Looking for the legacy site? Click here

Experiments

These biology experiments are designed for you to do at home or school using simple equipment. For some experiments, you may need a calculator. Here is a link to an excellent one provided by Web2.0calc.

To access experiments, click on one of the experiments listed below. In most cases, it is simplest to copy the experiment into a word processing program, and then print it out.

Seeing DNA

Written by: Melissa Wilson Sayres

Every living thing uses DNA as the instructions for life. But how can we be sure that something so small is actually there at all? Here is one experiment that you can do at home or school that will actually let you see DNA.

Sooty Selection

Written by: Megan Rowton, Karla Moeller, Robin Greene

Discuss ideas of natural selection, play a selection-based game, and take a trip through time to see how scientists of the past figured out just how a trait is passed from a parent to its offspring.
Also in: Español | Français

When Water Gets Icy

Written by: Kyle Kinzler

In this experiment, we will look at one major difference between frozen freshwater and frozen saltwater.

Your Dog's Personality

Written by: Scientific Explorer

How well do you know your dog? You'll find out lots more about your pet's personality by answering the questions in this chart.

How Many Types of Cells Are in the Human Body?

Be Part of
Ask A Biologist

By volunteering, or simply sending us feedback on the site. Scientists, teachers, writers, illustrators, and translators are all important to the program. If you are interested in helping with the website we have a Volunteers page to get the process started.

Donate icon  Contribute