A Disturbance in the Force- Keeping Our Ecosystems Intact

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In this project, you will explore a real-world problem, and then work through a series of steps to analyze that problem, research ways the problem could be solved, then propose a possible solution to that problem. Often, there are no specific right or wrong solutions, but sometimes one particular solution may be better than others. The key is making sure you fully understand the problem, have researched some possible solutions, and have proposed the solution that you can support with information / evidence.Begin by reading the problem statement in Step 1. Take the time to review all the information provided in the statement, including exploring the websites, videos and / or articles that are linked. Then work on steps 2 through 8 to complete this problem-based learning experience.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Ecosystem Services

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In this seminar you will use knowledge source information from prior experiences and interact in activities that will introduce you to the cost of the natural world. You will design a Public Service Announcement to analyze the best way to disseminate information about ecosystem services. You will also evaluate the effectiveness of how information is delivered in public situations.StandardsBIO B.4.1.1, BIO B.4.1.2,BIO B.4.2.1,BIO B.4.2.2, BIO B.4.2.3,BIO B.4.2.4,BIO B.4.2.5

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Mendel's Experiments and Heredity

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In this experience you will be looking at the life work of Gregor Mendel, a simple monk who is now considered the father of modern genetics.  His work provides the backbone for our understanding of why we inherit traits from our parents. Through this seminar you will be asked to reflect on how genes are transferred. In addition, you will reflect on the life of Mendel, as he received no credit for incredible work during his lifetime.BIO.B.1.2Explain how genetic information is inherited.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Problem Based Module: Who Owns Your Genes?

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In this project, you will explore a real-world problem, and then work through a series of steps to analyze that problem, research ways the problem could be solved, then propose a possible solution to that problem. Often, there are no specific right or wrong solutions, but sometimes one particular solution may be better than others. The key is making sure you fully understand the problem, have researched some possible solutions, and have proposed the solution that you can support with information / evidence.Begin by reading the problem statement in Step 1. Take the time to review all the information provided in the statement, including exploring the websites, videos and / or articles that are linked. Then work on steps 2 through 8 to complete this problem-based learning experience.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Modern Genetics

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Mendel was the father of genetics, but he wasn’t the final source of all information about the topic. After Mendel’s time we learned a great deal about genetics. Some of this information seemed to conflict with some of the information Mendel gleaned from his pea plants. We call this Non-Mendelian genetics. This lesson will challenge you to compare the concepts before and after Mendel and reflect on how you have inherited traits.StandardsBIO.B.2.1 Compare Mendelian and non-Mendelian patterns of inheritance.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Genetic Disorders

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DNA is the key to human life. When DNA is corrupted, changes occur in specific parts of the organism. Some of these changes can be fatal while others are beneficial. In this lesson we will look at the process of DNA mutation and how it impacts proteins produced by the organism.  You will research different genetic disorders and empathize with the impacts they have on your body.StandardsBIO.B.2.1 Compare Mendelian and non-Mendelian patterns of inheritance.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Human Genome Project

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The human genome project was one the most important human discoveries in the past 100 years. It creates a map of every gene in the human body.  Through this lesson you will explore the history of the genome project, its applications today, and implications for your life.  In addition, you will reflect on its impact on your life and determine if you think this is a positive or negative change. Based on your understanding, you will look at different perspectives with empathy to better understand how this technology impacts other people's lives.StandardsBIO.B.2.4Explain how genetic engineering has impacted the fields of medicine, forensics, and agriculture (e.g., selective breeding, gene splicing, cloning, genetically modified organisms, gene therapy).

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Problem Based Module: Designer Babies

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In this project, you will explore a real-world problem, and then work through a series of steps to analyze that problem, research ways the problem could be solved, then propose a possible solution to that problem. Often, there are no specific right or wrong solutions, but sometimes one particular solution may be better than others. The key is making sure you fully understand the problem, have researched some possible solutions, and have proposed the solution that you can support with information / evidence.Begin by reading the problem statement in Step 1. Take the time to review all the information provided in the statement, including exploring the websites, videos and / or articles that are linked. Then work on steps 2 through 8 to complete this problem-based learning experience.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Biotechnology

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What does a technology look like that will change the world? Biotechnology has the power to alter all of our lives. The ability to manipulate genes in ways that benefit people is a powerful technology.  In this lesson we will explore various benefits and applications of biotechnology.  You will analyze different perspectives in the race to create biotechnology.  From there you will decide how you feel about “playing with genes” and how that will impact your life.StandardsBio.B.3.2.4  Students will apply scientific thinking, processes, tools, and technologies in the study of genetics.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Cloning and the Future

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Cloning is an amazing technology that allows us to make exact copies of living organisms.  From duplicating organs to designer babies, the possibilities are endless; however, there are numerous drawbacks to cloning creatures. In this lesson you will explore how cloning works and identify your core values and feelings on the concepts. And finally, you will produce a presentation that outlines the benefits and drawbacks  of this technology.StandardsBIO.B.2.4Explain how genetic engineering has impacted the fields of medicine, forensics, and agriculture (e.g., selective breeding, gene splicing, cloning, genetically modified organisms, gene therapy).

