Practical Investigations - GCSE Biology
Suggested Practical Investigations
The following suggestions are additional practical investigations that exemplify the scientific process. They can be used to supplement students' understanding of biology in addition to the practical investigations found within the main body of the content.
Investigations List
- Investigate human responses to external stimuli.
- Investigate reaction times.
- Investigate the effect of pollutants on plant germination and plant growth.
- Investigate inheritance using suitable organisms or models.
- Investigate the speed of transmission of electrical impulses in the nervous system.
- Investigate the presence of glucose in simulated urine/body fluids.
- Investigate the effect of light and/or gravity on plant growth.
- Investigate the effect of exercise on heart rate.
- Investigate the relationship between organisms and their environment using fieldwork techniques.
- Investigate the distribution of organisms in an ecosystem, using sampling techniques including:
• pooters
• sweep nets/pond nets
• pitfall traps and measure environmental factors including:
• temperature
• light intensity
• pH - Investigate plant and animal cells with a light microscope.
- Investigate the effect of glucose concentration on rate of anaerobic respiration in yeast.
- Investigate how the structure of the leaf is adapted for photosynthesis.
- Investigate the effect of different factors on yoghurt making.
- Investigate the use of enzymes in washing powders.
- Investigate temperature loss in beakers of hot water of different sizes.
Safety Note
Safety is an overriding requirement for all practical work. Centres are responsible for ensuring that whenever their students complete practical work appropriate safety procedures are followed.