ONE
This video provides an overview of cellular respiration and its basic steps. It goes over the importance of ATP (which is very necessary to life), and the function of the mitochondria. It goes over glycolysis, the Kreb's Cycle and electron transport chain of respiration. As it does this, it shows each different kind of molecule as a different cartoon. The video also explains the relationship between cellular respiration and photosynthesis, how the two complement one another by creating a large circle. Additionally, the video discusses fermentation, including why it's necessary and why it is not a long term solution for multicellular organisms.
This text is incredibly educational, with enough humor to be engaging without being distracting from the content. The text of the video is simple enough that struggling readers should be able to keep up with the pace of the video while listening to the words. However, the words involved are essential to science without using more jargon than needed. For an ESL student, this video may prove to be a touch difficult, but the illustrations and animations paired with labels alone would be EXTREMELY helpful to students learning about cellular respiration. This is a traditionally difficult concept of biology, and the visual cartoonish elements could be valuable if used consistantly. If we had a lesson on an overview of cellular respiration, this video/text could be used to clarify components of the process. Additionally, the cartoons could be used in notes to create more distinctions than alphabet soup.
"Cellular Respiration and the Mighty Mitochondria." WatchKnowLearn - Free K-12 Educational Videos. The Amoeba Sisters, n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2016.
TWO
This article tells the story of Indian Olympian Santhi Soundararajan, who failed her gender test after taking silver at the 2006 Olympics. Officials revoked her medal. The article does not say how she failed her test, but mentions the kinds of officials present from her test. It should be kept in mind that this occured in 2006, and that general opinions and standards for gender have changed since then.
This article and its accompanying case could provide a topic of debate about the various forms of sex detemination, and would give modern purpose to a lesson. Methods of sex determination include anatomy, physiology, and karotyping of chromosomes. The lesson could lead off with a picture of the athlete. What are students' first impressions of the athlete's gender? Why?
The article could then be introduced, and accompanied by a discussion of anatomical sex determination, followed by physiological determination. At this point in the lesson, what would the students (in small groups, consitute as guidelines for being male? for being female?).
We could use the case as a springboard and then begin to look at karotypes. We may not have Soundararajan's, but this case introduces genetic conditions in which a person may not be blatantly one gender or another in terms of a molecular karotype. Traditionally, the presence of a Y chromosome is the single indication (chromosomewise) of being male, but what about people with Turner Syndrome or XXY? All of these are major concepts in biology, accompanied by modern topics and schools of thought in a time when gender identity is becoming more and more fluid.
Bibliography:
"Indian Athlete Fails Gender Test." BBC News. BBC, 18 Dec. 2006. Web. 09 Feb. 2016.
Knabb, Maureen, and Joan Sharp09. "Cross-Dressing or Crossing-Over?" - National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science. N.p., 09 Sept. 2008. Web. 09 Feb. 2016.
THREE
This poem dedicates a stanza to each of the organelles of the cell, for all of the basic organelles.
The poem was written by a student. He/she uses a metaphor to describe each of the organelles in a way more familiar to a student due to the use of familiar rather than academic language. This language also isn't of an incredibly high level, so students who struggle with literacy or English would have little to no difficulty comprehending the text.
This poem would be a wonderful review for students before a unit test on the cell. It provides examples used in daily life, like a traffic light, or a vending machine, to explain the mechanisms of the cell. I could read the poem to students, or hand out the poem to groups after deleting the word in each stanza that gives away the answer, and the students could attempt to guess which organelle pertains to which stanza. The students could then write their own stanzas in small groups, and could read them aloud and give others a chance to guess which organelle is being described. Students would then have several metaphors to choose from when studying for their test. This text would also assist students who struggle with jargon, or the dense nature of scientific texts.
CalledtoServeHim. "Animal Cell Poem - This Is for School by CalledtoServeHim." Allpoetry.com. N.p., 2009. Web. 01 Mar. 2016.
FOUR
I have found a Cell Theory Rap! This rap covers the three compoenents of the cell theory, and explains the discovery of each point. The names of the scientists involved are listed in each verse. So the verse talking about Hooke explains the discovery of the cell by observation of a cork slice. The video accompanying the song is also a lyric video, so there is no question as to what the man is saying within the song. This also provides a visual for students who may struggle with English, so that they aren't forced to rely on auditory skills alone.
The Cell Theory Rap is terribly catchy. I do not doubt that it'll be stuck in my head for a week or two, and my hope is that it'll have the same effect on my students. The song could be placed within a lecture or PowerPoint as a brain break for the class,and then used as a point of reference for the remainder of the unit. So if the song were to be played as an introduction, a particular verse could be replayed later. So we could talk about Hooke, and then listen to his verse again.
