Amy Brown Science | Biology and Chemistry Teaching Resources for Middle and High School: 2014

Real Science Teaching. Real Classroom Experience.

I’m Amy Brown, a veteran high school biology and chemistry teacher, wife, and mom who understands the daily reality of lesson planning, grading, meetings, and everything in between. I know what it feels like to have too much to do and not enough time to do it.

After decades in the classroom, I’ve created rigorous, classroom-tested biology and chemistry resources that save you planning time while still delivering strong, meaningful science instruction. Every lab, activity, and lesson is designed to move students beyond memorization and into real scientific thinking.

If you want your students excited about science and thinking deeply without spending your entire weekend planning, you’re in the right place.

“I just love getting kids hooked on science.”

Interactive Notebooks Make Teaching Viruses and Bacteria a Snap

Do you need a new/better routine for your classroom?

Are you looking for a way to review and reinforce the volume of biology information you must cover?

Looking for quality warm up activities or homework assignments?

I use warm ups or bell ringers every single day as a method of getting my students settled, on task, and ready to learn. These activities are short, and take only a few minutes to complete. Once students are used to the routine, they will enter the classroom and get right to work. I like that the first few minutes of class are spent "getting down to business."

There is such great versatility in how you can use these interactive notebook pages. As already stated, they are perfect for turning the first chaotic minutes of class into a time of meaningful learning and reinforcement. I also use them for homework assignments, and they are perfect to leave in my sub folder in case I am absent.

If students are required to keep them in a notebook, they have a perfect study guide for the unit test and semester exams.

This is the 7th set of warm up activities posted to my TpT store. (Check out the blog archive in the right side bar to see previous articles.) This set covers "Viruses and Bacteria." The set of 23 student pages covers all the topics found in a typical first year biology textbook.

The student pages are printed landscape style. The pages look best if printed in color, but also look great if printed in black/white. Each activity is one-half page in size. Two identical warm-ups are printed per page in order to conserve paper. Simply print the pages and cut them in half.

All teacher pages are set up in this style. The student activity is on the left, and the answers are on the right side of the page. Print these pages for your teacher notebook.

Click here to view in my TpT store.

You can download a FREE sampler pack from my store. The pack includes 1-2 warm ups from each of my warm up sets..

Previous sets include:

Introduction to Science

Cell Structure and Function

Ecology

Genetics

DNA, RNA and Protein Synthesis

Evolution and Classification

If you are looking for a hands-on activity, this Bacteria Lab for High School Biology is a great way to get students engaged.

Holiday Recipe eBook

Funny and Yummy!!

The secondary teacher/authors of TeachersPayTeachers.com have teamed up to bring you the most fabulous (FREE!!) eBook for the holiday season. Each participant submitted a favorite recipe that is ravenously consumed by our families during the holiday season.

What's included? 46 scrumptious recipes ranging from appetizers, main dishes, salads, desserts, drinks, and even dog treats! Click the images below to download the free eBook. You will not be disappointed!

This super idea was the brain-child of Karol Steele (Mrs. S on TpT). Many thanks to Karol for organizing, compiling, and publishing this fun eBook.

Secondary Smorgasbord: A Buffet of Resources for Secondary Teachers

The Secondary Smorgasbord Theme of the Week??

Free and Fabulous!!

I am super excited to be participating in a new monthly blog hop / linky for secondary teachers. This terrific idea is the brainstorm of two friends Darlene Anne Curran (The ELA Buffet) and Pamela Kranz (Desktop Learning Adventures). I was fortunate enough to finally meet both new friends this past summer at the TeachersPayTeachers convention in Las Vegas.

The idea behind this blog hop is to provide you secondary teachers with some new ideas, tips for your classroom, free teaching materials, and anything else we can think of. So welcome to the first installment of the Secondary Smorgasbord! The theme for this month is "Free and Fabulous!" Be sure to click on the links in the first paragraph of the post so that you can grab all of the awesome free teaching materials.

What is on the smorgasbord menu from Science Stuff? I have decided to highlight two freebies that I have in my store. Both are simple one-page references tables, but I have used both of these in just the last week! If you are a biology or a chemistry teacher you know that both of these play a very important role in our classes. I know you already have these tables, but I have spruced them up to make them attractive for our students.

