Our VERY Successful Science and Math Competition

Since the beginning of this school year, I have had the pleasure and the privilege of working with an amazing group of students at my school.  For the fourth straight year, our school has competed in the "Battle of the Brains" competition.  This is no ordinary science fair!  This is a science and math competition between our high school and our big-time rival high school just a few miles away.  Although the rivalry is intense, the students who participate come away with an amazing experience!

The competition is held at the first of December, but we begin work at the first of the school year.  Participation is completely voluntary.  Our students are not required to enter, nor do they receive any grades in a class for their participation.  We are allowed to take 15 group projects and 15 individual projects to the competition.  A group may have up to 4 people and, of course, the individual projects are completed by a single participant.  We allowed anyone and everyone to participate.  At the first of the school year, we had more participants than would be allowed in the competition in December.  We allowed everyone to begin the process of developing a project, with the understanding that we had more participants than we could take to the competition.  The students were aware that some would not be allowed to compete.  We set a deadline of October 1, where the students had to submit a written proposal of their project, and a deadline of November 1, where the student had to show evidence of a project "in the works."  We knew that a few would drop out along the way, and by the time the November deadline arrived, we were at the exact number of students that we could take to the competition.  I was SOOO thankful that we did not have to turn any students away!!

The most amazing thing to me is that these kids did this of their own free will.  It was not required for a class, and they had to do all of the work at home in their spare time.  We met as a group about twice a month at school to touch base with the students.  We would answer questions and offer guidance, but other than that, everything was completed by the students in their own time.

As a teacher, I am so extremely proud of these students and of the work they completed.  Way to go, guys!!!!!  You made me proud and you made the school proud.  You should be VERY proud of yourselves.  I know that you will accomplish great things in your lives!!

Projects could be on any topic, but the students were encouraged to develop a project that could be of benefit to the community.  I am proud to announce that we won the first and second place in the individual projects, and we won second and third place in the group projects.  Winning 4 of the 6 places, our students were shining like the stars they are!

Here are some photos of the amazing projects completed by our students:

Winning second place in the group competition:

Methanogenesis: Creating Methane Gas from Bacteria.

Winning third place in the group competition:

Driving Down Air Resistance

Winning first place in the individual competition:

Green Roof Technology

Winning second place in the individual competition:

Carbon Nanotubes

These projects may not have placed in the competition, but all of these were winners in my book!

And here is our group of fine and amazing students!!

Measuring the Rate of Cellular Respiration

What is the rate of respiration in these germinating seeds?

Many biology teachers tell me that they dread teaching photosynthesis and respiration to their students.  Since I love teaching these concepts, I always ask why they feel this way.  Responses include:  "My students think it is boring.  It is too abstract for the students to understand.  There is too much chemistry involved.  There aren't any good labs to do."

I would have to disagree with all of these statements.  Photosynthesis and respiration may be the two topics I love teaching the most!  What is more fundamental to the study of biology than photosynthesis and respiration?  I have several labs (that I love!) that I do with my students while teaching about respiration.  I have already written articles on two of these labs:  Gas Exchange in Respiration, and Energy in Foods.

This blog post is about a simple and effective method of measuring the rate of respiration in a living organism.  As you can see in the photo above, I used Sugar Snap Peas as my choice for a respiring organism.  The objective?  To determine how much oxygen is consumed during respiration by these peas over a given amount of time.

The experiment includes 2 experimental set-ups and 1 control set up.  The rate of respiration will be measured in germinating peas and in dry peas that are dormant.  The peas will be placed inside a device known as a respirometer.  To insure equal volume in each set-up, the volume of germinating peas is first determined by water displacement.  An equal number of dry peas will be used and the volume will be made equal by the addition of small glass beads.  The third respirometer will contain an equal volume of glass beads only.

The respirometers are assembled as seen in the photo to the left.  The essential components of the experiment include:
1.   Respirometers are assembled and placed in a large pan of water.
2.   As oxygen is consumed by the seeds, the water will be drawn into the pipets.  This can be measured with the calibrate pipet that has been inserted into the rubber stopper.
3.  Since carbon dioxide is also released during respiration, there will be no movement of water into the pipet unless this is removed as a factor affecting the experiment.  A small amount of absorbent cotton is placed in the bottom of the vial.  This cotton is saturated with KOH.  As carbon dioxide is released by the respiring peas, it reacts with KOH to form solid potassium carbonate.  This removes the carbon dioxide and allows only the oxygen to be measured.
4.   Measurements will be taken every 5 minutes for some length of time.  Since we have a long lab period, we were able to set up the experiment and then allow it to run for 30 minutes.

