Author: Admin

  • Why Does Biology Corner Have Advertisements?

    Why Does Biology Corner Have Advertisements?

    When I started this website in 2001, it was a simple project required to earn my graduate degree in educational technology.  At the time, all of the pages were created by writing html into a text file.  It was a painstakingly long process and the pages never really looked like I wanted them to.  Eventually,…

  • Color the North American Biomes

    Color the North American Biomes

    This coloring activity is suitable for beginning biology students who are learning about the plants and animals found in each major biome.  The worksheet does require a basic geography knowledge, which I found somewhat lacking in my freshman students.   I usually place a large map of North America on the overhead projector for students…

  • Color the Neuron and Neuroglia

    Color the Neuron and Neuroglia

    Students can practice what they have learned about neurons with this simple coloring activity. The page shows features of the neuron, such as the axons and dendrites. They will also color the supporting cells of the matrix. There are no instructions, students must identify each of the types of glial cells:  oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, microglial cells, ,…

  • Investigation:  What Factors Affect Cricket Chirps?

    Investigation: What Factors Affect Cricket Chirps?

    One of my favorite scientific method activities was a project that used a flash simulation to investigate cricket chirps and how the frequency is affected by temperature, humidity and wind speed.  Unfortunately, flash is no longer supported by modern browsers.   This alternative assignment asks students to listen (and count) cricket chirps, create a data…

  • Investigation: Estimating Population Size

    Investigation: Estimating Population Size

    In this investigation, students simulate how mark and recapture techniques are used to estimate population size.   Prepare populations in advance by gathering 60-150 small objects, like toy spiders,  beans, or beads.   Toy animals seem to be more exciting for students, and you can sometimes find them at dollar stores.  In my class, I…

  • Manipulate DNA in a Simulation to Explore Mutations

    Manipulate DNA in a Simulation to Explore Mutations

    This activity uses a simulation from the Concord Consortium. It shows how DNA is transcribed to RNA and then turned into a protein.  It’s a very clear animation and can be used on its own as part of a lecture on protein synthesis. I have even used this as a demonstration to show protein folding…

  • Case Study:  How Did the Guppy Get His Color?

    Case Study: How Did the Guppy Get His Color?

    This case study examines evolution in guppies as evidenced by color variation in populations.  It is based on an iconic study performed by John Endler where he collected data on guppies by scoring the size, number, and brightness of spots. Students progress though the slides (lecture and discussion), and examine details of Endler’s study, such as where…

  • The Anatomy of the Kidney and Nephron

    The Anatomy of the Kidney and Nephron

    This coloring worksheet asks students to color the kidney to identify where structures like the medulla, cortex, renal vessels and ureters are located.   Another image focuses on an individual nephron to identify the glomerulus, proximal and distal tubules, and the Loop of Henle. This worksheet is intended for advanced students of anatomy.  Students will…

  • Investigation: Photosynthesis and Leaf Discs

    Investigation: Photosynthesis and Leaf Discs

    As photosynthesis takes place, oxygen is released and causes the leaf to float. The number of floating disk is a measure of the rate of photosynthesis.

  • Student Activities on the Importance of Observation

    Student Activities on the Importance of Observation

    This activity combines literature with science as a fun way to show students how important it is to make good observations in science.

  • Why I’m Changing My Classroom Phone Policy

    Why I’m Changing My Classroom Phone Policy

    Last year, I decided to run a social experiment with my honors class.  This was a small class of 18 students taking Advanced Placement Biology, with a mix of juniors and seniors.   The experiment was to see if these digital natives could handle having an open policy on cell phones.   I allowed them…

  • Study Planarian Regeneration with Scalpels

    Study Planarian Regeneration with Scalpels

    Students study a freshwater planarian by exploring its movements and cutting it in half to observe regeneration