fun biology experiments high school

7 Fun Biology Experiments for High School

What better way to learn about life’s mysteries than through exciting and fun biology experiments? High school is the perfect time to delve deeper into the world of biology, and I’ve gathered seven fun and educational experiments that will ignite your students’ curiosity and make biology come alive. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your lab coat, and let’s dive into these fun biology experiments!

1. Barf Bag Lab

Topics: cellular respiration, alcoholic fermentation, cellular energy

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are difficult concepts for students to grasp because they involve molecular interactions that can’t be seen. Bringing these reactions into an observable format is essential for students to comprehend them. Barf bags do just that.

Not only does the name “Barf Bag Lab” catch their attention, but the reaction itself is just gross enough to be quite memorable. Using yeast to demonstrate alcoholic fermentation, students crush sugary cereal to provide a source of glucose. As the bag expands, it may ultimately “barf” its contents onto the lab table. This lab is a great use of scientific processes because variables can be manipulated by changing the type of cereal used. Grab a free Barf Bag Lab Activity from my online store or see more cellular respiration lab experiments in this post .

2. Osmosis Egg Experiment

Topics: semipermeable cell membranes, osmosis, hypertonic, hypotonic, homeostasis

This classic lab provides another opportunity for students to observe the effects of cellular processes that would otherwise be difficult to see. Unlike the previous lab, however, this one involves a little bit of teacher prep work.

By soaking eggs in vinegar for a few days, the shells become soft and can be washed away with a little water. What remains is a semipermeable cell membrane that is easily observed. By deshelling a few eggs, the cell’s response to a variety of solute concentrations can be illustrated. If you’re interested in incorporating this classic experiment into your course, this egg osmosis lab has been vetted by hundreds of high school Biology teachers.

3. Cell Size Diffusion Lab

Topics: cell size, diffusion, cell membrane, surface area to volume ratio

This is a lab that I use as the first of lesson plan in my cell cycle unit , but it also makes a great diffusion lab. I prefer to do this experiment as a demonstration because it involves bleach and knives, which can be a safety hazard in a high school Biology classroom.

By cutting cubes of fresh beets into different sizes, students can practice calculating surface area and volume, which is a skill that helps them understand the necessity of a cell membrane for the diffusion of substances. Each beet cube is then soaked in bleach and students can observe the percentage of the cube’s volume that is reached by the bleach. The visual component of this lab is a great way for students to comprehend the need for efficient nutrient absorption and the reason for cell division.

4. Extracting DNA from Strawberries

Topics: cell structure, DNA, nucleus, cell membrane, histones

This is another classic lab, but one that just can’t be skipped! With a few household ingredients, students can extract long strings of DNA from the nuclei of strawberry cells and scoop it up with a toothpick or skewer. If you want, the DNA can even be preserved in alcohol as a biology souvenir!

At the beginning of my teaching career, I used the split pea extraction lab from Learn Genetics . It’s still a solid lab, but I’ve come to prefer using strawberries over other DNA sources for two reasons: 1) Strawberries are triploid, so the amount of DNA extracted from them is greater and 2) They are easy to smush. Split pea extraction requires a blender to break the cell walls. Since blenders aren’t readily available for every student, it necessitates a demonstration rather than a lab. Some teachers have found success with wheat germ as a DNA source, as well. You can watch a video demonstration of strawberry DNA extraction on my YouTube channel.

5. Natural Selection Lab

Topics: natural selection, mutation, genetic variation, fitness, antibiotic resistance

It’s tough to find labs for natural selection and evolution because these processes usually have to be simulated rather than observed. One of the most popular natural selection labs is the bird beak activity . Students use a variety of materials to simulate finch beaks and learn how beak adaptations cause different species to show niche separation.

Another one of my favorite evolution simulations is a natural selection lab using various household items to simulate antibiotics and bacteria. Antibiotic resistance is a great topic to incorporate into an evolution unit because it is highly relevant to students. Using a variety of pasta shapes to simulate different bacterial species, students use tools like toothpicks and clothespins to act as antibiotics “killing” the bacterial cells. Mutant bacterial cells aren’t able to be picked up by the tools, allowing these new species to flourish as antibiotic-resistant strains. Looking for more evolution labs? Check out my plant cladogram freebie in this post.

6. Candy Radiometric Dating Lab

Topics: fossils, carbon dating, radiometric dating, isotopes, half-life

Using candy is a go-to in my high school courses because it keeps students interested! There are other supplies that can be used for this radiometric dating lab activity, but candy is always well-received in my classes.

Students begin with a designated number of candies with letters on one side (like Skittles, M&Ms, etc) and they shake the candies in a box or bag to simulate radioactive decay. Candies that have flipped represent the daughter atoms. By repeating the shaking and counting of flipped candies, students can create a graph showing the radioactive decay of an isotope. This easily leads to a discussion of half-lives and the radiometric dating of fossils.

7. Greenhouse Effect Experiment

Topics: greenhouse gases, climate change, fossil fuels, carbon dioxide emissions

The greenhouse effect is easy enough to illustrate. Here’s a quick greenhouse effect simulation , if students aren’t familiar. They have likely also observed the greenhouse effect in their own car or a local greenhouse. The effects of carbon dioxide emissions on the greenhouse effect, however, is not something students readily observe. That’s why this simple lab is so clever. Students set up two plastic zipper bags with a cup of water and a thermometer in each bag. Antacid tablets are added to one cup, producing carbon dioxide within that bag. Students then monitor the difference in temperature over a 30-minute period to see how carbon dioxide intensifies the greenhouse effect. For full instructions on this lab including background reading, student instructions, data tables, and comprehension questions, grab this Greenhouse Effect Experiment .

These fun biology experiments will help your students grasp fundamental concepts and nurture their scientific curiosity. Pick one you haven’t tried, gather your lab equipment, and get going!

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20 Fun and Interesting Biology Experiments for High School 

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Unlike science in middle school, high school biology is a hands-on endeavor. Experiments are a standard part of biology courses, whether they are part of a controlled laboratory class, science fair, or individual student projects. Explore a few fascinating high school biology experiments; and discover ideas for simple and easy biology experiments to incorporate into your curriculum.

Examples of Biology Experiments for High School

Whether you are looking for a science fair project or need to create a project for a class assignment, there are numerous biology projects for teens.

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Frog Dissection

Dissecting a frog is a quintessential part of high school biology. If possible, try to get both female and male specimens for your class so students can see the eggs and compare the insides to the male frog.

Flower Dissection

High schoolers can get a bit squirmy about frog dissection. Have a flower dissection instead. The teens can find and label the female and male parts of the flower. It can be fun for high schoolers to check out flower intricacies under a microscope.

Diversity Among Plant Samples

Another simple biology experiment involves going into your natural environment, such as a local park, to observe diversity among plant samples. To make the experiment more detailed, students can rub collected samples on filter paper to observe which plants present which colors . Teens can work to find out why certain plants present certain colors.

Phototropism

It can be enlightening to show kids how phototropism affects plants. They can set up an experiment by using different materials to affect light. They can see how affecting the light affects the growth of the plant.

Water From Common Sources

Water is everywhere. Unfortunately, water contains numerous elements too. A great experiment is collecting water samples from various sources and viewing them under a microscope. Students can then compare their results and attempt to postulate why a given water source would present more organisms than another would.

Yeast Experiment

Another experiment involves taking a piece of bread to monitor the molds that grow over a period of two weeks.

Taste Perception

Everyone has their own taste. Literally! Some people like sour things while others like sweet. Find out if everyone perceives taste the same way and has the same threshold for taste by doing an in-class experiment.

Disinfectant Effectiveness

Ever wonder how effective hand sanitizer is at killing bacteria? Test it! Grow bacteria in a Petri dish along with paper soaked in peroxide, white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, etc. Find out how each one of them works to inhibit bacteria growth.

Pea Plant Genetics

Students can recreate Mendel's genetic pea plant experiments . By growing pea plants and comparing their phenotypes, students can determine each parent plant's genotype.

Examining Fingerprints

Fingerprints are pretty amazing features on the human body. Not only can you use them to open your phone, but each one is unique . Put your fingerprint on paper and examine the different aspects of the lines and arches on your fingers. Compare fingerprints among everyone in class.

Comparing Animal and Plant Cells

To better understand animal and plant cells, students can compare cells from their cheeks to cells from an onion. Just stain the cells with iodine or another dye to better see the cell structures under a microscope.

Creating a DNA model is a great way to help students understand the structure and function of DNA in genetics. Students can use candy, string, and toothpicks to develop a fairly realistic model of the double helix structure.

