Biology - High School
Check out TeachersFirst's collection on Mapping the Human Genome
Updated: April 8, 2002
Access Excellence - Grades 9-12 - Genentech's outstanding site for high school and AP biology teachers. The site includes biographies of famous researchers, detailed explanations of subject areas, and hundreds of highly detailed lesson plans. A superior resource.
Audubon's E-Nature Resources - Grades 3-12 - The Audubon Society has created an elegant, responsive, information-packed site for students and adults interested in learning about habitats, species, and the environment. Don't miss this important new resource. Key starting points include:
Field Guides - On-line versions of the Audubon guides for birds, mammals, amphibians, and many more. Complete with photos, descriptions, and more.
Classroom Species Lists - A special section which lets teachers create a "classroom species list" so that students can add their own bird or animal sightings to the class list from any computer with web access.
Habitat Guides - Illustrated guides to a series of major habitats: arctic, desert, wetlands, eastern forests, shorelines, and more.
Big Cats Online - Grades 9-12 - This site offers a general introduction to the various species of cats living in the wild today. The purpose of the site is to offer information on evolution, endangered species, and conservation. The site is well suited to high school students completing a report on any of the large cat species.
Biodidac - Grades 9-12 - This site is a gold mine of illustrations, artwork, and images for teaching biology. Divided into separate sections for human biology, histology, etc., the site offers hundreds of downloadable illustrations in GIF and Corel vector formats. Convenient thumbnail pages make selection simple, though there's lots to choose from. If your classroom is short on resources, this is a wonderful alternative. From the University of Ottawa, Canada.
Biology Hypertext Site - Grades 9-12 - This is a hypertext biology resource from M.I.T. based on college-level biology concepts. It is useful for an easily accessible introduction to biological concepts, but it's written at a level suitable for AP of highly motivated students. This site may also be useful for teachers who need a brush-up on their own biology concepts.
Biology4Kids - Grades 6-12 - This site offers an introduction to three areas of biology: cells, chemistry, and ecology, along with a set of study materials. Though the concepts are "real science," the language is approachable and interesting enough to keep students engaged. This site is well worth a look for use as either a self-study or a resource to accompany an introduction to biology. Part of the Kapili.com collection.
The Biology Place - Grades 9-12 is a members-only site by Peregrine Publishers. It offers curriculum-related materials for a fee. Visitors can click on "Educators" to see a sample lesson.
The Biology Project - Grades 9-12 - from the University of Arizona. It is intended as a complete college entry level Biology course. Many topics are covered including Biochemistry, Developmental and Cell Biology. Includes problem sets for review before exams, and interactive activities. A very worthwhile site!
Biology Hypertext Review - AP High School - This MIT Biology Hypertext site provides a review of the major topics covered in a high school/AP biology class. The site is very text-oriented, uses no animation, and contains few graphics. It might be useful as a no-frills review site.
Biology On-line Text - Grades 9-12 - This site is an online Biology textbook using high quality graphics and extensive links on many subjects. Produced at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the topics include Cell Biology, Photosynthesis, Genetics, and Enzyme Biochemistry. The link entitled " 7.01 Knowledge Noodle" outlines the core units of the course. Recommended for High School and AP classes.
BioSurf - Grades 9-12 - Contains nine units on various topics in Biology such as genetics, plants, and vertebrate animals. Each unit contains "learning Links" to assist high school students in researching material. Units could be given as additional reading. Very well done.
Bird Song Central - Grades 6 and up - This site offers recordings of seasonal bird calls and sounds, along with a wealth of other bird-related information. Download the Real Audio player from the TeachersFirst Toolbox to listen to the birds sing.
The Secret Life of the Brain - Grades 6-12 - The companion site to the PBS series of the same name boasts a huge information archive, and more importantly, suberb interactive animations showing various regions of the brain and the functions they control. It may be hard to fit this content into standard curricula, but if you can do it, it will be worth the effort.
