Demonstrating ecosystems with an eco-column

Demonstrate food chains and ecosystems in the classroom, with this eco-column made out of old soft drinks bottles. A great activity for a Science or Gardening Club.

Measuring changes in ascorbic acid (vitamin C) concentration in ripening fruit and vegetables

A way to measure the amount of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in fruits and plant material, using DCPIP.

Demonstrating Oxygen Evolution during Photosynthesis using Pondweed

Demonstrating oxygen formation during photosynthesis can be a tricky process. One common way is to gather bubbles of gas given off by an aquatic plant. This teaching resource introduces Cabomba, a pondweed which is much more effective than the traditional Elodea.

Investigating photosynthetic pigments through TLC

A rapid and reliable way to separate leaf pigments using thin layer chromatography - version for Scottish Highers

Student Sheet 5 - Investigating Seed Germination

A simple experiment to investigate the germination of seed under different conditions, by growing seeds upright in Petri dishes. It allows students to make quantitative measurements of root / shoot growth, length of root hairs, etc, as well as % germination. This technique can also be used for investigations into the effect of acid rain.

Student Sheet 8 - Phototropism: the Response of Seedlings to Light

Seedlings growing on a windowsill will often demonstrate phototropism - bending towards the source of light. In this experiment, students investigate the wavelengths of light that influence phototropism.

Student Sheet 7 - Demonstrating Gravitropism in Seedling Stalks

An intriguing way to demonstrate gravitropism in action over the course of a lesson, using the hypocotyls (stalks) of small seedlings. Students may be surprised to see how quickly the seedlings respond to gravity.

Investigating the Hormone Auxin (IAA), a Plant Growth Regulator

An investigation into the effects of the hormone auxin (IAA)as a plant growth regulator, with opportunities to look at root development, leaf abscission and auxiliary bud development.

Student Sheet 9 - Growing Radishes in Film Cans

Radishes provide a cheap and reliable way to carry out a number of investigations into plants, including nutrient requirements, effects of growing conditions, etc. This protocol outlines a simple method of growing radishes that can be used in the school lab.

Student Sheet 10 - Thin Layer Chromatography for Photosynthetic Pigments

Several different pigments are involved in the absorption of light. This reliable and enjoyable practical shows how these plant pigments can be extracted and then separated using thin layer chromatography (TLC). A low-cost method to get the most out of TLC sheets, including the opportunity to identify the pigments involved using Rf values.

Polyphenoloxidase (catechol oxidase) Assay

Browning of the cut surface of some fruits and vegetables is due the presence of a group of enzymes called polyphenoloxidases, released by the broken cells. In this practical, the change from a colourless solution of catechol to coloured benzoquinone is followed with a colorimeter.

How can I model a plant cell at KS3?

What do you need to model a plant cell? Our team has some ideas to get you started - how creative can you be?

Measuring the rate of photosynthesis

A brief outline of various ways to measure the rate of photosynthesis - including measuring photosynthesis via the uptake of carbon dioxide (e.g. using immobilised algae), via the production of oxygen in pondweed, via the increase in dry mass, and via the production of carbohydrates.

Investigating Vernalisation & Creating Genetic Crosses

Certain plants require a cold spell in their life cycle to initiate the sequence of events that leads to flowering – known as vernalisation. This sheet describes the process of vernalisation and how it can be done to help induce flowering in Chinese cabbages. You can then use the resultant plants to carry out genetic crosses.

Bog Core Analysis and Climate Change

This activity looks at the change in vegetation in a location in Norfolk between c. 12,000 years before present and 2,000 years BP. Students carry out a simulation of a bog core analysis, and use the resulting data to think about either climate change (14-16 students) or succession and climate change (post-16 students)

Pollen and other Airborne Particles

Construct your own school pollen trap to isolate and identify the pollen and other airborne particles that contribute to respiratory illness

How Science Works - What do plants need to grow?

This resource takes a lively approach to the advantages of growing plants hydroponically, and looks at the nutrients the plants will need.

How Science Works - Copper Pollution from Mines

This resource considers how pollution from copper mines affects growth of plants, including a data analysis activity and a practical.

Photosynthesis - A Survival Guide for Teachers

Struggling to teach photosynthesis and keep it fresh? This resource collection includes Powerpoints, practical activities and student worksheets for KS3 (11-14) helps teachers take a new and refreshing look at photosynthesis.

Protoplast Isolation

Protoplasts (cells which have had their cell wall removed) can be isolated from a range of plant tissues. This resource introduces protoplasts and gives a technique for isolating them.