Biology Lesson Plans

Need more ideas for your microscope unit or want ideas for additional stations? Try these sites...
JLab Microscopes
Molecular Expressions

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Pond Water Survey (T. (Trimpe) Tomm, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL)

An easy way to fascinate your students is to allow them to investigate samples of pond water (whether a large farm pond or small backyard pond.) They are sure to find little critters zooming around the slide. You will need to gather several samples (or have the students bring in their own), microscopes, and identification guides. Golden Guide publishes an inexpensive Pond Water booklet that contains lots of pictures and information. Follow-up discussions of finds will provide students with the chance to use biological terms to compare and contrast different forms of life. The updated version listed below includes additional lesson activities challenging students to create food chains using plants and animals found in or near a pond. It also includes templates for aquatic invertebrate trading cards.

A great resource for teachers with little biology background is to check with your local Department of Conservation or Natural History Survey. I was able to recruit a couple biologists along with their cool equipment and samples to work along with my students during class. My students were able to see organisms from the Illinois River and I loved having help in an area that I have little training.

A few years ago my district purchased a video flex microscope camera. Using this technology, my students are able to create a video documentary of our pond organisms. Each spring and fall we document our research and compare the changes that occur throughout the year.

Updated 7/2006: Pond Water Survey (pdf) - Contains teacher notes, discussion questions, and student worksheets.

Also available ...
Pond Water Webs (pdf) - Investigate food chains and webs that exists in a pond habitat. Download includes teacher notes, student worksheet, answer key, and Life in a Pond cards. A Power Point presentation is also available for use with interactive whiteboards.

Need identification guides? Visit the Pond Water Links page of the Kid Zone.

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Hydra Investigation (T. (Trimpe) Tomm, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL)

During this lab activity, students observe the characteristics of life as they complete the lab worksheet. I have adapted the basic lab found in my textbook (Prentice Hall) to include an information section. Students will need to use various reference sources and deductive skills to fill in the blanks.

For this activity (which takes one class period) you will need microscopes, depression slides, toothpicks, fish food, vinegar, and a supply of hydra (available through science supply companies for a small amount of $$). I use a small eyedropper to get the hydra from the vial to the slide - one slide for 2 to 3 students.

Student Worksheet: Hydra Lab

Worksheet Answers: Part A: 1. jellyfish, 2. Cnidaria,3. cells, 4. tentacles, 5. ponds, 6. streams, 7. ingest, 8. excrete, 9. stinging, 10. paralyze, 11. creeping, 12. looping, 13. regenerate, 14. tissue, 15. organism, 16. multicellular, 17. hermaphroditic, 18. sex cells, 19. budding, 20. separate Part B: Step 1: Check diagrams and labels; Step 2: Hydra will “draw” in its tentacles or possibly attach to toothpick, Step 3: Hydra will move towards the food and “nibble” on it. Part C: Various answers might include movement, metabolism (ingestion, excretion), reproduction (if buds are present), and responds to environment.

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Classification Challenges (T. (Trimpe) Tomm, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL)

I designed this activity to allow students to practice invertebrate and vertebrate classification using the organisms discussed in our Prentice Hall textbook called the Parade of Life: Animals. Teacher notes, student worksheets, and organism cards are included in the downloades listed below. You will also need the classification mats, which needs to be printed regular-sized paper and taped together to form one mat.

Classy Invertebrates: Invertebrate Classification Challenge (PDF), Classification Mat (PDF), Invertebrate Classification Quiz (PDF) , and Classy Invertebrates PowerPoint (PPT)
Also check out a version of the Invertebrate Cards with color photographs - submitted by Jessica Ruffin

Classy Vertebrates: Vertebrate Classification Challenge (PDF), Classification Mat (PDF), Critter Cards (PDF), Vertebrate Classification Quiz (PDF), and Classy Vertebrates PowerPoint (PPT)

Also check out ...
Classification of Life (pdf) - I use this worksheet during our classification unit at the beginning of the year.  Links are available on the Kid Zone!
Silly Science - a dichotomous key activity in General Science section!


