Biology Projects | Google Classroom

Looking for biology projects for your high school classroom? This budget-friendly bundle can help you engage students in fun project-based learning all year-long. Use these projects to review big ideas and teach students real-world skills; as an added bonus, these are also ready-to-go and perfect for emergency sub plans.

Many of the flexible, editable projects allow for student choice and can be assigned to individuals, pairs or groups. These projects allow students the opportunity to develop their critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills.

Here's why I love projects:

• They give students more ownership, making class more student-centered.
• Well-structured projects make grading easier (I grade while they present -- no taking work home).
• AND they make sub days (or any day, really) a breeze because the classes can run themselves.

Here are a few reviews from individual projects included:

★ "Very well organized and laid out for students. They found the example slides very helpful." (Review from The Mad Hatter Project. Thank you, Science Educator.)

★ " My students were very engaged in this activity. I was very happy with how the projects turned out." (Review from The Cell Analogy Project. Thank you, Science is Everything.)

★ "Perfect end-of-the-year project. Also loved that they had to do their OWN work. Kept them busy and focused." (Review from The Online Biome Project. Thank you, Jacquelyn B.)

★ "I originally bought [the Lorax Project] to use with my AP Environmental science class and my students loved it! I am now planning in using it on Earth Day with my Biology class as a treat. Great resource! Thank you!" (Thank you, Pamela R.)

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✏️ Note: Once purchased, you will be able to copy the folders directly to your Google Drive. They contain PDFs (printable), editable student copies, and Google Slides.

If you are looking for only PDF (ready-to-print) versions of this bundle, click here.

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Here's what's included in this year-long bundle of projects:

1. The Mad Hatter Element Project

This is an "adopt an element" style research project with a twist! Students are tasked with researching elements with unique histories and interesting uses; some have surprising effects on the human body and/or environment. Case in point: Mercury!

This project works well for reviewing basic chemistry (such as physical vs. chemical properties, atomic number, and subatomic particles) at the start of the year, and shows how various science disciplines intersect (bio, chem, environmental sci).

2. Macromolecules Activity & Mini-Research Project  This resource includes 2 assignments.  The first is an interactive Google Slide deck to help students review relevant terminology and organize macromolecule-related concepts.  The second assignment is a mini-research project where students learn how to read food labels and apply their science literacy skills.

3. The Cell Analogy Project

This is a cell analogy project with options! It works well for groups as well as individual students; it is perfect for classwork, but can also be easily assigned to students for homework. Students will pick an overarching analogy for either a plant or animal cell, then "match" the cell's organelles and parts to fit within the larger analogy. They may create a poster or slideshow.

4. Mitosis vs. Meiosis Collaborative Project

This fun group project tasks students with developing lyrics for a song that contrasts mitosis and meiosis. Yes, my 9th graders were skeptical at first, but this was hands-down one of the most fun project showcases all year. Students are given an instructions sheet (with links to a few videos for inspiration), a rubric, and a vocab review assignment (to ensure their lyrics are as scientifically accurate as possible).

5. The Genetic Disorder Project

This project asks students to make real-world connections as they are tasked with researching a genetic disease or disorder. They must explain the biology behind the condition (using their knowledge of molecular biology, genetics, and heredity) as well as share the real-life story of an individual with the condition. In addition, students are asked to research the general prognosis for affected individuals, testing, treatment, new research, etc. A sign-up sheet with 30 different conditions and a complete sample project are included.

6. The Online Biome Research Project

This is a biome research project that is 100% online. Students follow the packet's instructions to create a 15-slide presentation on a biome. There are 24 different biome/locations included in the sign-up sheet. The slides include research on the following topics: biodiversity, food webs (trophic levels), critical abiotic factors in the ecosystem, examples of symbiotic relationships, and the impacts of climate change.

7. Struggling Species (An Evolution Project)

Students pick an endangered species and put its struggles in context. The project ties together many big ideas in biology such as natural selection, adaptations, evolution, and threats to habitats (especially those caused by climate change). The sign-up includes 30 different struggling species. A sample project is included.

8. The Lorax Real-World Environmental Issues Project

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." This is an online research project designed inspired by the wisdom of Dr. Seuss! Students will first watch the 25-minute original Lorax (1972) online while answering comprehension/analysis questions. Then, they will pick their favorite, relevant environmental topics (all themes explored by The Lorax) from a menu with 14 options to complete an online research project (an 8-slide presentation with specific requirements for each slide).

9. The Virus Project

This end-of-the-year life science/biology assignment is timely and sure to engage your students. Students play the role of a scientist who needs to communicate research findings about a mysterious virus to the public, creating a slideshow. As they make sense of the viral life cycle, they must put it into context, re-visiting the following life science topics:

• Living vs. Nonliving
• Macromolecules
• Cellular biology (including transport)
• Genetics
• Evolution

★ Note that all of these projects are also available in my largest bio curriculum bundle, which also contains editable bell-ringers for the entire year, WebQuests, and class community-building resources. It's all my favorite resources from teaching bio, and what I would have loved to have my first few years. Check it out here. ✨

✏️ Interested in more flexible projects and other engaging bio activities? Follow me here to get updates! I'm working on adapting more of my favorites!

Have a question? Send me an email at brilliantdustteacher@gmail.com

✨ Check out my blog for free science teaching tips!

https://brilliantdust.com

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Related Learning Resources

All About Me for Middle & High School Students

Clean Drinking Water Unit with Project (Teach for Justice)

Everyday Endocrine Disruptors Packet

Genetics: Mendelian, Blood-Typing, X-Linked

Introduction to Evolution

Science Bitmoji Classroom Templates

Environmental Resources & Projects Bundle

Full Year Bio Bell Ringers for Class

End of the Year Science Awards

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Enjoy! Want credit for future purchases? Don't forget to review products to get TpT cash for your next purchase (go to your purchases and click "review"). I love hearing stories from your classroom, too!

I’m a science educator with a background in lab research, a passion for the classroom, and now, homeschooling my little scientists. Thanks for checking out my resources.

Important Terms of Use

This resource was created for single classroom use only (as a teacher, you are free to use this for your classes). Multiple licenses are available at a discount. Please do not post this resource online (with the exception of password-protected platforms granting digital access only to your students). Thank you for respecting teacher authorship.

Credits are included in each resource; bundle cover clipart is either in the public domain or the copyrighted work of Digitalartsi and/or Mae Hates Mondays.

Failure to comply is a copyright infringement and a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Copyright 2022 by Brilliant Dust. All rights reserved by the author.