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Linear Inequalities - One Variable

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This seminar will introduce you to the concept of linear inequalities.  You will learn how to solve and graph inequalities in one variable, and you will learn when and why you must consider the direction of the inequality symbol when solving the problem.StandardsCC.2.2.HS.D.10Represent, solve, and interpret equations/inequalities and systems of equations/inequalities algebraically and graphically.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Inequalities - Two Variables

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This seminar will show you how to graph a linear inequality in two variables on a Cartesian Coordinate Plane. You will learn when and why to use dashed lines and solid lines. You will also learn why it is necessary to shade a half-plane, as well as how to determine which half-plane to shade.StandardsCC.2.2.HS.D.10Represent, solve, and interpret equations/inequalities and systems of equations/inequalities algebraically and graphically.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Problem Based Module: The Efficiency of Concession Stands

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In this project, you will explore a real-world problem, and then work through a series of steps to analyze that problem, research ways the problem could be solved, then propose a possible solution to that problem. Often, there are no specific right or wrong solutions, but sometimes one particular solution may be better than others. The key is making sure you fully understand the problem, have researched some possible solutions, and have proposed the solution that you can support with information / evidence.Begin by reading the problem statement in Step 1. Take the time to review all the information provided in the statement, including exploring the websites, videos and / or articles that are linked. Then work on steps 2 through 8 to complete this problem-based learning experience.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Compound Inequalities

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This seminar will show you how to identify, solve, and graph compound inequalities.  You will learn the difference between the union and intersection of solutions, and you will also learn the importance of distinguishing between “and” and “or” when constructing compound inequalities.StandardsCC.2.2.HS.D.10Represent, solve, and interpret equations/inequalities and systems of equations/inequalities algebraically and graphically.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Problem Based Module: Saving the Elephants

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In this project, you will explore a real-world problem, and then work through a series of steps to analyze that problem, research ways the problem could be solved, then propose a possible solution to that problem. Often, there are no specific right or wrong solutions, but sometimes one particular solution may be better than others. The key is making sure you fully understand the problem, have researched some possible solutions, and have proposed the solution that you can support with information / evidence.Begin by reading the problem statement in Step 1. Take the time to review all the information provided in the statement, including exploring the websites, videos and / or articles that are linked. Then work on steps 2 through 8 to complete this problem-based learning experience.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Properties of Exponents

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This seminar will introduce you to various properties that are used to simplify expressions containing exponents. You will learn how to multiply and divide expressions containing exponents, and you will also learn what happens when a base is raised to a power of zero. You will have to extend your knowledge of an exponent as an indicator of how many factors of a base must be multiplied, and apply it to combining more than one exponential expression using various operations. This will be achieved by both visually studying the factors, and also applying the properties to concepts such as banking and interest.StandardsCC.2.1.HS.F.1Apply and extend the properties of exponents to solve problems with rational exponents.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Exponential Growth and Decay

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This seminar will teach you about special types of exponential functions that model growth and decay. You will learn how to distinguish between the two types of functions and also what types of situations are represented by each. You will learn why the specific values in each type of function have the effect on them that they do, and why the terms “growth” and “decay” are appropriate to describe the types of functions. You will see examples of each type of function and why the specific numbers in the functions have the effects of either making the values grow or decay.  StandardsCC.2.1.HS.F.1 Apply and extend the properties of exponents to solve problems with rational exponents.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Graphs of Exponential Functions

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This seminar will teach you how to identify the graph of an exponential function. You will learn how to identify the properties of the function that explain the shape of the graph. The seminar will also show you how to graph an exponential function that you are given. You will learn about the properties of the graphs of exponential functions and how they are related to the properties of exponents. You will be guided through examples of graphing using tables and also using properties of the functions themselves.StandardsCC.2.2.HS.D.7Create and graph equations or inequalities to describe numbers or relationships.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Solving Quadratic Equations

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In this seminar will learn how to use the Quadratic Formula to solve quadratic equations. You will learn to place quadratic equations into the appropriate form in order to use the formula, and you will be shown how to correctly interpret the structure of the formula so that all of the calculations are performed correctly. You will have to apply correct and careful order of operations in order to correctly simplify the radicals. You will apply techniques you have learned to simplify radical expressions. You will then interpret your solutions not only as solutions to the equation, but then translate that information to understand how it relates to the graph of the parabola that represents the function.StandardsCC.2.2.HS.C.5Construct and compare linear, quadratic, and exponential models to solve problems.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Problem Based Module: College and Student Loan Debt

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In this project, you will explore a real-world problem, and then work through a series of steps to analyze that problem, research ways the problem could be solved, then propose a possible solution to that problem. Often, there are no specific right or wrong solutions, but sometimes one particular solution may be better than others. The key is making sure you fully understand the problem, have researched some possible solutions, and have proposed the solution that you can support with information / evidence.Begin by reading the problem statement in Step 1. Take the time to review all the information provided in the statement, including exploring the websites, videos and / or articles that are linked. Then work on steps 2 through 8 to complete this problem-based learning experience.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains