Welcome to the Practical Biology website

Biology is a practical science. Good quality, appropriate biology experiments and investigations are the key to enhanced learning, and clarification and consolidation of theory.

Practical activities are not just motivational and fun: they also enable students to apply and extend their knowledge and understanding of biology in novel investigative situations, which can aid learning and memory, and stimulate interest.

Practical Biology provides teachers of biology at all levels with experiments that demonstrate a wide range of biological concepts and processes. Each practical may be used alone or as a starting-point for open-ended investigations or enhancement activities, such as clubs or open-day events. Experiments are placed within real-life contexts, with links to carefully selected further reading, enabling teachers to show relevance and illustrate the key principles of How Science Works. The website also promotes the sharing of skills and experiences of making experiments work in the classroom, and includes information and guidance for technicians.

Use the search tool at the bottom of the page if you're know what level you are teaching, and want to see what topics and experiments are available at that level.

A closer look at blood

Two investigations using samples of blood! Look at the variety of cells present and also their osmotic potential when treated with concentrated sodium chloride solution or distilled water.