Teaching Modules

An overview of biotechnology concentrating on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques to be introduced and non-PCR techniques discussed throughout the semester. Also emphasizing their relation to biology today and culminating in a often used modern day molecular biology technique PCR.

Module Summary
An overview of biotechnology concentrating on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques to be introduced and non-PCR techniques discussed throughout the semester. Also emphasizing their relation to biology today and culminating in a often used modern day molecular biology technique PCR.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

DNA Agarose Gel Electrophoresis

Activity Summary
Students will learn the concepts of gel electrophoresis, including electrical currents and size separation of DNA fragments, through a made up scenario (e.g. crime scenes, paternity testing). Students will get hands-on experience using micropipettes and gel electrophoresis boxes while getting to visualize DNA on a gel. Restriction fragment length polymorphism can also be simulated, but is optional depending on time.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Demonstrate the ability to transfer liquid into wells
2. Explain the uses of gel electrophoresis and how it works
3. Describe the needed materials to run gel electrophoresis
4. Identify the charge of DNA.

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Scenario 1: Who Stole the Laptop?
Scenario 2: Who Killed the Pet?
Scenario 3: Who is Charlie the Monster’s Mom?
Scenario 4: Cattail Gene Flow
Scenario 5: Sickle Cell Anemia
Scenario 6: Claxton Tiger
Scenario 7: Hissing Cockroach Murder Mystery
Scenario 8: Crayfish Plaque
Scenario 9: Cryptic Protists
Scenario 10: Which Invasive Barnacle Are You?
Teacher prep video: Micropipetting
Teacher prep video: Preparing DNA samples
Teacher prep video: Pouring a DNA gel
Teacher prep video: Running a DNA gel

Keywords
DNA, science and technology, pipette

Students learn about the ubiquity of bacteria and the diverse nature of those organisms. Also, they discover proper biosafety techniques including handwashing and disposal of biohazardous materials in order to prevent illness and contamination. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is discussed and related to the medical field.

Module Summary
Students learn about the ubiquity of bacteria and the diverse nature of those organisms.
Also, they discover proper biosafety techniques including handwashing and disposal of biohazardous materials in
order to prevent illness and contamination. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is discussed and related to the
medical field.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Module Materials (view or download)
Funky Breathe Lab

Bacterial Evolution

Activity Summary
Students use a non-pathogenic laboratory strain of E. coli to test bacterial evolution of resistance to common household antiseptics. The lesson emphasizes the speed with which populations of single-celled organisms can evolve and uses relevant examples, such as the increasing prominence of MRSA, to relate the activity to students’ lives. Students also have the opportunity to swab locations around the school and evaluate the bacterial growth that results. This lesson provides an excellent opportunity for class discussions and tie-ins with scientific articles.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Draw and correctly identify the 3 primary shapes of bacteria
2. Explain the impact human actions, such as the over-use of antiseptics and antibiotics, have had on the evolution of antibiotic     resistant bacteria
3. Define evolution in his/her own words
4. Articulate the scale at which evolution occurs (populations evolve, not individuals)

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
population, individual, selection pressure, macroevolution, microevolution

Funky Breathe Lab

Activity Summary
Students learn about the ubiquity of bacteria and the the diverse nature of those organisms.  Also, they discover proper biosafety techniques including handwashing and disposal of biohazardous materials in order to prevent illness and contamination. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is discussed and related to the medical field.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Explain the diversity of bacteria
2. Understand that bacteria causes illness
3. Demonstrate the safely handling and disposal of bacteria

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
bacteria, biosafety, antibiotic resistance, biodiversity, taxonomy, microbiology

Through this hands-on curricular unit, students will learn the importance of nutrient cycling to organism diversity in a pond ecosystem. After testing water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen, nitrates, ammonia, and pH, students will be able to create their own ecosystem of plants and animals that are best suited for the pond environment. Most importantly students can create their own model of sustainability that they can share with their family and community.

Module Summary
This model will extend the student’s knowledge of the pond ecosystem to molecular biology, by analyzing gene flow of a plant population that grows in their local pond to other parallel populations within their community.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Let’s Go Native

Activity Summary
Students research native plants and animals to see if the organisms can live in their classroom pond. The students
will eventually introduce some of these organisms into the pond ecosystem.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Determine if their native plant or animal can live in the pond based on the water quality measurements  taken and what they     know about the environment
2. An organism’s niche, habit and structures and functions
3. Explain the importance of native populations

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans
Let’s Go Native Rubric
Let’s Go Native Brochure Template
Let’s Go Native Brochure Example
Let’s Go Native Demo

Keywords
pond, nutrients, habitat, niche, ecosystem, structure, and function

Students learn about the basic structure of DNA. Also, students will learn the processes and techniques of DNA sampling, extraction and analyses.

Activity Summary
Students will practice DNA extraction and gel electrophoresis by performing a virtual version of these experiments on the University of Utah genetics teaching website. These labs will allow the students to work through a virtual gel electrophoresis and DNA extraction in order to prepare them to perform a real electrophoresis and DNA extraction in future labs.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Identify the important aspects of DNA extraction
2. Identify the important aspects of gel electrophoresis

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
DNA, electrophoresis, DNA extraction

Students are introduced to scientific research papers, how to read them and how they can be used in ecology. They are then able to choose an endangered species to research and share the importance of saving this species with peers through a PowerPoint, brochure, and a wildlife foundation. Students get to look at the genetics of their species and how genetic studies can be used to aid in conservation. Finally, the students get to see how Homo sapiens affect the world.

Module Summary
Students are introduced to scientific research papers, how to read them and how they can be used in ecology. They are then able to choose an endangered species to research and share the importance of saving this species with peers through a PowerPoint, brochure, and a wildlife foundation. Students get to look at the genetics of their species and how genetic studies can be used to aid in conservation. Finally, the students get to see how Homo sapiens affect the world.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Reading a Scientific Paper – Brain Eating Amoeba Article

Activity Summary
This activity will introduce students to the kingdom protista. The kingdom protista is one of the most diverse kingdoms and can be difficult for students to understand. Organisms are often grouped into this kingdom simply because they don’t fit into any other one. The goal of this activity is show how protists affect students’ daily lives. This activity will also emphasize the diversity of the protista kingdom. Students will read an article about a brain eating amoeba, (Naegleria fowler), that has killed a handful of people in the USA. Students will then answer worksheet questions and engage in a classroom discussion about diseases caused by protists.

Grade Levels
 9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Read a scientific article
2. Synthesize reading by answering worksheet questions
3. Engage in classroom discussion about disease causing protists

Lesson Materials  – View or Download
Lesson Plans

Keywords
protist, species diversity, encephalitis, amoeba

Saving a Species

Activity Summary
In this activity students get to choose an endangered animal that they would like to study. Students complete research on their animal including finding a scientific study that has been done on their endangered animal or a similar species. Students then create and give a presentation showing why their species is important, the greatest threats to their survival, and an idea for a new molecular study.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Find, read and understand scientific research papers
2. Demonstrate basic knowledge of what an endangered species is
3. Explain major impacts that affect endangered species
4. Identify part of a species DNA sequence
5. Demonstrate knowledge on how all organisms depend on each other
6. Explain the difficulty in saving a species

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plan

Keywords
ecology, species, evolution, endangered

An overview of enzymes with a restriction enzyme activity to introduce protocols and interpreting data. Also emphasizing their relation to biology today.

