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Biology Worksheets, Notes, and Quizzes (PDF and PNG)

This is a collection of free biology worksheets, notes, handouts, slides, study guides and quizzes. Most content targets high school, AP biology, genetics, anatomy/physiology, immunology, and biology 101 and 102 in college. There is also biochemistry and physics for biologists. However, some resources are at the grade school and middle school level.

The files are PDF, PNG, JPG, and formats using Google Apps for Google Classroom. Most of the time, these formats are interchangeable. So, if you see something you like, but want a different format, just let us know. Print these resources, make transparencies and slides, etc.

In the interest of quick load time, not all of the images are shown. If you’d rather see them all, just contact us!

Biochemistry

[ Google apps worksheet ][ worksheet PDF ][ answers PDF ][ worksheet PNG ][ answers PNG ]

Enzymes Definitions

[ Google Slides worksheet ][ worksheet PDF ][ answers PDF ][ worksheet PNG ][ answers PNG ]

• 20 Amino Acids [ PNG ][ PDF ]
• Amino Acid Side Chains [ PNG ][ PDF ]
• Identifying Type of Biological Macromolecules [ Google Slides worksheet ][ worksheet PDF ][ answers PDF ][ worksheet PNG ][ answers PNG ]
• Disaccharide Examples [ PNG ]
• Products of Photosynthesis [ JPG ]
• Anabolism vs Catabolism [ PNG ]
• 3 Parts of a Nucleotide [ PNG ]
• Fermentation Definition and Examples [ PNG ]

General and Cell Biology

Organelles and Their Functions

Parts of a Plant Cell

Label Parts of a Chloroplast

[ Google Apps worksheet ][ worksheet PDF ][ answers PDF ][ worksheet PNG ][ answers PNG ]

Label Parts of a Mitochondria

Label the Animal Cell

[ Google Apps worksheet ][ worksheet PDF ][ worksheet PNG ][ answers PNG ]

Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes Worksheet

Steps of the Cell Cycle

Steps of Mitosis

Membrane Transport Terms and Definitions

Membrane Transport Worksheet #2

The Plasma Membrane

Label a Bacterial Cell

• Label a Bacteriophage [ Google Apps worksheet ][ worksheet PDF ][ worksheet PNG ][ answers PNG ]
• Evidence of Evolution Worksheet [ Google Apps worksheet ][ Worksheet PDF ][ Worksheet PNG ][ Answers PNG ]
• Evolutionary Processes Worksheet [ worksheet Google Apps ][ worksheet PDF ][ worksheet PNG ][ answers PNG ]
• Major Receptor Families [ Google Apps worksheet ][ worksheet PDF ][ worksheet PNG ][ answers PNG ]
• Label a Bacterial Cell Membrane ( E. coli ) [ Google Apps worksheet ][ worksheet PDF ][ worksheet PNG ][ answers PNG ]

Anatomy and Physiology

These worksheets are only a portion of the available anatomy and physiology worksheets. Human anatomy and physiology worksheets have their own section.

Label the Heart

Label the Eye

[ Google Apps worksheet ][ worksheet PDF ][ answers PDF ][ worksheet PNG ]

Types of Blood Cells

[ worksheet Google Apps ][ worksheet PDF ][ worksheet PNG ][ answers PNG ]

Label the Muscles

[ worksheet PDF ][ worksheet PNG ][ answers PNG ]

Label the Ear

[ Google Apps worksheet ][ Worksheet PDF ][ Worksheet PNG ][ Answers PNG ]

Label the Lungs

Label the Kidney

Label the Liver

Label the Large Intestine

Label the Stomach

[ Google Apps worksheet ] [Worksheet PDF ][ Worksheet PNG ][ Answers PNG ]

External Nose Anatomy

[ Worksheet PDF ][ Worksheet Google Apps ][ Worksheet PNG ][ Answers PNG ]

Parts of the Nose

Label Bones of the Skeleton

Label the Lymph Node

Label the Parts of the Brain

Label the Lobes of the Brain

Brain Anatomical Sections

Arteries of the Brain

Label the Pancreas

Label the Spleen

Label the Digestive System

Label the Respiratory System

Parts of a Neuron

Label the Lips

Label the Skin

Label the Circulatory System

The Urinary Tract

[ Worksheet PDF ][ Worksheet Google Apps ][ Worksheet PNG ][ Answer Key PNG ]

The Bladder

• The Female Reproductive System [ worksheet PDF ][ worksheet Google Apps ][ worksheet PNG ][ answers PNG ]

Parts of a Flower

Label the Orchid Plant

[ Worksheet PDF ][ Worksheet Google Apps ][ Worksheet PNG ] [Answer Key PNG ]

Parts of an Orchid Flower

Parts of a Monocot Seed

Parts of a Fern

Parts of a Tree Trunk

Parts of a Tree

[ worksheet PDF ][ worksheet Google Apps ][ worksheet PNG ][ answers PNG ]

Parts of a Mushroom

Label the Shark

Label the Fish

Parts of a Bird

Bird Anatomy

Frog Life Cycle

Parts of a Mosquito (Insect)

Bones of the T. rex Skull

[ worksheets PDF ][ worksheet Google Slides ][ worksheet PNG ][ answers PNG ]

Holes of the T. rex Skull

• Label the T. rex Skeleton [ worksheets PDF ][ worksheet Google Slides ][ worksheet PNG ][ answers PNG ]
• Label Human Teeth [ Worksheet PDF ][ Worksheet Google Apps ][ Worksheet PNG ][ Answer Key PNG ]
• Monocot vs Dicot Seeds [ worksheet PDF ][ worksheet Google Slides ][ worksheet PNG ][ answers PNG ]
• Label the Moss [ worksheet PDF ][ worksheet Google Slides ][ worksheet PNG ][ answers PNG ]
• Diagram of the Human Eye [ JPG ]

Use a completed worksheet as a study guide.

Cells of the Immune System

Immune Cell Functions

[ worksheet Google Apps ][ worksheet PDF ][ worksheet PNG #1][ answers PNG #1][ worksheet PNG #2][ answers PNG #2]

Methods to Study Virus Structures

[ worksheet Google Slide ][ worksheet PDF ][ worksheet PNG ][ answers PNG ]

Icosahedral Virus Capsids

Human DNA Viruses

Human RNA Viruses

This is selection of worksheets relating to DNA, RNA, transcription, translation, genetic crosses, plasmid mapping, etc. See the full collection of genetics worksheets if you’re don’t see what you need.

DNA Replication

Types of Mutations

Monohybrid Cross Worksheet #1

Monohybrid Cross Worksheet #2

Monohybrid Cross Worksheet #3

Monohybrid Cross #4 – Multiple Alleles

• Monohybrid Cross Worksheet #5: Multiple Alleles [ worksheet Google Apps ][ worksheet PDF ][ worksheet PNG ][ answers PNG ]

Monohybrid Cross #6 – Sex-Linked Inheritance

Monohybrid Cross #7 – Sex-Linked Inheritance

Dihybrid Cross Worksheet #1

Dihybrid Cross Worksheet #2

Dihybrid Cross Worksheet #3

Dihybrid Cross Worksheet #4

Dihybrid Cross #5 – Epistasis

Dihybrid Cross #6 – Epistasis

Incomplete Dominance Worksheet #1

Incomplete Dominance Worksheet #2

Natural Selection Worksheet

Convergent vs Divergent Evolution Worksheet

Intro to Pedigrees Worksheet #1

Pedigrees/Genealogy Worksheet #2

Pedigrees/Genealogy Worksheet #3 – X-Linked Dominant Traits

Pedigrees/Genealogy Worksheet #4 – X-Linked Recessive Traits

Pedigrees/Genealogy Worksheet #5 – Autosomal Dominant Traits

Pedigrees/Genealogy Worksheet #6 – Autosomal Recessive Traits

Pedigrees/Genealogy Worksheet #7 – Comprehension Skills

Pedigrees/Genealogy Worksheet #8 – Identifying Inheritance Patterns

Autosomal vs Sex-Linked Inheritance

Plasmid Mapping

• Genotype vs Phenotype [ PNG ]
• Genetic Codon Chart [ PNG ][ PDF ]
• RNA vs DNA [ JPG ]

Use labelled diagrams as study guides.

