Willis Science
36 Followers
Rancho Palos Verdes, California, United States
About the store
Welcome! I began my teaching career long ago in 2001 at an urban high school in Los Angeles. I currently teach Advanced Placement Biology, Advanced Placement Environmental Science, and Biology. I have a deep passion for environmental science and the natural world. I continue to do as much field research as I can, incorporating those topics in my class. My classroom is often covered in science experiments.
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Fight or Flight: An Introduction to Feedback and Homeostasis Activity with Key
This activity is broken into four parts. In the first section, students are asked questions on how they would react in different situations. Then, they watch a bear attack video (link included) and discuss how people respond to those situations. They are then introduced to the fight or flight response by watching another video (link included). They create a graphic organizer of this response. Lastly, students are asked critical thinking questions about fight or flight and how it connects to home
9th - 12th
Biology, Environment, General Science
NGSS
HS-LS1-3
Chi Squared Genetics Problems AP Biology with Key
In this activity, students are given a written tutorial on how to perform a Chi Squared statistical test in AP Biology. An example problem is also given. This is followed by six practice problems that use Mendelian genetics and the Chi Squared test to see if observed data is in line with expected results. A key is provided. This could also be used to review the Chi Squared test before the AP Biology test.
9th - 12th
Basic Principles, Biology, General Science
NGSS
HS-LS3-3
Populations in Nature: Exponential vs Logistic Growth Graphing Activity with Key
In this activity, students look at data for two populations: cottontail rabbits and gray foxes. Using the data, students calculate the growth of the populations. They then graph the data and observe the differences between exponential and logistic growth. Analysis of the data then occurs. This fits in well with NGSS Biology LS PE 2-1 and 2-2 Population Growth and AP Environmental Science 3.4 Carrying Capacity. A key is provided.
9th - 12th
Basic Principles, Biology, Environment
NGSS
HS-LS2-1
, HS-LS2-2
How Wolves Change Rivers Trophic Cascade Video Guide and Teacher Key
In this video guide, students watch the six minute video clip called "How Wolves Change Rivers" (YouTube link provided). They answer the questions as the video progresses. The focus of this lesson is on trophic cascades. Students observe that wolves are a keystone species in Yellowstone National Park; they play an important role in their system. Ultimately, they change the movement of the river because of their interactions with other species. Teacher key is included. This fits well with NGSS HS
9th - 12th
Biology, Environment, General Science
NGSS
HS-LS2-3
, HS-LS2-4
Feedback Mechanisms Inquiry Jigsaw Activity with Key
In this activity, students are presented with six biological scenarios of feedback mechanisms. Students look at the diagrams and information at each station and determine if the scenario is a positive or negative feedback loop. They document this knowledge in a table. This can be done as a station activity around the class or done as an online assignment. This activity helps student become comfortable with positive and negative feedback loops so that they can plan and design an investigation on
9th - 12th
Biology, Environment, General Science
NGSS
HS-LS1-3
Fisheries Research with Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch Program
In this activity, students identify a fish species that is commonly eaten by humans. With the help of the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program, students explore how the fish is caught, the current population size of the species, and its environmental status. They also perform outside research on the fish species to learn about general species information. This fits nicely with NGSS 2-7 Human Impacts on Biodiversity as well as AP Environmental Science 5.8 Impacts of Overfishing.
