Tag: group

  • Mitosis and Cancer –  Data Analysis on Carcinogenesis

    Mitosis and Cancer – Data Analysis on Carcinogenesis

    A group activity where students analyze images and charts to determine the relationship between mitosis and cancer.

  • Introductory Activity on Academic Integrity

    Introductory Activity on Academic Integrity

    Students explore academic integrity by discussing what constitutes cheating. They work in groups to discuss scenarios that may or may not be dishonest.

  • Create a Concept Map of Biomolecules

    Create a Concept Map of Biomolecules

    This activity asks students to work in groups to create a concept map (graphic organizer) on the biological macromolecules:  carbohydrates, lipids, fats, and nucleic acids.   Students are given brief instructions and a sample map to get them started, but they are responsible for determining what details are important in each section.

  • Examining the Fossil Record

    Examining the Fossil Record

    During a unit on evolution, students learn a little about geologic time and how we use the fossil record to establish lineages.  In this project, students cut out pictures of fictional fossils and arrange them on a chart to show how one species become two species.   The activity includes a description of phyletic and…

  • Is Group Work Really Effective?

    Is Group Work Really Effective?

    I was out for a day last week and left a case study for my anatomy students.  The case was about six pages long and starts with a doctor examining a pregnant woman and hearing what he thought was a heart murmur in the fetus.   The pages build upon each other, asking students to…

  • How to Make Group Activities and Grading Fair

    How to Make Group Activities and Grading Fair

    During the cell unit of Advanced Placement biology, students are required to do three investigations (labs):  Diffusion and Osmosis,  Photosynthesis, and Cellular Respiration.  Students work in groups of 3 to 4 to work through these investigations and analyze data.  I often have them only turn in ONE copy of the lab guide because as a…

  • How to Have a Great First Day of School

    How to Have a Great First Day of School

    Things I do the first day that are intended to get students interested in the class and excited about science. Classroom management is still important, and I avoid going too overboard the first day because then students get the wrong impression that every day is going to be Super-Happy-Fun-Time. That being said, there are some…