Biology SAR's "Blog" Space

Central STANYS Biology SAR: Joe Bonanno (Red Creek CSD)

Joe has taken his time to share his thoughts, ideas and resources - share yours.

To all of my fellow Central New York Biology educators: Before I delve into this blog, take a moment to reflect upon the past months and understand that you have made it this far into the school year. Sometimes, we can move forward knowing how successful we have been in the past. It is my pleasure to enter my 6^th year of representing you in Central New York, and 20^th year of teaching as we endure the daily rigors of instructing our students and providing them opportunities to understand fundamental concepts in Biology.

With this year, unlike any other, we are forever searching for ways to best instruct our students given the ever-changing environment. Going into the school year, I prepared myself with getting to know and best utilize Google Classroom. I have also become more comfortable with Zoom and the best it has to offer. As of late, I have been using the breakout rooms in Zoom to incorporate POGIL (POGIL (flinnsci.com)) style activities to bring everyone (in-person and remote) into the same “arena” for instruction.

I continue to praise and use the STANYS developed remote ready unit and lesson plans (http://bit.ly/RemoteRegentsScience). Many of our Biological colleagues teamed up in August to help develop these plans to assist all across New York State. As I transition into new units, I will research what the remote ready plans have to offer and pick and choose those plans that best fit my model. Of course, I am still using my best practices in the classroom and I am still using my own plans, but having the remote ready material available with the click of a button has really provided for me confidence going forward this year.

Labs: The question of the year. Do I spend hours preparing and cleaning every bit of equipment? Do I just use simulations? I think your answer truly depends on what model your district has set up for you. I have used a combination of both in my Biology and AP Biology classrooms. As far as simulations, I have used GIZMOS from www.explorelearning.com These simulations have students investigate and manipulate data. Simulation guide sheets come pre done in a Google Doc ready to share with your students. I have also used Jon Darkow simulations (Jon Darkow (google.com)) in both Biology and AP Biology.

As I end this blog, realize that no plan in perfect and you are doing more than enough to assist your students in their learning. Please take time for yourselves this holiday season and beyond as we navigate the challenges that this year will throw our way. Please send me an email if you have a question or need help in anyway. That is what we are here for: each other.

My best to you all this year. We are in this together, and yes, science will win.

Joseph S. Bonanno Redcreekbio@hotmail.com

Central STANYS Biology SAR
Biology / AP Biology Instructor @ Red Creek Central School