Bug Bios - Insects on the Web - Grades 4-12 - Here's a web site about insects that's as complete as it is visually appealing. The site provides insect classifications, information, and great images, all organized in a way that makes the site easy to use for students at various levels. If your curriculum includes insects, this site is well worth a visit.
Bugs in the News - Grades 6-12 - This is a site about microorganisms, not insects. There are concise explanations of a variety of organisms and genetic issues, most listed in a "what the heck is a..." format. It's informal, but easy to use and informative.
Cells Alive! - Grades 9-12 - Uses computer-enhanced images of living cells and organisms to explain certain cellular processes. The explanations are clear, and well suited to high school students. The topics range from HIV Infection to Streptococcus and parasites. The movies require a QuickTime plug-in.
Center for Human Simulation from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center - Grades 9-12. Included is "The Visible Human Female" as well as "The Visible Human Male." Students can study anatomy through MPEG Movies and 3D Visualizations. The site is memory-intensive. Some images could be imported into presentation software for a graphic-based report.
Cloning: A Special Report - Grades 6 and up - A journalistic report on Dolly, the cloned lamb born in 1997 near Edinburgh, Scotland. The information is presented in a clear and concise manner, and uses graphics to enhance students' learning of the material. This site could be used as required reading when studying genetics. The site is best suited to middle and high school students. From "New Scientist" magazine.
Color Vision - How Does it Work? - Grades 6-12 - From the "Ask a Biologist" series at Arizona State University, this site provides a concise, well illustrated description of how your eyes perceive colors. Easy to use and nicely organized, it's one of several simplified biology resources available from this site.
Contrasts in Blue - Grades 6-9 - This site, from the Smithsonian Institution's "Art to Zoo" series, contrasts two marine ecosystems: the coast of Maine and the reefs of the Caribbean. The entire unit, including teacher guide, discussion questions, and lesson plans, is available as a series of downloadable Adobe Acrobat PDF files which can be printed and used in the classroom. (A color printer works best, of course.) You can download the Adobe Acrobat reader from the TeachersFirst Toolbox.
Cow’s Eye Dissection - Grades 6 and up - The Cow's Eye Dissection site offers middle and high school students a chance to take a virtual walk through the dissection process. Science teachers can also use this site to guide a lab through the actual dissection process. In addition to clear instructions and explanations, the site offers a glossary of terms, and an introductory video. From the San Francisco Exploratorium.
A Dose of the Pox - Grades 9-12 - Here's an on-line tutorial on the discovery of the cure for smallpox from the University of Leicester (England). Navigation is a bit tricky at the start, but perseverance pays off in an explanation of how smallpox vaccine was developed.
DNA From the Beginning - Grades 9-12 - This is an extensive, well-designed site which lets users create their own personalized study of genetics and DNA. Students can proceed at their own pace through an extensive set of topics, each with explanation, animations, visual materials, and quizzes. The content is "real world" and could also be a great review or brush-up for teachers who haven't encountered this material in a while.
DNA for Dinner - Grades 6-12 - Here's a web quest that asks students to research whether genetically altered foods should carry warning labels and then present their case for or against such regulation. The site includes links to numerous sites which describe genetic engineering, its applications in agriculture, and its scientific and economic impacts. Biology teachers interested in a thought-provoking research assignment might find this web quest just the ticket.
Electronic Zoo – Grades 6-12 - This site is a Veterinary Guide to the Internet developed by Ken Boschert, DVM, through Washington Univ. in St. Louis. This site is very complete. It includes links to literally hundreds of sites dealing with animals. Some sites are serious, appropriate for professionals dealing with animals, and some are children’s sites. It is a good resource but may be intimidating for young children to navigate.
Emerging Communicable Diseases Surveillance and Control from the World Health Organization - Grades 9-12. Contains news of diseases reported to the WHO, as well as a weekly Epidemiological record from affected countries. This site uses statistical information to present information. Could be used when discussing differences in culture, sociology, and health within regions.
