Biodiversity Counts [.pdf]
http://www.amnh.org/education/resources/biocounts/index.php
This extensive collection of activities from the American Museum of Natural History offers middle school students "an exciting and creative context for involving students in the scientific process while introducing them to the rich diversity and beauty of their local ecosystem." Lesson plans, Web-based interactive activities, useful Web links, profiles of AMNH scientists and staff, and other features help students inventory and analyze the plants and arthropods found in their own neighborhoods. All activities address national science standards, and have been "field tested" in schools around the nation. Biodiversity Counts even has students develop their own exhibitions for their findings -- a great way to build science communication skills. [RS]
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Antarctica as an Educational Resource
http://www.antarctica.org.nz/
"As an educational resource, Antarctica is extremely broad in scope with the potential to contribute to a number of study areas," from the sciences to history, sociology, and politics. Authored by molecular biologist Clive Evans at the University of Auckland, this Web site provides a convenient resource for introducing Antarctica into the classroom and could be adapted for a range of grade levels. Luckily for life science educators, the site focuses primarily on Antarctic biology, adaptation, human impact, and the environment. Web pages contain detailed background information, as well as questions and suggested activities to stimulate discussion and help students explore the material. A more in-depth exploration of the material requires additional resources; references and Web links are provided. [RS]
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Two Dendrology Resources from Virginia Tech
The Meanings of Latin Names
http://www.cnr.vt.edu/dendro/dendrology/syllabus/meanings.htm
ID It
http://www.cnr.vt.edu/dendro/dendrology/idit.htm
The dendrology Web pages at Virginia Tech offer "tree identification fact sheets on approximately 800 species of trees, as well as lots of other tree information." The Web sites featured here include two resources that dendrology students should find especially useful. Anyone faced with the daunting task of memorizing hundreds of Latin names will appreciate the first Web site, which offers explanations of scientific names for hundreds of woody species. Additionally, clicking on a plant name in the list will open a fact sheet -- including helpful photos -- for that species. The second Web site contains two easy-to-use dichotomous keys (a leaf key and a twig key) with photographs, while also linking to species fact sheet pages. [RS]
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Molecular Medicine in Action [Flash, QuickTime, Windows Media]
http://www.iupui.edu/~wellsctr/MMIA/htm/animations.htm
The Molecular Medicine in Action program at the Indiana University School of Medicine is a selective "hands-on program for high school students to experience the methods scientists use for unlocking and modifying the genetic codes of diseases." Students don't have to be admitted to the program to make use of the excellent online materials available online from MMIA. This particular Web site offers high-quality animations to supplement related lectures or readings. Topics covered include cytogenetics, DNA isolation, fluorescence microscopy, flow, gel electrophoresis, gene therapy, infecting cells, PCR, vector production, and viral vectors. [RS]
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The Golden Ratio
http://cuip.uchicago.edu/~dlnarain/golden/activities.htm
This Web site provides a "basic introduction to one of the most amazing discoveries in mathematics: the Golden Ratio." Created by David L. Narain, this site offers a particularly engaging way to bring together math and the natural sciences in the classroom. Seven straightforward activities have students construct a golden rectangle and spiral, and also explore the Golden Ratio in nature and in other contexts. The site also includes a quiz; answers are not provided, though. The activities are designed for 9th and 10th graders, but would also be appropriate for middle school students. [RS]
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Community Science Action Guides: The Ethics of Genetics
http://www.fi.edu/guide/owens/index.html
This Web site contains The Ethics of Genetics, one of the Community Science Action Guides created by practicing educators working with The Franklin Institute and the Science Museum, London. The Ethics of Genetics "presents some of these ethical issues within an academic setting designed for today's youth," and fits well with classroom material on cells, reproduction, and general biology. A series of questions -- each followed by a related lesson -- guides middle and high school students in exploring the ethical issues involved in genetics. The site also includes a detailed Teacher Preparation section, as well as useful Web links for additional information. [RS]
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Antibody-Antigen Interactions
http://www-micro.msb.le.ac.uk/LabWork/ant/ant1.htm
The experimental protocol in this Web site is just one of many microbiology resources provided by the University of Leicester. The procedure guides students in finding the antibody concentration of a test antiserum and the number of antibody binding sites on an antigen molecule. A results graph and correct answers to the required calculations are given, providing the option of performing a virtual experiment in lieu of an actual one. This activity is probably most appropriate for high school and undergraduate level biology labs. [RS]
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Basic Microscopy: An Important Skill for Plant Pathologists
http://www.apsnet.org/education/LabExercises/Microscopes/top.html
This lab exercise is provided by the American Phytopathological Society Education Center as part of its Introductory Plant Pathology series. Created by Melissa B. Riley of Clemson University, Basic Microscopy familiarizes students with the use and maintenance of the compound and dissecting microscope. In addition to detailed procedural instructions, the exercise includes questions that test understanding of the material. The Web site also provides Instructor Notes and a link to the Nikon Microscopy Web site for feature articles, tutorials, and images that might be useful in the classroom. [RS]
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