Curated OER
Zoom into Microscopy
Students discover proper microscope use. In this microscopy instructional activity, students create picture books that show the detail of organisms as seen with the human eye, through a hand lens, and at each power of the microscope.
Curated OER
Grow an Alum Crystal
What an exciting lab experiment to conduct with your high school chemistry class! Crystals are formed naturally in the environment. However, allow your blossoming chemists to create their own unique crystals using alum and water. You may...
Curated OER
Applied Science - Physics Lab
Learners define reflection and refraction. In this Physics instructional activity, students compare a variety of items to find properties of reflection or refraction. Learners record their findings.
Curated OER
Evidence of Photosynthesis
Hands on science is the way to go! Learners conduct a lab experiment to help them explain how plants make food through photosynthesis. They test for the presence of starch in leaves using iodine solution and identify the basic things...
Curated OER
Investigation of Crystallinity in Polymeric Materials
A kaleidoscope is constructed using polarizing polymer paper and then low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, and polypropylene are all melted onto individual glass slides and examined through a microscope. The intent is to...
Columbus City Schools
Photosynthesis and Respiration
Thirty percent of the world's oxygen is produced by rainforests found throughout the world. Seventh grade learners explore the processes of photosynthesis and respiration through 10 days of labs, manipulatives, and discussions. They...
Curated OER
Studying Living Organisms
Pupils discover and discuss the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Using a microscope, they examine various prepared slides of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.
Curated OER
Chemosynthesis for the Classroom
Explorers set up Windogradsky columns with local mud so that they can culture microorganisms. After three and six weeks they make observations of the mud and the organisms growing in it. In this way they observe succession and relate...
Curated OER
Comparing Ovaries And Testes
In this reproductive system learning exercise, students compare specimens of rat ovaries and testes. They complete 5 short answer pre-lab questions, follow an 11 step procedure and answer 5 analysis questions.
Curated OER
Cell Size Changes
Learners examine the behavior of living cells treated with different types of stimuli. They watch an online movie, examine wet mount slides under a microscope, take an online quiz, and analyze data.
Curated OER
Applied Science - Science and Math Pre Lab
Students explore human senses. In this applied Science instructional activity, students utilize their senses to distinguish various objects. Students explain their descriptions.
Curated OER
Plankton / Phytoplankton
Students discuss the importance of plankton in the ocean ecosystem. In this biology lesson, students identify the different types plankton by observing them under the microscope. They explain how plankton population affect global climate.
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Powers of Ten with the Blue Morpho Butterfly
Explore the powers of ten while examining a Blue Morpho butterfly wing. Learners discover there is a lot more than meets the eye when one looks close enough.
Chicago Botanic Garden
Are All Plants Created Equal?
Photosynthesis requires energy and produces food, and cellular respiration produces energy and requires food. An interesting lesson analyzes the factors that affect the rates of photosynthesis and respiration. Classes spend one day...
Cornell University
Exploring Rocks and Minerals
Investigate the properties of rocks and minerals through a rockin' hands-on activity. Learners test rocks for various properties and, using a guide, attempt to identify different samples. They use various properties including hardness,...
Teach Engineering
Grow Your Own Algae!
Develop a model of a wastewater treatment center. The last activity of the unit has pupils mix a lake water sample into a tank of water containing fertilizers. Over time, the algae from the lake water grows and removes the nutrient-rich...
Curated OER
Bacterial Transformation
Students explore DNA recombination. In this biology lesson, students observe the growth of microscopic species. They predict the phenotype of the transformed colonies.
Curated OER
Physical Difference and Classification
Students use a microscope and observation skills to compare and contrast several physical properties and develop a classification system.
Curated OER
Mitosis And the Cell Cycle
Students determine the approximate time a cell spends in each phase of mitosis by counting cells in each phase from a prepared slide. They use a few simple calculations to estimate how long cells spend in each cycle in the body.
Curated OER
My Favorite Biology Supplies
Here are some biology laboratory supplies that I can't live without.
Curated OER
The Human Cheek Cell
In this human cells worksheet, 7th graders complete a science experiment using human cheek cells. Students sketch the cells at high and lower power and label the cell nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane.
Curated OER
Soil Analysis Lesson Plan
Students practice calculating density and examine examples of the physical characteristics of soil. They solve a "crime" based on the evidence and laboratory investigations.
Curated OER
Cell Observation Exercise
Learners take measurements of the distance between the objective and the slide when in focus with each objective. They determine the diameter of the field of view at each power in order to determine the size of the cells being observed.