9th - 12th
Biology, Environment, General Science
NGSS
HS-LS2-7
Population Trends Data Sets: Graphing, Calculations, and Analysis with Key
In this activity, six data sets are presented to students. Each data set describes a specific phenomenon in ecology that has occurred due to a changed environment. For example, one data set is on the introduction of the lionfish and its impact on the cuttlefish population. Students are asked to graph the data and calculate the mean of a specific population. Then, students analyze the data. Questions like "What is the carrying capacity," "What is the current population trend," or "Predict the gro
9th - 12th
Basic Principles, Biology, Environment
NGSS
HS-LS2-1
, HS-LS2-2
Vice: Meathooked Video Guide with Answer Key
In this video guide, students will watch the VICE episode entitled Meathooked (Season 4, Episode 5). They will answer guiding questions while watching the video clip (about 16 minutes long). The video clip discusses the modern day meat industry and its impacts on the environment. After the video, there are four reflection questions that can be discussed as a class. A video guide key is also provided. This activity fits nicely with AP Environmental Science 5.7 Meat Production Methods and NGSS LS
9th - 12th
Biology, Earth Sciences, Environment
NGSS
HS-LS2-7
eWaste Exploration Activity
In this activity, students research many aspects of eWaste (electronic waste). In part one of this activity, students reflect upon what electronics they use and ponder where they go after they are broken/used. In the second part of the activity, students listen to an NPR article about the "Do's and Dont's of eWaste disposal." They answer questions while listening. Lastly, students watch a video clip called "Ghana: Digital Dumping Ground" in which they observe the environmental impacts of eWaste
9th - 12th
Biology, Earth Sciences, Environment
NGSS
HS-LS2-7
Calculating Ecological Footprints Activity-Data Collection and Analysis
In this activity, students will learn about ecological footprints by calculating their own footprint. The activity includes a quiz where students calculate their points to see how much land they require to live on. Many diagrams are included to help visualize the concept. Students apply their mathematical data by answering analysis and critical thinking questions about minimizing footprints and the implications in other parts of the world. This connects nicely with AP Environmental Science 5.11
9th - 12th
Biology, Earth Sciences, Environment
NGSS
HS-LS2-6
Why Haven't We Cured Cancer? SciShow Video Guide and Key
In this video guide, students are directed to answer questions as to why we haven't cured cancer. This video guide is a perfect fit for anyone teaching the cell cycle and cancer. For NGSS standards, this aligns with High School Life Science Performance Expectation 1-4 Cell Division. It can also be used in Advanced Placement Biology Segment 4.7 Regulation of the Cell Cycle. The video link is provided as well as a key to the video guide questions.
9th - 12th
Biology
NGSS
HS-LS1-4
Biodiversity Loss Research and Conservation Plan Activity
In this activity, students will design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity. Students are asked to pick an endangered species (from the USFWS) and create questions about that species. They then perform research to answer their creation. After questions have been answered, students create a conservation plan for this species. Students explore the human impacts on this species and look for solutions to rebound the populat
9th - 12th
Biology, Environment, General Science
NGSS
HS-LS2-7
Symbiosis Interaction Case Studies
In this activity, students explore symbioses that occur in nature. Sixteen case studies of different symbioses are presented to the students. Students read a case study and answer the guiding questions presented in the worksheet. Ultimately, students deduce what symbiosis is occurring between the species (mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism). This activity connects with NGSS LS 2-2 Populations and Biodiversity and AP Environmental Science 1.1 Introduction to Ecosystems.
