Introduction to Planaria

Carolina LabSheets™ Overview In this lab, students examine the anatomy and behavior of the planarian, a simple animal with bilateral symmetry. The activity does not cover regeneration.For that, see our 132900 Carolina BioKits®: Planaria Regeneration or our Carolina™ Protozoa and Invertebrates Manual. Download Student Lab Sheet Download Planarian Anatomy Sheet Needed Materials Planaria (132950 or similar culture) for […]
Wisconsin Fast Plants® and Product Testing

CAROLINA LABSHEETS Overview Materials Teacher Preparations Quick Links Close Quick Links Open Quick Links Overview Materials Teacher Preparations Overview Materials Teacher Preparations Overview In this activity, students conduct experiments to determine if a commercial product effects the germination of Wisconsin Fast Plants® seed. In doing so they practice basic science skills including collecting and graphing […]
Introduction to Sterile Technique

Carolina LabSheets™ Overview In this lab, students practice transfer of a bacterial culture using sterile technique. The lab is intended as an introductory microbiology activity. Before conducting the lab, ensure that students are familiar with standard lab procedures, including the use of gas burners and personal protective equipment. Download Student Lab Sheet Needed Materials 155155 […]
Constructing a Cladogram with Hydra, Planaria, and Daphnia

A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS INVESTIGATION Quick Links Close Quick Links Open Quick Links Introduction Materials Safety Procedures Labsheeet Introduction Materials Safety Procedures Labsheeet Overview In this lab students compare the body structure and functions of three invertebrates to that of a vertebrate. They use their data to construct a cladogram. Download Student Lab Sheet Download Anatomy […]
The Evolution and Survival of the Galápagos Medium Ground Finch

A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS INVESTIGATION Total Time Prep: 15 mins Activity: 20-30 mins Life Science Grade Level 9-12 High School Quick Links Close Quick Links Open Quick Links Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis & Discussion Reference kit Helpful Links Buy the Kit Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis & Discussion Reference kit Helpful […]
Natural Selection of Leaf Thickness on Planet Eorthe, Galaxy Tlaloc

A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS INVESTIGATION Total Time Prep: 10-15 mins Activity: 30-40 mins Life Science, Physical Science Grade Level 9-12 High School Quick Links Close Quick Links Open Quick Links Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Resources Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Resources Introduction In this introductory activity, students graph and […]
Group Behavior and Survival

A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS INVESTIGATION Total Time Prep: 30 mins Activity: 15-45 mins Life Science Grade Level 9-12 High School Quick Links Close Quick Links Open Quick Links Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Resources Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Resources Introduction This activity is a quick simulation game designed to […]
The Carbon Cycle

Background You may not even be aware of it, but you contribute to the carbon cycle every day. If you ride in a car, take a train, or fly in an airplane, you contribute to the production of carbon dioxide. The fruits and vegetables you eat were probably shipped in a vehicle that produced carbon […]
How to Teach the Crosscutting Concepts with Wisconsin Fast Plants

Hedi Baxter Lauffer, PhD Director, Teaching & Learning Wisconsin Fast Plants Program University of Wisconsin-Madison The Next Generation Science Standards* (NGSS) recommend we build our lessons to unify learning in 3 dimensions: scientific and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts. However, it can be challenging to include crosscutting concepts explicitly. Lessons taught with Wisconsin Fast […]
Dihybrid Inheritance Patterns with Wisconsin Fast Plants: 3-D Genetics Teaching Actively Engages Learners in Making Sense

Dihybrid genetics versus Monohybrid Inheritance Patterns: Which to choose? Wisconsin Fast Plants seed lines offer both mono- and dihybrid inheritance options for teaching genetics. So, when might you choose the dihybrid model? Answering that question is discussed in this article in the context of planning for how we facilitate genetics investigations with Fast Plants. In […]