Ecosystems Worksheet

Levels of Organization (Ecosystem)

Primary Succession

Secondary Succession

Label the Insect

Label the Bee

Chicken Life Cycle (Basic)

Bird Life Cycle (Basic)

Butterfly Life Cycle

• Biotic and Abiotic Factors [ worksheet PDF ][ worksheet Google Apps ][ worksheet PNG ][ answers PNG ]
• Kingdoms of Life Graphic [ PNG ]
• Autotroph vs Heterotroph Graphic [ PNG ]
• Commensalism Definition and Examples [ PNG ]
• Difference Between Butterflies and Moths [ JPG ]
• Difference Between Bugs and Insects [ PNG ]

Parasitology

Schistosome Life Cycle

Schistosome Anatomy

• Giardia Life Cycle [ worksheet Google Apps ][ worksheet PDF ][ worksheet PNG ][ answers PNG ]

Physical Science for Biology

There is also an entire section devoted to physical science worksheets and study guides.

• Adhesion vs Cohesion Graphic [ PNG ]
• What Is Entropy? [ PNG ]
• Freezing Point of Water [ PNG ]

Biology Labs

• How to Extract DNA From a Banana [ PNG ]

Biology Word Search Puzzles

• DNA Replication Word Search
• Gel Electrophoresis Word Search
• Citrus Fruits
• General Biology Word Search Puzzle [ PNG ]
• Life Science Word Search [ PNG ][ PDF ]
• Cell Biology Word Search [ PNG ][ PDF ]
• Amino Acid Word Search [ PNG ][ PDF ]
• Biome Word Search [ PNG ][ PDF ]
• Environmental Science Word Search [ PNG ][ PDF ]
• Photosynthesis Word Search [ PNG ]
• Human Skeleton Bones Word Search [ PNG ]
• Dinosaur Word Search [ PNG ][ PDF ]
• Different Dinosaur Word Search [ PNG ][ PDF ]
• Wild Cats Word Search [ PNG ][ PDF ]
• Shark Word Search [ PNG ]
• Trees Word Search [ PNG ][ PDF ]
• Flowers Word Search [ PNG ][ PDF ]
• Butterfly Word Search [ PNG ][ PDF ]
• Genetics Word Search [ PNG ][ PDF ]

Miscellaneous Biology Notes and Resouces

• How Long Can Germs Live on Surfaces? [ PNG ]
• 10 Radioactive Foods [ PNG ]
• Examples of Organic Compounds [ PNG ]

Biology Notes Terms of Use

You are welcome to print these resources for personal or classroom use. They may be used as handouts or posters. They may  not  be posted elsewhere online, sold, or used on products for sale.

This page doesn’t include all of the assets on the Science Notes site. If there’s a table or worksheet you need but don’t see, just let us know.

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72 Easy Science Experiments Using Materials You Already Have On Hand

Because science doesn’t have to be complicated.

If there is one thing that is guaranteed to get your students excited, it’s a good science experiment! While some experiments require expensive lab equipment or dangerous chemicals, there are plenty of cool projects you can do with regular household items. We’ve rounded up a big collection of easy science experiments that anybody can try, and kids are going to love them!

Easy Chemistry Science Experiments

Easy physics science experiments, easy biology and environmental science experiments, easy engineering experiments and stem challenges.

1. Taste the Rainbow

Teach your students about diffusion while creating a beautiful and tasty rainbow! Tip: Have extra Skittles on hand so your class can eat a few!

Learn more: Skittles Diffusion

2. Crystallize sweet treats

Crystal science experiments teach kids about supersaturated solutions. This one is easy to do at home, and the results are absolutely delicious!

Learn more: Candy Crystals

3. Make a volcano erupt

This classic experiment demonstrates a chemical reaction between baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid), which produces carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium acetate.

Learn more: Best Volcano Experiments

4. Make elephant toothpaste

This fun project uses yeast and a hydrogen peroxide solution to create overflowing “elephant toothpaste.” Tip: Add an extra fun layer by having kids create toothpaste wrappers for plastic bottles.

5. Blow the biggest bubbles you can

Add a few simple ingredients to dish soap solution to create the largest bubbles you’ve ever seen! Kids learn about surface tension as they engineer these bubble-blowing wands.

Learn more: Giant Soap Bubbles

6. Demonstrate the “magic” leakproof bag

All you need is a zip-top plastic bag, sharp pencils, and water to blow your kids’ minds. Once they’re suitably impressed, teach them how the “trick” works by explaining the chemistry of polymers.

Learn more: Leakproof Bag

7. Use apple slices to learn about oxidation

Have students make predictions about what will happen to apple slices when immersed in different liquids, then put those predictions to the test. Have them record their observations.

Learn more: Apple Oxidation

8. Float a marker man

Their eyes will pop out of their heads when you “levitate” a stick figure right off the table! This experiment works due to the insolubility of dry-erase marker ink in water, combined with the lighter density of the ink.

Learn more: Floating Marker Man

9. Discover density with hot and cold water

There are a lot of easy science experiments you can do with density. This one is extremely simple, involving only hot and cold water and food coloring, but the visuals make it appealing and fun.

Learn more: Layered Water

10. Layer more liquids

This density demo is a little more complicated, but the effects are spectacular. Slowly layer liquids like honey, dish soap, water, and rubbing alcohol in a glass. Kids will be amazed when the liquids float one on top of the other like magic (except it is really science).

Learn more: Layered Liquids

11. Grow a carbon sugar snake

Easy science experiments can still have impressive results! This eye-popping chemical reaction demonstration only requires simple supplies like sugar, baking soda, and sand.

Learn more: Carbon Sugar Snake

12. Mix up some slime

Tell kids you’re going to make slime at home, and watch their eyes light up! There are a variety of ways to make slime, so try a few different recipes to find the one you like best.

13. Make homemade bouncy balls

These homemade bouncy balls are easy to make since all you need is glue, food coloring, borax powder, cornstarch, and warm water. You’ll want to store them inside a container like a plastic egg because they will flatten out over time.

Learn more: Make Your Own Bouncy Balls

14. Create eggshell chalk

Eggshells contain calcium, the same material that makes chalk. Grind them up and mix them with flour, water, and food coloring to make your very own sidewalk chalk.

Learn more: Eggshell Chalk

15. Make naked eggs

This is so cool! Use vinegar to dissolve the calcium carbonate in an eggshell to discover the membrane underneath that holds the egg together. Then, use the “naked” egg for another easy science experiment that demonstrates osmosis .

Learn more: Naked Egg Experiment

16. Turn milk into plastic

This sounds a lot more complicated than it is, but don’t be afraid to give it a try. Use simple kitchen supplies to create plastic polymers from plain old milk. Sculpt them into cool shapes when you’re done!

17. Test pH using cabbage

Teach kids about acids and bases without needing pH test strips! Simply boil some red cabbage and use the resulting water to test various substances—acids turn red and bases turn green.

Learn more: Cabbage pH

18. Clean some old coins

Use common household items to make old oxidized coins clean and shiny again in this simple chemistry experiment. Ask kids to predict (hypothesize) which will work best, then expand the learning by doing some research to explain the results.

