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.

Cutting Out Brain Tumors

Written by: Eugene Chung

Try out some of the new techniques that neurosurgeons are using to guide them during surgery.

DNA Discovery Awards

Written by: Emma Gerrard

Let's take a dive into the history of genetics research... and see who helped build the foundations of knowledge that we still build new understanding on top of today.

Dr. Biology's Virtual Pocket Seed Experiment

Written by: Dr. Biology

Dr. Biology has been busy working on a new experiment and he needs your help. He has collected so much information from the experiment that he needs someone to analyze the data. All the results have been recorded in photographs, including some cool animations.
Also in: Español | Français

A cup half full of liquid surrounded by flies.

Fly Trapping Trials

Written by: David W. Shanafelt

Ever notice tiny flies buzzing around your houseplants? In this experiment, you’ll test different liquid traps to see which one catches the most fungus gnats. Will vinegar, lemon juice, or something else work best? Let’s find out!

Heavy Water

Written by: Lynne Kelper

This activity explores how the temperature of water affects its density. You will need to gather the following materials: a pencil; a small paper cup; a small-mouthed, clear-glass jar (the cup should be able to sit inside the opening of the jar); three ice cubes; and food coloring.

Hummingbird Lunch

Written by: Amanda Sibley

These daredevil birds can be perfect subjects for a backyard experiment.

It’s a Plankton Eat Plankton World

Written by: Colleen Miks

During this activity you will learn how to create your own food web. You will also analyze the feeding relationships between marine organisms and describe the importance of plankton to the ecosystem.

Let the Germs Begin

Written by: Satina Sund, Vanessa Vierkoetter, Esmeralda Manzano, Julie Dunlap

Germs are tiny organisms that can make you feel sick and cause disease. During this activity you will illustrate the steps germs take during transmission. You will learn about the different types of bacteria, how they are spread, and discuss ways to keep from getting sick.

Life of the Leafcutter

Written by: Angelina Alameda

Learn what makes leafcutter ants unique and understand how the different castes of ant work together to provide for the colony.

One wrinkled and one non-wrinkled pea seeds in someone's hand

Make Your Own Pocket Seed Viewer

Written by: Elena Ortiz

Make Your Own Pocket Seed Viewer. You can test the effects of light, temperature and gravity. Once you are finished you can use the Excel spread sheet to graph the results. You can also compare your experiment to Dr. Biology's seed experiment

Which came first, the ribosome or the protein?

How did ribosomes work without proteins?

Answer >>

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Experiments

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