This is an online database of animal, distribution, classification, and conservation biology. It is a searchable encyclopedia, science learning tool and virtual museum.

Students learn about the amazing evolutionary history of arthropods. The module contains informational text, interactives, and assessments.

Although bioinformatics usually involves huge computers and sequencing machines, the methods of this new science can be presented by means of simple classroom activities to be carried out with pencil and paper. The author of this activity challenges us with the building of the family tree of humans and other primates on the basis of the genetic differences between short (fake) DNA sequences. The proposed activity can be profitably (and enjoyably) exploited in secondary schools to address some tricky biology topics such as the use of molecular clocks in the study of evolution.

In this tutorial students will learn the importance of biological classification and how the process of biological classification changes over time. Students will also learn about current methods scientists use for classifying organisms and how to use a dichotomous key.

In this video, NC Virtual educator, Brandi Thurmond, discusses Dichotomous Keys with the aid of a light board.

Students will identify the major evolutionary innovations that separate plant divisions, and classify plants as belonging to one of those divisions based on phenotypic differences in plants. They will also classify plants by their pollen dispersal methods using pollen dispersal mapping, and justify the location of a crime scene using map analysis. Students will also be able to analyze and present their analysis of banding patterns from DNA fingerprinting using plants in a forensic context.

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Students are introduced to the concept of taxonomy, and categorization of organisms based on Carl Linnaeus' system of classification. The class watches the Taxonomy video from shapeoflife.org and reviews the concept of classification. Students then "classify" themselves. Then, the class is divided into groups to begin classifying themselves. Along the way, students are researching their classification level, and recording derived characteristics that separate them from other groups within that level.

In this lesson, students will identify methods of classification used for living things by sorting and classifying everyday objects, exploring objects through a digital scavenger hunt, creating a graphic organizer, and through collaborative engagement. Students will understand that all organisms are classified based on shared characteristics.

In this lesson students will learn how mutations can result in tumor heterogeneity and make tumors more sensitive or resistant to chemotherapy treatment. Students participating should have a basic understanding of cellular division (mitosis) and DNA structure and replication. Using this knowledge, students will run a tumor growth and treatment simulation to model how a tumor’s heterogeneous composition can change the efficacy of chemotherapy treatment.

Students trace the evolutionary history of birds by comparing the shapes and structures of certain bones in a chicken to those of some of its extinct and living relatives in this interactive.

In this biology inquiry lab, students study evolutionary relationships by making observations of preserved animal specimens, developing a question, then investigating by dissecting the specimens provided.

Students examine how physical features noted in the fossil record provide clues about the evolution of species.

This interactive resource explains how DNA sequences can be used to generate phylogenetic trees, and how to interpret them.

Students work in small groups and come up with their own classification system for a number of marine organisms.

This resource is a compilation of text, videos, and other elements to create a scaffolded 5E learning experience for students. The lesson reviews how dichotomous keys are used to classify and identify organisms.

Students examine animals that are examples of convergent evolution. They then analyze wings of bats, birds, and pterosaurs to see why these animals are not closely related.

Students group vertebrates and share their reasoning in classifying them. They compare their approach to Linnaean and modern systems in order to explore evolutionary relationships and the dynamic nature of classification.

In this interactive, students explore evolutionary relationships between tanagers. They will investigate why one species is much drabber in color than the others and determine whether this is a case of fanciness lost.

This lesson is based on the highly engaging book Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle by Thor Hanson. Alternate texts and strategies for sharing are provided in case there are not enough book resources for all students to have an individual copy. As they read, students will take notes and then participate in an interactive "grab bag book review" where they will take objects from a bag, one at a time, to act as prompts for re-telling big ideas from the book and lesson.