Science
Teaching & Learning

Where It All Began

Returning to my roots in science learning has been something I have wanted for so long in my teaching career that it hardly seems real to be able to think about labs and hands-on exploring.

It is wonderful having the opportunity to get back to teaching Biology 2201, excercising that part of my brain and retriving the learning I did all those years ago at Agriculture College and in my high school days.

Relearning most of the content alongside a group of tenth-graders has been a great way to get reaquainted with a subject area I am equally passionate about. I hope it has been interesting for the students as well; to see another side to someone pegged as just the 'English teacher.'

Outdoor Learning
Using Nature's Classroom

Unit 1 in Biology 2201 focuses on ecosystems and interactions between populations of organisms. It was fun to pretend to be ecologists for a time. Students used population sampling techniques such as quadrat and transect lines to collect data about the species of trees and plants or small animals and insects that live and grow in our local habitats.

Click here to see more of the outdoor learning we were able to do through spending time in nature's classroom.

Project-Based Learning
Investigating through Modelling

Unit 2 in Biology 2201 focuses on the building blocks of living organisms, starting from the molecular level. Visualizing the content is the biggest challenge students will face in this unit; how can we really understand how a molecule or a cell works if we can't readily see it? While microscopes help the cause, projects to help make connections in content are what's needed to make sure the learning sticks.

Students were able to roll up their sleeves and do a variety of project-based demonstrations in our classroom. It was often noisy, messy, and typically chaotic; but it was time well spent.

There is nothing like pulling out the scissors and glue or taping sticks to your fingers ... all in the name of science learning!

Click here to see more of the project-based learning we were able to do through demos and creativity in science.

Hands-On Learning
The Value of Labs in Science

Unit 3 in Biology 2201 focuses on the systems regulating homeostasis in the mammalian body. It offers an opportunity to learn through careful examination of how intricate mechanisms allow for regulation of the conditions are bodies are in while exposed to dynamic environmental conditions.

Students showed a keen interest in deep learning as they suited up for the first of two dissection labs this year: identifying and examining structures in a sheep's heart. From this lab, students made biological drawings and recorded observational data about the cardiac tissue and structures noted in their textbooks. Unlike a textbook, however, actually getting to hold these structures in hand brings learning and understanding to a whole new level.

Their lab days are just beginning!

Click here to see more of the hands-on learning we were able to do through labs in science.

Page updated

Report abuse

Science Teaching & Learning

Where It All Began

Returning to my roots in science learning has been something I have wanted for so long in my teaching career that it hardly seems real to be able to think about labs and hands-on exploring.

It is wonderful having the opportunity to get back to teaching Biology 2201, excercising that part of my brain and retriving the learning I did all those years ago at Agriculture College and in my high school days.

Relearning most of the content alongside a group of tenth-graders has been a great way to get reaquainted with a subject area I am equally passionate about. I hope it has been interesting for the students as well; to see another side to someone pegged as just the 'English teacher.'

Outdoor Learning Using Nature's Classroom

Project-Based LearningInvestigating through Modelling

Hands-On Learning The Value of Labs in Science

Get in touch at natashaoxford@nlesd.ca

Science
Teaching & Learning

Outdoor Learning
Using Nature's Classroom

Project-Based Learning
Investigating through Modelling

Hands-On Learning
The Value of Labs in Science