Water Bottle Germs

Many people refill their water bottles in high school. But do they add germs or bacteria to the bottle? Is refilling a disposable water bottle safe? Have students take swabs of the water bottles they use and look for bacteria around the lid or on the bottle.

Testing Hair

Teens use a lot of hair products. But do they truly work? Have teens in your class take a few samples of their hair. See what happens to the hair when common hair products are added.

Water Cycle

Understanding the water cycle isn't hard. But teens can look at it firsthand by creating a water cycle experiment. Just have them fill a baggie with water and tape it to a window. They will watch evaporation, condensation, and precipitation in action.

Closed Ecosystem Bottle

It can be hard for students to imagine something having its own ecosystem. However, you can use a plastic bottle to create a closed ecosystem.

Field Survey Biology Experiment

This experiment is great because it is cheap, easy, and you can do it in a variety of areas around your school or send students home with it. The goal is to observe the surrounding area over time and monitor the samples that you collect.

Materials You'll Need

For this experiment, you need to grab:

• Jar or baggies to collect samples
• Stakes and string or cones help mark an area
• Paper or journals for taking notes
• Slides, slide covers, and a microscope

Observation Instructions

Take note that you will observe your area for several months, so choose an area that is easy to re-mark or where you can leave the markings up, so you return to the same designated area each time.

• Have students choose one spot to observe. The spot should be no more than two to three feet square.
• Do you see evidence of animals? (Look for prints, scat or guano, fur, owl pellets, etc.)
• What plant life do you see? (Look for moss, lichen, weeds, and other plants).
• What fungus do you see? (Look for mushrooms and other fungal growth).
• What insects do you see? (Encourage students to look specifically for relationships here - such as connecting mosquitos with water or bees with flowers or a hive).

Sampling and Classroom Instructions

Bring the research back into the classroom by following these instructions.

• Guide students to make connections and note relationships in their marked area. Have them inventory the area and draw a crude map of where everything is.
• If possible, have students use tweezers and gently take samples of soil, fungus, moss, plant life, insects, etc.
• pH value of soil or water
• Microorganisms in water
• Plant cells under a microscope
• Comparative structure of flowers you find
• Require students to record everything in their own journal or interactive notebook.

Teacher tip: Set up stations in the classroom for viewing, dissecting, drawing, testing pH, etc. This will allow students some choice in how they proceed with examining their specimens.

Testing for Bacteria

Have students see where the most bacteria are lurking. This experiment is great if you want a lab that has guaranteed results. There is always some kind of bacteria lurking somewhere, just waiting to grow in a student's Petri dish.

These are the materials you are going to need to have on hand.

• Prepared Petri dishes, three per student
• Sterile swabs
• Painter's tape
• Scotch tape
• Permanent Marker
• Graph paper

Material notes : You can also purchase sterile Petri dishes and agar separately; however, it is much more likely students will contaminate the plate before they swab.

Preparing Your Petri Dishes

Prepping your Petri dishes is an essential part of the experiment.

• Before opening any materials, have students identify three places (but in one physical location such as at home or at school) that they are going to swab for bacteria. Encourage them to hypothesize about which place they think will grow the most bacteria.
• Using the Petri dish, trace three circles on the graph paper and cut it out.
• In pencil, draw a line to denote the 'top' of the circle. It doesn't matter where you draw the line, but you will need something to show you how your Petri dish is oriented so you can be sure you're tracking the same colony each time you observe.
• On the back of the graph paper circle, note the location where you will take the swab, as well as the date you are taking the swabs. Do this for all three Petri dishes you have.

Collecting Samples

Have students bring their unopened sterile swabs and closed Petri dishes to the site. Carefully, they should:

• Set the Petri dish down on a flat surface.
• Unwrap the swab.
• Swipe the swab across the area they suspect has bacteria.
• Lift the lid, gently wipe the used swab across the agar, and close the lid, carefully but quickly.

Hint: Sometimes, it's helpful to tape the Petri dish shut so that the Petri dish doesn't accidentally lose its lid.

Evaluating Results

Now that you've swabbed the areas, it's all about the results.

• Have students draw Petri-dish-sized circles in their lab books or on separate graph paper. Draw one week's worth of Petri dishes for each dish the student has.
• As the colonies start to grow, have students draw the size in their notebooks, making daily observations. If they cannot observe daily, have them observe on the same day(s) over a month.
• They should also be recording the color and other notable features of their bacteria colonies in their lab books.
• At the end, the students should write a conclusion of their study.

The Effect of Light on Growth

In this lab, students investigate how light affects plant growth. Students may use any plants, but cress will grow more quickly, so your students can get results faster.

Gather up your materials.

• Styrofoam cup or bowl
• Potting soil

Instructions

With your materials at the ready, it's time to start your experiment.

• On Day 1 - plant seeds in the soil in the cups.
• Label the cups according to the light you're going to use. You can compare sunlight vs. complete darkness, or you can compare several types of light.
• On each day after the initial day, take a picture of each cup and try to measure the growth, if any.
• For your lab entries, measure the sprouts, and note color and shape characteristics.

Planaria Regeneration

In this lab, students watch the rate at which planaria regenerates and test whether how you cut the planaria makes a difference as to how they grow back.

To conduct this experiment, you want to grab.

• 9 planarias
• 3 small plastic Petri dishes
• 1 large plastic Petri dish
• 1 plastic pipet
• 1 magnifying glass
• 1 plastic coverslip
• Spring water
• Paper towels
• Ice pack(optional)

Setup Instructions

Getting the setup right is half the battle when it comes to creating fun and interesting biology experiments for high schoolers.

• Start by numbering the three small Petri dishes to ensure nothing gets confused later.
• Using the pipet, move a planarian into the large Petri dish.
• At this point, you may want to try to set the Petri dish on an ice pack for a few minutes. This isn't totally necessary, but it will slow the planarian down to make it easier to cut.
• Right behind the head
• Right in the middle
• Right towards the tail
• Use the pipet to gently transfer each segment to a new Petri dish (with spring water).
• Repeat the steps with all remaining worm segments.
• Every day, observe the planaria. Regeneration will be considered 'complete' when the photoreceptors (the black dots that look like eyes on the planarian's head) appear.

Scientific Method and High School Biology Experiments

Much of high school biology is focused on instilling the elements of science in students. The scientific method is one of these main focuses. The method prompts participants in science to be investigators and to come up with a guess about what will happen in a given experiment, called a hypothesis. The point of the experiment is then to either prove the hypothesis correct through the experiment or prove it incorrect. This prompts teens to get involved in the scientific method while teaching other scientific skills, such as:

• The ability to make a rational estimate based on present factors and knowledge
• Close detail and monitoring skills
• The possibility of being wrong and how to move past that if it turns out to be the case
• Quick thinking skills

As much fun as biology experiments can be, there is an educational component spearheading the experiment.

Fun and Interesting High School Biology Experiments

For teens, high school biology can be fun. Finding the right experiment can help biology pop off the page and become more than just another required course of study. Who knows? Perhaps your student will even be prompted to enter a science fair or a career rooted in science?

10 Awesome Biology Experiments Ideas For High School Aspirants

Science is no fun without practical experiments. Unlike middle school, where you limit your study and inquiry of science to the theoretical realm, high school has a different scene. Experiments are a major part of studying science in high school, and biology all the more so. Biology is fascinating. It makes us wonder at the complex system which makes the human body function efficiently; it has all the answers to the questions of death, sickness, and life. But we must admit that only the theoretical explanation of these complex concepts never suffices to give us a satisfactory understanding. That is where practical experiments come to the rescue. 

Therefore, this post will cover 10 fascinating biology experiments that high school students can do independently, even at home. 

Cool Experiments To Do In Your Bio Lab

While many are intrigued by art competitions , others are moved toward robotic classes. However, in a bunch of students, there are a few who love biology experiments. Hence, here are a few experiments that can be tried out by high schoolers if biology is the subject that piques their interest:

1. Extract DNA

Everyone knows DNA is the agent behind our hereditary traits. Residing in the cell’s nucleus, it guides major aspects of our physiognomy. Usually, the DNA is not visible to the naked eye, you need a powerful microscope to view it, but with this experiment, you can have a fine look at the DNA with this DNA extracting experiment. 

Basically, you will be forcefully breaking down some cell walls of the extracted cells by dipping it into your extraction solution. Adding 35ml of dish soap and 5gm of salt in 240 ml of water will give you the extraction solution. Dip and mix some mashed banana slices into the extract, leading the DNA to head out into the solution. Then we will use some alcohol to force the DNA to join up into large chains that we can actually see. You will get a fluffy white substance, the DNA that is visible to the naked eye, made possible by this extraction experiment. 

