Diversity and Classification

A primary example of diversity is shown in this collection of butterflies.
© Pan Xunbin.

Species diversity, systems of classification, process of classification (grouping of organisms based on shared characteristics)

Comparing Sizes of Microorganisms
Lesson
Students create scale models of microorganisms, compare their relative sizes, and find that microbes come in many different sizes and shapes.

Grades: 6-8
Fungus Among Us
Lesson
Students grow and observe bread mold and other kinds of common fungi.

Grades: 3-5
Magnifying and Observing Cells
Lesson
Students make slides of cells from an onion skin and an Elodea leaf to observe under a microscope, and learn that all organisms are composed of cells.

Grades: 6-8
Microbes Are Everywhere
Lesson
Students grow bacteria and/or fungi from a variety of locations, compare results, and learn that microbes are everywhere and can grow rapidly on sources of food and water.

Grades: 6-8
Modeling an HIV Particle
Lesson
Students read an essay, "Portrait of a Killer," about the emergence of HIV/AIDS, and then learn about the basic structure of the virus by making three-dimensional paper models of an HIV particle.

Grades: 6-8 9-12
Observing Different Microbes
Lesson
Students use a light microscope to examine Baker's yeast, bacteria in yogurt, and paramecia in pond water.

Grades: 6-8
The Variety and Roles of Microbes
Lesson
Using sets of cards, students categorize microbes' roles and uses, and learn that some microbes have characteristics associated with more than one category.

Grades: 6-8
What Is a Neuron?
Lesson
Students learn how neurons send and receive messages, and then build a model neuron.

Grades: 6-8
X or Y: Does It Make a Difference?
Lesson
Students describe the functional differences of X and Y chromosomes, and explain the significance of these differences within the human genome.

Grades: 6-8 9-12