Module Summary
An overview of enzymes with a restriction enzyme activity to introduce protocols and interpreting data. Also emphasizing their relation to biology today.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Module Materials (view or download)
DNA Agarose Gel Electrophoresis

Enzymes

Activity Summary
Students will be introduced to the concept of enzymes as catalysts for chemical reactions. They will demonstrate the properties of three common enzymes: papain from pineapples, catalase in various substances, and invertase in yeast. They will relate enzymes to reaction rates and connect their previous lesson on bioluminescence.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Demonstrate the properties of three enzymes
2. Demonstrate the properties of three enzymes
3. Relate enzyme activity to bioluminescence

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
enzymes, chemical reactions, activation energy

This curriculum unit provides students the opportunity to practice more advanced skills in molecular biology including DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In order to conduct this lab, students should already have a mastery of basic pipetting and gel electrophoresis techniques.

Module Summary
This curriculum unit provides students the opportunity to practice more advanced skills in molecular biology including
DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In order to conduct this lab, students should already have a
mastery of basic pipetting and gel electrophoresis techniques.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Module Materials (view or download)
Paper PCR
DNA Extraction Virtual Lab
Gel Electrophoresis

Students begin using candy DNA models to learn about DNA structure and function. They will continue with an activity that gives them practice with basic molecular techniques such as micropipetting and agarose gel electrophoresis. Then students will be presented with a scenario in which they must use restriction enzymes to solve a crime. Finally, they will need to use agarose gel electrophoresis to compare the DNA fingerprints of various suspects to find out who dunnit.

Module Summary
Students begin using candy DNA models to learn about DNA structure and function. They will continue with an activity that gives them practice with basic molecular techniques such as micropipetting and agarose gel electrophoresis. Then students will be presented with a scenario in which they must use restriction enzymes to solve a crime. Finally, they will need to use
agarose gel electrophoresis to compare the DNA fingerprints of various suspects to find out who dunnit.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Module Materials (view or download)
DNA Candy Model
Virtual Lab: DNA Isolation
DNA Extraction: Split Peas
Who Ate the Cheese?
Gel Electrophoresis – Who Stole the Lap Top?

This unit gives an introduction to heredity, the structure and function of DNA as well as its use in forensics and other genetic applications. Students will learn how DNA is passed through generations by using paper chromosomes to find the phenotypes and genotypes of parents and offspring. Students then complete multiple labs that concentrate on the structure and function of DNA from the creation of models to DNA extractions. Next students learn the basic techniques needed to work safely and efficiently in a laboratory setting. Finally, students use these techniques and information to solve a crime and discuss controversial topics in genetics.

Module Summary
This unit gives an introduction to heredity, the structure and function of DNA as well as its use in forensics and other genetic applications. Students will learn how DNA is passed through generations by using paper chromosomes to find the phenotypes and genotypes of parents and offspring. Students then complete multiple labs that concentrate on the structure and function of DNA from the creation of models to DNA extractions. Next students learn the basic techniques needed to work safely and efficiently in a laboratory setting. Finally, students use these techniques and information to solve a crime and discuss controversial topics in genetics.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Genetic Inheritance

Activity Summary
This activity is meant to demonstrate how genes are passed from one generation to the next. Students use heredity patterns to compare mutated and non-mutated fiddler crab genes found in a salt marsh after a chemical spill. True mutations are not used; this exercise is simply to introduce students to the concepts of inheritance patterns and human impact.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Demonstrate how chromosomes are passed from parent to offspring
2. Explain the process of inheritance
3. Explain what mutations are and how they affect DNA

Lesson Materials (view or download)
Lesson Plan

Keywords
heredity, genetics, mutations

DNA Pipe Cleaner Model

Activity Summary
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) contains genetic information in humans and many other organisms. DNA is made up of phosphate, sugar and one of 4 bases. The bases are adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). In this activity students use colored pipe-cleaners and beads in a hands-on activity to emphasize base pairing (A-T) and (G-C) as well as the double helix shape of DNA.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Explain the structure of DNA including base pairing and double helix

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Key Words
base pairing, double helix, structure

DNA Extraction – Strawberries

Activity Summary
DNA is found in most living things, and with the right household items DNA can easily be extracted from the cells. Strawberries are a good fruit to use because they are soft, easy to pulverize, and have eight copies of each chromosome in each cell. The strawberry is crushed and the cell membrane is dissolved. Lastly ethanol is used to precipitate the DNA from solution.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Successfully extract DNA from a strawberry via simple filtration
2. Identify what contains DNA
3. Extract DNA from fruit using household items

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
DNA, extraction, strawberry

Students will learn how mutation and natural selection lead to antibiotic resistance and speciation.

Module Summary
Students will learn how mutation and natural selection lead to antibiotic resistance and speciation.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Module Materials (view or download)
Antibiotic Resistance

Monster Fitness

Activity Summary
Students are introduced to the concepts of evolution, natural selection, and fitness. They then get to see these processes through a made up scenario where a group of monsters have to relocate. Students chose what traits they want their monster to have and then get to see if their monster can survive in this new island habitat.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Describe the process of natural selection
2. Explain how natural selection leads to evolution
3. Describe how adaptations can increase fitness
4. Distinguish between artificial and natural selection
5. Infer as to which adaptations are best suited for environmental conditions

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
adaptation, mutation, evolution, natural selection, gene flow

Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria

Activity Summary
Students use a non-pathogenic laboratory strain of E. coli to test bacterial evolution of resistance to common household antiseptics. The lesson emphasizes the speed with which populations of single-celled organisms can evolve and uses relevant examples, such as the increasing prominence of MRSA, to relate the activity to students’ lives. Students also have the opportunity to swab locations around the school and evaluate the bacterial growth that results. This lesson provides an excellent opportunity for class discussions and tie-ins with scientific articles.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Draw and correctly identify the 3 primary shapes of bacteria
2. Explain the impact human actions, such as the over-use of antiseptics and antibiotics, have had on the evolution of antibiotic     resistant bacteria
3. Define evolution in his/her own words
4. Articulate the scale at which evolution occurs (populations evolve, not individuals)

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
population, individual, selection pressure, macroevolution, microevolution

Students participate in a variety of activities to understand the impacts we have as humans on the environment around us. In the first activities, students learn about how unsustainable practices can adversely affect wildlife populations. Students discover that even renewable resources like lobsters can become nonrenewable if we are not responsible.

Module Summary
Students participate in a variety of activities to understand the impacts we have as humans on the environment around us. In the first activities, students learn about how unsustainable practices can adversely affect wildlife populations. Students discover that even renewable resources like lobsters can become nonrenewable if we are not responsible.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Module Materials (view or download)
Bioremediation with Oil
Oil Spill Clean-up
Bird Migration
Human Impacts – Down the River
Non-Renewable Resources
BINGO! Renewable Resources

In the study of DNA, it is vital to understand its structure and function. The use of DNA technology also affects every aspect of our daily lives. Through a series of five hands-on activities students explore DNA structure and function, purify DNA, and perform DNA profiling and transformation activities.

Module Summary
In the study of DNA, it is vital to understand its structure and function. The use of DNA technology also affects every aspect of our daily lives. Through a series of five hands-on activities students explore DNA structure and function, purify DNA, and perform DNA profiling and transformation activities.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Module Materials (view or download)
DNA Isolation – Split Peas
DNA Candy Model
Micropipetting Practice
Gel Electrophoresis – Claxton Tiger
Transformation of E.coli
Teacher prep video: Micropipetting

The steps that occur in living organisms during the process of photosynthesis and respiration are affected by a number of different factors. For example, through osmosis and diffusion, important molecules are exchanged between living organisms and the environment. In cellular respiration, enzymes catalyze chemical reactions that provide all the energy needed by an organism.

