Biology Lesson Plans

How to teach biology remotely

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How to Teach Biology Remotely Using Our Curriculum

Understanding What We Offer

Here at USBIOLOGYTEACHING.COM we have a Full Biology Curriculum. This curriculum offers teachers detailed biology lesson plans about what to teach and how to teach it along with all of the resources all in one place. Throughout the lesson plans, classroom management tips, alternative approaches and how to address misconceptions is laid out for you so you can give your students the best opportunity for success right out of the gate.

  • Detailed Lesson Plans with NGSS Alignment
  • Daily Agendas
  • Bell Ringers
  • Presentations with Guided Notes (Go along with video presentations as well)
  • VIDEO PRESENTATIONS ( Great for if your Online for COVID-19, Flipped Classroom, Absent Student, Sick Day) We Have You Covered!
  • Labs
  • Worksheets
  • Assessments Including Modified Versions
  • Bell-to-bell activities 
  • Video Connections
  • Technology Integration and Alignment with Other Online Resources (Quizlets, Quizziz, Edpuzzles, Socratives and Kahoots-DONE)
  • Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)! 
  • Members Only Facebook Group
  • Support Forum 
  • Scope and Sequence with Materials List 

What Units Are Covered?

“You are the BEST place for resources I have ever found -thank you,thank you!!! ❤ -Therese

Units Covered

  • Experimental Design (Scientific Method)
  • Lab Equipment
  • Characteristics of Life 
  • Macromolecules
  • Enzymes
  • Cell Structure and Function 
  • Cell Transport
  • Photosynthesis 
  • Cellular Respiration 
  • Cell Reproduction
  • DNA Replication and Protein Synthesis
  • Genetics
  • Mutations and Biotechnology
  • Ecology 
  • Evolution
  • Classification 
  • Population Ecology 
  • Properties of Water  
  • Human Body Systems

How to teach remotely using our curriculum.

As a classroom teacher (yes…I AM still a teacher and on the front-lines of this with you!) my students have been 1:1 with iPad’s for a while now so I have already been using the USBT curriculum to teach “online”.

Online Platform

Many schools have recently purchased an online platform that is going to host their courses, we use Moodle but anything will work as long as your students have to login to access the files you upload you are allow to host our curriculum there as long as you are up -to-date on your membership license.

How long does it take to plan using an online platform if you have access to the USBT curriculum?

The answer to this question will vary depending on the system. All you need to do is download the documents from USBT and upload them as assignments to your platform and set a due date . In 30 minutes I am able to have a plan for the entire week scheduled and ready for students.

How is it possible to do it that quickly?

Everything is done for you already. The worksheets are all there and laid out in order. You also have a variety of online resources that are already aligned as optional assignments….oh….and Quizziz, Edpuzzle and Socrative grade everything automatically for you.

Even the lectures are pre-recorded and ready to use with the guided notes that students can watch as many times as they need to get a concept they are struggling with. Just the pre-recorded presentations will save you at least 3 hours a week!

What about labs?

Biology Lab
Biology Lab

Obviously, we cannot expect students to purchase their own lab supplies. There are several ways to deal with this but none of them are as ideal as the experience of doing the lab in person.

Do Live Demos or Record Demos of the Labs

One way I have been combating the lab experience is to do live zoom labs with my students. Some labs are over multiple days so I will set it up live on zoom, ask questions and then follow up with either another live video or a recording of the data collection. If you make it back into your classroom, I do recommend getting some standard lab equipment and keeping it at home just in-case the schools get shut down again. Get permission prior to doing this! You will then be prepared to run labs and demo the use of equipment.

Online Simulations

There are few resources that are my go-to for online simulations but none have been able to accommodate all of the labs that we do in-person. The links to virtual versions of some of our labs are being added but some experiences do not have suitable substitutes so …we move on. and do an alternative assignment.

Data

If all else fails and you cannot run a lab you can provide students with data from previously run labs or you can provide them with hypothetical data that can be used to analyze results, draw conclusions and create reports.

Assessments

Biology Online Assessment

When COVID-19 hit my school put a moratorium on traditional summative assessments (high point value, culminating exams) and I agree with their perspective. Although it is possible to use them to get a feel for how students understand content, it is not possible to ensure the assessments are completely valid. I am sure my students are celebrated the moratorium. The assessments in the USBT curriculum are rigorous. To assess students, I am grading more small items for accuracy after ensuring I have provided them with the necessary guidance. I am using several online platforms to help me do this in a way that minimizes the time that I have to physically grade digital files (it is a pain!).