Lewis, Zac. "The Cell Theory Rap." YouTube. YouTube, 11 Mar. 2014. Web. 01 Mar. 2016.
FIVE
This higher level text is about the applications of epigenetics in terms of diseases instead of offspring. Specifically the text focuses on cancer, citing hypomethylation as encouraging tumor growth, while hypermethylation suppresses tumors. These methylation patterns may be able to be tracked across the genome, giving people ideas on how to discourage cancerous growth.
Within the classroom, this text is thought provoking. Traditional epigenetics focuses on the future, what people do now that affects their future offspring. This article could be used to expand student thinking beyond their paradigm. Additionally, this is a hot topic in biology, and would be an interesting gateway to encouraging students to look into current topics in biology that interest them.
SIX
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
This true story follows the life, death, and immortality of Henrietta Lacks, specifically her cells. This black woman had cells taken from her (in the Jim Crow era) without knowledge, and the cells reproduced to such an extent that they were able to be used as a standard for research. Scientists made money from the reproduction of Lacks' cells, and her impoverished family never saw a cent.
The ethical implications of this book are immense, and the story components are compelling, showing the full scope of what this woman went through in her time. In the classroom, this book would present opportunities to create ongoing debates every week, as the ethical dilemmas unfold. This would create ethical platforms in a modern time through the lense of the 50's.
Skloot, Rebecca. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. New York: Crown, 2010. Print.
SEVEN
This article explains photosynthesis. It isn't an introductory material, but it does plainly explain how photosynthesis works. The article also covers where photosynthesis occurs (specifically, not simply in the chloroplast). The article also goes on to explain variations in photosynthesis, a topic not covered in detail by most textbooks. The article talks about different kinds of CAM plants, and explains what chromatophores do within a bacteria.
This book could be used as a supplementary text with a photosyntheis unit. The connections drawn at the end of the article are very useful for reminding students that not all photosynthesis is the same, and can link this knowledge all the way back to protists. Additionally, as photosynthesis can be confusing, repition of the process in a variety of ways is often crucial to comprehension, making this article ideal for classroom use.
"Photosynthesis," Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia 2000. © 1993-1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved
EIGHT
Osmosis Jones is an animated film about the adventures of Osmosis Jones, a leukocyte, within the body of Frank. As a leukocyte, Jones is a cop within the body, and fights germs and bacteria. However, Frank is not a healthy individual, and his poor diet and lack of excersise finally catch up with the man when a deadly virus invades his system. Jones is the only one who believes the virus is real, and has 48 hours to stop him.
While simple and humorous, Osmosis Jones creates a vivid imagery of the inner workings of the body, particuarly the nervous system and some of the immune responses. Within a lesson the movie would serve as an interesting compare/contrast near the end of a unit during which students identify what has been correctly personified within the body, and what's scientifically inaccurate about the movie.
Osmosis Jones. Dir. Bobby Farrelly and Peter Farrelly. 2001. DVD
The organelle poem is amazing this is something that as a teacher I struggle with. Trying to make these connections has helped me make it through science class, this also helps students to see the value in what they are learning. This helps to explain the inevitable question that most teachers face being that what does this have to do with me and why is it important. I love the Osmosis Jones movie and when I was a kid I watched it about a thousand times. I think this is a really good movie to use because it hides the fact that you are learning. I had also thought about looking at using the Osmosis Jones tv series which is similar to the movie but they are shorter and dont require the time of watching a full movie.
ReplyDeleteI love your video as your first set. I love chemistry. I always thought that the complex chemistry of biology should be taught more visually. The patterns make more sense when you looking at them. Chemistry can be sort of like a game when looking at it move on a screen. I showed that video to my brother and he is planning on making a series of animations for chemical reactions. I also like how the cartoons are made for children but was filled with alot of good information.
ReplyDeleteyour second text is very interesting. I personally think they should not take that persons hard earned medal. There isnt as much of an advantage of being male for long distance running. There is more advantage for sprinting because that relies more on explosive power. There is a guy/gal fighting in the ufc born a male and went through the surgery is now a woman. However, bone structure can help alot for fighting.
that was a very beautiful poem.
I like the idea of teaching through song and lyric when ever we can. the ancient greek epic poems were performed orally and poets memorized them. In the original language the Iliad and the Oddessy Are easier to memorize; they are easier to memorize if you are a native speaker. This is an excellent memorization tool and should be utilized when ever. this is especially true in science where there is so much material to cover.
I like how you included the sometimes controversial topic of epigenetics. Of course every time there are new discoveries in science every special interest group wants to interpret the findings of these studies to promote their own goals. Students must be exposed to these topics to get practice thinking critically and because epi genetics are awesome.
When I first read about Henrietta I thought perhaps one day scientists will make it so that we never age after all. These are fascinating topics and this will help students to fall in love with science.