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 […]
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 […]
Owl Pellet Food Webs: A Model of Energy and Mass Transfer
A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS INVESTIGATION Total Time Prep: 15 mins Activity: 30-45 mins Life Science Grade Level 5-12 Middle/High School Quick Links Close Quick Links Open Quick Links Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Resources Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Resources Introduction You can use this resource as a stand-alone activity […]
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 […]
Webinar: Student-Designed Ecosystem Experiments in Middle Grades
Student-designed investigations that use Wisconsin Fast Plants® to study ecosystems are powerful, three-dimensional learning experiences. In this webinar, we share a ready-to-teach, hands-on approach for upper elementary or middle school students to investigate ecosystem interactions. Hedi Baxter Lauffer and Claudia SolÃs-Lemus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison demonstrate and discuss how to support learners in identifying […]
Cow Eye Dissection
In-Booth Demonstration Life Science 6-12 Middle / High School Carolina’s Perfect Solution® cow eye dissection introduces students to the anatomy of the mammalian eye. This activity allows students to identify the major structures of the eye. The activity supports 3-dimensional learning and builds toward the following: NGSS Scientific and Engineering Practice: Developing and Using Models NGSS […]