University of Minnesota
Chemotaxis Using C. elegans
Have you ever wondered what roundworms are like? Or what they don't like? Explore the sensory preferences of C. elegans through this controlled chemotaxis experiment. Biology class members brainstorm what substances might attract—or...
Curated OER
Fish Parasite Survey
Learners count nematodes, cestodes and crustaceans on approximately one-hundred and fifty fish. They fill out autopsy reports for external and internal parasites then complete and discuss guide questions to make inferences about parasite...
University of Minnesota
Caeno-WHAT??
Can you feel that? Can you smell that? Since pupils can't ask worms about their sense of smell and touch, they design and complete an experiment to answer these questions. Individuals expose nematodes to different stimuli using their...
Curated OER
Fish Parasite Survey
Students survey and dissect as many fish as possible. They count nematodes, cestodes and crustaceans on the fish, fill out autopsy reports, and transfer data to a chalkboard data table. Students graph the results of the entire class...
Curated OER
What Structures and Behaviours Can Be Observed in Vinegar Eels?
Students view vinegar eels under a microscope at different magnifications. They use a DigiScope with the camera attachment in place of the eyepiece. Students count the number of thrashing movements in 10 seconds. They repeat this three...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Animal Classification
Present information about the classification of animals. After participating in the teacher-led discussion about scientific names, small groups devise their own way of classifying everyday objects present in the classroom, developing...
Curated OER
Invertebrates
In this invertebrates activity, students read about the characteristics of the different groups of invertebrates. Then students complete 10 multiple choice questions.
Curated OER
Genes and Aging
Students explore genes and the way we age. They assemble a worm collection device called a Baermann Funnel. Students collect Caenorhabditis elegans or other active nematodes from local soil samples. They observe the appearance and...
Biology Junction
Introduction to Animals
Out of all animals, elephants alone lack the ability to jump. Scholars learn all about animals using a presentation full of fun examples. It describes different types of animals, the biological similarities and differences between...
American Museum of Natural History
Life in the City
Believe it or not, biodiversity exists even in areas of disturbed habitat. An interactive activity challenges learners to look for species with a magnifying lens in an image of a city habitat. Pop-up images and descriptions explain how...
Biology Junction
Flatworms
In this flatworms instructional activity, students identify and color the different parts of a flatworm. They complete 14 short answer questions related to the topic.
Curated OER
Forest Decomposition
Young scholars explore decomposition. Students define and describe components of the decomposition process. Young scholars make a composter in a terrarium. Students record observations and changes weekly, drawing conclusions about...
Curated OER
Under Our Feet
Students investigate the forest ecosystem to learn of the living and non-living elements of the soil. In this ecosystem lesson, students examine soil for twigs, moss, fungi, leaves, roots and other matter. Students...
Curated OER
Create a Soil Aggregate
Students simulate the conditions which occur in a soil aggregate. They explain how IPM affects the environment. They identify the cast of characteristics to develop their aggregate.
Curated OER
Dirt Life
Young scholars select and collect soil samples from a variety of locations (schoolyard, home, etc.). They do this lab after an interest-generating discussion about "dirt" and microbes. Students make a dilution in sterile water, plate...
Curated OER
COMPARE SOILS BY GROWING PLANTS
The student will identify the difference in the rate of plant growth in three soils that vary in organic matter.1. Obtain three to four flowerpots, different types of soil, a record chart, three to five beans for each pot, and water....
Curated OER
Life in Extreme Environments
Students compare and contrast local environments with the extreme environment of the Dry Valleys, Antarctica. Students explore and gain knowledge of the adaptations organisms use to survive extreme conditions and the diverse conditions...
Curated OER
Composting in Schools: Observing Compost Microorganisms
Students explore composting. In this composting lesson, students use compound microscopes to observe the microbial communities in compost. Observations and documentation of changes will occur over the course of several weeks.
Curated OER
Factors Affecting Plant Growth
Students determine the physical and chemical factors that affect plant growth. In this biology lesson, students explain the role of hormones in plants. They investigate how competition with other plants affect their growth.
Curated OER
Autumn
Students examine the cycle of nutrients in a forest. They research the concepts of decomposing and recycling within a forest.
Curated OER
Zebra, Zebra Where Are Your Stripes?
Students observe the embryological development in the zebrafish. Developmental hierarchy from three germ layers is studied in depth. Research is validated on the body plan of the embryo.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Worm Hunt: Isolating Soil Nematodes From Your Backyard
Nematodes, also called roundworms, are the most abundant animal on Earth and can be found in your back yard, playgrounds, and many other places. This lab involves isolating nematodes from several soil samples to discover the best...
Colorado State University
Colorado State: Insect Parasitic Nematodes
This site provides a general overview of the Insect Parasitic Nematodes (a small round worm). Content includes a look at this worm's life cycle and its benefit/impact on the environment as biological insect control.
Encyclopedia of Life
Encyclopedia of Life: Nematode
The Encyclopedia of Life presents this in-depth overview of Nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans), including their habitats, size, conservation status, and much more. Images of this species, and maps of its global distribution can also be...