This fill-in-the-blank timeline is a planning tool for teachers to use when figuring out when to begin the steps associated with conducting a two-generation artificial selection experiment using Fast Plants. Teachers preparing for any selection experiment will find this timeline helpful, including those planning for the AP Biology Lab 1 of Big Idea 1: Evolution, Artificial Selection.

• More Info

This article is designed to help students and teachers think about the nature of various determinants underlying biological variation. Teachers facilitating any selection investigation will find this background information helpful, including those planning for the AP Biology Lab 1 of Big Idea 1: Evolution, Artificial Selection. Learners at secondary or tertiary grade levels who are preparing to...

• More Info

Illustrated instructions for constructing and planting in the Fast Plants deli-container growing system. This is a stable growing system that is easy to construct for all age learners, and works well for growing Wisconsin Fast Plants. Made from recycled deli-containers, these growing systems can be cleaned and reused for multiple years.

• More Info

This four-page handout explains the key steps to follow when caring for Wisconsin Fast Plants (Brassica rapa) throughout their life cycle, from sowing through harvesting seeds. This handout includes information about the materials needed, methods for tending and caring for your plants, and troubleshooting tips.

• More Info

These instructions describe how to construct a plant light box from two stackable plastic file crates that are cut, lined with aluminum foil and lit with a 40/42-watt CFL bulb. This 3-page document includes a complete materials list and 12-step assembly instructions with photographs that illustrate each step. This light box works well for growing Fast Plants.

• More Info

This pdf document explains key planting mix and fertilizer considerations to take into account when preparing to grow Wisconsin Fast Plants. This document was designed to serve as both a source of information and "shopping list."

• More Info

This Vegetable Seed Saving Handbook online is a great resource for anyone wanting to harvest viable Fast Plants seeds to plant right away (as in selection experiments) or save for future use. Follow the instructions for cabbage family seeds (Brassica raps, in particular). If you're planning on saving your seeds, treat Fast Plants seeds as "desiccation-tolerant" as described here:...

• More Info

This video resource explains and demonstrates how to plant Fast Plants in a bottle growing system made from recycled soda/water bottles was made by the instructors at UW-Madison who teach Biocore (a foundational undergraduate biology course). In this planting approach, vermiculite is used along with a soil-less potting mix (e.g. Redi-Earth).

• More Info

Illustrated instructions for constructing and planting seed disks in the Fast Plants deli-container growing system. This is a stable growing system that is easy to construct for all age learners, and works well for growing Wisconsin Fast Plants. Made from recycled deli-containers, these growing systems can be cleaned and reused for multiple years.

• More Info

Illustrated instructions for germinating Wisconsin Fast Plants seeds that are purchased in a seed disk. The seeds are "sewn" into the seed disk, which are the right size to be placed in a petri dish, soaked, and then drained and set to germinate.

• More Info