Category: Worksheets
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Exploring the Chemistry of Adrenaline
Explore the fascinating relationship between the structure and function of four important molecules: adrenaline, phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, and methamphetamine. These compounds share a common framework but differ in their functional groups, which affects how they work in the body. By coloring the diagrams, students identify key features, such as hydroxyl and methyl groups. Small changes can…
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Cell Signaling – Comprehensive Unit Plan
Cell signaling is the process by which cells communicate with each other and respond to external stimuli, ensuring the coordination of vital biological functions. This system involves a signal binding to a receptor on a target cell, and triggering a series of intracellular events. These signaling pathways often include second messengers, protein kinases, and phosphorylation…
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Fading Memories – A Case Study on Alzheimer’s Disease
This case study offers an intimate look at Alzheimer’s disease through the eyes of a granddaughter navigating her family’s experience. Written in a narrative format, it allows students to explore the scientific and emotional dimensions of this neurodegenerative disease in a relatable, engaging way. This case study goes beyond the textbook to present Alzheimer’s disease…
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A Journey Through the Cell
Are you looking for a creative way to teach cell biology that captures your students’ attention and makes learning fun? Check out “A Journey Through the Cell,” a free resource that transforms a standard biology topic into an engaging, story-driven adventure. You might already be familiar with another worksheet on the cell, called Cell City…
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Exploring the Immune System with Alpha-Gal Syndrome
If you’re looking for a captivating, real-world case study to engage students in learning about the immune system and allergies, this Alpha-Gal Syndrome activity might be just what you need! This case study explores the fascinating story of how the immune system can mistake a simple sugar found in red meat for a threat—all because…
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Exploring the Microscope – Canva Version
One of the most exciting tools in any science classroom is the microscope. For many students, it’s their first real glimpse into a hidden world that is usually out of reach. Microscopes open up an incredible, intricate universe filled with tiny details that tell the story of life at its smallest scales. Teaching students to…
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Case Study – The Mystery of Muscle Weakness
Bring neuromuscular disorders to life in your high school anatomy classroom with this case study on myasthenia gravis! Designed to illustrate the complex interactions between nerves, muscles, and the immune system, this resource uses the story of a relatable character, Elena, to make advanced anatomy concepts accessible and engaging. Discover why Elena is feeling tired…
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Labeling for Understanding Muscle Structure
Muscles are more than just the engines behind movement—they are complex structures that perform critical roles in our bodies. For anatomy students, getting a firm grasp of the detailed structure of muscles is essential. This worksheet helps students visualize the intricate components of muscle fibers and how they work together to produce movement. A detailed…
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Understanding Knee Anatomy with Coloring
The knee is a complex joint that allows us to walk, run, jump, and move with ease. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). Ligaments connect the bones are are essential for stability of the joint. In fact, common injuries to the knee occur in sports, such as a tear to…
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Bone Anatomy: Activities for Students
To fully understand how bones function, it’s essential to look at the structure of a long bone. Long bones, like the femur or humerus support the body’s weight and facilitate movement. They have several distinct layers and regions, each with a specific role. Within the bones, microscopic cells called osteocytes create the rings and the…
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Fun Coloring Activities to Learn the Skeleton
Learning the names of the bones in the human body might sound like a challenge, but what if you could turn it into a creative and hands-on activity? That’s where coloring worksheets come in! By coloring detailed pages of the human skeleton, hand, foot, and skull, students can visualize the skeletal system and learn to…
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Amino Acid Card Sort – Classifying Groups
In this interactive activity, students will classify the 20 amino acids based on their chemical properties using cards that display each amino acid’s name. The cards include the chemical formula and side chain (R-group) structure. Recall that each amino acid consists of a central carbon atom, bonded to an amino group (NH2) and a carboxyl…
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Investigation: Apples and Pectinase Enzyme
In this experiment, high school students will investigate the role of enzymes by testing the effects of pectinase on apples. The objective is to compare the amount of juice extracted from apples treated with pectinase to those left untreated. In addition, students change the temperature of the solutions to compare enzyme activity at cold and…
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Case Study – Understanding Lactose Intolerance
I made this case study for freshman level biology to complement Ch 2: The Chemistry of Life. Students review the structure of atoms and molecules, then learn about biomolecules and enzymes. This case study explores the human side of enzymes and proteins. Specifically looking at how humans have a special enzyme, lactase, to digest milk…
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Macromolecules Lab – Testing for Starch
Most biology textbooks have a chapter on macromolecules. In chapter 2 of our textbook, students learn about the chemistry of life, which includes the basics of atoms and molecules, properties of water, and carbon compounds. I generally include a food testing lab where students determine the macromolecules found in food. The lesson is engaging, informative,…