Learn more: Cleaning Coins

19. Pull an egg into a bottle

This classic easy science experiment never fails to delight. Use the power of air pressure to suck a hard-boiled egg into a jar, no hands required.

Learn more: Egg in a Bottle

20. Blow up a balloon (without blowing)

Chances are good you probably did easy science experiments like this when you were in school. The baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment demonstrates the reactions between acids and bases when you fill a bottle with vinegar and a balloon with baking soda.

21 Assemble a DIY lava lamp

This 1970s trend is back—as an easy science experiment! This activity combines acid-base reactions with density for a totally groovy result.

22. Explore how sugary drinks affect teeth

The calcium content of eggshells makes them a great stand-in for teeth. Use eggs to explore how soda and juice can stain teeth and wear down the enamel. Expand your learning by trying different toothpaste-and-toothbrush combinations to see how effective they are.

Learn more: Sugar and Teeth Experiment

23. Mummify a hot dog

If your kids are fascinated by the Egyptians, they’ll love learning to mummify a hot dog! No need for canopic jars , just grab some baking soda and get started.

24. Extinguish flames with carbon dioxide

This is a fiery twist on acid-base experiments. Light a candle and talk about what fire needs in order to survive. Then, create an acid-base reaction and “pour” the carbon dioxide to extinguish the flame. The CO2 gas acts like a liquid, suffocating the fire.

25. Send secret messages with invisible ink

Turn your kids into secret agents! Write messages with a paintbrush dipped in lemon juice, then hold the paper over a heat source and watch the invisible become visible as oxidation goes to work.

Learn more: Invisible Ink

26. Create dancing popcorn

This is a fun version of the classic baking soda and vinegar experiment, perfect for the younger crowd. The bubbly mixture causes popcorn to dance around in the water.

27. Shoot a soda geyser sky-high

You’ve always wondered if this really works, so it’s time to find out for yourself! Kids will marvel at the chemical reaction that sends diet soda shooting high in the air when Mentos are added.

Learn more: Soda Explosion

28. Send a teabag flying

Hot air rises, and this experiment can prove it! You’ll want to supervise kids with fire, of course. For more safety, try this one outside.

Learn more: Flying Tea Bags

29. Create magic milk

This fun and easy science experiment demonstrates principles related to surface tension, molecular interactions, and fluid dynamics.

Learn more: Magic Milk Experiment

30. Watch the water rise

Learn about Charles’s Law with this simple experiment. As the candle burns, using up oxygen and heating the air in the glass, the water rises as if by magic.

Learn more: Rising Water

31. Learn about capillary action

Kids will be amazed as they watch the colored water move from glass to glass, and you’ll love the easy and inexpensive setup. Gather some water, paper towels, and food coloring to teach the scientific magic of capillary action.

Learn more: Capillary Action

32. Give a balloon a beard

Equally educational and fun, this experiment will teach kids about static electricity using everyday materials. Kids will undoubtedly get a kick out of creating beards on their balloon person!

Learn more: Static Electricity

33. Find your way with a DIY compass

Here’s an old classic that never fails to impress. Magnetize a needle, float it on the water’s surface, and it will always point north.

Learn more: DIY Compass

34. Crush a can using air pressure

Sure, it’s easy to crush a soda can with your bare hands, but what if you could do it without touching it at all? That’s the power of air pressure!

35. Tell time using the sun

While people use clocks or even phones to tell time today, there was a time when a sundial was the best means to do that. Kids will certainly get a kick out of creating their own sundials using everyday materials like cardboard and pencils.

Learn more: Make Your Own Sundial

36. Launch a balloon rocket

Grab balloons, string, straws, and tape, and launch rockets to learn about the laws of motion.

37. Make sparks with steel wool

All you need is steel wool and a 9-volt battery to perform this science demo that’s bound to make their eyes light up! Kids learn about chain reactions, chemical changes, and more.

Learn more: Steel Wool Electricity

38. Levitate a Ping-Pong ball

Kids will get a kick out of this experiment, which is really all about Bernoulli’s principle. You only need plastic bottles, bendy straws, and Ping-Pong balls to make the science magic happen.

39. Whip up a tornado in a bottle

There are plenty of versions of this classic experiment out there, but we love this one because it sparkles! Kids learn about a vortex and what it takes to create one.

Learn more: Tornado in a Bottle

40. Monitor air pressure with a DIY barometer

This simple but effective DIY science project teaches kids about air pressure and meteorology. They’ll have fun tracking and predicting the weather with their very own barometer.

Learn more: DIY Barometer

41. Peer through an ice magnifying glass

Students will certainly get a thrill out of seeing how an everyday object like a piece of ice can be used as a magnifying glass. Be sure to use purified or distilled water since tap water will have impurities in it that will cause distortion.

Learn more: Ice Magnifying Glass

42. String up some sticky ice

Can you lift an ice cube using just a piece of string? This quick experiment teaches you how. Use a little salt to melt the ice and then refreeze the ice with the string attached.

Learn more: Sticky Ice

43. “Flip” a drawing with water

Light refraction causes some really cool effects, and there are multiple easy science experiments you can do with it. This one uses refraction to “flip” a drawing; you can also try the famous “disappearing penny” trick .

Learn more: Light Refraction With Water

44. Color some flowers

We love how simple this project is to re-create since all you’ll need are some white carnations, food coloring, glasses, and water. The end result is just so beautiful!

45. Use glitter to fight germs

Everyone knows that glitter is just like germs—it gets everywhere and is so hard to get rid of! Use that to your advantage and show kids how soap fights glitter and germs.

Learn more: Glitter Germs

46. Re-create the water cycle in a bag

You can do so many easy science experiments with a simple zip-top bag. Fill one partway with water and set it on a sunny windowsill to see how the water evaporates up and eventually “rains” down.

Learn more: Water Cycle

47. Learn about plant transpiration

Your backyard is a terrific place for easy science experiments. Grab a plastic bag and rubber band to learn how plants get rid of excess water they don’t need, a process known as transpiration.

Learn more: Plant Transpiration

48. Clean up an oil spill

Before conducting this experiment, teach your students about engineers who solve environmental problems like oil spills. Then, have your students use provided materials to clean the oil spill from their oceans.

Learn more: Oil Spill

49. Construct a pair of model lungs

Kids get a better understanding of the respiratory system when they build model lungs using a plastic water bottle and some balloons. You can modify the experiment to demonstrate the effects of smoking too.

Learn more: Model Lungs

50. Experiment with limestone rocks

Kids  love to collect rocks, and there are plenty of easy science experiments you can do with them. In this one, pour vinegar over a rock to see if it bubbles. If it does, you’ve found limestone!

Learn more: Limestone Experiments

51. Turn a bottle into a rain gauge

All you need is a plastic bottle, a ruler, and a permanent marker to make your own rain gauge. Monitor your measurements and see how they stack up against meteorology reports in your area.

Learn more: DIY Rain Gauge

52. Build up towel mountains

This clever demonstration helps kids understand how some landforms are created. Use layers of towels to represent rock layers and boxes for continents. Then pu-u-u-sh and see what happens!

Learn more: Towel Mountains

53. Take a play dough core sample

Learn about the layers of the earth by building them out of Play-Doh, then take a core sample with a straw. ( Love Play-Doh? Get more learning ideas here. )

Learn more: Play Dough Core Sampling

54. Project the stars on your ceiling

Use the video lesson in the link below to learn why stars are only visible at night. Then create a DIY star projector to explore the concept hands-on.

Learn more: DIY Star Projector

55. Make it rain

Use shaving cream and food coloring to simulate clouds and rain. This is an easy science experiment little ones will beg to do over and over.

