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WebQuests and Lesson Plans
Whatever
you need, from an idea to get you started to a full-blown plan,
this section provides you with resources to connect Explore More
to your classroom. Do you have a classroom activity to share? We'd
love to hear from you. Contact
us.
WebQuests
Classroom Activities
Lesson Plans
PBS Teachers Lesson Plans
Web Quests
The World Wide
Web can be a very exciting place. It can also be confusing -- full of
questionable content, outdated information, and authors who would
never qualify as experts. WebQuests are activities that help you make
the most out of the best of the World Wide Web. Learn
more about WebQuests (http://webquest.sdsu.edu/)
Explore More
WebQuests
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Subject
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Grade
|
Description
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All
|
6-12
|
 Genetic
Engineering MiniQuest
This short activity is a great way to get your
students familiar with the Explore More: Genetic Engineering
Web site and prepare them to take the other WebQuests. Students
need to explore the site to find the answers.
|
|
All
|
6-12
|
Explore
More News (Short Term)
This WebQuest is a problem-solving exercise. Your
students play the role of a newspaper reporter for Explore
More News. They research an issue that interests them and
write one article. This WebQuest works for any of the four
topics (genetic engineering, energy, working landscapes, water
quality). Plan on at least two class periods to complete this
quest.
|
WebQuest Assessment Rubric (Short Term)
This WebQuest Assessment Rubric and Guide for the short term WebQuest helps students get organized and record their progress. It includes a checklist to record progress and a rubric to evaluate work. Students will learn about an issue related to one of the Explore More Web sites and create one Explore More News newspaper article. |
|
All
|
6-12
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Explore
More News (Long Term)
This WebQuest is a problem-solving exercise. Your
students play the role of newspaper reporter for Explore More
News. They research an issue that interests them and write
five articles. When they are finished, the students should
have:
- a
general news article
- a human interest article
- an issue article
- an editorial
-
a letter to the editor
This
WebQuest works for any of the four topics (genetic engineering,
energy, working landscapes, water quality). Plan on at least
four class periods to complete this quest.
|
WebQuest Assessment Rubric (Long Term)
This WebQuest Assessment Rubric and Guide for the long term WebQuest helps students get organized and record their progress. It includes a checklist to record progress and a rubric to evaluate their work. Students will learn about an issue related to one of the Explore More Web sites and create an Explore More News newspaper section that contains five types of newspaper articles. |
Related WebQuests
from the Web
(Compiled by Bernie Dodge for the WebQuest
Page, San Diego State University: http://webquest.sdsu.edu/)
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Extension
Activities
Looking for ways to connect the content within the Explore More Web
site to your classroom curriculum? Math, science, language arts, and
social studies extension activities are here to meet that challenge.
Created by Iowa teachers, these extension activities are designed
to bridge Explore More: Genetic Engineering with your curricular area
using appropriate skills, higher-order thinking skills, and student-centered
ideas. The design includes a title, subject area, an activity overview
with objective, suggested procedures, assessment ideas, and the related
standards and benchmarks. While not complete lesson plans, these extension
activities are idea nuggets for you to design your own lesson plan,
tailored to your curriculum.
|
Science
|
6-8+
|
A
Forensic Mystery
In this activity students will use forensic techniques to
solve a "robbery" that teacher stages using genetic evidence
from the class.
|
|
Science
|
6-8+
|
Birds
and Their Beaks
In this activity students will research and discriminate between
various types of beaks. They will explain how these beaks
help the birds adapt to and survive in their environments.
|
|
Science
|
6-8+
|
Gene
Combination Probability
This activity is a model of the process of independent and
random assortment of genes. Students select "genes" from the
egg and sperm cells and observe the resulting combinations
in the "offspring."
|
|
Science
|
6-8+
|
Genetics
or Environment
In this activity students will trace one of these "undecided
categories" through their ancestors. Afterwards they will
try to conclude whether the characteristic was inherited or
learned.