2. Dissect A Flower

Everyone has theoretically seen and known the different parts of a flower. Some exceptional students might even have that picture inscribed in their memory. Very well if you have that, but the hands-on experience of viewing those parts with your own eyes can definitely beat any other theoretical picture-viewing experience. 

So, first thing first, go out and choose a bloom. Observe the flower and point out the petals, stamen, and pistil. Use a razor to remove the stamen and observe the Filament and Anther under magnifying glasses. Wipe out some pollen grains and have a detailed look at it under the microscope while you are at them. Next up, remove the pistil and observe your flower’s ovary, stigma, and style with a magnifying glass. This is the simplest yet a fascinating experiment on the list. 

3. Raise A Butterfly

Again, we have the theoretical knowledge of the life cycle of a butterfly. Yet it takes us by surprise and wonder when we see the process through our own eyes. So, get ready to be fascinated by a butterfly’s journey from an ugly worm to a colourful butterfly. 

The process is easy. You get a caterpillar, observe it daily, and note the changes. The changes will be as precise as your books have always told you. First off, a butterfly lays an egg and a caterpillar hatches from the egg. The caterpillar eats and grows, shedding its skin several times to accommodate its growing belly. Once the caterpillar reaches the right size, it sheds its skin for the last time, revealing the chrysalis, which quickly hardens. Inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar goes through metamorphosis and changes into a butterfly. At the right time, the butterfly breaks out. It hangs onto the chrysalis for a bit, just until its wings dry out and harden. Then, it flies off in search of nectar. 

So, in the end, you will be sitting back and enjoying the release of the butterfly you raised with your own very hands.   

4. Frog Dissection

Dissecting a frog is one of those lab activities that fascinate and chill you simultaneously. But before you start with the dissection, make sure you take note of all the outer organs like the skin, legs, head, digits, and urinary outlet (cloaca) of the specimen. 

You will need a good scalpel, pins, and a dissection tray to cut the frog. After these things are in place, you are all set to perform the three significant incisions on the specimen. Start by cutting from the jaw to down between the legs, then make two horizontal incisions, one above the neck and the other towards the bottom of its legs. At this point, you will start seeing some organs residing in the abdominal cavity. Repeat the same incision on the frog’s abdomen to open the abdominal cavity. Observe the heart, and identify the major organs like the liver, stomach, intestines, and oviducts. 

This experiment will definitely leave you amazed at the complex system of nerves, muscles, and bloods that functions interdependently to sustain a living being. However, this experiment should be done in front of teachers and professors in the lab.

5. Diversity Among Plant Samples

Another simple biology experiment involves going into your natural environment, such as a local park, to observe diversity among plant samples. To make the experiment more detailed, students can rub collected samples on filter paper to observe which plants present which colors. 

Teens can work to find out why certain plants present certain colors. They can also dissect the flowers of the plants and paste the dissected parts of the flowers in their observation notebooks to make a note of the differences between the flowers of the different species of plants. 

6. Yeast Experiment

Another simple and easy experiment on the list for high schoolers is the yeaThis experiment is easy because it only involves taking out four different food samples on different plates and a long-time observation of the mold that grows on each sample. 

Studying mold is an excellent way to learn more about ecology and biology. This experiment compares how fast mold grows on different types of foods kept in many American homes. Some of the foods are generally kept in refrigerators to extend shelf life, while others are commonly stored at room temperature. This experiment shows that certain foods grow mold faster than others, which is one reason why these foods are often kept in the refrigerator. 

Going a step further, the students can also do research inspired by this experiment and find answers to questions such as: what makes a mold grow? And how does one prevent their growth?

7. Look at cell division under the microscope

Cheap digital microscopes with high magnification power that can be directly connected to your laptop or smartphone are easily available in the market nowadays. You can make use of such microscopes to observe every little thing you find at home or outdoors.  

A great experiment to do at home with a microscope is to look at how cells divide in different organisms. One of the easiest is baker’s yeast. With a magnification of at least 400x, you can start discerning the shapes of individual yeast cells in water. You will notice that some of them have little buds on them, which is the way they grow and divide. 

Taking it one step further, you can also take the tip of the onion’s root and observe them to study the different stages of mitosis as well. 

8. Ferment your own food

Bacteria and yeast are practically geniuses in the art of fermentation. Humans have been taking their help for the longest time to make food items such as bread and alcohol. And it is quite easy to ferment your own food at home. 

In most cases, you need a starter culture of the bacteria or fungi that make the food you will be fermenting. You can get it from someone already doing fermentation at home or buy it online. Many options range from kombucha, kefir, or mead to yogurt, cheese, kimchi, and sauerkraut. Each fermented food has different requirements, so ensure you have everything you need before starting. After you have everything in place, you are ready to experiment with this fermented food and its varied tastes. 

9. Examining Fingerprints

The tips of each finger of your hand have a combination of lines and features in distinctive patterns that we call fingerprints. Fingerprints are one of the fascinating features of the human body. We have been told that each of us is unique in our light, and our fingerprints prove it to be so. You can analyze your own uniqueness by analyzing your very own fingerprints in this project. All you need is paper, magnifying glass, and stamp ink.

First, you need to press a finger against the ink pad and then against a piece of paper. Then, use the magnifying glass to examine the fingerprints and look for arches, whorls, and loops. You can record your finding on your paper. And then take a friend’s fingerprints to analyze the differences. 

10. Create A Fall Leaf (Or Signs Of Spring) Journal

Biology is all about studying life and learning more about our natural surroundings. A Fall Leaf journal or a Signs of Spring journal will help your students learn about the trees and bushes that are in your area. This experiment is easy, needs minimal effort, and is fun and exciting as well. 

Things To Remember

Science experiments are interesting by nature, but this aspect of their nature shouldn’t keep us from maintaining our share of vigilant caution. Science experiments could sometimes wreak havoc if we do not take enough caution while doing these experiments. Therefore, in order to prevent yourself from ruining your own experiments, you have to follow some safety instructions while doing these experiments. 

Wear covered shoes and long pants while performing any experiment, and keep your hair up so it can’t fall into your experiment or a flame. Don’t carelessly sniff or taste any chemicals; don’t just experiment with everything you get your hands on. Make sure you have your full attention in the experiments, and handle everything with care, especially sharp objects like knives or objects that could produce a flame. And at the end of your experiment, you should also know how to dispose of the waste properly. 

In the end of it, what matters the most is that we genuinely imbibe the lessons that we learn from our experiments. These biology experiments will get you further into the fascinating world of biology. If you want to further your knowledge, you may also visit science labs, perform science experiments in the lab, attend workshops and seminars, and meet people and learn from their experiences. 

Keep learning, keep experimenting, and keep enjoying the process of learning. 

Sananda Bhattacharya, Chief Editor of TheHighSchooler, is dedicated to enhancing operations and growth. With degrees in Literature and Asian Studies from Presidency University, Kolkata, she leverages her educational and innovative background to shape TheHighSchooler into a pivotal resource hub. Providing valuable insights, practical activities, and guidance on school life, graduation, scholarships, and more, Sananda’s leadership enriches the journey of high school students.

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30 Best Science Experiments & Projects for High School

Welcome to our round-up of top science fair projects and science experiments tailored specifically for curious high school students.

Science fair is not just about the glitz and glamour of a first-place trophy; it’s about the passion, the inquiry, and the insatiable curiosity that drive every scientist, young and old. Hopefully, our curated list of the best hands-on science fair projects for high school students will ignite that curiosity in you.

Each project on this list offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into scientific inquiry and present findings with both clarity and flair.

Let’s dive in and make learning an unforgettable adventure!

1. Burn Calories

Don’t miss this opportunity to unravel the mysteries of energy transformation and uncover the scientific secrets hidden in the simplest of substances!

Learn more: Science Buddies

2. Extracting DNA from Strawberry

By following a series of simple yet insightful steps, students will witness the magical moment of DNA extraction, fostering a deeper appreciation for the fundamental building blocks of life.

Learn more: Extracting DNA from Strawberry

3. Build a Simple DIY Newton’s Cradle

As students assemble the materials and witness the rhythmic dance of swinging spheres, they will witness the scientific principles they’ve learned in the classroom come to life before their eyes.

4. Make a Monster Dry Ice Bubbles

Unleash your inner mad scientist and learn how to make Monster Dry Ice Bubbles with this high school science experiment!

Get ready to be captivated as you create giant, spooky bubbles that dance and swirl with the mysterious power of dry ice.

Learn more: Wonder How To

5. Soil Erosion Experiment

As stewards of our environment, it’s crucial to comprehend the impact of natural processes like soil erosion.

