Introduction: The planaria is a flatworm belonging to the phylum Platyhelminthes. The planaria is an excellent organism with which to study the structure and behavior of a live animal. In this investigation you will provide very simple stimuli and make observations with regard to the behavior and actions displayed by the planaria.

NOTE: This product is also available in a bundled product called Biology Labs: 15 Must Do Labs for a Biology Class .


Purpose:
1. To examine the structure and behavior of Dugesia, a live planarian.
2. To make accurate observations using live specimens.
3. To determine how the planaria will respond to a magnetic field.

Materials:
Live Planaria
Pond water
Petri dish
Blunt probes
Bar magnets
Dissecting microscope (optional)
Hand lens
Fresh, raw liver

This lab is a favorite of my students. All biology students love to work with and observe living specimens. This lab can be conducted while teaching a unit on flatworms, or can be used during a unit on Animal Behavior.

Your 7 page download will consist of a lab that is ready to be photocopied and passed out to your students. It will include: Title, Purpose, Materials, Safety Precautions, Procedure, Data Tables, Conclusion Questions, Student Data Pages, Pre-lab Discussion, Post Lab Follow Up, Teacher Preparation Notes, and Answers to all Questions.

You can choose to have your students write their own lab reports or they can use the included Student Data Pages. You will receive two versions of this lab: An editable Word document and a pdf version.

This lab is included in a bundled product called Flatworms and Roundworms: A complete Unit Plan.

Other products related to this topic:

Flatworm and Roundworm Notes

Flatworm and Roundworm Powerpoint

Test: Flatworms and Roundworms

Lab: Flatworms and Roundworms

Quiz: Flatworms and Roundworms

Flatworm and Roundworm Jeopardy Review Game

Study Guide / Homework for Flatworms and Roundworms

Phylum Annelida Bundle: Powerpoint, Notes for Teacher and Student, and Jeopardy Review Game

Sponges and Cnidarians Lab

Phylum Annelida Crossword Puzzle

Lab: Earthworm dissection

Amy Brown Science Stuff