Module Summary
The survival of all organisms depends on their ability to break down organic matter to harvest the energy and use it to construct cellular components. Organisms such as plants and algae are capable of using light from the Sun to synthesize complex organic molecules in the process of photosynthesis. In the process of cellular respiration, these molecules are then broken down and the released energy is used to power all cellular processes that are essential for life. The steps that occur in living organisms during the process of photosynthesis and respiration are affected by a number of different factors. For example, through osmosis and diffusion, important molecules are exchanged between living organisms and the environment. In cellular respiration, enzymes catalyze chemical reactions that provide all the energy needed by an organism.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Yeast Respiration

Activity Summary
Students study the effects of fermentation by observing the gas produced by the breakdown of sugars by yeast. Yeast is placed in four tubes of warm water with varying amounts of sucrose. The tubes are sealed with a balloon. The balloons expand depending on how rapidly fermentation takes place. The students are asked to make predictions about the final size of the balloons.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Explain aerobic respiration and fermentation and the differences between them
2. Predict which condition will produce the most rapid fermentation
3. List some uses and effects of fermentation in the human diet

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
aerobic respiration, fermentation, ATP, glycolysis

Chromotography

Activity Summary
Students separate photosynthetic pigments using paper chromatography to explore how photosynthesis works. Students place extracted plant pigments onto a strip of chromatography paper, the stationary phase, and submerge one end of the paper in a solvent, the mobile phase. The distance that each plant pigment moves upward with the solvent front is due to its affinity to the stationary or mobile phase.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Explain how chromatography works
2. List some real-world applications of chromatography
3. Describe the function of photosynthetic pigments and explain why each has a different color

Lesson Materials (view or download)
Lesson Plans
Keywords
stationary phase, mobile phase, affinity

Osmosis – Sandwich Bags

Activity Summary
The activity will show how molecules move in a predictable manner and how these patterns drive physiological functions such as those within the lungs. Students will seal starch in a sandwich bag and place it in a beaker with a few drops of iodine. The iodine will diffuse into the bag and stain the starch. The students will then place potato cores in varying concentrations of
sucrose solution. The swelling of the cores shows the process of osmosis.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Define osmosis and diffusion
2. Distinguish between hypertonic and hypotonic solutions
3. Predict which direction water will move across a semipermeable membrane, given the concentrations on either side
4. Give examples of diffusion and osmosis in nature

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
osmosis, diffusion, solute, solvent, tonicity

Macromolecules in Food

Activity Summary
Students use chemical indicators to detect for the presence of different macromolecules in various liquids. Each group of students will place a small volume of each solution in different test tubes to detect for the presence of simple carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. After observing the color change in the presence of each different macromolecule,
students make predictions on the presence of each of these macromolecules in a solution then test for their presence.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Describe the function of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids
2. Explain the differences between simple and complex carbohydrates
3. Explain how chemical indicators work
4. Identify which macromolecules are present in various substances

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
macromolecules, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, chemical indicators

Students will perform multiple experiments that highlight the integration of chemistry concepts into the field of biology.

Module Summary
Students will perform multiple experiments that highlight the integration of chemistry concepts
into the field of biology.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Module Materials (view or download)
Energy in Nuts
Osmosis and Diffusion – Candy Bears
DNA Candy Model
Yeast Fermentation

Fishy Genetics is a teaching module designed to introduce high school students to DNA with emphasis on structure, function, and inheritance.

Module Summary
Fishy Genetics is a teaching module designed to introduce high school students to DNA with emphasis on structure, function, and inheritance. This module uses the fellow’s research organism, the longhorn sculpin, as a way to pull real science into the classroom, encouraging student interest. The activities focus on hands-on manipulation of DNA, both through physical interaction and creative expression. Students completing this module should be able to explain how scientists can use DNA to
enhance their quality of life through genetic screening, criminal justice, and family planning.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Module Materials (view or download)
DNA Extraction
Gel Electrophoresis
Mendelian Genetics

Candy DNA Model

Activity Summary
Students learn the basic structure and function of DNA through the use of Candy. The structure of DNA is first introduced including the double helix and base pairing. The models are then used to show replication and transcription. Students can eat there models for a quick clean-up.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Demonstrate their understanding of DNA structure including the principles of a double helix and base-pairing
2. Demonstrate how DNA strands separate and new strands are constructed in the process of DNA replication
3. Demonstrate an understanding of transcription by making an RNA molecule from a single strand of DNA
4. Show an understanding of basic translation principles

Lesson Materials (view or download)
Lesson Plans

Keywords
transcription, replication, double helix, thymine, adenine, cytosine, guanine, anti-parallel

DNA Isolation – Split Peas

Activity Summary

Students will identify microorganisms using short DNA sequences and will utilize the results to graph the population percentage of species found in a “soil sample.”

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Describe the reasoning behind the various steps required to isolate DNA from a cell
2. Extract and visualize DNA from a split pea

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
DNA isolation, DNA extraction

The goal of this sustainability module is to make students knowledgeable of environmental sustainability issues, learn about ways to be more sustainable and put those activities into practice.

Module Summary
The sustainability module can be completed in any high school environmental science class. The students can become involved by recycling plastic bottles in the classroom and cover multiple labs concerning sustainability. The labs include calculation of the students’ individual carbon footprints, the basic concept of global warming, comparing CO2 usage in various regions of the United States, discovering biodiversity in the environment, and water quality tests/importance. The goal of this module is to make students knowledgeable of environmental sustainability issues, learn about ways to be more sustainable and put those activities into practice.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Module Materials (view or download)
Biodiversity
Carbon Footprint
Cattail DNA Extraction
Comparing the Genetics of Cattails
Mining for Minerals

This module focuses on using the Ogeechee River (or river near your school) as a model system to which biological curriculum can be referenced.

Module Summary
This module focuses on using the Ogeechee River (or river near your school) as a model system to which biological curriculum can be referenced.  It is important to relate learning content to student prior knowledge so they may easily make cognitive connections.  The four activities in this module are linked together by the Ogeechee River theme.  The activities include: Brain Eating Amoeba Article/classroom discussion, Pasta Plankton Dichotomous Key creation, Food Web activity, and a Gel Electrophoresis: Cryptic Protists experiment.  This module employs the use of scenario, outdoor sample collection, reading comprehension, classification, classroom discussion, experiments, and molecular lab activities.  The overarching goal of this module is to relate biological content to students by connecting new knowledge to prior knowledge (Ogeechee River ecosystem).  The activities are adapted to follow the existing biology curriculum calendar and meet National Science Standards requirements.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Food Webs

Activity Summary
This activity aims to introduce students to the organisms found in aquatic ecosystems in their local area. Students will also be introduced to food webs and how food webs change between sites or regions.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Collect and identify organisms found in their school pond
2. Create a food web out of pond organisms
3. Relate the pond food web to other aquatic ecosystems

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plan

Keywords
pond, organism identification, trophic pyramid

Through this lesson, students will examine the principles behind gel electrophoresis after performing a number of hands-on activities on electricity and magnetism.