Learn more: Shaving Cream Rain

56. Blow up your fingerprint

This is such a cool (and easy!) way to look at fingerprint patterns. Inflate a balloon a bit, use some ink to put a fingerprint on it, then blow it up big to see your fingerprint in detail.

57. Snack on a DNA model

Twizzlers, gumdrops, and a few toothpicks are all you need to make this super-fun (and yummy!) DNA model.

Learn more: Edible DNA Model

58. Dissect a flower

Take a nature walk and find a flower or two. Then bring them home and take them apart to discover all the different parts of flowers.

59. Craft smartphone speakers

No Bluetooth speaker? No problem! Put together your own from paper cups and toilet paper tubes.

Learn more: Smartphone Speakers

60. Race a balloon-powered car

Kids will be amazed when they learn they can put together this awesome racer using cardboard and bottle-cap wheels. The balloon-powered “engine” is so much fun too.

Learn more: Balloon-Powered Car

61. Build a Ferris wheel

You’ve probably ridden on a Ferris wheel, but can you build one? Stock up on wood craft sticks and find out! Play around with different designs to see which one works best.

Learn more: Craft Stick Ferris Wheel

62. Design a phone stand

There are lots of ways to craft a DIY phone stand, which makes this a perfect creative-thinking STEM challenge.

63. Conduct an egg drop

Put all their engineering skills to the test with an egg drop! Challenge kids to build a container from stuff they find around the house that will protect an egg from a long fall (this is especially fun to do from upper-story windows).

Learn more: Egg Drop Challenge Ideas

64. Engineer a drinking-straw roller coaster

STEM challenges are always a hit with kids. We love this one, which only requires basic supplies like drinking straws.

Learn more: Straw Roller Coaster

65. Build a solar oven

Explore the power of the sun when you build your own solar ovens and use them to cook some yummy treats. This experiment takes a little more time and effort, but the results are always impressive. The link below has complete instructions.

Learn more: Solar Oven

66. Build a Da Vinci bridge

There are plenty of bridge-building experiments out there, but this one is unique. It’s inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s 500-year-old self-supporting wooden bridge. Learn how to build it at the link, and expand your learning by exploring more about Da Vinci himself.

Learn more: Da Vinci Bridge

67. Step through an index card

This is one easy science experiment that never fails to astonish. With carefully placed scissor cuts on an index card, you can make a loop large enough to fit a (small) human body through! Kids will be wowed as they learn about surface area.

68. Stand on a pile of paper cups

Combine physics and engineering and challenge kids to create a paper cup structure that can support their weight. This is a cool project for aspiring architects.

Learn more: Paper Cup Stack

69. Test out parachutes

Gather a variety of materials (try tissues, handkerchiefs, plastic bags, etc.) and see which ones make the best parachutes. You can also find out how they’re affected by windy days or find out which ones work in the rain.

Learn more: Parachute Drop

70. Recycle newspapers into an engineering challenge

It’s amazing how a stack of newspapers can spark such creative engineering. Challenge kids to build a tower, support a book, or even build a chair using only newspaper and tape!

Learn more: Newspaper STEM Challenge

71. Use rubber bands to sound out acoustics

Explore the ways that sound waves are affected by what’s around them using a simple rubber band “guitar.” (Kids absolutely love playing with these!)

Learn more: Rubber Band Guitar

72. Assemble a better umbrella

Challenge students to engineer the best possible umbrella from various household supplies. Encourage them to plan, draw blueprints, and test their creations using the scientific method.

Learn more: Umbrella STEM Challenge

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20 Hands-on Biology Activities For Kids

Teaching kids about biology can be a great way to teach them about the world around them and understand the science of life. In this post, we’ll share some easy biology experiments and activities you can do with kids, whether you’re a parent or a teacher. From learning how to build DNA to exploring how plants grow, there are so many fun activities kids will love!

What is Biology?

Biology is the study of living things, and it helps us understand how all living creatures work.

It’s like a big puzzle where scientists, or biologists, try to figure out how plants, animals, and even tiny organisms function. They look at things like how our bodies work, how plants grow, how animals behave, and even how different creatures are related to each other.

Biology covers everything from the tiniest cells that make up our bodies to the vast diversity of life in the world, from the smallest bugs to the biggest whales. It’s like exploring a huge, amazing book about life on Earth. 

Why is it important for kids to study biology?

• Understanding Life : Biology helps kids understand how all living things, including themselves, work. It’s like learning the owner’s manual for living beings.
• Respect for Nature : It teaches kids to appreciate and respect nature, from the tiniest insects to the biggest trees. This respect for the environment is crucial for a sustainable future.
• Healthy Living : Biology teaches about the human body and how to stay healthy. Kids learn about nutrition, exercise, and how to take care of their bodies.
• Curiosity and Discovery : It encourages curiosity and a love for exploring the world around them. Kids get to be little scientists, asking questions and finding answers.
• Environmental Awareness : Biology helps kids understand important topics like climate change, pollution, and conservation. This knowledge empowers them to make the world a better place.

Biology Topics

Plants: Kids can learn about different types of plants, their parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers), and how they grow. They may also explore the importance of plants in providing food and oxygen for living beings.

Animals: Biology involves studying various animals and their characteristics. Kids can learn about the diversity of animals, their habitats, and how they adapt to survive in different environments.

Human Body: Basic concepts of the human body, such as organs, bones, muscles, and the five senses, can be introduced. Kids can learn how their bodies work and how to keep themselves healthy.

Life Cycles: Biology includes understanding life cycles of different organisms, like butterflies, frogs, and plants. Kids can observe and discuss the stages of growth and development.

Habitats and Ecosystems: Children can explore different habitats, such as forests, deserts, oceans, and learn about the plants and animals. They can also understand the interconnections between living things in an ecosystem.

Microscopic World: Kids can be introduced to the fascinating world of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria and protozoa. They may learn about their importance in nature and human health.

Genetics: In simple terms, genetics can be explained as the study of how traits are passed from parents to offspring. Kids can understand basic inheritance patterns and family resemblances.

Food Chains and Webs: Biology involves exploring food chains and food webs, showing how energy flows from one organism to another in an ecosystem.

Adaptations: Kids can learn how different animals have adaptations that help them survive in their environments, such as camouflage or unique body features.

Nature Observations: Encouraging kids to observe and explore the natural world around them is an integral part of biology. Nature walks, and outdoor activities foster a deeper appreciation for living organisms.

Free Biology Experiments Guide

Download and save this handy biology experiments guide and science process pack for your next science lesson!

Fun Biology Questions to Ask

• What is photosynthesis, and how do plants use it?
• How do animals adapt to their environments?
• What’s the purpose of the heart in our bodies?
• How do bees help flowers and plants grow?
• Why do we have different seasons, and how does that affect nature?
• How do animals communicate with each other?
• What’s the role of DNA in living organisms?
• How do animals like chameleons change their colors?
• What are ecosystems, and why are they important?
• What are the 5 senses of the body? Think of fun examples for each one!

Quick Toddler or Preschooler Biology

• Start with easy ideas like recognizing common animals, plants, or body parts using pictures and simple books.
• Plan activities like planting seeds or observing bugs. Kids learn biology through play and exploration.
• Explain things in everyday language. For example, say, “Plants use sunlight for their food” instead of using complex words.
• Encourage thinking by asking questions like, “Why do leaves change color in the fall?” It helps kids explore and wonder.
• Go on nature walks to see plants and animals. Talk about what you see and how they act.
• Share nature stories. Kids remember better when learning is part of a story.
• Talk about the 5 senses or do an All About Me activity!

