10 Great Biology Activities and Lessons

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 This is a diagram of an animal cell. colematt/iStock/Getty Images Plus   The Cell as a System: This activity enables students to explore the components of a cell and how they work together as a system. Objectives: Students will identify major cell components; know structures and functions of components; understand how the parts of a cell interact together. Resources:Cell Anatomy - Discover the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Cell Organelles - Learn about the types of organelles and their function within cells. 15 Differences Between Animal and Plant Cells - Identify 15 ways in which animal cells and plant cells differ from one another. 2. Mitosis The Cell Cycle. By Kelvinsong (Own work) [ CC0], via Wikimedia Commons Mitosis and Cell Division: This lesson introduces students to the process of cell mitosis. Objectives: Students will understand the processes of cell reproduction and chromosome replication. Resources: Mitosis - This stage-by-stage guide to mitosis describes the major events that occur in each mitotic stage. Mitosis Glossary - This glossary lists commonly used mitosis terms. Mitosis Quiz - This quiz is designed to test your knowledge of the mitotic process. 3. Meiosis Lily Anther Microsporocyte in Telophase II of Meiosis. Ed Reschke/Photolibrary/Getty Images Meiosis and Gamete Production: This activity helps students explore meiosis and sex cell production. Objectives: Students will describe the steps in meiosis and understand the difference between mitosis and meiosis. Resources:Stages of Meiosis - This illustrated guide describes each stage of meiosis. 7 Differences Between Mitosis and Meiosis - Discover 7 differences between the division processes of mitosis and meiosis. 4. Owl Pellet Dissection This image shows small animal bones found in an owl pellet.   Dave King/Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images Plus Dissecting Owl Pellets: This activity allows students to explore owl eating habits and digestion through dissecting owl pellets. Objectives: Students learn how to examine, gather, and interpret data through owl pellet dissections. Resources:Online Dissections - These virtual dissection resources allow you to experience actual dissections without all of the mess. 5. Photosynthesis A young boy studies photosynthesis and is using a microscope. Andrew Rich/Getty Images Photosynthesis and How Plants Make Food: This lesson explores photosynthesis and how plants use light to make food. Objectives: Students will discover how plants make food, transport water, and the importance of plants to the environment. Resources:The Magic of Photosynthesis - Discover how plants turn sunlight into energy. Plant Chloroplasts - Find out how chloroplasts make photosynthesis possible. Photosynthesis Quiz - Test your knowledge of photosynthesis by taking this quiz. 8-12 Activities and Lessons 1. Mendelian Genetics Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly, vinegar fly).   Sinhyu/iStock/Getty Images Plus Using Drosophila to Teach Genetics: This activity is designed to help students apply basic genetics concepts to a living organism. Objective: Students learn how to use the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, to apply knowledge of heredity and Mendelian genetics. Resources:Mendelian Genetics - Explore how traits are passed from parents to offspring. Genetic Dominance Patterns - Examine the differences among complete dominance, incomplete dominance, and co-dominance relationships. Polygenic Inheritance - Discover the types of traits that are determined by multiple genes. 2. Extracting DNA DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) molecule, illustration.   KTSDESIGN/Science Photo Library/Getty Images Extracting DNA: This activity is designed to help students learn about the structure and function of DNA through DNA extraction. Objectives: Students understand relationships between DNA, chromosomes, and genes. They understand how to extract DNA from living sources. Resources: DNA From a Banana - Try this simple experiment that demonstrates how to extract DNA from a banana. Make a DNA Model Using Candy - Discover a sweet and fun way to make a DNA model using candy. 3. The Ecology of Your Skin Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria are part of the normal flora found in the body and on the skin.   Janice Haney Carr/ CDC Bacteria That Live on the Skin: In this activity, students discover the diverse organisms that live on the human body. Objectives: Students examine the relationship between humans and skin bacteria. Resources:Bacteria That Live on Your Skin - Discover 5 types of bacteria that live on your skin. Microbe Ecosystems of the Body - The human microbiome includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even mites. A Guide to Different Types of Pathogens - Learn about six types of pathogens that can make you sick. Top 5 Reasons to Wash Your Hands - Washing and drying your hands properly is a simple and effective way to prevent the spread of disease. 4. The Heart Human heart cross section showing blood circulation through the heart. jack0m/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images Heart to Heart: This lesson helps students explore heart function, structure, and blood pumping activity. Objectives: Students explore the anatomy of the heart and blood circulation. Resources:Heart Anatomy - This guide provides and overview of the function and anatomy of the heart. Circulatory System - Learn about the pulmonary and systemic paths of blood circulation. 5. Cellular Respiration Cellular Respiration. Purestock/Getty Images ATP Please!: This lesson helps students explore the role of mitochondria in ATP production during aerobic cellular respiration. Objectives: Students will be able to identify the steps of ATP production and the function of cell mitochondria. Resources: Cellular Respiration - Discover how cells harvest the energy from the foods we eat. Glycolysis - This is the first step of cellular respiration where glucose is split into two molecules for the production of ATP. Citric Acid Cycle - Also known as the Krebs Cycle, this is the second step of cellular respiration. Electron Transport Chain - The majority of ATP production occurs in this final stage of cellular respiration. Mitochondria - These cell organelles are the sites of aerobic cellular respiration. Biology Experiments For information on science experiments and lab resources, see: Biology Science Project Ideas - Discover  great ideas for biology related science projects.Biology Lab Safety Rules - Follow these tips to learn how to stay safe in biology lab.