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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.

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

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.

Managing Mosquitoes

Written by: Karla Moeller, David Roman, Silvie Huijben

Learn about mosquito life cycles, the dangers of mosquitoes, and how to protect yourself and reduce breeding grounds for mosquitoes around your home.

Manduca Caterpillar Growth Experiment

Written by: Dr. Biology

Dr. Biology has teamed up with with the scientists in the laboratory of Jon Harrison and started an experiment to see how different temperatures can change how an animal grows. The Virtual Manduca Growth Experiment lets you see and graph the results. It also has some cool animations.

Monster Inheritance

Written by: Emma Gerrard

In this lesson, with a few rolls of a die, our Monster Maker game, and a presentation, you will learn a bit about how traits are inherited. Explore the activities for the basics, or dive in further to learn more about DNA and codons!

Mysterious World of Dr. Biology

Written by: Dr. Biology

Science is full of mysteries and unknowns waiting for you to discover. Beyond their usual research, there have been some unusual things happening in Dr. Biology's laboratory and they need your help. It is up to you to uncover what is happening.

What are 'moon flowers' and why do they bloom only at night?

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