Biotechnology Curriculum Units

The following resources are supported by ISU Extension-Science, Engineering,and Technology (E-SET) and the ISU Office of Biotechnology.


Grades 4-5

Biotechnology School Enrichment Grades 4-5: Cells and Microscopes

Grades 5-6

Biotechnology School Enrichment Grades 5-6

Grades 7-8

Biotechnology School Enrichment Grades 7-8

Grades 6-8

A Crime, A Clue and Biotechnology

Grades 6-12

Cut the Fat - Keep the Flavor
Publication No. 4H 956
This resource unit is about the role of agricultural genetics in reducing saturated fat in food oils. To view this unit in html format with graphics, click here. To view this unit in pdf format with graphics, click here.

Grades 9-12

From Mendel to Markers: Impact of Molecular Technologies on Animal, Plant, and Human Genetics
Publication No. 4H 948LDR This three-module curriculum was written for high school teachers or extension educators to use with grades 9-12 or adult audiences. The three modules are Genetics According to Mendel, Marker Assisted Selection, and Ethical Issues. To download a pdf file of the complete curriculum or individual modules, click here.

Bacillus thuringiensis: Sharing Its Natural Talent With Crops Publication No. 4H 949
This four-module curriculum was written for high school teachers or extension educators to use with grades 9-12 or adult audiences. The four modules are The Science Behind Bt Crops; Insect-Resistant Crops Using Bt; Production Issues for Bt Crops; and Ethical, Social, and Legal Issues of Bt Crops. To download a pdf file of the complete curriculum or individual modules, click here.
A Better-Tasting and More Digestible Soybean
Publication No. 4H 970
 This resource unit is about the role of agricultural genetics in the development of a new high sucrose soybean. To view this unit in pdf form with graphics, click here.

Printed copies of the above curriculum unit(s) are available from Iowa State University's Extension Distribution Center, 119 Printing and Publications Building, ISU, Ames, Iowa 50011-3171, phone 515-294-5247, fax 515-294-2945 or e-mail pubdist@exnet.iastate.edu. Please mention the publication number when placing an order.  For convenient online ordering, click here.