721 biology-life-science results | sort by:
Educational Resources: Engineering - U.S. National Science Foundation
Grades
K to 12tag(s): engineering (134), robotics (30)
In the Classroom
Select a hands-on lesson from TeachEngineering (part of NSF's collection of 1,500+ vetted K-12 activities) that fits your unit, like building bridges, towers, or circuits. Have students go through the full engineering process: brainstorm, prototype, test, and iterate. Introduce the Morphing Matter for Girls activities to explore smart materials. Assign students to design and prototype an artifact (e.g., a reusable ecological gadget or wearable tech), learning how materials can change properties & respond to environments. Use a PhET simulation (e.g., electric circuits or structures) to let students experiment virtually. Pose a challenge: "Design a stable bridge using at least three materials." After testing different builds, have students record data and write short analyses, combining engineering design with scientific reasoning.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
STEM Teaching Resources - Genetics - National Institutes of Health
Grades
8 to 12In the Classroom
Promote student engagement by beginning the lesson by showing the "Genome + Environment = Dance!" video, which illustrates how environmental factors and personal choices influence gene expression. Students can read blog posts from the Genetics Miniseries and participate in accompanying activities, including discussions, applications, and quizzes. Implement interactive lessons from the webpage that explore the ethical, legal, and social implications of personal genetics.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
The Biology Corner - Shannan Muskopf
Grades
8 to 12In the Classroom
Have students use colored paper to represent alleles and "breed" pets with various traits (such as fur color and eye shape). Students can flip coins to simulate inheritance of traits, recording genotypes and phenotypes. Printable worksheets challenge students to solve monohybrid and dihybrid crosses and apply vocabulary such as homozygous and heterozygous. Have students investigate real-world genetic conditions (ex., sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis), exploring inheritance patterns and societal impact.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Cell Structure Collection - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): cells (82)
In the Classroom
Students can use Canva Edu reviewed here to create and label a cell. Students can use Google Drawings reviewed here to compare and contrast a plant and animal cell. Finally, students can create 3D models of cells.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Genetic Literacy - GLP Library
Grades
9 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): agriculture (50), dna (52), genetics (82), infographics (62), podcasts (139), sustainability (54)
In the Classroom
Assign students an article from the GLP homepage and have them summarize it for the class. Have students explore GLP's infographics (ex., GMO safety, gene editing regulations) and create a presentation using Visme, reviewed here or Google Slides, reviewed here explaining the data and implications. Students can utilize GLP's Global Gene Editing Regulation Tracker to explore how various countries regulate gene editing and present their findings.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Genetically Engineered or Not Quiz - Share My Lesson
Grades
9 to 12In the Classroom
Use the provided PowerPoint to show images of different organisms (e.g., GloFish, seedless watermelon, featherless chicken). Students can guess if each one is genetically engineered, selectively bred, or natural. Set up stations with images and brief texts that illustrate how specific traits in crops or animals have evolved. Students can circulate and determine whether the change came from natural selection, selective breeding, or genetic engineering. Have students design an organism using either selective breeding or genetic engineering. They must describe its traits, how it was developed, and its intended benefit or use.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Educational Resources: Biology - U.S. National Science Foundation
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): animal homes (50), animals (261), dinosaurs (47), ecosystems (96), marine biology (31), oceans (137), plants (137)
In the Classroom
Students can use Kiddle reviewed here to research the plants and animals on the site. Students can write notes in Google Keep reviewed here as they watch live web cameras of birds from the link provided via Merlin. Students can use Seesaw reviewed here to list facts about what they learn after watching a video.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Teach Genetics and Heredity with Free STEM Lessons - Science Buddies
Grades
K to 12tag(s): dna (52), genetics (82), scientific method (50), STEM (333)
In the Classroom
Using paper or modeling supplies, students can simulate inheritance using "Reebops," fictional marshmallow creatures with traits passed from parent to offspring, by creating Punnett squares. Students can create stop motion videos using Cloud Stop Motion, reviewed here to record the Reebop construction process. Have students test their ability to detect PTC paper and relate the results to a specific gene variation. Students can use a genetics key to "breed" alien offspring based on specific trait combinations. Students can then translate a DNA sequence into a color-coded bracelet (A = red, T = green, etc.).Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Genetics and Heredity - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
K to 12In the Classroom
Watch a short video, such as "What Are Traits?", and have students list visible traits they observe in their classmates, such as dimples and eye color. Ask students to record their data and share the results using a simple graph creator tool such as Data GIF Maker, reviewed here. Include interactive media, such as the "Heredity Interactive Lesson," in your activities, where students match traits to their parents and offspring. Students can use dice rolls to determine the traits of a fictional insect (antennae type, wing shape, etc.). Have students interview family members about physical traits (ex., hair type, eye color) and build a visual "trait tree."Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Project Based Learning Project ideas - Van Andel Institute for Education
Grades
K to 12tag(s): Project Based Learning (27)
In the Classroom
Students can use Google Drawings reviewed here to create a cause and effect diagram while researching for the "Save the Turtles" PBL card. Students can use Acast reviewed here to make a public service announcement of the importance of composting while using the PBL card titled "Why Does My Teacher Have Worms?"Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Teaching Activities about Heredity and Gene Editing - Science Journal for Kids and Teens
Grades
6 to 12In the Classroom
Give the class a GMO seed experiment and have students examine and compare different seeds to determine which are genetically modified. Students can research and debate the pros and cons of genetically modified organisms. Students can model the process of bacterial transformation to understand how genes are transferred. Students can build models of the DNA double helix using various materials. They can also create 3D models digitally using Tinkercad, reviewed here or CoSpaces reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Free Cell Biology Lesson Plans & Resources - AFT's Share My Lesson
