Tag Archives: Biology Lesson Plans

bioboost, graphing

Exploring Cell Phone Usage versus GPA With This Graphing Activity

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Are you a science teacher looking for engaging ways to incorporate real-world data into your lessons? This Cell Phone Graphing activity is a fantastic way for students to explore the relationship between cell phone usage and academic performance through hands-on data analysis. By graphing actual research findings, students will gain valuable insights into the scientific process and strengthen their graphing skills. Let’s dive into how this biology graphing activity can be an impactful addition to your curriculum!

Scenario Overview

In this activity, students will analyze data from a hypothetical study that investigates whether there is a correlation between cell phone usage and academic performance among college students. This setup helps students explore questions related to the impact of screen time on GPA—a relevant topic in today’s digital age.

Background and Relevance

As smartphones have become integral to daily life, researchers have raised concerns about the potential effects of screen time on academic outcomes. This study specifically examines whether the time spent on cell phones correlates with students’ GPA. By diving into this investigation, students will better understand how lifestyle choices can impact educational performance, making the data both relatable and relevant.

Experimental Design in Focus

For this activity, students will work with data collected from a sample of college students who participated in an experiment:

  1. Data Collection: Each participant’s cell phone usage was automatically logged using an app installed on their phone, tracking hours per day spent on the device.
  2. Academic Performance Measurement: Students’ GPAs were recorded as a measure of their academic performance.
  3. Controlled Variables: To ensure consistency, participants reported having similar study habits and extracurricular commitments, providing more reliable data for analysis.

Student Graphing Task

Using the data provided on cell phone usage and GPA, students will graph the results to visualize potential trends and correlations. They will learn how to interpret the graph’s structure, identify patterns, and discuss any observed relationships between the variables.

Teaching Objectives

This biology graphing activity aligns with core educational objectives in science:

  • Data Interpretation Skills: Students will practice interpreting theoretical data by plotting hours of cell phone use against GPA, which encourages critical thinking.
  • Understanding Correlation: This activity introduces the concept of correlation versus causation, helping students recognize that even if a trend exists, it may not imply causation.
  • Real-Life Application of Biology Concepts: By examining the impact of technology on biological behaviors like study patterns, students will see relevance to everyday life.
Click here to download activity

Why Include This Activity in Your Lesson Plan?

Integrating this science graphing activity into your curriculum helps students engage with real-world scientific research and develop essential graphing skills. Students will leave the activity with a deeper understanding of how researchers design studies, analyze data, and draw conclusions based on evidence.

This Cell Phone Graphing activity makes a valuable addition to any biology or science class, fostering scientific inquiry and helping students develop practical data interpretation skills. Give it a try and watch your students become more proficient in scientific analysis!

For those seeking engaging science graphing activities, this is an ideal resource for your classroom. It brings abstract research concepts into a relatable context for students and provides a unique perspective on the impacts of cell phone use on academic performance.

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biology curriculum, Biology Lesson Plans, Cells

Awesome Cell Membrane Virtual Lab for Your Students

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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.

Cell membrane virtual lab activity.
Click the blue button to download this lab!

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

Cell membrane animation
Cell membrane animation image from the website

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 Lesson Plans

Pumpkin Dissection Lab!

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In this activity, students will explore the anatomy of a pumpkin though a dissection. Students will be measuring, preparing slides, staining cells, and using microscopes all while they explore the anatomy of a pumpkin.

Pumpkin Dissection Lab Activity
Pumpkin Dissection Lab

NGSS Standards Covered

Standard Covered

  • HS-LS1-2. Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms. (primary standard covered)
  • HS-LS1-5. Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy.
  • HS-LS3-2. Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication, and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors.

Pumpkin Dissection

Students start this activity by taking some measurements of their pumpkin’s circumference and the blossom end. As students complete the dissection they learn about the anatomy and development of the pumpkin.

What Will Students Learn About Pumpkins in This Lab?

Throughout the lab students will learn about how pumpkin reproduce sexually. They will learn about the male and female gametes and how they combine to form a zygote. Students will also learn about how pumpkin start off green and eventually become orange due to the chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments. Students will also learn about the basic part of the pumpkin like the stem, blossom end, ribs, fibrous strand, seeds and more.

What Will Students See Under the Microscope?

During the dissection, when using the microscope students will be able to see a variety of cell parts. For example, students will be able to see the transport vessels in the stem (figure 1).

Figure 1: Picture of the stem cross section using a dissection microscope.

Students will also create several wet mounts to explore the pumpkin skin cells and fibrous strands and be able to see a variety of cell parts and tissues like the cell wall, starch, xylem tissue, guard cells, stomata and more.

Pumpkin Xylem
Guard Cells and Stomata Found in the Pumpkin Skin Cell

Do Student Carve the Pumpkin in this Lab?

Whether or not you decide to let your students carve the pumpkin is up to you! The lab does not include instructions for carving however it does include some ideas if you do decide to let your student carve their pumpkins.

Ideas for Pumpkin Carving After the Dissection

If you decide that your student can safely carve the pumpkin after completing the dissection here are some tips.

