All Resources for 14-16s

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DNA
DNA sequencing
Recombinant DNA
Genes
Gene expression
Genetic techniques
Cell cycle
Mitosis and Meiosis
Developmental genetics
Patterns of inheritance
Genomics and the Human Genome Project (HGP)
General Education

DNA

DNA Detective (DNA profiling) |

An activity that allows students to use DNA profiles and other forms of evidence to solve a fictional murder.

Resource: GENIE DNA Detective
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Problem-based learning

Mars Lander Event |

This is an activity where students use computers and online DNA databases to find out whether there is life on Mars. The computer tutorial can be used as a stand-alone resource, or it can be combined into a much broader project encompassing physics, chemistry and biology.

Resource: GENIE Mars Lander Laboratory
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Laboratory practical, interactive tutorial

inside dna: A Genomic Revolution

Inside DNA was developed At-Bristol on behalf of Ecsite-uk, with funding from the Wellcome Trust and support from the Sanger Institute. The site provides a wealth of current news information, details about the Human Genome Project, tutorial information and teaching materials and links to other resources.

Resource:Inside DNA
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Topic material

DNA: structure and function

Learning modules on DNA structure and replication, plus a number of other topics in genetics, from Making the Modern World (the Science Museum). The modules contain topic material, activities and a range of media resources.

Resource: Making the Modern World website
Software: QuickTime
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Topic material

DNA50

A range of online resources to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the structure of DNA, from The National Centre for Biotechnology Education (NCBE) at The University of Reading.

Resource: The National Centre for Biotechnology Education
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Topic material

DNA interactive (DNAi)

A range of online teaching materials and lesson plans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the structure of DNA, from the Dolan DNA Learning Center (DNALC) of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

Resource: DNA Interactive website
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Topic material

Go Bananas: DNA extraction from a banana |

A simple protocol for extracting DNA from a banana using household chemicals.

Resource: GENIE Go Bananas!
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16
Approach: Laboratory practical

Wear a Chimp on Your Wrist |

An activity that explores the structure of DNA through the rules of base pairing to allow students to produce a double-stranded DNA bracelet. The activity can also be used to demonstrate the similarities, and differences, between the DNA sequences of different species.

Resource: GENIE Wear a Chimp 1
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16
Approach: Interactive tutorial

Online tutorial on DNA structure and replication

Online tutorial on DNA structure and replication, including animations and self-assessment activities, from BioCoach.

Resource: The Biology Place website
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16
Approach: Interactive tutorial

Fold a DNA model

A fun activity where students fold a paper model which makes up a DNA double helix. This has been supplied by the Wellcome Trust centre for Human Genetics.

Resource: DNA Helix template
Age range: 7-10/ 11-14 / 14-16
Approach: Games and quizzes

Make a DNA model

Background information about DNA and also a downloadable PDF which you can then cut out to make a DNA model. This has been supplied by the CSIRO.

Resource: Make a DNA model
Age range: 7-10/ 11-14 / 14-16
Approach: Games and quizzes

An Overview of DNA

A collection of resources providing an overview of DNA, including pages on its properties, chemical modification, biological functions, interactions with proteins and uses in technology.

Resource: An Overview of DNA
Age range: 11-14/14-16
Approach: Topic Material

DNA sequencing

Human Genome Race |

A fun activity in which children working in groups race each other to construct a genetic sequence from a number of overlapping fragments.

Resource: GENIE Human Genome Race
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16
Approach: Games and quizzes

Sanger sequencing technique

Dry-lab demonstration of Sanger di-deoxy sequencing of cloned DNA.

Resource: The National Health Museum website
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Simulated practicals

Recombinant DNA

Problem set on recombinant DNA technology

A set of MCQs on recombinant DNA technology, including brief explanations and linked tutorials, from the Biology Project at the University of Arizona.

Resource: The Biology Project
Age Range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Games and quizzes, interactive tutorial

Animated Tutorial in General Biology

Animated tutorials in general biology, including DNA Chip Technology, Meiosis and Mitosis and construction of a DNA library, from Sumanas Inc. Can be viewed a step-through animations or as narrated, continuous animations.

