Experiments that complement VCE Biology Units 1 and 2

The following are practicals developed and compiled by GTAC to complement the 2016 - 2021 VCE Biology curriculum. Some practicals are designed to run with additional educational resources and links to these resource are provided.

Algae immobilised in alginate balls - Studies of photosynthesis and respiration

A practical to test the conditions in which algae conduct photosynthesis and respiration. Click here to view this practical.

Preparing a bacterial stain for microscopy

A practical which involves fixing bacteria to a glass slide and then staining them to view under a microscope. Click here to view this practical.

Calibrating a compound light microscope

A procedure that describes how to calibrate your microscopy to estimate cell size. Click here to view this practical.

Energising cells - Investigating autotrophs and heterotrophs

An practical to investigate how some unicellular organisms obtain their energy. Click here to view this practical. This practical also has complementary educational resources for classrooms. Click here to view these additional resources.

Glucose solutions for diabetes simulation activity

A series of simulations where students diagnose whether patients have normal or disordered blood glucose regulation. Click here to view this practical. Click here to view additional resources.

Prepare a leaf epidermal peel

A practical involving the preparation of a peel of a leaf epidermis for microscopic observation of the epidermal cells, guard cells and leaf hairs if present. Click here to view this practical.

Microbiology methods for bioprospecting

A practical that involves the use of a disc diffusion method to test the potential of antimicrobial agents extracted from plants. Click here to view this practical.

Mitosis in growing root tips

A procedure that stains chromosomes in the growing root tips of garlic in order for viewing under a light microscope. Click here to view the resources for this practical.

Osmosis under the microscope

A practical involving the observation of osmosis in red onion epidermal cells. Click here to view this practical.

Stain dicot and monocot stem sections

A practical involving the staining of dicotyledons or monocotyledons sections so as to identify each through their arrangement of vascular bundles. Click here to view this practical.

Measuring stomatal density - Leaf impression method

A method for the preparation of a leaf surface impression or cast, allowing for identification and quantitation of stomata. Click here to view this practical.

Yeast immobilised in alginate balls - Studies of respiration

A method to immobilise yeast in alginate balls so as to detect respiration via pH change. Click here to view this practical.