This pathway explores the concepts of natural selection and evolution of populations. Stories from scientists sharing their perspective on this topic and their research are embedded throughout the pathway.
The application of Cas9-fusion proteins creates a greater cellular toolbox beyond gene disruption.
This simulation provides an arena where experimental design can be
practiced. To answer a specific research question, learners generate a
sequence of laboratory techniques to reach the desired goal themselves.
This pathway explores innovations in biotechnology that have revolutionized aspects of modern life like agriculture, forensics and medicine.
This lesson will focus on bony fish form and adaptations. Students will begin by looking at different types of marine life, particularly fish, in the Aurelia application. After discussing the 3 different classes of fish and basic fish anatomy, students will take a deeper dive into the bony fish class and learn about the adaptations that they have to survive in different ecosystems. At the end of the lesson, students will be able to identify the external anatomy of a bony fish and be able to tell the difference between a bony, cartilaginous or jawless fish.
Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Tablet or Smartphone.
This lesson will focus on cartilaginous fish form and adaptations. Students will begin by looking at different types of marine life, particularly fish, in the Aurelia application. After discussing the biological classification system and the 3 classes of fish, students will learn the external anatomy of the main groups of cartilaginous fish. Students will then take a deeper dive into the adaptations of cartilaginous fish that make them different from bony fish. We will finish up by covering modern issues that are facing cartilaginous fish and how we can help their populations.
Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Tablet or Smartphone.
Let's explore Earth with a microscope! Dive deep down into the diverse world of microbes with our scientists from the Joint Genome Institute. We'll also hear from students about their experiences taking part in environmental research and internships.
This activity allows children to explore the effects of oil spills on birds.
To evaluate the different integumentary systems found in the animal kingdom, students conduct an exploratory research-based lab. During the activity, students create a model epidermis that contains phosphorescent powder and compare the results to a control model. After learning about the variations of integumentary systems—systems that comprise the skin and other appendages that act to protect animal bodies from damage—students act as engineers to mimic animal skin samples. Their goal is to create a skin sample that closely represents the animal they are mimicking while protecting the base ‘epidermis’ from UV light.
In this activity, participants imagine and draw an extreme environment beyond Earth, then invent a living thing that could thrive in it. They learn that NASA scientists study extremophiles on Earth to imagine the variety of life that might exist elsewhere, and make predictions about where to look for it. Both English and Spanish activity resources are included. Educators should begin with the file named: Imagining Life - Lesson Plan - START HERE.
Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Tablet or Smartphone.
Introduction to the characteristics found in different animals and using the book: Feathers and hair, what animals wearAuthor:Jennifer Ward; Jing Jing Tsong
Meet FTW alumni educator Jeff Jostpille as he takes us on a journey to hunt for macroinvertebrates and assess the water health of the Auglaize river in Northwest Ohio. Learn how to kick seine, collect, and identify macroinvertebrates that live in the river. Then use this knowledge to determine water quality.
What is the science behind biotechnology and genetic modification?
Genetic modification (GM) has been practiced for millennia, evolving from simple selective breeding to sophisticated biotechnological methods. Historically, humans transformed wild plants and animals into diverse breeds and crops through selective breeding, as seen in the variety of dog breeds and the transformation of wild grasses into corn. Modern GM techniques now enable the transfer of specific genes between organisms, producing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that are tailored to resist pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. Today, GM crops are grown worldwide, enhancing food security, reducing pesticide use, and contributing to sustainable agriculture. While nearly 80% of foods in the U.S. contain GMOs, regulatory practices vary globally. The advancements in GM technology promise more affordable food, higher agricultural yields, and reduced environmental impact, reflecting a significant evolution in agricultural practices.
This learning module includes 11 lessons and/or activities.
Grades 9-12. Every field is different! How do farmers know what their soil needs to grow a good corn crop for the following year? Learn how farmers use science to build soil nutrition for crop production. This virtual field trip goes into the field with an agronomist to explore soil health and its impact on crop growth. Presenters include Dan Kirk, precision technology specialist, and agronomist Jonah Johnson.
Take part in an interactive career panel with Nick Nawratil, COO of Hylio Inc. and Chris Weigman, PhD, Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering at The Ohio State University. Learn more about the incredible technology currently employed in agriculture and future innovations yet to come.
Grades 9-12. What is ethanol? How much corn is dedicated to ethanol production? Why should corn be used to produce ethanol?
In the U.S., fuel ethanol production primarily utilizes corn, converting its starch into simple sugars for fermentation by yeast, yielding ethanol and byproducts like animal feed and CO2. This process, centered on fermentation, transforms sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide, with about half a pound of ethanol produced per pound of sugar. Corn's high carbohydrate content makes it an efficient feedstock, allowing for the production of around 2.8 gallons of ethanol per bushel. Ethanol production not only uses the starch but also generates distillers grain, enriching livestock feed with remaining nutrients. Notably, 40% of U.S. corn goes towards ethanol production, enhancing energy independence by reducing oil imports, with 14.3 billion gallons of ethanol in 2014 offsetting 512 million barrels of crude oil. Ethanol's production energy primarily derives from solar energy captured by corn, with its energy output exceeding the fossil fuels used for its cultivation and processing by 20-40%. Additionally, ethanol offers environmental benefits, including a 10-20% reduction in greenhouse gases compared to gasoline, equivalent to removing 20 million vehicles from the road, highlighting its role in sustainable energy and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
This learning module includes 7 lessons and/or activities.
How can fermentation help to create renewable fuel sources? Use the engineering design process to learn what enzyme action can do and test to determine the role of each variable in the fermentation process.
Grades 7-12. Why is corn a valuable crop? How does corn grow, pollinate, and produce kernels? What farming techniques are important to increase corn yield?
Corn, originating in the Americas, has been cultivated for about 7,000 years. It's a staple grain, alongside wheat and rice, significantly used for human consumption (corn meal, oils, syrups), livestock feed (64%), and in manufacturing (nylon, bioplastics, ethanol). Cultivation involves strategic planting, pollination by wind, and careful soil management for high yields. Each year, over 80 million acres in the U.S. are planted with corn, which is then harvested and processed for various uses, including renewable fuel.
This learning module includes 6 lessons and/or activities.
Grades 9-12, Biology. Take part in a virtual lesson to learn more about how technology impacts corn growth and yield. See how seed population and corn growth influence yield, then take part in a yield prediction lesson to estimate yield at harvest.
Is it possible to reach net zero in carbon intensity with ethanol production? Meet industry experts and learn more about how ethanol is making our environment better through positive energy, decreasing carbon intensity scores and greenhouse gas emissions, and adding valuable livestock feeds to the market.