nanimate Life is an open textbook covering a very traditional biological topic, …
nanimate Life is an open textbook covering a very traditional biological topic, botany, in a non-traditional way. Rather than a phylogenetic approach, going group by group, the book considers what defines organisms and examines four general areas of their biology: structure (size, shape, composition and how it comes to be); reproduction (including sex when present); energy and material needs, acquisition and manipulations; and finally their interactions with conditions and with other organisms including agricultural interactions between plants and people. Although much of the text is devoted to vascular plants, the book comparatively considers ‘EBA = everything but animals’ (hence the title): plants, photosynthetic organisms that are not plants (‘algae’, as well as some bacteria and archaebacteria), fungi, and ‘fungal-like’ organisms. The book includes brief ‘fact sheets’ of fifty-nine organisms/groups that biologists should be aware of, ranging from the very familiar (corn, yeast, pines) to the unfamiliar (cryptophytes, diatoms, late-blight of potato). These groups reflect the diversity of inanimate life.
This updated edition was published in July 2022 and includes corrections, revisions, additional figures, and fact-sheets for several more groups.
Learners will be able to 1) describe different integrated pest management techniques …
Learners will be able to 1) describe different integrated pest management techniques for controlling agricultural pests and 2) identify environmental/economical advantages and disadvantages of different pest management methods
Learn about the many types of interspecific interactions: competition, predation, herbivory, symbiosis, …
Learn about the many types of interspecific interactions: competition, predation, herbivory, symbiosis, parasitism, mutualism, commensalism. Created by Sal Khan.
This video explores what happens when exotic animal and plant species are …
This video explores what happens when exotic animal and plant species are introduced into ecosystems, and the impact of introduced species on biodiversity. Created by California Academy of Sciences.
This is a lesson plan that provides in depth descriptions for each …
This is a lesson plan that provides in depth descriptions for each section of the Plant Life Cycle. Included at the end is an interactive activity designed to make sure students can correctly match each part of the life cycle to its description
This investigation begins with a phenomenon that is evidenced in most every …
This investigation begins with a phenomenon that is evidenced in most every produce aisle: Many of the vegetables that botanists classify as Brassica look and taste different. This investigation aligns with middle and high school Next Generation Science Standards as well as with agricultural science Plant Career Path Standards. Provided as an Open Source Lesson in Gather-Reason-Communicate format, this investigation supports teachers as students learn about the life cycle of flowering plants, how environmental and genetic factors influence an organisms's growth, how humans influence plants through plant breeding, and how scientists can use classification as a tool for understanding relatedness among organisms. This includes a lesson plan and supporting resources including videos, an interview, readings, and protocols.
This activity is a lab activity where students grow two radish seeds, …
This activity is a lab activity where students grow two radish seeds, and manipulate a variable that may affect the germination time and growth of the radish seed.
This activity is a classroom investigation where students gather descriptive data on …
This activity is a classroom investigation where students gather descriptive data on two different plants with a partner, and on other plants during a classroom discussion.They will then interpret their findings, and classify the plants, if applicable, into monocots or dicots.
In this inquiry lab, students design and conduct simple experiments using elodea …
In this inquiry lab, students design and conduct simple experiments using elodea and Bromothymol blue to determine whether plants consume or release carbon dioxide in the process of photosynthesis. Students will record their data which will be used to conclude whether carbon dioxide was consumed or released by the elodea.
Students will observe simple plants, develop an investigable question, and form an …
Students will observe simple plants, develop an investigable question, and form an investigation. They will document their investigation in their science notebooks.
This activity is a guided inquiry investigation where students gather data on …
This activity is a guided inquiry investigation where students gather data on which soil is the best for growing plants. Student will interpret their data, and develop a conclusion from the data. The student will determine which type of soil they would like to use in the next activity of making their own terrariums. The data collected could lead to further questions, which can be investigated in some extension activities.
During the leaf activities the students will compare, contrast, classify, categorize, identify …
During the leaf activities the students will compare, contrast, classify, categorize, identify attributes, learn art techniques and learn about the importance of trees.
This activity is a field investigation where students gather information on a …
This activity is a field investigation where students gather information on a tree. Based on the information gathered and student interest, students will develop and carry out an investigation.
The purpose of this resource is to develop a classification system for …
The purpose of this resource is to develop a classification system for a set of objects and learn about hierarchical classification systems. Any set of objects, such as insects or rocks, may be used as well.
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