Category Archives: biology curriculum

Are you looking for innovative ways to engage your students in graphing activities while reinforcing key concepts in biology? Look no further! We’re excited to introduce you to a set of dynamic graphing practice exercises tailored specifically for the biology classroom.

Why Graphing Practice Matters in Biology

Graphing is an essential skill in biology that not only helps students visualize data but also strengthens their analytical and critical thinking abilities. By interpreting graphs, students can better understand biological phenomena, identify patterns, and draw evidence-based conclusions. Moreover, graphing activities promote scientific literacy and prepare students for real-world applications in research and data analysis.

Introducing Biology Graphing Practice Activities

Our BioBoost Biology Graphing Practice activities allowing students to explore various biological concepts through data analysis and visualization. These activities cover a range of topics, from enzyme kinetics to ecosystem dynamics, and are suitable for middle school, high school, and introductory college-level biology courses.

What You’ll Find in Our Graphing Activities:

Engaging Data Sets: Each activity includes carefully curated data sets relevant to biological phenomena, ensuring that students encounter authentic scenarios.
Thoughtful Analysis Questions: Thought-provoking analysis questions accompany each graphing activity, prompting students to interpret their findings and draw meaningful conclusions.
Differentiated Tasks: We offer differentiated tasks within each activity to cater to diverse learning needs and challenge students at varying proficiency levels.

Check out our other BioBoost Activities!

Why You Should Incorporate Graphing Practice in Your Classroom:

Reinforce Content Knowledge: Graphing activities provide a valuable opportunity for students to reinforce their understanding of key biological concepts such as enzymes, population dynamics, and cellular processes.
Foster Inquiry-Based Learning: By engaging in graphing activities, students become active participants in the learning process, fostering inquiry-based learning and developing essential scientific skills.
Promote Data Literacy: In an era inundated with data, equipping students with strong graphing skills empowers them to critically evaluate and interpret scientific information effectively.
Prepare for STEM Careers: Graphing practice lays the foundation for future success in STEM fields by honing students’ data analysis and visualization skills, essential for careers in biology, medicine, ecology, and beyond.

Get Your Free “Biology Graphing Practice” Activities Today!

Ready to incorporate these dynamic graphing activities into your biology curriculum? Elevate your students’ learning experience and transform biology lessons into engaging and interactive explorations.

Join us in empowering the next generation of biologists through hands-on graphing practice. Together, let’s inspire curiosity, foster scientific inquiry, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the wonders of biology.

To receive your free “Biology Graphing Practice” activities click the link below and we will email three graphing activities to you! If you are a member you have access to all of our BioBoost Graphing Activities in the general course documents section.

Thank you for your dedication to enriching biology education!

Check out our Facebook group with over 56,000 members!

biology curriculum, Biology Lesson Plans, Cells

Awesome Cell Membrane Virtual Lab for Your Students

March 11, 2023 Brad Grey 1 Comment

The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is a thin, semi-permeable layer that surrounds the cytoplasm of a cell. It provides protection for the cell and performs several vital functions. The cell membrane is composed of a lipid bilayer that separates the inside of the cell from the outside environment. In this cell membrane virtual lab students will learn all about the cell membrane.

Functions of the Cell Membrane

One of the primary functions of the cell membrane is to transport substances into and out of the cell. This process is crucial for the cell’s survival, as it allows essential molecules like oxygen and nutrients to enter the cell while removing waste and toxic substances.

The cell membrane performs several different functions, such as:

Transporting oxygen, ions, and nutrients into the cell
Transporting carbon dioxide, ions, and toxic substances out of the cell
Providing some structural support for the cell
Holding proteins like glycoproteins that interact with other cells
Separating vital but incompatible metabolic processes conducted within organelles

Understanding the Cell Membrane through a Virtual Lab

To better understand the cell membrane and its functions, students can participate in a virtual lab that explores how different substances move through the membrane.

Check out our post on the Virtual Microscope Lab!

Cell Membrane Lab Procedures

Access Cell Membrane virtual lab website: https://pbslm-contrib.s3.amazonaws.com/WGBH/conv19/tdc02-int-membraneweb/index.html
Complete the table using your knowledge to identify what happened to each substance (oxygen – enzymes) as it travels through the Cell Membrane.
Click on “Check” to check your answers after each substance (oxygen-enzymes) is completed.
Complete data tables.

Students will complete data tables during this cell membrane web quest

Students are asked to complete data tables for each substance, including the mode of transport, the amount of the substance outside and inside the cell, the passageway used, and the amount or type of substance relocated.

The substances explored in the lab include:

Oxygen
Carbon dioxide
Glucose
Potassium
Sodium
Water
Enzymes

Observations and Conclusions

Through the lab, students can observe how the cell membrane selectively transports different substances into and out of the cell, depending on the concentration gradient and the substance’s properties. For example, oxygen is transported through the lipid bilayer via simple diffusion, while glucose is transported via facilitated diffusion using GLUT transporters.