  • Socrative.com– Socrative allows users to create quizzes, play a space race game or do quick exit quizzes/polls. You can create a free account and copy quizzes that have already been made by other teacher you may know. I have made mini quizzes available to our members so all they need to do is login in and create a copy.
  • Quizizz.Com-Teachers can access pre-made quizzes or make their own using the question banks and their own questions.  I have one for each unit in the USBT curriculum and the last few are being added within the next few days. Our members can access them from the Member’s Area and simply assign them to their students.  Teachers can customize how many times students can take the quiz, how long it lasts and what types of feedback they get. We have linked quizzes that align with each unit. It  has been very helpful!

Large Assessments

Need to give a make up test or are required to do an assessment? When COVID-19 hit, I had a few students that needed to make up a test and I just couldn’t excuse them in fairness to the other students. Here is how I did it.  I created an answer sheet for the students to fill in as I show the test using screen share via zoom. I slowly scrolled through the test and moved through it at their pace. It went pretty well. It still allowed me the best opportunity to get the test to the students and maintain a fair and consistent grade book. If you have a better way (without recreating an entire assessment to a digital version in google forms) let me know so I can share it. 

Office Hours- I made myself available to all of my students every Tuesday and Thursday via zoom for at least 30 minutes so they could come to the meeting and ask any questions they may have had. I also allow students to make appointments if necessary.

A Quick How to Video for Zoom

Deadlines: Many of you are probably struggling with this adjustment (I know I am) and so are your students. I am making sure that my students have an opportunity to work ahead so they can plan for anything they may have going on. Many of your students have likely taken on new roles within the household. With that consideration, I have also reduced the work load for my students. This is a unique time and it requires compassion and understanding.

My Favorite Video Editing Instructional Resource

  • Edpuzzle.com-This website allows teachers to use videos and integrates questions within the videos that students must answer to move on.  It keep students accountable and grades it automatically. In the USBT curriculum there are already video presentations for each unit. Members can simply link the presentations to Edpuzzle and add notes, questions or even voice overs to our presentations.

Save Time, Engage Students, Love Teaching

Although the USBT curriculum was designed before COVID-19 hit, our online tie-ins and having everything you need to teach Biology is a huge time saver. You will be able to help your students better because you will have more free time (time that would have been spent searching for resources) to help your students when they need it most. If you have any questions email: Brad@usbiologyteaching.com.

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Biology Lesson Plans, Online Learning, technology

Tips and Resources for Teaching Biology Online

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Transitioning to Teaching Biology Online

Many teachers are now engaging in online instruction, below are some strategies and resources that will help you cope.

Tips for Transitioning to Online Teaching

First and foremost, you need to keep perspective. This is a unique time that has in many ways changed the way we are living. You need to keep the health (physical and mental) of you and your student the top priority.

Next, you need to understand that many of your students have taken on new roles in their household. The availability of resources and time ot do school work vary greatly between families.

Be sure you take these things into consideration prior to establishing your online learning expectations and determining what the workload will be. You know your students.

My thoughts on online assessments. Right now my school has put a moratorium on  summative assessments.   Although, it is possible to use them to get a feel for how students understand content it is not possible to ensure the assessments are completely valid.

How you treat assessments that are traditionally used in the classroom will definitely vary from teacher to teacher. It is important to keep in mind that they should no longer represent a large portion of their grade. Again, this will depend on your school’s newly adapted policies for assessment.

I am sure my students are celebrating this moratorium.

To assess students, I am grading more small items for accuracy after ensuring I have provided them with the necessary guidance.  I am also relying heavily on the resources listed below to grade everything automatically! I have three kids too!

Need to give a make up test or are required to do an assessment? I have had a few students that needed to make up a test and I just couldn’t excuse them from it in fairness to the other students. Here is how I did it.

I am created an answer sheet for the students to fill in as I show the test using screen share via zoom. I slowly scrolled through the test and moved through it at their pace.

Is it perfect? No. But it still allows me the best opportunity to get the test to the students, maintain a fair and consistent grade book and protect my assessment. If you have a better way (without recreating an entire assessment to a digital version) let me know so I can share it. 

Office Hours- I am making myself available to all of my students every Tuesday and Thursday via zoom for at least 30 minutes so they can come to the meeting and ask any questions they may have.