  • Be sure you have the appropriate tools. Carving a pumpkin can be challenging and even dangerous without the proper tools. I recommend a pumpkin dissection kit for each group if you are confident your students can safely complete the activity.
  • Use the activity as a review. For example, have students carve cell organelles, a cell, or even their favorite macromolecule molecular structure!

#pumpkindissection #biologyteaching #halloweeninbiology #funbiologylab #scarybiology

Like this activity? You will love our Valentine’s Day Heart Drawing

biology curriculum

6 Tips for Using a Biology Curriculum

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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!

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USBT Members Only Collaborative Group

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biology curriculum, Biology Lesson Plans

High School Biology Curriculum

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The  Biology curriculum at USBiologyTeaching.Com is a curriculum built for Biology teachers. With this Biology curriculum, teachers have every day of instruction planned out for them.

The Biology curriculum is complete with:

The Biology scope and sequence is a very helpful to any biology teacher who wants understand the pacing of this course and get a better understanding of how the Biology curriculum is arranged.

The following units are included in the USBiologyTeaching.Com (USBT) curriculum. The units do not have to be taught in this order however, it is the recommended sequence for the curriculum.

Experimental Design (Scientific Method)

Experimental design is covered over the first two units in the Biology curriculum. In the curriculum, students will explore the nature of science by making observations, asking questions, conducting research, constructing hypotheses, designing and conducting experiments. analyzing data and communicating their results.

Student explore the nature of science through a variety of hands-on engaging activities like the Meal Worm Lab.  Starting the year off with experimental design allows teachers to engage their students and establish procedures.

You can get the first two units of this Biology curriculum here.

Characteristics of Life 

In this unit, students explore the characteristics of life through hands-on engaging activities and discussions that will have them questioning their own understand of what it means to be alive.

Macromolecules

In this unit students, learn all about carbon compounds and the importance of the biological molecules in their own lives.  Students explore this concept through a variety of activities including our very popular Macromolecule Boxing Activity. Students will also explore stomach contents to help determine the last meal of the deceased person in their case study.

Enzymes

In this unit, students use a lab experience to investigate the effects of  pH, temperature , concentration and other factors on enzymes. Students also learn about the structure of enzymes and the induced fit model of enzyme action.

Cell Structure and Function 

In this unit, student learn about cell theory and the basic cell structures and functions.  Student will also learn how proteins are transported throughout the cell. Students also grapple with learning how to properly use a microscope to compare cells and observe their differences.

Check out this cell sidewalk chalk activity!

Cell Transport

In this unit, student learn about how molecules get into and out of cells. Student will learn about passive and active transport. Students will complete a lab experience to investigate a case study about how salt could be the cause the wilted plants.

Get Instant Access to a Full Biology Curriculum

Photosynthesis 

In this unit students dive into the inner workings of the chloroplast to learn how autotrophs are able to make sugar from sunlight and carbon dioxide. Students learn about the light reactions, Calvin cycle, alternate pathways and factors that affect photosynthesis.

Click here to learn more.

Cellular Respiration 

In this unit students dive into the inner workings of the mitochondria.  Student learn about glycolysis, Krebs cycle, the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis. They also learn about the impact oxygen has on the amount of ATP generated.

Cell Reproduction

In this unit of the Biology curriculum, students explore the structure of chromosomes and learn about how and why cells divide. Students engage in a hands-on experience that will truly help them understand the process of cell division.

DNA Replication and Protein Synthesis

In this unit of the Biology curriculum students will extract DNA allowing them to visualize and connect with the concept of protein synthesis. Student will also work collaboratively to create a skit to model the process of protein synthesis.

Genetics

in this unit of the Biology Curriculum students explore  their own traits and calculate probabilities of a Mendelian and Non-Mendelian inheritance patters. Students also build and analyze their pedigree charts.

Mutations and Biotechnology

In this unit students, explore the latest biotechnology innovations like CRISPER CAS 9, DNA profiling, 3D bioprinting, stem cell therapy and more. Student also explore various genetic mutations that the field of biotechnology has set out to cure or prevent.

Ecology  

In this biology lesson plan (unit), students explore the complexity of the interactions that occur in ecosystems. This unit offers a hands-on approach that allows students to explore food webs, food chains, organism interactions and human impact on the environment.

Evolution

In this biology lesson plan (unit), students explore evolution by natural selection using a variety of hands-on activities and resources. Student learn about the evidence for evolution,  population genetics and speciation,

Classification 

In this unit in the biology curriculum, students learn about how organisms are classified and why the classification system is constantly changing as new methods for identifying relatedness are discovered. Students create their own dichotomous keys in addition to using dichotomous keys to classify some unique organisms.

Populations and Human Impact

In this unit students learn about how humans impact ecosystems. Students explore the growing human population and learn about the challenges human face with a growing human population.

Properties of Water  

In this biology lesson plan unit, students learn about the importance of water and the unique properties it has that allows life to flourish.

Human Body Systems

In the unit of the biology curriculum, students learn about the general structure and function of the human body systems and how they interact with each other as one complex system.

Biology Lesson Plans

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