High School Biology Experiment Ideas, Activities, and Kits

Engaging high school students in biology is more than just a curriculum requirement – it’s an opportunity to ignite curiosity, foster critical thinking, and lay the groundwork for future scientific endeavors. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through hands-on biology experiments and anatomy activities that enhance your classroom experience.

Why Hands-On Biology Matters

The importance of STEM education in high school – based on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – cannot be overstated. Science plays a vital role in developing analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deeper understanding of the world around us. Through practical experiments and activities, students connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, making learning more meaningful and memorable.

Engaging High School Biology Experiments

Here are some tried-and-true biology activities to consider integrating into your curriculum.

Strawberry DNA Extraction

This classic, simple biology experiment for high school students involves extracting DNA from strawberries. The experiment requires minimal materials:

• Fresh strawberries
• Dish soap
• Salt
• Rubbing alcohol (chilled)
• Coffee filter or cheesecloth
• Small containers

By mashing the strawberries and mixing them with a solution of dish soap and salt, students can break down cell walls and release DNA. The addition of cold rubbing alcohol causes the DNA to precipitate, allowing students to observe it as a stringy, white substance. It's an excellent introduction to genetics and plant cell biology.

Osmosis with Eggs

This experiment demonstrates osmosis and the effects of different solutions on cell membranes. After soaking eggs in vinegar to remove their shells, students are left with a semi-permeable membrane. Placing these eggs in various liquids, such as water, saltwater, and syrup, allows students to observe changes in size and texture, illustrating the principles of osmosis and diffusion. Check out instructional videos like this one from the Sci Guys for all the steps.

Onion Root Tip Mitosis

Students can examine onion root tips under a microscope to explore cell division and the cell cycle. By staining the root tips and preparing slides, students identify the phases of mitosis: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. The lesson plan may also include an exploration of the differences between plant cells and animal cells.

Frog Dissection

To provide your class with a more in-depth exploration of anatomy, try a frog dissection lab. It provides a hands-on opportunity to study organ systems. Students can identify structures such as the heart, lungs, liver, and digestive tract, and compare them to human anatomy. Either purchase frog specimens to use with existing tools, or opt for complete frog dissection kits.

Fast, Simple Biology Experiments for High School

Do you have limited time or resources for high school STEM projects? Below are a few simple biology experiments that can provide valuable learning experiences. They require common household items and can be conducted with minimal preparation.

• Seed germination: Place seeds in damp paper towels and observe their germination over several days.
• Yeast fermentation: Mix yeast with sugar and warm water and observe the production of carbon dioxide bubbles.
• Plant transpiration: Place a plastic bag over a leafy branch and observe water condensation inside the bag.

Anatomy and Physiology Activities

To inspire interest in the structure and function of the human body, consider these anatomy and physiology activities for high school:

• Modeling bones and joints: Use clay or other materials to create models of bones and joints and discuss their structure and movement.
• Heart rate experiments: Measure and analyze heart rate before and after exercise to explain the cardiovascular system's response to physical activity.
• Respiratory system models: Construct simple models of the lungs and diaphragm to illustrate how breathing works.

STEM Kits for High School Students

STEM kits typically include all necessary materials and detailed instructions, making them ideal for both in-class and remote STEM projects for high school. Options include:

• DNA extraction kits: These kits provide all the materials needed to perform DNA extraction experiments, including reagents and instructions, so you don’t have to gather everything yourself.
• Dissection kits: Explore complete kits with tools and preserved specimens, such as frogs, fetal pigs, fish, and sheep brains.
• Microscope slide kits: Pre-prepared slides of various specimens aid in the study of cellular structures.
• Plant growth kits: Various plant biology kits for high school classrooms include (at minimum) seeds, soil, and containers to study plant growth and development.

Hands-on Learning Molds Tomorrow’s Leaders

These STEM project ideas for high school are just a few of the ways you can foster a generation of critical thinkers and problem solvers. Any hands-on biology experiment can make science more engaging and equip students for future success.

Looking to enhance your biology curriculum? Explore Anatomy Warehouse’s wide range of resources, models, and science lab kits for high school educators. Shop independently, contact us for support, or request a custom quote.