Towson University
Berries...With a Side of DNA? (High School)
Is DNA still present after picking fruit or cooking vegetables? Biology scholars extract and collect DNA strands in an impactful lab. Working groups prepare their samples and compare their results to negative and positive standard...
Curated OER
Tracing Genetic Ancestry Using DNA Microarrays
High school learners read and discuss an article about genetic ancestry and genetic ancestry testing. They complete a paper and pencil activity that mimics the function of a DNA microarray and consider the ethics of genetic testing in...
Curated OER
DNA on Stick
Students experience a "hands-on" activity to get visual evidence of the physical nature of DNA and the process of DNA purification. They explore one method of chromosomal DNA isolation and DNA extraction.
Curated OER
Genetics and DNA
High schoolers describe the structure of DNA and its components and can comprehend that real DNA and its cartoon representation are very different. They are able to link DNA to genetic make-up.
Curated OER
Extracting DNA from Your Cells
Three steps are needed to extract DNA from learners' inner cheek cells. The procedure and reasons for each step are explained. As enzymes work on the cells, a series of questions are answered regarding the structure of the DNA molecule....
Curated OER
DNA Replication
Students are able to distinguish between transcription and replication. They are able to distinguish between DNA and RNA. Students name some of the proteins and enzymes used in replication and transcription. They are able comprehend the...
Curated OER
DNA, the Awesome Thread of Life
Students examine how traits are passed to offspring. In this genetic reproduction instructional activity students develop a model of dna and learn about its structure, replication and function.
Curated OER
Genes, DNA, and Mutations
With paper DNA patterns, budding biologists model translation and base-pair substitution within sequences. Through these activities, they examine how mutations can result in genetic disorders. The modeling that occurs is an enlightening...
Towson University
Berries...With a Side of DNA?
Sometimes science lab can be ... delicious! Middle school science scholars extract DNA from strawberries and other fruits in an engaging lab activity. The teacher's guide includes pacing, materials list, and worksheets with answer keys.
Curated OER
DNA Structure and Extraction
Learners see DNA as a physical building block of organisms and comprehend the basic structure of DNA and the specific components in its structure. They can explain the specific nature of base-pair matching in DNA and that DNA bases form...
Curated OER
DNA Replication
Learners create a model of DNA and simulate replication with their models in an activity that uses licorice, colored marshmallows, and toothpicks. Students also label a diagram of replication and indicate major parts of the DNA molecule.
Curated OER
DNA from the Beginning Study Guide
High schoolers complete a study guide using a website which is an animated primer on DNA, genes, and heredity. The Web site is organized around key concepts. The web links and study guide are included.
CK-12 Foundation
Transcription of DNA to RNA: Making mRNA
Transcription means a written copy but how can DNA write a message? The video explains transcription and translation as they relate to DNA and RNA. Then in the interactive, scholars practice base pairing and answer analysis...
Curated OER
The Great Cafeteria Caper
Students extract DNA from their own hair roots. They run an electrophoresis gel to examine patterns of their DNA along with standard DNA. The experiment is based on a crime scene scenario.
Curated OER
Determining Cutting Site Locations
Students explore DNA restriction mapping. They cut pieces of paper into lengths representing those produced when specific enzymes are used to cut a strand of DNA.
Curated OER
DNA Fingerprinting
Students discuss DNA Fingerprinting and gel electrophoresis before participating in a crime solving activity. Students simulate their DNA using adding tape and complete the steps necessary to do a gel electrophoresis. They discuss the...
Curated OER
DNA Extraction Lab
Students extract DNA and test for its presence from unroasted (raw) wheat germ using a prescribed procedure. They modify the procedure to provide a less expensive, easier method. They also extract DNA from different available plant,...
Curated OER
DNA Models
Students create DNA models. Using puzzle pieces to represent the parts of a DNA strand, they put together a segment of DNA. Once everyone has completed their individual strand, they being linking with other students using tape. Class...
Curated OER
DNA Extraction with Kitchen Chemistry
Young scholars extract DNA from green peas. In this DNA extraction lesson plan, students use a blender to chop up peas, they mix them with a little soap, they tenderize them and they mix them with alcohol to see the DNA precipitate...
Curated OER
DNA, RNA, Protein Synthesis, & Mutation
In this biology worksheet, students identify and label the diagram shown by stating what each part of the diagram represents on the line. Then they use the DNA strand as the original strand and complete the data table. Students also...
Curated OER
DNA Mutations
In this DNA mutations worksheet, students translate DNA sequences in amino acid sequences and determine if the mutation is harmful or not. This worksheet is a graphic organizer.
Curated OER
Lesson 5: Untangling DNA
Students extract DNA from split peas. In this biology lesson plan, students research how chromatin form into chromosomes. They draw the stages and present their work in class.
Curated OER
DNA Technology
Students prepare PowerPoint presentation on DNA and cells. In this biology lesson plan, students create a storyboard of their presentation. They share the finished project in class.
Curated OER
DNA Modeling
Students study DNA and its nucleotides. They manipulate paper nucleotides of DNA and investigate how the molecule is produced. Paper versions of sugars, phosphates, and nitrogen bases included.