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Bringing Real-World STEM Experiences to the Classroom by using miniPCR For schools grappling with budget constraints, biotech equipment costs can make it difficult to give students true-to-life learning experiences. One biology teacher has found a new resource that makes real-world instruction more affordable. View »
Using the Concepts Associated with Providing Clean Drinking Water to Teach Science: An Interdisciplinary Approach Introducing students to the issues associated with safe drinking water is a great real-world, interdisciplinary way to teach science. View »
From Jellyfish to the Bench: How Green Fluorescent Protein Is Used in Research Students may be familiar with green fluorescent protein (GFP) from classwork or seeing transgenic animals in their local pet store. However, they may not know that it’s also an important research tool. Use this overview to help them discover how scientists use GFP to study many of the major questions in biology. View »
Examples to Use When Teaching About Selection and Evolution: Fox Domestication and Poison Resistance in Rodents To make abstract science concepts more concrete, teachers often use real-life examples. But even classic examples can lose their appeal. Refresh your lessons on evolution and selection with 2 less well known examples. View »
Snakeheads Invade the United States Teach your students about the challenges nonnative species pose by focusing on a current example, the northern snakehead fish. Native to China, Russia, and Korea, this fish has established breeding populations in several states. Find out how this might have happened and what scientists are doing about it. View »
The Science Behind Lactose Intolerance Rumbly tummy after that milkshake? It could be lactose intolerance. In this brief overview, we’ll examine its causes, symptoms, and genetic underpinnings—plus point you toward some resources for further investigation. View »
Population Genetics and Evolution: Asking the Right Questions AP® Biology: It’s a question of shifting population genetics! Apply the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium model with Wisconsin Fast Plants® and independent student research. See a sample student question sheet from our featured kit’s activities. View »
Studying Genomes in the Madagascar Forest Using miniPCR® When it’s difficult to bring DNA samples to a lab, why not bring the lab to the samples? Find out how a portable thermal cycler is changing the way a biological anthropologist performs her research. View »
Having Friends Over for Lunch: The Mutualism of Paramecium bursaria and Endosymbiotic Algae When you teach symbiosis and endosymbiotic theory, consider using Paramecium bursaria, a protist that forms a mutualistic relationship with algae. View »
Fever and Immune Response The human body uses many mechanisms to maintain a stable internal environment known as homeostasis. A fever is a good example of a response that takes the body outside of its normal temperature range in an effort to eliminate infection. View »
Butterfly Necklace Use this activity to give students an understanding of the life cycle of the painted lady butterfly. Includes materials list and step-by-step instructions. View »
Meet the 12-Spotted Lady Beetle Explore the fascinating life cycle of the lady beetle with the help of this infographic. View »
How Do They Hiss? and Other Madagascar Hissing Cockroach Questions Answered The Madagascar hissing cockroach is one of the most widely recognized exotic insects because of its large size and dynamic behavior. Read on to learn more about it . . . View »
Human Body: Lymphatic System Teach the vital role of the lymphatic system with this infographic. View »
Human Body: Lymphatic System Review Review lymphatic system structure and function with this graphic organizer. View »
The Role of the Lymphatic System This activity focuses on the lymphatic system and kinds of allergic reactions. View »
Think Single-Celled Organisms Are Simple? Think Again! The Slime Mold Physarum polycephalum, a Single-Celled Organism for Student Investigations The slime mold Physarum polycephalum, a single-celled organism, can be used for demonstration and discussion of many subjects, including life cycles, chemotaxis, cytoplasmic streaming, and basic decision-making. View »
Debunking the 4° C Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Myth Do samples need to be refrigerated immediately after PCR? No. You can leave them at room temperature overnight—and much longer! The founders of miniPCR® explore why. View »
Bees at School Bradley James, co-owner of Beepods, explains the benefits of keeping bees at school. Learn about the buzz, and why bees are the perfect organism to engage students and promote hands-on learning. View »
Bioluminescence Explained Learn how bioluminescent organisms produce light, and explore the evolution behind this fascinating concept of biology. It’s more brilliant than you think . . . View »
Teaching About the Human Body Systems Are you ready to enhance your body systems curricula? Check out our free resources for teaching body systems. Pair them with models, dissection specimens and supplies, safety equipment, and more. View »