Towson University
Berries...With a Side of DNA? (High School)
Is DNA still present after picking fruit or cooking vegetables? Biology scholars extract and collect DNA strands in an impactful lab. Working groups prepare their samples and compare their results to negative and positive standard...
Nuffield Foundation
Microscale Investigations of Catalase Activity in Plant Extracts
Use indirect measurements to monitor metabolic activity in plant cells. Scholars understand that cells with a higher metabolic rate have a higher concentration of catalase enzyme. They use this information to compare metabolic rates of...
Rain Bird Corporation
Rain Forest Teaching Curriculum
Take young naturalists on an exploration of the world's tropical rainforests with this extensive collection of lessons and activities. Whether its creating leaf and flower prints or investigating the absorption spectrum of chlorophyl,...
NOAA
Watch the Screen!
Can a sponge cure cancer? Life science pupils visit the drugstore under the sea in the fifth activity of six. Working groups research the topic then get hands-on experience by testing the inhibiting effects of several plant extracts on...
Curated OER
Investigating Plant Pigments: A Guided Inquiry Laboratory Experiment
Students participate in a three-part lab in which they investigate plant pigments. Part I is designed to teach basic laboratory techniques of column chromatography, in Part II students design an experiment to separate the components of a...
Curated OER
Extraction (What's in the cereal you eat?)
Students conduct an investigation with cereal that simulates the extraction of minerals from rock. They mix iron fortified cereal until the iron is extracted and shows on a magnetic stick that is painted white.
Science & Plants for Schools
Photosynthesis - A Survival Guide
Young scientists learn what it takes for life on Earth to survive with this series of photosynthesis resources. Offering twelve different activities ranging from independent practice worksheets to in depth scientific experiments, this...
Alabama Wildlife Federation
Colors to Dye for!
Nature provides a rainbow of colors at one's fingertips. A hands-on activity uses natural plant materials to create all-natural dyes. Plants range from fruits and vegetables to flowers and greens. After extracting the pigments, eager...
Curated OER
Collect Your Own DNA
Students examine DNA and its location throughout the body. In this DNA activity students collect and observe their own DNA and see that DNA can be extracted from any cell in the body.
Curated OER
What Is Technology?
High schoolers are engaged in the general topic of technology. They discuss a short scenario so that students explore a sense of what technology is and to dispel the notion that technology relates mostly to computers. High schoolers...
Education Outside
Seed Saving
After a discussion of the factors that affect seed germination, class groups harvest and preserve seeds from the school garden.
Curated OER
Moon Mining
Go on a moon mining expedition from the safety of your classroom with this space exploration simulation. Using simple models of the moon's surface prepared ahead of time by the teacher, young scientists are challenged with locating and...
DiscoverE
Core Sampling
Simulate soil sample assemblages. Individuals create soil layers in a cup. They then use straws to collect core samples from these layers. What information can they glean from the core samples, I wonder?
New York City Department of Education
Grade 9-10 Literacy in Science: Using DNA to Solve a Crime
Scholars become detectives and use science to solve a crime! A complete unit introduces DNA and includes hands-on activities that have learners model DNA and extract it from different food types. A culminating activity challenges...
NOAA
Importance of Deep-Sea Ecosystems – Chemists with No Backbones
Marine invertebrates offer us many new options for developing pharmaceutical drugs, such as w-conotoxin MVIIA, which is extracted from the cone snail and is a potent painkiller. The lesson encourages scholars to research various types of...
Curated OER
How Can We Extract Human DNA?
Students perform an experiment in which they extract DNA samples from hair samples. They follow a set procedure to extract the DNA and complete summary questions.
Curated OER
DNA Extraction From a Variety of Tissue Samples
Students, working in cooperative groups, extract very impure samples of DNA from a number of tissue samples. They determine how the samples can be preserved and how they are similar.
Curated OER
Extraction of DNA from Onion
Students study DNA by isolating it from plant tissue. They determine the purpose of each step in the isolation procedure as it relates to the physical and biochemical characteristics of the genetic material
Curated OER
The Evolution of the Book: Introducing Students to Visual Analysis
Learners demonstrate visual literacy skills by analyzing the images from the mural in the Library of Congress. In this visual art analysis lesson, students examine the mural and further their knowledge by using tools of art and design to...
Curated OER
Testing Leaves for Starch: the Technique
Like good scientists, kids often want to see first-hand why things are as they are; they can do just that in the starch-testing photosynthesis activity found here. Depending on the age of your pupils, you may wish to do the investigation...
Curated OER
Diversity of Trees
Fourth graders explore the uses of trees, In this trees activity, 4th graders discover the uses of trees and how we use them everyday. Students collect items and decide if they are made from trees, have a scavenger hunt for wood products...
Curated OER
Insect Monitoring
Students participate in an interactive instructional activity using the scientific method to study biodiversity. In this insect monitoring instructional activity, students simulate the layers of soil and the insects that would live...
Curated OER
Teaching about the Rainforest - Classroom Ideas
Students are introduced to the tropical rainforest through different ways that catch their attention such as: Visit a local botanical garden or conservatory so that students can see the variety of tropical plants in the world. They...
Curated OER
$$$eaweed
Young scholars compare and evaluate the world's different seaweeds. For this investigative lesson students study seaweed and the harvesting of it. They then interpret the data collected and graph the seaweed production.