Endangered Species - Grades 9-12 - This site from the US Fish and Wildlife Service's Office of Protected Resources provides detailed information on endangered species, their habitats, and the circumstances of their endangered classification. While some information is designed for working professionals, other elements are suitable for use by interested students.
Endangered Species - Grades 6-12 - This site from New York's American Museum of Natural History provides information on several dozen endangered species, their habitats, and efforts to preserve these species and increase their numbers. Each species is really a case study, with significant detail on the plight of that species. Good site for a student interested in some serious research on one or more species.
Ewe 2 - Grades 9-12 and AP Students - This is an extensive, discussion-based tutorial that asks students to formulate and defend a position on the issue of cloning. Using a case-study approach, the unit asks students to research and collaborate, take a position on the issue, and be prepared to defend and advocate for that position. Teachers should begin with the teacher information, which outlines the sequence and expectations for the unit. Originally designed as a district-specific project in San Diego, other will need to "work around" the bulletin board features, perhaps by substituting local collaboration. An outstanding resource.
Flowerbase - Grades 6 and up - Developed in the Netherlands, the Flowerbase web site is a searchable database offering over 7,000 pictures of flowers, plants, and garden plants. Middle and high school students could use this site for research.
Frogs - Grades 6-12 - Forget all the cutesy froggy sites. This site from the San Francisco's Exploratorium offers a visually impresive exploration of frogs and how they have survived through many millennia. The site includes visuals and frog sounds, as well as extensive scientific content. Good resource for any study of amphibians.
Frog Organ Displays - Grades 9-12. Computer images of frog organs. Images are available in scaled or full-size versions. No text, no animations.
The Genomics Lexicon - Grade 9-12 - This is a highly detailed collection of definitions for terms related to biotechnology, genetics, and genome research. This site, from the Pharmaceutical Manufacturer's Association, is particularly interesting for the way in which it includes links to related terms and concepts. The result is a site that makes it easy to define a term and learn how it fits into a larger context. Good resource for teachers and for independent study by students.
The Gorilla Foundation - Grades 6 and up - Information on how gorillas, their habitat, and efforts to help preserve the species in the wild. This site is the home of Koko, who participated in an Internet chat session in the Spring of 1998. The site provides good information while promoting its cause.
Great Backyard Bird Counts - Grades 6 and up - Check out the results of Cornell University's Feederbird counts held in February, 1999. Lots of data, maps, and related bird information sorted by location and species. An excellent starting point for a unit on migration, populations, and habitats.
Genetic Engineering Simulation - Grades 9-12 - An extensive lesson plan and student project in which high school students simulate being members of a genetics engineering team. All resources required for this project are included. The lesson is quite extensive. Geared to high school level - 10-12th grades.
The Heart: An Online Exploration - Grades 6-12. This popular site from the Franklin Institute of Science includes interactive resource materials, enrichment activities, and text-based explorations. Students will like the clearly written explanations and graphics.
HistoWeb - AP High School - The "HistoWeb" site contains Histology lessons. The image quality of the slides is excellent, but there is little explanation of the images. This site is meant primarily as a virtual microscope.
Honeybee Anatomy - Grades 6-12 - This interactive page from the PBS Nature series allows students to highlight parts of a honeybee's internal and external anatomy and receive brief explanations of the function of each part. A nice tool for reinforcing insect anatomical terms or introducing insect anatomy.
The Hummingbird Site - Grades 4-12 - This "all hummingbirds" site offers information, pictures, and links to third paty resources dealing with hummingbirds and their habitats. Lots of good information, and even more details on some of the sites to which this site links.
The Human Body - Grades 9-12 - BBC's Flash-enabled tour of the human body couples nice animations with relatively detailed descriptions of the major organs and body systems. The texts explain the roles of each body part in maintaining digestion, respiration, circulation, and overall body metabolism. There are also limited links to external information sources. The animations do a particularly good job of showing "how all the parts fit together."
