Using squirrels as an example, students will understand that some animal groups' inherited traits enable them to adapt and spread into many environments. Included in this lesson are videos showing the lesson in action, discussion questions and ideas, and a powerpoint slideshow on squirrels.
Determine whether an animal can survive in a different environment than its own based on its inherited traits.
Ever wonder what lurks inside your mouth? A sneak peek here. [1:27]
Resource offers a great explanation and animation of the processes of active and passive transport across cell membranes. Requires Adobe Flash.
A close-up look at the fossil records of the stickleback fish. [1:26]
A close-up look of the fertilization of the C. elegans oocyte. [1:12]
Creatures seen by Charles Darwin. [0:24]
This slideshow helps you discover the beginning of embryonic development and how it is fertilized, how it grows, and how it, in turn, becomes a pregnancy. [2:18]
A quick video clip that shows the lactase enzyme produced in the small intestine of infants. It digests lactose by breaking it into glucose and galactose. [0:53]
Classroom resources paired with a ten-minute video highlight the groundbreaking research of physical and genetic evolutionary changes in rock pocket mouse populations. [10:31]
A brief video explaining the life cycle of the mosquito. [1:16]
Four decades of research on finch species that live only on the Galapagos Islands illuminate how species form and multiply. [15:54] An interactive version of the video with embedded questions for students is available through a link in the text on the main page.
Discovery how chemical reactions can fuel scientific discovery. [5:55]
How well do you know your acids and bases? This resource will access your understanding and provide tutorials to help you with areas of weakness.
Explore the patterns and processes of evolution. Learn how evolution and natural selection are reflected in the similarities and differences of organisms. [9:03]
Khan Academy learning modules include a Community space where users can ask questions and seek help from community members. Educators should consult with their Technology administrators to determine the use of Khan Academy learning modules in their classroom. Please review materials from external sites before sharing with students.
A brief introduction to the four building blocks of DNA. [0:25]
Find out about genetic engineering, and how scientists have found a way to insert new genes into bacterial DNA. [1:12]
A concise overview of what happens when a mutation occurs in our DNA, and how that causes some cancers. [1:06]
Human chromosomes explained in this brief description of human cell biology. [0:47]
Using information from molecular research, this 3-D animation shows how DNA is replicated at the molecular level. It involves an enzyme that unwinds the DNA and other enzymes that copy the two resulting strands. [1:07]