HHMI Virtual Bacterial ID Lab
HHMI Virtual Bacterial ID Lab This demonstrates how DNA is used to identify bacteria. I’ve got to say, I got to the end and thought the ID process would be harder than it was. It’s one of those labs that you could use with middle school without going too in depth, but since it has [...]
Read MoreCell Biology Animations
Interesting site with animations of several different aspects of cells and DNA. A little difficult to navigate due to the lack of a Home link on the pages or a menu so that you can get to other pages instead of going back to the main page. Some content may be a little difficult for [...]
Read MoreInteractive Investigator
This is another of those games that takes some time. Good information, though, and a nice activity. Something to give them to do from home, maybe? Interactive Investigator
Read MoreiDNAfication
I haven’t done this one all the way through. Apparently, you can actually customize it for your class. It’s interesting, though, even if you don’t do that. I will probably go through it completely myself before I use it in my classroom, though. It’s more upper level, but with good guidance, I think middle school [...]
Read MoreDNA Detective
This time, some one has made off with a skateboard and trophy and you have to figure out who it is. We did this one in class and the kids enjoyed it. They tried to figure out who did it ahead of time, but were wrong. DNA Detective
Read MoreThe Genetic Code
One of the harder Nobel Prize games, I’m not a huge fan of this one. But I know that there are people who would love it. As with several other things I’ve found, I think the key to it is guidance and discussion. The site says for users 16+, which would explain why I wouldn’t [...]
Read MoreDNA – The Double Helix
A Nobel Prize site game, this is an excellent resource. My only problem with it is that it moves a little quickly. I’ve put kids in pairs at the computer so they can help each other stay caught up. Also, using the DNA Replication site we have listed before you do this will help some. [...]
Read MoreHHMI Virtual Transgenic Fly Lab
I almost didn’t list this site because I wasn’t sure there would be anything useful on it. Then I played with this lab and went “ooooohhhh!” Though it’s a little complicated and involved, it’s pretty interesting. I’m not sure that most middle school kids could follow the whole thing, but they would understand it if [...]
Read MoreDNA Microarray Virtual Lab
This shows how the DNA microarray can be used to examine the differences between a normal cell and a cancer cell. It’s a nice, slow, step by step process that helps kids and adults understand exactly what it is that scientist can use dna for besides paternity tests or criminal investigations. DNA Microarray Virtual Lab
Read MoreGel Electrophoresis Virtual Lab
Rather than going through all of the steps like the DNA Extraction lab, this one just follows how the gel electrophoresis is done. It’s a little more interactive and interesting. Nicely done. Gel Electrophoresis Virtual Lab
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