Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Strategy Game

I found a game that biology students will like - Plankton! It features some key concepts: predation, ecological relationships. The game also incorporates strategy and spatial skills. It's a little goofy, and a lot of fun. Have at it!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Netiquette Rules


I am presenting here a list of rules and guidelines for internet use by secondary (high school) computer users.


Use the following guidelines when:
Blogging, Chatting, Posting to Forums, Social Networking, and Email

· Apply the Golden Rule – Treat others as you want to be treated yourself.

· Try not to leave the “caps lock” key on, as using all capitals is considered to be SHOUTING!

· Remember that words alone can’t convey emotion – use emoticons, or verbally let someone know if you are making a joke, or need to express another emotion. Don’t let misunderstandings start a flame war! PS: Emoticons look like this: : ), or : ( , or ; ) (smile, frown, wink).

· Be responsible when online: Never give out sensitive personal information (like passwords, telephone number, home address, etc) when online, either via postings or email. This information can be misused by anyone who can view it online.

· Exercise extreme caution when downloading internet files, as they can contain dangerous “malware,” (viruses, spyware, etc). Only download files with the teachers permission (here at school) or with your parents’ permission at home.

· When gathering and using information collected online, make sure to show your sources. Using another’s work without citing and giving proper referencing is plagiarism!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

SouthardBiology on You Tube

I have chosen these video clips in order to inspire and engage my students. I can use the videos as anticipatory sets for lesson plans, as a springboard for students to pick up ideas for reports, independent studies, etc. I can also use videos to supplement instruction, or I can upload videos of full lectures, to be used by absent students, or as a technological supplement for students with learning disabilities. Additionally, students can make videos of class presentations, which we could then upload to a playlist for viewing and sharing (especially with parents) later.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Characteristics of a Good Presentation

I like these presentations because they use space in a balanced way, the colors promote calmness, without being boring, and they have great information. The text material is clear, and is not busy, and each slide incorporates just the right amount of information. The blocks of information are succinct, and are easy to view and remember.

Additionally, they are somewhat creative (more than the average science presentation). As a person with a background in science, it is difficult to find really creative presentations. The last slide show, on academic integrity, actually demonstrate a much more creative use of the software. My goal, in preparing a presentation, will be to try and incorporate good technical complexity with a nice degree of creativity.
Dna Replication
View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own.



Dna Extraction Principles
View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: dna extraction)


Academic Integrity
View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: 2.0 cheating)