The Human Genome Project - To Know Ourselves - Grades 9-12 - This site from the U.S. Department of Energy describes the origins and goals of the Human Genome Project, as well as the reasons for DOE's involvement. It offers a literate, sometimes challenging introduction to the effort to map the entire human genetic code. Apart from its obvious use for report research, the site could also serve as an introduction to genetics, cloning, or other aspects of high-tech biology.
Insect Records Catalog - Grades 6-12 - The University of Florida has compiled a listing of insects holding the record for the biggest, fastest, smallest, etc., etc. A good collection of insect trivia, as well as a potential starting point for a more serious exploration of insects and the way they live.
Internet Resource Guide for Zoology - Grades 6-12 - This site from by Biosys publications includes searchable animal databases. A search results in a list of links. This site would be very helpful when completing a research report.
Interactive Frog Dissection - Grades 9-12 - The "Interactive Frog Dissection" web site was designed for use in high school biology classrooms. The site mentions that students at middle schools also use this site in a lab setting. The instructions are clearly written and well thought out.
The Living Lagoon - Grades 6-12 - This site from the Environmental Protection Agency shows how the lagoon ecosystem along the Florida coastline has been threatened as the result of increased human pressure and construction. The site also shows how the ecosystem can be preserved and maintained in the face of increasing population. Good illustration of ecological management over a large geographic area.
NOVA - The Odyssey of Life - Conception through Birth - with pictures.
The Mad Scientist Network - K-12 - This site has a lot of research available for viewing. The research is detailed and in plain text. There is also a tutorial of the human body that better explains the functions of organs and how they work together. A great research tool for biology students! Teachers of younger students will find material useful for background to their teaching. Nice animation, including a guided tour of the human body with key points outlined. From Washington University Medical School.
MendelWeb - AP High School - Created at Brown University, MendelWeb is a rich hypermedia site that integrates the study of elementary mathematics (i.e. probability and statistics), classical genetics, European history, and the history of early modern biology. It is geared to both the high school/AP teacher and student. The section entitled "Secondary Sources and Tools" provides additional ideas and activities for use in the classroom. Noteworthy is the "Mendelroom" a virtual space designed for teachers and students who wish to share their experiences and ideas when using MendelWeb.
Multidimensional Human Embryo - Grades 9-12 - This site from the University of Michigan uses a highly detailed collection of MRI scans of embryos to produce complete three-dimensional views of a human embryo as various developmental stages. The site also offers tools to let viewers select a particular MRI "slice" to show the embryo's internal structures. The images are fascinating.
The Mystery Spot - Grades 9-12 - As part of their outstanding Access Excellence series, Genentech offers this collection of whodunits with answers based in the life sciences. Why did the Arctic explorers go mad? How to save the Amazon explorer from the killer bees? What's up with the River of Venom, and what about those Martian explorers? Students help discover the answers.
The Panama Puzzle - Grades 6-12 - In this web detective hunt from the University of Leicester (England) students help a scientist figure out what's making the construction workers on the Panama Canal project ill, and work to develop a cure for yellow fever. Plenty of scientific backup to explain how the cure was developed!
The Sea - Grades 4-12 - This site, part of the larger Sea and Sky site, offers a collection of images and facts about the oceans and the creatures living in them, along with a set of Java animations. These animations are grouped by level of difficulty. Excellent image quality throughout.
Seeing, Hearing, Smelling - Grades 6-12 - This site from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute offers new insights into the science behind our senses, as well as undertandable explanations of why we perceive the world in the way we do. There are extensive sections on each sense. Some middle schoolers may find the writing a little too challenging, but this is a great site for students who really want to know. Much of the information could also be useful as a lesson planning resource for teachers.
Six Billion Human Beings - Grades 9-12 - This is a French site which discusses world population growth, individual and sociological factors which affect that growth, and the implications of continued population growth for earth's ecosystems. Teachers, please note: This site was created in France, where standards for discussions of reproduction, sexuality, and human behavior are more frank than may be customary in the U.S. Both the information and the presentation are engaging, but the approach may be too direct for your circumstances. Preview thoroughly before using.