A Quick How to Video for Zoom

Deadlines

Many of you are probably struggling with this adjustment (I know I am) and so are your students. I am making sure that my students have an opportunity to work ahead so they can plan for anything they may have going on.

Considerations

As mentioned, many of your students have likely taken on new roles within the household. With that consideration, I have also reduced the work load for my students. This is a unique time and it requires compassion and understanding. When I polled my audience the weekly workload varied greatly by school. You will have to figure out what works best for you and your students.

Seven Online Teaching Resources You Must See

There are countless resources out there. If you are looking for something specific join our facebook group Biology Teachers and request a resource and our community will help you find what you need.

The list I am providing is intended to be more general website resources that provide more than just one activity. Feel free to add comments about your favorites.

1. USBiologyTeaching.Com -A Full Biology Curriculum with the following resources integrated and aligned!

Of course I have to start with the site that I think will save you the most time! Right here we offer a ton of free resources by search our blog or Click here to subscribe

2. HHMI- https://www.biointeractive.org/classroom-resources -High Quality

HHMI offers some really amazing resources for teaching Biology and includes supporting resources like videos and worksheets. Some people do complain that the answer keys are readily available but I am not worried about it. I can assess their understanding in a variety of ways.

Collaborate with More Than 3,400 Biology Teacher in Our Facebook Group: Biology Teachers

3. Edpuzzle.com- This site is Amazing!

This website allows teachers to use videos and integrate questions within the videos that students must answer to move on.  The best part is that there are already tons of video done by other teachers with the question check points already integrated.

4. Quizizz.com-Quizzes in seconds!

Teachers can access pre-made quizzes or make their own using the question banks and their own questions.  You can customize how many times students can take the quiz, how long it lasts and what types of feedback they get. We have linked quizzes that align with each unit.

5. Socrative- Immediate Feedback, Quick Checks

Socrative allow users to create quizzes, play a space race game or do quick exit quizzes/polls. You can create a free account and copy the quizzes that have already been made. In our Full Biology Curriculum you will have access to five to ten questions mini quizzes (checks for understanding) for each unit.

Join More Than 19,000 Facebook Follower Here

6. Quizlet

Quizlet is one of my all time favorites. I like Quizlet because it offers flexibility with a variety of options for students to learn. Students can do flashcards, learn, write out answers, spell, test and play games like Gravity, Matching and one of my favorites, Quizlet Live. Though this platform is designed as a learning tool and not an assessment tool you can print quizzes and tests that use the content from the flash cards. Check out my post and video on how to do this: "Why I Love Quizlet"

7. GoFormative-Easily Convert Your Current Paper Tests to Digital Test with Retyping!

I was turned onto this website when I received email from one of my followers. I am so grateful. I heard of it before but did not explore it until now. I am so grateful. GoFormative can help you convert your .doc or .pdf file into an online test that automatically grades your student's responses. I am still learning this one but I am happy with it so far. The best part is not having to retype everything into yet another platform. Simply upload your documents and start clicking and checking off the correct answers.

Do you have one you love that isn't lsited? Drop it in the Comments!

#biologyteaching #elearning #biologyresources #virtuallabs

Relate Post - 5 Easy Ways to Integrate Technology Into your Biology Classroom

Click here to download the lab report rubric and template


Biology Lesson Plans

Outbreak Activity: Finding Patient Zero

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Coronavirus Worksheet and Class Activity

In this coronavirus activity, students will simulate an outbreak much like the we are currently experiencing with COVID-19. In this class activity students receive a test tube with some “bodily fluids.”

Students will receive a test tube or cup with simulated bodily fluids in it. One or more people (you choose, see teacher notes) in the room have bodily fluids that are infected.

To simulate how some viruses like SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) spread, students will use a pipette to exchange droplets from their test tube to another person’s test tube.

Determining how a virus is spread is crucial in preventing the spread of a virus. Finding patient zero, the first person known to become infected, is a critical part of this process. After scientists determine patient zero it can help them determine the origin of a virus and allow them to inform the public to prevent future infection.

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Directions for students:

  1. Obtain a test tube or cup and a pipette from your teacher.  
  2. When directed by your teacher, you will move around the room and when told you will exchange 4 drops of simulated bodily fluids from your test tube to the other persons test tube.

-This simulates the exchanging of bodily fluids from a simple handshake, sneeze or cough.

  • Repeat until you have exchanged “bodily fluid” with 5 people.
  •  When everyone is done you will take you test tube to your teacher to test whether you have become infected using a chemical indicator. If your sample turns pink, you are infected.

