Curated OER
Plant Biology
Young biologists discuss the reasons behind the current use of the plant identification system. They get into groups and identify the characteristics of each species of plant which is described. The keys needed for groups to make...
Curated OER
Summer Science Recipes: Experiments on the Grill and in the Kitchen
Generate ideas about the most scientifically sound ways to prepare foods safely and efficiently during the summer season. Learners will use the GED Connection Science Workbook, so they can practice the skills needed to prepare for the...
Cornell University
Shedding a "Little" Light on Cancer Surgery
Many types of cancer treatments now depend on nanotechnology—a big "little" discovery. Scholars begin by removing "malignant" tissue from simulated brains, one using fluorescent markers thanks to nanotechnology and one without. This...
Curated OER
Drawing Upon Our Five Senses
Fifth graders identify the parts and functions of the body's five senses. In this biology instructional activity, 5th graders create a replica of the nervous system highlighting its parts. They create a scrapbook containing information...
Curated OER
THE CHERNOBYL DISASTER
Young scholars explore how a nuclear accident can affect biological systems. They examine the case of the Chernobyl nuclear meltdown in 1986.
Curated OER
Raising Rhino Awareness
Students create a poster that promotes awareness about endangered animals. In this biology lesson, students explain the impact of rhinoceros poaching. They create a poem about them and present it in class.
Curated OER
Welcome to Love Canal
Students engage in a variety of activities that address the ethical issues surrounding the Love Canal case study.
Curated OER
Lesson 2: the Cell Cycle
Students explain how cells reproduce. In this biology lesson plan, students explain the different stages of the cell cycle. They calculate the number of new cells produced.
Curated OER
Pedigree Charts
Students explain how offspring inherit traits from their parents. In this biology lesson, students investigate the genes for nicotine addiction using an interactive website. They construct a fictional pedigree using their chosen...
Curated OER
What is Life? Demonstrations & Discussion
Display seven items for your biologists to consider. Are they living or non-living? How can you tell? This is a simple outline of what you can display and questions that can be discussed as this topic is explored. One way to use this...
Curated OER
Debating Controversial Issues: Integrating Science and Current Events
In order to give young scientists experience with critical thinking skills, introduce them to a current controversy and prepare them to debate. Choose a topic, such as genetically modified organisms, and assign groups to represent...
Curated OER
Floating Fishes: How do Fishes Control Buoyancy?
Playing with balloons, water, oil, and bottles help put this lesson over the top! Participants use air-filled balloons in water tanks to experience gas compression. They also use oil-filled bottles to experiment with buoyancy. Included...
Curated OER
Teaching Controversial Science Issues Through Law Related Education
Discuss the differences in dialogue and debate when considering a controversial topic. Your class can work in small groups to complete a guided discussion of this controversial topic and then participate in a simulation of the Scopes...
Curated OER
Using the Internet to Do Punnett Squares
What a fun way to explore Mendelian Genetics! Using a computer connected to the Internet, beginning biologists construct and use Punnett squares of monohybrid crosses to explain how genetic traits are passed to offspring. Other websites...
Nuffield Foundation
Interpreting an Investigation of Plant Hormones
How important is the tip of a new shoot on a growing plant? Individuals learn about the results of experiments on shoot tips and must interpret them. They apply previous learning and connect complex ideas through advanced analysis.
Agriculture in the Classroom
A Rafter of Turkeys
How did that turkey get from the early Aztec culture to your table? Learn about the history of wild and domesticated turkeys in North America, as well as their inclusion in Thanksgiving traditions, with a two-part agricultural science...
Nuffield Foundation
Investigating Osmosis in Chickens' Eggs
You might not be able to learn through osmosis, but you sure can observe it! Scholars observe and measure osmosis using chicken eggs. They control for multiple variables to determine which variables have an impact and how the impact...
Nuffield Foundation
Observing Water Moving Through Plants
We know plants assist in the water cycle, but how do plants get water from the ground into the air? Through a series of demonstrations or labs, scholars observe the movement of water through plants. They microscopically view the cells...
Curated OER
SMOKING: A RISK WORTH TAKING OR JUST A DRAG?
Young scholars identify and state a tobacco-related decision problem/issue, viable options regarding the selected problem; research and discuss risks and benefits associated with the decision problem; and state a decision based upon...
Curated OER
How Mutations Lead to Changes in Cell Structure and Function
Students investigate how mutations lead to changes in cell structure and function. They construct an oligonucleotide, identify a protein sequence, design a step-by-step mechanism of how they think cells repair damaged DNA, and prepare...
Curated OER
Pandora's Box
Some of today's technologies are controversial, in vitro fertilization being one of them. Mature high school biology classes examine the technology involved in and dilemmas created by this procedure. They play different roles in an...
National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science
Why Was the 1918 Influenza So Deadly?
Which factor was more influential in the 1918 flu epidemic: biology, or social and political conditions? Your AP biology class will research and debate one of these positions in an interesting and challenging instructional activity....
National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science
Abracadabra
How has Magic Johnson managed to stay so healthy, despite being HIV-positive for over 20 years? If you have ever taught about HIV and AIDS, you have most likely been asked such a question. By examining a case study and role-playing as...
Curated OER
Circle of Life
Here is a well-designed science lesson that shows learners that everything that organisms do in ecosystems, including running, breathing, burrowing, growing, requires energy. After a thorough discussion of their own eating and drinking...