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Incredible Edible Cells (T. (Trimpe) Tomm, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL)

This annual favorite was adapted from the old favorite - Jello cells! The project is a great addition to any cell unit and provides a tasty treat for your students. Refer to the Student Worksheet for details and instructions. I have also provided a student worksheet for a nonedible cell project.

Student Worksheet: Incredible Edible Cell (pdf)
Nonedible Option: Incredible Cells (pdf)

Another idea ...
Cell-ebrate Science - Aprons, Shirts, or Lab Coats decorated with cells - Thanks to Jody Hodges for developing this great project!  Students use permanent markers or fabric paint to create their own attire by coloring the lettering and adding diagrams of cells.  Your students might also like to make their own GUTS shirts!  Visit her webpage on Facebook for more details and pictures of completed projects!   

 

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Construction Zone (T. (Trimpe) Tomm, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL with inspiration from Stacy Baker)

This project was created for 5th grade students at my school to give them an "inside" view of a cell. Students work as construction teams to build a 3-D model of a cell. They are required to label the organelles with names and functions. Students have used PVC pipe for frames or obtained large boxes from our local appliance store. Students also use the sites on the Biology page of the Kid Zone and their textbooks to research the organelles.

Student Worksheet: Construction Zone (pdf)

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Mitosis Flip Books (T. (Trimpe) Tomm, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL)

This project (passed down to me from a fellow teacher) is based on the old cartoon flip book idea. Students use template cards (printed on cover stock or glued to index cards) to create a booklet that illustrates the steps involved in cell division. After reviewing the stages in cell division (see the Mitosis Note page below), I provide a set of templates (see Mitosis Book below) for them to use to make a flip book. From phase to phase, they must draw diagrams to show the changes that occur throughout the process. I encourage "color coding" to make the end effect easy to follow. Once all the Pages are completed and in the correct order, students use a heavy duty stapler to bind them together. They can flip through the pages and "see" mitosis in action.

Mitosis Flip Books
Student Worksheets: Mitosis Notes (pdf) and Mitosis Books (pdf)
Also available: Mitosis Masters- Templates for the cell division cards.

Also available ...

Mitosis PowerPoint - Thanks to Julie Camp for sharing this powerpoint related to asexual reproduction.

Electronic Mitosis Flip Book - Thanks to Tami Cooper for sharing this lesson. A PowerPoint sample is also available.

Meiosis Flip Books - Thanks to Sandy Powell (American Falls High School, American Falls, ID) for sharing her flip book masters for meiosis!
Student Worksheets: Meiosis Masters - Page 1 (pdf), Page 2 (pdf), Page 3 (pdf), Page 4 (pdf), and Page 5 (pdf)

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Genetics with a Smile (T. (Trimpe) Tomm, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL)

During this activity students use pennies to determine the traits for a smiley face, then use Microsoft Word to create the smiley face. After students have completed the faces, I display them in the classroom and have students use their knowledge of genetics to answer questions about smiley faces, traits, and probability.

Student Worksheets:

Genetics with a Smile Project (pdf) - Chart for recording smiley face traits as well as a "key" of traits. Microsoft Word Directions (pdf) - Print out the directions to help your students learn how to use the drawing tools in Microsoft Word. Genetics with a Smile Wrapping It Up (pdf) - Use this page after the smiley faces are completed to wrap up the activity. Genetic with a Smile Teacher's Page (pdf) - Includes directions and tips for teachers as well as a sample smiley face!
	A few of the smiley faces created by my students!

Other ideas to try...
• Connect with another classroom and share your results with them! Challenge students to summarize the similarities and differences between the smileys created in your school and those at your partner school.
• Challenge your students to pair up two smileys as "new" parents and then flip a penny to determine the traits for a new baby. The students can then draw the baby smiley and compare the results to the parent smileys. (Thanks to Nancy Nega for this great idea!)
• Another twist for the new baby idea - instead of making just one baby, have the students create a display that shows the possible outcomes if two smileys had a baby. Students can provide expected rates of occurrence for each trait based on the parent's traits and compare those to the results of their classmates.

