techniques and technologies used in solving true crime examples in this integrated lesson plan.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

 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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

Students will compare and contrast the non-Mendelian inheritance patterns of codominance and incomplete dominance.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

Through use of arts integration and the 5E Lesson Model, students will use printmaking techniques to design and illustrate the cell cycle.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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. 

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

This lesson plan consists mostly of student-centered activities that involve learning and mastering the steps in DNA replication, transcription, and translation.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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"!

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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).

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

"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.

Type: Lesson Plan

Students will apply their knowledge of genetics and predicting heredity to synthesize an original model of traits.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

Students work together to understand an article describing how genes cause eye color (and it probably doesn't match what's in your textbook!)

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

Students will watch a short video introducing what HeLa cells are and why they are worth some attention.
They will:

1. In a group, research specific perspectives (family, society, medical/technology, legal rights).
2. Record reasons they support/refute the ethical use of HeLa cells.
3. 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?"

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

A full lesson plan on teaching Mendelian Genetics and how to use and understand Punnett squares.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

The lesson addresses the phases of the cell cycle and mitosis through live acting

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

Students will practice reading in the content area and answer questions regarding cancer and how it spreads.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

A lesson about the important topic of antibiotic-resistant bacteria with student activities and A/V resources.

Type: Lesson Plan

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).

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

Students will learn about sexual and asexual reproduction and relate each to the process of mitosis and meiosis within the context of plant biotechnology

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

This is a hands-on activity that will help students distinguish between genotype and phenotype.

Type: Lesson Plan

In this lesson, students explore the development of the human fetus during pregnancy.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

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.

Type: Lesson Plan

Dive into genetic mutations and learn how they can alter the phenotypes of organisms.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Follow the life of a cell in the tightly controlled process called the cell cycle! In this interactive tutorial, you will learn how a single cell gives rise to two identical daughter cells during the cell cycle and mitosis.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Explore the steps of mitosis and cell division in this interactive tutorial, and see how they result in the separation of a cell's genetic material and division of its contents into two identical daughter cells. 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Explore the genetic advantage of sexual reproduction, describe the basic anatomy and physiology of both the male and female human reproductive systems, describe the process of human development leading up to birth, and identify major changes associated with each trimester of pregnancy.

This interactive tutorial is part 1 in a two-part series. Click here to 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Explore the process of human development leading up to birth, and identify major changes associated with each trimester of pregnancy.

This interactive tutorial is part 2 in a two-part series. Click here to launch .

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Examine how genetic identification is aiding marine biologists studying organisms in deep ocean regions. This interactive tutorial also features a CPALMS Perspectives video.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Explore consequences and challenges of reproductive strategies of sea anemones.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Learn strategies to help you solve genetics problems by applying your knowledge of inheritance patterns. You’ll encounter a few “mystery cases” that you’ll solve through your genetics analysis in this interactive tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Learn about the first step of protein synthesis, transcription of DNA to RNA. In this interactive tutorial, you'll explore epigenetics as a mechanism to activate or inactivate gene expression. 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis in this interactive tutorial. You'll also relate them to the processes of sexual and asexual reproduction and their consequences for genetic variation.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Explore the basic processes of transcription and translation, and how they result in the expression of genes as you complete this interactive tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Learn how DNA is copied and explain how this process allows cells to have identical genetic information with this interactive tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Learn how to describe Meiosis, the process by which sex cells--the sperm and the egg--are created in living things. In this interactive tutorial, you will also discover how sexual reproduction results in genetically diverse offspring.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Explore the relationship between mutations, the cell cycle, and uncontrolled cell growth which may result in cancer with this interactive tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Learn the basics of inheritance in this interactive tutorial. You discover how to differentiate between polygenic and multiple alleles, predict genetic outcomes using a Punnett square, and analyze inheritance patterns caused by various modes of inheritances including codominant, incomplete dominance, sex-linked, polygenic, and multiple alleles. 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Learn how to better understand the composition of DNA, the purpose of the information in DNA, why the DNA sequence is considered a universal code, and what might happen if mistakes appear in the code with this interactive tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Learn how to identify and define types of biotechnology and consider the impacts of biotechnologies on the individual, society and the environment in this interactive tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Basic cancer mechanisms and current treatment options.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Expert

Will Ryan describes the relationship between anemone reproductive strategy and body mass.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Expert

Dr. Mahmood Shivji explains how rapid genetic testing of shark tissue samples is used to address societal pressures on marine environments.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Expert

Dr. Mahmood Shivji describes research efforts to assess biodiversity of fish species in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico through the use of genetic testing.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Expert

Genes are transcribed and translated into proteins, a process called gene expression. Learn here how you have the proteins you need in the quantities required through regulation.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Expert

Dr. David McNutt explains how large clonal plant populations can be analyzed with microsatellite analysis of their DNA.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Expert

A cell has made a protein; now what? Learn more about protein secretion!