Module Summary
Molecular biology is a scientific discipline with a wide range of applications that affect us on a daily basis. For example, the creation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has led to many benefits, one of which is higher crop yields. However, most students are often unaware of the scientific concepts and principles behind many of these biotechnologies. This might be due to the fact that this field of study overlaps many science disciplines. Furthermore, many students often fail to make the connections across the various disciplines. Through this lesson, students will examine the principles behind gel electrophoresis after performing a number of hands-on activities on electricity and magnetism. The concepts explored through these activities will help students appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of science.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Investigating Electricity

Activity Summary
Students use rods and friction pads made of various materials to investigate the transfer of electrons when they are rubbed together. By using the triboelectric sequence, students can determine the direction of electron transfer and identify which object gained or lost electrons. Students also use an electroscope to distinguish between charging by conduction and charging by induction.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Distinguish between charging by friction, conduction, and induction
2. Use the triboelectric sequence to determine the direction of electron transfer when two different substances are rubbed together
3. Explain how an electroscope works

Lesson Materials (view or download)
Lesson Plans

Keywords
friction, conduction, induction, triboelectric sequence, electroscope

Ohm’s Law: Series and Parallel Circuits

Activity Summary
Students get a hands-on feel for how circuits in different configurations transport electricity by building circuits in series and in parallel and observing their efficacy in lighting light bulbs. Students then apply Ohm’s law to calculate equivalent resistance with the circuits they built.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Identify a resistor in an electrical circuit and explain its function
2. Construct a series and parallel circuit
3. Distinguish between series and parallel circuit in term of current, resistance, and voltage
4. Use Ohm’s law to calculate equivalent resistance

Lesson Materials (view or download)
Lesson Plans

Keywords
equivalent resistance, resistor, battery

Magnetism

Activity Summary
In this activity, students study the shape and strength of the magnetic field of a bar magnet and construct an electromagnet. Students first hypothesize what a magnetic field looks like around a bar magnet and then test their hypotheses by mapping the magnetic field using iron fillings and a compass. Additionally, students will also construct an electromagnet and test different ways to change its strength.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Draw the magnetic field of a bar magnet
2. Distinguish between permanent magnets and electromagnets
3. Describe the factors that affect the magnetic strength of an electromagnet
4. Identify electrical devices that are electromagnets

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
electromagnet, permanent magnet, magnetic field

Building a Simple DC Motor

Activity Summary
Students use magnet wire, ceramic magnet, Styrofoam base, 9 volt battery, and paper clips to construct a simple DC motor. Students then use the Right Hand Rule to determine the direction of force when the direction of current and magnetic field is known. Using the Right Hand Rule, students will be able to explain how the motor converts electrical energy to mechanical energy.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Build a working motor
2. Identify the components in a DC motor
3. Use the Right Hand Rule to identify the direction of the magnetic field, electric current, and force in the rotor of the motor

Lesson Materials (view or download)
Lesson Plans

Keywords
Right Hand Rule, motor, armature, rotor, brush, commutator

Through this lesson, students will examine the principles behind gel electrophoresis after performing a number of hands-on activities on electricity and magnetism.

Bioluminescence is the process by which living organisms emit light. It is a biological process that scientists have harnessed for various forms of research. This module focuses on the basis of bioluminescence and the various techniques through which scientists utilize it. Concepts covered include gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, and the properties of enzymes.

Module Summary
Bioluminescence is the process by which living organisms emit light. It’s a biological process that scientists have harnessed for various forms of research. This module focuses on the basis of bioluminescence and the various techniques through which scientists utilize it. Concepts covered include gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, and the properties of enzymes. Emphasis is on the chemical processes that produce bioluminescence and the physics and chemistry behind all of the topics discussed.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Module Materials (view or download)
Enzymes
Cyber DNA Extraction and Gel Electrophoresis

Activity Summary
Students will explore the concept of chemiluminescence and relate it to the concept of bioluminescence by creating glowing slime, examining the effect of temperature on glow sticks, and observing a demonstration with luminol. They will be able to explain how bioluminescence is a chemical reaction, how living organisms emit light, and why this is beneficial to various organisms.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Define bioluminescence and chemiluminescence
2. Distinguish between bioluminescence and chemiluminescence
3. Give examples of sources of bioluminescence

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
chemiluminescence, light, reactions

The ticks and other vectors of disease module can be completed in any high school environmental science class. The students will complete four different activities. The first activity will teach them to use dichotomous keys and to identify vectors. The following two activities will introduce students to the process of DNA extraction from ticks followed by analysis of the tick DNA via agarose gel electrophoresis. The final activity reveals how pathogens are transferred and diseases are transmitted.

Module Summary
The ticks and other vectors of disease module can be completed in any high school environmental science class. The students will complete four different activities. The first activity will teach them to use dichotomous keys and to identify vectors. The following two activities will introduce students to the process of DNA extraction from ticks followed by analysis of the tick DNA via agarose gel electrophoresis. The final activity reveals how pathogens are transferred and diseases are transmitted.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Module Materials (view or download)
Arthropod and Insect ID
DNA Isolation: Tick Extraction
Vectors and Disease
Are Deer Ticks Carrying Lyme Disease?

Activity Summary
Students will exchange liquids (representing body fluids) with their classmates to simulate disease transmission. Then the teacher will come around and place a drop of “infection indicator” into each student’s cup. Students will figure out who was the
original source of the infection by recalling which students they exchanged liquids with. Glow germ powder will be used in order to show how germs are spread. Glow germ powder will be placed strategically around the room and at the end of class, the teacher will turn out the lights and germ infested areas will glow in the dark.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. List different ways germs/pathogens are transmitted

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
vector, pathogen, host

Sustainability can be a hard concept to teach in a classroom setting because it is so distant from real life examples. In this module students learn concepts of sustainability through three activities. The first activity allows students to purchase green building technologies and construct models of their green design. In the second activity, students calculate their household carbon emissions by using a carbon calculator on the EPA’s website. In the final activity, students build a house on a river bank and see how the resulting development affects the water quality around them and downstream homes.

Module Summary
Sustainability can be a hard concept to teach in a classroom setting because it is so distant from real life examples. In this module students learn concepts of sustainability through three activities. The first activity allows students to purchase green building technologies and construct models of their green design. In the second activity, students calculate their household
carbon emissions by using a carbon calculator on the EPA’s website. In the final activity, students build a house on a river bank and see how the resulting development affects the water quality around them and downstream homes.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Module Materials (view or download)
Building Green Models
Carbon Emissions Calculator Activity
Human Impact: Down the River

Interactions on the atomic and molecular level are fundamental to understanding the most basic aspects of biology. It is important for students to understand the properties of matter, radioactivity, exothermic/endothermic reactions, and solubility in order to be able to connect this to why and how these things may affect living organisms. This knowledge can contribute to overall knowledge of not just how cells regulate intracellular chemical composition, but also why, and what the impact would be if they were not able to do so.

Module Summary
Interactions on the atomic and molecular level are fundamental to understanding the most basic aspects of biology. It is important for students to understand the properties of matter, radioactivity, exothermic/endothermic reactions, and solubility in order to be able to connect this to why and how these things may affect living organisms. This knowledge can contribute to
overall knowledge of not just how cells regulate intracellular chemical composition, but also why, and what the impact would be if they were not able to do so.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Module Materials (view or download)
Gas Laws
Solubility
Half Life
Elephant Toothpaste

In this lesson, students will explore evolution through a number of different hands-on activities to understand how it operates at both the micro and macro levels.

Module Summary
Evolution is one of the most important concepts in biology. However, students often learn this important theory in passive ways such as through textbooks and lectures. Consequently, students might be misinformed about what constitutes evolution. This is unfortunate since evolution is always occurring and is observable. For instance, many students might think that speciation is the only example of evolution but fail to grasp that antibiotic resistance in bacteria is evolution occurring on a timescale that humans can observe. In this lesson, students will explore evolution through a number of different hands-on activities to understand how it operates at both the micro and macro levels.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Module Materials (view or download)
Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium Model
Natural Selection – Battle of the Beaks
Bacterial Diversity and Evolution
Bioinformatics and Phylogenetics

The students will complete four different activities. The first activity will teach students the various properties of water. The following activity will simulate the water cycle process and allow the students to observe the simulation over the period of a week. The third activity requires the students to work with water quality test kits to test the quality of water from various environments. The final activity reveals how the choices of humans impact the world’s water systems.

