As a human embryo develops, its cells become progressively restricted in the types of specialized cells that they can produce. Inner cell mass (ICM) cells of the blastocyst can make any type of body cell. Gastrula-stage cells can give rise to the cells of a given germ layer. Later, cells become even more restricted. For example, the pancreatic bud of the endoderm layer can only make the cells of the pancreas.

A lesson in which students interpret the results of two different tests for lactase persistence: the blood glucose test and the hydrogen breath test. The lesson involves graphing and analyzing actual research data.

Virtual lab to demonstrate the process and rationale of the steps of the ELISA Test.  ELISA Test is an antibody detection test to help doctors and veterinarians diagnose diseases based on if the animal or person has the antibodies for that disease found in their blood.  This lab is great at showing all the steps required to conduct an ELISA Test, as well as provide reasons behind the different steps.  The resource attached contains questions for students to answer before, during and after the lab.

Students evaluate and discuss statements about the evolutionary relationship between birds and dinosaurs and other facts about these groups, before and after watching the short film Great Transitions: The Origin of Birds. This activity can be used as an anticipation guide to focus students on several of the key concepts presented in the film. It also can serve as a pre- and post-assessment.

The virtual lab includes four modules that investigate different concepts in evolutionary biology, including adaptation, convergent evolution, phylogenetic analysis, reproductive isolation, and speciation. Each module involves data collection, calculations, analysis and answering questions. The “Educators” tab includes lists of key concepts and learning objectives and detailed suggestions for incorporating the lab in your instruction.

It is appropriate for students in high school biology and environmental science classes, and undergraduate biology, ecology, environmental science courses. The focus on observation, measurement, and experimental methods makes the lab a good fit for addressing "science as a process" or "nature of science" aspects of the curriculum. The emphasis on the collection, analysis, and graphing of data, connects to the mathematical dimension of biology and general goals of STEM integration.

The film features Dr. Michael Nachman, whose work in the field and in the lab has quantified the selective pressure of predators on rock pocket mouse evolution and identified the genes involved in adaptation. This version of the film pauses at three points where students answer questions about the film to assess their understanding of the concepts presented. After completing all quiz modules, students can view and print their answers. The original version of the film, without the embedded assessment, is available to stream or download as well. The video and all materials are also available in Spanish.

This lesson serves as an extension to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute short film The Making of the Fittest: Natural Selection and Adaptation. It provides an opportunity for students to analyze amino acid data and draw conclusions about the evolution of coat-color phenotypes in the rock pocket mouse. Students review key concepts and mechanisms of evolution, including mutation, gene flow (or migration), genetic drift, and natural selection. Students should come to understand that evolution can and does repeat itself.

In this classroom activity, students analyze the same Finnish family pedigrees that researchers studied to understand the pattern of inheritance of lactose tolerance/intolerance. They also examine portions of DNA sequence near the lactase gene to identify specific mutations associated with lactose tolerance. The activity is intended for regular and honors high school biology. Images from the activity are available in the linked PowerPoint (PPT) file.