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Expert

Advances in "big data" are leading to rapid developments in personalized medicine. Learn more!

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Expert

Check this out and learn about how prokaryotes and eukaryotes regulate gene expression.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Expert

How do you know what genes are thinking? By their expression. Learn more from a plant geneticist.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Expert

A discussion of the applications of Knot Theory, replication of DNA, enzymes, and fluid dynamics.

Type: Perspectives Video: Expert

Sometimes the cell cycle gets derailed a bit, which can lead to the development of tumors. Learn more about mutations!

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Expert

What's in a molecular biologist's toolbox? Very small tools for working with cellular machines and molecules!

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Expert

This plant geneticist wants to propagate knowledge about different kinds of plant propagation.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Expert

Your understanding of agriscience will bloom and grow as this plant geneticist describes how they use mitosis and meiosis when developing new grape varieties.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Expert

A plant geneticist describes observable inheritance patterns and genetic mutations in maize.

Type: Perspectives Video: Expert

A viticulture scientist explains grape expectations for medicine and society.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Expert

Watch now and learn more about plants, bacteria, and phage viruses!

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Expert

Will Ryan describes how linear regression models contribute towards his research on sea anemones.

Type: Perspectives Video: Professional/Enthusiast

This woman knows all about birthing babies!

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Professional/Enthusiast

Watch as Sue Livingston reveals how DNA and forensic biotechnology methods can be used to help solve crimes.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Professional/Enthusiast

Viruses aren't alive but they still need to stay in shape! Learn more about the geometric forms of bacteriophages!

Type: Perspectives Video: Professional/Enthusiast

Here's a genetics activity that's out of this world!

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea

Get out the popcorn; it's time for science. This teacher talks about three films she uses to make movie day a productive class day.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea

In this table-top karyotyping activity, students group chromosomes, identify abnormalities, and then research the resulting genetic disorder.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea

Is that your tosis? No, it's mitosis! Listen to this teacher describe a fun, interactive simulation that will help students understand mitosis and the cell cycle.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea

Don't lose your marbles over genetics concepts! Here's an idea to teach about non-Mendelian inheritance!

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea

Use this resource as a follow up to the following video that explains RNAi . This group activity can introduces two analogies to illustrate how RNAi interferes with specific gene expression and protein production. In the first model, students review protein synthesis. In the second model, the interference of RNAi with the protein production is illustrated. Throughout this process, students develop an understanding of transcription and translation.

Type: Student Center Activity

In this problem set, multiple choice problems are displayed one at a time. If students answer correctly, they are shown a short explanation. If their answer is incorrect, a tutorial will follow, and the students will be given another chance to answer.

Type: Student Center Activity

This simple guide will walk you through the steps of solving a typical dihybrid cross common in genetics. The method can also work for any cross that involves two traits.

Type: Teaching Idea

This resource provides microscope photos of fish and onion cells and allows students to identify the phase of mitosis shown in each photograph.

Type: Teaching Idea

In the lab "From Gene to Protein - Transcription and Translation," students learn how genes are involved in the process of protein synthesis, including exploring specific examples such as albinism and sickle cell anemia. Students use paper models to simulate the process of transcription and translation.

Type: Teaching Idea

Students will identify the steps involved in the translation process.

Type: Teaching Idea

This step-by-animations explores the stages of two types of cell division, mitosis and meiosis, and how these processes are compared and contrasted to one another and provides a printable version.

Type: Teaching Idea

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.  

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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).

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

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.

Type: Text Resource

This video discusses the phases of Meiosis (Part 2 of 2).

Type: Tutorial

This video discusses the phases of Meiosis (Part 1 of 2).

