Menu
 Questions? Text us.

Tagged biology

Abby Snyder
leader

Abby Snyder

Assistant Professor of Microbial Food Safety, Cornell University
Knows about: biology, chemistry, food science.
AFNR biotechnology
unit 6 lessons

AFNR biotechnology

What are the current issues in biotechnology? There is a lot of resistance to genetic modification and the use of genetically modified crops. What is the science? This unit helps to provide some background in cell function and DNA properties,…
AFNR food science
unit 6 lessons

AFNR food science

What is food science? We are bombarded by new foods every time we go into a grocery store or watch television. Where are all of these foods coming from? Food science is the answer. This AFNR unit introduces several…
AFNR plant systems
unit 5 lessons

AFNR plant systems

How do we develop and manage plant systems? Each plant is classified according to broad categories based on characteristics they share. New DNA technology has allowed us to be more specific in determining the “relatives” of plants. This…
Ag Biotech workshop teaches
article

Ag Biotech workshop teaches "cool" presentations!

Kelly Mikhail teaches Molecular and Cellular Biology at Worthington Christian High School. She used GNG resources as part of labs on DNA conservation and alteration in animal and plant models. Mikhail said, “One of my goals was to…
Agricultural engineering
Video

Agricultural engineering

Agricultural engineers explain their work and how they use biology and engineering to make farms energy-efficient and our food supply safe and plentiful. They describe what drew them to agricultural engineering and discuss their education and career…
Amy Kochensparger
leader

Amy Kochensparger

Honors Biology, Biology, CCP Anatomy & Physiology, Science Department Chair at Eaton High School; PBS Digital Innovator 2017
Knows about: anatomy & physiology, biology.
Animal nutrition
unit 3 lessons

Animal nutrition

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…
Anton Kilburn
leader

Anton Kilburn

Middle school programming director, Global Impact STEM Academy
Knows about: biology, gisa, food science, genetics, stem.
Are you sterile? Using sterile technique to tissue culture plants
unit 3 lessons

Are you sterile? Using sterile technique to tissue culture plants

How do sterilization techniques affect our ability to preserve and culture organisms? In vitro collecting (IVC) is the process of starting plant tissue cultures with minimal disturbance to the plants when viable seeds are not available. Become the field researcher and learn how to…
A student’s guide to careers in agronomy
Video

A student’s guide to careers in agronomy

Agronomy is key to helping produce more food for a growing world population. Learn about the educational path to this agriscience career and what an agronomist does. Do your interests fit with this field? Thanks to the Mississippi Soybean Promotion…
Barbara Bloetscher
leader

Barbara Bloetscher

State Apiarist/ Entomologist for The Ohio Dept of Agriculture, Division of Plant Health
Knows about: apiarist, biology, pollinators.
Be a food scientist
unit 5 lessons

Be a food scientist

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.
Biochar: producing bioenergy from waste
unit 1 lesson

Biochar: producing bioenergy from waste

How can a waste stream become part of a cyclical system? Make biochar, a soil amendment, by making and using a model top light updraft (TLUD) pyrolysis kiln or oven.
Bioeconomy and soybeans: investigating challenges and exploring solutions
unit 5 lessons

Bioeconomy and soybeans: investigating challenges and exploring solutions

What is a bioeconomy? What is the role of soybeans in the development of bioeconomies in Spanish-speaking countries? International markets are very important to soybean farmers across the globe. In this unit, students in a Spanish language class will explore the idea of a bioeconomy and research case studies of…
Bioproducts
unit 3 lessons

Bioproducts

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

Brian Badenhop

Physical science, physics, and biology at Northwestern High School
Knows about: biology, physics, physical science.
Cati Riddell
leader

Cati Riddell

Biology teacher at Fairfield High School
Knows about: biology, environmental science, biotechnology, genetics, agriculture, 4-H.
Central dogma: an integration of science and art
unit 4 lessons

Central dogma: an integration of science and art

How does DNA code become an expressed trait? Do your students struggle to understand the “central dogma” of biology? Are you looking for innovative teaching techniques? This unit is an integrated art and science project to teach transcription…
Chickenology sampler
unit 4 lessons

Chickenology sampler

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…
ChickQuest: not just for elementary students!
article

ChickQuest: not just for elementary students!

