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Drosophila Melanogaster
Students cross wild type flies and mutants, both purchased from a biological supply house (Carolina Biological Supply or Wards, for example) in groups from lesson one.
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Effects of pH on Organic Molecules
Learners investigate the effects of an acid and a base on the structure of milk protein. They observe the changes to droplets of milk when adding ammonia and lemon juice and relate the changes to old, curdled milk. An extension using...
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Using the Scientific Method to Determine Which Conditions Best Favor Plant Growth
Seventh graders examine how the environment can affect biological processes. They identify the best conditions for the germination of bean seeds. They record and analyze their data. They write about their observations in an essay.
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What Is It?!
Working individually or in groups, 4th graders are presented with unusual or at least unfamiliar objects and are asked to speculate on what they are and/or how they are used. The intention is to get students to make careful observations...
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Comparative Embryological Study of
Students complete two labs. They observe the fertilization and development of sea urchin and zebrafish embryos. They examine the similarities and differences in the development of an invertebrate vs. a vertebrate animal.
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Feeding Paramecia
Young scholars prepare a slide of Paramecium cultures and observe (through a microscope) the organism's thin transparent membrane and what happens as they "feed" them stained yeast cells. They sketch the path the ingested yeast takes as...
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DNA Isolation
Students use scientific methods to investigate the concept of DNA. They observe the DNA of human cheek cells. This is done with the use of a lab experience. Students record their observations and reflect upon on how each organism is...
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Transformation of E. coli with Antibiotic Resistance
Students participate in an experiment in which they transform an E. coli cell. They discover how the genetic make-up of the cell can be changed by added foreign DNA. They answer questions to complete the lab.
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Extraction of DNA from White Onion
Students investigate techniques involved in extracting and isolating DNA. Students extract and observe onion DNA.
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Investigating the Regulation of Leukocyte Adhesion Through Extracellular Matrices
Students examine the relationship between leukocyte adhesion and migration in response to chemoattractants. They discuss sterile techniques, observe a demonstration using mock cell culture, and develop a procedure for studying the...
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Floristic Relay
Fifth graders identify the role succession plays in the adaptation of our environment. Students identify pioneer and climax species and order habitats in succession. They recognize that different characteristics of species make them...
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Sun Seeking Plants
Students investigate the story "The Tiny Seed" by Eric Carle. This story is used to introduce the children to the concept that seeds change and grow into plants when conditions in the environment including temperature, light, water and...
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Habitat Dynamics
Students develop an interactive diary to record bird seed consumption. In this habitat lesson, students predict and record the amount of birdseed eaten each week by birds.
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Norman Suburban Activity
Students analyze the factors affecting organisms in the pond ecosystem. In this environmental science instructional activity, students perform an experiment to determine pH, nutrients and temperature of different pond sites. They present...
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Inside the Egg, Hatching Chickens
Pupils conduct an egg candling activity to show the life inside a fertile egg. Students discuss the needs the egg has of the hen, as well as similarities and differences between plants and animals. Pupils complete a life cycle wheel...
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Meiosiss Revisited
Seventh graders are engaged in a lesson that covers the concept of meiosis with the intention of covered sexual reproduction. They cover the concept of genetic traits and how they are transmitted over generations with or without...
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UV Radiation and the Developmental Stages of Red Flour Beetles
Students perform an experiment to compare the sensitivity of the various developmental stages of Red Flour Beetles to ultraviolet radiation. Larvae, pupae and adult beetles are exposed to a source of UV-B radiation. In groups, they...
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Camouflage
Here is a lesson which incorporates ingenious hands-on activities that simulate how many animals use camouflage as a survival technique. This lesson clearly outlines how to implement the activities and discussion sessions found in it....
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Who's the Baddest?
Students are introduced to the realm of social insects, their role in the environment and the biological features that make them unique.
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Hatching Brine Shrimp
Third graders investigate the environment that is considered favorable for brine shrimp hatching. The salinity level is of particular interest in the observations because the optimum level is needed for survival. They make daily...
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City Wildlife in a Vase
Learners examine a still-life painting. They discuss the observation of nature by scientists and artists and explore the symbolism of biological life cycles depicted in a painting.
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Create a Dichotomous Key of Idaho Reptiles
Students use the reptile section of the Digital Atlas of Idaho. They make a dichotomous key and decide on what defining characteristics they can use to distinguish between species. They hone their observation skills and recognize...
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Molecular Evolution in Plants
Students are using a paper chromatography study that is suitable for introductory biology. The absorption spectra studies and gel electrophoresis studies are appropriate for students who have complete both introductory biology and...
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Human Evolution
Young scholars make and use observations of Laetoli footprints to provide clues to life in the past. They collect and analyze data to study the relationship between foot length and body height.