Studying Cells Tutorial - Grades 9-12 - This tutorial from the University of Arizona offers a step-by-step introduction to the scientific method, the role of organisms' size in biology, the history of cell research in biology, and the various cell parts and reproductive stages. The tutorial includes study questions, and would be a useful resource for independent study or review.
Tarantulas! - Grades 4-12 - This site contains lots of images and detailed descriptions of these large, often furry arachnids. While it's not the sort of thing that everyone will love, there's lots of material for research papers, class presentations, and the like. This may be one case where viewing on the computer is better than seeing the real thing!
Life in Tide Pools - Grades 6-12 - This student-developed site describes the various life forms found in the different tidal zones - sray area, high tide, low tide, etc. The site's information is indexed both by zone and by organism type, and there is an abundance of photos and other information. This is a surprisingly thorough presentation.
Tide Predictions - Grades 6-12 - This site from NOAA offers information on tides and tidal changes on the U.S. east and west coasts, and provides resources for predicting tides at various points along the coast. Good site to help students understand the factors that contribute to variations in tides from place to place.
The Tree of Life - Grades 6-12 is a collection of data about the evolutionary history and characteristics of organisms using branches of a tree to link data. Very extensive database.
USGS Biology Resources - Grades 6-12. The U.S. Geological Survey maintains this registry of Earth and Environmental Science links. A wide list of topics is covered, excellent resource for research projects.
The Virtual Body - Grades 6 and up - Animations and narration about the heart, brain, skeleton, and digestive tract. Provides links to additional subject information. Requires Macromedia's Shockwave plug-in. (Plug-in download instructions are included.) From Columbia/HCA.
Virtual Botanical Garden - This "virtual" Missouri Botanical Garden web site is geared to grades 5-8. The "Education" link on the menu contains several online projects relating to the study of plants. The "Other Links" option includes Horticulture, Gardening, and Botany links that may assist students in their research.
The Virtual Embryo - Grades 9-12 - from the University of Calgary, Canada. An introduction to concepts in developmental biology, written with a sense of humor. While apparently intended for college undergraduates, the underlying concepts should work for high school or AP students as well.
Virtual Galápagos Expedition - Grades 6-12. Students can become virtual explorers by following along on this scientific expedition. The site details the scientist's discoveries. This site would work well in a one-computer classroom.
Visible Human Project from the National Library of Medicine - Grades 9-12. Intends to offer a complete, anatomically detailed, 3D representation of the male and female human body using a series of magnetic resonance imaging cross-sections. Currently, this site offers information relating to this project and some images.
The Voyage of the Beagle - Grades 9-12 - This site from Genentech's Access Excellence project provides an extensive treatment of Charles Darwin's voyage to the south Pacific and its influence in Darwin's scientific discoveries. There are extensive links to the history of scientific thought and development, along with maps and other reference information. The site also include teacher discussion guides.
The Whole Frog Project - Grades 9-12 includes an Interactive Frog Dissection Kit as well as frog data and 3D constructed images. Images could be imported into presentation software.
Year of the Ocean - Education - Grades 9-12 - This page, part of the larger Year of the Ocean site, provides links to information on endangered marine habitats, conservation issues, and other resources which show how the finite ocean resources are being depleted. Useful information for studies of marine biology, ecology, and their roles in international relations and economics.
Your Genes - Your Choices - Grades 9-12 - The American Association for the Advancement of Science offers this site to introduce some of the issues raised by genetic research. Based on issues raised by the Human Genome Project, the site offers a set of "what if..." case studies designed to start discussions of issues related to genetic research. What can genetic testing reveal? Who should know the information? Does the fact that we can clone an animal mean that we should? Lots of great discussion starters here, along with sound scientific explanations.
Zoo Lab - A Website for Animal Biology - Grades 6-12 - This site from the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse offers on-line laboratory materials - primarily color photos of laboratory slides - which are sorted by major classifications. The result is an on-line resources which can supplement in class activities or help compensate when suitable laboratory facilities or materials are not available. The structure of the site makes it suitable for either sequential use of to reinforce specific topics.
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