The typical ChickQuest teacher is in an elementary school, but the program can be tweaked to accompany higher grades. Jennifer Scheidler teaches Academic & Accelerated Biology at Sycamore High School. Here, she explains how she incorporated…
Christie Burns
leader

Christie Burns

Science teacher at Worthington Christian High School
Knows about: physics, biology, chemistry.
Donna Meller
leader

Donna Meller

High school science teacher at Pettisville High School: Science 8, Environmental Science, Physics, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, and High School Research Class
Knows about: biology, chemistry, environmental science, food science, stem, anatomy & physiology, physics, renewable energy, science fair.
Donna Parker
leader

Donna Parker

AP environmental science, biology, advanced research in science teacher at Dublin Coffman High School
Knows about: science research, AP environmental science, biology.
Food industry experts share career info
article

Food industry experts share career info

During the recent “Experience Food Science: Field to Package” virtual workshop, an industry panel talked to teachers about their educational backgrounds and current job responsibilities. These experts represented several of the many food-related…
Food processing
Video

Food processing

Interested in food processing? Watch Dan McGrady, VP of Technical Services and Alicia Sexton, Technologist talk about career opportunities at Wyandot Inc.
Food science
Video

Food science

Jamie Hannen, from T.Marzetti, talks food science and explains the details that go into creating soy-based salad dressings. Check out all the career opportunities that are available within food science, technology, research and development and many…
Freeze Seed
student research project

Freeze Seed

For this experiment, we conducted a trial to find out what would happen if we grew seeds that were frozen versus seeds that were left at room temperature. Our hypothesis was that the frozen seeds would grow at a slower pace than the normal seeds. To…
Gel electrophoresis basics
unit 3 lessons

Gel electrophoresis basics

How might students identify patterns in samples of DNA or proteins? In what ways can we see if the gene(s) of interest are present? This unit leads students through the process of setting up gel electrophoresis chambers, understanding the mechanics, and experimenting with various aspects of running gels.
Germs: they're everywhere! What can we DO?!?
article

Germs: they're everywhere! What can we DO?!?

Eaton High School teacher Amy Kochensparger used the “Soy Fresh, Soy Clean” lesson with her 10th grade biology class. Students were shocked to realize that bacteria can live on most surfaces and can be transferred from one surface to another. The…
Global aquaculture
Video

Global aquaculture

Have you considered a career in aquaculture? Watch and learn more about this fast-growing, global career.
Grafting peas and beans
student research project

Grafting peas and beans

Grafting is a common gardening technique that unites a scion (top of one plant) with a rootstock (the root of another plant). Often times people graft their plants in order to repair a broken or injured plant, to speed up the growth by giving it a…
Growing more food: biotechnology
unit 3 lessons

Growing more food: biotechnology

How will we feed 9 billion people? Grow soybeans using Round-Up Ready seeds to illustrate how biotechnology can be used as a tool to increase production. Introduce students to different options for growing soybeans, investigate…
H2Know digital case study
unit 1 lesson

H2Know digital case study

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…
Heather Bryan
leader

Heather Bryan

Former Environmental Science Teacher and Education Consultant at Education Projects & Partnerships
Knows about: biology, environmental science, farming, chickens.
Here, fishy fishy: aquaculture systems
unit 5 lessons

Here, fishy fishy: aquaculture systems

How does soymeal feed compare to fishmeal feed when raising Tilapia in an aquaculture system? Take on multiple roles within an aquaculture farm including set-up and maintenance of tanks, test water quality, investigate possible feed sources and monitor fish health and growth.
Hula hoop math: yield prediction
unit 1 lesson

Hula hoop math: yield prediction

Can we predict the yield of a crop and forecast food production? Use hula hoops and math to predict how many bushels of soybeans are growing in a particular field. This fun activity was tested with 500 6th graders from Newark City Schools at the Devine Farms…
Increasing soybean germination rate
student research project

Increasing soybean germination rate

Seed germination begins with the rupturing of the seed coat and the emergence of the radicle, which will form the first roots of the seedling. Molybdenum is a catalyst for several enzymatic reactions in a cell, and potassium chloride is an essential…
International trade
Video

International trade

A career in global ag trade relies on strong interpersonal skills and an understanding of the food system. Could this career be for you?
Jane Hunt
leader

Jane Hunt

Education Consultant at Education Projects & Partnerships LLC
Knows about: biology, biotechnology, environmental science.
Jason Hardin
leader

Jason Hardin

Microbiology and Environmental Science Teacher; Environmental Club Advisor at Gahanna Lincoln High School
Knows about: biology, environmental science, genetics, microbiology.
Jeff Goodbar
leader

Jeff Goodbar

Regional sales manager, Sunrise Cooperative
Knows about: biology, agronomy, biofuels, herbicides, fertilizer, plant genetics, agriscience, biotechnology.
Jeff Jostpille
leader