This lab has all the best components of a lab:  

• Easy set-up!
• Easy clean-up!
• No fancy equipment required!
• Works every time!
• Kids love it!

Happy Teaching!!

Winter and Holiday Teaching Tips and Freebies Galore!

Here it is!  

The 2012 Holiday Tips and Freebies book for teachers!

Teachers, have we got a gift for you!  Each year sellers from TeachersPayTeachers.com get together to make a book of freebies and teaching tips. This year, 180 teacher/authors have graciously participated to bring you this amazing gift. Each page of the book has been written by a different teacher.  Included on each page is a holiday teaching tip or suggestion as well as links to one or more FREE teaching materials.

This year there are 4 separate books divided into different grades levels: Pre-K/K,  Grades 1/2, Grades 3/6, and Grades 7/12.  Teachers of all subject areas and all grade levels will surely find a smorgasbord of materials that can be used during the busy holiday season.

Here are the links to each grade level book.  Click on the pictures to download.

Grades 7 - 12:

Here is my page from the high school book:

Grades 3 - 6

Grades 1 - 2

PreK - K

From all of the sellers at TpT:

Have a very Happy Holidays and 

joyous New Year!

Hands-On Classification and Taxonomy Activities for Middle and High School

  

Classification and Taxonomy Activities for Middle and High School Students

Teaching classification and taxonomy in middle school and high school biology can be one of the most fun and engaging units of the year. When students move beyond memorizing definitions and begin using dichotomous keys, building cladograms, and analyzing real organisms, scientific classification becomes interesting, meaningful, and memorable.

If you are looking for a taxonomy or classification activity for middle or high school, the following hands-on resources will help your students develop critical thinking skills while mastering the structure of biological classification. Whether you need a full taxonomy lesson plan, a classroom classification activity, or a review game, these resources provide structured, ready-to-use options.

Start with the Basics of Classification and Taxonomy

Before students can dive into hands-on classification activities, they need a solid foundation in taxonomy. This includes understanding Linnaeus, binomial nomenclature, hierarchical classification, and the six-kingdom system.

This time-saving PowerPoint and notes set provides clear visuals, structured notes for students, and both printable and digital options. The colorful graphics and real organism examples help students connect vocabulary to actual biological diversity.

Hands-On Dichotomous Key Activities

Dichotomous keys are one of the best classification activities for middle and high school students. Rather than memorizing characteristics, students analyze observable traits and follow logical choices to identify organisms.

These dichotomous key activities include:

• Identifying invertebrates and vertebrates

• Designing their own classification keys

• Classifying insects and arthropods

• The comical, but engaging, “Genus Smiley” classification activity

Students begin by using a prepared dichotomous key, then apply their knowledge by creating their own. This builds both content knowledge and critical thinking skills.

After many years of teaching, I can confidently say that students love working with dichotomous classification keys.  A dichotomous key presents a series of choices that lead the user through a sequence of steps to arrive at the correct identification. The process not only reinforces critical thinking skills but also promotes a deeper understanding of the characteristics that differentiate species.

FYI: Click on any image to view a teaching resource.

The following variety of engaging dichotomous keys cover a wide range of organisms. Even when students have mastered how to use a dichotomous key, they will never complain if you give them more. My favorite type of classification key activity involves two parts: Students begin by using a dichotomous key that is included in the activity, followed by students writing their own classification key to identify a given set of organisms. These activities function as both a taxonomy exercise and an engaging classification lab experience.

Cladogram Activities for Teaching Evolutionary Relationships

Cladograms help students understand how classification connects to evolution. By analyzing shared derived characteristics, students can visualize how species are related and trace evolutionary history.

Building cladograms strengthens analytical thinking and reinforces how taxonomy reflects evolutionary relationships. These activities work especially well after students have practiced classification with dichotomous keys. Cladogram activities are especially effective when students are transitioning from basic classification into evolutionary biology units.

Classification Task Cards for Active Learning

Task cards provide a flexible way to reinforce taxonomy and classification concepts. They can be used in stations, small groups, review games, or independent practice.

