Investigating a Phenotype
Carolina LabSheets™ Overview A phenotype is an expressed trait. Most phenotypes studied in introductory genetics classes are visually conspicuous traits such as wing shape or eye color. In this activity, students investigate a phenotype that is not so conspicuous, and they perform a simple chemical test to reveal the underlying basis of the phenotype. Corn […]
Seed Germination
Carolina LabSheets™ Overview The story of how a seed becomes a plant is fascinating to young students. These activities will help them explore the process of germination. Students will observe the internal structure of a seed, seed germination, and early seedling growth. The activities are recommended for grades K–4 and can be done as part […]
Pill Bug Behavior
Carolina LabSheets™ Overview This activity is an introduction to animal behavior. Students conduct an experiment to test the response of pill bugs (Armadillidium vulgare) to conditions of low and high humidity. Pill bugs are crustaceans. Most crustaceans are aquatic, but pill bugs are terrestrial. Even so, they retain gills as respiratory organs, which restricts them […]
Introduction to Protists: Euglena
Carolina LabSheets™ Overview In this lab, students observe Euglena, a protist that combines some characteristics of animals with the plant-like ability to photosynthesize. Traditionally, Euglenas were classified under Domain Eukarya, Kingdom Protista, and Phylum Euglenozoa (sometimes Euglenophyta). However, it is widely recognized that Protista is not a natural grouping. Currently, Euglena is classified in the […]
Introduction to Prokaryotes: Cyanobacteria
CAROLINA LABSHEETS Overview Materials Procedures Quick Links Close Quick Links Open Quick Links Overview Materials Procedures Overview Materials Procedures Overview In this lab students observe two examples of cyanobacteria and make a simple comparison to a eukaryotic green alga. arrow-icon-size3 Download Activity Guide Materials Introductory Bacteria Sets arrow-icon-size3 Shop Cyanobacteria Needed Materials culture of Anabaena […]
Introduction to Prokaryotes: Bacteria
Carolina LabSheets™ Overview In this lab students are introduced to the Domain Bacteria (Eubacteria). They will make smears of bacteria on microscope slides from pure cultures, perform a simple stain, and observe their stained slides under a microscope. The stained slides are best observed at 700–1000× with oil immersion; however, they can be viewed under […]
Introductory Genetics with Drosophila
Carolina LabSheets™ Overview Drosophila is one of the most popular model organisms for the study of genetics. This LabSheet can be used with a variety of our Drosophila cultures and sets in studies of monohybrid, dihybrid, and sex-linked crosses. The following crosses are especially recommended for introductory genetics activities although many others can be done. See our complete […]
Introduction to Drosophila: Phenotypes
Carolina LabSheets™ Overview In this lab students compare phenotypes of mutant Drosophila to wild type. The activity is intended as a student’s first experience working with Drosophila. It may serve as a stand-alone activity or as a pre-lab to our Introductory Genetics with Drosophila LabSheet Download Student Lab Sheet Needed Materials Wild-type Drosophila culture (172100), 1 per team of four to […]
Introduction to Fungi
Carolina LabSheets™ Overview This lab introduces students to the Kingdom Fungi through study of two phyla, the zygomycetes and basidiomycetes. Download Student Lab Sheet Needed Materials Phycomyces (+) plate culture (156182) Phycomyces (–) plate culture (156183) Coprinus mushroom, c.s. (298176) Potato Dextrose Agar plates (821902) scalpels* Bunsen burners alcohol lamps eatable mushrooms from grocery stereomicroscopes […]
Introduction to Prokaryotes: Archaea
Carolina LabSheets™ Overview In this lab, students are introduced to Halobacterium, a representative of the Archaea, one of the three domains of life (along with Bacteria and Eukarya). Halobacterium is an extremophile, requiring a hypersaline environment for its growth. At the saline levels found in the human body, Halobacterium will lyse. This makes it one of the safest microbes for […]