Jeff Jostpille

Biology, Anatomy, Environmental Science, Botany, Zoology, 8th Grade Science teacher at Fort Jennings High School
Knows about: biology, environmental science.
Jennifer Foudray
leader

Jennifer Foudray

Biotechnology Instructor at Miami Valley Career Technology Center
Knows about: biology, biotechnology, career technical education, stem.
Kelly Mikhail, MS
leader

Kelly Mikhail, MS

Zoology, CCP; Molecular Biology; Infection and Immunity teacher at Worthington Christian High School
Knows about: biology, immunology, genetics, bioclub.
Kochensparger named as a PBS Digital Innovator
article

Kochensparger named as a PBS Digital Innovator

GrowNextGen teacher leader Amy Kochensparger has been selected as a PBS Digital Innovator. This program recognizes “classroom changemakers: educators who skillfully approach education with a bold and fresh perspective, and who integrate digital…
Let’s eat! Exploring food science
unit 4 lessons

Let’s eat! Exploring food science

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.…
Lisa Journell
leader

Lisa Journell

Science teacher at Global Impact STEM Academy and Adjunct Faculty at Wright State University
Knows about: biology, environmental science.
Macromolecule comparison of dog treats
student research project

Macromolecule comparison of dog treats

The purpose of this project was to compare the amount of macromolecules that would be absorbed from four different flour based dog biscuits (soy, sorghum, wheat, and brown rice), and determine which base would benefit dogs the most. It was believed…
Maintaining our yield: assessing biotic and abiotic factors
unit 3 lessons

Maintaining our yield: assessing biotic and abiotic factors

How do biotic and abiotic factors affect populations? Create experiments to test how abiotic factors impact soybean germination, go into the field and laboratory to determine the impact of aphid populations on soybeans, and experiment with aphid…
Making biodiesel from soybeans
unit 5 lessons

Making biodiesel from soybeans

How might we make and use renewable fuel? Make biodiesel and create a scale model of an anaerobic digester, while investigating bioenergy and how it is produced.
Making biodiesel from soybeans (TL version)
unit 2 lessons

Making biodiesel from soybeans (TL version)

How might we make and use renewable fuel? Make and test biodiesel from different sources while investigating bioenergy and how it is produced.
Meghan Prendergast
leader

Meghan Prendergast

Biology and Plant/Animal Biotechnology teacher at Global Impact STEM Academy
Knows about: biology, plant biology, animal biology.
Moving genes: intro to genetic engineering
unit 5 lessons

Moving genes: intro to genetic engineering

How do we solve the problems created by 9 billion people? How will we feed 9 billion on about the same amount of land? An introduction to genetic engineering through hands-on and modeling activities that illustrate concepts, which will scaffold student understanding for lab activities to follow, especially focused on…
New programs and improvements at ATI to share with your students!
article

New programs and improvements at ATI to share with your students!

Jason Hardin, an Environmental Science teacher at Gahanna Lincoln High School, shares news about ag education opportunities at ATI: I attended the annual Spring Update Day Educators’ Breakfast at the Ohio State Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI)…
Nitrogen fixation and legumes: say what?
unit 2 lessons

Nitrogen fixation and legumes: say what?

How do legumes fix nitrogen? If the atmosphere is about 80% Nitrogen (N2), but plants cannot use that form, how do they get nitrogen? In this unit, students plant and care for soybeans under one of five different…
Pam Snyder
leader

Pam Snyder

BioScience Technology Teacher at the Ft. Hayes Career Center and Columbus City Schools (retired)
Knows about: ffa, agriscience, biology, biotechnology, genetics, outreach, agriculture education.
Paper mill sludge: a usable fertilizer?
student research project

Paper mill sludge: a usable fertilizer?

Approximately 10 billion tons of PMS are produced annually by the paper industry and pose a major disposal problem for paper mills. One possible solution to the industry’s problem is the use of PMS as a fertilizer through land-spreading. When mixed…
Patrick Terrien
leader

Patrick Terrien

President and CEO of Global Education at Columbus Council on World Affairs
Knows about: biology, careers, data, world hunger, biotechnology.
Photoperiod: the floral initiator
unit 2 lessons

Photoperiod: the floral initiator

What drives plants to flower and reproduce? In this lesson students will plant and care for soybeans under one of three different photoperiod regimes: First month: 16 hours; Second month: 14 hours; third month: 12 hours (control) 16 hours for…
Plant inhibition
unit 1 lesson

Plant inhibition

Why do some plants grow and some do not? Participate in a simulation that shows how various factors influence plant growth and what role probability plays. Powerpoint with instructions and information included.
Plenish® of ways to use oil
unit 2 lessons

