Watch the NPR video below about population growth.
I think it is appropriate that the theme for Homecoming this week is decades. So much progress has been made in science in the past 200 years. In that same 200 years, the population of Earth has gone from 1 million people to over 7 million people. Essentially, science is to blame for the exploding human population: better medicine, better agriculture, better communication and increased technology. Hopefully, the people at NPR are correct and the human population will plateau at about 10 million people.
For this week you have 2 choices. Whatever option that you pick is due by Friday for 10 points.
1. Population: Discuss the video clip and exploding human population. Do you think the Earth can really support 10 million people? Are there areas of Earth already that are having difficulties in supporting their existing populations? Give examples and support for your discussion.
2. Decades theme: Pick a significant scientific discovery since the 1800's. Who made the discovery? When? What was the discovery and why was it significant?
For Friday, you need to write a discussion response to the video and the following questions. Again this post will be worth 10 points. Be sure to write a scholarly response. Think about what you are writing and proofread it before you submit it to be published.
How are we going to tell the public about endangered species? Pick a specific species that you are interested in or passionate about. How can you help to save that species? Describe the species, the habitat and the threat for survival. What can you do to get people involved?
Just recently, I read the article below about forest fires in Yosemite. It seems to me that there have been more and more forest fires of late. Perhaps I am just getting old and because I am a science teacher, I pay attention to that type of thing. This week I would like you to comment on Forest Fires.
Do you think global warming has anything to do with increased number of forest fires?
What are both the pros and cons of forest fires?
How do forest forest fires relate to ecology?
This is a 10 point discussion assignment. In order to get the 10 points, I would like you to comment to this post below. Write a scholarly response using ecology vocabulary from this unit. For an extra 2 points, you may comment on another student's discussion response. Do you agree? Do you disagree? Why? Can you provide scientific proof?
The Rim Fire burning in Yosemite National Park on August 22, 2013. Image: NASA Earth Observatory.
This year in Honors Biology I am going to try something new. Rather than being attached to my chalk and chalkboard, I have decided to transition into the 21st century. Part of this transition has included increasing the amount of technology that I use in my classroom. Another key component to this change is increasing the amount of technology that my students use when creating and turning work in to me. As a part of this goal, I have decided to create this blog to use with my students. The blog will give my students a broad, public audience and extend classroom discussions beyond the walls of Crystal Lake Central High School.
Mrs. Mazzuca's Honors Biology Blog will
create an interactive learning environment where students can learn, reflect and grow.
extend scientific understanding and allow students to create connections between topics we have covered in class and the real world.
develop a community of learners connecting with other classes and the scientific community.
allow students to read and critique each others' posts.
establish a unique space to grow as biology students through questioning, analyzing and reflecting.
Already this year we have created a group Google Doc for a scientific method inquiry lab using beetles. In the second unit of the year,Ecology, I am going to have my students begin to use this blog as a discussion board. I can't wait!
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