From PBS, 2015. An engaging summary of a fascinating Open Access article – Plant defenses against ants provide a pathway to social parasitism in butterflies. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B: Biological Sciences. 282: 20151111. Patricelli, D., Barbero, F., Occhipinti, A., Bertea, C.M., Bonelli, S., Casacci, L.P., Zebelo, S.A., Crocoll, C., Gershenzon, J., Maffei, […]
A step-by-step pictorial summary of how researchers use mutant and transgenic plants to understand plant immunity – suitable for teachers, high school students and others. Source: HHMI, University of North Carolina, Anna Stallman View resource
This resource is for science educators and others interested in learning more about biotechnology and its role in food production. There are seven lessons and activities covering topics such as DNA, selective breeding, agricultural biotechnology, and more. Lessons Include: Design ‘Y’er Genes Food Science: Bread Dough Challenge Genetically Modified Crops Lactose Lab: Some Don’t Like […]
This free guide (PDF) has over forty hands-on activities for PreK-12th grade students and the public. Activities are succinctly & beautifully presented. Each one includes goals, materials, procedures, age guidelines and teaching tips useful photos on 1-2 pages. Overarching themes include: Art, Recreation, Health, Wildlife Habitat, Watershed Stewardship, Schoolyard Agriculture, Energy and Climate, Thoughtful Use […]
Student and teacher guides for hands-on investigation into how auxin affects root growth. Source: Science and Plants for Schools (SAPS) View resource
Help eradicate plant blindness as students explore plant biology concepts and hands-on activities related to everyone’s favorite clothing item: denim jeans. These quick, classroom-ready pages (PDFs) are ideally suited for middle grade students: Plants in Your Pants: Find out how the cotton plant helps create those jeans you love to wear. Genes in Your Jeans: […]
Students take a close look at the math & biology involved in the creation of seed, leaf, and petal spiral patterns. These multi-modal, inquiry-oriented activities align with NGSS and CCSS and are scalable for middle and high school/AP students. View resource
In this investigation, students explore how various amounts of fertilizer affect growth and development of plants. Source: Wisconsin Fasts Plants View resource
Students use barley, radish or algae to explore how various macronutrients and micronutrients affect growth. View resource from the Nuffield Foundation