Module Summary
Students will complete four different water sustainability activities.  The first activity will teach students the various properties of water.  The following activity will simulate the water cycle process and allow the students to observe the simulation over the period of a week.  The third activity requires the students to work with water quality test kits to test the quality of water from various environments.  The final activity reveals how the choices of humans impact the world’s water systems.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Module Materials (view or download)
Properties of Water
Water Cycle Simulation
Water Quality Testing
Human Impacts: Down the River

This module focuses on the processes of evolution. Students will become familiar with the process of investigation and discovery, and how it relates to the evolutionary theory. Students will also develop an understanding of the genetic contribution to the change of species over time and the challenges of the survival of the fittest.

Module Summary
This module focuses on the processes of evolution.  The first activity is a fossil find.  During this activity, the students become familiar with the process of investigation and discovery, and how it relates to the evolutionary theory.  The second activity simulates Charles Darwins’ investigation on the finches of the Galapagos Islands and gives insight to some mechanisms behind evolution.  The next activity on the bottleneck effect further develops the students’ understanding of the genetic contribution to the change of species over time.  The last activity combines all possible mechanisms of evolution into a challenge of the survival of the fittest monster (student).

requirements.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Module Materials (view or download)
Bottleneck Effect
Monster Fitness

Fossil Find

Activity Summary
Science involves the gathering of knowledge in a testable and repeatable format. Evolution is a theory in science that has been around since the 19th century. This activity addresses how theories are accepted and/or rejected and how evidence works in scientific reasoning.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Identify reasons for scientific collaboration
2. Develop a working hypothesis
3. Explain how fossil records can be used as evidence of evolution

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
evolution, hypothesis, theory, law, Charles Darwin

Natural Selection – Battle of the Beaks

Activity Summary
Students investigate whether inherited structures provide an adaptive advantage in a competitive environment. Students simulate birds competing for various foods by using different utensils to pick up different objects.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Explain how variation among different individuals affects relative fitness
2. Explain how natural selection leads to change in phenotype of a species across generations
3. Describe how evolution works

Lesson Materials (view or download)
Lesson Plan

Keywords
fitness, natural selection, adaptive advantage

Natural Selection – Battle of the Beaks

Activity Summary
Students investigate whether inherited structures provide an adaptive advantage in a competitive environment. Students simulate birds competing for various foods by using different utensils to pick up different objects.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Explain how variation among different individuals affects relative fitness
2. Explain how natural selection leads to change in phenotype of a species across generations
3. Describe how evolution works

Lesson Materials (view or download)
Lesson Plan

Keywords
fitness, natural selection, adaptive advantage

This module revolves around chemical reactions and solubility, which are key concepts in the Physical Science curriculum. Students will engage in multiple hands on activities that investigate these key topics. The main focal point in this module is to give students a chance to make predictions, record observations and write summaries during each activity.

Module Summary
This module revolves around chemical reactions and solubility, which are key concepts in the Physical Science curriculum.  Students will engage in multiple hands on activities that investigate these key topics.  The main focal point in this module is to give students a chance to make predictions, record observations and write summaries during each activity.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Module Materials (view or download)
Endothermic and Exothermic Reactions
Classification of Reactions
Rates of Reactions
Rates of Solubility

This unit utilizes arthropods as a tool to teach multiple scientific principles to students. They will learn to classify organisms using dichotomous keys, to build a phylogenetic tree using actual DNA sequences from mosquitoes, and students explore how scientists use DNA technology to identify individuals, analyze evidence, and solve crimes.

Module Summary
Arthropods are an abundant, inexpensive resource that is available to every educator.  This unit utilizes arthropods as a tool to teach multiple scientific principles to students. In the first activity, students examine pictures of arthropods from multiple phyla and learn to classify organisms using dichotomous keys.  For the next activity, students are provided with a selection of locally collected insects.  Students identify shared characteristics among specimens and utilize these to build a phylogenetic tree.  Then, students have the opportunity to build a phylogenetic tree using actual DNA sequences from mosquitoes.  Students are given a short introduction to bioinformatics, then use computers and online databases to find similar DNA sequences and build a phylogenetic tree based on genetic similarities.  At the conclusion of the unit, students are taught molecular techniques used by biologists. Using this knowledge, students explore how scientists use DNA technology to identify individuals, analyze evidence, and solve crimes.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Insect and Arthropod Identification

Activity Summary
Students will collect macroinvertebrates samples and identify at least 10 of the samples. Identification will be completed using dichotomous keys. Students will conclude the lab by drawing conclusions concerning diversity in the different families of macroinvertebrates. If students are unable to identify the macroinvertebrate to species, they must identify the organism
as specifically as they can determine (family, order, etc.).

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Identity organisms using a dichotomous key
2. Correctly be able to identify macroinvertebrates as specifically as possible

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plan

Keywords
macroinvertebrate, biodiversity

Insect Phylogenetics

Activity Summary
This exercise utilizes local insects to show how the differences among species culminate in the identifying features of families and genera. Students are given the opportunity to find insects (potentially for extra credit) for this activity. On day one, students are given a collection of 8 insects and asked to come up with distinguishing features (one pair of wings, two pairs of
wings, feathery antennae, etc.). Students catalogue the number of specimens that have each feature, and fill out a chart to record the number of shared physical characteristics. One day 2, students use the number of shared characteristics to build a phylogenetic tree and answer discussion questions. Students are encouraged to use magnifying glasses and/or microscopes to
assist them in identifying features of insects.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Identify key characteristics that distinguish individuals of different families from each other
2. Construct a phylogenetic tree based on the number of shared physical characteristics

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plan

Keywords
classification, phylogeny, phylogenetic tree, synapomorphy, taxonomy

Mosquito Bioinformatics

Activity Summary
This activity exposes students to some of the digital tools essential to modern scientific research. Students seek out a number of mosquito DNA sequences found in an online sequence database (NCBI). Using bioinformatics tools, students create a genetics-based phylogenetic tree using the sequences they found. Students are asked to interpret the meaning of the phylogeny
and explain which species are most closely related based upon the branching of the phylogenetic tree.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Correctly interpret a phylogenetic tree
2. Access and utilize online biological databases

Lesson Materials (view or download)
Lesson Plan

Keywords
bioinformatics, phylogeny, DNA sequence, phylogenetic tree

Hissing Cockroach Murder Mystery

Activity Summary
Fabio, the world’s handsomest hissing cockroach, has been murdered by one of his terrarium mates. Only small bits of Fabio remain; the rest of his body has been devoured by the murderer. To find Fabio’s killer, students must compare Fabio’s DNA to DNA evidence collected from the suspects. Whichever suspect has Fabio’s DNA in his or her excrement is the hungry murderer. This series of 3 activities will familiarize students with modern DNA analysis, including DNA extraction, proper use of molecular biology equipment, and DNA gel electrophoresis.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Describe the process of gel electrophoresis in his/her own words and explain how and why it works
2. Identify 3 potential uses of DNA analysis
3. Read the resultant gel and articulate the results of the DNA comparison

Lesson Materials (view or download)
Introductory PowerPoint – Day 1
Introductory PowerPoint – Day 2
Introductory PowerPoint – Day 3
Lesson Plan – Day 1
Lesson Plan – Day 2
Lesson Plan – Day 3

Keywords
gel electrophoresis, PCR, DNA extraction, restriction enzyme

The activities in this module seek to encourage inquiry-based learning about how scientific advances continue to lead to agricultural practices that allow the Earth’s human population to reach levels that would be otherwise impossible. Activities also explore how this ever growing human population affects
Earth’s ecosystems and how the health of these ecosystems affect the number of people who can survive on our planet. Activities inform and encourage discussion of the balance that must be maintained between advancement and conservation while introducing topics such as nonpoint source pollution, Genetically Modified Organisms, and biomagnification of agricultural chemicals.

