Category: Worksheets

  • Claim, Evidence, Reasoning  (CER) Science Topics

    Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) Science Topics

    A list of topics and articles for students to use to practice claim, evidence, and reasoning.

  • Macromolecules: Sketchnotes

    In the past, I’ve had students create concept maps to help them organize the four macromolecules and related details.  This year, I modified the assignment to try to encourage the use of sketching to help students remember the details.  Students were asked to focus on one of the four macromolecules:  lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, or…

  • Cell Membrane and Transport

    Cell Membrane and Transport

    This reinforcement worksheet displays a graphic of the cell membrane showing the phospholipid bilayer and embedded proteins.    Students identify structures within the bilayer and use reasoning to determine how molecules are moving across the membrane in response to a hypertonic solution. Worksheet was designed for freshman level biology classes who are studying osmosis and…

  • Explore Anatomy – Color the Bones of the Hand

    Explore Anatomy – Color the Bones of the Hand

    Learning anatomy can feel daunting, but there are plenty of ways to make it more engaging and interactive. One great way to help students understand the structure of the human hand is through a hands-on (pun intended!) coloring exercise. By coloring the bones of the hand, students can reinforce their understanding of how these structures…

  • McMush Lab

    McMush Lab

    I designed this investigation for AP biology though it could be modified to work with students in introductory biology classes.  First students learn the four macromolecules important to life: carbohydrates, lipids,  proteins, and nucleic acids. They can then venture into the lab where they use indicators to test for the presence of these molecules in…

  • Investigation: Properties of Water (with Stats)

    Investigation: Properties of Water (with Stats)

    This investigation asks students to review the properties of water as they relate to life, usually a topic covered in the first or second chapter of most biology textbooks.   Students then perform an experiment where they test the number of drops that can be placed on penny and compare that test to drops that…

  • Case Study:  Can a Virus Cause Diabetes?

    Case Study: Can a Virus Cause Diabetes?

    This case asks students to examine data on children diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes after reading a short story about a young girl who was losing weight and feeling thirsty.  The content looks at a possible connection between diabetes and infection by the coxsackie virus, a virus that is responsible for “hand, foot, and mouth”…

  • Cell City

    Cell City

    This popular activity asks students to read a story about a fictional town where each part of the city is compared to the parts of a cell.   For example:  “Widgets are generally produced in small shops around the city, these small shops can be built by the carpenter’s union (whose headquarters are in town hall.)”   In this…

  • Investigation: Comparing Plant and Animal Cells

    Investigation: Comparing Plant and Animal Cells

     This simple investigation asks students to view cells under the microscope and compare differences between plant and animal cells.   Students are instructed in the procedure for removing the epithelial cells of an onion and staining with iodine.  These cells are fairly easy to see and most beginning students will have no trouble locating the…