For the Biology teachers: Here is a chart of all 64 mRNA codons and the amino acids they code for. This is a must-have during your unit on DNA, RNA and Protein synthesis. (Click image or red text to download freebie.)

For the Chemistry teachers: This is a table of electronegativities. This is a must-have during units on the periodic table and bonding. Click image or red text to download freebie.)

Again, be sure to check out all the posts / freebies by clicking the links in the first paragraph. I hope you find something you can use! Be sure to watch each month for the Secondary Smorgasbord Buffet of Resources!

An InLinkz Link-up

Evolution and Classification Warm Ups for High School Biology Bell Ringers

These evolution and classification warm ups are ideal for high school biology bell ringers, daily review, and quick formative assessment.

Evolution and classification warm ups for high school biology teachers can turn the first few minutes of class into quality learning instead of wasted time. These biology bell ringers provide a simple, no prep way to reinforce evolution, natural selection, speciation, population genetics, the history of life on Earth, and classification concepts while helping you build a consistent, focused classroom routine.

These biology warm ups are designed for high school students and work especially well during an evolution and classification unit. Each page takes about 5 to 7 minutes to complete, so they are easy to use as daily warm ups, bell ringers, quick formative assessments, homework, exit tickets, or interactive notebook entries. You can take a closer look at the full Evolution and Classification Bell Ringers and Warm Ups resource here.

Evolution and Classification Warm Ups for High School Biology

Evolution can be one of the most interesting and discussion-filled units in biology, but it is also a unit where students often begin with major misconceptions. Some students have never had formal instruction on evolution, while others bring in incomplete or inaccurate ideas. Classification can feel the same way. Students may be familiar with vocabulary such as genus, species, or kingdom, but they do not always understand how those terms connect to taxonomy, phylogenetic trees, cladograms, and modern classification systems.

That is exactly why daily biology bell ringers can be so helpful. Instead of trying to reteach everything at once, you can reinforce concepts a little at a time. Students get repeated exposure to important ideas, more chances to think critically, and more opportunities to review what they learned the day before.

If you are building background knowledge before or during your evolution unit, you might also like this post geologic time scale worksheet and classroom activity and this post about teaching Charles Darwin and the theory of evolution.

Student warm up notebook example for high school biology showing evolution and classification bell ringers in a notebook.

How to Use Biology Warm Ups and Bell Ringers in Your Classroom

One of my favorite ways to use these pages is to have students keep a Biology Warm Up Notebook. Students come in, pick up the warm up, and get started right away. By the time attendance is finished and quick questions have been handled, students are already focused and working. That routine helps with classroom management, but it also creates built in review throughout the unit.

These pages are flexible enough to use in several ways. They work well as warm ups, bell ringers, homework, exit slips, tutoring and review activities, short daily quizzes, and interactive notebook inserts. Because the completed notebook becomes a collection of daily review pages, it also makes a useful study tool before quizzes, tests, and semester exams.

Many of the topics in this set connect naturally with other biology activities. For example, if you want students to get more practice with population genetics, this Hardy-Weinberg and population genetics activity makes a great companion resource. If you want to strengthen classification concepts, this post on classification and taxonomy activities is another strong fit.

Biology warm ups classroom use ideas for bell ringers, homework, exit slips, tutoring, review, and interactive notebooks.

Printable and Digital Biology Warm Ups

Both printable and digital versions are included, which makes this resource easy to use in different classroom settings. If you prefer paper notebooks, students can keep a warm up notebook with the printable pages. If your classroom is 1:1 or you assign work digitally, students can build a digital notebook using the Google Slides version.

This flexibility is especially helpful if you teach in a traditional classroom, a blended classroom, or a distance learning setting. You can use the same warm ups across different formats without having to create separate materials. That makes planning easier and keeps your daily routine consistent.

Printable biology warm ups notebook activity showing how students can organize evolution and classification bell ringers in a notebook.

Digital Google Slides biology warm ups notebook for high school evolution and classification bell ringers.