Through this experiment, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of soil conservation and sustainable land management practices.

Learn more: Life is a Garden

6. Candle Carousel

This experiment combines the wonders of physics with the art of crafting, making it an enriching experience that ignites curiosity and fosters a deeper appreciation for the elegant dance of energy in our world.

7. Find Out if Water Conducts Electricity

In this captivating activity, students will explore the conductive properties of water and unlock the secrets of how electrical currents flow through different substances.

Learn more: Rookie Parenting

8. Roller Coaster Stem Experiment

By experimenting with various designs and track configurations, students will refine their problem-solving skills and gain valuable insights into the practical applications of physics and engineering.

Learn more: STEM Project

9. Lemon Battery

Engaging in this experiment not only teaches the basics of electrical circuits but also sparks curiosity about the natural world and the science behind it.

Learn more: Coffee Cups and Crayons

10. Watering Plants Using Different Liquids

Discover the wonders of plant hydration with the intriguing high school science experiment – “Watering Plants Using Different Liquids.” In this captivating project, students explore how various liquids impact plant growth and health.

Learn more: Lemon Lime Adventures

11. Measure Electrolytes Found in Sports Drinks

By conducting a series of tests and analyses, students will quantify the electrolyte content present in various sports drinks.

12. Relight the Flame Without Directly Touching It

This captivating project challenges students to learn about the intriguing properties of heat transfer and combustion.

By exploring different methods to reignite a candle flame without physical contact, students will uncover the secrets of heat conduction, convection, and radiation.

Learn more: Stevespangler

13. Conduct Fingerprint Analysis

This captivating project immerses students in the intriguing world of crime scene investigations, where they will uncover the uniqueness of fingerprints and their role in forensic science.

14. Separate Water Into Hydrogen And Oxygen Using Electrolysis

This electrifying project allows students to explore electrolysis and the decomposition of water into its elemental components.

Learn more: Navigating by Joy

15. Simple Color Detection Circuit 

This experiment not only introduces fundamental concepts in electronics and circuitry but also opens up endless possibilities for real-life applications, from automated sorting systems to color-sensitive devices.

16. Carbon Sugar Snake

This enchanting project allows students to witness a dazzling display of science as they combine common household ingredients to create a dark, coiling “snake” made of carbon.

Learn more: Kiwi Co

17. Build a Hydraulic Elevator

This captivating project invites students to learn about engineering and fluid mechanics. By constructing a working model of a hydraulic elevator, students will explore the principles of Pascal’s law and the fascinating concept of fluid pressure.

Learn more: Teach Beside Me

18. Brew up Some Root Beer

This enticing project invites students to explore the fascinating world of chemistry and fermentation while creating their own delicious and bubbly concoction.

Learn more: Home School Creations

19. Extracting Bismuth From Pepto-Bismol Tablets

This hands-on experiment not only sheds light on the principles of chemistry and lab techniques but also highlights the real-world applications of bismuth in medicine and various industries.

Learn more: Popscie

20. Solar-Powered Water Desalination

By designing and building a solar-powered water desalination system, students will learn how to harness the sun’s energy to purify saltwater and make it safe for consumption.

21. Applying Hooke’s Law: Make Your Own Spring Scale

By designing and constructing their very own spring scale, students will uncover the principles of Hooke’s Law and the relationship between force and displacement in a spring system.

22. Homemade Hand Warmer

By creating their own hand warmers using safe and easily accessible materials, students will witness the magic of heat generation through chemical processes.

Learn more: Steve Spangler

23. Explore the Concept of Symbiosis Involving Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria.

By investigating how certain plants form a mutually beneficial bond with these bacteria, students will gain insights into the essential role of nitrogen fixation in the ecosystem.

Learn more: Education.com

24. Center of Gravity Experiment

This fascinating project invites students to explore the concept of the center of gravity and its role in determining stability.

25. Power up Homemade Batteries

This captivating project invites students to learn about electrochemistry and energy generation.

Learn more: 123 Homeschool

26. Film Canister Explosions

Prepare for a blast of excitement and chemistry with the high school science experiment – “Film Canister Explosions!” This project teaches students about chemical reactions and pressure build-up.

27. Investigating Osmosis with Potato Slices

This hands-on experiment not only provides a practical understanding of osmosis but also highlights its relevance in everyday life, from understanding plant hydration to food preservation techniques.

28. Make Homemade Fly Trap

This captivating “Make Homemade Fly Trap!” project invites students to explore the principles of pest control and observe the behavior of flies.

29. Hydroponics: Gardening Without Soil

This exciting project invites students to explore innovative agricultural practices that harness water and nutrient solutions to grow plants.

By setting up their hydroponic system and nurturing plants through this method, students will witness the fascinating dynamics of root development and nutrient absorption.

30. Clothespin Airplane

As they test and modify their creations, students will learn about the principles of lift, thrust, and drag, gaining a deeper understanding of how these forces come together to keep airplanes soaring through the skies.

Learn more: Steamsational

Similar Posts:

• 68 Best Chemistry Experiments: Learn About Chemical Reactions
• 37 Water Science Experiments: Fun & Easy
• Top 100 Fine Motor Skills Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

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18 Must-Try Science Experiments for High School: From Basic Chemistry to Complex Reactions

Learners of all ages are enamored with scientific experiments:

P5 have been looking at changes of state in science, and today investigated the water cycle! We did an experiment with water & food colouring in a plastic bag to see if we could see any changes, and noticed signs of evaporation and condensation inside the bag @SLC_RAiSE #Science pic.twitter.com/cla3opitiT — Burgh Primary School (@BurghPrimary) October 25, 2023

This article will equip high school teachers with an arsenal of exciting science experiments that will keep their students engaged and learning. Offering projects across a variety of disciplines, from physics to biology, this carefully curated list will be suitable for learners at any level. By incorporating these experiments into their lesson plans, educators will be providing their students with valuable hands-on experience that complements their textbook knowledge. With easy-to-follow instructions and materials that are easily accessible, teaching science has never been more enjoyable!

Experiment 1: Investigating Osmosis with Potato Slices

This accompanying video offers a visual guide on how this osmosis project is conducted using potatoes. By the end, students will have a vivid understanding of osmotic movement and its effects.

Experiment 2: Making a Homemade Volcano

High school students have a wonderful opportunity to step into the shoes of a scientist with this exciting and educational experiment. They can construct their very own volcanic eruption, right from the safety of their classroom or home! By synergizing baking soda with vinegar, students will get a firsthand view of a thrilling chemical reaction that mimics the grandeur of a volcanic eruption. Beyond the sheer fun and spectacle, this experiment serves as an enlightening experience, imparting deeper insights into the complex world of chemical reactions.

Experiment 3: Exploring Density with Oil and Water

Experiment 4: building a simple electric motor.

High school students possess an innate curiosity, constantly seeking to understand the world around them. Dive deep into the captivating realm of electromagnetism with this enlightening project, revealing the intricate process that enables an electric motor to effortlessly transform electrical impulses into tangible mechanical movements. As students embark on this hands-on journey, they’ll gain an intimate appreciation for the underlying principles that power much of today’s technology.

Experience the mesmerizing magnificence of an electric motor as this video unravels the mystery behind its seamless conversion of electrical energy into mechanical power. Unlock the inner workings of this wonder machine in the science projects for high school.

Experiment 5: Testing Acids and Bases with Red Cabbage

Experiment 6: observing microorganisms with a microscope, experiment 7: studying chemical reactions with alka-seltzer experiment, experiment 8: measuring the speed of light with a microwave oven, experiment 9: demonstrating newton’s third law of motion with balloons, experiment 10: observing the greenhouse effect with sunlight and jars, experiment 11: investigating chromatography with markers, experiment 12: creating a simple electromagnet, experiment 13: examining photosynthesis with leaf disks, experiment 14: extracting dna from strawberries, experiment 15: building a mini tesla coil, additional 3 fun science experiments for high school, experiment 16: making invisible ink with lemon juice, experiment 17: creating rainbow fire with salt, experiment 18: exploring bioluminescence with glowing bacteria, useful science experiments resources, leave a comment cancel reply.

Awesome STEM Projects for High School Biology (From 30 min to 2 Weeks!)

When choosing a STEM activity for your high school Biology students, it can be a fine line between fun and corny. You’ll want to ensure you are meeting NGSS standards, but you also want your students to be engaged, informed, and most importantly, to have fun.

To help you achieve this goal, we have pulled together some ideas for  STEM projects for high school biology that we have used with students that were a success – organized by how much time you may be trying to fill.

