Tag: biology
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Hardy Weinberg and the Pocket Mouse
Use Hardy Weinberg equilibrium to analyze data of rock pocket mouse populations in the desert.
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Chi Square Analysis
The new Advanced Placement Biology curriculum includes a few topics on statistical analysis under the section on Science Practices: “Students can use mathematics appropriately.” Most introductory level biology classes (freshman) do not include these lessons because it can be difficult with students who haven’t advanced very far in algebra. Seniors in AP Biology should…
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High School Students Doing Field Biology
If you are fortunate enough to teach near a university, there is a very good chance that programs at the college are in place to help high school teachers. For years, I have been able to borrow equipment from Southern Illinois University and Washington University to alleviate the costs of buying the equipment for…
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Why I Teach Pathology in Biology
When you examine the AP Biology Course Description, there is no mention of pathology (the study of diseases) in the list of Big Ideas. Bacteria are mentioned in the context of comparison between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, lines of descent, and endosymbiosis. Viruses are mentioned within the context of genetics and how DNA can be transferred…
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Can Bacteria Be Designed to Create Gasoline?
I’ve heard the term “biofuel” before, and that usually conjures up images of corn fields and ethanol. I recently attended a lecture at Washington University presented by Fuzhong Zhang. The title of the workshop was quite intimidating: “Synthetic Regulatory Systems for Dynamic Metabolic Pathways.” Teachers don’t just spend our summers lazing about at the pool!…
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Teaching Chi Square Analysis
How to teach chi square analysis in biology. Includes presentation slides and student assignment.
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Mini Field Trip to the Park
If you’re on the last days before school is out for the summer, you are probably encountering a lot of excited kids who really aren’t interested in sticking their nose in a book. Why not take them outside onto the school grounds or a nearby park and do outdoor projects?
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Improve Student Writing in Science – A Guide
Ways to incorporate writing strategies into a science curriculum for writing and science literacy.