Science on a Budget: Human Anatomy Teaching Materials

 You don’t need to spend tons of money to teach Human Anatomy.  First buy an oversized book.  I use this book as a set of posters.  

Buy a used anatomy coloring book. Try to find one ‘like new’ or ‘very good’.  I’ve purchased several, Anatomy coloring books which did not have any marks at all.

Buy a toy skeleton.  Stores put out Halloween decor so early you should be able to buy a skeleton before school starts.  The fist lesson is to do a detailed comparison of the skeleton with an atlas to look for errors. Print out a free skeleton to label with sticky notes.

Be sure to print a Brain Hemisphere Hat.   Buy clay to make bones and organs.

Additionally, there are inexpensive  labs: Nervous Experiment (paperclip), Reaction Times (ruler), Muscle Fatigue (clothespin), Exercise and Cellular Respiration Lab (straw and bromothymol blue),and Digestion Lab.

Yes, you’ll want a microscope and a set of slides. This set of slides is pretty comprehensive.  

I have several battery powered microscopes which are essentially toys.  I was astounded at the quality of these microscopes.  

Chincoteague

 I’m not afraid of mixing a bit of science or history on a family trip.  Chincoteague Island is close to Wallops Flight Facility.  Stop at the Wallops Flight Visitor Center or watch a rocket Launch.  Shipper burg University sponsors the Marine Consortium Program.  Here  is the Bay Field Station, which has loads of programs, including School programs. In addition to the ponies on Chincoteague is the National Wildlife Refuge.  Here is more information about the park.  You can’t go wrong.  Every time I’ve visited, I’ve had a marvelous time.

Biology on a Budget: Basic Equipment

What do you need  apart from a microscope and slides?  Basic tools include safety glasses, a test tube set, a thermometer, pH paper, and Petri dishes.  I use safety glasses instead of goggles.  The kids are more apt to wear safety glasses.  Below are some of the most basic materials.  For many experiments, I use household materials: eye dropper, yeast, iodine, split peas, etc.  Take a look!

Buy at least six test tubes.  These should be borosilicate, Pyrex, or Kimax glass.  (Size 18 x 150 mm will fit most standard test tube racks.) 

 This set has a cardboard, test tube rack.  It’s sturdy enough to last all year.  Use a clothespin as a test tube holder.  

This set is more of an investment?  Do you have a large family?  Are you planning on using the set for Chemistry, too?  

Buy a thermometer.  Home Science Tools has several, including a metal-backed thermometer.

Buy a pack or two of pH paper.

Buy a few Petri dishes.  Plastic or polystyrene are fine for most experiments.