The ocean is home to some of Earth's most important producers. Single-celled organisms in the ocean are responsible for more than half of Earth's productivity, as well as most of its oxygen. Phytoplankton are single-celled, plantlike organisms. That is, they have chloroplasts and perform photosynthesis, but are not true plants, which are typically…

Introduces gall-making insects and explains gall development. Explains how to bring galls into the classroom and conduct experiments. Suggests using gall systems to introduce students to the concepts of genetic control, biodiversity, plant and animal development, species interactions, biodiversity, and the flow of energy through the food web. (YDS)

Both indoor and outdoor garden plants can cause problems. For example, the foliage of the bird-of-paradise and philodendron plants is toxic. A poinsettia leaf can kill a young child. Outdoor plants such as castor beans are highly dangerous. All parts of the potato and tomato plant are poisonous, except the potato and tomato themselves. Large…

Presents two activities designed to show students some interesting characteristics of weeds. (PR)

Presents simple outdoor activities to show students some characteristics of grasses. (PR)

Describes using tetrazolium chloride as a chemical test for seed germination. (PR)

Discusses and presents activities for learning about plant fossils. The first activity uses teacher-prepared "fossils" made from plaster of Paris. Students attempt to classify the plants. In the second activity, students observe actual plant fossils. (PR)

Using the seasons in the science classroom increases student observation skills as they focus on subtle differences such as shades of color and differences in structures. In this article, the author presents a variety of activities that can help students identify and demonstrate patterns and changes in leaf or plant development. The ability to…

Describes ideas for applying research from space programs to life science instruction including plants in space, exercise and diet on space flights, environmental advantages from space exploration, and the effects of microgravity on health. Discusses space spinoffs used in medicine including digital imaging processing and the Ingestible Thermal…

The southwestern United States is experiencing the third year of a perhaps long-term drought. Many places in the West are considered desert, with less than 10 inches of rainfall per year. Because of local drought conditions, conservation of water is essential. Leupp, Arizona, where the author teaches, is situated on the Colorado Plateau, a region…