Project 1: Biology Reader with Reading Techniques

& AssessmentsProject 2: Biology Lab

Manual and Formal Lab Assessment

Based on the California State Standards in Biology

Leila JirariSan Marcos High School

UCSB RET 2

Context for Learning

• College Prep Biology or AP Biology

• Class Size: 32 CP, 25 for AP• ELL Students in Class: Between 2-

4• Students with IEP’s: Between 1-3

My Research

• My 2005 Research Project: Purifying the Phosphoserine-rich protein from Phragmatopoma californica

• Mentor: Chengjun Sun, Faculty Supervisor: Herb Waite , Department: Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology

• The purpose of our research was to purify one of three proteins, the phosphoserine rich protein in the sand tube worm glue. The goal of studying this worm is to find out how adhesion happens under water and to hopefully use this glue as an underwater adhesive in the future.

Learning Objectives: Project 1• Students will analyze the scientific

articles and complete reading assessments which utilize a variety of SDAIE reading strategies.– The articles support and enhance the academic content

and standards taught in class by giving content real world applications.

• Students will review research materials, like scientific journals, and write a research paper using the guidelines I provided.

Learning Objectives: Project 2• Students will partake in inquiry

based biology labs and complete a formal lab write-up.

Why did I choose these two

curriculum projects?

1. Connect Research Practices with High School2. Enhance Teaching Practices

Biology Content Standards 9-12• Cell Biology:

– The fundamental life processes of plants and animals depend on a variety of chemical reactions that occur in specialized areas of the organism's cells. Gee

• Genetics:– Mutation and sexual reproduction lead to genetic variation in a

population.– Genes are a set of instructions encoded in the DNA sequence of each

organism that specify the sequence of amino acids in proteins characteristic of that organism.

– The genetic composition of cells can be altered by incorporation of exogenous DNA into the cells.

• Ecology: – Stability in an ecosystem is a balance between competing effects.

• Evolution:– Evolution is the result of genetic changes that occur in constantly

changing environments. • Physiology:

– As a result of the coordinated structures and functions of organ systems, the internal environment of the human body remains relatively stable (homeostatic) despite changes in the outside environment.

– Organisms have a variety of mechanisms to combat disease.

Addressing Students Background• SDAIE components present:

– Target vocabulary is identified and taught– Assessment of prior knowledge– Lesson contextualization: graphic

organizers, artwork and visuals– Listening, speaking, reading & writing– Two to Six way interactions (Group Work)– Critical thinking– Real World Application– Assessments with Rubrics and Article G.O.

Project 1: Overview• I collected at least one article per unit of

study for my AP Biology class. • I used three different levels of journals:

Discover being the most comprehensible, then more challenging Scientific American and New Scientist. Lastly The Scientist was the most challenging journal used.

• I collected a variety of SDAIE reading strategies and tailored them to read challenging scientific content.

• I created a format for my students to write a research paper on a topic of their choice. They will have to sift through scientific research on their topic and will use the SDAIE reading strategies to help them digest the content.

Project 2: Overview• College Prep Biology students will

perform 4 inquiry labs throughout the semester.

• AP Biology students will perform 12 required labs (by the AP College Board).

• I created a lab write-up format for my students to help scaffold the task.

• They will be assessed with the rubric.

Project 1: SDAIE Reading Activities• GIST and Synopsis• Inquiry Paper• Key Word DRTA• Anticipation Reaction Guide• Viewpoints• I Wonder Brainstorm• Pre-Reading Guide• Skimming and Scanning• BKWLQ

Research Paper

• The students choose any topic in Biology that interests them:– Some examples of previous student

choices: EPO, Autism, Depression, Weight Loss Drugs, Sleep, Memory, Origin of Life, Endemic Species, Global Warming, Prions, Cardiac Arrhythmias, Organ Transplants etc.

• Students will use the guidelines, peer editing and rubric to write a research paper.

Project 2: Inquiry Labs and Rubric• Students will participate in the

laboratory activity.• Biology labs:

– Enzyme lab– Fetal Pig Lab– Pill Bug Lab– Water Lab– Scientific Method & Activity

• Students will use the guidelines, rubric to write a up a lab paper.