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Set the Class Tone on the First Day
This year I will have the exciting opportunity of teaching an introductory physics class to students on vocational tracks. For those not understanding ed-speak, this means that I will be taking a class of kids who have probably already failed in 8th grade, have poor test scores and may have already given up on school….
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Finding Images for Your Projects and Classroom
One of the most common searches I do on Google is for images. I may need images for a cell unit. I might want a simple diagram of the heart. Google makes it very easy to add images to your slides and documents. There is a built-in image tool! If you are just searching on…
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Video Worksheets on Animals and Biology
These are videos that I show in class, either in their entirety of just clips. The worksheets simply ask questions that can be answered as the movie progress, which helps keep students focused.
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Frog Dissection Resources
Frog dissections serve as a pivotal educational tool for several reasons. Firstly, they provide students with a tangible exploration of vertebrate anatomy, allowing them to observe firsthand the intricate structures and systems that comprise an organism’s body. By dissecting frogs, students can identify organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, and intestines, fostering a deeper…
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Encourage Reading and Following Directions with a Square
Most biology classes will have at least one dissection in the year, though specimens can range from the commonly used frog, to the less expensive grasshopper. No matter what you choose to dissect, the biggest challenge most teachers face is getting students to follow directions. Based on the talk I hear in the teacher’s lounge,…
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Easy Science Fair Project Ideas
Science fair project ideas for middle and high school students that are quick and easy to set up.
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Study Planarian Regeneration with Scalpels
Students study a freshwater planarian by exploring its movements and cutting it in half to observe regeneration
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How to Study Protists with Freshman
The unit on protists is one that I used to dread, mainly because the world of microscopic organisms does not ever seem particularly interesting to students, where only a small percentage of them seem to care about the Ameba and Paramecium. Furthermore, studying protozoa seems to be disconnected from real world applications. Laboratory investigations can…
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How to Explain Taxonomy to Basic Biology Students
Tips for teaching taxonomy to your biology class. Includes links to student activities.
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Resources for Teaching and Modeling Mitosis
Teaching resources to help students understand the process of mitosis. Use models and internet simulations to illustrate the process.
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Taxonomy – The Science of Classifying Organisms
Why do we need a system to classify and name organisms? Here are some common names: Common names can be misleading. A sea monkey is a type of shrimp. A spider monkey is not a spider, and a sea horse is fish. Sea cucumbers are strange little invertebrates that are related to starfish. Common names…
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The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection
In science, theories are statements or models that have been tested and confirmed many times. Theories have some important properties: In science, the term “Theory” does not express doubt. In science, the term theory is used to represent ideas and explanations that have been confirmed through tests and observations The theory of evolution remains one…
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Observing Diffusion Using Iodine and Plastic Bags
Use simple materials to model diffusion. Place corn starch in a bag and then submerge into a solution of iodine.
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How to View Cheek Cells with a Microscope
Simple activity for observing cells. Use methylene blue and toothpicks to gently scrape cells from the inside of a cheek and view under a microscope.
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Simple Instructions for Using the Light Microscope
A three step method for basic use of the light microscope. Easy to post for students to follow when using the microscope.