Biology Activities

Interesting Activities for All Ages

•  Bacterial “Chameleons” of the Aquatic World:  Learn about “color vision” in bacteria that can completely change their color, from red to green or pink to orange, in response to different light color environments and how this research will be useful in new biotechnology applications.
• Bacterial viruses: Meet viruses that make bacteria sick and learn about how these unsung heroes of the microbial world are being recruited to fight bacterial infections.
• Bee for a day: Explore the honey-bee life cycle and microbiome.
  Beekeeping: Learn about bees and beekeeping.
• Bioluminescent bacteria: Experiment with bioluminescent bacteria and watch them glow!
• Birds battle for boxes: Learn what IU researchers have discovered about how tree swallows compete for nesting sites, and how to provide them with a safe nest box.
• Bird hurdles: Navigate an obstacle course and learn about the dangers that wild birds face and how some threats can be lessened.
• Bloomington Urban Woodlands Project: Explore the health benefits of nature, and learn how you can help Indiana’s ecosystem in return!
• Dances with darters: Meet some darters (colorful native fish) and learn about IU research that explores relationships between these fish and their parasites.
• Dung beetles: Learn about dung beetle biology and meet these extraordinary insects!
• Go with the flow: Learn about a powerful and colorful laser-based technology—flow cytometry—and how it is used in the life sciences.
• Killer worms and germs: Be amazed by the cooperation and warfare that IU researchers have discovered in our local soils and the dangers that lurk within for insects.
• Plants get sick, too: Look at diseased plants under a microscope, see the pathogens that make them sick, and learn how IU research will protect our food supply from these devastating diseases.
• The science of antibiotics: Learn through hands-on experience how antibiotics are isolated and tested, as well as by computer programs how antibiotics work to inhibit bacterial growth.
• Skulls: Explore the skulls of over 40 species of mammals and examine how skulls have evolved to perform diverse functions.
• Tortoises: Meet a group of live tortoises and learn about their biology.
• Wild About Whoopers: Did you know the tallest birds in North America winter right here in Indiana? Come learn where Whooping Cranes live, what they eat, and what humans are doing to protect and study them.