|
|
Science
|
6-8+
|
Human
Genome Project
The Human Genome Project is a long-term project which is decoding
the sequence of human chromosomes, identifying the genes,
and mapping them. This project could have a huge impact on
our lives, certainly within your students' lifetimes. By the
end of this research activity, students will be able to explain
the details of the design of this landmark project.
|
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Science
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6-8+
|
At
Least Two Sides to Every Issue
This is a cooperative learning activity designed to give students
a format in which they can express their viewpoint in a fair
and open environment. the activity also forces students to
take the opponent's side of an issue. At the end of this activity,
students should understand various viewpoints of a genetic
enginering issue.
|
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Social
Studies
|
6-8+
|
A
Perfect "Dolly"
It is known that livestock can be genetically engineered for
specific traits such as disease-resistance, leaner meats,
faster growth, higher milk production, etc. Create a picture
of a "perfect" sheep and label the traits that it possesses.
Keep in mind the places around the world that raise sheep
and characteristics that might contribute to a "perfect" animal.
|
|
Social
Studies
|
6-8+
|
Cause
and Effect
Students will learn about the history of genetic engineering
by researching events from its timeline and recognize the
causes and effects of those events. A T-chart and presentation
will be created to share the information with others.
|
|
Social
Studies
|
6-8+
|
Map
It
Bioprospecting, looking for microorganisms that have potential
to contribute to human endeavors, is an important step in
many companies research. In this activity, students are cartographers
and have been asked to make a map of unusual places that the
researches might travel to "prospect" for bacteria (a microorganism).
|
|
Social
Studies
|
6-8+
|
Mock
Senate Debate
This activity is a role-play of a Senate debate on bills suggested
to remedy a problem dealing with genetic engineering. As a
result of this lesson, students will understand the role of
a Senator in writing laws to deal with problems and suggest
remedies for a problem related to a genetic engineering issue.
|
|
Social
Studies
|
6-8+
|
New
and Improved
During this activity, students will work together to identify
plants and animals native to different parts of the world
and make connections to create new, "improved" species which
can be used to create new varieties of food, clothing, or
shelter.
|
|
Social
Studies
|
6-8+
|
Political
Cartoon Creation
Genetic engineering involves many issues with multiple viewpoints.
In this activity, students will form and express their own
position/opinion on a genetic engineering issue by creating
a political/editorial cartoon.
|
|
Social
Studies
|
6-8+
|
Scientists
of Genetic Engineering
Students will learn about the history of genetic engineering
by researching individuals who contributed in some way to
the science of genetic engineering. Using this information,
students will create a Biographical Dictionary.
|
|
Social
Studies
|
6-8+
|
The
GE Game
Genetic engineering involves many issues that impact the world.
In this activity, students will work together to understand
the history of genetic engineering and explore the issues
by creating a game.
|
|
Social
Studies
|
6-8+
|
Where
in the World is the Food?
Experts say that genetic engineering can increase the amount
of food produced on the same amount of land that is currently
being farmed. Students will locate the 20 countries most lacking
in food that could most benefit from increased food production.
|
|
Language
Arts
|
6-8+
|
Perplexing
Puzzles
As a way to review the terms introduced in the genetic engineering
unit, students will create their own crossword puzzles. These
can then be given to other students to complete when reviewing
the vocabulary.
|
|
Language
Arts
|
6-8+
|
Biographical
Sketches
Genetic engineering took a long time to get where it is today.
Gregor Mendel, Francis Crick, Rosalind Franklin and many others
struggled with far less advanced technology. Students will
take a look at these important and interesting people and
practice the technique of writing biographical sketches.
|
|
Language
Arts
|
6-8+
|
Stem
Cell Debate
President Bush has declared that scientists can use only existing
stem cell lines for publicly funded research. In a recent
survey of 1000 adult Americans, over 60% supported stem cell
research. In this activity, students will debate the issue
of stem cell research.
|
|
Language
Arts
|
6-8+
|
Create
Your Own Company
Transgenic Pets, of Syracuse, New York, is developing an allergen
free cat for people with cat allergies. In this activity,
students will work in pairs or small groups to create and
market their own genetically engineered product which will
be useful to society in some way.
