Survey of Protista
Carolina LabSheets™ Overview In this lab, students observe a variety of protists and record basic observations of them. Traditionally, protists were classified under Domain Eukarya, Kingdom Protista, and were divided into phyla mainly on the basis of their mode of locomotion. However, it has long been recognized that Protista is not a natural grouping, and that mode […]
Meiosis and Genetics
Carolina LabSheets™ Overview In this lab, students investigate how the events of meiosis relate to Mendelian genetics. The lab is designed to supplement the Meiosis Activity of our Carolina BioKits ® : Chromosome Simulation. Download Student Lab Sheet Needed Materials Carolina BioKits ® : Chromosome Simulation (#171100) Optional Materials Small, colored adhesive dots can be used […]
Modeling Mitosis and Meiosis
Introduction Have student groups use sock “chromosomes” and string to model mitosis and meiosis. These 2 simple activities take approximately 30 min to complete. Discussion questions and answers are provided so that you can assess student understanding of each type of cell division. Next Generation Science Standards Life Science The Cell The Molecular Basis of […]
Teaching Variation and Selection in the Context of Plant Breeding with Wisconsin Fast Plants
Variation and Selection: Human Food Crop Selection Creates an Engaging Storyline Variation in traits among individuals in a population is such an important concept that it first appears in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)* in first grade, then recurs through middle and high school standards. Yet, if we follow the traditional biology path for […]
Carbon Snake
A Carolina EssentialsTM Demonstration Total Time: 15 mins Prep: 15 mins | Activity: 10-15 mins Life Science 8-12 Middle/High School Overview During this teacher-directed demonstration of an exothermic reaction, students observe the dehydration of a carbohydrate using concentrated sulfuric acid. Use the demonstration to illustrate topics such as reaction kinetics, organic reaction types, and energy […]
Reaction Time and Practice
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 15-20 mins Prep: 10 mins | Activity: 15-20 mins Life Science 6-12 Middle/High School Overview Use this short, engaging activity to introduce students to reflexes and reactions, the nervous system, or learning theory. Students work in pairs on 2 different sorting tasks and time their successive attempts. Data can […]
Using Algae Beads as a Model for Photosynthesis
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 45 mins Prep: 30 mins | Activity: 45 mins Life Science 8-12 Middle/High School Overview Students are introduced to photosynthesis in a hands-on activity with fresh water algae. By creating algae beads (made of algae and sodium alginate solution), they indirectly observe the change in concentration of oxygen in […]
Invertebrate Biodiversity and Abiotic Factors
A Carolina EssentialsTM Investigation Total Time: 4+ days Prep: 30 mins | Activity: 4+ days Life Science | Earth Science 9-12 High School Overview Understanding the relationships between biotic diversity and abiotic factors in an ecosystem can be a difficult task. Using soil invertebrates, students can identify both the number of species present in a […]
Introduction to Blood Types
Carolina LabSheets™ Overview In this lab, students are introduced to the human ABO blood groups. The activity is designed for use with our Carolina® Synthetic Blood, but it may also be performed using our aseptic blood cells. Synthetic Antiserum and Synthetic Blood are sold by the milliliter. A milliliter provides approximately 20 drops. Each blood test […]
Diffusion—Molecules on the Move
Diffusion: Molecules on the Move Dialysis tubing is an excellent way to simulate the cell membrane’s selective permeability. In this experiment, sealed dialysis tubing containing a test solution of albumin, glucose, sodium chloride, and starch is placed in a cup of distilled water. After 30 to 45 minutes, the tubing is removed from the cup […]