Ecology Practical 3 - Abundance and random sampling at Waun Las Nature Reserve, Wales

This ecology practical activity introduces topics and key fieldwork skills including random sampling, measuring abundance, diversity and plant identification. In addition, it allows students to consider the effects of land management strategies on plant diversity.

Using Cress in the Lab

Cress seeds are cheap and easy to grow, and offer a useful way to look at the germination process.

Using Onions in the Lab

Onions are easy and cheap to source, and make a great resource for looking at cell structure, particularly stomata, and for extracting DNA.

Using Venus' Fly Trap in the Lab

One of the SAPS Star Plants, Darwin called the Venus' Fly Trap 'one of the most wonderful plants in the world'. Great for teaching about adaptation and interdependence.

Using Garlic in the Lab

Garlic can provide a useful and easy-to-source resource for the biology lab, for looking at topics including mitosis and the cell cycle.

Using Broad Beans in the Lab

Broad beans are quick and reliable to germinate in the lab, and an excellent example for topics including nutrient cycles, nitrogen fixation and mutualism.

Using Elodea in the Lab

This pondweed is widely recommended for photosynthesis experiments, as it can be used for demonstrating oxygen formation during photosynthesis. It is easily available from aquarium shops and science suppliers.

Using Green Cabomba Pondweed in the Lab

This reliable pondweed gives off plenty of oxygen in the process of photosynthesis - a wonderful way to demonstrate the process.

Using Green Algae in the Lab

These algae make a great resource for demonstrating photosynthesis, particularly with the 'algal balls' activity.

Horticultural and Botanical Glossary

This glossary accompanies the 'Plants in the Science Curriculum' resource, offering information on plants and horticulture.

Using Pelargoniums (Geraniums) in the Lab

Geraniums are often found in the school lab, but they're rarely used to their full potential as a scientific resource. Follow our guidance and care tips to ensure they flourish in your lab.

Using Dandelions in the Lab

Dandelions are a valuable resource for the science lab, for topics including plant responses, gravitropism and, of course, ecology.

Using Potatoes in the Lab

Potatoes make a reliable and easy to obtain resource for key practicals such as investigating osmosis.

Using Aspidistra in the Lab

Great plants for the lab, aspidistra make wonderful subjects for a range of classic investigations into photosynthesis.

Using Sundews in the Lab

A SAPS 'Star Plant' for your lab, with a wonderful example of adaptation. Follow our care tips to ensure the plants flourish in your lab.

Using Living Stones (Lithops) in the Lab

One of the SAPS 'Star Plants' for your lab, showing an extreme form of adaptation. Follow our care tips to ensure that the plants flourish in your lab.

Using Mimosa pudica in the Lab

One of the SAPS 'Star Plants' for your lab, these plants collapse their leaflets when touched, an intriguing example of a plant response. Follow our care tips to help the plants flourish in your lab.

Using Horsetail in the Lab

One of the SAPS 'Star Plants' for your lab, the horsetails are a living fossil, and make an excellent introduction to discussing evolution.

Using Holly in the Lab

Holly makes a useful resource for the science lab, with investigations around topics including stomata, plant defences, herbivory and adaptation.

Using Spinach in the Lab

Spinach leaves are easily available all the year round, and make great resources for investigating photosynthesis and chromatography.