Teacher Tips:

Recommended Materials:

If you do not have the materials listed below you can creatively substitute materials. See the teachers notes attached to the download.

  • Phenolphthalein indicator solution (see notes for making the solution)
  • .1M NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide) or other base that will result in a positive test for phenolphthalein indicator solution. This works well because it appears the same as water.
  • Distilled water
  • Test tube (recommend plastic) for each student
  • Pipette for each student

Increase the challenge:

  • Start with two infected people from the start. This will only work with larger class sizes. Five exchanges with one patient has worked fine for classes as low as 18 and high a 30. For two infected patients I stick with my higher level (honors classes) and larger classes.
  • Do not give students the handout until they are done. Then ask them to record the names of the people they interacted with. Many students will find it to be a challenging task to list the names even though it happened only minutes earlier. This helps students understand some of the challenges that come with remembering people they encountered.

#coronaviruslesson #biologyteaching #outbreakactivity

biology curriculum, Biology Lesson Plans, classroom management

“Why Do I Need to Learn Biology?”

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Let’s face it, as Biology teachers we are constantly asked the question: ” Why do I need to learn Biology?

What do you say?

You can share over at our “Facebook Group “Biology Teachers” or in the comments below.

What do I say?

Usually when I am posed the questions I go off on a rant for 20 minutes tying in every relevant current event with the topics we just covered in class.

And then…I realize their mission had been accomplished. I was derailed. Just when you think you won their hearts into a love for Biology you realize they effectively got out of thinking for a solid 20 minutes.

I Will Not Be Defeated!

To help me briefly and effectively communicate to my students why they need to learn the content I have dedicated my life to teaching them, I have created two different posters that will help reinforces the “Why”.

Now all I have to do is point to the posters and now you can too!

Click here to download

Download Your Free Poster!

10 Reasons Why You Need to Learn Biology

The following “10 Reasons” are available on two posters (5 reasons on each) that you can print and hang in your classroom. Various sizes are available.

Why Do I Need to Learn Biology?

1.) Improve your ability to learn.

You are going to figure out how you learn best by being challenged in a subject you know little about. Let’s face it, you will eventually need to know how to remember things, write reasonable sentences, problem solve, and be an effective contributor to this world. All of those skills are used in Biology!

2.) Basic knowledge of Biology helps you understand what your body needs to perform optimally and feel your best.

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Do you know exactly what you are putting in or on your body? From macronutrients to micronutrients, having a fundamental understanding of the make-up of your body and what it requires can help you live a longer, healthier, happy life.

3.) Biology can help you make informed decisions about your own health.

Healthcare professional are amazing dedicated professionals however, sometimes mistakes are made. Having a fundamental understanding of Biology can help you better understand and communicate with medical professionals. You may even identify an error or suggest an alternate solution…if you understand Biology.

4.) Learn how to follow directions in an efficient manner.

If you don’t know how to do something, what do you do? You may look up the instructions or watch a how-to video. Biology will help improve your ability to interpret directions in a variety of formats and help you solve problems more efficiently.

5.) An understanding of Biology can help keep you safe!

Throughout Biology you will know learn how various molecules can influence cells. Guess what! You are a big lump of cells! Understanding how cells behave in various condition can help you better understand how to care for your body. For example, having some background knowledge of Biology will tell you why you get thirsty when you eat salty food (osmosis) or lots of carbohydrates. Understanding Biology can help you be more in-tune to your body and allow you to detect when something is wrong more quickly (ABCD’s of Skin Cancer, Mitosis). That could save your life!

6.) Biology teaches practical skills that you will use daily.

This subject will teach you how to think logically and solve real-world problems. You will undoubtedly have problems to figure out during your lifetime and the strategies developed in this class will help you solve them. The prerequisite skills learned in this class can apply directly to your everyday tasks. For example,…. almost everything that you do!

7.) Helps you understand current events.

This includes news about energy sources, product recalls (salmonella outbreaks), pollution, genetic engineering, bioethics, the environment, and technological advancements. Do you truly comprehend what is going on in the world today? With a fundamental understanding of Biology, you will be a more educated, well rounded citizen.

8.) It is worth observing things and nature and determine how the function.

“Our world is built on biology and once we begin to understand it, it then becomes a technology.”