Other goodies for genetics...

Punnet Square Practice - Thanks to Peggy Lenz for sharing this powerpoint and directions that she uses to review for the test. 

Genetics with Sponge Bob (pdf) - What happens when SpongeBob SquarePants marries SpongeSusie RoundPants? Explore the genetics of Sponge Bob and his pals with this fun worksheet! An answer key is provided! 

Genetics with SpongeBob 2 (pdf) - A second helping of Bikini Bottom fun exploring the genetics of SpongeBob and his pals! An answer key is provided.

Genetics with SpongeBob - Incomplete Dominance (pdf) - This worksheet provides several practice problems related to incomplete dominance with Poofkins (a special kind of flower) and Goobers (a special breed of jellyfish!) An answer key is provided.

Genetics with SpongeBob - Dihybrid (pdf) - This worksheet was contributed by Andrea Stonebraker and challenges students to complete dihybird crosses.

Genetics with SpongeBob Review (pdf) - Use this worksheet to review Punnett Squares. An answer key is provided.

SpongeBob Genetics Quiz (pdf) - Challenge your students to use their knowledge of genetics with this SpongeBob quiz.

NOTE:  SpongeBob SquarePants and all related characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

Genetics Challenge puzzle (pdf) - I use this worksheet to review key terms from our unit on genetics.

Genetics Word Search (pdf) - A word search with terms from genetics as well as an added challenge related to scientists who have made contributions to the field of genetics!
Challenge Answers:  Chargaff, Crick, Watson, Franklin, Mendel, and Wilkins

Genetics Ethics - This powerpoint provides links to three online videos along with related discussion questions to explore the ethical issues surrounding genetics and genetic engineering.

DNA Challenge (pdf) - How many words can you make from the letters in deoxyribonucleic acid? The record in my classroom is 763! Way to go, Alicia J.!

Want more ideas for genetics? Visit the Genetics Lesson Plan Links page!

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DNA Keychains

My students make DNA key chains (original idea from DNA Jewelry) from beads and wire and then use them for a lesson about DNA replication.

Activity Files:
DNA Keychain Guide (pdf) - Provides an overview of the activity as well as list of materials, tips, and a student guide.
DNA Keychains (PPT) - A Power POint presentation to use as students make the keychains and includes an answer key for the DNA Replication activity listed below.
DNA Replication (pdf) - Explore the replication process using the student-made keychains. The worksheet also introduces the process of protein synthesis.

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Protein Power Game (T. (Trimpe) Tomm, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL)

I developed this game to help my students understand the process of protein synthesis and reinforce the functions of various cell organelles.  It was a big hit with the kids and we referred back to it many times throughout the unit.

Game Files:
Teacher Information (pdf) - Provides an overview of the game as well as a list of materials, tips, and ideas for extension activities.
Organelle Cards (pdf) - Masters to use for the organelle necklaces for the game.
Protein Models (pdf) - This page shows the protein models the students need to make during the game.
Student Worksheet (pdf) - Activity sheet that includes background information and review questions.
Protein Power PPT - PowerPoint used to introduce the game as well as review what they have learned.

Also available ...

Cell Organelle Chart (pdf) - Students cut apart small cards to use to complete the chart that outlines the functions of each organelle as well as memory clues that can be used to help them remember the functions.  I allow my students to use their own memory clues if they want to create their own. 

Cell Diagram Coloring Page (pdf) - This worksheet contains two diagrams (animal cell and plant cell) along with a color key they can use to customize their worksheet. 