Related post: Biology Science Fair Projects for 10th Grade

Here’s how you can get your students engaged in Biology while meeting the goals of your curriculum and NGSS.

I Only Have 30 Minutes for the STEM Project!

If you only have 30 minutes for an activity, you’ll want that activity to really “wow” your students. So how about making it a hands-on lab with minimal setup or cleanup?

Our favorite is a Genetics activity that students really go crazy over where they discover what a SuperTaster is, and whether or not they carry the SuperTaster Gene. This activity leads to discussions about the Survival of the Fittest, Punnett Squares, and family pedigrees.

Here’s how it’s done: Students are given 4 small paper tabs (one at a time) containing either Control, PTC, Sodium Benzoate, and Thiourea. Each student should keep track of what each tastes like on a chart, as well as how it tastes for the entire class. Some students may find the paper’s taste strong (very bitter!) or like nothing at all. Hilarity ensues in the Genetics lab. You can purchase your own Supe rTaster Genetics Lab Kit and have fun with Genetics!

I Have 3 Days for the Biology Project

If you have three days to run your Biology project, we’ve found it’s best to start telling a story that carries students from day to day and gets them excited about what could happen tomorrow.

What’s more exciting than a mystery? By teaching students about Forensics, methods in Forensic Science such as Fingerprinting (fingerprint your students!), DNA, and PCR, your students will discover how scientists use Forensics in the real world. 

On Day 2, have your students figure out what type of fingerprints they all have, and make a class chart (this is important for Day 3). They should also learn how to read DNA Electrophoresis Bands, and practice with a worksheet . 

On Day 3, before class, you will need to contact one of your students ahead of time (in each class) and ask them to help you by providing clues for a mystery. Tell them that they have been chosen to be the “guilty” student, but they can’t give it away no matter what. They will provide you with:

• Their fingerprint type – you can either take actual samples of their fingerprint or a fake printout of their type of fingerprint
• Shoe print or shoe tracing on paper
• Strand of their hair taped to paper

Strategically place each of the clues around the room and before the students come in, remove something obvious from the room like the flag and the like. In our class, we removed a beloved taxidermied duck.

Tell the students that one of their classmates is suspected to have stolen this item, but you need their help to figure out who. See if they can find the clues and guess who the guilty person is. They will need to compare the fingerprint to their class list to narrow it down, compare the hair sample to others in the class under a microscope, and look at the shoe print compared to all of the shoes students are wearing.

I’ve also had a surprise DNA sample as a tie-breaker to throw into the mix that lists multiple students in the class and they need to compare it to the known sample at the scene. In the past, students have really gotten into this, and have even turned the activity into a full-court trial with expert witnesses.

Have fun with it – the kids might surprise you!

Ooh, I Have a 4th Day for my STEM Project in High School Biology!

Awesome, you are in for a treat!

You and your students should take what you started with Forensics a step farther and extract DNA from your own human cheek cells.   The process for this can be a little tricky and the experiment is a little finicky, but when it works, it’ll be AMAZING!

We’ve done this with mixed results and can attest that when they say your Ethanol needs to be cold, they aren’t kidding. It needs to be on ice the whole time! Also, you know your students. If you have students who aren’t the best at following directions exactly, then the strawberry or banana DNA extraction might be for you since they are a little more forgiving.

Think of the awe and admiration your students will have for you when you show them their DNA. Go for it, you amazing science wizard!

I Have 2 Weeks for this High School Biology Project! 

The best way that we’ve seen to get students to really remember content, is by making a movie about it. Not just any movie, but a stop motion animation video. Using iMovie, it’s really easy to make these, so hopefully, your students have iPads or iPhones.

If you haven’t made a stop motion animation video in iMovie before, there are lots of tutorials out there. But the basics are to make sure in iMovie after you drop your photos, get rid of Ken Burns Effect on all images, delete fade between pictures, and shorten all of the transitions in between pictures to the shortest time possible by selecting and dragging smaller.

If you can’t figure it out, don’t worry, your students will teach you. With our students, we’ve made stop motion videos on topics ranging from Protein Synthesis to Mitosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can i get materials for these stem activities.

That varies depending on the activity. It also depends on where your school orders supplies for science. Carolina Biological Supply , Fisher Scientific , and even Amazon all have great Biology supplies at good prices.

These STEM activities are awesome! How can I find more like these?

There are so many amazing things to do out there. For more great resources, try going to SciStarter to find a Citizen Science project for your students. There are also some content-specific full curriculum resources such as this fantastic Climate Change Curriculum from Stanford University.

My school doesn’t have a lab or a very big budget. How can I do cool Biology projects without spending much money?

We’ve been there. In a deep ocean lesson, we have taught students about the decomposition of marine organisms on the seafloor by having them make a “slimy whale goo”. It was just cornstarch, water, and green food coloring, but they LOVED it. Doing any science, including Biology doesn’t have to cost a ton of money, it’s all about being creative. We have students draw… a lot. We also utilize full class projects, breaking up student tasks toward one goal which minimizes the total amount of needed materials!

Mark is the driving force behind STEM Geek. With 20 years of experience in chemistry education and research, and 3 willing children as guinea pigs, Mark has a passion for inspiring kids and adults to combine fun and learning with STEM Toys!

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High School Biology Experiment Ideas

Science Projects on Dish Detergents

High school level biology covers all aspects of biology, including animals, plant life and humans. That should mean it’s easy to come up with a science fair project or a classroom research project, but the amount of topics sometimes makes it even harder. When you first start researching, you’ll find thousands of ideas and it’s difficult to decide which one is best for your situation. Provided that you know what you want to do and what your teacher or judges are looking for, it’s easy to come up with a great biology experiment.

Effects on Plants

Test the effects of different substances on plants. Place plants from the same source in pots of the same size, then use different types of materials. You can test different types of potting soil against regular dirt or use the same type of potting soil and test other substances. Water the plants with different types of bottled water and tap water from your home and other homes or add a small amount of vinegar and other liquids to see how the plants react to those substances. Observe the effects of the different substances on the plants and measure how quickly each plant grows in comparison to the others.

Water Bottles

Test the amount of germs and toxins found when you refill a water bottle. Start by taking a sample swab from the outside lip of the bottle and looking at the water under a microscope for any bacteria or impurities. Then drink from the bottle as you otherwise would and test the bottle each time you refill it with extra water. Student athletes can even use the same plastic water bottles they carry with them to practice every day. Each time, you'll want to swab the inside lip of the bottle and look at the swab under a microscope. Identify any bacteria or toxins by looking at the examples found in your textbook.

Public Germs

You might be surprised when you check different public areas for germs. Take swabs at public bathrooms, in your classroom, on the door handles at stores and even books at the public library. Look at the swabs under a microscope and see what types of germs you find. Then offer a comparison of the germs and explain your findings. Discuss which germs are harmful and what levels of germs you found.

Do a biology experiment focusing on how the hair reacts to different types of products. Test shampoos, conditioners, hair gels, hair sprays and other products. Look for residue left behind by the product, but take a few sample hairs before you begin. Check the consistency and health of the sample hairs under a microscope and compare those results against hairs after using the products. Observe any changes you notice in the look or feel of your hair, as well. Then look for signs that the hair has become more damaged or healthier since you used the product. You’ll need to narrow it down to just a few products, but if you have more time, use one product for several days before switching to another.

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Fun and Interesting Biology Experiments for High School: Examples

A high school biology class is more hands-on than middle school science. All biology courses include experiments, whether they are part of a controlled laboratory class, a science fair, or individual student projects. 

Get ideas for simple and easy biology experiments you can incorporate into your classroom by exploring some fascinating high school biology experiments.

Table of Contents

Examples of Biology Experiments for High School

A wide range of biology projects for teens are available, whether you are looking for a science fair project or a class assignment.

Frog Dissection

It is a quintessential part of high school biology to dissect a frog. For your class, try to obtain both female and male specimens so that students can see the eggs and compare the insides.

Flower Dissection

Frog dissection can make high schoolers uncomfortable. Instead, dissect a flower. The teens can identify the male and female parts of the flower. Using a microscope to examine flower intricacies can be fun for high school students.

Diversity Among Plant Samples

To observe diversity among plant samples in a natural setting, such as a local park, is another simple biology experiment. In order to make the experiment more detailed, students can rub collected samples on filter paper to see which plants have which colors. 

Plants exhibit different colors for a variety of reasons, which teens can investigate.

Phototropism

Educating children about how phototropism affects plants can be enlightening. Different materials can be used to affect light in an experiment. It is possible to see how changing the light affects the plant’s growth.

