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Lesson Plans:
Termite
Tracking:
Students observe the behavior of termites in response to chemicals in
certain ballpoint pens. Good example of response to pheromones.
Scientific
Method
Basic studies of the scientific method.
The
Effect of Citrus Oils on Fruit Flies:
Fruit flies can be a nuisance to humans. Oddly enough, citrus oils have
been shown to be toxic to the fruit flies. The question that arises is how
could citrus fruits be toxic to fruit flies when fruit flies live on fruit?
Brine Shrimp 2:
Brine Shrimp Survival
To develop an understanding of how growth and survival of an organism
depends on physical conditions. This is accomplished by designing an
artificial environment in which brine shrimp can thrive.
Catalase Lab:
In this laboratory, students investigate the effects of enzyme
concentration, substrate concentration, pH and temperature on the activity
of catalase. Activity is measured by soaking
filter paper discs in catalase, dropping the
discs into hydrogen peroxide and timing how long it takes them to rise.
Rate of activity = depth of catalase/rising time.
Includes data tables.
Forensic
Science:
A murder has been committed in the high school biology lab. Working in
cooperative groups, students are given evidence and interview information.
They must perform hair microscopy, blood analysis, chromatography and DNA
fingerprinting to decide which suspect committed the crime. Involved, but
includes all handouts and sources for materials.
Ecology
of Duckweed:
An inquiry-based laboratory exercise in which students first grow a culture
of duckweed (the smallest flowering plant), and then design a procedure for
testing one factor that would influence growth.
Effects
of U-V on Seeds:
Students test the effects of ultraviolet radiation on the germination
rate of radish seeds. Easily adaptable to other variables, such as
microwaves, temperature, etc.
A Mix-Up
at the Hospital: Analyzing genetic variation.
This paper activity illustrates an application of DNA typing. Students
assign babies to the correct pair of parents on the basis of DNA profiles.
Follow link to student activity sheet.
Mysterious
Milk
Students will be able to use the scientific process in order to solve the
mystery of the milk (using dyes).
Hydroponic Gardening
To set up one or more hydroponic systems, to
collect data for a four-week period to determine which system resulted in
the best plant growth, and to analyze the role of different environmental
factors, such pH, light, and aeration, on plants grown in the absence of
soil.
Growth
In The Dark
To learn how to safely handle microorganisms, and to learn the proper procedures
to use when using an aseptic technique.
Cricket
Time
To study the biological clocks of crickets.
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