Resource: Sumanas Inc.General Biology
Age Range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Animation

Animations and Quizzes for Gene technology

A set of ten animations from Biology by Raven et al. that outline the stages of genetic engineering.

Resource: Online Learning Centre: Gene Technology
Age Range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Animation

Genetic Engineering

A YouTube video illustrating the process of gene cloning.

Resource: You Tube: Recombinant DNA
Age Range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Animation

GCSE Bitesize biology

Tutorials and quizzes about reproduction and cloning. Each different exam board has its own range of tutorials. The one linked below is AQ.

Resource: BBC Bitesize
Age Range: 14-16
Approach: Interactive tutorials, games and quizzes

Just Try Cloning

A list of cloning resources ranging from posters to animations and tutorials.

Resource: ABPI Resources for Schools: Cloning
Age Range: 14-16
Approach: Images, animation, games and quizzes, interactive tutorials

Genes

Jumping Genes |

This is an activity where students get the chance to see the effects of genes jumping into other genes within the human genome and the resulting effects. It uses a combination of tiddlywinks, a poster and computers to find out how genes jump and what happens when they do.

Resource: GENIE Jumping Genes
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Laboratory practical, interactive tutorial

One in a million |

An activity that allows students to examine a range of traits and use an Excel spreadsheet to work out how 'special' their particular combination of traits makes them within a given population.

Resource: GENIE One in a Million
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16
Approach: Interactive tutorial

Gene Builder / Heredity slots / Genome Quiz

Three interactive activities from Pfizer's Genome site. The Gene Builder activity explores DNA replication and base-pairing rules.

Resource: Genome Pfizer website
Age range : 11-14 / 14-16
Approach: Games and quizzes

EU-Sol Tomato Seeds

Part of the Times Education Supplement (TES) Secondary Biology Collection.A free genetic resource for EU Schools. The aim is to reinforce theoretical learning of genetics: students can grow naturally occurring tomato seedlings in which genetic inheritance rules for the dominant/recessive characteristics can be detected. The resources have been translated into 6 languages. To access this resource you are required to register with the TES; registration is free.

Resource: EU-Sol Tomato Seeds- Free Genetic Resource
Age range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Activity

Gene expression

Wear a Chimp on Your Wrist 1 and 2 |

Two linked activities. Wear a Chimp 1 explores the structure of DNA through the rules of base pairing, and the students produce a DNA bracelet. Wear a Chimp 2 investigates the way the genetic code specifies a sequence of amino acids, and the students produce a matching protein bracelet. Both activities also demonstrate the similarities, and differences, between the DNA sequences of different species.

Resource: GENIE Wear a Chimp 1 and 2
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16
Approach: Modelling activity

Bringing RNA into view

Description: Tutorial on DNA, RNA and proteins from Learn.Genetics, the Genetic Science Learning Center of the University of Utah (US). Examines evidence for the role of RNA in the origin of life.

Resource: Learn Genetics website
Software: Macromedia Flash
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16
Approach: Games and quizzes

Genetic techniques

Using a Micropipette (video) |

An award-winning GENIE video introduction to the use of micropipettes in the laboratory for undergraduates and postgraduates. Total running time: 9 minutes.

Resource: GENIE Using a Micropipette
Watch the whole video
Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: Setting the Volume
Part 3: Pipette Tips
Part 4: Pipetting Volumes
Part 5: Common Things to Avoid
Age Range: 11-14/14-16/16-18
Approach: Video

Running an Agarose Gel (video) |

A video guide for students illustrating the processes involved in making and running agarose gels in the laboratory. This is a shorter version of the GENIE video 'Making and Running an Agarose Gel'. Total running time: 6 minutes.