Protein Synthesis Drama (Submitted by Steve Tester, Alexandria City Public Schools, VA)
For this activity exploring protein synthesis, students are assigned roles and and play different parts of the protein synthesis process. Download the files below for complete details.
Project Worksheets - Protein Synthesis Outline (pdf) and Protein Synthesis Activity Codes (pdf)

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Egg-cellent Ideas for Osmosis and Diffusion (Submitted by Sue Remshak, Lake Bluff Middle School, Lake Bluff, IL)

During this activity students investigate the concepts of osmosis and diffusion using eggs. To prepare for the activity, have students carefully measure and record the circumference of the raw egg as well as its mass. Place the egg in a beaker filled with white vinegar and allow time for students to record their observations. Store the eggs in a refrigerator for 24 hours. Allow time for students to record their observations. Return the egg to the refrigerator for another 24 hours. After 48 hours have elapsed, observe the egg's appearance. Students should carefully remove the egg from the beaker and record its measurements. Allow time for students to write an explanation of their observations using the correct vocabulary.
Teacher Info: A chemical reaction occurs between the vinegar and the calcium carbonate in the egg shell. The bubbles of carbon dioxide that form on the egg and rise to the surface are evidence of this reaction. The shell dissolves in the vinegar and leaves a film on the surface of the vinegar. However, the membrane remains on the egg. The size of the egg increases because of the movement of water in the vinegar through the cell membrane. Since water moves from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, this process is called osmosis. Obviously, none of the materials on the inside of the egg are able to pass through the membrane.

For the second portion of the activity, you will need plain water, blue water (food coloring in water), molasses, and corn syrup. First, have the students determine the mass of the egg and record it in the table. They should pour 150 ml of each substance into its own beaker. Add the eggs and store in a refrigerator for 24 hours. After 24 hours, have the students remove the eggs from the beakers and record their observations. Students should record the volume of liquid in the beaker as well as the mass of the egg. Finally, have the students use a toothpick to pop the egg membrane and record their observations. Be sure to have paper towels handy as some eggs may squirt!) Allow time for students to write an explanation of their observations using the correct vocabulary.
Teacher Info: The egg in plain water and blue water will become slightly larger because water will pass into egg through the membrane by the process of osmosis. There will be blue food coloring in the egg from the blue water since both water and food coloring can pass through the membrane. The egg in corn syrup and molasses will decrease in size because water from inside the egg flow through the membrane into the syrup or molasses. It moves from a higher concentration inside the egg to a lower concentration in the corn syrup. Once again, this is called osmosis. The corn syrup and molasses molecules are too large to pass through the membrane. Observant students will not only notice an increase of volume in the beaker, but they will also see a thin layer of water resting on top of the syrup and molasses.

To illustrate the concept of diffusion, add a drop or two of extract (vanilla, bubble gum, lemon, or cinnamon) into a deflated balloon. Blow up the balloon, tie it off, and place inside a shoe box. To make sure the lid stays on the box, use masking tape to secure it. During class, ask students to life one end of the shoe box lid and smell the contents. Their eyes should remain closed when they do this. Ask each student to reveal what they smelled. Show the class what was inside the box and instruct them to draw a picture and record their observations. Challenge students to write an explanation (using the correct vocabulary) of why the box smells like the scent when it was only put inside the balloon.
Teacher Info: The shoe box smelled of the scent even though it was only placed on the inside of the balloon due to the process of diffusion. Every balloon has microscopic holes in its surface. The vapors were able to pass through the membrane from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. However, the liquid scent molecules were too large to pass through the membrane.

Another way to illustrate osmosis and diffusion is using a tea bag and some water. During class, place a tea bag in a beaker of warm water. Allow time for students to record their observations. Challenge them to write an explanation using the correct vocabulary.
Teacher Info: Water flows by osmosis into the tea bag. The students can see this if you remove the tea bag from the beaker and squeeze it to see the water come out. The tea leaves diffuse through the tea bag and into the water; this changes both the color and flavor of the water in the beaker.

Student Worksheet: Osmosis & Diffusion (html)

Internet Lessons

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