Hobbies And Interests
Grow Plants
Asexual reproduction is easy to demonstrate by planting and observing how seeds grow and develop. In many species of plants, a seed will sprout and grow within a few weeks. High school students can observe a full cycle of asexual reproduction, by pollinating the flowers that develop on their plants and by thereafter harvesting newly created seeds. Lima beans are an easy and hardy plant for high school projects. Begin the lesson on asexual reproduction in plants, by requesting the students to soak the lima bean seeds. The seed's covering is removed the next day and divided in half. Use a chart to point out the various parts of the seed. Whole seeds are planted and tended until they break through the soil and grow.
Breeding Fresh Water Fish
Platys and mollies are freshwater livebearers. Fertilization is internal and occurs through a highly adapted anal fin, through which the female fish is impregnated. The embryos develop within the body of the female, which then gives birth to tiny replicas of the adult fish. Neither of these fish species is difficult to keep and both types breed readily. Keep platys and mollies in a small aquarium in the classroom and let the students observe them closely. They will be able to see both the mating and the birth of the live young.
Sexual Reproduction in Sea Fish
For the more adventurous high school students and teacher, sea horses can be bred at school. Reproduction in this strange marine fish is interesting, as the male carries eggs that are deposited by the female into a brood pouch on his abdomen. Here the eggs are fertilized and the embryos develop into minuscule sea horses. The male fish expels his living young into the water, where they immediately begin to fend for themselves. Both mating and birth are very easy to observe in this species of marine fish. Sea horses can be kept in small aquariums of under 5 gallons.
Hatching eggs
Chicken eggs can be obtained from a local farm and hatched in the class, in an egg incubator. By candling the eggs, students can observe development within the shell. Once removed to a dark room or box, the developing embryo can be seen with the aid of a light source. Students will also be able to watch chickens hatch from what were originally eggs.