Plenish® of ways to use oil

Can you transform fats in your diet? Current trends in consumer behavior show that people want to eat healthier and are looking for simple ways to transform their diets. High oleic soybean oil features lower saturated fat while…
Rachel Sanders
leader

Rachel Sanders

Science Instructor and FFA Advisor at Global Impact STEM Academy
Knows about: agriscience, biology, biotechnology, career tech, food science, science fair, stem, biofuels.
Robin Bottini
leader

Robin Bottini

Biology and Biotechnology teacher at Avon High School
Knows about: biology, biotechnology.
Selective Breeding and GMOs
unit 3 lessons

Selective Breeding and GMOs

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…
Smart farming: using data to make decisions
unit 5 lessons

Smart farming: using data to make decisions

What kind of data do farmers use to make decisions? Where does that data come from? Become a “farmer” on a journey from pre-planting to harvest to see what decisions farmers are making every year as they farm. Growers across the country are gaining access to more and…
Solving water quality problems
article

Solving water quality problems

Too much phosphorus in water can harm plant and aquatic animal life or cause phytoplankton ‘blooms’. The higher levels of phosphorus are usually caused by sewage, industrial, and agricultural run-off. Fertilizers on residential lawns also contribute…
Soybean peroxidase
student research project

Soybean peroxidase

This study tested which type of soybean has the most peroxidase. The function of peroxidase found in soybeans is to initiate the growth process when the plant is growing or injured. The hypothesis was that there will be no difference in the levels…
Soybeans: from ballast to biotech
unit 5 lessons

Soybeans: from ballast to biotech

What is the future of biotechnology? Create models to understand DNA and the gene transfer process used in biotechnology. Explore questions: Are there harmful side effects of biotechnology? Can biotech solve world hunger? Should GMO…
Soybeans as a chemical feedstock
unit 4 lessons

Soybeans as a chemical feedstock

Can agriculture provide greener, more sustainable products? Soybeans contain several components which innovators and entrepreneurs find valuable when creating greener products. What are the chemical building blocks in a soybean?
Soy beautiful: applied chemistry
unit 5 lessons

Soy beautiful: applied chemistry

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…
Soy fresh, soy clean: Using aseptic technique for food safety
unit 4 lessons

Soy fresh, soy clean: Using aseptic technique for food safety

How clean is your lab station? About 48 million people (1 in 6 Americans) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die each year from foodborne diseases, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and…
article

Stuck without science fair ideas?

Tired of the familiar old baking-soda-and-vinegar “volcano”? The potato clock? The effect of colored lights on plants? Well, yawn no more—we’ve got lots of exciting ideas for your next science fair project! GrowNextGen has fantastic units that lend…
Student bonding over DNA
article

Student bonding over DNA

In Advanced Biology, students are required to know what DNA is and how it works with replication, transcription and translation. What better way to demonstrate these steps and to solidify learning than to act out the processes as a group, using your…
The effect of soil on plant growth
student research project

The effect of soil on plant growth

Have you ever been curious if the type of soil used affects how plants grow? Five soybean seeds were planted 2.5 cm deep, in separate pots of each type of soil. After seeds were planted, all 10 plants were placed by a long window so that each…
Tracy Martz
leader

Tracy Martz

Director of STEM Initiatives at Dayton Early College Academy
Knows about: STEM education, anatomy & physiology, biology, microbiology.
Water quality
unit 3 lessons

Water quality

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…
Water Windmill Challenge
unit 2 lessons

Water Windmill Challenge

How do engineers build strong support structures? This unit asks students to create a windmill structure using the Engineering Design Process. A farmer has hired your company, Wind Power Technologies, to engineer a derrick to support a…
Wendy Pinta
leader

Wendy Pinta

Biology and Honors Science Research teacher at Upper Arlington High School
Knows about: biology, research.
What is Bioinformatics? It’s a BLAST
unit 2 lessons

What is Bioinformatics? It’s a BLAST

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…
Where does our food come from, anyway? Sustainable ag systems
unit 3 lessons

Where does our food come from, anyway? Sustainable ag systems

How do growers’ decisions affect the sustainability of agricultural systems? Understand and appreciate food producers through this case study and determine what decisions must be made on a yearly, monthly, or daily basis to maintain an environmental system that will continue…
Which brands of organic tofu are genetically modified?
student research project

Which brands of organic tofu are genetically modified?

If five brands of organic tofu are tested, then at least one will be genetically modified, because of cross-pollination and the difficulty of maintaining truly organic crops. The DNA was tested using PCR to replicate the DNA and Gel Electrophoresis…