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Kinds of Organisms

Kinds of Organisms

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

Systems of classification, process of classification (grouping of organisms based on shared characteristics) and kinds of organisms.

  • Comparing Sizes of Microorganisms

    Comparing Sizes of MicroorganismsLesson

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

  • Fungus Among Us

    Fungus Among UsLesson

    Students grow and observe bread mold and other kinds of common fungi.

  • Magnifying and Observing Cells

    Magnifying and Observing CellsLesson

    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.

  • Microbes Are Everywhere

    Microbes Are EverywhereLesson

    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.

  • Modeling an HIV Particle

    Modeling an HIV ParticleLesson

    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.

  • Observing Different Microbes

    Observing Different MicrobesLesson

    Students use a light microscope to examine Baker's yeast, bacteria in yogurt, and paramecia in pond water.

  • The Variety and Roles of Microbes

    The Variety and Roles of MicrobesLesson

    Using sets of cards, students categorize microbes' roles and uses, and learn that some microbes have characteristics associated with more than one category.

  • What Is a Neuron?

    What Is a Neuron?Lesson

    Students learn how neurons send and receive messages, and then build a model neuron.

  • X or Y: Does It Make a Difference?

    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.

Related Content

  • Introduction to Biological Classification

    Introduction to Biological Classification

    Explore how different organisms are classified and learn about binomial nomenclature, the seven taxonomic categories, and dichotomous keys.

  • Introduction to Organisms

    Introduction to Organisms

    Learn about the characteristics of different taxonomic kingdoms and the roles each kingdom plays within ecosystems.

  • Introduction to Populations

    Introduction to Populations

    What are the characteristics that define populations? What causes populations to grow or decline? Learn three important structural aspects of a given population.