|
|
Math
|
6-8+
|
Cloning
Percentage
You have been asked to apply your math knowledge to the cloning
of another sheep. This time scientists would like to make
the animal 20% bigger than the original. What are the new
measurements of the cloned sheep that they have produced.
|
|
Math
|
6-8+
|
Decisions
Students will calculate and estimate the number of plants
it will take to create a harmonious biosphere.
|
|
Math
|
6-8+
|
Estimation
If you had to count the number of cells there were in a 10
inch by 10 inch flat surface, what would be the best way and
or ways to estimate it without counting every cell?
|
|
Math
|
6-8+
|
Fibonacci
Students will calculate the Fibonacci Sequence using different
number combinations.
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Lesson
Plans ISU Office of Biotechnology
This collection of classroom activities were prepared by the Office
of Biotechnology at Iowa State University. All of these are appropriate
for middle school science labs. Some supplies are provided directly
by the Office of Biotechnology. You will need to contact their office
several weeks in advance (information is provided within those activities).
For more science activities for all grades, visit the Office
of Biotechnology (Iowa State University)
|
Science
|
6-8+
|
DNA
Extraction From Onion DNA is present in the cells of
all living organisms. This procedure is designed to extract
DNA from onion in sufficient quantity to be seen and spooled.
|
|
Science
|
6-8+
|
Fruit
Cup DNA Extraction From Kiwi DNA is present in the cells
of all living organisms. This procedure uses household equipment
and store supplies to extract DNA from kiwi in sufficient quantity
to be seen and spooled. |
|
Science
|
6-8+
|
DNA
Transformation of Bacteria-Ampicillin Genes control the
traits that living organisms possess. Bacteria, such as E. coli,
have genes on their chromosomes and on small circular pieces
of DNA called plasmids. Genes can be transferred from one bacterium
to another on the plasmid by a process known as transformation.
In this experiment, a plasmid with a gene (DNA) for resistance
to the antibiotic ampicillin will be used to transfer the resistance
gene into a susceptible strain of the bacteria. |
|
Science
|
6-8+
|
Plant
Micropropagation Using African Violet Leaves Through the
use of biotechnology, desirable genetic traits can be transferred
from one organism to another by transfer of DNA. In plants,
the DNA of interest is transferred into the new plant by using
Agrobacterium tumefaciens, a bacterium that can infect plant
tissues and incorporate part of its DNA into the DNA of the
host plant. The target for the foreign DNA is a small piece
of plant tissue or a small mass of plant cells. Once the DNA
has been transferred, new plants must be regenerated from the
small pieces of transformed plant tissue using micropropagation
(tissue culture) techniques. |
|
Science
|
6-8+
|
Chymosin
Demonstration The following demonstration provides an example
of the use of a protein (chymosin) produced by biotechnology
for making ice cream, custard, and cheese. Chymosin is produced
by genetically engineered bacteria. |
|
Science
|
6-8+
|
Soybean
Flavor Demonstration Tasting soybeans with and without lipoxygenase
enzymes provides a tangible illustration of the action of a
gene. Iowa teachers can obtain the soybeans needed for the demonstration
without charge from the Office of Biotechnology at Iowa State
University. |
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PBS
Teachers
We have selected related resources from the PBS Teachers collection
of over 3000 teacher guides, lesson plans, activities, and related
programs. Visit the PBS Teachers site to find out more: http://www.pbs.org/teachers/
|
Subject
|
Grade
|
Description
|
|
Science
|
General
|
Scientific American Frontiers
Dragon Science: Driven to the Wall
Learn how computers and humans use "fuzzy logic" to solve problems.
http://www.pbs.org/safarchive/4_class/45_pguides/pguide_602/4562_drive.html
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|
Science
|
General
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Dragon
Science: Food for Thought
Learn about hybrid vigor and selective breeding.
http://www.pbs.org/safarchive/4_class/45_pguides/pguide_602/4562_food.html
|
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Science
|
General
|
Galapagos:
DNA Adventure, The Web of Life
Using jellybeans, practice synthesizing and hybridizing DNA.