Water From Common Sources

There is always water around. Unfortunately, water contains a number of elements as well. Collecting water samples from different sources and viewing them under a microscope is a great experiment. 

After comparing their results, students can postulate why a given source of water would harbor more organisms than another.

Yeast Experiment

In another experiment, molds are monitored over a two-week period on a piece of bread.

Taste Perception

There is a taste for everything for everyone. Quite literally! There are some people who like sour things and there are others who like sweet things. Do an in-class experiment to find out if everyone perceives taste the same way and has the same threshold for taste.

Disinfectant Effectiveness

Have you ever wondered how effective hand sanitizer is at killing bacteria? Put it to the test! Bacteria can be grown in a Petri dish with paper soaked in peroxide, white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, etc. Discover how each one inhibits bacteria growth.

Pea Plant Genetics

Students can recreate Mendel’s genetic experiments on pea plants. Students can determine the genotype of each parent plant by growing pea plants and comparing their phenotypes.

Examining Fingerprints

A fingerprint is one of the most amazing features of the human body. In addition to being able to open your phone with them, each one is unique as well. Examine the different aspects of your fingerprint by putting it on paper. Everyone in the class should compare their fingerprints.

Comparing Animal and Plant Cells

A student can compare the cells from their cheeks to those from an onion to gain a deeper understanding of animal and plant cells. The cell structures can be better seen under a microscope by staining the cells with iodine or another dye.

An effective way to help students understand DNA structure and function is to create a DNA model. You can build a fairly realistic model of the double helix using candy, string, and toothpicks.

Water Bottle Germs

High school is a time when many people refill their water bottles. Is the bottle contaminated with germs or bacteria? Can a disposable water bottle be refilled safely? Take swabs from the water bottles your students use and look for bacteria around the lid or on the bottle.

Testing Hair

Hair products are widely used by teens. Are they really effective? Take a few hair samples from teens in your class. Check out what happens to the hair when you add common hair products.

Water Cycle

It’s not difficult to understand the water cycle. Teenagers can examine the water cycle firsthand by creating a water cycle experiment. Put a baggie filled with water on a window and have them tape it to it. During the demonstration, they will observe evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Closed Ecosystem Bottle

The idea of something having its own ecosystem can be difficult for students to comprehend. It is possible, however, to create a closed ecosystem using a plastic bottle.

Field Survey Biology Experiment

The best part about this experiment is that it is easy, cheap, and you can conduct it in a variety of places around your school or send it home with your students. Monitoring the samples that you collect over time and observing the surrounding area is the objective.

Materials You’ll Need

You will need the following items for this experiment:

• Samples should be collected in a jar or baggie
• Using tweezers
• Hand gloves
• Marking an area with stakes and string or cones is helpful
• To take notes, use paper or a journal
• Microscope, slides, and slide covers

Observation Instructions

It is important to choose an area where you can re-mark easily or where you can leave the markings up so you can return to the same designated area over several months.

• Students should choose one spot to observe. It should not be larger than two to three feet square.
• Is there evidence of animals around? (Search for prints, scat or guano, fur, owl pellets, etc.)
• Can you tell me what kind of plant life you see? Plants (such as moss, lichen, and weeds) should be observed.
• Is there a fungus on your hands? If you see mushrooms or other fungal growth, look for them.
• What kind of insects do you see? Encourage students to look specifically for relationships here, such as mosquitoes and water or bees and flowers.

Sampling and Classroom Instructions

Follow these instructions to bring research back into the classroom.

• Encourage students to make connections and note relationships in their marked areas. They should make an inventory of the area and draw a crude map showing where everything is located.
• Take samples of soil, fungus, moss, plant life, insects, etc., using tweezers if possible.
• Water or soil pH value
• Water microorganisms
• Observing plant cells under a microscope
• Flowers that you find and their comparative structure
• Journals or interactive notebooks should be required for students to record everything.

In the classroom, set up stations for viewing, dissecting, drawing, and testing pH. Having this choice will allow students to examine their specimens in their own way.

Testing for Bacteria

Students should find out where the most bacteria are hiding. For those looking for a lab that guarantees results, this experiment is perfect. Bacteria are always lurking somewhere in students’ Petri dishes, waiting to grow.

Materials you will need are listed below.

• Three Petri dishes per student were prepared
• Swab samples that are sterile
• The painter’s tape
• Tape from Scotch
• Marker with permanent ink
• Paper with graphs
• Hand scissor

You can also purchase sterile Petri dishes and agar separately; however, it is more likely that students will contaminate the plate before swabbing.

Preparing Your Petri Dishes

The preparation of your Petri dishes is crucial to the success of your experiment.

• Students should identify three places (but within the same physical location, such as home or school) where they will swab for bacteria before opening any materials. Have them hypothesize about where bacteria are most likely to grow.
• Cut out three circles from the graph paper after tracing them on the Petri dish.
• Make a line that indicates the circle’s ‘top’ in pencil. Regardless of where you draw the line, you will need something to indicate how your Petri dish is oriented if you want to be sure you’re tracking the same colony every time.
• On the back of the graph paper circle, write the location and date where you will take the swabs. All three Petri dishes should be treated the same way.

Collecting Samples

Students should bring their closed Petri dishes and unopened sterile swabs to the site. They should carefully:

• Prepare a flat surface for the Petri dish.
• The swab should be unwrapped.
• The swab should be swiped across the area suspected of having bacteria.
• Carefully close the lid after wiping the used swab across the agar with the used swab.

If you want to prevent the Petri dish lid from accidentally falling off, you can tape it shut.

Evaluating Results

After swabbing the areas, the results are what matter.

• Students should draw circles the size of Petri dishes in their lab books or on separate graph paper. For each dish the student has, draw one week’s worth of Petri dishes.
• Draw the size of the colonies in their notebooks as they grow, making daily observations. Over a month, have them observe on the same day(s) if they cannot observe daily.
• Additionally, they should record the color and other characteristics of their bacteria colonies.
• A conclusion should be written by the students at the end of their study.

The Effect of Light on Growth

The purpose of this lab is to investigate how light affects plant growth. Almost any plant can be used, but cress will grow more quickly, so your students will get results faster.

Make sure you have all the materials you need.

• Cup or bowl made of Styrofoam
• Soil for potting
• Taking pictures

Instructions

Now that you have your materials ready, it’s time to get started.

• The seeds should be planted in the cups on Day 1.
• The cups should be labeled according to the type of light you will use. There are several types of light that you can compare, such as sunlight versus complete darkness.
• Every day after the initial day, take a picture of each cup and try to measure its growth.
• Note the color and shape characteristics of the sprouts for your lab entries.

Planaria Regeneration

Students will test whether cutting planaria makes a difference in how they regenerate and observe how quickly they regenerate.

You will need to grab something in order to conduct this experiment.

• There are nine planarias
• Three small plastic Petri dishes
• Petri dish, large, made of plastic
• Pipette made of plastic
• Magnifying glass 1
• Coverlip made of plastic
• Water from springs
• Disposable paper towels
• Pack of ice (optional)

Setup Instructions

When it comes to creating fun and interesting biology experiments for high schoolers, getting the setup right is half the battle.

• To avoid confusion later, number the three small Petri dishes.
• Move a planarian into the large Petri dish using the pipet.
• Try setting the Petri dish on an ice pack for a few minutes at this point. There is no need to do this, but it will slow down the planarian, making it easier to cut.
• In the back of the head
• The middle of the road
• To the right, towards the tail
• Each segment should be transferred gently to a new Petri dish (with spring water) using the pipet.
• All remaining worm segments should be repeated in the same manner.
• Keep an eye on the planaria every day. Upon appearing on the planarian’s head, the photoreceptors (black dots that resemble eyes) will indicate that the regeneration is complete.

Scientific Method and High School Biology Experiments

Students are taught science elements in high school biology. These main focuses include the scientific method. Participants in science are encouraged to think like investigators and to generate hypotheses about what will happen in a given experiment. The experiment is then designed to either prove or disprove the hypothesis. By doing so, teens are encouraged to engage in the scientific method while learning other scientific skills, such as:

• Using present factors and knowledge to make a rational estimate
• Ability to pay close attention to details and monitor
• What to do if you turn out to be wrong and how to move on
• Skills in quick thinking

Biological experiments can be fun, but there is also an educational component to them.

Fun and Interesting High School Biology Experiments

Taking biology in high school can be a lot of fun for teens. It is possible to make biology more than just another course of study by finding the right experiment. You never know, right? You might even inspire your student to enter a science fair or to pursue a science-related career?

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7 Easy Homeschool Biology Experiments for High School Students

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Ah, biology. One of my favorite subjects in high school (second to chemistry!) Growing up in the country, it was easy to explore science right outside in our backyard.

