What are algae beads?
Algae beads are living microalgae immobilized inside soft, clear spheres made from food-grade materials. Each bead functions like a tiny self-contained ecosystem: the algae inside photosynthesize, consume carbon dioxide, and produce oxygen when exposed to light.
Using them is simple. Just add the beads to water, place them under light, and observe. Students, researchers, and hobbyists can explore photosynthesis, respiration, carbon cycling, and environmental effects without the mess of liquid cultures.
Why are they so cool? Because they turn complex biological processes into something you can see, handle, and experiment with directly. They are clean, reusable, visually striking, and surprisingly resilient. In other words, they make invisible science visible.
How do you want to use Algae Beads?
Ready-To-Go
Pre-made, lab-tested algae beads—delivered fresh and ready for action. Perfect for classrooms needing a quick, reliable way to demonstrate photosynthesis, respiration, and environmental change.
- No prep needed—just open and start your lab
- Includes pH color indicator for easy observation
- Great for reusing for multiple classrooms
Bulk Algae Beads
Bulk algae beads are perfect for larger classrooms, teacher trainings, or science fairs. Same high-quality algae—just in greater quantities to support multiple groups or stations
- Cost effective for large groups or experiments
- You will need to also get pH indicator solution or a have a pH or oxygen meter to quantify changes in environmental conditions
Make your own Algae Beads
Turn your classroom into a biotech lab. This hands-on kit guides students through making their own algae beads from live cultures—combining biology, chemistry, and curiosity.
- Includes everything: algae, polymers, tools, and instructions
- Hands on use of alginate
- Super for STEM and AP projects. Even those smart kids in Middle School!
Algae Beads: Make Your Own FULL KIT
Algae Research Supply: Algae Beads
Concentrated Chlorella sp. for Algae Beads
| Lesson Name | Guide | Video |
|---|---|---|
| Variable Light Intensity and Algal Photosynthesis | Lesson Plan and Data Collection Sheet | Algae Bead Time Lapse |
| Spectral Tuning and Algal Photosynthesis | Lesson Plan and Data Collection Sheet | Algae Bead Photosynthesis by Light Color |
| Temperature and Algal Photosynthesis | Lesson Plan and Data Collection Sheet | Temperature vs Photosynthesis in Algae Beads |
| Surface area and Volume in Algal Photosynthesis | Lesson Plan and Data Collection Sheet | |
| Photopigment Extraction and Analysis of Algae | Lesson Plan and Data Collection Sheet | Algae Bead Pigment Extraction #2 Cut coffee filters, Isopropyl, Acetone and 1:1 blend |
| Enzyme Activity in Algae (Peroxidase) | Algae Beads for Peroxidase Activity |
Algae Beads