LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Biology

Goal 1: The learner will develop abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry.

Objective 1.05. Analyze reports of scientific investigations from an informed, scientifically literate viewpoint including considerations of:

  • Appropriate sample.
  • Adequacy of experimental controls.
  • Replication of findings.
  • Alternative interpretations of the data.

Additional related resources

We’re in the process of aligning our content for students to the Standard Course of Study. As we do, you’ll find it here.

General resources

Aligned lesson plans

Tracking a potato killer: Using latitude and longitude to map the spread of P. infestans
In CSI Dublin: The Hunt for the Irish Potato Killer, page 1
Students use latitude and longitude to follow the transmission of the plant pathogen, Phytophthora infestans, the causal agent of the Irish Potato Famine.
Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 English Language Arts and Science)
By Rebecca Hite.
Profiling a potato killer
In CSI Dublin: The Hunt for the Irish Potato Killer, page 3
In this lesson, students use internet resources to determine the factors behind the potato blight that led to the most destructive famine in human history. Students will use the scientific method and inquiry to determine how the pathogen spread over the world and learn some of the historical context surrounding this tragedy.
Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Science)
By Rebecca Hite.
Isolating a potato killer
In CSI Dublin: The Hunt for the Irish Potato Killer, page 2
In this lesson, students use Koch’s postulates to demonstrate the causal relationship between microbe and disease by transmitting Phytophthora infestans from an infected potato tuber to a healthy potato specimen.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts and Science)
By Rebecca Hite.
Identifying a potato killer via PCR and gel electrophoresis
In CSI Dublin: The Hunt for the Irish Potato Killer, page 4
In this lesson, students use DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction, and gel electrophoresis techniques to identify positive and negative leaf samples for the presence of the plant pathogen Phytophthora infestans.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
By Rebecca Hite.
Chestnut blight
In Restoring the American chestnut, page 3
In this lesson, students learn about fungi and Cryphonectria parasitica, the fungus that infects the American chestnut tree. Students will grow common fungi found from spores in the air and show how fungus can affect the function of a tree.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
By Shelley Casey.

Resources on the web

Word connections
In this Science NetLinks lesson, students will explore how ideas are formed, how associations are made, and how they contribute to learning and memory. The lesson makes reference to research conducted at the Institute for Research in Cognitive Science at... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–12 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Word associations
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about research into how the brain learns and remembers. (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 7 and 9 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
A trip to the beach?
Students investigate the truth behind common myths about sharks and shark attacks, learning why sharks are important members of the ecosystem. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
Robotic arm
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, you'll hear about a real-life robotic arm that may help stroke victims regain control of their movement. (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6–7 and 9–12 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
The Mozart effect
The purpose of this lesson is to develop an understanding of why skepticism is important in science by looking at actual scientific studies regarding the effect of playing Mozart's music to infants. In this lesson students will explore what happens when... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–12 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Lasers saving sight
The purpose of this Science NetLinks lesson is to understand that problems are solved, or new technology discovered, by scientists using information from disciplines other than their own. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
The Chernobyl disaster
In this lesson, from Science NetLinks, students discover how a nuclear accident can affect biological systems. By examining the case of the Chernobyl nuclear meltdown in 1986, students study the adverse effects of high doses of radiation on biological systems. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Adolescent sleep
The purpose of this lesson is to discuss, summarize, and express alternative positions regarding a study on adolescent sleep. There are certain thinking skills associated with science, mathematics, and technology that young people need to develop during... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science