WARD’S Hydroponic Plant Study Lab Activity

The set of five activities includes:* Discovering Stromatolites examines one of the more unusual forms of cyanobacteria that occurs in the reef-like structures.* Discovering Cycads explores the nature and evolution of cycads, as well as real fossil insect samples from the Mesozoic era.* Discovering Ferns studies the characteristics and structure of actual fossil seed ferns and the process of fossilization.* Discovering Gymnosperms looks at needles, cones, and petrified cypress wood samples, as well...

Using less-volatile ethanol rather than petroleum ether or acetone, students can achieve results superior to paper chromatography in less than 30 minutes. Four major plant pigments separate based on molecular charge and structure differences, creating differently colored bands. You will receive enough materials for six setups, as well as an instructor’s manual, an assessment manual, and student data sheets.

Students will gain microtechnique and staining experience by creating their own microscope slides of onion root tips that have been specially grown, cut, and fixed at maximum mitotic activity. In the process, they will learn the chronological order of, and the concepts behind, cellular mitosis and division, as well as the differences and similarities between plant and animal cell division. The kit includes materials for 30 students, three reference slides of plant and animal mitosis for comparison...