Biology Life Cycle Activities

💡New for the Holidays: Reindeer Facts and Life Cycle for Kids

• Life Cycle Bug Play Dough Mats
• Ladybug Life Cycle
• Frog Life Cycle
• Butterfly Life Cycle
• Penguin Life Cycle
• Bean Sprout Life Cycle
• Plant Life Cycle
• Bee Life Cycle
• Earthworm Life Cycle
• Pine Tree Life Cycle
• Reindeer Life Cycle and Facts

Biology Experiments & Activities To Explore

Explore osmosis.

Kids can discover how water moves in and out of plant cells in this  Potato Osmosis Lab . You can also demonstrate this with growing gummy bears !

Make A Heart Model

Create an engaging and educational  Heart Model STEM Project  with your kids using household items like plastic bottles, bendy straws, and clay.

Extract DNA From Strawberries

Learn  how to extract DNA from strawberries  in this fun and educational science experiment that uncovers the secrets of DNA and genetics. 

Build A Candy DNA Model

Explore how to build a  Candy DNA model  with this fun and educational edible science activity, perfect for teaching kids about the structure of DNA using candy-like licorice and marshmallows. Make sure to also grab this DNA coloring sheet .

Test Your Reaction Time

How fast can you catch something that is falling? Explore the science behind reflexes with this reaction time experiment.

Make A Lung Model

Kids can learn  how to make a lung model , which involves creating a simple lung model using a plastic bottle, balloons, and a straw to demonstrate how lungs function when we breathe.

X-Ray Project

Explore the principles of X-rays inspired by scientist Marie Curie’s groundbreaking work, and make your own X-rays with this hands-on STEAM project .

Create A Seed Jar

Explore the fascinating world of seed germination, watch roots grow, and identify the parts of a plant with this  Seed Germination Experiment .

Build A Mini Greenhouse

Enjoy growing plants with a mini greenhouse made from plastic bottles . Watch the life cycle of a plant unfold with simple materials from your recycling bin.

Explore Leaf Chromatography

Discover the science of  leaf chromatography  with this STEM activity that teaches kids about the pigments in leaves and how they change colors during the fall season.

Make Spinach Glow

Transform ordinary spinach that you eat into a glowing green mixture under ultraviolet light! Learn about the pigments present in plants, particularly chlorophyll and how certain pigments can absorb light at one wavelength and emit light at another, resulting in the observed glow.

Dissect A Flower

Learn about the parts of a flower and what they do with a fun printable parts of a flower diagram ! Then gather your own flowers, and do a simple flower dissection to identify and name the parts of a flower.

Explore Plant Growth

Set up this fun plant growth experiment and investigate what conditions plants grow best under.

Color Celery

Set up a  celery experiment with food coloring that shows how water travels through a plant.

Explore How Plants Breathe

Learn about plant respiration with a few leaves you can grab from your backyard.

Make Red Cabbage Indicator

Find out how cabbage can be used to test liquids of varying acid levels. Depending on the pH of the liquid, the cabbage turns shades of pink, purple, or green!

Explore Leaf Veins

Learn about the structure of plant leaves and  how water travels through leaf veins . This fun and simple biology experiment is a great way to see behind the scenes of how plants work!

Explore the world of  germs  by learning about hand hygiene and the importance of proper handwashing techniques using bread.

Make Blubber

How do whales, polar bears or even penguins stay warm? Make blubber and test out how it works as an insulator with this  blubber experiment .

Create An Animal Habitat Diorama

Learning about animal habitats is an essential part of studying biology. Kids can explore different environments by creating an animal habitat diorama.

Bonus: Printable Biology Worksheets

Animal adaptions.

Find instructions and templates to explore animal adaptions in our printable Animal Adaptations Project Pack .

Animal Classification

Printable animal classification activities & worksheets provide an interactive way to reinforce key ideas and help students categorize animals based on their traits. 

Animal Migration

Dive into the amazing world of animal migration , and the incredible journeys animal embark on all over the world. Printable activities, and facts.

Animal Hibernation

Our hibernating animal activities pack  is perfect for incorporating into winter lesson plans or winter activities! Kids can learn about all the different types of hibernating animals, where they hibernate during the winter, and other fun facts about animal hibernation!

Diurnal and Nocturnal Animals

Explore diurnal and nocturnal animals, and discover what makes their schedules unique with these diurnal and nocturnal animal worksheets.

Learn about where different animals live and various biomes with these  printable biomes of the world  lapbook project. Also, explore the savannah biome and taiga biome .

Nitrogen Cycle

Discover the fascinating world of the  nitrogen cycle  and the important role micro-organisms have in this process.

Carbon Cycle

Kids can learn all about the Carbon Cycle and witness the exchange of carbon through various processes.

Animal and Plant Cells

Explore the parts of the animal cell or the plant cell with this simple STEAM project. Or grab the complete Animal and Plant Cells Project Pack here.

Learn all about the double helix structure of DNA with this printable DNA coloring worksheet ! Color in the parts that make up DNA, as you explore our amazing genetic code.

Food Chains

These printable food chain worksheets are a great way to learn about the flow of energy through simple food chains in ecosystems.

Living and Non-Living

Use the free worksheets to teach kindergarten and elementary students how to classify things as living and non-living.

Photosynthesis

Green plants make their own food, and food for us through the process of photosynthesis. Use these photosynthesis worksheets to introduce the steps of photosynthesis.

Pollinators

Explore the important role of pollinators in the reproduction of flowering plants with our printable pollinator activity guide.

Add these fantastic reptile worksheets to your study of the animal kingdom, and use them to put together a lapbook project about the fascinating world of reptiles.

Vertebrates and Invertebrates

These printable vertebrate and invertebrate worksheets provide a fun way to learn about two different groups of animals.

Why Do Leaves Change Color

Find out what causes leaves to change color in the fall with this fun  Why Do Leaves Change Color lapbook project.

How to Set Up a Biology Project

Want to turn one of these fun biology activities into a science fair project? Then, you will want to check out these helpful resources.

• Easy Science Fair Projects
• Science Project Tips From A Teacher
• Science Fair Board Ideas

Printable Science Projects For Kids

If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!

• 90+ classic science activities  with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information.  NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
• Best science practices posters  and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
• Be a Collector activities pack  introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
• Know the Words Science vocabulary pack  includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
• My science journal writing prompts  explore what it means to be a scientist!!
• Bonus STEAM Project Pack:  Art meets science with doable projects!
• Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics.

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~ projects to try now ~.

20 Fun Biology Experiments for Elementary School Students

Are you seeking engaging, interactive biology experiments to captivate elementary school students? This blog post will explore 20 exciting biology experiments that will spark curiosity and promote hands-on learning. Let's dive in!

Are you seeking engaging, interactive biology experiments to captivate elementary school students? Look no further! This blog post will explore 20 exciting biology experiments that will spark curiosity and promote hands-on learning. Let's dive in!

Exploring Plant Life

1. growing seeds in different conditions.

By conducting this simple experiment, teach your students about the role of sunlight, water, and soil in plant growth. Have your students plant seeds in various conditions, such as different amounts of sunlight or soil types. Observe and compare the growth of the plants over time.

2. Leaf Chromatography

Introduce the concept of chromatography by examining the different pigments in leaves. Have your students collect leaves from different plants and use filter paper and rubbing alcohol to separate the pigments. This experiment will allow them to explore the diversity of natural colors.

3. DIY Terrariums

Bring the water cycle and ecosystems to life with this hands-on experiment. Guide your students in creating miniature terrariums using glass jars, soil, rocks, and small plants. Discuss how the plants release moisture through transpiration, which condenses on the jar walls and falls back as precipitation.