Discovering the Lipid Bilayer

In 1972, scientists S.J. Singer and Garth Nicolson proposed the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane, which revolutionized our understanding of the membrane’s structure and function. The model describes the membrane as a mosaic of lipids and proteins that can move fluidly, allowing for different processes like transport and signaling.

In conclusion, the cell membrane is a crucial component of a cell, providing protection, structural support, and transport functions. The virtual lab worksheet you provided helps students understand how the membrane transports different substances and how it maintains the cell’s homeostasis. By completing the lab, students can gain a deeper understanding of the complex processes that occur within the cell membrane.

If you like this post you may like these!

biology curriculum, Biology Lesson Plans, classroom management

“Why Do I Need to Learn Biology?”

November 5, 2019 Brad Grey Leave a comment

Let’s face it, as Biology teachers we are constantly asked the question: ” Why do I need to learn Biology?

What do you say?

You can share over at our “Facebook Group “Biology Teachers” or in the comments below.

What do I say?

Usually when I am posed the questions I go off on a rant for 20 minutes tying in every relevant current event with the topics we just covered in class.

And then…I realize their mission had been accomplished. I was derailed. Just when you think you won their hearts into a love for Biology you realize they effectively got out of thinking for a solid 20 minutes.

I Will Not Be Defeated!

To help me briefly and effectively communicate to my students why they need to learn the content I have dedicated my life to teaching them, I have created two different posters that will help reinforces the “Why”.

Now all I have to do is point to the posters and now you can too!

Download Your Free Poster!

10 Reasons Why You Need to Learn Biology

The following “10 Reasons” are available on two posters (5 reasons on each) that you can print and hang in your classroom. Various sizes are available.

Why Do I Need to Learn Biology?

1.) Improve your ability to learn.

You are going to figure out how you learn best by being challenged in a subject you know little about. Let’s face it, you will eventually need to know how to remember things, write reasonable sentences, problem solve, and be an effective contributor to this world. All of those skills are used in Biology!

2.) Basic knowledge of Biology helps you understand what your body needs to perform optimally and feel your best.

Do you know exactly what you are putting in or on your body? From macronutrients to micronutrients, having a fundamental understanding of the make-up of your body and what it requires can help you live a longer, healthier, happy life.

3.) Biology can help you make informed decisions about your own health.

Healthcare professional are amazing dedicated professionals however, sometimes mistakes are made. Having a fundamental understanding of Biology can help you better understand and communicate with medical professionals. You may even identify an error or suggest an alternate solution…if you understand Biology.

4.) Learn how to follow directions in an efficient manner.

If you don’t know how to do something, what do you do? You may look up the instructions or watch a how-to video. Biology will help improve your ability to interpret directions in a variety of formats and help you solve problems more efficiently.

5.) An understanding of Biology can help keep you safe!

Throughout Biology you will know learn how various molecules can influence cells. Guess what! You are a big lump of cells! Understanding how cells behave in various condition can help you better understand how to care for your body. For example, having some background knowledge of Biology will tell you why you get thirsty when you eat salty food (osmosis) or lots of carbohydrates. Understanding Biology can help you be more in-tune to your body and allow you to detect when something is wrong more quickly (ABCD’s of Skin Cancer, Mitosis). That could save your life!

6.) Biology teaches practical skills that you will use daily.

This subject will teach you how to think logically and solve real-world problems. You will undoubtedly have problems to figure out during your lifetime and the strategies developed in this class will help you solve them. The prerequisite skills learned in this class can apply directly to your everyday tasks. For example,…. almost everything that you do!

7.) Helps you understand current events.

This includes news about energy sources, product recalls (salmonella outbreaks), pollution, genetic engineering, bioethics, the environment, and technological advancements. Do you truly comprehend what is going on in the world today? With a fundamental understanding of Biology, you will be a more educated, well rounded citizen.

8.) It is worth observing things and nature and determine how the function.

“Our world is built on biology and once we begin to understand it, it then becomes a technology.”

-Ryan Bethencourt (scientist, entrepreneur, and biohacker)

Living things have evolved a solution for almost all problems that nature has thrown at them. When we understand how organism are solving problems and solving them human can then harness that “technology” to solve problems of our own like curing disease or finding alternative sources of energy. Being in-tune to Biology could be very lucrative or better yet solve the worlds problems.

9.) Biology builds interpersonal skills and opens up career options.

Interpersonal skills are crucial to be successful in life and in the workplace. In Biology you will learn how to exercise self-awareness, communicate verbally and nonverbally in a clear manner, be respectful of others, show empathy and understanding, engage in active listening, behave appropriately, and be receptive to feedback.

There are many careers in Biology. The skills that you learn and obtain in this class will be helpful in any career that you choose to partake in. You will be dealing with Biology and those skills, regardless of what career(s) you choose in life.

10.) This is a fun subject if you give it a chance.

When some people think of Biology fun may not be the first thing to come into their mind. However, if you give it a chance and truly dive into and develop an understanding of the language and the concepts of Biology you will develop a deep appreciation and amazement of the course and the world the we live in. Biology is you, understanding you and all that you are is simply amazing.