Each card challenges students to apply their understanding of classification levels, scientific naming, and organism characteristics. This format keeps students moving and engaged while reinforcing key standards. I prefer to use them in a lab rotation style. Kids love to be up and moving!

Classification Color by Number Review Activity

Even high school students love to color and appreciate a structured, low-stress review activity.

This classification color by number resource includes 50 review questions covering taxonomy, kingdoms, binomial nomenclature, and organism characteristics.

It works well for classwork, homework, early finishers, or sub plans while still reinforcing essential biology standards.

⭐ Most Population Option: Complete Classification and Taxonomy Teaching Unit

If you want everything organized and ready to teach, the Classification and Taxonomy Complete Teaching Unit Bundle includes:

• PowerPoint and guided notes
• Multiple dichotomous key activities
• Cladogram practice
• Task cards
• Homework Assignments
• Jeopardy Review Games
• Quiz and Test
• Review activities
• Editable, printable, and digital formats

Instead of purchasing each activity separately, you can save by getting the complete unit here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teaching Classification and Taxonomy

What is the best taxonomy activity for high school students?

Hands-on activities such as dichotomous keys, cladogram construction, and classification task cards are highly effective because they require students to analyze and apply characteristics rather than memorize definitions.

How do you teach classification in middle school? Begin with observable traits and simple dichotomous keys before introducing hierarchical classification and evolutionary relationships.

What is the difference between classification and taxonomy? Classification is the process of grouping organisms based on shared traits, while taxonomy is the science of naming and organizing those organisms.

Why is classification important in real life?  Classification helps scientists organize biodiversity, identify new species, understand evolutionary relationships, and apply biological knowledge in medicine, agriculture, and conservation.

What grade levels are appropriate for these activities? These classification and taxonomy activities are appropriate for grades 7 through 11, with increasing complexity for upper high school students.

What is taxonomy in simple terms? Taxonomy is the science and practice of classifying living organisms into organized categories based on shared characteristics.

More Classification and Evolution Teaching Ideas

If you are building a complete taxonomy and evolution unit, these related blog posts provide additional information on classroom-tested activities:

• Dichotomous Key to Insects Activity
• Kingdoms of Life Card Sort Game
• Reviewing Evolution and Classification Warm Ups and Bell Ringers
• Evolution and Geologic Time

A Dichotomous Classification Key with a Holiday Twist!

Combine how to teach (or review) a dichotomous classification key with a wonderful community service project!

I absolutely love the holiday season for so many reasons, but one of my favorite reasons is that I look forward to this activity with my biology students so much!  I came up with this idea several years ago while racking my brain for an activity that could be done with my high school biology students just before the Christmas break.  I wanted to involve my students in a community service activity and also wanted it to be related to science in some way.

Starting this week, in the few days before we dismiss for Thanksgiving holidays, I will place a collection box in my classroom.  I tell my students that we are going to collect money for a project that will benefit those less fortunate than we are.  I encourage them to give what they can.  I let them know that we will be collecting money for several weeks.  Since most high school students usually have a bit of change in their pockets, I encourage them to place some coins in the box whenever they feel they can spare it.

After a few weeks, I use the money to buy various candies (Hershey bars, Reese's peanut butter cups, peppermint patties) and travel size toiletries (shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.) Then one day just before we dismiss for the Christmas holidays, I have my students complete my activity called, "The Dichotomous Key to Holiday Giving and Community Service." (FREE download.)

The students are given the different candies and toiletries.  They must use my dichotomous classification key to determine the "scientific" name of each item.  As the candies are classified they are placed into small red stockings.  As the toiletries are classified, they are placed in quart sized ziplock bags.  After school we deliver the stockings of candy and the bags of toiletries to our local food bank.  We live in a small town so many of the students are able and willing to accompany me to the food bank.  As the food bank distributes food for the holidays, they will include our candy and toiletries in the boxes of food they distribute.  The fine folks who work at the food bank are always so excited to get our small contributions, and many of my students will stay at the food bank for the afternoon and volunteer.

I have a particular fondness for our small, local food bank, but you might also consider doing this activity and donating your items to a nursing home or another worthwhile organization such as the Salvation Army.  Your students might not learn a whole lot of science in this activity, but they will experience the joy of giving and the value of serving the community.

You can download this activity for free:  A Dichotomous Key to Holiday Giving and Community Services.    I hope you enjoy this activity as much as I do!

Have fun teaching!