October 15, 2010 (Vol. 30, No. 18)
URL:
http://www.practicalbiology.org
Rating:
Strong Points: Beautiful site design, detailed lesson plans
Weak Points: Small collection of experiments
Summary:
I suppose that all scientists strive to translate their findings into something “practical,” so the name of this website, “Practical Biology” just sort of has a happy ring to it. While not referring to practical in the sense of pharmaceuticals or treatments for disease, Practical Biology offers a collection of “good quality, appropriate biology experiments” to help teachers at various levels instruct their students in the biological sciences. The lesson plans and experiments are nicely laid out, covering a variety of topics such as energy control and communication, biomolecules, and genetics. Additionally, there are protocols for “standard techniques” that no scientist should be without. These include such things as aseptic techniques, making a calibration curve, and pouring an agar plate. The website is colorful and inviting, and although there aren’t yet too many experiments in its collection, Practical Biology is certainly a site to keep your eyes on if you are involved in science education.
