The Synapse

About this site

A SYNAPSE is a minute gap between nerve cells which transmits crucial information through the nervous system. The goal of this network is to perform a similar "synaptic" function between biology instructors of all levels and locations.

Step one in participation within The Synapse: read & explore. Step two: share. Be a resource. Help to create a synapse that communicates in both directions!

Enjoy...

Latest Activity

Sean Nash left a comment for Abigail Fischer

on Thursday

Colin Matheson replied to David Knuffke's discussion 'Google Wave Group for AP Biology'

Hi David. I got a wave invite but I haven't messed around too much (the big public teacher waves all crashed for me). I will give it another go.

on Wednesday

Colin Matheson left a comment for Abigail Fischer

on Wednesday

Abigail Fischer updated their profile

on Tuesday

Abigail Fischer is now a member of The Synapse

Welcome Them!

on Tuesday

David Knuffke added a discussion

Google Wave Group for AP Biology

Hi folks, Anyone lucky enough to get an invite to google wave can find the AP Biology Teacher Wave and join. To make things easy, it's a public wave. Search for "with:public AP Biology" (no quotes) and that should get you there. Perhaps a Synaps...

on Monday

There are 316 members on The Synapse

November 15

Sean Nash left a comment for Michelle Lee

November 15

Laura Ricker replied to Donna Browne's discussion 'Teaching A and P in the High school' in the group High school Anatomy and Physiology

Yes, I'm in West Virginia.

November 14

Donna Browne replied to Donna Browne's discussion 'Teaching A and P in the High school' in the group High school Anatomy and Physiology

Are you in the US?

November 14

Laura Ricker replied to Donna Browne's discussion 'Teaching A and P in the High school' in the group High school Anatomy and Physiology

Think I'm doing alright at the moment as far as course content goes. I'm taking a lot of the material that I was using with my general anatomy students in previous years and just adding material to it to bring in more physiology. Maybe could use s...

November 14

Donna Browne replied to Donna Browne's discussion 'Teaching A and P in the High school' in the group High school Anatomy and Physiology

Anything I can help you with?

November 13

Laura Ricker replied to Donna Browne's discussion 'Teaching A and P in the High school' in the group High school Anatomy and Physiology

Hi, This is my 4th year teaching and my 1st year teaching Anatomy and Physiology. Although the past 3 years I was teaching a general Human Anatomy course, so it is not a completely new topic for me.

November 13

Colin Matheson replied to Colin Matheson's discussion 'In Defense of Facts/Is Biology Different Than Other Subjects?'

Thanks for your reply. I hear you on the facts can help you save time on research. I did a pilot study on the effect of UV on bleaching in sea anemones. It turns out that I didn't let the little Cnidarians acclimate long enough to the water temper...

November 13

Colin Matheson left a comment for Michelle Lee

November 13

Michelle Lee joined Erin Nash's group

Environmental Science

A place to interact and connect with others who are interested in the field of Environmental Science. Image Attributes: Image: 'The Oil Planet' www.flickr.com/photos/18583731@N07/2731049453

November 11

Michelle Lee joined Sean Nash's group

Marine Biology

Here's hoping that we can establish some serious ties to folks on or near our coasts (or not) who teach some type of Marine Biology course.

November 11

Michelle Lee joined Cassandra Wallace's group

IB Biology

Looking for a place to exchange ideas and tips for those teaching IB Biology HL and SL

November 11

Michelle Lee joined Elissa Hoffman's group

AP Biology

As my students sighed the other day when I assigned yet another reading, "The AP doesn't stand for "Awesome Party", does it?" Nope. But it's a great class anyway!

November 11

Michelle Lee is now a member of The Synapse

Welcome Them!

November 11

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Groups

High school Anatomy an...

5 members
Environmental Science

19 members
Marine Biology

21 members
IB Biology

9 members
AP Biology

68 members

General Biology

75 members
Chemistry Land

16 members
Zoology

17 members
Molecular Visions

19 members
Fervent Evolution Disc...

