Biology

Bounce into rubber: Natural latex from Thailand

This lesson for grade nine investigates the natural latex rubber sources from Thailand. Students complete research and experiments to determine which plants from Thailand are sources of latex, and explore images of rubber harvesting in Thailand.

Format: (grade 9 Science)

By Robin Bartoletti.

Termites, ink pens and pheromones

Students will investigate the behavior of termites to understand and use the scientific method.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

By Jacki Clark.

What happens to plant cells in hypertonic and hypotonic solutions?

Students will be using actual laboratory examples and classroom examples to understand the movement of molecules across the cell membrane. Looking at weight change in potato cells, color change in diffusion, and the shrinking of living tissue will allow the student to experience diffusion and osmosis.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

By Tricia Kershner.

Lesson plans on the web

Animals versus people: Who's the better navigator?

This Xpeditions lesson asks students to focus on people's innate navigational abilities. They first read about animal navigation and then compare animal and human navigational capabilities. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9 Science and English Language Arts)

Provider: National Geographic

The best hope for northern right whales

Students research current and proposed methods of assisting the recovery of northern right whale populations. Students conduct Internet research to investigate the best strategies to help save right whales. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provider: National Geographic

The Chernobyl disaster

In this lesson, from Science NetLinks, students discover how a nuclear accident can affect biological systems. By examining the case of the Chernobyl nuclear meltdown in 1986, students study the adverse effects of high doses of radiation on biological systems. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Cracking the genetic code

In this Science NetLinks lesson, students research and write a feature article on the Human Genome Project. They come to understand what the knowledge of DNA can tell us about ourselves and other organisms and species, as well as learn about the systematic study of the human genome. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Lasers saving sight

The purpose of this Science NetLinks lesson is to understand that problems are solved, or new technology discovered, by scientists using information from disciplines other than their own. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Plasmolysis in Elodea plant cells

In this Science NetLinks lesson, students microscopically detect the presence of chloroplasts, cell walls and cell membranes of the common aquarium plant, Elodea. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Robotic arm

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, you'll hear about a real-life robotic arm that may help stroke victims regain control of their movement. (Learn more)

Format: activity (grade 6–7 and 9–12 Science)

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Sharks: Setting the record straight

In this lesson, students investigate sharks' importance to the ecosystem, recent shark attacks, legislation regarding shark feeding, and the geographical distribution of shark attacks in the United States. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provider: National Geographic

Toxicology and human health

This Science NetLinks lesson is part of a three-part series on toxicology, the scientific study of poisons and their affect on biological systems. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science

What goes around comes around!

In this lesson students will model the cycles of matter by creating an ecosystem in a jar. They will also give research based oral presentations on the carbon, water and nitrogen cycles. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provider: Utah Education Network