Curriculum

How can we identify individual organisms in a complex mixture of DNA? What computer tools are needed to decode the source of a DNA sequence? Have you ever done a DNA extraction? Most DNA extractions are done with a known source and students can visualize DNA. The favorite items are strawberries or students’ own cheek cells. This unit …

What affects water quality in your area? Access to clean water is a critical issue in many countries. In the United States there are few places where we cannot find clean water to drink or swim in. This unit explores some of the potential …

What STEM equipment is used to make soy-based beauty products? Students act as lab technicians working for a cosmetic company and learn the names, functions and units of common lab and measuring equipment by generating soy-based beauty products. Students will …

What is genetic modification? How does it dffer from selective breeding? A lot of questions surround definitions of genetic modification. This unit models two different techniques of genetic modification and tries to help students understand the terms and the consequences …

How is science in everything we eat? What is your favorite food? Chances are a soybean product is being used to process it or, if it’s a meat dish, was used to feed the animal. Other living things (microbes) help to make our food, too. …

How might water quality be improved? The H2Know case study invites students to investigate water quality in Lake Erie. Students will gather information about the problem, consider potential contributors and environmental factors, review …

How do environment, heredity, and genetics affect living organisms? This STEM-based poultry curriculum uses immersive learning experiences and real genetic samples for your students to dive deep in the future evolution of our food. See how environment influences …

What are bioproducts? How can they be used? Bioproducts are chemicals, energy, and materials that are produced from renewable biological resources.

What is your protein IQ? Create a cookbook to learn Standard Operating Procedures for food safety and environmental monitoring. Test for proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids and compare plant and animal protein.

Which macromolecules are found in animal feed? Animal nutrition focuses on the dietary needs of animals—not just those in agriculture and food production, but also in zoos, aquariums, and wildlife management. Pets need good nutrition, too. In …