Search results

Polygenic traits with pennies

Uses the results of flipping pennies to represent the functioning of polygenic traits.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

By Buie Sadie, James Caldwell, Jeanette Fredericks, Janice Shue, Katie Wadsworth, and Tracy Watson.

Genetics

Eye color, hair color, height, and other traits as well as predisposition to certain diseases are all determined by genes. This sampling of resources take you into the world of heredity and genetics and the cutting edge technologies of cloning, gene therapy, and DNA forensics.

Format: bibliography/help

Biologists: Working with probability

In CareerStart lessons: Grade six, page 2.7

In this lesson for grade six, students will use theoretical probability to predict genetic outcomes, and will understand how mathematical probability is used in biological careers.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Mathematics)

By Kim Abrams, Mike McDowell, and Barbara Strange.

Disease and catastrophe

In Prehistory, contact, and the Lost Colony, page 5.3

Of all the kinds of life exchanged when the Old and New Worlds met, lowly germs had the greatest impact. Europeans and later Africans brought smallpox and a host of other diseases with them to America, where those diseases killed as much as 90 percent of the native population of two continents. Europeans came away lucky -- with only a few tropical diseases from Africa and, probably, syphilis from the New World. In America, disease destoyed civilizations.

Format: article

By David Walbert.

Key deer: Evolution and species survival

In CareerStart lessons: Grade eight, page 5.7

In this lesson, students learn about the evolutionary history of the Key deer, then discuss the animal's prospects for survival in a changing habitat.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Science)

By Tammy Johnson and Martha Tedrow.

The mountains of Nepal: Scientific investigations

This lesson for grade five introduces students to the mountain ecosystems of Nepal. Activities include a brainstorming activity, in which students think about ecosystems and biodiversity; a research activity, in which students use a variety of sources to gather information about the mountain ecosystems of Nepal; and a journal activity, in which students create journal entries based on the information gathered in their research.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Information Skills and Science)

By Robin Bartoletti.

Resources on the web

Extracting DNA

This lesson introduces DNA, genes, chromosomes, the chemicals that make up DNA. After the basic information, students will do an experiment in which they will separate out DNA from peas. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Silencing Genomes

Detailed labs regarding RNAi . This site provides materials and resources, including up to 10 free worm and bacterial strands. Each lab is divided into Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion, Instructor Info, Lab Checklist, and downloadable materials. (Learn more)

Format: website/activity

Provided by: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Blazing a Genetic Trail

Provides information and reports on flawed genes that cause disease. (Learn more)

Format: website/general

Provided by: Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Gene puzzles

In this Science NetLinks lesson, students will examine a fictional pedigree and determine which gene is responsible for a given trait. This lesson will help students build an understanding of how offspring inherit genes from their parents. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Nature and nurture

In this lesson from Science NetLinks, students begin to develop an understanding of the role played by nature (our genes) and nurture (the environment in which we live and the things that happen to us) in defining who we are and what it means to be human.... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

BBC: Science and Nature

This large interactive site has a tremendous amount of information in subjects that range from the human body to space travel. (Learn more)

Format: website/general

Provided by: BBC

Nectarines

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, you'll learn how nectarines came to be. (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 7 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

DNA from the Beginning

A textbook-like resource organized around key concepts: classical genetics, molecules of genetics, and genetic organization and control. The science behind each concept is explained with animation, image galleries, video interviews, problems, biographies,... (Learn more)

Format: website/general

Provided by: DNA Learning Center at Cold Springs Harbor Laboratory

The Human Genome Project: Exploring Our Molecular Selves

A multimedia site that explains the history leading up to the Human Genome Project and looks at the implications on medicine as well as ethics, society, and law. (Learn more)

Format: website/activity

Provided by: National Institute of Health

Your Genes, Your Health - A Multimedia Guide to Genetic Disorder

In-depth, clearly illustrated, interactive information on genetic disorders communicated through written text, graphics, and video clips with auditory components. (Learn more)

Format: website/general

Provided by: Dolan DNA Learning Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

The New Science of Addiction: Genetics and the Brain

This interactive web site site is a comprehensive resource about addiction including the biological and environmental causes and prevention information. (Learn more)

Format: website/activity

Provided by: University of Utah

EarthPulse

A multitude of information graphics and interactive features illustrate and describe the human condition in relationship to nature and to the global community. (Learn more)

Format: website/general

Provided by: National Geographic Society

Genetics Science Learning Center

Learn how to extract DNA from any living thing and find out about DNA, stem cells, genetic disorders, and gene therapy. (Learn more)

Format: website/general

Provided by: University of Utah

Evolution: a journey into where we're from and where we're going

A multimedia website that uses interactive activities, video, audio, timelines, polls, games, and roundtable discussions to explore the multi-faceted topic of evolution. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: PBS