4. Parts of a Flower Dissection

Engage your students in plant anatomy with this dissection activity. Provide flowers for each student or group and guide them through identifying the different parts of a flower, such as petals, sepals, stamens, and pistils. This experiment will deepen their understanding of how flowers function and reproduce.

5. Photosynthesis in Action

Unleash the power of sunlight with this photosynthesis experiment. Ask your students to collect leaves and cover a portion of each leaf with aluminum foil. After a few days, remove the foil and observe the color change in the uncovered area, indicating chlorophyll production through photosynthesis.

Investigating the World of Microorganisms

6. yogurt bacteria culture.

Introduce your students to beneficial bacteria by guiding them in culturing yogurt at home. Discuss the role of bacteria in our digestive system and how they help break down food. This experiment will provide a hands-on experience in understanding the importance of these microorganisms.

7. Pond Water Microscope Investigation

Take your students on a microscopic adventure by exploring microorganisms in pond water. Provide microscopes and guide them in collecting water samples from a nearby pond or stream. Observe and discuss the diverse microorganisms, such as amoebas, paramecia, and algae.

8. Bread Mold Growth

Uncover the fascinating world of fungi by investigating bread mold growth. Ask your students to place slices of bread in different environments, such as a sealed bag, a moist container, or exposed to sunlight. Monitor and record mold growth over time, discussing the conditions that promote fungal growth.

9. Ant Farm Exploration

Invite your students to observe ant behavior and learn about insects by setting up a simple ant farm. Provide an ant farm kit or guide them in creating one using a transparent container, sand, and ants. Observe how ants build tunnels, communicate, and work together as a colony.

10. Bacterial Handprint Experiment

Highlight the importance of handwashing with this eye-opening experiment. Ask your students to press their hands onto agar plates or petri dishes before and after washing their hands thoroughly. Incubate the plates and observe the bacterial growth, emphasizing the need for proper hand hygiene.

Animal Kingdom Adventures

11. butterfly life cycle observation.

Embark on a captivating journey through the life cycle of butterflies. Provide caterpillars or chrysalises for your students to raise and observe. Document the stages of metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly, and discuss the importance of butterflies in pollination.

12. Owl Pellet Dissection

Unravel the secrets of food chains and predator-prey relationships with an owl pellet dissection. Provide owl pellets for your students to dissect and identify the bones of prey animals. This experiment will deepen their understanding of the interactions within an ecosystem.

13. Eggshell Toothpaste Experiment

Small Bites Pediatric Dentistry

Investigate the impact of different substances on tooth enamel using eggshells. Guide your students in soaking eggshells in various liquids like vinegar, soda, or fruit juice. Observe and discuss the effects of these substances on the eggshells, relating them to dental health.

14. Fish Tank Ecosystem

Create a mini aquarium in your classroom to study the interactions between fish and their environment. Discuss the concept of ecosystems, including the nitrogen cycle and food webs. Your students will be able to observe aquatic life and understand the delicate balance within an ecosystem.

15. Camouflage in Nature

Unleash your students' creativity while exploring the concept of camouflage. Provide paper animals and guide them in designing patterns that blend with different environments. Test their designs by placing the paper animals in corresponding backgrounds and discussing how camouflage aids in survival.

Human Body Exploration

16. diy lung model.

Bring the respiratory system to life with a DIY lung model. Using balloons, plastic bottles, and straws, guide your students in creating a model demonstrating how air moves in and out of our lungs during breathing. This experiment will enhance their understanding of our amazing respiratory system.

17. Taste Bud Mapping

Delve into the sense of taste with a simple taste bud mapping experiment. Provide taste test samples, such as sweet, salty, sour, and bitter substances, and guide your students in mapping the different taste sensations on their tongues. Discuss the role of taste buds in detecting flavors.

18. Skeletal System with Q-tips

Build a model of the human skeleton using Q-tips to understand bone structure. Guide your students in arranging Q-tips to represent bones and discuss the different types of bones in our bodies. This hands-on activity will reinforce their knowledge of the skeletal system.

19. DIY Digestive System

Create a hands-on model of the digestive system to illustrate the journey of food through our bodies. Using household materials like plastic bags, crackers, and water, guide your students in simulating the process of digestion from the mouth to the intestines. This experiment will make learning about digestion fun and memorable.

20. Heart Rate Investigation

Measure and compare heart rates under different conditions to introduce your students to the cardiovascular system. Ask them to take their pulse before and after various activities, such as exercise or relaxation. Discuss how the heart responds to changes in activity level, emphasizing the importance of cardiovascular health.

Partnering with a Lessonpal Tutor

You may also consider partnering with a Lessonpal Biology tutor who can provide additional guidance tailored to your student's learning needs.

Remember, education is all about exploration and discovery! Encourage your students to embrace curiosity and dive into these exciting biology experiments. So why not take advantage of the expertise of a Lessonpal Biology tutor to make the learning experience even more enriching and enjoyable? These 20 fun biology experiments will engage your elementary school students and foster a deeper understanding of various biological concepts. To further enhance their learning experience, I recommend exploring additional resources for teachers and students, such as online articles, books, or educational websites dedicated to biology experiments.

Additional Resources:

In addition to these 20 fun biology experiments, plenty of other resources are available to enhance your students' learning experience further. Here are a few suggestions:

• Online Articles: Explore websites like National Geographic Kids, Science Buddies, and Education.com for many articles and resources on biology experiments for elementary school students. These platforms often provide step-by-step instructions, explanations of scientific concepts, and additional experiment ideas.
• Books: Visit your local library or bookstore for biology experiment books for elementary school students. Look for titles like "The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book" by Tom Robinson or "Janice VanCleave's Biology For Every Kid: 101 Easy Experiments That Really Work" by Janice VanCleave. These books offer a variety of engaging experiments with detailed explanations and background information.
• Educational Websites : Check out Mystery Science, Khan Academy, and STEM Learning websites for interactive biology activities and lessons. These platforms provide video tutorials, quizzes, and hands-on activities that can supplement your classroom experiments.
• Science Kits: Consider investing in biology experiment kits for elementary school students. Companies like Thames & Kosmos and Steve Spangler Science offer kits with all the materials and instructions needed to conduct various experiments. These kits often include detailed explanations of the scientific principles behind each experiment.

Remember, the key to successful learning is providing various resources and opportunities for exploration. By incorporating these additional resources into your lesson plans, you can create a well-rounded and enriching biology curriculum for your elementary school students. Go ahead and inspire your students to embrace curiosity, dive into these exciting biology experiments, and explore the vast world of science!

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10 Great Biology Activities and Lessons

• Cell Biology
• Weather & Climate

K-8 Activities and Lessons

4. owl pellet dissection, 5. photosynthesis, 8-12 activities and lessons, 1. mendelian genetics, 2. extracting dna, 3. the ecology of your skin, 4. the heart, 5. cellular respiration.

• B.A., Biology, Emory University
• A.S., Nursing, Chattahoochee Technical College

Biology activities and lessons allow students to investigate and learn about biology through hands-on experience. Below is a list of 10 great biology activities and lessons for K-12 teachers and students.

The Cell as a System : This activity enables students to explore the components of a cell and how they work together as a system.

Objectives: Students will identify major cell components; know structures and functions of components; understand how the parts of a cell interact together.

Resources: Cell Anatomy - Discover the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Cell Organelles - Learn about the types of organelles and their function within cells.

15 Differences Between Animal and Plant Cells - Identify 15 ways in which animal cells and plant cells differ from one another.

Mitosis and Cell Division : This lesson introduces students to the process of cell mitosis.

Objectives: Students will understand the processes of cell reproduction and chromosome replication.

Resources: Mitosis - This stage-by-stage guide to mitosis describes the major events that occur in each mitotic stage.

