Explore the relationship between the genetic code on the DNA strand and the resulting protein and rudimentary shape it forms. Through models of transcription and translation, you will discover this relationship and the resilience to mutations built into our genetic code. Start by exploring DNA's double helix with an interactive 3D model. Highlight base pairs, look at one or both strands, and turn hydrogen bonds on or off. Next, watch an animation of transcription, which creates RNA from DNA, and translation, which 'reads' the RNA codons to create a protein.

The Geniverse software is being developed as part of a five-year research project funded by the National Science Foundation. Still in its early stages, a Beta version of the software is currently being piloted in six schools throughout New England. We invite you to try the current Beta version, keeping in mind that you may encounter errors or pages that are not fully functional. If you encounter any problem, it may help to refresh or reload the web page.

Students read about and explain the process of transgenic manipulation to produce crops resistant to herbicides and pests. Afterwards students evaluate the pros and cons. Next, students read various pro/neutral/con articles about genetically modified foods and evaluate the perspective of the author. Finally, students use evidence from the reading to write a CER stating their opinion on GMOs.

Biology students often struggle to understand how it can be that the same two parents will produce genetically different offspring. This lab exercise is a very visual way to demonstrate the "making of a monster" one gene at a time. The resources include a full sheet of vocabulary and instructions, plus a data table to record the crosses. For advanced students, you can take the activity further with a sheet of follow up questions.

Meiosis is the process by which gametes (eggs and sperm) are made. Gametes have only one set of chromosomes. Therefore, meiosis involves a reduction in the amount of genetic material. Each gamete has only half the chromosomes of the original germ cell. Explore meiosis with a computer model of dragons. Run meiosis, inspect the chromosomes, then choose gametes to fertilize. Predict the results of the dragon offspring and try to make a dragon without legs. Learn why all siblings do not look alike.

This initial module from the GENIQUEST project introduces the dragons and the inheritance of their traits, then delves into meiosis and its relationship to inherited traits. Students examine the effects of choosing different gametes on dragon offspring, and learn about genetic recombination by creating recombination events to generate specific offspring from two given parent dragons. Students learn about inbred strains and breed an inbred strain of dragons themselves.

Discover what controls how fast tiny molecular motors in our body pull through a single strand of DNA. How hard can the motor pull in a tug of war with the optical tweezers? Discover what helps it pull harder. Do all molecular motors behave the same?

Students will take a nature walk and use their phone to document three different patterns on inheritance (Mendelian, Codominance, and Incomplete dominance). Students will then list all possible genotype combinations for the organisms they documented on their nature walk. Modification- students can use pictures from the internet if they cannot go outdoors. 

Students get a chance to review their proficiency with Punnett Squares through a "choose your own adventure" Google Slide challenge.

The use of Google Forms allows for content to be retaught, as well as allows students to go beyond the basic understanding of Punnett Squares.

Students get a chance to review their proficiency with Punnett Squares through a "choose your own adventure" Google Slide challenge.

The use of Google Forms allows for content to be retaught, as well as allowing students the opportunity to go beyond the basic understanding of Punnett Squares.