Making Scents of the World
Nobel Prize-Winning Research My terrier, Harley, spends most of his life with his nose to the ground. The intensity of his olfactory surveillance makes me think that the world must smell entirely different to him than it does to me. Recent research on the molecular genetics of sensory receptors gives us a clue to Harley […]
Investigating Phenomena: How Do Earthworms Move?
Carolina Phenomenon Phenomena-driven science! Phenomena are observable, naturally occurring events that are everywhere and spark student questions and investigations. Ask students to observe the DCI-linked phenomenon in the video and complete the attached student sheet prior to remote learning discussions. Observations: Carefully watch the earthworm movement video. Gather all the evidence you can from the video, and […]
Kool-Aid® Chromatography
Chromatography is an important technique in the chemistry lab. This activity uses a popular beverage for a safe, engaging lab experience for students of all ages. Background What makes grape-flavored Kool-Aid® purple? Food dye, of course. Color additives are common in the foods on supermarket shelves. From foods and drinks to cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and toiletries, […]
The Fast Plant Life Cycle
Let Wisconsin Fast Plants® Grow on You! Wisconsin Fast Plants® are so captivating to watch as they grow and develop that even students who are tough to reach become engaged and attached to them. Time after time, I saw students I least expected to be interested in anything science come to my class during a […]
3-D Science Strategies That Motivate Learning at Every Level
Engaging, Equitable, Relevant “Until kids are motivated and engaged and curious, it’s very difficult to teach them.” Â That statement from Brett D. Moulding sums up the challenge teachers face as they return to classrooms following a year of uncertain, shifting learning environments. Moulding, a member of the National Research Council (NRC) Committee on a […]
Debunking the 4° C Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Myth
Myth:PCR product needs to be refrigerated if left overnight in the thermal cycler. Truth 1: DNA will be stable for days, even weeks, inside a PCR tube. Truth 2: Extended cold holds will reduce your PCR machine’s lifetime. Many scientists and other polymerase chain reaction (PCR) users believe samples need to be refrigerated immediately after […]
CSO Tips for Teachers: Time Requirements
Do you know the benefits of using Carolina Kits 3D labs on CSO? Set yourself up for success with these tips. Clear timetables Timing is everything, especially when planning a hands-on lab. You need to know how much time to allot for preparation and the expected student completion time for each activity. Every Carolina Kits […]
10 Challenges A&P Teachers Face and How to Overcome Them
Every teacher faces challenges in the classroom, but for teachers of anatomy and physiology (A&P)–a crucial course that acts as a gatekeeper for many allied health programs–the hurdles can be unique and are critical to overcome for students to advance in their career pathways. Here are some of the challenges A&P teachers shared with us […]
Stretching Your Science Budget
Make your dollars work harder and go further. When you’re selecting instructional materials, cost is always an important factor, but so is time. If you must spend hours tracking down each individual item you need to purchase, only to save a few dollars, you really haven’t saved much. What are some solutions? Bundle up, buy […]
Microbiology Buying Guide
This buying guide is intended to help instructors and lab managers who are new to running a microbiology lab or program. If this is you… read on. Safety Practices What organisms will you be working with? Make sure you know the BSL number for all organisms and follow the appropriate guidelines for working with that […]