Description: This is an investigation describing the procedure for looking at a …
Description: This is an investigation describing the procedure for looking at a seed pod from a mature Fast Plant with a dry pod by sandwiching the pod between layers of clear tape, then exploring the sibling seeds. Questions that might be considered:- In how many ways can you describe the pod (the mother)? Are the pods from one plant more like each other than they are like the pods from other plants? What about the siblings from a single pod? - Do all the seeds in a pod have the same father? - How much variation is there within and between families of Fast Plants? - How much does the environment affect the variation in Fast Plants, e.g. the number of seeds per pod, style length, plant height, days to first flowering, etc? - Is there any relationship between the length of the seed pod and its position on the maternal plant?
This pdf includes background information and an activity for engaging students in …
This pdf includes background information and an activity for engaging students in the processes that occur during pollination, fertilization and seed development in Fast Plants. Pollination is explained and illustrated and an activity for students to pollinate Fast Plants and observe reproductive development is described.In participating in this activity students will:ĺĽ understand flowering as the sexually mature stage of plant development;ĺĽ understand where and how ovules and pollen originate (male and female gamete formation);ĺĽ explore the parts of the flower and the role that each part plays in reproduction;ĺĽ observe the reproductive tissues of plants, including pollen and stigma, under magnification;ĺĽ understand the interdependent coevolutionary relationship of bees and brassicas; andĺĽ begin the process of reproduction in their Fast Plants by performing a pollination using a beestick,ĺĽ setting the stage for future developmental events.
This pdf file gives instructions and dimensions for building a wooden or …
This pdf file gives instructions and dimensions for building a wooden or PVC stand for a fluorescent lightbank (using fluorescent shop lights). A fluorescent lightbank is most appropriate for growing large numbers of plants. The light bank uses only 4.5 X 2.5 feet of space, which will accommodate several large classroom experiments. The lightbank consists of 6 or more 4-foot fluorescent bulbs side by side. The most common bulb used is a 40-watt Cool White DeluxeĺŞ, but other 4-foot bulbs such as a 34-watt or a 40-watt Cool WhiteĺŞ are also acceptable for growing Fast Plants
This fill-in-the-blank timeline is a planning tool for teachers to use when …
This fill-in-the-blank timeline is a planning tool for teachers to use when figuring out when to begin the steps associated with conducting a two-generation artificial selection experiment using Fast Plants. Teachers preparing for any selection experiment will find this timeline helpful, including those planning for the AP Biology Lab 1 of Big Idea 1: Evolution, Artificial Selection.
Description: In this activity students become acquainted with the anatomy and biology …
Description: In this activity students become acquainted with the anatomy and biology of seeds. They will use lenses and scales and make drawings to scale. Students will measure and calculate magnifications and they will begin to understand relationships among these. They will organize and summarize their data and, as they do so, they will be developing the understanding and skills needed to undertake more detailed investigations on the biology and reproduction of Fast Plants.Learning ObjectivesThis activity is designed to strengthen students' observational and quantitative skills. In participating in this activity students will:- learn to use magnifying lenses, microscopes and dissecting tools for detailed observation; - measure scales with rulers; - draw to scale, with accuracy and precision to understand scale and magnification; - learn features of the external anatomy of seeds that are associated with certain features of the internal anatomy of seeds; and - estimate the amount of water required to be taken up by seeds in order to initiate germination.
This is an article explaining about variation in a population in general, …
This is an article explaining about variation in a population in general, using height as a specific example. The article is designed to help students and teachers think about the nature of various determinants underlying biological variation.Variation in height is easily observed and measured by learners, and quantifying height observations over time is a rich context for all ages to make key mathematics and science connections."Fast Plants, rapid cycling Brassica rapa are ideally suited for getting a handle on variation."
This article is designed to help students and teachers think about the …
This article is designed to help students and teachers think about the nature of various determinants underlying biological variation. Teachers facilitating any selection investigation will find this background information helpful, including those planning for the AP Biology Lab 1 of Big Idea 1: Evolution, Artificial Selection. Learners at secondary or tertiary grade levels who are preparing to investigate variation or are working on interpreting variation data can also use this resource.
This lesson will ask students to think themselves as 'joy' dispersers, likening …
This lesson will ask students to think themselves as 'joy' dispersers, likening themselves to the different ways that seeds are dispersed. They will model both and reflect on how they 'spread' joy. One of the pursuits the people in these black literary societies worked towards was intellectualism. This means that they learn something but what they learned doesn't just sit there. It is used to change things, to see things differently or to get to know others and themselves. Another pursuit was joy. In this lesson, they will discuss how to spread joy from one person to the next so it will grow.
In this biology lab extension, student will have already collected leaves from …
In this biology lab extension, student will have already collected leaves from the playground and surrounding school areas and sorted them into categories according to leaf properties. Students will use the leave classifications/ sorts to graph the properties of the leaves.
Instructions from the Father of Fast Plants (written by Dr. Paul Williams) …
Instructions from the Father of Fast Plants (written by Dr. Paul Williams) about growing Rapid-cycling Brassica rapa (RBR) sucessfully in a Four Cell System (4CS). This file is one of the mini-booklets from "Paul's Sandbox"--it is made Xerox-ready, containing two sheets that together make four copies of two mini information booklets(each booklet measures 8x12cm).The two pages describe the construction, resourcing of materials, and usage of the 4CS, an alternative growing system to the Film Can System described in the Small Booklet titled "Growing Rapid Cycling Brassica rapa sucessfully, Film Can Growing System (FCS)."
This document provides extensive background information about how Fast Plants grow and …
This document provides extensive background information about how Fast Plants grow and develop. The distinction between growth and development is explained. Also discussed is how genetics plus interactions with the environment produce variation during growth and development.
A 32-page booklet, containing complete instructions for activities at each life cycle …
A 32-page booklet, containing complete instructions for activities at each life cycle stage. The booklet also includes important background information about plant physiology and how to grow Fast Plants.A Growth, Development and Reproduction kit is available. You can also conduct all the investigations explained in the booklet using seeds from a packet of Standard Wisconsin Fast Plants seeds (or seeds from Fast Plants you grow yourself) and your own potting mix and growing system.Either way, you'll need to plan for providing adequate light. Learn about all these factors in the How to Grow files on this website.
This Powerpoint presentation contains copies from the Father of Fast Plants, Dr. …
This Powerpoint presentation contains copies from the Father of Fast Plants, Dr. Paul Williams' research notebook and photos documenting some of his investigations into the inheritance of hairs on the leaves and stems of Fast Plants.
This is an activity where students learn about inquiry by designing an …
This is an activity where students learn about inquiry by designing an experiment on bean plants with the goal of growing the tallest plant. Students work in groups to plan the growing conditions of the control and three experimental plants. Students collect data for about three weeks and analyze their data to see if their hypothesis is correct or not. The end product can be a report presented in a number of ways.
This activity is designed for students to discover how making observations of …
This activity is designed for students to discover how making observations of the environment is the key to making sound predictions. Students will also learn how both positive and negative outcomes of these predictions can affect and shape future decisions.
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