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): body systems (45), cells (82), human body (95)
In the Classroom
Students can complete the lesson activities featured on the site. As students are completing the lesson titled "The Human Digestive System - 7 Engaging Lab Station Activities," they can use Seesaw, reviewed here as a journal. In addition, students can use Google Drawings, reviewed here to compare and contrast an animal and plant cell or the digestive system to another body system.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Emma the Teachie's Cell Cycle - Emma the Teachie
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): cells (82)
In the Classroom
Students can do the activities that are included in Emma the Techie's Cell Cycle. When creating their cell projects, students can use Podcast Generatorreviewed here. Students can use Duck Soup reviewed here to write their Doodle Notes.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
The Future of Nature Collection - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): biodiversity (34), conservation (105), ecology (116), environment (246), sustainability (54)
In the Classroom
Assign small groups to research a specific ecosystem, such as grasslands or oceans, and create an infographic using Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here highlighting biodiversity, human impact, and conservation efforts. Challenge students to design a "Conservation Action Plan" based on the videos they watch. They can research a real-world problem, propose solutions, and present their ideas in a short video PSA using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here or Powtoon, reviewed here. Organize a class debate on a key environmental issue featured in the series (ex., "Should governments invest more in conservation over industry?").Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Wow in the World - Tinkercast
Grades
K to 12tag(s): crafts (93), dinosaurs (47), fossils (44), habitats (99), podcasts (139), robotics (30)
In the Classroom
Students can use Google My Maps reviewed here to explore the locations that are discussed during the podcast. Students can use Padlet reviewed here to post questions and comments. Students can utilize the activities and resources provided in the podcast.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Classical Genetics Simulator - Ben Adamczyk
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): genetics (82), simulations (43)
In the Classroom
Students can use CGS to simulate monohybrid and dihybrid crosses, predicting offspring traits using Punnett squares before running the simulation. They can compare their predicted ratios with actual results and discuss any variations. Have students receive a set of unknown parent organisms and determine the inheritance pattern of a specific trait (e.g., dominant/recessive, incomplete dominance) by analyzing the results of simulated breeding experiments on their offspring. Students research a human genetic disorder, such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia, and then use CGS to model its inheritance pattern. They could create a family pedigree chart using Canva Edu, reviewed here or a mapping tool such as MindMup, reviewed here and explain how the disorder is passed down through generations.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Coral Reef Simulation - National Geographic
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): ecosystems (96), marine biology (31), reefs (8), simulations (43)
In the Classroom
Have students use the simulation to collect fish population data from different reef sites, compare their findings, and discuss what the data reveals about biodiversity and reef health. After completing the survey, students can research real-world threats to coral reefs (ex., climate change, overfishing, pollution), connect their findings from the simulation to actual case studies, and propose solutions for reef conservation. Students can collect multiple rounds of data in the simulation and create graphs using ClassTools, reviewed here or charts to analyze population trends.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Horticulture and Landscaping Jobs - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): careers (195), ecology (116), plants (137), STEM (333)
In the Classroom
Challenge students to act as landscape architects, designing an outdoor space (a park, school garden, or backyard). They can sketch a layout on paper or digitally using Sketchboard reviewed here or Draw.to reviewed here. They can choose appropriate plants and consider climate, soil, and sustainability factors. Students can learn a hands-on horticulture skill by propagating plants from cuttings (growing a new plant from a leaf or stem). They can track growth over time and discuss how horticulturists use propagation in nurseries and greenhouses. Then, students can collect soil samples from different areas and test pH levels and nutrients. They can predict which soil type would best support plant growth and relate findings to careers in agriculture and landscaping. Have your students design an eco-friendly garden that conserves water, supports pollinators, and reduces environmental impact. They should consider elements like native plants, rain gardens, and composting.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
We Are Here - SmithsonianAPA
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): artists (88), asia (134), authors (102), cultures (259), famous people (35), japan (61), japanese (51), multimedia (57), scientists (70)
In the Classroom
Have students illustrate an important moment in Asian American history, write a poem reflecting on identity and resilience, or ask them to research another cultural or historical movement that aligns with the themes in We Are Here (ex., the Civil Rights Movement, Indigenous history, or immigrant experiences). They can create a Venn diagram using Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here or infographic using Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Great Job! - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): careers (195), machines (17), simple machines (21)
In the Classroom
Students could choose a career from the series and create a career pathway chart outlining high school courses to take, postsecondary school/training, and entry-level positions. Students can create concept maps using an online resource such as MindMup, reviewed here. Students could also interview a local professional in one of the featured careers (virtually or in person). After the interview, they can create a written summary, a podcast using Buzzsprout, reviewed here, or a short video using FlexClip, reviewed here sharing what they learned. Have students watch one of the videos and write a reflection, including what they found interesting, what skills are needed for the job, and whether they would consider this job.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).

Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Close comment form