What Topics Are Included in These Evolution and Classification Warm Ups

This set includes 61 student pages covering major evolution and classification topics in high school biology. Students review Darwin's observations and theory of evolution, evidence for evolution, adaptations, patterns of evolution, variation in populations, sources of genetic variation, Hardy-Weinberg problems, genetic drift, isolating mechanisms, and speciation.

The resource also covers the history of life on Earth, including radioactive dating, half life, carbon-14 dating, fossils, the geologic time scale, early ideas about life, and the first cell-like structures. In the classification section, students review taxonomy, binomial nomenclature, phylogenetic trees, cladistics, cladograms, the three domain system, kingdoms, and dichotomous keys.

If you want to extend your evolution unit even further, you may also like this coacervates lab on the origin of life, which pairs nicely with the history of life on Earth topics included in these warm ups.

Why Use Daily Warm Ups in High School Biology

Daily warm ups help students revisit important ideas in short, manageable chunks. That matters in a topic like evolution, where students are often sorting through new vocabulary, challenging misconceptions, and making connections between multiple concepts over time. A short bell ringer at the start of class gives students another chance to practice, review, and build confidence without taking over the whole period.

Warm ups also help teachers create a smoother start to class. Instead of losing the first few minutes to transition time, you can establish a routine that supports both classroom management and content review. That is one reason I continue to use warm ups and bell ringers throughout the year in biology.

What is included in these biology warm ups, including 61 student pages, answer keys, printable and digital versions, and editable templates.

If you are looking for no prep biology warm ups or bell ringers for your evolution unit, this resource makes it easy to keep students engaged and reviewing key concepts every day.

Get Your Evolution and Classification Warm Ups

If you want a no prep way to reinforce evolution and classification throughout your unit, these high school biology warm ups can help you build a stronger daily routine while giving students meaningful review. The set includes printable, editable, and digital bell ringers, answer keys, teacher guide pages, and templates for creating a student warm up notebook.

You can see the full resource here: Evolution and Classification Bell Ringers and Warm Ups on Teachers Pay Teachers.

If you are looking for more biology warm up sets, you can also explore these related units in my store:

Frequently Asked Questions About Biology Warm Ups

What are biology warm ups?

Biology warm ups are short activities students complete at the beginning of class to review concepts, reinforce vocabulary, and prepare for the day’s lesson.

How long should a biology bell ringer take?

Most biology bell ringers should take about 5 to 7 minutes so students can begin class quickly while still reviewing important concepts.

Can biology warm ups be used for assessment?

Yes. Biology warm ups can be used as formative assessment, daily review, exit slips, homework assignments, or interactive notebook activities.

Are digital biology warm ups included?

Yes. This resource includes printable, editable, and Google Slides versions for digital classrooms and 1:1 learning environments.

DNA, RNA, and Protein Synthesis Activities and Warm Ups for Biology

DNA RNA protein synthesis warm ups biology activities interactive notebook pages

What Is DNA, RNA, and Protein Synthesis?

DNA stores the genetic instructions used by cells to build proteins. During transcription, a section of DNA is copied into RNA. During translation, the RNA sequence is used to assemble amino acids into a protein. Together, these steps form protein synthesis, the process that allows genetic information to direct cell structure and function.

Teaching DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis can be challenging because students are trying to understand processes they cannot actually see. DNA structure, nucleotide base pairing, replication, transcription, and translation all require students to visualize how molecules interact and how genetic information moves from DNA to RNA to protein.

DNA and RNA activities that give students repeated practice with these processes can make a big difference. Rather than simply memorizing the steps of transcription and translation, students can draw DNA and RNA molecules, apply base pairing rules, practice transcribing DNA into RNA, translate genetic codes, and connect each step to the larger process of protein synthesis.

The activities I use for this unit provide short, focused practice with DNA structure and replication, RNA transcription, translation, protein synthesis, gene expression, and genetic engineering. They can be used as warm ups, bell ringers, interactive notebook pages, review activities, homework, or short formative assessments. Most take only 5–7 minutes, so they are easy to work into a high school biology lesson without taking over the class period.

