PaytonKonekScienceMethods

  1.) This week in class, we focused on learning about natural selection. Natural selection is the process in which organisms adapt and change in order to survive. As a result of natural selection, the frequency with which certain traits appear in a population as a whole changes. In order to learn about natural selection, we completed a few simulations. In the predator/prey simulation, our table groups were given different utensils to help us capture the most beans in 30-second intervals. The different utensils represented different traits. Each round, the person who captured the fewest beans switched their utensils (adaption) to allow them to be more successful in future rounds. This activity made it apparent how some traits are more favorable than others in terms of survival. This idea was also apparent in the rabbit and moth simulations.  2.) Before class this week, I remember learning about natural selection. I thought that I had a good understanding of the topic, which I ...

  Week 8:  1.) We began the lab this week by checking in on our fast plants. I was honestly surprised to see that Avery and I’s plant were still hanging on. After how badly it was doing last week, I thought that it was for sure a goner. Then we discussed our reading assignment that was due on Sunday over the 5E Model. One of the challenges to implementing the 5E model for preservice teachers is that they may feel contrained over time. There are 5 components to the 5E model, and it can seem like a loaded task to fit all components of the model into a normal lesson timeframe. In order to overcome this challenge and others, it is recommended that pre-service teachers collaborate with colleagues and work on professional development. It is also important to have a good understanding of the 5E model. Finally, we did a worksheet on mutations. There are three different types of mutations: deletion, insertion, and substitution. In the example of subsitution on the worksheet, the phenot...

  Week 7:  1.)  This week in the lab, we started by checking in on our fast plants. Our plant isn't doing too well and is barely hanging on. I'm scared to see what he looks like next week. Next, we discussed our reading on rubrics. Some of the pros of rubrics that we discussed were that they help teachers track students learning progression and identify areas of struggle. This will help the teacher make considerations to meet the needs of their students in future lessons. Then we continued our learning on DNA. We discussed the three proponents of protein synthesis, which are replication, transcription, and then translation. We then talked about the base proteins in DNA: adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine. Making DNA strands out of candy helped us visualize their structure. Finally, we completed a lab where we flipped a coin to determine the traits of a baby, which helped us learn about phenotypes and genotypes.    3.) For the most part, I already had an ...