If you’re a science teacher, you’ve probably had one of those days: you’re juggling last-minute lesson planning, grading lab reports, and somehow still trying to prep a practical activity that doesn’t involve glue sticks or eye rolls. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. While hands-on labs are some of the best ways to get students genuinely excited about biology, they can also be a logistical nightmare—especially if you’re short on time, resources, or caffeine.
But here’s the good news: making biology more interactive doesn’t have to mean hours of prep or a full-blown lab renovation. With the right tools and a little help from the pros, you can build engaging, hands-on lessons that are just as fun to teach as they are to experience.
At TMBS (The Minnesota Biological Supply Company), we’ve been helping educators simplify science since day one. Whether you’re looking for classroom-ready kits, preserved specimens, or just a bit of inspiration, here’s how to make your next lab a hit—without losing your sanity in the process.
Start with What Works: Tried-and-True Lab Activities
Sometimes it’s easy to overthink lesson planning, especially with the pressure of keeping things “exciting.” But truth is, students often respond best to simple, interactive labs that allow them to see biology in action.
We recommend starting with foundational activities like:
- Frog or worm dissections using preserved specimens
- Microscope slides of cells, tissues, and common pathogens
- Owl pellet analysis (a student favorite—just the right mix of gross and cool)
- Plant and seed observation kits for exploring growth cycles or photosynthesis
TMBS offers all of these and more through our online shop, where you can stock up on classroom staples without digging through endless catalogs or waiting on national distributors.
Ditch the Busywork—Use Ready-to-Go Kits
If prepping every last beaker and worksheet is giving you flashbacks to late-night lab setup, it’s time to work smarter. Our all-in-one classroom kits are designed to take the guesswork—and grunt work—out of science instruction. With clear instructions, pre-labeled components, and enough materials for a full class, these kits help streamline your prep so you can focus on what matters: teaching.
Not only are they ideal for middle school and high school biology, but they’re also perfect for substitute days, hybrid learning, and homeschool groups. Bonus? Many kits align with national and state science standards, so you know you’re covering your bases.
You can check out our latest specials and kits for classroom-ready options that save time and budget.
Hands-On Doesn’t Mean High-Risk
Let’s be honest—biology labs can come with a side of stress. Whether it’s managing safety concerns, navigating storage issues, or just wondering if your classroom has enough table space, it’s no wonder some teachers shy away from more tactile experiments.
That’s why we’ve built our catalog to support educators with flexible, classroom-safe products. From low-mess dissection alternatives to vacuum-packed specimens with long shelf lives, our materials are designed to work with real classroom conditions—not just picture-perfect lab spaces.
If you’re ever unsure what will work best for your school, don’t hesitate to contact us—our team is always happy to help you find the right fit.
Make It Memorable with Customization
Want your students to walk away talking about your class long after the bell rings? Customizing labs to tie into current events, student interests, or even your own teaching style can go a long way. And you don’t have to start from scratch.
Many of our preserved specimens and kits can be paired with digital resources or follow-up activities you already use—like research projects, 3D modeling, or online simulations. Want to mix things up with group challenges or “mystery specimen” games? Go for it. Creativity is key, and we’re here to support it with the materials that bring your vision to life.
Simplify the Supply Game (So You Can Breathe Again)
If you’re tired of hunting for that one elusive product or trying to piece together kits from multiple vendors, we’ve got you covered. TMBS is a one-stop shop for teachers who want high-quality materials without the runaround. We specialize in biology and life sciences—that’s it. So whether you need a class set of earthworms or microscope accessories that won’t break after two uses, we’ve got what you need, when you need it.
You can browse our full inventory right here, or give us a ring at (763) 444-9673 if you’d rather talk through your classroom needs with a real human. Old school? Maybe. But it works.
So if you’re ready to bring your biology class back to life—without losing your own in the process—start with TMBS. From preserved specimens and lab kits to hands-on advice and down-to-earth service, we’ve got the gear and the know-how to make science class something students actually look forward to.
Contact us today or browse the shop to gear up for your next great lab. Because when the learning’s hands-on, the teaching gets a whole lot easier—and way more fun.