31 members

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Admin by committee

The Synapse is a collaborative effort originating from a discussion in the Twittersphere between biology instructors of many levels. On that day, it was decided that we needed a central place to meet, share and support one another from afar. Collaborating to facilitate and support this site are:
Debra Garcia
Colin Matheson
Stacy Baker
Elissa Hoffman
Glen Westbroek
Michael Doyle
Erin Nash
Sean Nash
If you have questions or concerns about something on the site, feel free to contact any of us directly via the link provided.

Forum

Google Wave Group for AP Biology 1 Reply

Hi folks, Anyone lucky enough to get an invite to google wave can find the AP Biology Teacher Wave and join. To make things easy, it's a public wave. Search for "with:public AP Biology" (no quotes...

Tagged: Biology, AP, wave, google

Started by David Knuffke in Things to Share. Last reply by Colin Matheson Nov 18.

In Defense of Facts/Is Biology Different Than Other Subjects? 2 Replies

I often participate in the weekly Tuesday night #edchat hash tag discussion on twitter. This week the discussion was about differentiation. Good stuff. I tend to be fairly progressive about educati...

Tagged: constructivism, pedagogy, concepts, facts

Started by Colin Matheson in Current Issues in Biology. Last reply by Colin Matheson Nov 13.

THE SYNAPSE on "DELICIOUS" 9 Replies

We DO need a repository of solid, reviewed (at least tagged) web links. Let's give this a try: I have created an account at del.icio.us for The Synapse. The main account page is found here. If you...

Tagged: reference, online, Internet, resources, bookmarking

Started by Sean Nash in Current Issues in Biology. Last reply by Gwen Noda Nov 10.

Teaching Science Methods 3 Replies

Hi. I come to science teaching from a research background, not an education background, so one thing I struggle with is how to teach the practice of science that to me is second nature. Does anyone...

Tagged: skills, methods, pedagogy

Started by Tamar Cunha in Information Requests. Last reply by Gwen Noda Nov 4.

Teach Marinie Bio Instead of Bio!

Here in Los Angeles, a bunch of high school teachers came to me and basically said, 'we want to teach marine biology instead of biology, so that the kids don't have to wait until 12th grade to take...

Tagged: science, standards, california, lessons, biology

Started by Gwen Noda in Collaborative Mini-Projects Oct 29.

Michael Pollan's "In Defense of Food" 3 Replies

(lifted from) .......discuss: ;-)

Tagged: diet, pollan, nutrition, food, wholefoods

Started by Sean Nash in Current Issues in Biology. Last reply by Gwen Noda Oct 27.

Interested in a book club? 7 Replies

Is anyone interested in a book club? If so, I'll start a group. But we should pick a book first (if anyone is even interested). My dad just sent me Evolution: The First Four Billion Years. It would...

Tagged: club, book

Started by David Knuffke in Collaborative Mini-Projects. Last reply by Gwen Noda Oct 27.

What does The Synapse do for you? 2 Replies

I am going to be sharing The Synapse with a bunch of science teachers this week. Any one have any feedback about what they have gained from the synapse. Or for new members what you hope to gain fro...

Tagged: pln

Started by Colin Matheson in Information Requests. Last reply by Jason Braun Oct 26.

Prezi- Something a little different for presentations. 8 Replies

Hey Techie folks, I just started using prezi, a presentation alternative to Powerpoint that is available for free on-line. It takes a little getting used to, but it's pretty cool. You can see the ...

Tagged: freeware, slideware, prezi

Started by David Knuffke in Things to Share. Last reply by Nadine Dickinson Oct 15.

Biology activities that boys like 4 Replies

So, I have a group of 9th graders this year that is made up of about 2/3 boys. And they are very, very rowdy. I try to use a wide variety of approches during the school year, but I'm used to having...

Started by Stacy Baker in Things to Share. Last reply by Susan Berrend Oct 4.

Classroom Pictures 3 Replies

Hi All, I was just curious if anyone would be willing to share pictures of their classrooms. I am in a new classroom with a blank slate and I am trying to get some ideas of how to set it up. If any...

Started by Jason Braun in Current Issues in Biology. Last reply by Sean Nash Sep 18.

Science Periodicals Recommendations 2 Replies

First, I'm interested in personally subscribing to a scientific periodical that will keep me up-to-date on the latest and best science news. I'm curious to know which ones come highly recommended b...