Type: Tutorial

Click "View Site" to open a full-screen version. This tutorial is designed to help secondary science teachers learn how to integrate literacy skills into their science curriculum. This tutorial will demonstrate a number of strategies teachers can impart to students to help them use context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words within science texts. It will also help them teach students how to select the appropriate definition from reference materials. The focus on literacy across content areas is intended to help foster students' reading, writing, and thinking skills in multiple disciplines.

Type: Tutorial

This Khan Academy video explains and demonstrates how to use Punnett Squares for monohybrid crosses and dihybrid crosses. The video also shows how to use Punnett Squares for inheritance patterns such as codominance, incomplete dominance, and multiple alleles.

Type: Tutorial

This Khan Academy video reviews the basic processes of DNA replication and protein synthesis. It then goes on to explain how the terms chromosome, chromatin, and chromatid, relate to each other.

Type: Tutorial

This Khan Academy video describes what happens to a zygote as it becomes an embyro. It further explains what a stem cell is and discusses why there are questions concerning the use of stem cells.

Type: Tutorial

This Khan Academy video briefly describes DNA replication and then goes into a thorough explanation of both transcription and translation.

Type: Tutorial

This Khan Academy video describes the structure of the molecule DNA in great detail. It also discuses the role DNA plays in the process of protein synthesis, explaining transcription and translation. The video discusses the relationship between DNA and chromosomes as well.

Type: Tutorial

This Khan Academy tutorial addresses the differences between the X and Y chromosomes in humans. The SRY gene found on the Y chromosome is discussed and the genes that cause color-blindness and hemophilia on the X chromosome are discussed.

Type: Tutorial

This tutorial will help you to understand the differences and similarities between meiosis and mitosis.

Type: Tutorial

This tutorial will help you to understand the three unique features of meiosis and how meiosis is related to genetic inheritance.

Type: Tutorial

DNA sequencing is a technique for determining the complete sequence of bases (As, Ts, Gs, and Cs) for a particular piece of DNA. Sequencing is relatively time consuming, as the process must be done to fairly short lengths of DNA at a time. This tutorial will help you to understand the process of DNA sequencing.

Type: Tutorial

This Khan Academy video discusses the basics of cancer. The relationship between mutation, the cell cycle and uncontolled cell growth is explained.

Type: Tutorial

Gene transcription is controlled by multiple factors. Some proteins bind to DNA sequences and start the process of gene transcription. RNA synthesis can only occur when these activators are bound to specific DNA sequences. This tutorial will help you to understand the process of gene transcription.

Type: Tutorial

You will see how the genetic code, using the DNA alphabet A,T,C, and G, produces codons to specify the 20 known amino acids. Each codon consists of a three letter code producing 64 possible words which specify the amino acids and stop signals.

Type: Tutorial

This tutorial will help you to understand how Mendel, the father of genetics, planned and crossed the pure-bred pea plant to understand the process of genetics. With the help of the animation, you should be able to understand how the alleles are transferred from one generation to another.

Type: Tutorial

This tutorial will help you to understand that genes play an important role in determining physical traits. These traits helps us to identify the homozygous or heterozygous variety of genes. When the pair of genes are homozygous, they are known as pure bred, i.e they have two copies of the same gene for each trait. For heterozygous variety, they have different gene for each trait. Out of this pair, one will be dominant and other will be recessive.

Type: Tutorial

With this tutorial, you can understand that DNA is wrapped together to form structures called chromosomes. Genes are sections of DNA that are carried on the chromosomes and determine specific characteristics in organisms. This specific tutorial focuses on sex-linked traits and the work done by Thomas Hunt Morgan with fruit flies.

Type: Tutorial

This tutorial will help you to understand the procedure of amplifying a single copy of DNA into millions of copies. Polymerase chain reaction is a molecular prototyping technique which helps in copying small segments of DNA into significant amounts required for molecular and genetic analyses.

Type: Tutorial

This tutorial will help you to understand the function of the follicle. Each follicle is a single egg cell surrounded by several layers of follicle cells. An ovary consists of many follicles. The follicle cells protect and nourish the egg prior to its release into the oviducts during ovulation.

Type: Tutorial

This tutorial will help the learners understand the process of binary fission in bacteria. During binary fission, the DNA copies itself, the cell divides in half, and two identical daughter cells are produced.

