Chemical and Physical Changes
Grade Level: 6-8
Chemical changes, evidence of changes
Students investigate chemical and physical changes while looking for common evidence for both.
Transformation
Grade Level: 9-12
Genetic modification, plasmids, E. coli
Students will learn about plasmids and how they can be used to introduce new genetic material to bacteria. The investigation follows the transformation of bacteria with the pGLO plasmid.
An Ocean Without Sharks
Grade Level: 6-8
PCR, DNA sequence, species identification
Students explore their own questions after being introduced to the shark finning industry. The investigation allows students to understand the importance of top predators in an ecosystem.
Parasite Predicament
Grade Level: High School
Immune System, antigen, antibody
In this activity, students will learn about antibodies and antigens as they pertain to the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Students will use an ELISA to diagnose a patient with malaria.
Ground Breaking News
Grade Level: 6-8
Tectonic plates, earthquakes
Students explore their own questions after viewing two satellite images of New Zealand in 2010 and 2016. The investigation allows students to understand plate tectonics and its role in creating land uplift on short and long time scales.