If you would like ready-to-use activities for the unit, my DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis warm ups include 35 printable, editable, and digital activities covering these concepts.

DNA and RNA Activities for Understanding Structure and Function

Students often struggle to understand how DNA structure connects to replication, transcription, and protein synthesis. Activities that require students to draw, label, and analyze molecular structures can make these abstract processes much easier to understand.

In these activities, students work through pages that help them visualize:

• DNA structure and nucleotides
• nitrogen base pairing rules
• DNA replication
• RNA transcription
• translation and protein synthesis
• gene expression and mutations

By actively drawing and labeling DNA and RNA structures, students move beyond memorization and begin to understand how genetic information is stored, copied, and expressed in cells.

DNA transcription activity page and student sample biology warm up

Students complete DNA structure and replication pages as well as RNA transcription and protein synthesis activities to reinforce key DNA and RNA concepts. Drawing and labeling molecular structures helps solidify learning.

DNA vs RNA Classroom Activities

Teachers often look for a DNA vs RNA activity or practice page to help students compare the structure and function of these two important molecules. Activities that require students to examine nucleotides, analyze nitrogen base pairing rules, and identify structural differences between DNA and RNA help students clearly understand how genetic information is stored and used in cells.

Several pages in this set help students compare DNA and RNA structure and function. Students examine nucleotide components, analyze base pairing rules, and identify the differences between DNA and RNA molecules.

These DNA vs RNA activities help students understand how DNA instructions are transcribed into RNA before being translated into proteins. When students see how these processes connect, the steps of protein synthesis become much easier to understand.

DNA, RNA, and Protein Synthesis Classroom Activities

DNA RNA protein synthesis warm up pages for bell ringers and interactive notebook

These DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis activities work well for:

• warm ups or bell ringers
• interactive notebook pages
• exit slips
• homework assignments
• tutoring and review
• short daily quizzes

A completed warm up notebook can also become a valuable semester exam review tool for students.

Because each page focuses on a specific concept, teachers can easily choose activities that match their current lesson. Many teachers also use these pages as interactive notebook activities so students can build a reference notebook of important genetics concepts throughout the unit.

DNA, RNA, and Protein Synthesis Topics and Practice

This resource includes 35 warm up and bell ringer activities that gradually increase in complexity as students move through the unit.

DNA Structure and Replication

• early DNA experiments
• DNA structure and nucleotides
• nitrogen base pairing rules
• DNA replication
• proofreading and DNA repair
• interpreting the genetic code

RNA and Transcription

• differences between DNA and RNA
• types of RNA
• overview of transcription
• steps of transcription
• RNA processing and editing

Translation and Protein Synthesis

• overview of protein synthesis
• translating the genetic code
• mutations and their effects on proteins

Gene Expression and Genetic Engineering

• gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
• biotechnology and transgenic organisms
• applications of genetic engineering

The activities begin with foundational concepts and gradually increase in difficulty so students can develop a deeper understanding of how genetic information works within cells.

Digital Google Slides Version Available

digital Google Slides DNA RNA protein synthesis warm ups biology activity

A digital Google Slides version of these activities is also included. Students can complete the activities online by dragging and dropping labels, drawing molecular structures, and typing responses directly onto the slides.

The digital format works well in 1:1 classrooms, hybrid learning environments, or for assigning activities through Google Classroom or other learning platforms.

Students can also create a digital warm up notebook using the Google Slides version, just as they would create a printed warm up notebook.

DNA, RNA, and Protein Synthesis Warm Ups Resource

If you are looking for ready-to-use DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis warm ups for your biology classroom, this complete set of warm ups and interactive notebook pages is available in my Teachers Pay Teachers store.

DNA and RNA warm ups and bell ringers for biology including replication, transcription, translation, and gene expression activities.

This resource includes:

• 35 printable and editable warm ups
• digital Google Slides versions
• complete answer keys
• teacher guide
• editable templates for creating your own warm ups

Each activity is designed to take 5–7 minutes, making it easy to start class with meaningful student engagement.

