Yogurt, biofuel, biodegradable plastics, and antibiotics are all examples of products based on biotechnology research and manufacturing techniques. What else will we be able to create as we use biotechnology in new ways?

Search
Filter by
Sort by
CUT! How Does CRISPR Work?
Log in to add favorite
Lesson Plan Grade: 6th-12th
1
2
3
4
5
1 review
In this lesson plan, students will take a closer look at the most recent developments in gene editing. Specifically, they will learn about the CRISPR technology using various interactive simulations and other resources. Based on their gained knowledge, students will create a model of the CRISPR-Cas9 components and create a stop-motion animation video of the molecular mechanism of CRISPR-Cas9. Remote learning adaptation: This lesson plan can be conducted remotely. Students can work… Read more
NGSS Performance Expectations:
  • MS-LS4-5. Gather and synthesize information about technologies that have changed the way humans influence the inheritance of desired traits in organisms.
  • HS-LS1-1. Construct an explanation, based on evidence, for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.
Apple Genetics: A Tasty Phenomena
Log in to add favorite
Lesson Plan Grade: 6th-8th
Using the context of apples, students will apply their knowledge of heredity and genetics to distinguish between sexual and asexual reproduction as they explain how new varieties of apples are developed and then propagated to meet consumer demand for a tasty, uniform, consistent product. Read more
NGSS Performance Expectations:
  • MS-LS4-4. Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a population increase some individuals' probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment.
  • MS-LS4-5. Gather and synthesize information about technologies that have changed the way humans influence the inheritance of desired traits in organisms.
Bacterial Adaptations and Their Application in Genetic Engineering
Log in to add favorite
Lesson Plan Grade: 6th-8th
Students explore adaptations by researching how animals, plants, and bacteria change based on their environment. They grow bacterial colonies in various environments and hypothesize how each environment will affect the cell culture size and color. After a day of pre-growth, the culture is spun down in a centrifuge and the cell pellet is analyzed. Finally, students research bacteria adaptations that allow them to survive in extreme environments then brainstorm how the beneficial… Read more
NGSS Performance Expectations:
  • MS-LS1-5. Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.
Design 'Y'er Genes
Log in to add favorite
Lesson Plan Grade: 9th-12th
This lesson introduces students to the relationships between chromosomes, genes, and DNA molecules. Using the example of a strawberry, it also provides activities that clearly show how changes in the DNA of an organism, either naturally or artificially, can cause changes. Read more
NGSS Performance Expectations:
  • HS-LS3-3. Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits
    Apply concepts of statistics and probability to explain the variation and distribution of expressed traits in a population.
From Prokaryotes to Eukaryotes: Solving Problems Using Plasmids
Log in to add favorite
Lesson Plan Grade: 9th-12th
This lesson compares and contrasts prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and examines the form and function of the plasmid found in prokaryotic cells. Students will then use these principles to simulate how a desirable gene can be isolated and inserted into a plasmid as one step in the process of creating a genetically modified organism (GMO). Read more
NGSS Performance Expectations:
  • HS-LS1-2. Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.
Bacteria Transformation
Log in to add favorite
Lesson Plan Grade: 9th-12th
$videoTitle … Read more
NGSS Performance Expectations:
  • HS-LS1-1. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.
Bio-Engineering: Making and Testing Model Proteins
Log in to add favorite
Lesson Plan Grade: 9th-12th
$videoTitle … Read more
NGSS Performance Expectations:
  • HS-LS1-1. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.
  • HS-LS1-2. Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.
  • HS-ETS1-2. Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.
  • HS-ETS1-3. Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
1

Explore Our Science Videos

Model the Planets of the Solar System
Model the Planets of the Solar System
Draw with a Pantograph - STEM Activity
Draw with a Pantograph - STEM Activity
Robotics Engineering Project: Use the Force! Push and Pull LEGO® Mindstorms® Robots
Robotics Engineering Project: Use the Force! Push and Pull LEGO® Mindstorms® Robots
Free science fair projects.