Articles & News

Per page
Sort by

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 »
What's the Big Idea? Understanding the Laboratory Experience in the AP* Chemistry Curriculum If you teach AP* Chemistry, you’re already aware, or need to be, that changes to the course curriculum are here, which means you’ll probably have to change your classroom instruction. To help relieve your anxiety, here’s an overview of the course revisions, some important dates to remember, and 2 ways Carolina can help to ensure your success during this transition. View »
Coming into the Genome Age Part III: The Molecular Genetic Basis of PTC Tasting This experiment links genotype to phenotype and puts a contemporary spin on an old standby of classical genetics. View »
Coming into the Genome Age Part II: Exploring Human Variation and Evolution This article introduces an experiment that allows students to use their own DNA differences (polymorphisms) to explore human variation, relatedness, and evolution. View »
Coming into the Genome Age Part I: The Challenge to Science Education Explore resources and activities from the Dolan DNA Learning Center. View »
Coming into the Genome Age Part IV: Detecting Transgenes in Genetically Modified Food Molecular genetic techniques have been used to add transgenes into the genomes of a number of important food plants. View »
Give Your Students That "A-ha" Moment Carolina is proud to announce its partnership with the educational outreach team of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology to provide educational kits that give students that “aha!” moment. The Institute’s educational products focus on addressing common student misconceptions and introducing students to potential career paths in biotechnology. The Institute also provides valuable FREE digital resources for educators. View »
Bees, Butterflies, and Flowers Introduce your students to the symbiotic relationships between these organisms and to their impact on our food supply and environment. Carolina product developer Brent Atkinson offers background information, a brief discussion of each relationship, and tips for using your schoolyard to attract and sustain pollinating insects. 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 »
Bacteriophages in Human Disease: Friends and Foes Help your students understand the connection between bacteriophages and human disease. This scholarly overview explores how bacteriophages have helped and hindered humans in their quest to overcome certain diseases. Use it as assigned reading or to kick off a classroom discussion. 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 »
Carolina's Recommended Reading for AP® Biology Teaching AP® Biology this year? Go beyond the textbook and take students on an exploration of key concepts with these teacher-tested and recommended books. 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 »
Environmental Health Concerns: Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins Cyanobacteria are ubiquitous throughout US waterways, and not all are benign. Introduce your students to environmental and human health concerns caused by cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins. 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 »
Video: Comparing DNA Sequences This engaging video by science teacher Paul Andersen shows you how to compare DNA sequences to understand evolutionary relationships. 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 »
Human Body: Integumentary System Teach the role of the integumentary system with this infographic. 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 »