http://www.pbs.org/safarchive/5_cool/galapagos/g52d_dna.html
|
|
Science
|
General
|
Never
Say Die: The Clock of Life
Create a flipbook which animates the process of mitosis.
http://www.pbs.org/safarchive/4_class/44_guides/guide_1003/44103_life.html
|
|
Science
|
General
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Never
Say Die: How To Make A Nose
Create a three dimensional DNA model.
http://www.pbs.org/safarchive/4_class/44_guides/guide_1003/44103_nose.html
|
|
Science
|
General
|
Science
Italian Style: All In the Family
Learn about species relatedness with a simulated electrophoresis
activity.
http://www.pbs.org/safarchive/4_class/45_pguides/pguide_503/4553_family.html
|
|
Science
|
General
|
The
Wild West: Dead Men's Tales
Isolate DNA from an onion and perform experiments.
http://www.pbs.org/safarchive/4_class/45_pguides/pguide_601/4561_men.html
|
|
Science
|
General
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The Living Edens
Anamalai: What About The People?
Learn about how biodiversity and population density come into
conflict in southern India. http://www.pbs.org/edens/anamalai/teach.html
|
|
Science
|
General
|
Nova: Hot Science
Create a DNA Fingerprint: Hot Science
Try a Shockwave model of DNA electrophoresis and match a DNA
fingerprint to one of several others in an online mystery.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sheppard/analyze.html
|
|
Science
|
General
|
A Science Odyssey
Earth and Life Sciences: Origins
Study electrophoresis and DNA fingerprinting.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/resources/guide/earthact3index.html
|
|
Social
Studies
|
General
|
Affluenza
Consumption
This popcorn activity compares consumption in the U.S. and developing
nations.
http://www.pbs.org/kcts/affluenza/treat/tguide/tguide7.html
|
|
Social
Studies
|
General
|
Affluenza
History of Wanting More
Learn how consumption evolved through research on a particular
product.
http://www.pbs.org/kcts/affluenza/treat/tguide/tguide9.html
|
|
Social
Studies
|
General
|
Forgotten Americans
Community Organization
Learn about community organizers in the Colonias in Texas, and
explore community problem-solving in your area.
http://www.pbs.org/klru/forgottenamericans/classroom/classcomm.htm
|
|
Social
Studies
|
General
|
Life
in a Colonia
Learn about living conditions in one Mexican-American community,
and discuss the "essentials" for quality of life in your area.
http://www.pbs.org/klru/forgottenamericans/classroom/classlife.htm
|
|
Social
Studies
|
General
|
Your
Town
Explore standards of living and public amenities available
in different parts of your community.
http://www.pbs.org/klru/forgottenamericans/classroom/classtown.htm
|
|
Social
Studies
|
General
|
Six Billion and Beyond
Study
Guide
Study the environmental and cultural implications of world population
growth through international case studies, debates, and community
extension activities.
http://www.pbs.org/sixbillion/studyguide/studyguide.html
|
|
Language
Arts
|
General
|
Ancestors
Records At Risk
Create a timeline of your life, and identify different records
that relate to particular events.
http://www.pbs.org/kbyu/ancestors/teachersguide/episode1.html |
|
Language
Arts
|
General
|
In the Mix
Media
Literacy: TV - What You Don't See!
Activity ideas and discussion questions about advertising, music
videos, editing techniques, and news broadcasts.
http://www.pbs.org/inthemix/educators/pro_disc_guides.html
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Language
Arts
|
General
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The People's Century
Exploring Points of View
Explore historical source material, multiple points of view,
and the differences between documentary and historical fiction.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/peoplescentury/teachers/exploring.html
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Math
|
General
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The Democracy Project: Kids
Budget Making
Introduce students to budgets; learn about government services
and basic expenses; and create pie charts representing government
spending priorities.
http://www.pbs.org/democracy/kids/educators/budget.html
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Math
|
General
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Graphically
Speaking
Explore the relationship between congressional representation
and state population by graphing current statistics.
http://www.pbs.org/democracy/kids/educators/graphically.html
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