Other Biology Warm Up Sets

These warm up sets help reinforce key biology topics while keeping students engaged during the first few minutes of class. If you enjoy using these activities in your classroom, you might also be interested in these related warm up sets:

Introduction to Science Warm Ups
Cell Structure and Physiology Warm Ups
Ecology Warm Ups
Genetics Warm Ups
Evolution and Classification Warm Ups

Or save money with the complete Cells, Genetics, DNA and RNA, Ecology, and Evolution Warm Ups Bundle, which includes over 300 warm up activities covering major biology topics.

Using DNA and RNA Warm Ups in Your Biology Classroom

The first few minutes of a class period can often feel chaotic. Using short, focused warm ups allows teachers to turn that time into meaningful learning while reinforcing key concepts from previous lessons.

These DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis warm ups help students review complex genetics concepts in manageable steps while building a valuable reference notebook they can use throughout the course.

"Meet and Teach" with these Fabulous Teacher/Authors!

What is the "Meet and Teach" eBook?

This is one eBook you are not going to want to miss! Recently, Brain Waves Instruction, Literary Sherri, and Getting Nerdy with Mel and Gerdy combined forces to compile three separate eBooks that are packed full of "ready to teach" lessons and pages.

Specifically, there are three different eBooks: One for Science and Math, one for ELA, and one for Humanities. Each eBook has contributions from 25 teacher/authors. Each author was asked to submit two pages to the eBook. The first page is the "Meet" page. You will find fun information about each teacher, such as their favorite things and why they love teaching their subject. The second page is the "Teach" page. This page is a ready-to-print and ready-to-teach free item. It has everything you need! Simply print the page and start teaching.

Here is a sneak preview of the two pages I submitted to the eBook;

As you can see, the "teach" page above is ready to be printed and passed out to your students. The pages are sample pages from my biology interactive and warm up notebooks.

There are some really fabulous ideas and free resources included in all three eBooks. You will not be disappointed in this free download!

Ready to download your free eBooks? Click on the images below to download the book of your choice, or all of them!

An InLinkz Link-up

Onion Root Tip Mitosis Squash Preparation Protocol (Step by Step Chromosome Squash Method)

Onion root tip mitosis chromosome squash preparation showing onion bulbs growing roots, lab materials, and microscope images of mitotic cells

This post outlines a step by step onion root tip mitosis squash preparation protocol for biology teachers looking to prepare chromosome squash slides.

When you can smell the onions at the end of my hallway, you know it is time to study cell division and make chromosome squash slides. Even after more than 30 years of teaching, this remains one of my favorite biology labs. Students experience everything from frustration when a slide does not turn out to real excitement when they peer into the microscope and realize they made a good one.

What exactly is a chromosome squash?

A chromosome squash is a slide preparation technique that uses actively dividing cells from an onion root tip to show the different phases of mitosis under a microscope.

How long is this lab?

This lab takes several days to complete. A short amount of class time is needed to start the onion roots growing. After about five days, students cut the root tips. You should then allow at least two additional class periods for slide preparation and microscopy.

Are there safety precautions that should be followed?

Yes. This lab requires the use of concentrated hydrochloric acid. It should be conducted in a well ventilated lab with access to a fume hood and an eye wash station. Students must wear safety goggles and lab aprons at all times.

Onion bulbs suspended in water with growing root tips for mitosis squash preparation

Onion Root Tip Mitosis Squash Preparation Protocol

Begin by purchasing onion sets from a local feed and seed store or a biological supply company. For variety, I typically use red, yellow, and white onions. The color of the onion does not affect the outcome of the lab, but students enjoy growing them, and the lab tables look great when they are full of sprouting onions.

Onion root tips showing areas of active cell division used for mitosis squash slides

The next step is to "plant" the onions. As you can see in the photo, you will need small plastic cups and toothpicks. A 50-mL beaker works well, also. Students insert three toothpicks into each onion to form a tripod and suspend the onion over a cup filled with water. This setup takes about 20 minutes of class time. Root tips are typically ready for use after about five days.

