WMHT Online Lesson on Learning Evolution: Activity 1: Darwin's Great Voyage of Discovery Activity 2: Observations Lead to a Theory

Students play the role of birds, go out on the school lawn, and pick up toothpick "stick worms" which have been previously scattered on the lawn in equal numbers of green-stained and unstained. "Birds" are chased away before the "worm population" drops too low. Back in the classroom, the number of green and non-green "worms" are compared individually and for the whole class. Discussion relates the experience to the elements of natural selection. As presented here, it does not lend itself to demonstrating the effects of selection over multiple generations.

Welcome to LIVESTRONG at School™! Created by Scholastic and the LIVESTRONG Foundation, the LIVESTRONG at School program uses national standards-based lessons to teach your students about the realities of cancer. While it is a difficult subject to talk about with kids, the LIVESTRONG Foundation believes that it is important for students to understand what cancer is and how it can be treated. In addition, this program informs your students about ways that they can make a difference and help those with cancer. The lessons and printable worksheets below make it easy for you to share this valuable information with your class.

Interactive "game-mode" animation for DNA Model - great for introducing and reinforcing DNA anatomy 

Harvard's animation of DNA replication. More suited for high school or college level students.

Tutorials and animations on DNA replication. More suited for high school or college-level students.

Key concepts of genetics explained through use of animations, images, video interviews and other interactive tools

Interactive DNA Anatomy -- focuses more on chemistry

Interactive timeline on the history of DNA science

HHMI's biointeractive: short video explaining Chargaff's ratios

Links to genetics lesson plans and resource materials

Scientific video site - offers videos on DNA and genetics

Extensive science animated tutorials. Check out "Science in Focus" tab for animated tutorials on current events.

NIH's genetics reference - has great explanations on genes, chromosomes, and genetic conditions

Narrated animation on protein synthesis

Interactive online activity that provides an overview of protein synthesis, transcription and translation. Rated for Grades 9-12.

Internet-based tools for teaching transcription and translation

NHGRI's downloadable PDF book on genetics, DNA, the Human Genome Project, genetic research and the future of genomics.

NHGRI resources for teachers

The National Zoo is home to 2,000 individual animals of nearly 400 different species. Our best known residents are our giant pandas, but great apes, big cats, Asian elephants, birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects, aquatic animals, small mammals, and many others can be found at the Zoo. You can take a virtual visit to the Zoo any day of the week by tuning into our live web cams, which feature many of the Zoo's animals.