The Pressure’s On: Creating and Using Models of Body Systems
Workshop Resources Life Science 6-12 Middle / High School Learn exciting and engaging ways to teach structure and function within body systems. Use hands-on labs to help students understand kidney function and interactions between the excretory system and cardiovascular system. Set up experiments, collect data, analyze results, and create models to build toward understanding the […]
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 […]
Hands-On with Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
Photosynthesis is a topic that many students need help understanding. Using a hands-on experiment to demonstrate the process helps reinforce the concepts with students, especially your kinesthetic learns. Combining the lab with images and video found on the Internet targets your audio and visual learners as well. Below are simple activities that use Elodea to help teach […]
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, CO2Â levels were around 280 parts per million (ppm). In 1885, CO2Â levels peaked […]
Decomposition by Physarum polycephalum
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 2.75 hr Prep: 1.5 | Activity: 1.25 Life Science 9-12 High School Total Time: 2.75 hr [ Prep: 1.5 hrs | Activity: 1.25 hrs ] Subject: Life Science Grade: High School Introduction This observational microbiology activity introduces students to a slime mold from the genus Physarum, a decomposer found […]
Invasion! Invasive Species Activity
Introduced species (also known as alien, nonnative, nonindigenous, or exotic species) are organisms that have been either accidentally or intentionally brought into an ecosystem in which they were not formerly found. The introduction of an organism may be beneficial, have no effect, or have a negative impact on the ecosystem into which it is released. […]
Urban Stream Syndrome
Purpose, goal, and standards This activity examines urban stream syndrome and how urbanization affects stream banks. Urban streams often have issues with both physical structure and chemical composition. While this activity focuses on the physical changes, the chemical changes can be more important to the overall health of the stream. Even if a stream exhibits […]