WildHeart's Class

I teach a unit during my zoology course I call "animal gait analysis", specifically it revolves around various aspects of identifying and tracking animals; even scat analysis. The students really get into this unit and has quickly become a favorite among what I teach. It's a pretty relevant topic in that kids can actually use the knowledge they pick up. The attached document is what I hand out to students at the end of the unit for identifying/keepsake purposes. I usually laminate them and prin

This is a lab that is designed to: -Learn basics about seed structure and function -Understand difference between monocot and dicots -Practice with microscope/stereomicroscope -Use of Biological Indicator (Iodine/Lugol's solution) This serves as a good AP Bio lab or botany activity. The lab describes the structure and function of the sunflower seed and germination through text and diagrams (some of which have blanks to fill in.) Students use a scalpel to cut a seed in half and look at the inter

Gait analysis is the study of an organisms gait. During this presentation I present students with both the fundamental concepts of animal gait analogy but also teach relevant tracking skills. The beauty of teaching this unit lyes in the fact that is applicable science and truly skill building. I've always had great success with the presentation and students seem to enjoy it greatly. If you know nothing about gait analysis DON'T be alarmed. A quick read-thru/review of the presentation will provi

The penny lab is a simple easy to do lab that students tend to enjoy. I use each year as an intro type lab when talk over properties of water. It can be fit into topics that include the scientific method, valuable properties of water, surface tension, activity of soap (or NaOH), or just a general fun competition style lab. Students enjoy trying to fit the most drops they can on the penny and using the concept of a controlled experiment to "discover" the valuable properties of soap and water.

One of the common overlooked first lessons of biology is determining if life exists. There are seven characteristics/factrors that must be met in order for an object to be considered living. The attached worksheet is a solid homework/in-class activity that focuses students attention to the basic characteristics of life. The worksheets present various conditions/characteristics and students must pick out the seven correct choices to unscramble the "code" and solve the worksheet. This works well

Silly one page coloring sheet to keep kids entertained before Thanksgiving! ****Does include the number "6-7"!

This activity reinforces the notion that the human body though vastly unique has very symmetrical and proportionate characteristics. This means that in many ways we can measure certain aspects of the body and estimate from those measurements characteristics like height or bone density or stride length or foot size! I use this lab in junction with my forensic science unit. It is lab that focuses on accurate measurement and precise recording. The lab also allows students to collaborate on measure

6 images and diagrams to include into any content you like. The images are .tif and .png images so the backgrounds are transparent to match either your worksheets or maybe some powerpoint slides. The images should scale well into a larger document if needed as well. Included in zip file. Included: Clipart of a leaf and tree (simple) high quality chloroplast diagram High quality diagram of chemiosmosis High Quality diagram of the Light dependent Stage.

Using potato slices, a digital scale and water students can study and analyze the effects of Osmosis. This lab usually takes a 45-60 minutes to complete and does a good job providing results to observe osmosis in cells as well as practice with solutions and scientific instruments.

In this powerpoint introductory topics associated with the atomic theory (what matter? what is an atom?) is displayed and discussed along with popular findings and inclusions to the modern atomic theory (Dalton and Rutherford's experiments). The powerpoint not only includes the intro to matter and the atomic theory but also spans the periodic table of elements and all the representatives groups. (Periodic trends) The last section of the powerpoint is dedicated to different types of chemical bond

This powerpoint presentation gives student s a look into the vital aspects of healthy soil. It describes the major nutrients needed for optimal plant growth and maintenance. It does NOT include all organisms and layers of soil, just a look at macronutrients, micronutrients, pH and soil consistency. It could make a great template for a larger powerpoint because it doesn't have a lot of pictures or decorations. I do use the powerpoint for ag biotech purposes but if your looking for the content or

Perfect for an intro powerpoint on the characteristics of life or first unit of a biology course. I use it to show students how diverse life actually is as well as teach them what standards we actually use to "determine if something is alive". This project includes all characteristics of life, followed up by a section on diversity (3 major domains of life) and finally a bit about microscope anatomy and the metric system. Basic first unit presentation for a Bio class.

I use this google form for part fun, part simple homework grade. Students use the pics of each of the 25 species listed to ID them. I allow students to re-take the form as many times as needed to aid them and also give them an "effort grade". Most kids get a 100% after 2-3 attempts.

Students in this activity "google" terms and statements that lead them to explore the modern techniques and procedures of biology in the 21st (twenty-first) century. This activity is a great unit intro or substance builder for a great class discussion. It incorporates technology and information surfing as well as modern biotechnology and issues in biology today. Students can complete each topic as homework or one specific topic in greater depth. Each topic is searchable and asks the students to

Students use this google doc to rehears the structure of DNA and nucleotides. This serves as a quick homework refresher or whole class interactive lesson piece.

This is a one-two day activity depending on your needs for depth. During this activity students are asked to visit a specific website in which the author explains some tips and tricks for improving results in your garden or field. Students will be a given a certain amount of time (allotted by the teacher) to research and prepare a mini lesson. The students will teach the class for a 5 minute chunk. ( I usually put no more than three to a group). There are generic questions for each group to fill

In modern biology there are a lot of issues that walk the line of scientific and moral reasoning. Part of your job as a biology educator is to educate students on developments and procedures that have the capability of improving human life but also allow students to gain critical information to deepen their understanding on controversial topics. A great way to introduce tough but necessary topics in the science classroom is hold an open debate that covers these topics. The page attached is a p

A quick 10 question pre-assessment paper. I use it in class to get a baseline reading or grade (for data purposes and teaching) to see what depth of knowledge I will be working with before a new semester begins.