What Are Phenomena?
Natural phenomena are a context for the work in which scientists and engineers engage. In nature, phenomena are considered observable events that we can use science to explain or predict. A beautiful red sunset, moss growing on a bare rock, a meteor shower, the fizzing of baking soda and vinegar, a sick child running a […]
3-D Imaging: The Mystery Unlocked
Seeing the Solar System in a New Dimension Moviegoers are demanding more from their sensory experience, and 3-D viewing has become popular for many blockbuster movies. Unlocking the mystery of 3-D imaging not only spurs discussion about the greatest 3-D movies, but it also provides opportunity to discuss visual perception, optics, and colors with your […]
Make Your Own Indicators
Testing the pH of a solution is a fundamental skill in chemistry. Students typically test pH using a pH meter, litmus or pH paper strips, or one of a variety of commercial acid-base indicator solutions. Acid-base indicators are weak organic acids that change color depending on the pH of a solution. A wide variety of […]
Chicken Wing Musculature
Explore the structures and functions of muscle tissue Essential Question What are the structures and functions of muscle tissue? Activity Objectives Observe muscle tissue. Explain movement based on muscle attachment. Practice dissection techniques. Background There are 3 different types of muscle tissue. Smooth muscle can be found in organs in the digestive system, reproductive system, […]
Bacteriophages in Human Disease
Friends and Foes Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria. They are a major agent of horizontal gene transfer between bacteria–a concept covered in AP® Biology and other biology classes. What students may not be aware of is the role bacteriophages play in human disease. Bacteriophages play a critical role in some human diseases You would […]
Preserved Specimens: Safety, Storage, and Disposal
Carolina offers several options that provide your students with an engaging and safe dissection experience. SDS for Specimens Specimens in Carolina’s Perfect Solution® Specimens in Carosafe® SDS for Fluids Carolina’s Perfect Solution Carolina’s Wetting Solution Carosafe® Concentrate Carosafe® Solution Latex Carolina’s Perfect Solution® is a combination tissue fixative and preservative that we formulated here at […]
Finding Funding
Successful grant writing Have you watched your science budget shrink over the past few years? Has the thought of holding a bake sale crossed your mind as a way of funding your lab? Despite the shrinking budgets of many of our schools, there are funds available for science education; you just need to know where […]
Temperature Sensation Activity
How do the density and arrangement of cutaneous receptors vary on the human arm? The skin is the largest organ in the human body. Various receptors in the skin detect different stimuli. Mechanoreceptors respond to skin stretch, cold, changes in texture, and deep pressure. Thermoreceptors sense changes in temperature, and highly specialized nociceptors respond to […]
Explore Phenomena with Phenomenal Explorations
Are you looking for a way to incorporate hands-on science into your existing grades 3—5 science curriculum? Phenomenal Explorations™ kits are your solution. Engaging topics that take kids from needing to know to wanting to know Students often pepper teachers with these types of challenging-to-answer questions: “Why do I need to know this?” “Why should […]
A Fond Farewell to CellCraft
CellCraft, the longstanding fun and educational game used by biology students and teachers for more than a decade, is no longer available. They say that all good things must come to an end, and that is what has happened to CellCraft. Created by a team at Wake Forest University comprising scientists, middle schoolers, and software […]