Resource: GENIE Running an Agarose Gel
Watch the whole video
Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: Loading the Samples
Part 3: Running the Gel
Part 4: Visualising the Nucleic Acids
Part 5: Common Things to Avoid
Age Range: 11-14/14-16/16-18
Approach: Video

Alec Jeffreys 'Eureka Moments'

As part of the biochemical society's centenary celebrations, a number of the Society’s Honorary Members were asked to talk about the important moments in their careers and the future of the discipline. The third to be released is that of Alec Jeffreys who spoke to John Armour about the 'Golden Age of Genetics'.

Resource: Golden Age of Genetics
Age range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Video

Dolly Mixtures |

This is a basic cloning practical where students make their own clone of Dolly the sheep using simulated sterile techniques.

Resource: GENIE Dolly Mixtures
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Laboratory practical, interactive tutorial

Animated tutorials in molecular biology

Animated tutorials in molecular biology, including plasmid cloning, PCR and other genetic techniques, from Sumanas Inc. Can be viewed a step-through animations or as narrated, continuous animations.

Resource: Sumanas Inc: molecular biology
Age Range: 14-16/16-18~
Approach: Animation

Animated tutorial on gel electrophoresis

Animated tutorials on gel electrophoresis from Sumanas, Inc. Can be viewed as a step-through animation or as a narrated, continuous animation.

Resource: Sumanas Inc: gel electrophoresis
Age Range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Animation

Just Try Genetic Engineering

A list of genetic technique resources ranging from posters to animations and tutorials.

Resource: ABPI Resources for Schools. Org
Age Range: 14-16
Approach: Images, animations, games and quizzes, interactive tutorials

Learn.Genetics™

The Genetics Science Center from the University of Utah has produced and excellent resource which covers subjects in genetic technology, the basics of DNA, as well as more complex subjects, such as epigenetics. There is also a "Teacher Resources and Lesson Plans" section.

Resource: University of Utah: Learn.Genetics
Age Range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Images, animations, games and quizzes, interactive tutorials

Cell cycle

Animation of the cell cycle

Interactive animation of cell cycle from Cells Alive. Can be watched as a whole or moved through step by step.

Resource: Cells Alive website
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Animation

Mitosis and meiosis

Online tutorial on mitosis

Online tutorial on mitosis, including animations and self-assessment activities, from BioCoach.

Resource: The Biology Place website
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16
Approach: Interactive tutorial

Animation of mitosis

Interactive animation of mitosis from Cells Alive. Can be watched as a whole or moved through step by step.

Resource: Cells Alive website
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Animation

Online Tutorial on Meiosis

Online tutorial on meiosis, including animations and self-assessment activities, from BioCoach.

Resource: The Biology Place website
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16
Approach: Interactive tutorial

Animation of Meiosis

Interactive animation of meiosis from Cells Alive. Can be watched as a whole or moved through step by step.

Resource: Cells Alive website
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Animation

Animations of Mitosis and Meiosis

A set of four animations from Biology by Raven et al. that outline the stages of meiosis; the unique features of meiosis; a comparison of meiosis and mitosis; and the generation of diversity through the random orientation of chromosomes during meiosis.

Resource: Online Learning Center website
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Animation

Mitosis Cut and Stick

Part of the Times Education Supplement (TES) Secondary Biology Collection. This is a review activity to sequence and label stages of mitosis; it also includes extension tasks. To access this resource you are required to register with the TES; registration is free.

Resource: Mitosis Cut and Stick
Age range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Interactive Tutorial

Making Reebops: a model for meiosis

Reebops are imaginary animals, made from marshmallows (or foam packing pieces). Their features are determined by the characteristics encoded in their chromosomes. Both parents are heterozygous for all their characteristics (except their sex).

Resource: Making Reebops
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Activity

Developmental genetics

Homeotic genes and evolution

Short video introducing homeotic genes and their role in evolution, from the PBS Evolution site.

Resource: Genetic Tool Kit website
Software: QuickTime or RealPlayer
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Video

Patterns of inheritance

Online tutorial on Mendelian inheritance

Online tutorial on the basic concepts of Mendelian genetics, including animations and self-assessment activities, from BioCoach.

