BioLessons101

Detailed step-by-step directions of how to use a light microscope. Addresses common mistakes and saves the teacher LOTS of time helping students. Includes directions for a wet mount and magnification calculations!

Includes all major organelles in table form for student notes. Can be filled out as a class or individually. Includes space for additional notes.

Use this activity as reinforcement and a way to check understanding before a test quiz. Students cut out products and reactants and assemble parts on a plan and animal. Before gluing, they check their work with the instructor who can scaffold learning. Good for student and teacher to visualize learning. Best for lower HS levels/ MS students.

In this lab, students will analyze the selection pattern of a selected body part. In this lab, students analyze feet sizes in girls vs. boys. This lab is designed for beginner students. If you would like to modify it, you can select different groups to analyze different body parts and have them present their findings in a poster. Meets graphing and data analysis standards. Materials needed: Ruler

Use this as a student directed learning activity. Each scenario describes a mechanism of evolution (not natural selection). They will attempt to match the scenario with the correct mechanism from the word bank. You can use this before formally teaching the topics. Scenario 4 should be customized to apply to your local geography/fauna allowing a more personal connection to the information. Explain task to students, allow them to read and fill out in pairs without the aid of Internet or text (~15

Research project that has students working cooperatively to research an environmental issue. Includes project guidelines, rubric for grading, suggested websites and a note-taking sheet with key questions for students. Students have the flexibility of presentation style. To make grading fair, I make the individual's work count for a large part of the grade and keep the group grade smaller. Suitable for lower levels or can be modified for honors students by increasing detail of fact sheet requir

Lab that explores the properties of water in via multiple quick activities. Includes teacher plans as well as student lab packet. Great for the early chapter lab days. Can be used prior to teaching properties and then activities of lab can be referenced. Uses simple, common materials and is fun for all levels. Covers cohesion, adhesion, density of ice, structural stick/ball composition, high heat of vaporization, and universal solvent.

Lower level data lab that involves interpreting data of nutrition labels and answering questions. Can bring in food samples if desired.

Covers major invertebrate phyla. Great as a review after covering major characteristics of each. Can be used for higher level students.

Vocabulary review cards in the format of the game 'Taboo'. Each card contains a target word and three buzz words. How to Play: Two teams of two play each other. One team plays at a time. One member of the team guesses while the other gives clues. The opposing team keeps time and makes sure the clue giver does not use the buzz words. For each round, each team has one minute to guess 4 words. If the word is guessed, move on to the next clue and receive a point. If the word is not guessed, the t

Provide parents with a summary of your philosophy/ course / grade composition. Includes a sample calculation of grade and a frequently asked questions section to help avoid repetitive questioning! Simply change the information to make it your own!

In this lab students will use the imaginary creatures of the caminalcules ( you may be familiar with these creatures) to create first a cladogram and then decide how to classify them based on their diagram. Comes complete with directions, images and answer key according to original Caminalcule activity. This lab is shortened from the original activity as it only contains a small portion of the creatures. It will take most students an entire 45 min period. Good for discussion on relating orga

Fairly detailed high level PPT including images and transitions. Excellent for Honors. Includes questions for pre-assessment.

This double sided worksheet provides two examples along with explanation of how to create a concept map. The second side allows students to create their own concept map with key words from mitosis and meiosis units. Can be completed in pairs or individually. This sheet needs little explanation or help from the teacher. The word bank can be modified to make the assignment harder or easier. Once this skill is taught to students, it can be used in any unit!

This activity is designed to help students remember structure and function of polymers (sugars/fats/protein) by designing 'creatures' with a monomer molecule serving as the 'backbone'. Students can work in pairs or individually. It is best to model an example first. Suitable for students of all levels. Includes lesson plan and student packet.

Open ended inquiry lab designed to promote critical thinking and investigation. Can be used before or after teaching cell transport/osmosis/diffusion. Uses simple/easy ingredients and minimal lab equipment. Includes NJ Content Standards and step-by-step instructions. Can be modified for lower level- honors students.

Allows students to practice simple electron configurations of common elements, reactivities and bond types. Simple formative assessment after instruction has taken place. 20 minutes to complete, 20 to go over as a class. Can be assigned as homework. Answer key included.

Lab that explores separations of pigments found in spinach and markers. Shows students that there are multiple pigments in most plants. Involves math calculation for Rf value. Contains student packet with full directions and teacher lesson plan with NJ CCCS.

Vocabulary review cards in the format of the game 'Taboo'. Each card contains a target word and three buzz words. How to Play: Two teams of two play each other. One team plays at a time. One member of the team guesses while the other gives clues. The opposing team keeps time and makes sure the clue giver does not use the buzz words. For each round, each team has one minute to guess 4 words. If the word is guessed, move on to the next clue and receive a point. If the word is not guessed, the te

Honors level Mitosis/Meiosis presentation. Many pictures. Includes summative Venn Diagram comparison at the end and interactive questioning throughout. Includes information on Karyotypes and pre-natal testing