Experience the magic of biology in your own home lab. This hands-on introduction includes more than 30 educational (and fun) experiments that help you explore this fascinating field on your own. Perfect for middle- and high-school students and DIY enthusiasts, this full-color guide teaches you the basics of biology lab work and shows you how to set up a safe lab at home.

The Illustrated Guide to Home Biology Experiments is also written with the needs of homeschoolers firmly in mind, as well as adults who are eager to explore the science of nature as a life-long hobby. To get the most from the experiments, we recommend using this guide in conjunction with a standard biology text, such as the freely downloadable CK-12 Biology (ck-12.org).

• Master the use of the microscope, including sectioning and staining
• Build and observe microcosms, soda-bottle worlds of pond life
• Investigate the chemistry of life from simple acids, bases, and buffers to complex carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, enzymes, and DNA
• Extract, isolate, and observe DNA
• Explore photosynthesis, osmosis, nitrogen fixation, and other life processes
• Investigate the cell cycle (mitosis and cytokinesis)
• Observe populations and ecosystems, and perform air and water pollution tests
• Investigate genetics and inheritance
• Do hands-on microbiology, from simple culturing to micro-evolution of bacteria by forced selection
• Gain hands-on lab experience to prepare for the AP Biology exam

Through their company, The Home Scientist, LLC (thehomescientist.com/biology), the authors also offer inexpensive custom kits that provide specialized equipment and supplies you’ll need to complete the experiments. Add a microscope and some common household items and you’re good to go.