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
Activities and lesson plans for teaching students about molecules and cells.
Objectives: Identify major cell components; know structures and functions of components; understand protein synthesis.
Resources: Cell Anatomy
2. Mitosis
Activities and lesson plans for learning about mitosis: chromosome replication and division.
Objectives: Know how cells reproduce; understand chromosome replication.
Resources: Mitosis
3. Meiosis
Activities and lesson plans for learning about meiosis.
Objectives: Describe the steps in meiosis; understand the difference between mitosis and meiosis.
Resources: Meiosis
4. Owl Pellet Dissection
Activities and lessons for learning about owl pellet dissections.
Objectives: To learn about owl eating habits and digestion.
Resources: Online Dissections
5. Osmosis
Water movement activities and lessons for learning about osmosis.
Objectives: Understand concentration gradients; describe solutions.
Resources: Diffusion, Passive Transport, and Osmosis
8-12 Activities and Lessons
1. Drosophila Melanogaster and Mendelian Genetics
Activities and lessons for learning about Mendelian Genetics.
Objective: To learn how to use the fruit fly to apply knowledge of Mendelian genetics.
Resources: Mendelian Genetics
2. Diffusion, Osmosis and Cell Membranes
Activities and lessons for learning about diffusion, osmosis, and cell membranes.
Objectives: To understand the function of the cell membrane; to understand how passive transport works.
Resources: Diffusion, Passive Transport, and Osmosis
3. Neurobiology
Activities and lessons for learning about how neurons work.
Objectives: To understand the anatomy of a neuron; to make a model of a neuron.
Resources: Nervous Tissue
4. The Heart
Activities and lessons for learning about the human heart.
Objectives: To understand the anatomy of the heart and blood circulation.
Resources: Heart Anatomy
5. Body Fat
Activities and lessons for learning about fat cells.
Objectives: To learn about fat cells and their function; to understand the importance of fat in a diet.
Resources: Lipids
