Source: NOVA
Discover how mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is inherited, and complete a pedigree chart by determining which individuals might share mtDNA with an unknown ancestor.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Science & Tech, Social Studies
Topics: Genetics. Human Biology. Microbiology. Anthropology/Cultures.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Explain what viruses are, and simulate how they spread from person to person. Conduct research about the bird flu, the development of a bird flu vaccine and the threat of a world-wide pandemic.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Health & Fitness, Science & Tech
Topics: Disease. Public/World Health. Microbiology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Scientific American Frontiers
Investigate medical research in producing (culturing) artificial organs, such as livers, on silicon chips. Test how the surface coating of a substrate affects the success of a biofilm.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Health & Fitness, Science & Tech
Topics: Chronic Conditions. Medicine. Microbiology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Scientific American Frontiers
Investigate medical uses for otherwise deadly poisons. Experiment with cultured bacteria to explore what it needs to survive and travel.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Health & Fitness, Science & Tech
Topics: Body Systems & Senses. Medicine. Microbiology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Scientific American Frontiers
Compare soil composition from different regions of the Earth, including the Galapagos Islands, and perform analysis of three important macronutrients found in regional soil.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Science & Tech
Topics: Agriculture. Microbiology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Scientific American Frontiers
Explore the relationship between biotic factors and the abiotic factors of pH, and the salinity and dissolved oxygen within aquatic ecosystems. Collect and analyze aquatic samples from home and compare them to samples from the Galapagos Islands.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Science & Tech
Topics: Ecology. Microbiology. Oceanography.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NOVA
Predict and investigate the rate of microbial growth at different temperatures. Describe the differences in the rate of microbial growth among samples in different environments and possible reasons for those differences.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Science & Tech
Topics: Ecology. Microbiology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Secrets of the Dead
Describe a virus and how it infects its host, and research the 1918 influenza pandemic. Simulate the creation of a DNA fingerprint and analyze how scientists use them in identifying mystery viruses.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Health & Fitness, Science & Tech
Topics: Disease. Public/World Health. Genetics. Microbiology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NOVA
Describe mitochondrial DNA, identify how it differs from nuclear DNA and explain how it is inherited. Identify which members of a family share the same mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Science & Tech
Topics: Genetics. Microbiology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Thirteen/WNET: Planet H2O
Investigate what lives in a drop of water and discover how much life a single water drop can support. Observe single-cell organisms in water samples and draw conclusions about diseases and water filtration.
Grade Level: 9-12
Subjects: Science & Tech
Topics: Ecology. Microbiology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Scientific American Frontiers
Investigate the possibility that simple, modern terrestrial bacteria might have inherited some of the traits associated with ancient forms. Research and demonstrate how a caldera is formed.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Science & Tech
Topics: Geology & Natural Disasters. Microbiology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NOVA
Examine how vaccines generate immune responses against pathogens in the body by creating six vaccines in this virtual laboratory.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Health & Fitness, Science & Tech
Topics: Disease. Medicine. Microbiology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NOVA
Understand that microorganisms can survive in many different environments and that microorganisms live in places where conditions are suitable for their growth. Create and observe three mud columns to further study.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Science & Tech
Topics: Classification. Ecology. Microbiology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NOVA
Identify illnesses that viruses and bacteria can cause and examine the structure of influenza A viruses. Explore how viruses replicate in a cell and learn how RNA can reassort when a person is infected simultaneously with an avian and a human virus.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Health & Fitness, Science & Tech
Topics: Disease. Public/World Health. Microbiology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NOVA
Review what takes place during protein synthesis, learn how RNAi was discovered and examine how RNAi silences a gene. Watch the related video online.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Science & Tech
Topics: Genetics. Microbiology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NOVA
Describe the characteristics of organisms to define the origins of life on Earth. Determine if an unknown substance is a living organism, a dead organism or nonliving matter.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Science & Tech
Topics: Classification. Microbiology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NewsHour Extra
Examine the bacteria called Anthrax, the causes and symptoms of Anthrax disease and how to treat the condition. Understand how Anthrax can be used as a weapon and in bio-terrorism attempts.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Health & Fitness, Science & Tech
Topics: Disease. Microbiology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NOVA
Examine mosquitoes as a vector of disease - locally and globally - and debate different methods for preventing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Health & Fitness, Science & Tech
Topics: Disease. Public/World Health. Microbiology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NOVA
Identify potential hotspots for microbes around school. Explore how the environmental conditions at different locations influence the presence of microbes, and recommend ways to decrease microbe populations and the potential for spreading disease.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Health & Fitness, Science & Tech
Topics: Disease. Public/World Health. Microbiology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NOVA
Explore how populations of bacteria become resistant to antibiotics via the process of natural selection and human misuse. Study graphs and learn about a girl battling antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Health & Fitness, Science & Tech
Topics: Disease. Medicine. Microbiology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Scientific American Frontiers
Describe how airborne microbes can travel around the world and underwater to endanger other species. Explore how a surrounding ocean of air harbors a microbe population that may be cultured on a moist, nutrient-rich surface.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Science & Tech
Topics: Microbiology. Oceanography.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Scientific American Frontiers
Explore the issues surrounding the mosquito infestations. Investigate surface tension to explain how the egg rafts stay afloat and mosquitoes are able to stand on the water's surface, and review proper disposal of automobile tires.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Health & Fitness, Science & Tech
Topics: Disease. Ecology. Microbiology. Motion & Forces.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NOVA
Examine the complex relationships among science, public policy and public health, research a disease that poses a public health threat and develop a strategy for limiting the spread of the disease.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Health & Fitness, Science & Tech
Topics: Medicine. Public/World Health. Microbiology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NOVA
Test the efficacy of different types of hand hygiene to stem the transmission of diseases by conducting an experiment using variables and a control group.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Health & Fitness, Science & Tech
Topics: Disease. Medicine. Public/World Health. Microbiology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Secrets of the Dead
Identify the distinguishing features of the Kingdom Fungi, and research the possibility that a particularly toxic fungus may have caused the events leading to the Salem Witch Trials. Sort various fungi into "good" or "bad" categories.
Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12
Subjects: Science & Tech, Social Studies
Topics: Classification. Microbiology. United States History: 1585-1763.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