Type: Tutorial

This tutorial introduces the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which is a technique used in molecular biology to make multiple copies of a gene even when only small amounts of DNA are available.

Type: Tutorial

Your body is made of cells -- but how does a single cell know to become part of your nose, instead of your toes? The answer is in your body's instruction book: DNA. Joe Hanson compares DNA to a detailed manual for building a person out of cells -- with 46 chapters (chromosomes) and hundreds of thousands of pages covering every part of you.

Type: Tutorial

This TED-ED original lesson explains the three common routes of metastasis. Cancer usually begins with one tumor in a specific area of the body. But if the tumor is not removed, cancer has the ability to spread to nearby organs as well as places far away from the origin, like the brain. How does cancer move to these new areas and why are some organs more likely to get infected than others? Ivan Seah Yu Jun explains the three common routes of metastasis.

Type: Tutorial

How do cancer cells grow? How does chemotherapy fight cancer (and cause negative side effects)? The answers lie in cell division. George Zaidan explains how rapid cell division is cancer's "strength" -- and also its weakness.

Type: Tutorial

This tutorial will help the learners to understand structure of DNA and how this structure allows for accurate replication.

Type: Tutorial

This tutorial will help learners understand the process of DNA replication, including the enzymes involved. Learners will be able to recognize that an exact copy of DNA must be created prior to cell division.

Type: Tutorial

This online tutorial is designed to help students understand the events that occur in process of meiosis.

Type: Tutorial

This video presentation will help you to understand how HIV infects a cell and replicates itself using reverse transcriptase and the host's cellular machinery.

Type: Video/Audio/Animation

This video presentation shows how the fetal brain grows during pregnancy, both in terms of its size and the number of neurons.

Type: Video/Audio/Animation

This 2011 episode of PBS's Nova ScienceNow contains a few segments describing cutting edge science regarding longevity. The program touches on the science of laboratory-created body parts, the genetics of longevity, and creating technical extensions of ourselves through avatars that could live forever. The production style is lighthearted, informative, and very engaging for students.

Type: Video/Audio/Animation

• An interactive exercise for using agarose gel electrophoresis for separating DNA molecules
• Explain how restriction endonucleases is used in restriction analysis of DNA

Type: Video/Audio/Animation

This is a brief video that can be used in a 7th grade classroom to demonstrate the process of mitosis. It could be used repeatedly to reinforce the stages as this is typically a difficult concept for middle school age students to comprehend.

Type: Video/Audio/Animation

• Background on the discovery of the DNA double helix
• Contains an interactive activity for base pairing
• Contains an interactive activity for DNA extraction

Type: Video/Audio/Animation

• This activity provides a historical background about research related to bacterial analysis
• Contains an animation that shows how enzymes work on cutting DNA strands

Type: Video/Audio/Animation

• Background on tracking human ancestry using the alu marker
• Animation on polymerase chain reaction, PCR
• Interactive activity for performing PCR

Type: Video/Audio/Animation

This dramatic video choreographed to powerful music introduces the viewer/student to the wonder and miracle of the cell division and cell cycle. It is designed as a motivational "trailer" to be shown by Biology, Biochemistry and Life Science teachers in middle and high school.

Type: Video/Audio/Animation

Scientists who are working to discover new medicines often use robots to prepare samples of cells, allowing them to test chemicals to identify those that might be used to treat diseases. Students will meet a scientist who works to identify new medicines. She created free software that "looks" at images of cells and determines which images show cells that have responded to the potential medicines. Students will learn about how this technology is currently enabling research to identify new antibiotics to treat tuberculosis. Students will complete hands-on activities that demonstrate how new medicines can be discovered using robots and computer software, starring the student as "the computer." In the process, the students learn about experimental design, including positive and negative controls. Students should have some introductory knowledge about the following topics: (1) biology: students should have a basic understanding of infection and good hygiene, they should know what bacteria and cells are; (2) chemistry: the students should know what a chemical compound (molecule) is. They should have an understanding that medicines, also called "drugs", are chemical compounds; (3) basic experimental design: students should understand the terms "samples" and "testing". All hand-outs necessary for this video lesson can be downloaded below.

Type: Video/Audio/Animation

This video discusses how bacteria spread and the pros and cons of bacteria.

