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 […]
Osmosis Eggsperiment
Introduction 2-3 students per group Prep: 15 minutes Class: 15-45 minutes over 3 days Subject: Physiology Grade: 6-12 Water passes into and out of cells by a special type of diffusion called osmosis. Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of higher water concentration to an area of […]
Photosynthesis
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 50-60 MIN Prep: 30 | Activity: 20-30 Life Science 9-12 High School Overview This investigation is a visual way to introduce students to photosynthesis. As Elodea uses carbon dioxide from the initial solution, a change in pH occurs, causing a color change in the solution. The change is detectable in as […]
Phenology: Spring Leaf Index
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 45-60 MIN Prep: 15 | Activity: 30-45 Life Science 9-12 High School Overview The study of related events, particularly between plants and animals that occur on a predictable or periodic cycle, is called phenology. Phenology studies are crucial to determining disruptions in environmental relationships as climate patterns shift, and phenology […]
Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide and the Greening of the Planet
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 45-60 MIN Prep: 15 | Activity: 30-45 Earth and Space Science 9-12 High School Overview Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels have been changing globally since about 1785. Ice core samples indicate that prior to the late 1700s, CO2 levels were around 280 parts per million (ppm). In 1885, CO2 levels peaked […]