Nuffield Foundation
Observing Osmosis, Plasmolysis, and Turgor in Plant Cells
Create the perfect conditions for osmosis. Young scholars use a microscope to observe plant cells exposed to distilled water or sodium chloride. They observe how osmosis creates turgid or plasmolyzed cells.
Curated OER
Cells: A First-Hand View
In the first of two activities, your charges prepare wet mount slides of cork and bean sprout cells in imitation of Robert Hooke's historical investigation. An excerpt from his notes is included. Then, investigators compare animal cells...
NOAA
Watch the Screen!
Can a sponge cure cancer? Life science pupils visit the drugstore under the sea in the fifth lesson of six. Working groups research the topic then get hands-on experience by testing the inhibiting effects of several plant extracts on E....
Curated OER
Plant Hormones
Students identify different plant hormones and explain their function in plant development. In this biology lesson plan, students investigate how IAA affect root growth. They study the history of auxin discovery.
Curated OER
Plant Transpiration
Young scholars conduct various experiments to investigate plant transpiration. For this biology lesson, students explain how this process helps maintain the hydrologic cycle. They measure the rate of water loss in plants using a potometer.
Curated OER
Native Plant Restoration Project
Students distinguish between exotic and native plant species. They work in groups in the field to restore a natural habitat. A class map is created to reflect their work in the field.
Curated OER
Genetically Modified Food (GMF)
Explore genetically modified foods through various experiments. In this biology lesson, students discuss the safety issues related to GMF's. They conduct a PCR analysis to identify the presence of genetic modification.
Curated OER
Factors Affecting Plant Growth
Students determine the physical and chemical factors that affect plant growth. In this biology lesson, students explain the role of hormones in plants. They investigate how competition with other plants affect their growth.
Curated OER
Chlorophyll
Students explain the importance of chlorophyll in plants. In this biology lesson, students extract chlorophyll from different plant sources using chromatography. They discover the different factors needed for photosynthesis to take place.
Curated OER
Investigating the Effect of Minerals on Plant Growth
How do different minerals affect the growth of plants? Budding botanists find out in a multi-week experiment that has them using solutions with specific mineral deficiencies. While there is a lot of preparation for the investigation,...
Curated OER
Cell Project
Students investigate cells. They discover what cells are, where they are found, what they do and what they are made of. They construct a giant cell that is posted on the bulletin board.
Curated OER
Alien Plant Invasion: A Filed Study project at Saguaro National Park
Pupils are able to describe the purpose of National Parks and Monuments. They describe three ways alien plants species affect native populations of plants and animals. Students are able to properly set up a study plot, measure and lay...
Curated OER
Organic Farming / Agriculture
Want an organic farming resource packed with experiments, background information, science fair projects, and topics of interest for further research? Here it is. Young environmental scientists can explore concepts involved in organic...
Curated OER
Temperature and the Tomato
You will need a photovoltaic system and monitor at your school in order to obtain all of the data required to thoroughly implement this lesson plan. Your class monitors daily temperature and insolation amounts over a two week span of...
Curated OER
Tropism
Students conduct various experiments on tropism. In this biology lesson, students explain how gravity affects the growth of plant roots. They identify the different types of tropisms.
Curated OER
Cell (Biology)
Students conduct a series of activities to explore the nature of cells. In this biology instructional activity, students observe plant and animal cells under the microscope and compare them. They differentiate osmosis and diffusion.
Curated OER
Photosynthesis
Students conduct a variety of experiments on photosynthesis. In this biology lesson, students identify the factors required for the process to occur. They perform computerized experiments to test the amount of oxygen produced when plants...
Curated OER
Taxonomy Project
Students act as a taxonomist and, given a certain situation, classify existing organisms.
National Wildlife Federation
Citizen Science to the Rescue!
You don't have to be a scientist or even out of high school to contribute to scientific research. In the 12th instructional activity in the series of 21, scholars use this opportunity to add to the growing body of scientific knowledge...
Curated OER
Variations in Living Things
Biology beginners observe traits in a collection of plant parts to realize the tremendous amount of genetic variation within a species. They consider rules of nature and discuss what would happen if they changed. They also examine data...
Curated OER
Biotechnology
Students explore biotechnology through various activities. For this biology lesson, students analyze its pros and cons. They study and read informative articles about biotechnology.
Curated OER
Integrated Pest Management
Students investigate the different methods used in integrated pest management. In this biology lesson, students evaluate experiments and case studies on IPM. They discuss the pros and cons of using this method.
Curated OER
Fiber of Life
Young scholars examine the importance of plants to individuals and society through a multi-discipline set of activities. They observe and draw different leaf structures and then create a book about trees and photosynthesis. They explore...
Curated OER
Genetically Modified Foods in Perspective
Students research the concept of genetically modified foods. The purpose of the research is to increase science content knowledge and comprehension of the controversy surrounding the subject.