729 biology-life-science results | sort by:
DNA, Chromosomes, Genes, and Traits: An Intro to Heredity - Amoeba Sisters
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Before or after the video, provide students with vocabulary cards (e.g., DNA, chromosome, gene, trait, nucleus) and definition cards. Have them match terms to definitions in small groups, sparking discussion and pre-assessing understanding. Ask students to create a visual flowchart illustrating how DNA influences a trait, using examples such as eye color or hair texture. They should include steps like gene expression and protein formation. The flow chart can be made with a digital tool such as Canva Infographic Creator < a href="/single.cfm?id=17570">reviewed here or MindMup, reviewed here. Using coins or spinners to represent alleles from two "parents," students can simulate the inheritance of traits (like dimples, tongue rolling, etc.) for an imaginary offspring. Then, they can draw their "baby" and describe the inherited traits that it will possess.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Educational Resources: Engineering - U.S. National Science Foundation
Grades
K to 12tag(s): engineering (141), 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.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Easy to Understand: Intro to Genetics - Miss Angler
Grades
6 to 8This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Have students complete a quick survey of simple traits (e.g., attached earlobes, tongue rolling, dimples) and tally class data. Use it as an intro to discuss dominant vs. recessive traits. Give students cards labeled with alleles (ex., B and b for eye color) and have them pair up to "create" offspring. Each student picks one card from each "parent" and determines the resulting trait. Students can make a mini flipbook or digital book using Book Creator, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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It's In Your Genes - Donna Lasher
Grades
K to 8In the Classroom
Have students use colored beads or paper slips to simulate dominant and recessive allele combinations. Students build a 3D DNA model using pipe cleaners, beads, or pasta to represent base pairs. Students extract visible DNA from strawberries using household materials (salt, dish soap, alcohol). Create bingo cards using Bingo Creator, reviewed here with inherited traits (ex., widow's peak, attached earlobes), and students mark traits they or classmates have.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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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
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Educational Resources: Biology - U.S. National Science Foundation
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): animal homes (55), animals (284), dinosaurs (48), ecosystems (114), marine biology (33), oceans (143), plants (144)
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
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Teach Genetics and Heredity with Free STEM Lessons - Science Buddies
Grades
K to 12tag(s): dna (53), genetics (84), scientific method (49), STEM (380)
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
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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
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Project Based Learning Project ideas - Van Andel Institute for Education
Grades
K to 12tag(s): Project Based Learning (29)
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
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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
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18 Fun Cell Activities For Middle School - Organized Homeschooler
Grades
5 to 9This site includes advertising.
tag(s): cells (82), organelles (3)
In the Classroom
After studying both cell types, students can work in pairs to complete a Venn diagram comparing their organelles, functions, and structures. Use an online Venn diagram tool such as Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here. Students can build a 3D plant or animal cell model using clay, Play-Doh, papier-mache, or Shrinky Dinks. Models should be labeled and include all major organelles. Students can research specific organelles and create "trading cards" that include each organelle's name, function, and a fun fact or analogy. Have students create edible models of plant or animal cells using cookies, cakes, or Jello and candy pieces to represent organelles (ex., gummy bears for mitochondria, licorice for endoplasmic reticulum).Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Free Cell Biology Lesson Plans & Resources - AFT's Share My Lesson
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): body systems (47), cells (82), human body (98)
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
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Emma the Teachie's Cell Cycle - Emma the Teachie
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): cells (82)
In the Classroom
Students can complete the activities included in Emma the Techie's Cell Cycle. When creating their cell projects, students can use Podcast Generator, reviewed here. Students can use Duck Soup, reviewed here to write their Doodle Notes.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Cells for Kids - Learn Bright
Grades
5 to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): cells (82), human body (98)
In the Classroom
Create a hands-on or digital matching activity using Flippity, reviewed here where students pair organelle names with their functions and images. Assign students to create 3D models of plant or animal cells using craft supplies or digital tools like Tinkercad, reviewed here. Have students complete a Venn diagram or T-chart comparing plant and animal cells using Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here, noting shared and unique organelles.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Future of Nature Collection - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): biodiversity (42), conservation (102), ecology (113), environment (248), sustainability (56)
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
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Wow in the World - Tinkercast
Grades
K to 12tag(s): dinosaurs (48), fossils (44), habitats (110), podcasts (183), 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
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Radiolab for Kids Presents: Terrestrials Podcast - WNYC Studios
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): listening (118), podcasts (183), stories and storytelling (82)
In the Classroom
While listening, have students create a visual concept map using MindMup, reviewed here or paper to connect key ideas from the episode. Doing this helps with comprehension and identifying relationships between concepts. Have students choose a topic from the episode to research further and create a presentation, infographic, or short report using Visme, reviewed here or Canva Edu, reviewed here to share with the class. Have students work in groups to research an interesting question, write a script, and record a mini-podcast episode using narration, interviews, and sound effects. Spotify for Podcasters, reviewed here or Buzzsprout, reviewed here can be used to record the podcast.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Tumble Science Podcast for Kids - Tumble Media
Grades
3 to 8tag(s): animals (284), dinosaurs (48), listening (118), natural disasters (21), plants (144), podcasts (183), space (251), stars (80), vision (40)
In the Classroom
Before listening, show students the episode title and have them predict what they think the episode will be about. Afterward, discuss how their predictions compared to what they learned. Choose an episode related to a scientific concept that students can test. For example, if an episode focuses on forces, conduct a simple physics experiment in class and have students record their observations. Students can work in small groups to research a science topic, script an episode, and record their classroom science podcast using Adobe Podcast, reviewed here or Acast, reviewed here inspired by "Tumble". They can include fun facts, expert interviews, and sound effects!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Nature Guys Podcast - Bob Staggenborg
Grades
4 to 8tag(s): animals (284), conservation (102), listening (118), podcasts (183)
In the Classroom
Students can work in small groups to research and record their own short nature-themed podcast episode using Buzzsprout, reviewed here or Spotify for Podcasters, reviewed here, inspired by Nature Guys. They can script, narrate, and even add sound effects to bring their topic to life. While listening to an episode, students can take notes on interesting facts, key ideas, and new vocabulary. Afterward, they can share one thing they learned and one question they still have. After hearing about an animal or ecosystem from the podcast, students can choose a related topic to research and create a mini-presentation, poster, or digital slideshow with Canva Edu, reviewed here or Google Slides, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Classical Genetics Simulator - Ben Adamczyk
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): genetics (84), simulations (46)
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
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