Educator Spotlight: Finding Solutions for Invasive Species

High school biology teacher Beth Quinones worked with a team of educators to engage students in researching invasive species, developing a management plan, and communicating the plan to their target audience. Beth and her collaborators brought in invasive species professionals to deepen students’ understanding of the issue and organized a community event where students shared their management plans and calls to action. Continue reading Educator Spotlight: Finding Solutions for Invasive Species

Educator Spotlight: Examining the Impact of Keystone Species

Wendy Threatt’s fourth-grade class learned about keystone species extinction by conducting research, hosting a guest speaker, and watching a video about a wildlife photographer. Students demonstrated their learning by creating keystone arches to identify connections between animals in an ecosystem. Continue reading Educator Spotlight: Examining the Impact of Keystone Species

Educator Spotlight: Uncovering an Ecological Mystery

Stefanie Frump challenged her high school students to consider what would happen if Tampa Bay’s blue crabs disappeared. Groups of students took on the perspectives of different stakeholders, presented possible solutions, and considered each other’s needs and ideas while developing a compromise. Continue reading Educator Spotlight: Uncovering an Ecological Mystery

Your Allergy May Not be an Allergy

HEALTH Each year, approximately 50 million Americans suffer from allergies—but really, “people use the word allergy to describe anything they just don’t like.” (Popular Science) Lactose intolerance is not an allergy, for example. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Today, allergies are typically defined by the presence of immunoglobulin E, or IgE, antibodies. What are … Continue reading Your Allergy May Not be an Allergy

MARCH MAMMAL MADNESS – The Power of the Bracket

I’ve been a biology teacher for 28 years. Every year, I find myself looking at my curriculum with an eye toward how I can keep both a.) the content of my course fresh and b.) the delivery of that content enticing to a generation of young minds who are maturing in a world of social media, screens, and digital literacy. Add to this a very … Continue reading MARCH MAMMAL MADNESS – The Power of the Bracket