The root tip is a region of rapid cell division. As the root grows, cells divide continuously, making this tissue ideal for observing mitosis. Once the root tips reach a length of approximately one inch, use a razor blade to cut the roots away from the bulb. Place the root tips in 70 percent isopropyl alcohol. The alcohol kills and preserves the cells, and because many cells are actively dividing, they are often arrested in one of the phases of mitosis. The root tips must soak in the alcohol for at least 24 hours before slide preparation.

Onion root mitosis showing onion growing and when they are ready to use

Day 5: Roots are long enough to be cut.

Ready to make the slide?

It is important to forewarn students that this procedure is not perfect. Several attempts may be required before a slide is clear enough to observe the phases of mitosis. This trial and error is part of the learning process and helps students develop patience and laboratory skills.

To begin slide preparation, remove a root tip from the isopropyl alcohol and place it in a solution of hydrochloric acid and ethyl alcohol. After the appropriate amount of time, transfer the root tip to Carnoy’s solution. Next, place the root tip on a microscope slide and cover it with aceto-orcein stain. While the tissue is in the stain, students should finely chop the root tip using a razor blade. For best results, thorough chopping helps separate the cells.

materials needed for onion root tip chromosome squash protocol

Onion root tip chromosome squash lab protocol materials needed

The final step is the squash technique. Place a cover slip over the chopped root tip and apply gentle, even pressure with your thumb. This spreads the cells into a thin layer suitable for viewing under the microscope.

Place the prepared slide under the microscope and examine it for cells in the different stages of mitosis. Because this technique can be challenging, multiple attempts may be necessary before a clear slide is obtained.

When students finally observe a successful slide, the excitement in the lab is immediate and contagious. I encourage students to take photographs of their slides using their cell phones. While I have never quite mastered this skill myself, students are surprisingly good at capturing clear images.

Have fun teaching!

Frequently Asked Questions: Onion Root Tip Mitosis Squash Preparation

What is an onion root tip mitosis squash?
An onion root tip mitosis squash is a slide preparation technique that uses actively dividing cells from onion root tips to observe the phases of mitosis under a microscope.

What materials are needed for an onion root tip chromosome squash?
This lab requires onion bulbs, water, small cups or beakers, toothpicks, razor blades, microscope slides and cover slips, 70 percent isopropyl alcohol, hydrochloric acid, ethyl alcohol, Carnoy’s solution, and aceto orcein stain.

What stain is used for onion root tip mitosis squashes?
Onion root tip mitosis squashes are commonly stained with aceto orcein or acetocarmine to make chromosomes visible during the stages of mitosis.

What are the steps in the onion root tip mitosis squash preparation protocol?
The procedure includes growing onion roots, cutting and preserving the root tips, treating the tissue with acid and alcohol solutions, staining the cells, chopping the root tip, and gently squashing the tissue under a cover slip to spread the cells.

Why are my chromosome squashes unclear or difficult to see?
Common issues include insufficient chopping of the root tip, too much or too little pressure during the squash, overstaining or understaining, or using root tips that are not actively dividing.

Genetics Problems and Activities for Biology Interactive Notebooks, Warm Ups, and Bell Ringers

Genetics is the name, and warm ups, bell ringers and interactive notebook pages is the game.

This idea is on fire in my standard biology classes! I admit that my students were dubious (at best) at first, but now all are on board, and I am loving the daily routine. I would call what I am doing a "warm up notebook." The short review that each page provides for my students each day is proving to be invaluable. But there are so many other uses for these activity pages. They make fantastic homework assignments or short daily quizzes. They are perfect for your science interactive notebooks. And my students are starting to realize that their notebook is going to be awesome in December when it is time to study for my semester exam.

In earlier blog posts, I wrote about how to set up the notebooks, and pretty much exhausted the topic of the merits of these warm up /bell ringer activities. You can check out the earlier blog posts by clicking these links:

The latest topic to be added to my bell ringer arsenal is Genetics. Here's a preview of what is included:

I have divided the pages into three different categories:

There are 34 pages for the student. Each printed page has two identical warm ups. The only thing you have to do is print the pages and cut them in half. Complete answer keys are also included.

A couple of examples of student work....

I hope that I have given you some new ideas for your classroom, and I hope you are having a wonderful school year. Here are the links to the warm ups I have posted to date: