10 Great Biology Activities and Lessons

Biology activities and lessons allow students to investigate and learn about biology through hands-on experience. Below is a list of 10 great biology activities and lessons for K-12 teachers and students.

K-8 Activities and Lessons

1. Cells

The Cell as a System: This activity enables students to explore the components of a cell and how they work together as a system.

Objectives: Students will identify major cell components; know structures and functions of components; understand how the parts of a cell interact together.

Resources:
Cell Anatomy - Discover the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Cell Organelles - Learn about the types of organelles and their function within cells.

15 Differences Between Animal and Plant Cells - Identify 15 ways in which animal cells and plant cells differ from one another.

2. Mitosis

Mitosis and Cell Division: This lesson introduces students to the process of cell mitosis.

Objectives: Students will understand the processes of cell reproduction and chromosome replication.

Resources:
Mitosis - This stage-by-stage guide to mitosis describes the major events that occur in each mitotic stage.

Mitosis Glossary - This glossary lists commonly used mitosis terms.

Mitosis Quiz - This quiz is designed to test your knowledge of the mitotic process.

3. Meiosis

Meiosis and Gamete Production: This activity helps students explore meiosis and sex cell production.

Objectives: Students will describe the steps in meiosis and understand the difference between mitosis and meiosis.

Resources:
Stages of Meiosis - This illustrated guide describes each stage of meiosis.

7 Differences Between Mitosis and Meiosis - Discover 7 differences between the division processes of mitosis and meiosis.

4. Owl Pellet Dissection

Dissecting Owl Pellets: This activity allows students to explore owl eating habits and digestion through dissecting owl pellets.

Objectives: Students learn how to examine, gather, and interpret data through owl pellet dissections.

Resources:Online Dissections - These virtual dissection resources allow you to experience actual dissections without all of the mess.

5. Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis and How Plants Make Food: This lesson explores photosynthesis and how plants use light to make food.

Objectives: Students will discover how plants make food, transport water, and the importance of plants to the environment.

Resources:
The Magic of Photosynthesis - Discover how plants turn sunlight into energy.

Plant Chloroplasts - Find out how chloroplasts make photosynthesis possible.

Photosynthesis Quiz - Test your knowledge of photosynthesis by taking this quiz.

8-12 Activities and Lessons

1. Mendelian Genetics

Using Drosophila to Teach Genetics: This activity is designed to help students apply basic genetics concepts to a living organism.

Objective: Students learn how to use the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, to apply knowledge of heredity and Mendelian genetics.

Resources:
Mendelian Genetics - Explore how traits are passed from parents to offspring.

Genetic Dominance Patterns - Examine the differences among complete dominance, incomplete dominance, and co-dominance relationships.

Polygenic Inheritance - Discover the types of traits that are determined by multiple genes.

2. Extracting DNA

Extracting DNA: This activity is designed to help students learn about the structure and function of DNA through DNA extraction.

Objectives: Students understand relationships between DNA, chromosomes, and genes. They understand how to extract DNA from living sources.

Resources: DNA From a Banana - Try this simple experiment that demonstrates how to extract DNA from a banana.

Make a DNA Model Using Candy - Discover a sweet and fun way to make a DNA model using candy.

3. The Ecology of Your Skin

Bacteria That Live on the Skin: In this activity, students discover the diverse organisms that live on the human body.

Objectives: Students examine the relationship between humans and skin bacteria.

Resources:
Bacteria That Live on Your Skin - Discover 5 types of bacteria that live on your skin.

Microbe Ecosystems of the Body - The human microbiome includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even mites.

A Guide to Different Types of Pathogens - Learn about six types of pathogens that can make you sick.

Top 5 Reasons to Wash Your Hands - Washing and drying your hands properly is a simple and effective way to prevent the spread of disease.

4. The Heart

Heart to Heart: This lesson helps students explore heart function, structure, and blood pumping activity.

Objectives: Students explore the anatomy of the heart and blood circulation.

Resources:
Heart Anatomy - This guide provides and overview of the function and anatomy of the heart.

Circulatory System - Learn about the pulmonary and systemic paths of blood circulation.

5. Cellular Respiration

ATP Please!: This lesson helps students explore the role of mitochondria in ATP production during aerobic cellular respiration.

Objectives: Students will be able to identify the steps of ATP production and the function of cell mitochondria.

Resources:

Cellular Respiration - Discover how cells harvest the energy from the foods we eat.

Glycolysis - This is the first step of cellular respiration where glucose is split into two molecules for the production of ATP.

Citric Acid Cycle - Also known as the Krebs Cycle, this is the second step of cellular respiration.

Electron Transport Chain - The majority of ATP production occurs in this final stage of cellular respiration.

Mitochondria - These cell organelles are the sites of aerobic cellular respiration.

Biology Experiments

For information on science experiments and lab resources, see:

• Biology Science Project Ideas - Discover great ideas for biology related science projects.
• Biology Lab Safety Rules - Follow these tips to learn how to stay safe in biology lab.