Throughout the school year, our hands-on activities included gardening, cracking open fresh chicken eggs, and capturing and dissecting bugs of all kinds. We truly lived the homeschool science dream. For us, there was such a thing as fun biology activities in high school!

Even if you don’t have chickens and a garden in your backyard, you can still successfully use hands-on learning experiences to teach high school biology. Some will require you to purchase equipment and supplies, but many can be done with items you already have at home!

7 Easy Biology Experiments for High School Students

Quick note: We use the terms “lab” and “experiment” somewhat interchangeably. When I think of labs, dissections and microscopes come to mind. When I think of experiments, baking soda and vinegar explosions is my first thought. But realistically, both provide the opportunity for research, hypothesis, and analysis. So, if you see those words used throughout this post, know the end goal is the same!

1. Compare Cell Structures in Plants and Animals

There is massive diversity in the world of cells, also known as the basic building block of all living things. Cells are so small that a microscope must be used to see them. Yet, the cells present in plants and animals are distinctly different.

This lab experiment is a part of our Explore Biology homeschool curriculum at Journey Homeschool Academy! Your student will get to compare their cheek cells to the cells of a leaf. You can download and view the instructions for this lab at the bottom of this post!

2. Microwave Seed Gardening

If microwaving seeds sounds crazy to you, then you and your high school student need to try this experiment!

Most seed packets tell you to plant the seed in the ground and wait a few days for germination. What goes on in the ground between planting and sprouting is quite incredible! But, did you know that microwaving your seeds before planting can affect the speed and success of germination?

This microwaved seed experiment is microscope-free and will need to be spread out over a few days. The reward? Success in teaching science and (hopefully) some delicious radishes!

3. Water Bottle Bacteria Swab

Sometimes I just really wish bacteria were visible to the naked eye. Did I wash my hands well enough? Is the kitchen sink really the grossest surface in my house? For this experiment, there are no detailed instructions.

All you need to do is swab the outside lip of a water bottle after filling it and view the swab under a microscope . Over the course of a day or two, re-swab the bottle each time it is refilled and observe any new or different bacteria under a microscope. From there, your student can hypothesize what factors contributed to bacteria growth!

4. Circulation and Respiration During Activity

I love this activity because there is no extensive equipment or science kits needed! In fact, the only two things needed are a stopwatch and a partner. This is a great science experiment for your student with you or even a sibling!

The process of circulation and respiration in the human body is something that we often take for granted. Combining physical activity with biology will make your student more excited to learn. Plus, they’ll have a lot of fun coming up with activities to get their heart and lungs moving!

Full details for this experiment are provided by Journey Homeschool Academy and can be downloaded at the bottom of this post!

5. Animal Dissections

At Journey Homeschool Academy, many of our biology lab ideas for high school include animal dissections. Our Explore Biology course includes instructions for the dissection of an earthworm , fetal pig , chicken wing, and other previously living creatures.

If your science curriculum includes dissections, don’t skip these labs! Dissections are a crucial part of learning biology! And, while they may seem difficult at first, there are plenty of guides out there to help you along the way.

Still feeling squeamish and not sure how to move forward? In our high school biology curriculum, we offer full video tutorials to walk students through the dissection process step-by-step in our curriculum.

6. Flower Dissections

Did you know that dissection labs can go beyond animals? Though much more fragile and intricate, flower dissections are a fantastic learning opportunity because there is such a large variety of specimens, and many can be found in your backyard!

You can use a simple dissection tool kit to complete this dissection. But, if you don’t have that, a sharp paring knife and a pair of tweezers will work as well.

PS: This lab is included in our Experience Biology curriculum! You can check out a couple free lessons in the sneak peek of the curriculum here!

7. Fermentation and Kombucha

Looking to combine biology, chemistry, and snack time?

Making kombucha will teach your high schooler about yeast growth and fermentation. It also is a perfect segue into a conversation about how good and bad bacteria affect the human GI tract.

This experiment takes a bit longer than most, but your student will be able to document the progress each day. And hopefully, they will end up with a fizzy, fruity drink! (This is a great science fair project if your area has any homeschool science fairs.)

Download a Guide for Two Free Biology Experiments

Put your name and email address in the box below and snag a guide for two free biology experiments. Your students will have the opportunity to learn how to compare plant and animal cells and compare respiration and circulation during different types of activities.

To Biology and Beyond!

It’s easy to lose sight of the beauty of homeschooling: the flexibility, endless creativity, the joy of being able to teach your children…the list goes on!

As you help your teens through middle and high school, remember why you’re homeschooling. Don’t let high school-level biology experiments intimidate you. Instead, let the freedoms that come with homeschooling guide you through biology and beyond!

Get your kids excited about science with engaging, faith-based curriculum.

Take lesson planning off your plate! Journey Homeschool Academy’s multi-sensory approach makes science interesting with flexible, engaging lessons without sacrificing a rigorous academic education.

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10 High School Science Lab Experiments - Biology

At its core, biology aims to answer fundamental questions about the nature of life, such as how organisms are composed, how they function and maintain homeostasis, how they grow and reproduce, how they evolve and adapt to their environment, and how they interact with one another and their surroundings. 

High school biologyteachers have so many in-person and virtual lab options for high school lab experiments. We’ve broken them down into five categories:

DNA Experiments

Microscopy experiments, osmosis & diffusion experiments, bacteria experiments , genetics experiments, in-person lab: extracting dna from strawberries.

This activity teaches students about the structure and function of DNA while also demonstrating how DNA can be isolated from cells. Students crush strawberries and use a lysis buffer to break down cell and nuclear membranes, releasing the DNA. The mixture is then filtered, and rubbing alcohol is added to precipitate the DNA, making it visible as a cloudy, stringy substance.

Virtual lab: DNA: Structure and Function

In the narrative of this virtual lab, students will work as an intern for a science magazine, Science Explained. One of the magazine’s readers has written a letter. They’re confused about DNA and have some questions about its structure and function. It’s their job to find out the answers and clear things up. They’ll get to learn how DNA is structured and how DNA’s code translates to functional molecules called proteins.

In-person experiment: Onion cell microscopy

This teaches students about cell structure and function using onion epidermal cells. Students prepare a wet mount slide with a thin layer of onion cells, stain them with iodine, and observe the cells under a microscope. It allows students to visualize plant cell components, such as the cell wall, cell membrane, and nucleus, while gaining experience with microscopy techniques.

Virtual lab: Meiosis, Mitosis and Plant Gametes 

Students will use microscopy to study samples of lily anthers while helping the team at the laboratory. They’ll study the process of cell division and discover the key differences between meiosis and mitosis. 

In-person lab: Diffusion and osmosis with eggs

Students use decalcified eggs (eggs soaked in vinegar to remove the shell) to study the processes of diffusion and osmosis. By immersing the eggs in various solutions, such as distilled water or corn syrup, students can observe changes in mass and size due to the movement of water across the semi-permeable membrane of the egg.

Virtual lab: Osmosis and Diffusion: Choose the right solution for an intravenous drip

In this virtual lab, students will help save Frank’s life by choosing the correct saline solution for an intravenous drip. He’s dehydrated because of sunstroke and needs extra fluids. They’ll join our virtual lab assistant in the lab to discover what a hypotonic, isotonic, and hypertonic solution is and how water is transported across the cell membrane in osmosis.

Photosynthesis Experiments

In-person lab: photosynthesis and respiration in plants.

Students use an aquatic plant, such as Elodea, and a dissolved oxygen probe or a simple inverted test tube setup to measure the rate of oxygen production during photosynthesis and consumption during cellular respiration. This experiment helps students understand the complementary processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in plants.

Virtual lab: Photosynthesis: Electron transport chain

To understand how photosynthesis works, students will shrink to a tiny size and go inside the plant cell of a leaf. Travel further inside the cell into the chloroplast, and then look at the thylakoid membrane. The process of photosynthesis takes place here. Observe the different components of the electron transport chain, from the start of the chain at photosystem II to the end of the chain at ATP synthase. 

In-person experiment: Bacterial growth and antibiotic resistance

Students culture bacteria (e.g., E. coli) on agar plates and test the effectiveness of different antibiotics. They observe zones of inhibition, where bacterial growth is prevented, and learn about antibiotic resistance and the importance of proper antibiotic use.

Virtual lab: Gram Stain: How stains and counterstains work

Dive into the microscopic world and discover the colorful magic of the Gram staining procedure! Students will compare and contrast the cell wall of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria by diving into their microscopic samples and observing how the cell wall structures retain certain reagents during the experiment. Discover how the four reagents of the Gram stain interact with structural components of the cell wall to color the bacteria.       

