Category: Anatomy
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Compare a Human and Chimpanzee Skeleton
This handout can be used in discussions on the evolution of bipedalism or in any unit on the skeletal system. Students label the bones of the skeleton and make comparisons between the forelimbs, hind limbs, and pelvis. I created this handout to compliment an evolutionary lesson and video from HHMI on the “Origin of Humans”…
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Investigation: What Factors Affect Lung Capacity
In this investigation, students use balloons and rulers to estimate the vital capacity of lungs using test subjects within the class. To perform the test, subjects take a deep breath and blow into a balloon. The diameter is measured and a graph is used to estimate the volume of air expelled based on the diameter…
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How to Learn the 12 Cranial Nerves
Learn the 12 cranial nerves with this simple mnemonic and coloring worksheet, appropriate for high school anatomy students.
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Zoobiquity – Review and Discussion Questions
I try to read at least one non-fiction book per year to try to keep myself up to date and inspired with new knowledge and advances in medicine. I have a classroom set of “Stiff” that I require my AP Biology students to read during the unit on anatomy. Recently, in a graduate class…
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Comparing a Human and Avian Skeleton
Students often learn the bones of a human skeleton in health, but biology class can reinforce these lessons by comparing the human skeleton to that of other vertebrates. In this case, students color the skeleton of a bird and a human according to the directions. The colors will illustrate how many of the bones…
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Frog Anatomy Coloring Worksheet
This simple worksheet can supplement a lab or dissection of the frog. Each of the numbers on the frog image corresponds with a text description of the structure and instructions on how to color it. There are a few questions at the end, mainly matching the structure to it’s function, but overall this activity is…
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Case Study – What’s Wrong with Timothy?
The endocrine system can be a difficult subject to cover in anatomy. It isn’t as showy as the other systems where you can label organs or dissect an eyeball. Students must also memorize a number of hormones and their functions which have complicated names like thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine. When I first started teaching anatomy,…
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Investigation: How Does Temperature Affect Respiration Rates
This lab is focused on fish and the metabolism of ectothermic (warm-blooded) animals. The investigation also be useful for beginning students in reinforcing good lab procedures and graphing. I’m always surprised by how many students have difficulty reading thermometers and setting up a water bath. This lab has been redesigned to make it simple and quick.…
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The Anatomy of a Bony Fish
Learn the anatomy of the fish with this coloring worksheet. Student Activity This coloring worksheet. provides a basic overview of the anatomy of a bony fish. Students color the fish according to the directions with each organ and fins being labeled by number. Students will not need a reference to complete the activity, as…
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Activity: Which Disease Is the Worst?
In this activity, students work in groups to read about different types of diseases and ultimately rank them from the least dangerous to the most dangerous. There is no actual right answer to this, and the cards are designed to foster discussion and provide a basic overview of the types of pathogens that cause…
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Cow Eye Dissection
Students dissect a cow eye as part of a unit on anatomy or the senses. This guide contains step by step instructions on how to cut the eye and identify the major features. Cow eyes can be purchased from Amazon or biology supply companies. You can also use sheep eyes, which are slightly less expensive.…
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Investigation: Rat Dissection
Provides instructions for dissecting a preserved rat. Students start with the external anatomy, then locate muscles, bones, and then the major organs.
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Toxicology Resources for the Biology Class
Resources for investigating how poison affects animal physiology. Students can read the “Poisoner’s Handbook” and perform experiments on worms.
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External Anatomy of the Grasshopper
Dissection guide for the grasshopper. Focuses on the external anatomy: legs, mouth parts, segments, includes a labeling and coloring.
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What Can Bird Beaks Tell You About Their Lifestyle?
Worksheet showing bird images where students determine their lifestyle based on the shape of their beaks and feet.