Resource: The Biology Place website
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16
Approach: Interactive tutorial Resource feedback

Mendelian genetics

A set of tutorials on Mendelian genetics from the Science at a Distance site, covering independent assortment, Punnett Squares and genetic problems.

Resource: Mendelian Genetics website
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16
Approach: Topic material

Classical Mendelian genetics

The Classical Genetics section of the DNA from the Beginning site contains a number of tutorials on Mendelian genetics. The tutorials contain resources in a range of media, as well as problems and links to other sites.

Resource: DNA from the Beginning website
Software: Flash Player and QuickTime
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Topic material

Genes are Us

Website for teachers created by Jeans for Genes, where your school can meet children with genetic disorders through short films and classroom activities targeted at key areas of the national curriculum.

Resource: Genes are Us
Age range: 5-6 / 7-10 / 11-14 / 14-16
Approach: Videos, animations,games and quizzes

Genomics and the Human Genome Project (HGP)

Genome - the secret of how life works

Interactive content for students, teachers and parents from Pfizer.

Resource: Genome website
Software: QuickTime or Real Media
Age range: 11-14 / 14-16
Approach: Topic material

The Power of Comparative Genomics

This video discussing the use of genomics, a branch of genetics in which large stretches of DNA, ideally the entire chromosome(s) of an organism are studied.

Resource: The Power of Comparative Genomics
Age range: 14-16, 16-18
Approach: Video

genome.gov (educational resources)

Educational resources for teachers and students from the genome.gov site of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) of the US National Institutes of Health.

Resource: National Human Genome Research Institute website
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Topic material

BioethicsBytes

An online collection of multimedia resources to help with the teaching of bioethics, arranged by topic category.

Resource: BioethicsBytes website
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Topic material

General Education

Education CPD+

Education CPD+ provides professional development for those involved in science education.

Resource: Education CPD+
Age range: 7-10/11-14/ 14-16/ 16-18
Approach: Training

Top Marks! Educational Search Engine

A resourse for finding teaching resources, homework help and educational websites for use in the classroom.

Resource: Top Marks!
Age range: 7-10/11-14/ 14-16/ 16-18
Approach: Topic material

American Society of Human Genetics

Genetics education for K-16 (UG/PG) students and teachers, future genetics professionals and the public, from the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) and the Genetics Society of America (GSA), USA.

Resource: GSA.org
Age range: 7-10/ 11-14/ 14-16/ 16-18
Approach: Topic material

Genetic Resources for Schools and Students

Resources developed by the Royal Society of Biology to improve the understanding of human genetics in schools from Key Stage 2 upwards, UK.

Resource: Royal Society of Biology
Age range: 7-10/ 11-14/ 14-16/ 16-18
Approach: Topic material

Genomics Education Partnership (GEP)

Learning community of school teachers, scientists and genetics professionals, Washington, USA.

Resource: Genomics Education Partnership
Age range: 7-10/ 11-14/ 14-16/ 16-18
Approach: Topic material

Science Teaching Alive

This is a very handy resource for science teachers to be able to share resources, ideas and experiences. This site should be of particular interest to those working in a "developing world" context where the challenges are greatest.

Resource: Science Teaching Alive~
Age range: 7-10/ 11-14/ 14-16/ 16-18
Approach: Topic material

Use of model organisms in research

A series of videos discussing the use of organisms such as yeast and fruit flies to improve our understanding of human disease.

Resources:

Age range: 14-16, 16-18
Approach: Video

Headline Bioethics |

Headline Bioethics is a resource that contains background information and structured activities based on online video clips, to enable busy lecturers and school teachers to address the science and ethical implications of new developments in biology and biomedicine. There are two study guides in this series:

Genetic Modification of Food
Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis

Resource: Headline Bioethics
Approach: Tutorial activity

Serendip

Serendip presents resources from the University of Pennsylvania on cell division and genetics including:
-minds-on discussion/worksheet activities, games, and web-based activities for learning and review
-overviews of important biological topics, including major concepts, common misconceptions, and suggested learning activities.

Resource: Serendip Minds-on activities
Approach: Tutorial activity

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