                                                -Ryan Bethencourt (scientist, entrepreneur, and biohacker)

 Living things have evolved a solution for almost all problems that nature has thrown at them. When we understand how organism are solving problems and solving them human can then harness that “technology” to solve problems of our own like curing disease or finding alternative sources of energy.  Being in-tune to Biology could be very lucrative or better yet solve the worlds problems.

9.) Biology builds interpersonal skills and opens up career options.

Interpersonal skills are crucial to be successful in life and in the workplace. In Biology you will learn how to exercise self-awareness, communicate verbally and nonverbally in a clear manner, be respectful of others, show empathy and understanding, engage in active listening, behave appropriately, and be receptive to feedback.

There are many careers in Biology. The skills that you learn and obtain in this class will be helpful in any career that you choose to partake in. You will be dealing with Biology and those skills, regardless of what career(s) you choose in life.

10.) This is a fun subject if you give it a chance.

When some people think of Biology fun may not be the first thing to come into their mind. However, if you give it a chance and truly dive into and develop an understanding of the language and the concepts of Biology you will develop a deep appreciation and amazement of the course and the world the we live in. Biology is you, understanding you and all that you are is simply amazing. 

#biologyteaching #biologyposter

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technology

5 Easy Ways to Integrate Technology Into Your Biology Classroom

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How to Integrate Technology in a Biology Classroom

I recently surveyed my audience and researched some of the most effective uses of technology for the Biology classroom. Below is a list of some of the easiest and best ways to integrate technology to help enhance your instruction.

Five Easy Ways to Integrate Technology into your Biology Classroom

1. Virtual Field Trip

Technology today is amazing! For only a $15 you can purchase Google Cardboard and instantly have the ability to host virtual field trips and 3D tours of things like the cell or the human body. If you cannot afford to purchase a class set just get enough for a few students and set up stations that your students can rotate through. A great source for Virtual Field Trips is Youtube! Another source is the Expiditions App by Google.

For Youtube, all you need to do is type in your the topic followed by 360 VR . Here is a Human Body 360 VR video!

2. Skype a Scientist

Skype a scientist matches scientists with classrooms of students from around the world. This is a great opportunity for your students to learn about daily life as a scientist. Students sometimes have a hard time seeing themselves in certain careers. This is a great way to get students exposure to some really awesome career and to learn more about what the scientist are doing.

With a quick search you can find a bunch of Biologists, Geneticists, Plant Scientists, Microbiologist, Medical Doctors and so much more!

A quick search result for the term “biology” (https://www.skypeascientist.com/

3. Podcast

Podcasts can introduce a unique way of learning for your students. This is a great way for those auditory learners to engage with meaningful content. Students can listen to podcasts and complete activities like sketch notes, a concept maps, story lines and more.

Some great podcasts for Biology are:

  • Radiolab-Great story telling that includes documentaries, interviews from scientists and authors.
  • The Life Scientific– Host professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to leading scientist about their work and their life.
  • 60 second science– Great for introducing content or even a quick exit. This show gives a short snip of the news and commentary for the day. A great way to start class
  • Brains ON!– kids co-hosts each episode to explore fun science concepts through songs, interviews and mini plays.

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4. Harness Quizzing Apps

Socrative

There are a variety of online program and apps that you can use to enhance student learning that can also save you time. For example, I like to use socrative.com for administering short quizzes about homework, as exit tickets or even warm ups to pre-assess student knowledge.

socrative behind the scenes data collection

Quizlet (My Favorite!)

Quizlet is definitely one of my favorites. I like it so much that I created a Quizlet for every single unit in the High School Biology Curriculum here at USBiologyTeaching.Com

Why do I like it so much?

First, it serves as a vocabulary learning platform for students through a wide variety of activities that they can choose. It also offers quizlet.live where student compete against other groups using vocabulary terms. But that isn’t all. You can also generate quizzes automatically based off the flash cards that you or students created.

Our members love it. If you want to become a member and have access to a Full Biology Curriculum with all of the Quizlets done and become part of the community check it out here: Full Biology Curriculum.

Quizlet live

5. Collaboration

It wasn’t long ago when we had to email a paper or hand a paper back and forth just to add our touches and read each other’s work. Those days are gone. Harness the power of Office 365, Google Docs/Slides so your students can work collaboratively to build reports or conduct research.

I love watching my students create their first lab report collaboratively using Google Docs. It is amazing to see them work through the process together. Check out the lab report rubric and tem1plate is use.

Share your ideas below!

If you think I missed an important easy way to integrate technology share yours ideas in the comments below!

#biologyteaching #teachingwithtechnology

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