Mitosis Glossary - This glossary lists commonly used mitosis terms.

Mitosis Quiz - This quiz is designed to test your knowledge of the mitotic process.

Meiosis and Gamete Production : This activity helps students explore meiosis and sex cell production.

Objectives: Students will describe the steps in meiosis and understand the difference between mitosis and meiosis.

Resources: Stages of Meiosis - This illustrated guide describes each stage of meiosis.

7 Differences Between Mitosis and Meiosis - Discover 7 differences between the division processes of mitosis and meiosis.

Dissecting Owl Pellets: This activity allows students to explore owl eating habits and digestion through dissecting owl pellets.

Objectives: Students learn how to examine, gather, and interpret data through owl pellet dissections.

Resources: Online Dissections - These virtual dissection resources allow you to experience actual dissections without all of the mess.

Photosynthesis and How Plants Make Food : This lesson explores photosynthesis and how plants use light to make food.

Objectives: Students will discover how plants make food, transport water, and the importance of plants to the environment.

Resources: The Magic of Photosynthesis - Discover how plants turn sunlight into energy.

Plant Chloroplasts - Find out how chloroplasts make photosynthesis possible.

Photosynthesis Quiz - Test your knowledge of photosynthesis by taking this quiz.

Using Drosophila to Teach Genetics : This activity is designed to help students apply basic genetics concepts to a living organism.

Objective: Students learn how to use the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster , to apply knowledge of heredity and Mendelian genetics.

Resources: Mendelian Genetics - Explore how traits are passed from parents to offspring.

Genetic Dominance Patterns - Examine the differences among complete dominance, incomplete dominance, and co-dominance relationships.

Polygenic Inheritance - Discover the types of traits that are determined by multiple genes.

Extracting DNA : This activity is designed to help students learn about the structure and function of DNA through DNA extraction.

Objectives: Students understand relationships between DNA , chromosomes , and genes . They understand how to extract DNA from living sources.

Resources: DNA From a Banana - Try this simple experiment that demonstrates how to extract DNA from a banana.

Make a DNA Model Using Candy - Discover a sweet and fun way to make a DNA model using candy.

Bacteria That Live on the Skin : In this activity, students discover the diverse organisms that live on the human body.

Objectives: Students examine the relationship between humans and skin bacteria.

Resources: Bacteria That Live on Your Skin - Discover 5 types of bacteria that live on your skin.

Microbe Ecosystems of the Body - The human microbiome includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even mites.

A Guide to Different Types of Pathogens - Learn about six types of pathogens that can make you sick.

Top 5 Reasons to Wash Your Hands - Washing and drying your hands properly is a simple and effective way to prevent the spread of disease.

Heart to Heart : This lesson helps students explore heart function, structure, and blood pumping activity.

Objectives: Students explore the anatomy of the heart and blood circulation .

Resources: Heart Anatomy - This guide provides and overview of the function and anatomy of the heart.

Circulatory System - Learn about the pulmonary and systemic paths of blood circulation.

ATP Please! : This lesson helps students explore the role of mitochondria in ATP production during aerobic cellular respiration.

Objectives: Students will be able to identify the steps of ATP production and the function of cell mitochondria.

Cellular Respiration - Discover how cells harvest the energy from the foods we eat.

Glycolysis - This is the first step of cellular respiration where glucose is split into two molecules for the production of ATP.

Citric Acid Cycle - Also known as the Krebs Cycle, this is the second step of cellular respiration.

Electron Transport Chain - The majority of ATP production occurs in this final stage of cellular respiration.

Mitochondria - These cell organelles are the sites of aerobic cellular respiration.

Biology Experiments

For information on science experiments and lab resources, see:

• Biology Science Project Ideas - Discover great ideas for biology related science projects.
• Biology Lab Safety Rules - Follow these tips to learn how to stay safe in biology lab.
• Basic Tips to Ace Your Biology Class
• Biology Science Fair Project Ideas
• Biology Lab Safety Rules
• What Is AP Biology?
• 10 Facts About Cells
• What Is Cell Biology?
• Top Biology Programs in U.S. Universities
• Biology Homework Help
• How To Make a DNA Model Using Candy
• Biology Prefixes and Suffixes: epi-
• What Is Bioprinting?
• Biology: The Study of Life
• Biology Prefixes and Suffixes: "Cyto-" and "-Cyte"
• Laws of Thermodynamics as Related to Biology
• Biology Prefixes and Suffixes: -ectomy, -ostomy
• Biology Prefixes and Suffixes: dactyl-, -dactyl

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6 Easy Biology Science Experiments for Kids

Let’s dive into studying life and living organisms with a new set of biology experiments for kids! These are all easy and simple to do at home or in your classroom, and all of them are liquid or water-based, so you’ll likely have everything you need on hand to bring these science projects to life. We’ll be exploring osmosis, chromatography, homogenization, transpiration, capillary action, and evaporation.

Related: Check out our other science experiments for kids posts on physics and chemistry !

Gummy Bear Osmosis

“Solute” is a general term that refers to a molecule dissolved in a solution. In a salt water solution, for example, the salt molecules are the solutes. The more salt we put in the solution, the more we increase the concentration of solutes.

Water moves from an area with a lower concentration of solutes to an area with a higher solute concentration. This movement of water molecules is called “osmosis.” In order to examine the process of osmosis and observe how it works, we can look at what happens to gummy bears when they are left to soak in different solutions overnight.

Gummy Bear Osmosis Printable Instructions

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-------------------------------------------------------, what you’ll need:.

• Two container such as bowls, cups, or jars
• Measuring cup
• Gummy bears
• Add ½ cup of water to each of the two empty containers. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to one of the containers and stir well.
• Drop a gummy bear into each container and leave it 8 hours or overnight.
• Observe what happened to each gummy bear. Compare the gummy bears to each other, and also to a gummy bear that was not left to soak overnight.

What’s happening?

The concentration of solutes inside the gummy bear is higher than the concentration of solutes in plain water. As a result, in our experiment, the water flowed into the gummy bear causing it to swell, and that’s why the gummy bear grew overnight.

The same is true for the gummy bear placed in the salt water solution. However, the difference in solute concentration wasn’t as great, so less water flowed into the gummy bear. In other words, it took less water to balance out the solute concentration inside and outside the gummy bear. Thus, the gummy bear in the salt water solution grew less than the bear in the plain water solution.

You can experiment with different solute concentrations to see how it affects the outcome. What happens when you add twice as much salt to the overnight water bath? Is there any amount of salt that can be added to keep the gummy bear the same size?

Exploring Chromatography

Chromatography is a technique used to separate out the components of a mixture. The technique utilizes two phases – a mobile phase and a stationary phase. There are several types of chromatography, but in this experiment, we will be looking at paper chromatography.

In paper chromatography, the stationary phase is filter paper. The mobile phase is the liquid solvent that moves over the filter paper. For this experiment, we will use marker ink to examine how chromatography works.

Exploring Chromatography Printable Instructions

• Three clear containers such as drinking glasses or mason jars
• Coffee filters
• Rubbing alcohol
• Vegetable oil
• Water-soluble marker, any color
• Sharpie marker, any color
• Mark one container with an “A,” a second container with a “W,” and a third container with an “O.” Fill the bottom of the “A” container with rubbing alcohol, the “W” container with water, and the “O” container with vegetable oil. Make sure the liquid in each container comes up no more than ½ an inch from the bottom.
• Take three coffee filters out and measure out 1 inch from the bottom. Mark this spot by drawing a line with the pencil. Make one dot on this line using the water-soluble marker. Do the same with the Sharpie marker.
• Place one coffee filter in each container so that the bottom of the coffee filter is submerged in the solvent but the solvent DOES NOT touch the dots of marker ink. The solvent will travel up the coffee filter and past the dots. Watch what happens to the dots as the solvent moves over them.