Tagged: periodicals

Started by Rachel Tourais in Information Requests. Last reply by Anne Heise Sep 16.

Video Contest 1 Reply

NOVA is sponsoring an open 3 minute video contest for people to share their perspective on "What is life" http://lab.wgbh.org/open-call/nova/evolution

Started by Colin Matheson in Things to Share. Last reply by Debra Garcia Sep 14.

Looking for activities about the genetics of "race" 15 Replies

So every year I bring up the topic of race and how there really isn't such a thing as race to geneticists. That differences found in groups of people are merely adaptations to different environment...

Tagged: genetics, race

Started by Stacy Baker in Things to Share. Last reply by Donna Browne Sep 8.

Field Studies / Biological Field Trips 4 Replies

I know there are a lot of schools out there which are fortunate enough to take trips with their students. I'd love to take my Wisconsin-born and -bred students somewhere to make connections beyond ...

Tagged: ecology, biology, students, trips, studies

Started by Elissa Hoffman in Information Requests. Last reply by Debra Garcia Sep 5.

Ads 10 Replies

Just a quick question. I am setting up a Ning account for this upcoming school year and I do not know if I can get rid of the ads on the side. I see on this site there are none. Do you have to pay ...

Started by Jason Braun in Current Issues in Biology. Last reply by Debra Garcia Sep 5.

PhD - EdD - MA 5 Replies

I was wondering if anyone in here has a PhD in science education, an EdD or a Masters in administration. I have been going back and forth with which degree to pursue and I just wanted to know if an...

Started by Jason Braun in Current Issues in Biology. Last reply by Jason Braun Sep 3.

Physics and Chemistry teachers needed

If there is anyone out there who also teaches Physics, Chemistry or Middle School Physical Science, there is a new network just for you... Molecular Forces ning. We are looking for members and peop...

Started by Marta Toran in Current Issues in Biology Aug 15.

Dr. Brian Naughton and Chia Hwu of personal genome company, 23andMe

PD Talk Live welcomes Dr. Brian Naughton and Chia Hwu of personal genome company, 23andMe, to discuss and demystify the genetics of Parkinson's Disease http://budurl.com/parkinsons813

Started by Amy Domestico in Current Issues in Biology Aug 13.

Graphics

This may be a stupid question, but I am beginning to set up a Ning for the upcoming school year, and I was wondering how you got the logo for "The Synapse" at the top? If anyone knows how, it would...

Started by Jason Braun in Current Issues in Biology Aug 7.

Blog Posts

Science Content Day

Today my district had a professional development day focused on content areas. We had 120 science teachers at my building. They really enjoyed the opportunities provided. In the morning, we had an opening session followed by three breakout sessions. Teachers selected three sessions to attend. The choices were:

Creating Class Web Pages

Designing Online Surveys

Digital Lab Reports

Emergency Lesson Plans

Google Docs for collaboration

Inter

… Continue

Posted by Glen Westbroek on October 5, 2009 at 7:38pm — 2 Comments

Looking for ways to engage students

One of the requirements in my state core for science is for students to identify predators and prey. In the past, we've read from our textbook or done a game relating to predators and prey. While these both met the state core requirement it has not "engaged" my students in a way I've enjoyed. This year, I looked at possible online tools that could be used for this core requirement. I decided to use Motivator from… Continue

Posted by Glen Westbroek on October 4, 2009 at 5:29pm

The End of The Line

The problem
According to… Continue

Posted by Sean Nash on October 2, 2009 at 12:00pm

From Day One: Information Literacy In The Biology Classroom

I believe information literacy is the responsibility of all content teachers. The following piece is a bit about how I tend to kick off a new year, and how to easily aim at info literacy from very early on.

As I have spewed onto the blog before, I do not like to go shy into the… Continue

Posted by Sean Nash on September 3, 2009 at 3:00pm

Trophic Levels and Energy Transfer

Today’s objective dealt with understanding the 10% rule of energy transfer between trophic levels.

I used four student volunteers. They represented Producer, Herbivore, Carnivore, and Scavenger.