Type: Video/Audio/Animation

An introduction to what cancer is and how it is the by-product of broken DNA replication.

Type: Video/Audio/Animation

This site has fantastic short Flash animations of intricate cell processes, including photosynthesis and the electron transport chain.

Type: Video/Audio/Animation

This video describes the chromosomal basis for gender and sex-linked traits.

Type: Video/Audio/Animation

This videos discusses how viruses work.

Type: Video/Audio/Animation

This tutorial explores the work of Gregor Mendel and his foundational genetics experiments with pea plants. It provides practice opportunities to check your understanding of inheritance patterns including single gene recessive traits and sex linked traits. The tutorial also covers more complex patterns of inheritance such those resulting from multiple alleles. Note: This resource is part of a larger collection of information regarding Genetics. Users may view information before and after the specific genetics components highlighted here.

Type: Virtual Manipulative

This virtual lab has three components: a short tutorial describing meiosis, a series of microscope slides allowing students to identify stages of meiosis, and a karyotyping activity. The first components support student understanding of mitosis and meiosis, as well as gamete formation. The karyotyping activity is fun and interesting for students, but is not necessary for mastery of NGSS science benchmarks.

Type: Virtual Manipulative

In this interactive game, the students will understand how a DNA molecule is built up, how the copies of the DNA molecule made and what is the meaning of base-pairing. The job of the students in this game is to first make exact copies of a double-stranded DNA molecule by correctly matching the base pairs to each strand, and to then determine which organism the DNA belongs to.

Type: Virtual Manipulative

The lac operon is a set of genes which are responsible for the metabolism of lactose in some bacterial cells. Students will explore the effects of mutation within the lac operon by adding or removing genes from the DNA.

• Predicts the effects on lactose metabolism when the various genes and DNA control elements are mutated (added or removed).
• Predicts the effects on lactose metabolism when the concentration of lactose is changed.
• Explain the roles of Lacl, LacZ, and LacY in lactose regulation.

Type: Virtual Manipulative

In this interactive, students order stages of mitosis. Each stage is represented by a short video of a real cell undergoing that phase of mitosis and a short description of the events. Students order the videos to create a short video of mitosis.

Type: Virtual Manipulative

In this interactive Biotechniques virtual lab, you will isolate DNA from a human test subject and learn the uses for DNA obtained through extraction. The "Try It Yourself" section below the virtual lab gives instruction and background information about how to extract DNA from living tissue using basic materials available in grocery stores.

Type: Virtual Manipulative

This resource is an animation to explain DNA replication. It is an interactive simulation activity for students. See also "Transcription and Translation Animation" to get all of the steps from DNA to protein.

Type: Virtual Manipulative

This website provides an interactive demonstration of a cell going through the different stages of mitosis. You can progress through each stage at your own pace, or watch as the process unfolds before your eyes. The demonstration also has a description of what happens in each phase of mitosis, from interphase through cytokenesis.

Type: Virtual Manipulative

This is a simplified, interactive demonstration of genetic principles. Using a fictional species named the Norn, students can predict the outcome of genetic crosses (mono and di-hybrid, sex-linked, and multiple-allele). This could be used to strengthen the students understanding of genetics, practice Punnet squares, or practice calculation of genotypic/phenotypic ratios. However, it is unlikely to be useful as an independent assignment (if used as designed).

Type: Virtual Manipulative

This interactive animation allows students to replicate the steps of protein synthesis from DNA. It coincides with the resource "DNA Replication Animation".

Type: Virtual Manipulative

This resource for biology teachers includes a lesson plan section which contains classroom activities, labs and worksheets. The activity sheets are categorized by Science and Literacy, Anatomy, Scientific Method, Cells, Phyla, Evolution and Taxonomy, Genetics, Ecology, and Plants.

Type: Worksheet

This is a lab/activity that uses dragons as "research subjects" for genetics research. It highlights independent assortment as well as gene linkage. Students will do the first part of the activity using independent assortment (genes on different chromosomes). The second part of the activity looks at genes on the same chromosome, and how linkage plays a part in allele assortment. It can be used to show how crossing over allows increased variation when involving linked genes.

Worksheets are available in both Word and PDF formats, for both teacher and student. There is an additional dragon genetics lab that illustrates the principles of Mendelian genetics as a whole.

Type: Worksheet