Like dissolves like, so substances will interact with solvents that are similar to it. Water-soluble marker ink is polar, so it will interact with polar mobile phases such as water and alcohol. When a non-polar solvent such as vegetable oil moves over it, it will not interact, and therefore will not move.

Sharpie marker ink is “permanent” in the sense that it can’t be washed off with water. It isn’t water-soluble. When the rubbing alcohol moves over it, however, we see that the Sharpie ink interacts with it. This is because Sharpie ink contains alcohols in it. Following the principle of “like dissolves like,” it interacts with the rubbing alcohol.

Using Tie-Dyed Milk to Observe Homogenization

Molecules in a solution tend to aggregate with other molecules that are similarly charged. Fat molecules, for instance, will cluster together with other fat molecules. Milk is made up of different types of molecules, including fat, water, and protein. In order to keep these molecules from completely separating to form layers, milk undergoes a process called homogenization.

Even after undergoing homogenization, however, fat molecules floating free in solution will come together when milk is left sitting undisturbed. To visualize this process, and what happens when those molecules are dispersed, we can use food coloring and dish soap.

Using Tie-Dyed Milk to Observe Homogenization Printable Instructions

• Full fat milk
• 1 small bowl
• Cotton swabs
• Pour some milk into a small bowl. You don’t need a lot of milk for this, just enough to fill the bottom of your bowl. Allow the milk to settle so the surface of the milk is still before moving on to Step 2.
• Add a drop of food coloring to the surface of the milk.
• Dip a cotton swab in dish soap and touch the swab to the surface of the milk, directly adjacent to the drop of food coloring. What happens to the food coloring?

Have you ever tried to mix oil and water? The fat molecules in oil, just like the ones in milk, are “hydrophobic,” meaning they don’t like to be near charged molecules such as water, and will do whatever they can to keep away from them. To achieve this, they clump together. Because the fat molecules are less dense than water, the fat globules float up and form a layer above the water. In our experiment, we added food coloring to this layer of fat globules.

Dish soap is a detergent. Detergent molecules have a hydrophobic end and a hydrophilic end. Because of this, they are able to form a bridge between the fat molecules and the water molecules, causing the fat globules to break up and disperse. What we’re seeing when we add the dish soap is this dispersal of the fat clusters, carrying the food coloring with it and resulting in a beautiful tie-dyed pattern. The result is more dramatic if you add several drops of food coloring and include a variety of colors.

Making water travel through capillary action

Paper towels are designed to pick up spills quickly, absorbing lots of liquid with only a few sheets. But what is it about paper towels that makes them so absorbent? The answer is, in part, capillary action.

In this experiment, we’ll observe how capillary action works to make paper towels efficient. Using nothing but paper towels and the principles governing capillary action, we’ll make water travel from one container and into another.

Making Water Travel through Capillary Action Printable Instructions

• 3 containers (cups or jars)
• Paper towels
• Food coloring
• Line up the three containers. Fill the two containers on either end about ¾ full of water. Add several drops of food coloring to each of the jars. Whatever color you use is up to you, but the effect works best if the two colors combine to make a third color. (For instance – yellow and blue make green.)
• Fold a paper towel in 4 lengthwise. Place one end of the folded paper towel in one of the containers filled with colored water (make sure the end is immersed in the water) and let the other end hang into the empty container. Repeat using a second paper towel and the remaining filled container.
• Let the containers sit for four hours. Check them after 1 hour, 2 hours, and 4 hours. What do you see?

Paper towels are highly porous. These pores function like tiny tubes, or capillaries, to draw up water. Two properties allow this to happen. The first is adhesion. Water molecules are attracted to the walls of the capillaries and “stick” to them. This is enhanced in our experiment because paper towels are made of cellulose molecules that are highly attractive to water. The second property is cohesion. The water molecules like to stick to each other. Together, these two properties allow the water to “travel” along the paper towel against gravity, moving out of one container and dropping into the other.

Efficient paper towels are more porous than less efficient brands, giving them a higher degree of absorbency. Taking this into account, how do you think the progress observed at each time point would differ if you used low quality paper towels instead of highly absorbent ones? How would you expect the color in the middle jar to change if you use a less absorbent paper towel to make the blue water travel, and a more absorbent paper towel to make the yellow water travel?

Observing Xylem in Celery

All plants need water to survive. In order to move water up from the soil and into their shoots and leaves, plants have developed a system of water transport. This system is called “xylem.” We can observe the movement of water through xylem transport by placing stalks of celery in colored water. The colored water moves through the stalk and up into the leaves, making the path of the water through this system visible.

Observing Xylem in Celery Printable Instructions

• A container such as a jar or vase
• Add 1 cup of water to the empty container. Add 2 drops of food coloring to the water (or however many it takes to achieve the color desired) and stir well to mix.
• Choose a celery stalk that has leaves attached to the top. Cut about 1 inch off the bottom of the stalk.
• Place the stalk upright in the container, making sure the bottom of the stalk is immersed in the water.
• Leave the celery out over night. Observe what happens. Take the celery out of the water and cut it open to get a better look at the path the water took.

Plants use a system called xylem to pull water up from the ground and transport it up through the shoot into their leaves. This process is passive, meaning it doesn’t require any energy in order to occur. That’s why the celery was able to pull water up overnight. The celery pulled colored water through its stalk via the xylem transport system. The colored water traveled all the way into the leaves, staining them.

The xylem transport system can be seen more clearly when the celery is cut. The colored water stains the xylem cells, making them visible.

One phenomenon that drives the flow of water through a plant is transpiration. Transpiration is the name given to the process by which water evaporates from the leaves of a plant. What do you think would happen if we repeated the experiment using a celery stalk whose leaves had been cut off? Try it and see!

How to Make it Rain Indoors

One of the properties of water is that it can exist in different phases. It can exist as a liquid, which is the form we’re most familiar with, and it can also exist as a solid (ice), or gas (water vapor). In this experiment, we’ll take water through two of its phases – liquid and gas. We’ll observe how temperature causes water to move from one phase into another. This will allow us to get a better idea of what happens to water in nature, and the role temperature plays in the water cycle.

How to Make it Rain Indoors Printable Instructions

• Large container such as a jar
• A ceramic plate
• Heat approximately eight cups of water to just steaming. This can be done on the stovetop or the microwave, but a stovetop will give you more control over the heating process.
• Pour the water into the jar until it is completely full and allow the jar to sit for five minutes. This will heat the jar for the experiment. After five minutes, discard the water.
• Add enough heated water to fill the jar up approximately halfway. Cover the jar opening with the plate, making sure no steam can escape. Let the jar sit for 3 minutes. Observe what happens to the water in the jar. Note any changes you see.
• After 3 minutes have passed, place enough ice on top of the dinner plate to cover its surface. Watch what happens to the jar.

The water cycle is responsible for producing rain. Liquid water evaporates, sending water vapor into the atmosphere. When the water vapor reaches the cooler air in the upper atmosphere, it condenses back into water droplets, forming clouds. If too much water condenses, or if the temperature becomes colder, the condensed water will fall back down to earth in the form of rain.

In this experiment, we replicated these conditions to produce “rain.” First, we let the heated water form water vapor inside the jar. The water vapor filled the space between the water surface and the plate. We then added ice to our plate, initiating a quick temperature drop. The lower temperature caused the water vapor to condense. This was visible as water droplets that beaded and ran down the sides of the jar. This is how rain happens. We made it rain inside our jar!

You might also like this lesson plan: Learning About Glowing Animals – Bioluminescence or Biofluorescence?

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