In-person experiment: Monohybrid Cross and Mendelian Genetics

Students observe the results of monohybrid crosses involving a single trait. Using Punnett squares, students predict offspring ratios and compare them with observed outcomes from live organisms, such as pea plants or fruit flies. This activity helps students understand inheritance, dominant and recessive alleles, and how traits are passed from one generation to the next.

Virtual lab: Mendelian Inheritance: From genes to traits

Did you know that more than 99% of your genes are identical to those found in any other human being on the planet? In this simulation, students will learn how Mendel's postulates can be applied to determine how characteristics are inherited by being passed from one generation to the next.

Are you excited by the idea of virtual labs? Check out our catalog of over 300 simulations and our free 30-day all-access educator’s pass. 

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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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Biology Projects are great teaching tools educators can use to boost student interest in the subject and spark classroom participation.

Testing plants and gravity

Testing root growth in relationship to gravity is a fun and simple idea. To do this, students need to cut a strip of paper towel approximately one inch wide. Then, they lay pinto beans on the strip and roll it up. Next, moisten the strip and tape it to a square of cardboard, placing the entire thing in a zip top bag. Finally, place it in a warm window and observe over time and look for roots and stems to sprout.

Once the roots and stems sprout, students will notice that the sprouts point up and the roots point down. After making this observation, students should turn the bag so the plant is growing sideways, then upside down, continuing to observe root growth with these changes

Fruit flies and tea

Tea is often offered as a healthful drink, but which tea is the most healthful? This project tries to answer that. To set up the fruit fly and tea experiment, students must create a mixture of tea and fruit fly food. This works best when students choose four different teas to test four different groups of flies. A fifth group — the control group — will receive fruit fly food with plain water. The tea should be brewed by seeping a tea bag in three tablespoons of boiling water for a set period of time. Then, it should be mixed with fruit fly food.

Once the food is prepared, it should be added to five separate vials. Then, each vial receives 10 adult fruit flies. Every day, the fruit flies that remain alive should be removed and transferred to a new vial that contains the same tea and food mixture. This should be repeated until all fruit flies have died. The student can then determine which food/tea mixture provided the greatest longevity to the flies.

Cleaning oil off birds

When birds are coated with oil after an oil spill, their life is at risk. This project will test a variety of solvents to determine which is the best to use in this situation. It uses feathers, not live birds, to make this determination.

The experiment begins with weighing several sets of feathers, then dipping bird feathers in oil. After the feathers are dipped, they are weighed again. This shows the weight of the oil on the feathers and serves as the means of measuring the effectiveness of the solvents.

Once they are all dipped and weighed, the feathers are washed in a range of cleaners, with one group remaining unwashed to serve as a control. After washing, the feathers are weighed yet again. This should indicate which solvent is the most effective, as the feathers washed in it will show the most oil weight loss.

Vitamin C and colds

Vitamin C is often offered as a solution to help prevent the common cold. This simple experiment helps determine if there is much fact to this common bit of advice. The student selects two groups of willing participants, preferably people who do not live in the same house. One group will agree to take a vitamin C tablet daily for a month, while the second will agree not to. All will record any cold symptoms they experience during that month.

At the end of the month, the groups will switch. After a second month, the data can be collected and analyzed to determine if taking vitamin C made a difference in cold symptoms.

Each of these biology project ideas tackles a different aspect of the subject, including botany, environmental science, human biology and zoology. They all provide an interesting way to present important biology ideas to students in a way that encourages inquiry.

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Summer holiday science: turn your home into a lab with these three easy experiments

Associate Professor in Biology, University of Limerick

Disclosure statement

Audrey O'Grady receives funding from Science Foundation Ireland. She is affiliated with Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick.

University of Limerick provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK.

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Many people think science is difficult and needs special equipment, but that’s not true.

Science can be explored at home using everyday materials. Everyone, especially children, naturally ask questions about the world around them, and science offers a structured way to find answers.

Misconceptions about the difficulty of science often stem from a lack of exposure to its fun and engaging side. Science can be as simple as observing nature, mixing ingredients or exploring the properties of objects. It’s not just for experts in white coats, but for everyone.

Don’t take my word for it. Below are three experiments that can be done at home with children who are primary school age and older.

Extract DNA from bananas

DNA is all the genetic information inside cells. Every living thing has DNA, including bananas.

Did you know you can extract DNA from banana cells?

What you need: ¼ ripe banana, Ziploc bag, salt, water, washing-up liquid, rubbing alcohol (from a pharmacy), coffee filter paper, stirrer.

What you do:

Place a pinch of salt into about 20ml of water in a cup.

Add the salty water to the Ziploc bag with a quarter of a banana and mash the banana up with the salty water inside the bag, using your hands. Mashing the banana separates out the banana cells. The salty water helps clump the DNA together.

Once the banana is mashed up well, pour the banana and salty water into a coffee filter (you can lay the filter in the cup you used to make the salty water). Filtering removes the big clumps of banana cells.

Once a few ml have filtered out, add a drop of washing-up liquid and swirl gently. Washing-up liquid breaks down the fats in the cell membranes which makes the DNA separate from the other parts of the cell.

Slowly add some rubbing alcohol (about 10ml) to the filtered solution. DNA is insoluble in alcohol, therefore the DNA will clump together away from the alcohol and float, making it easy to see.

DNA will start to precipitate out looking slightly cloudy and stringy. What you’re seeing is thousands of DNA strands – the strands are too small to be seen even with a normal microscope. Scientists use powerful equipment to see individual strands.

Learn how plants ‘drink’ water

What you need: celery stalks (with their leaves), glass or clear cup, water, food dye, camera.

• Fill the glass ¾ full with water and add 10 drops of food dye.
• Place a celery stalk into the glass of coloured water. Take a photograph of the celery.
• For two to three days, photograph the celery at the same time every day. Make sure you take a photograph at the very start of the experiment.

What happens and why?

All plants, such as celery, have vertical tubes that act like a transport system. These narrow tubes draw up water using a phenomenon known as capillarity.

Imagine you have a thin straw and you dip it into a glass of water. Have you ever noticed how the water climbs up the straw a little bit, even though you didn’t suck on it? This is because of capillarity.

In plants, capillarity helps move water from the roots to the leaves. Plants have tiny tubes inside them, like thin straws, called capillaries. The water sticks to the sides of these tubes and climbs up. In your experiment, you will see the food dye in the water make its way to the leaves.

Build a balloon-powered racecar

What you need: tape, scissors, two skewers, cardboard, four bottle caps, one straw, one balloon.

• Cut the cardboard to about 10cm long and 5cm wide. This will form the base of your car.
• Make holes in the centre of four bottle caps. These are your wheels.
• To make the axles insert the wooden skewers through the holes in the cap. You will need to cut the skewers to fit the width of the cardboard base, but leave room for the wheels.
• Secure the wheels to the skewers with tape.
• Attach the axles to the underside of the car base with tape, ensuring the wheels can spin freely.
• Insert a straw into the opening of a balloon and secure it with tape, ensuring there are no air leaks.
• Attach the other end of the straw to the top of the car base, positioning it so the balloon can inflate and deflate towards the back of the car. Secure the straw with tape.
• Inflate the balloon through the straw, pinch the straw to hold the air, place the car on a flat surface, then release the straw.

The inflated balloon stores potential energy when blown up. When the air is released, Newton’s third law of motion kicks into gear: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

As the air rushes out of the balloon (action), it pushes the car in the opposite direction (reaction). The escaping air propels the car forward, making it move across the surface.

• Science experiments

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Griffith Celebrates A Science Week With Slime

16 Aug 2024

Our students have been getting into the spirit of Science Week by completing the CSIRO Big Bloody Slime Experiment.

The activity gets students to create a simulation of blood, complete with red and white lentils as stand ins for blood cells. The end slime product, made from glue, water, dye and borax, is not only educational, it’s also fun to play with!

Students have also been experimenting with chia seed, frozen olive oil, eggs and edible binary codes throughout the week to illustrate the importance of the science week theme: Species Survival – More Than Just Sustainability .

“Activities like the Big Bloody Slime Experiment are a great way to get the kids to do some hands on science,” explains science teacher Ms Sumedha, “We also managed to incorporate Indigenous cultural knowledge into the week by exploring the Aboriginal seasons, traditional fire starting techniques and Aboriginal stellar constellations.”

It’s certainly been an action packed week of science at MRHS – Griffith. Thanks so much to our hard working science teachers and lab assistant Nicole Virago for facilitating all of these exciting activities!

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