Using the CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering technology to understand gene function in the zebrafish part of CUREnet:CURE Collection
Anil Kumar Challa, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Using a combination of bioinformatics and lab bench ('wet lab') tools, students design, synthesize and analyze CRISPR reagents that can effectively target specific sites in the genome. We use the zebrafish as a model system to understand gene function.

Genome Solver: Microbial Comparative Genomics part of CUREnet:CURE Collection
Gaurav Arora, Gallaudet University
Genome Solver began in 2011 as way to teach Bioinformatics tools to undergraduate faculty. As part of the Genome Solver project as a whole, we developed a Community Science Project (CSP) for faculty and students to join. The CSP explores horizontal gene transfer (HGT) between bacteria and the phages that infect them. Students get involved in this project and develop testable hypotheses about the role HGT between bacteria and phages play in microbial evolution. Our own work has demonstrated that undergraduates can produce publishable data using this approach. We invite faculty and their students to participate in the search for additional evidence of this type of HGT by investigating the vast wealth of phage and bacterial sequences currently in databases. All that is needed is a computer, an Internet connection, and enthusiasm for research. Faculty and students can work on an organism of interest or we can help them pick organisms to explore these phenomena. By pooling all of the information from a variety of small projects under the umbrella of the Genome Solver CSP, we will be able to better understand the role of HGT in bacterial evolution.

Simple Mendelian Genetics: An interactive lecture using "DNA from the Beginning" part of Merlot Biology Pedagogic Collection:Interactive Lectures:Examples
Jeff Bell, California State University-Chico
An interactive lecture that uses flash animations showing the researcher and their experiments that were used to develop the basic concepts in Mendelian genetics. Includes multiple choice questions students can ...

Monohybrid Fruit Fly Crosses: A Simulation part of Merlot Biology Pedagogic Collection:Teaching with Data:Examples
Jeff Bell, California State University-Chico
This assignment uses a computer simulation of fruit fly genetics to have students design and interpret monohybrid crosses of a trait with simple dominant and recessive alleles. Detailed instructions with animated examples, background material, a sample report and a rubric are included.

Searching Genbank part of Merlot Biology Pedagogic Collection:Teaching with Data:Examples
Jeff Bell, California State University-Chico
An active problem-based assignment that uses the Genbank database to teach the basics of molecular biology and molecular evolution

Judi Roux: BIOL 1001: Biology and Society at University of Minnesota Duluth part of Integrate:Teaching for Sustainability:How the Community is Using InTeGrate Materials:Instructor Stories
Judi Roux, University of Minnesota-Duluth
Even though Biology and Society has a large student enrollment, I prefer that students are actively engaged with the course topics and with each other rather than always listening to a PowerPoint lecture. At the beginning of the semester, students were assigned to teams of four using the CATME Team-maker surveys at http://info.catme.org/ Students worked in these teams during lab activities and specific classroom activities. With my fall course, I began to implement case studies to introduce and engage students with required topics, so I appreciated that case studies were available for certain activities within the modules.