When we think about microscopes, we often think about our cells unit…. which is a biology topic. Microscopes obviously get the most use in a biology classroom. This year I switched over to a full schedule of earth and space science and I am having a very hard time letting
During your astronomy unit, chances are you will have kids asking about meteorites. I mean…. if it wasn’t for an asteroid, chances are the dinosaurs would still be here and we wouldn’t. Large meteorites are hard to find, and expensive to buy. But microscopic meteorites are hitting Earth all the
Have you ever tried pocket microscopes that clip onto your phone or iPad? I have tried multiple brands and have never been satisfied with the quality…. nothing even came close to what a compound microscope could do. But along came the uHandy pocket microscope and I’ve been pleasantly surprised at
Getting to use microscopes is the highlight of the school year for many biology students. They love to learn how to use them and explore the microscopic world. But purchasing a class set of microscopes can be pricey. Also, as many schools are currently doing distance learning, microscopes aren’t an
Viewing stomata is a fun one-day lab during your photosynthesis or plant unit. The first time I had students do this lab, I got out razor blades (I know) and tried to have students cut off thin slices of the leaf. Needless to say it didn’t work out terribly well.
Getting out the microscopes is one of the best parts of teaching biology. I love hearing the ooh’s and aah’s when they finally get the specimen into focus. But if you’ve taught biology before you know it can also be one of the most exhausting units- constantly running around the
Air pollution is a topic that fits into almost all science content areas. Teach biology? You teach the water and carbon cycles. Environmental science? Climate change and smog. Earth and space science? Layers of the atmosphere and ozone. Chemistry? Water + CO2 = carbonic acid. (Side note: My students recently
Ordering class sets of prepared slides can be pricey. Want a fun and free way to make your own? All you need are some slides, clear tape, and some animal hair samples. Put a few pieces of hair on a slide and carefully cover it with clear tape. A couple
I’m excited to share with you an EASY PEASY way for students to see osmosis in plant cells! In the past, I always used elodea leaves for this lab. Elodea can be hard to find at pet stores and is a little temperamental to keep alive. This year I decided
(Want to pin this post for later? Click here to repin!) As fun as prepared slides are, students always LOVE looking at living organisms under the microscope. I generally order mixed protist specimens from Wards or Carolina Biological, but this year I didn’t get an order put in on time
