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 […]
Introduce Environmental Studies with a River Tank™
Often the most important changes in an aquatic environment are chemical changes. A River Tank is a good model system for students to investigate changes in water chemistry. First, using the tank eliminates the need for parent/guardian permission and problems associated with a field trip to a stream. Second, the tank makes it easy to manipulate factors […]
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 […]
Observing Plant Cells
CAROLINA LABSHEETS Quick Links Close Quick Links Open Quick Links Overview Materials Procedures & Prep Kit Overview Materials Procedures & Prep Kit Overview In this lab students observe Elodea leaves under magnification. They will see cell walls and chloroplasts. From the movement of chloroplasts they will infer that cyclosis, or protoplasmic streaming, is occurring. They also will […]
Introduction to Photosynthesis Using Coleus Plants
Carolina LabSheets™ Overview The simple exercises that students perform in this lab demonstrate that plants produce glucose through photosynthesis, that plants convert at least some of the glucose to starch, and that sunlight is a critical factor in photosynthesis. Students expose Coleus leaves to varying amounts of light. These sample leaves are then subjected to an iodine […]
After the AP® Exam: What Now?
Your students worked hard and were well prepared. The test has come and gone, and there’s still time left on the school calendar. So, what happens now? You have a variety of options—including extending your curriculum, research projects, career exploration, service learning projects, and college preparation projects, to name a few. Ideas for Promoting Learning […]
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 […]