Category: Worksheets
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Microscope Labeling
This simple worksheet pairs with a lesson on the light microscope, where beginning biology students learn the parts of the light microscope and the steps needed to focus a slide under high power.
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Measuring Biodiversity Using Beans
Students analyze a community of beans (pinto, lima, navy) to determine the richness, abundance, and biodiversity index of two communities.
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Estimating Population Size: A Netlogo Simulation
Students learn how the “mark and recapture” technique can be used to estimate population sizes by using a netlogo simulation that allows students to alter variables such as population size, and number of individuals marked.
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Random Sampling
Students model how field biologists would use a sampling technique to estimate the number of sunflowers in a field. First, they choose 10 plots at random by choosing paper slips, then take the average of those plots. The worksheet walks them through the steps of then using the average and the overall size of the…
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Calculate the Biodiversity Index of a Beach
This activity asks students to sort seashells and calculate the Simpson’s biodiversity index. The calculation is based on the number species in an area, dependent upon richness (number of unique species) and abundance (number of individual species).
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The Lesson of the Kaibab
This activity asks students to graph the number of kaibab deer on the plateau after predators were removed, then analyze data and develop a better plan.
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Color and Label the Nephron
Practice labeling the nephron with this reinforcement activity. Students can also color the image to identify the major structures of the nephron: glomerulus, bowman’s capsule, proximal and distal tubules, loop of Henle, collecting duct and capillaries. This was designed to go with a larger unit on how the urinary system and kidneys help the body…
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Niche Partitioning – Gorongosa Phenomenon
Explore niche partitioning in Gorongosa with this interactive graph and activity.
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Ecology Lesson on Trophic Cascades
This year I decided to change the way I teach the last unit of the year, which is ecology. Our textbook is really old, and not aligned to NGSS. The lessons followed a familiar “old-school” pattern: take notes mainly about definitions, do an activity or lab, then take a quiz. This year, I wanted to…