1a6 Resources – biotas

Guide 1A Discovery

Resources

Additional activities, a behind-the-scenes gallery, recommended books, and more.

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About this Guide

Here we go!

Mark and I are really excited BI 101 is underway. We have been teaching online lab courses for four years and we now know taking biology online has some big advantages related to student success. More people have stayed with us through the entire term (very few drops or withdrawals), turned in more assignments (the majority of students have turned everything in!), and the final portfolio projects have been inspiring. And that has primarily been during the disruption of the pandemic. We have really enjoyed updating and teaching online and believe this will be the best BI 101 yet. Here we go!

Lesley

Behind-the-Scenes

Final Portfolio Idea

Select an outcome from the course outcomes list and take photos around that theme. These photos are all of tide pool organisms that are Precarious, almost too exposed to sunlight and foot traffic to survive until the tide returns. This could fit under different concept outcomes, including prediction (science concepts), homeostasis/balance (general biology concepts) or human impacts (environmental biology concepts). To make your final Portfolio work substantial, include labels or a short narrative about your thoughts so you can reflect back on your work in the future.

Children’s books sometimes have of the best illustrator-author combinations, packed with accessible information. Textbooks on the other hand, have been repeating many of the same two-dimensional low-color images for decades. Plus, if you can involve younger family members in “generational learning” it can be time and money well spent.

Sometimes inspiration comes from unusual sources. I avoided history at all costs growing up, but was fascinated by Humboldt while taking baccalaureate core history of science course. The professor eventually became my adviser. Of all of my undergraduate courses, the ones outside my major ended up being the most valuable to this day.

Best Weather

Everyone wants to head to the beach in the sunshine, but for photography and video, the lighting on a foggy day can be excellent. Plus you have the place to yourself.

Building Perspective

If you return to the same location repeatedly, see if you can observe something new each time, possibly by changing position, using a wider range of senses, or just sitting quietly waiting for animals to unfurl.

Field Site

If you are repeatedly visiting a field site, find a nearby location with a clean restroom, water source, and possibly food as well. When we do estuary work, the Dairy Queen in Toledo, Oregon is a favorite stop.

Get the Gear

If you tend to inadvertently walk on sharp objects at the beach, rubber-soled lace-up sock-shoes are relatively inexpensive online. Get a pair with a rubber toe guard if you can, as well as a quick-release toggle in case your hands are cold.

Recommended Books (bee edition)

There are many quality beekeeping books, supplement with support from a local club.

This entire series is packed with engaging illustrations and interesting information for different aged readers.

It is hard to go wrong with a DK book, and this one is packed with illustrations.

Build a Library

Whether its digital or print, collect resources that assist in exploring, describing, and explaining the natural world.

Discovery Product Page

Complete this guide’s products before advancing on to the next guide

Discovery Products