Module Summary
Emphasizing important molecular and environmental science applications in agriculture can make these topics more relatable for rural high school students. Regardless of student demographic, though, agriculture is the source of food for all students and is therefore applicable to their daily lives. The activities in this module seek to encourage inquiry based learning about how scientific advances continue to lead to agricultural practices that allow the Earth’s human population to reach levels that would be otherwise impossible. Activities also explore how this ever growing human population affects Earth’s ecosystems and how the health of these ecosystems affect the number of people who can survive on our planet. Activities inform and encourage discussion of the balance that must be maintained between advancement and conservation while introducing topics
such as non-point source pollution, Genetically Modified Organisms, and biomagnification of agricultural chemicals.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Carrying Capacity and Human Impacts

Activity Summary
This activity is used to spur discussion of the ways that the activities of human beings can negatively or positively affect the Earth’s ability to support the human population. Students are presented with statements about human activities of the past and asked to hold up a sign that says “Believe it” or “Don’t Believe It.” After the instructor tells them whether the statement is true or not, the students are asked to hold up another sign that says “increases human carrying capacity” or “decreases human carrying capacity.” Statements pertain to agricultural practices, pollution, and over harvesting.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. List ways in which the actions of humans affect the number of humans the Earth can support
2. Analyze whether a given human activity will increase or decrease the human carrying capacity of Earth
3. Define the term “carrying capacity” and list its implications

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plan

Keywords
human impact, pollution, agriculture, discussion

Effects of Agriculture on the Environment

Activity Summary
In this activity, students construct an “ecosystem in a bottle” while identifying the biotic and abiotic factors and recognizing that, like Earth, their ecosystem is a closed system. After construction, the ecosystem is left in sunlight to grow for 2-3 weeks, then students make preliminary observations of their growing ecosystem, choose a pollutant to add, make predictions
about the affects the pollutant will have, and finally make observations and conclusions about the affects 2-3 weeks later.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Define biotic and abiotic factors and describe their interrelatedness within an ecosystem
2. Explain what is meant by the term “closed system” as used to define their ecosystem and the Earth
3. Analyze the effects of certain pollutants on ecosystems
4. Propose ways to reduce pollution of ecosystems

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plan

Keywords
biome, pollution, human impact, biotic and abiotic factors, closed system

Bio magnification and Food Webs

Activity Summary
This activity adds depth to the classic owl pellet dissection activity. Students will dissect owl pellets and use a skull and bone key to identify prey species and numbers. Students will then be given levels of DDT that are contained in each prey species as well as a threshold amount of DDT that an owl can consume before her eggs will be unviable. Based on the bones found in
their own owl pellets, students will determine whether their owl will be able to produce viable offspring. This activity shows students that even small amounts of contaminants biomagnify as they move up the food chain and exert their harshest effects on organisms at the top of the food chain (like owls and humans!).

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Define biomagnifications
2. Explain the implications of biomagnifications for ecosystems
3. List several consequences of biomagnification for humans
4. Describe how human activities affect non-target organisms

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plan

Keywords
DDT, food chain, food web, human impact, pesticides, pollution

Aquatic Non-point Source Pollution and Environmental Policy

Activity Summary
This activity demonstrates the difficulties faced by governments in the clean up of pollution. Students are given dirty “polluted” water and a finite amount of “money.” Supplies to clean their water are “sold” at an “environmental store” and students must decide how to best spend their money to get the water as clean as possible. Groups compete to get their water the
cleanest. Students see how difficult removing pollutants from water can be and that money runs out quickly. Discussion is spurred

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. List the challenges faced by governments when trying to clean up polluted waters
2. Explain why prevention of water pollution is superior to clean up
3. Draw conclusions on the effects of pollution on biodiversity

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plan

Keywords
pollution, environmental impact, water clean-up

This physical evidence module will teach students how to analyze evidence that can be found at a crime scene. This module is based off one of the most important principles for forensic science the Locard Exchange Principle that states that there is always cross transfer of evidence between suspect and victim.

Module Summary
This physical evidence module will teach students how to analyze evidence that can be found at a crime scene. This module is based off one of the most important principles for forensic science the Locard Exchange Principle that states that there is always cross transfer of evidence between suspect and victim. Students start with an activity that teaches how to properly use a microscope for specimen analysis. The second class period students will examine important hair structures in human and animal hair under a microscope. In the next lesson students will burn several different common fibers to examine the different burn patterns among the fibers. Students will then learn the proper techniques for dusting and lifting fingerprints from common items such as aluminum cans and paper. The last lab will allow students to create and examine differences between

medium and high-velocity impact blood splatters.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Microscopes – Get Into Focus

Activity Summary
Microscopes are important tools in forensic science investigation and throughout the activities in this module. In this activity, students will investigate basic microscope techniques and learn how to make a wet mount slide.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Calculate total magnification
2. Demonstrate the correct way to make a wet mount slide

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
microscopes, wet mount

Hair Identification

Activity Summary
Hair is an important piece of evidence that can be found at crime scenes. In this lab activity, students will identify important human and animal hair structures by examining their own hair and hair collected from different animals.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Identify important human hair structures
2. Compare and contrast human and animal hair

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
microscopes, hair structures, animal, human

Fiber Burn

Activity Summary
Hair is an important piece of evidence that can be found at crime scenes. In this lab activity, fiber evidence is valuable because it creates links among victims, suspects, and places. In this activity students will compare and contrast how different fibers burn and residues left behind to help solve a crime.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Compare and contrast how different fibers burn

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Dusting for Fingerprints

Activity Summary
Latent fingerprints are often left at the scene of a crime and are highly individualized. In this activity, students will demonstrate proper techniques for dusting and lifting fingerprints off of different materials. Students will also classify their fingerprint patterns as loops, whorls, or arches.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Demonstrate the proper procedure for dusting and lifting fingerprints off a variety of materials

Lesson Materials (view or download)
Lesson Plans

Keywords
fingerprint patterns, lifting prints

Blood Spatter

Activity Summary
Bloodstain pattern analysis is a powerful forensic tool used in crime scene investigations. In this activity students will investigate the difference in average diameters of blood drops between high and medium velocity impact bloodstain patterns.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Compare and contrast medium and high velocity impact blood spatter
2. Compare and contrast 90° angle and non-90° angle blood spatter

Lesson Materials (view or download)
Lesson Plans

Keywords
medium impact spatter, high impact spatter, diameter

 Invasive species are having a huge influence on our surroundings. Not only are non-native species threatening agriculture and forests, they are also causing major impacts to several of our communities. Using hands-on activities that encompass the mechanisms in which invasive species are introduced, how they establish themselves and ways of prevention, students will become knowledgeable in how invasive species influence the environment around them. Activities will engage the students to understand the importance of conservation and how invading species could affect them personally.