9th - 12th
Basic Principles, Biology, Environment
NGSS
HS-LS2-2
Inside a Mangrove Forest Video Guide with Teacher Key
In this activity, students are guided through a video called "Inside the Mangrove Forest." Students are introduced to these types of forests and observe how environmental factors influence this system. Then, human impacts on mangrove forests are discussed. This is a great introduction to human impacts on the environment. With NGSS, students can then create solutions to current environmental problems, such as those experienced by mangroves. This video fits in nicely with AP Environmental Science
9th - 12th
Biology, Earth Sciences, Environment
NGSS
HS-LS2-7
, HS-LS2-6
Chaparral Biome Food Web Activity
There are two parts to this food web activity. In the first part, students are asked to construct a food web with a list of organisms that reside in or near the chaparral biome. They are to identify the organism's trophic level and diagram the energy arrows of the food web. In the second part of the activity, students practice their mathematical skills using the Rule of 10 in different problems. They then answer two analysis questions on how items are connected in a food web. This fits nicely wi
9th - 12th
Biology, Environment, General Science
NGSS
HS-LS2-3
, HS-LS2-4
Investigate a Watershed
In this activity, students learn about the watershed in which they live. In the first part of the activity, students research the name, location, size, and important geographical features in their watershed. Then, they use EPA's WATERS Geoviewer to learn about the rivers flowing in their watershed. Lastly, students use EPA's How's My Waterway to investigate the health of these rivers in their watershed. Ultimately, students construct a claim based about the health of their watershed. This fits n
9th - 12th
Biology, Earth Sciences, Environment
NGSS
HS-LS2-4
, HS-ESS3-1
Design a Environmental Solution Engineering Challenge
There are a number of ways that humans are decreasing the biodiversity on Earth. Some of these processes are deforestation, habitat loss, salinization, urban runoff, air pollution, and water pollution. In this engineering challenge, students are asked to work in collaborative groups to design a solution to one of these problems, effectively increasing the biodiversity of the area. The engineering design process will guide groups through the creation of a prototype to address and fix the issue t
9th - 12th
Biology, Engineering, Environment
NGSS
HS-LS2-7
Ocean Acidification Video Guide with Mr. Andersen and Teacher Key
In this activity, students will watch a video on Ocean Acidification presented by Mr. Andersen. Students will answers questions regarding ocean acidification on the video guide. Such topics discussed are the pH scale, the acidic conditions of the ocean, and the effects on coral reefs and shell production. A teacher key is included. This video guide fits in nicely by introducing the basics of AP Environmental Science 9.7 Ocean Acidification or NGSS ESS 3-6 Earth and Human Activity.
9th - 12th
Biology, Chemistry, Environment
NGSS
HS-ESS3-6
Animal Testing Data Graphing Activity with Teacher Key
Do your students need practice graphing? This activity has students look at animal testing data in the United States. They are then asked to construct a graph with the data. The graphing technique of TAILS is introduced. Students then analyze the data trends by answering some guiding questions. A teacher key is provided. This fits in well with Biology middle/high school and specifically with students who need to practice their graphing skills.
7th - 9th
Basic Principles, Biology, General Science
NGSS
HS-ESS3-1
Introduction to Island Ecology and Island Biogeography Video Guides and Keys
With this video guide, students will explore the basics of island ecology and island biogeography by watching two different video clips (less than six minutes each video clip). These concepts connect nicely to AP Environmental Science Unit 2. 3 Island Biogeography and Biology Life Science High School Performance Expectations 2-6 or 2-7. Video links and teacher keys are included.
9th - 12th
Biology, Earth Sciences, Environment
NGSS
HS-LS2-7
, HS-LS2-6
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About the store
Experience
Welcome! I began my teaching career long ago in 2001 at an urban high school in Los Angeles. I currently teach Advanced Placement Biology, Advanced Placement Environmental Science, and Biology. I have a deep passion for environmental science and the natural world. I continue to do as much field research as I can, incorporating those topics in my class. My classroom is often covered in science experiments.
Teaching style
Equipping my students with knowledge to solve problems is my goal as a teacher. I truly want students to remember, apply, synthesize, and to evaluate scientific content. I want them to explore scientific content beyond what is required by the state standards because they possess academic curiosity. Yes, my student-centered teaching approach can at times look like organized chaos in my classroom. Yet, this shifting of the classroom to a more student-centered approach provides an opportunity for my students to engage in scientific argumentation. I witness exemplary science learning with students involved in scientific discourse and experimentation. The collaborative learning occurring in my class is thrilling. This excitement pushes me to become a better teacher every day.
Awards & shining teacher moments
2016 LAUSD Teacher of the Year
My own education history
-Bachelor's of Science: Environmental Studies, UCSB
-Biological Science Credential: CSU, Northridge
-Masters in Science: Environmental Science: CSU, Dominguez Hills
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