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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

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.

Interdisciplinary integrated unit on DNA and genetics Part A: Science

The first part of an interdisciplinary week-long unit on DNA and genetics, focusing on science. Parts B and C of the unit focus on math and language arts.

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Information Skills and Science)

By Jane Lentz, Jimmy White, Tori Goldrick, and Marlene Smith.

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.

Interdisciplinary Integrated Unit on DNA/Genetics Part B: Math

The second lesson of an interdisciplinary integrated unit on DNA and genetics, focusing on math. The other lessons in the unit focus on science and language arts.

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Computer/Technology Skills and Mathematics)

By Jane Lentz, Jimmy White, Marlene Smith, and Tori Goldrick.

MarineQuest

Ocean education and marine environmental education programs providing "hands-on, feet-wet, high-tech" experiences for K-12 students.

Format: article/field trip opportunity

Interdisciplinary Integrated Unit on DNA/Genetics Part C: Language Arts

The third lesson of an interdisciplinary integrated unit on DNA and genetics, focusing on language arts. The first two lessons in the unit focus on science and math.

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 English Language Arts and Information Skills)

By Jane Lentz, Jimmy White, Marlene Smith, and Tori Goldrick.

Strawberry DNA extraction

In CareerStart lessons: Grade seven, page 3.2

In this lesson for grade seven, students extract DNA from a strawberry and discuss careers related to genetics.

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Science)

By Michelle Arias.Adapted by Mitzi Talbert.

CareerStart lessons: Grade six

This collection of lessons aligns the sixth grade curriculum in math, science, English language arts, and social studies with potential career opportunities.

Format: (multiple pages)

Protein synthesis with words

This activity is aimed at helping students understand protein synthesis, DNA, mRNA, tRNA, ribosomes, and mutations by using words.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

By Bert Wartski.

Discovery Place and the Charlotte Nature Museum

Discovery Place offers hands-on activities in all areas of science for students at both the Discovery Halls and Charlotte Nature Museum.

Format: article/field trip opportunity

Two paths to knowledge

For students who who always finish their class work early or want more information than you have time to give, try curriculum compacting.

By Waverly Harrell.

Wall-to-wall project-based learning: A conversation with biology teacher Kelley Yonce

This article explains the process of project-based learning (PBL) as it is practiced by Kelley Yonce, a high-school biology teacher who uses PBL throughout the school year. Concrete guidelines for a DNA project are included, as well as rubrics, assessment criteria, and other relevant documents.

Format: article/best practice (grade 9–12 Science)

By Dan Lewandowski.

Resources on the web

Genetics Education Center

Lessons and links for the study of human genetics. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: University of Kansas Medical Center

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

DNA and endangered species

Students learn some basics about DNA and genetics and how DNA can be used to study and help endangered animals. They will visit a Web site with information about specific research projects, and write paragraphs explaining how DNA and genetics research might... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

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

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

Science Vocabulary Hangman

This addictive game takes on a new life on the Internet. Choose from dozens of thematic lists in math, genetics, astronomy, the scientific process, atoms, chemistry, the elements, meteorology, oceanography, state capitals, and more. Teachers can create their... (Learn more)

Format: website/activity

Provided by: Jefferson Lab

A Mendel seminar

The Science NetLinks lesson, constructed around Gregor Mendel's 1865 paper, is an advanced lesson in history, scientific inquiry, methodology, classical genetics, and plant biology. In this lesson, students are guided through a thorough discussion of part... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science