#biologyteaching #biologyposter

assessment, biology curriculum, evolution

Evolution Research Project

April 14, 2019 Brad Grey Leave a comment

Evolution Project

Check out this evolution research project! You students will choose an organism and research it’s evolutionary history.

This aligns perfectly with all of the Next Generation Science Standards for evolution by natural selection.

The evolution worksheet can be downloaded below.

The worksheet serves as a guide for students as they research the evolutionary history of the organism. There is also a rubric that can be downloaded in the members area of USBT.

Tips for Using this Evolution Activity

My student have produced some amazing presentations using this evolution research project.

BEWARE: One of the most challenging aspects of the assignment for the students is going to citing evidence for a specific type of speciation that occurred with their organism.

I always tell my students to use a phylogenetic tree to help them identify the divergence between two species. I have them research the type of speciation that occurred between those two organisms.

Evolution Worksheet

Your students will need to dig in and do real research on their organisms.

First, students will identify the organism by the Genus and Species name.

Next, your students will answer a series of questions about the evolution organism they chose to research.

Evolution Research Questions

What are some of the most recent common ancestors of the organism you are researching?
Search for the phylogenetic tree or a cladogram of the organism.
Analyze the phylogenetic and include a discussion about the shared characteristic in your presentation.
HS-LS4-1. What evidence supports your organism having the common ancestors you describe above?
HS-LS4-3 What advantageous heritable trait(s) does the organism have that has resulted in organisms with the trait to increase in proportion to organisms lacking this trait?
Identify and cite evidence for one type of speciation that occurred in the evolutionary history of your organism.
HSLS 4-5 Based on your research what types of selective or environmental pressures does/did your organism face?
HS-LS2-8 Does the organism you researched engage in a group or individual behavior that increases the chances for the individual or species to survive and reproduce?
What types genetic variation exist in individuals in the species due to mutation and sexual reproduction?
What competition exists/ed for limited resources for your organism?
What makes your organism better able to survive and reproduce in the environment.
HS-LS4-4. Construct an explanation based on evidence from your research for how natural selection leads to adaptations of populations in your organism.

After completing their research, students will build a presentation. I give my students options for the type of presentation that they can do.

Some of my students even implemented a green screen for recording their videos!

You can access the rubric and editable versions of this assignment inside the USBT community.

You can also access everything we have ever created, a FULL BIOLOGY CURRICULUM! all in one, nice, organized place with instructions on how to use it.

#biologyteaching #teachingevolution @USBioTeaching

biology curriculum

6 Tips for Using a Biology Curriculum

November 11, 2018 Brad Grey Leave a comment

If you are reading this post you are either using our full biology curriculum or thinking about using it. The

Tips and Tricks for Using the Biology Curriculum

Tip #1-Read the Lesson Plans
Be sure you are looking over the lesson plans to see how the plans and activities are used. You will find tips throughout the plans that are specific to the activities, classroom management, differentiation, grouping and activity instructions.

Tip # 2 -Differentiate
In the lesson plans, there is a section at the bottom designated for some suggested differentiation approaches and additional activity extension ideas.

The best part of using this curriculum is that it allows you to easily differentiated and make adjustments if you desire! How?Using this biology curriculum gives you time! Time, you are now able to use to hone in on YOUR students and find what works best for YOUR class and students.

Making adjustments and spending time to add the extra touches that suite your class are now done without the stress of worrying about having a plan in place. You have a plan. Now, instead of building or finding resources that are aligned you can differentiate your instruction to better meet the needs of your students.

Tip # 3 -Review Assessments Prior to the Unit

If you intend to use the assessments provided ensure that you preview them prior to teaching the unit and revisit the assessment regularly throughout instruction (especially direct instruction) to ensure you are better able to help your students hone in on the information you will be assessing/find most important.

Tip # 4-There is Wiggle Room

Do not be afraid to shorten or lengthen the time frames that are given. When looking at the Scope and Sequence you can see there is time built in for reteaching and regular school interruptions. Also, take a look at your state standards to see exactly what topics need to be covered. Some Units are included in this curriculum because they were requested and may fit one states standards but not yours. For example, Classification is not part of my states standards. It is included. It is also organised so it reviews previously covered content while teaching new content. In short, there is wiggle room. Look at the Scope and Sequence and see where you can buy time if you need to.

Tip # 5- Enthusiasm = Engagement from Students

Regardless of how amazing a lesson is if you are not prepared, organized and excited to deliver it, it is unlikely your students will be excited to learn it. Enthusiasm for the content (even if it isn’t your favorite topic) goes a long way at drawing your students in. You are on stage everyday. Have fun with your job. If you are having fun and are happy, your students will be too. I understand it is not easy to maintain a high level of enthusiasm 100 percent of the time but dig deep and try to as much as possible.

Tip # 6- Use the Community of Teachers!

We live during an amazing time. I recall teachers having to keep track of their grades by penciling them into their paper grade books. Technological advancements now allow us to collaborate with each other from all around the world. You have access to tons of teachers who are all using the same curriculum! Reach out, share and grow as a professional!

Follow the USBT Facebook Page

USBT Members Only Collaborative Group

#biologyteaching #biologycurriculum