From Euglena to Zebra Fish: An Overview of the Diversity of Eyes
The light-sensing organs and eyes of living organisms have long fascinated the general public and scientists alike. Scientists ask questions such as “How do the ‘eyes’ on planaria work?,” “What is the ‘eyespot’ on the Euglena for?,” and “What are the steps in the development of zebra fish vision as the animal develops from a fertilized egg […]
Hands-On Science with Phenomenal Critters
Workshop Resource Life Science K-12 Elementary / High School Add action and excitement to your science class with live organisms! Discover fun, simple hands-on activities with a variety of insects and arthropods that you can use in your labs. Learn about care and handling, as well as easy ways to introduce inquiry. Additional resources available […]
Introduction to Wisconsin Fast Plants®
Workshop Resource Life Science K-12 Elementary / High School Experience the versatility of Wisconsin Fast Plants®. These quick-growing plants engage students and are ideal for all grade levels. Easily integrate Disciplinary Core Ideas, Crosscutting Concepts, and Practices in life cycle, heredity & inheritance, variation & evolution, and environmental science lessons. Learn to plant, pollinate, and […]
Plants
Plants have changed our planet. Photosynthesis provides oxygen to the atmosphere, and plants are primary producers for the majority of animals. There is extreme diversity within the plant kingdom, from tiny aquatic plants to giant redwoods to the vegetables and grains that feed the world. This guide breaks down the important information students need to […]
Evolution
Evolution is the study of how characteristics of a species change over time. Changes can happen slowly over many generations in response to environmental changes or quickly through selective breeding. This guide covers the important information students need to know, provides links to products and free digital resources, and includes suggestions for labs that reinforce […]
Case Study: The Impact of Honeybee Populations
When preparing to teach your class about populations and the interdependence of organisms, consider incorporating the honeybee into your lesson plans. This small, undervalued insect is a keystone species in many environments. But we often overlook our dependence on honeybees’ survival, even while their interesting community behavior and the important ecosystem services they provide are […]
The Slime Mold Physarum polycephalum, a Single-Celled Organism for Student Investigations
The slime mold Physarum polycephalum is a single-celled organism that can convert to multiple forms and that displays surprising complexity in its behavior. In one of its forms, the single cell can become very large—more than 30 cm in diameter in a laboratory setting. In nature, Physarum polycephalum is found in multiple environments; however, the organism is most commonly […]
Meet the Casper Fish
Many researchers use zebra fish (Danios) for genetic and developmental studies. Zebra fish make excellent model research organisms since they are vertebrates, and their embryonic development is similar to human embryonic development. This means that you can easily view their internal organs, including the heart, gallbladder, circulatory system, brain, spine, eggs in females, and the […]
Mendelian Genetics
Mendelian genetics is the core content for all genetics studies. Concepts of genotypes and phenotypes are established, parental and filial generations are defined, and patterns of inheritance explained. Mendel’s laws guide further, more complex studies in genetics. Carolina offers kits with your choice of 3 different organisms—Wisconsin Fast Plants, genetic corn, and Daphnia—all with a minimum […]
Body Systems
human body systems Bring science to life in your classroom with FREE, ready-to-use resources for teaching human body systems.Simply hover over the system you want to explore, and click to dive in! Each body system includes: • A visually engaging introductory infographic • A hands-on activity or informative article • A printable graphic organizer to […]