Module Summary
Invasive species are having a huge influence on our surroundings. Not only are non-native species threatening agriculture and forests, they are also causing major impacts to several of our communities. Using hands-on activities that encompass the mechanisms in which invasive species are introduced, how they establish themselves and ways of prevention, students will become knowledgeable in how invasive species influence the environment around them. Activities will engage the students to understand the importance of conservation and how invading species could affect them personally.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Homeland Invasion

Activity Summary
Many species have been introduced along the eastern United States which has economic and environmental impacts. This activity will introduce students to common species that have been introduced within the last century. Some of the species are common in the Southeast whereas others are limited to the North. Students will be engaged to think critically about the impacts and methods of control for their individually assigned species.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Identify specific invasive species through a rubric which includes: Common name, scientific name, native and invasive range,     ecological impact, life history, and methods of control
2. Discern the difference between invasive species and alien species
3. Identify different control methods for invasive species

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
adaptation, niche, colonization

Crayfish Plaque

Activity Summary
In recent years, a fungal disease has been introduced to Europe and Asia as a result of the aquaculture trade in crayfish. This disease is carried by North American crayfish species sold overseas for culinary and aquarium trade. The introduction of this disease has wiped out 95% of the native crayfish in Europe. In this activity students will use molecular techniques to test for
the presence or absence of the crayfish plague from DNA samples of one species of crayfish collected from various parts of the world.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Use gel electrophoresis and pipettes
2. Identify the presence or absence of specific bands of DNA through critically analyzing an agarose gel
3. Describe the consequences of introducing invasive species
4. Describe the effects of invasive species on native species

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
invasive, species, genetics

Alien Fitness

Activity Summary
In order for an organism to succeed in its environment, it must have certain traits that will allow it to survive. This same concept is true for introduced species as well. When an introduction occurs, the organism must have traits that will allow it to establish itself and colonize the local area. This activity is meant to have students think critically about the certain
phenotypic traits that would be necessary to survive on an alien planet. In doing so, students will build on the knowledge base of how species are best suited to reproduce and adapt to their surroundings and pass on those traits.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Recognize traits necessary for an organism to survive in its environment
2. Describe the concepts of natural selection and adaptation
3. Identify factors which influence an organism’s overall fitness

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
adaptation, fitness, traits

The first few lessons in this module will teach and help students understand the chemical properties of elements and how those properties can cause elements to interact with each other. After students have grasped a working knowledge of elements and chemical reactions, they can explore more advanced topics like reactions rates, acids and bases, and the law of conservation.

Module Summary
All scientists use basic chemical knowledge every time they conduct laboratory experiments and all people use everyday household objects because of chemical knowledge. However, chemistry can be a complex science for high school students to master, so they need to build a solid foundation starting with the basics. The first few lessons in this module will teach and help

students to understand the chemical properties of elements and how those properties can cause elements to interact with each other. After students have grasped a working knowledge of elements and chemical reactions, they can explore more advanced topics like reactions rates, acids and bases, and the law of conservation.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Module Materials (view or download)
Periodic Table Taboo
Types of Reactions
Rate of Chemical Reactions
Acid and Base Reactions
Law of Conservation

Students will assess the quality of a local aquatic environment through a series of interactive
activities. At the end of the module students will have knowledge of several tools that can be
used to assess water quality. Students begin by assessing the biotic and abiotic factors of the
water body. They then complete a leaf pack experiment that spans 2-3 months where they look
at leaf decomposition in an aquatic environment and assess local macroinvertebrates.
Additionally, students work to create a map of their local watershed and relate that to potential
sources of water pollution in the area.

Module Summary
Water quality assessment is vital to determining the health of an ecosystem. Humans and local wildlife rely on clean water for drinking, living and recreating. This module is intended to help students assess the quality of a local aquatic environment through a series of interactive activities. At the end of the module students will have knowledge of several tools that can be
used to assess water quality. Students begin by assessing the biotic and abiotic factors of the water body. They then complete a leaf pack experiment that spans 2-3 months where they look at leaf decomposition in an aquatic environment and assess local macroinvertebrates. Additionally, students work to create a map of their local watershed and relate that to potential
sources of water pollution in the area.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Module Materials (view or download)
Abiotic Water Quality Testing
Biotic Water Quality Assessment
Leaf Pack Experiment
Where’s My Watershed?

Biotic Water Quality Assessment Activity Summary
Water quality monitoring is an important aspect of many environmental assessments. It is crucial to monitor water quality through both abiotic and biotic factors. In this activity students will assess the health of a local aquatic ecosystem by visually surveying the area for organisms (plants and animals) and creating a trophic pyramid. They will also gain familiarity with the
differences between food webs and trophic pyramids.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Show energy flow in an ecosystem using a food web
2. Create a trophic pyramid for an aquatic ecosystem
3. Distinguish between food webs and trophic pyramids

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
aquatic environment, abiotic factors, trophic pyramid, food web, ecosystems

Students are walked through modern molecular biology techniques used to examine soil microbe communities. Students must compile and organize information into a graph and then compare their results to real-world microbial communities to draw inferences about their simulated soil sample. Other student activities include a bacterial and fungal investigation of their school and classroom. Students swab and air-expose Petri plates around their school to gain insight on the otherwise invisible microbial communities all around them. Other activities include a simulation of DDT bioaccumulation in a coastal marine community.

Module Summary
A biological community is a group of different interacting species in one particular environment. Community-level examination within the field of biology also lends itself to many cross-discipline opportunities including ecology, chemistry, physical science and governmental policy. This collection of classroom activities is designed to reinforce the topic of biological communities, and in doing so, also incorporate topics ranging from ecology to molecular genetics. The primary activity of this module is a simulation of microbial ecology research. Students are walked through modern molecular biology techniques used to examine soil microbe communities. Students must compile and organize information into a graph and then compare their results to real-world microbial communities to draw inferences about their simulated soil sample. Other student activities include a bacterial and fungal investigation of their school and classroom. Students swab and air-expose Petri plates around their school to gain insight on the otherwise invisible microbial communities all around them. Other activities include a simulation of DDT bioaccumulation in a coastal marine community. This module is designed to fit 9th to 12th grade biology curricular requirements.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Bioaccumulation – Marine Community DDT

Activity Summary
Some toxins can bioaccumulate within a biological community or food chain, poisoning top level predators. In this activity, students simulate the accumulation of DDT in a marine community. They begin on the microbial level and trace the path of DDT to a top level predator to examine the effects of this chemical on the entire community and food chain.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Demonstrate how DDT bioaccumulates in a community
2. Analyze the amounts of DDT at each tropic level
3. Create a trophic pyramid diagram

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
trophic pyramid, marine biology, food chain

Classroom Microbes

Activity Summary
Microbes are organisms that are too small to see with the naked eye. Large aggregations of microorganisms can be grown in a petri dish to observe without a microscope. Bacteria and fungi are both ubiquitous in most environments, including your classroom. In this laboratory exercise, you will hypothesize about the presence of these microbes and then sample your surroundings.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Identify mold and bacteria
2. Explain where these microorganisms are found
3. Analyze the results of their petri plates and associated hypotheses

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
bacteria, mold, fungi, microbiology

Microbial Mix Up

Activity Summary
Students will identify microorganisms using short DNA sequences and will utilize the results to graph the population percentage of species found in a “soil sample.”

