Measuring Stomatal Density

Stomata control the movement of gases in and out of a leaf, making carbon dioxide available for photosynthesis, and controlling the loss of water from the leaf through transpiration. There are a number of ways to measure stomatal density, and the different techniques are explored here. These include using clear nail varnish, Germolene New Skin and water-based varnish.

Microorganisms - a world in a hanging drop

Do all microorganisms look the same? Can they move and change shape? What do they feed on? How small are they . . . and are they actually alive? This activities looks microorganisms under a microscope using the hanging drop technique.

Student Sheet 24 - Microscale Investigations with Catalase

A simple yet accurate protocol looking at the results of the enzyme catalase, found in nearly all aerobic cells (animals, plants and microbes).

Student Sheet 14 - Phosphatase Enzymes in Plants

A worksheet and accompanying teachers' notes looking at phosphatase enzymes extracted from germinating seeds.

Student Sheet 13 - Effects of sugar on root explants

This protocol allows students to examine the growth of root explants of a 7 day period. It is a demanding technique, suitable for post-16 students with good lab skills.

Investigating mitosis in allium root tip squash

A protocol allowing students to see mitosis in action.

Investigating osmosis: measuring the water potential of a potato cell

Two methods to investigate osmosis and the water potential of a potato cell, including the standard measurement by weighing and the more visual, but challenging, Chardakov method.

Student Sheet 20 - Can plants make starch in the dark?

Can plants make starch in the dark? In this practical, students investigate the conditions needed for starch production in a leaf, using leaf discs and carrying out the starch test. The resource includes worksheets and teachers' notes.

Student Sheet 3 - Investigating Photosynthesis with Leaf Discs

This teaching resource offers a fun, quantifiable and reliable way for students to get hands-on when investigating photosynthesis, by punching small discs out from leaves and watching them rise and fall as gas is evolved.

Understanding Photosynthesis: How Does Chlorophyll Absorb Light Energy?

This overview for post-16 students, by Professor John Gray of the University of Cambridge, looks at how photosynthesis in more detail, focusing on how chlorophyll absorbs light energy, and the roles of photosystems I and II.

Fast plants for finer science - an article from the Journal of Biological Education

An article introducing 'fast plants' (rapid-cycling brassicas) for use in the classroom.

An Investigation into Leaf Surface Temperature

This practical is designed to be used as the opening lesson of the transport in plants section of the A level specification. It aims to engage the students in an investigation-based introduction to this topic rather than one based on content. The simple investigation will ask, “What happens to the surface temperature of leaves if petroleum jelly is applied to their lower surfaces?”

The inhibition of catechol oxidase by lead

The enzyme, catechol oxidase, is easily extracted from banana. In this practical, students measure the extent to which lead inhibits the catechol oxidase.

Questions about Quadrats

Interdependence is one of the five key science ideas at KS3. Whilst this can be taught theoretically, some practical fieldwork greatly enhances pupils' understanding. Almost certainly the fieldwork would entail looking at plant abundance and distribution and, of course, some work with quadrats!

Ecology Practical 1 - Measuring abundance and random sampling

A simple onine ecology practical exercise, giving students an opportunity to practice random sampling to measure the abundance of various different species on an area of grassland, before they carry out practical fieldwork. Students will look at images of quadrats, identify the plants and measure the abundance.

'Algal balls' - Photosynthesis using algae wrapped in jelly balls

This lively practical uses algae to look at the rate of photosynthesis. The algae are 'immobilised' in sodium alginate, and then used for the experiment.

'Algal balls' - Investigating photosynthesis and respiration: post-16 version

This lively practical uses algae to look at the rate of photosynthesis. The algae are 'immobilised' in sodium alginate, and then used for the experiment. This version of the resource is specifically designed for post-16 students.

Student Sheet 2 - Growing and caring for rapid-cycling brassicas

'Fast plants', or rapid-cycling brassicas, are a fascinating way to look at all sorts of biology topics, including plant growth, tropisms, floral reproduction, pollination, embryonic development, and genetics. This student worksheet introduces how to care for the rapid-cycling brassicas.

Student Sheet 1 - Planting instructions for rapid-cycling brassicas

'Fast plants', or rapid-cycling brassicas, are a fascinating way to look at all sorts of biology topics, including plant growth, tropisms, floral reproduction, pollination, embryonic development, and genetics. This student worksheet introduces how to plant the rapid-cycling brassicas.

Student Sheet 4 - Pollen Tube Growth

The growth of pollen tubes makes a fascinating practical in the lab, and is easily observed under medium power of a microscope over the course of a double lesson. This resource includes full teaching and technical notes, together with guidance on which pollen grains to use at what time of year, a zip file of sample images and a student's worksheet.