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Calculate population percentage of species in a “sample”
2. Analyze short sequences of DNA
3. Show the result in graph format

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans
Student Worksheet
Microbial Mix Up Assessment
Microbial Organisms
Microbial Pie Chart

Keywords
population percentage, DNA, microorganisms, soil

Cladograms

Activity Summary
Cladograms are a simple way to establish the evolutionary relatedness of a set of organisms. In this activity, a set of organisms is selected for the students, as well as a set of traits. Students methodically identify which traits belong to which organisms in a table. Then, a cladogram is constructed from the compiled information.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Describe/explain the kind of information a cladogram displays
2. Analyze physical features of organisms to create a graph
3. Show the evolutionary relatedness of a set of organisms

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
common ancestor, evolution, traits

All organisms depend on genetics in order to develop and although students learn about genetics, there is often disconnect in how they are applied to every level of an organism. This module provides lesson plans that will teach and help students understand the roles of genetics at the cellular, tissue, and organism levels. There also supporting lesson plans that help students understand basic cellular structure and the cell cycle. As technological advances allow for an increasing knowledge of genetics, it will be important for students to understand how genetics affect the development of organisms as well as their roles in mutations and diseases.

Module Summary
All organisms depend on genetics in order to develop and although students learn about genetics, there is often disconnect in how they are applied to every level of an organism. This module provides lesson plans that will teach and help students understand the roles of genetics at the cellular, tissue, and organism levels. There also supporting lesson plans that help students understand basic cellular structure and the cell cycle. As technological advances allow for an increasing knowledge of genetics, it will be important for students to understand how genetics affect the development of organisms as well as their roles in mutations and diseases.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Oreo Mitosis

Activity Summary
This lesson discusses the process of cell division and mitosis to students. In groups of two, students will model the cell division cycle by using Oreo cookies to represent the different stages.  The students’ job is to determine the events that take in each phase of cell division and model it with their Oreos and sprinkles. Once students complete their model, they are to use them to recite the events of cell division.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. List the steps in the process of cell division
2. Explain why cell division is necessary in organisms

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
mitosis, cell division, chromosomes, DNA

Stop the bleeding!

Activity Summary
In this lesson students will learn the relationship between protein and its role in structure and function at the cellular and tissue level by using zebrafish cranial blood vessels as an example. Zebrafish are used to study stroke in humans. In this activity students are exploring both the concept of using model organism to study human disease as well as seeing the roles of protein. In groups of four, students are randomly assigned a protein that they will use to assemble blood vessels (“straws”) in the zebrafish brain in order to transport blood (“red colored water”) to neurons (“petri dishes”) in the brain. The connective proteins are from a spectrum of clay to cling wrap. The groups must assemble their blood vessels by using their protein as a connector that will prevent the leakage of blood while allowing blood flow to the neurons. If bleeding or blockage to the neurons occur the zebrafish may suffer a stroke.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Demonstrate the relationship between protein, structure and function
2. Define and describe stroke

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plan

Keywords
protein, blood vessels, stroke, zebrafish

DNA Barcoding

Activity Summary
Students will be given codon sequences that they will translate into amino acids. Once all amino acid sequences are completed they will spell out prizes that students can choose from that are hidden in coffee cups representing how a DNA barcode can help scientist differentiate species even if the organisms look the same.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Describe the DNA replication cycle
2. Translate codons into amino acids

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Genetic Codes
Lesson Plan

Keywords
DNA replication, amino acids, codon table

Zebrafish Development

Activity Summary
In this lesson students will learn how and why biologists use model organisms, specifically zebrafish, to study human development and diseases, especially those caused by mutations. The lab has two parts. In part one, students will study the development of zebrafish and why they are used for human research. In part two of the lab, students will identify and study mutations by using pictures of zebrafish experiments.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Describe the developmental stages of zebrafish and why they are used for human research
2. Identify common mutations of zebrafish

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
zebrafish, development, mutations, diseases, research

Module Summary
Biodiversity is a measure of the variety of organisms that are present in a given ecosystem.   Biodiversity can be measured many different ways including genetic, species, and ecosystem variation within the defined area, biome, and even the entire world.  This module defines biodiversity and allows students to look at it from all three aspects.  Students will also learn about threats to biodiversity including invasive species, habitat destruction, climate change, and genetically modified organisms.

Grade Levels
9-12                                                                                

Cell City Activity

Activity Summary
In this lesson students will learn the basic cell structure and functions of organelles. In groups of four, students are randomly assigned to design a city, amusement park, or medieval castle, etc. to model a cell and its organelles.  The functions of their “city” parallel the functions of organelles in the cell.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Compare the functions of the cell and its organelles to a restaurant, military base, amusement park, or medieval castle
2. Describe the functions of organelles

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plan

Keywords
cell, organelles

The Benthos: A Lesson in Temperate Reef Biodiversity

Activity Summary
In this activity students will be given quadrat photographs taken of the benthos (Benthic=bottom) at Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary in Georgia, USA.  They will use an identification key to determine the species in each quadrat. They will also count the total individuals and the number of squares each species occurs in on their quadrat.  They will use this information to calculate a simple biodiversity index for the reef.  The students will then use that biodiversity index outcome to assess the health of their reef ecosystem.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Define biodiversity
2. Recall reasons that biodiversity is important to ecosystem health
3. Visually identify species found on temperate hard bottom reefs
4. Calculate reef diversity using a simplified biodiversity index

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans
Quadrat 1 – Reef 1
Quadrat 1 – Reef 2
Quadrat 2 – Reef 1
Quadrat 2 – Reef 2

Keywords
marine biology, ecosystem health

The Island of Conservation

Activity Summary
In this paper-based activity students are tasked with determining which land to protect on Conservation Island to ensure the survival of three endangered species.  Student must consider the habitat, diet, current range and threats to each endangered species, but they must also consider the needs of the humans on their island.  Students will determine which area(s) to protect and must answer a series of questions regarding their decisions. Students will also learn about current government policies including the Endangered Species Act and The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) that are in place to protect threatened and endangered species.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Define conservation in terms of biodiversity
2. Explain the importance of protecting endangered species
3. Describe challenges faced by land managers by creating their own management area on the island

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
biodiversity, endangered species, conserving, land management

Create Your Own Aquatic Organism

Activity Summary
In this activity students will learn about natural selection and evolution through advantageous adaptations. Students will have the opportunity to create an aquatic organism that has several adaptations that enable its survival in one of four different aquatic habitats. Students will create a display of their organism, write a 1-2 page essay and present their organism to the class in a 2-3 minute talk. An example grading rubric is included with this activity.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Demonstrate an understanding of adaptations by creating an organism with adaptations that enhance its survival in a given environment
2. Explain how adaptations among different individuals affects relative fitness

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
adaptation, natural selection, evolution

Which Invasive Barnacle Are You?

Activity Summary
In this lab students are introduced to a situation where a researcher was studying an invasive barnacle species, Megabalanus coccopoma, or the Titan Acorn Barnacle.  This barnacle is thought to be distinctive for its hot pink color. However, while collecting specimens the researchers unknowingly collected another species of hot pink barnacle that is physically indistinguishable. Researchers only discovered that it was a new species when doing DNA analysis. Henceforth, we will call it the unknown species. Students will first use photographs to attempt to make predictions about what species they are looking at by comparing the physical characteristics to one known M. coccopoma specimen. They will then run the DNA on an agarose gel to confirm their predictions.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Demonstrate skills in pipetting and setting up a gel electrophoresis experiment
2. Analyze the results of a gel to determine the species of invasive barnacle
3. Explain the connection between genetics and biodiversity

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans
Teacher prep video: Micropipetting
Teacher prep video: Preparing DNA samples
Teacher prep video: Pouring a DNA gel
Teacher prep video: Running a DNA gel

Keywords
invasive species, DNA, biodiversity