Started with 1 liter of RootBeer in LARGE Graduated Cylinder. Poured out 100ml for first student (producer). Removed 10 ml from this for second student (herbivore). Took 1 ml out for third student (carnivore). FInally removed 0.1 ml using a pipette for fourth student (scavenger).

Poured Root Beer from… Continue

Posted by Glen Westbroek on August 28, 2009 at 10:30pm — 10 Comments

Reading Into Genetics

As a Biology teacher with dual certification in Communication Arts, I feel th… Continue

Posted by Erin Nash on August 7, 2009 at 9:35pm

What will you do differently with students next year?

After attending NECC 09 in Washington D.C. I determined to consider my next year’s teaching. In the process, I realized there were some changes I wished to make in how I work with my students. Perhaps the most important of my changes is a desire to allow students to choose the most appropriate tool to use when doing an assignment. As I thought about it, I realized I wanted to see what others might consider important as well. I posted the following on Twitter:
What will you do differently w/ stud… Continue

Posted by Glen Westbroek on July 10, 2009 at 4:54pm — 10 Comments

Spheres of Influence

How fun is this?

Three years ago I moved into a position of instructional coach for my building. The majority of my days are now spent as a content-generalist coach focused on helping teachers improve pedagogical skills. Our opt-in model keeps the conversation f… Continue

Posted by Sean Nash on July 5, 2009 at 10:38pm — 3 Comments

West coastie

Ok - I live on the water - literally - in a house boat on Puget Sound - I also teach Marine Bio - so you wanted a coastie - how can I be of service?

Posted by Michelle Whittaker on May 22, 2009 at 4:15pm

Get your students involved in this... name a new jelly!

Perhaps this is a good "final week" mini-lesson? =>

Toss in your two cents to the official naming contest for the Bonaire Box Jellyfish. Come on, you know you love Latin.

I received a message about this a day or so ago on a marine science listserv. Go… Continue

Posted by Sean Nash on May 18, 2009 at 9:00am

Compare & Contrast: With regard to what?

Student comparison diagram of the anatomy, physiology and inferred behavioral characteristics of both a crayfish and a grasshopper.

Here's one that will make sense to a biology instructor of any flavor. Since structure & function is such a hug… Continue

Posted by Sean Nash on May 18, 2009 at 8:29am

Ready To Set Sail!

Just in time... guest bloggers!

We are less than a day away from our Marine Biology class field study on Andros Island in the Bahamas. I am still waiting for students to come in to weigh t… Continue

Posted by Sean Nash on April 2, 2009 at 5:30pm

Tree-Dwelling Octopuses Prompt Media Literacy Discussion

What do the concepts of biology, media literacy, and April Fool's Day have in common? Potentially... quite a bit, in fact. Actually, it seems cephalopods of all sorts have been getting my attention as of late.

Today's lesson in Principles of Biology was essentially: pay attention.… Continue

Posted by Sean Nash on April 1, 2009 at 2:48pm — 1 Comment

A Synthesis Blogging Whitman

Dare I say, "trust me?" You'll have to visit this one to see how the topic of "evolution" mentioned within the text of Whitman's Leaves of Grass led me to post this article here. Evolution & Literature, yum.......

… Continue

Posted by Sean Nash on March 23, 2009 at 10:40am

The Octopus Gets Due Respect

My last post was a highlight of a train wreck of a children's book. If you know me, you know that I don't like to dwell long on things negative. And thus- this post was published.

Regardless of your take on The Septapus, I have felt the need for a review of a real… Continue

Posted by Sean Nash on March 21, 2009 at 7:38pm

Inquiry Introduction to Probability

One of my favorite activities to do with 7th grade science students is to allow them to explore probability as we begin our unit on Genetics. I'm constantly reminded that they often view three possibilities as being equally possible. I determined to use inquiry as a method to help them see the relationships that exist with two factors. This activity uses coins (or poker chips having sides labeled as "heads and tails." When we finish the first day, students have data from their class, but not oth… Continue

Posted by Glen Westbroek on March 9, 2009 at 7:56pm — 1 Comment

Attack of the Septapus -or- Why are you doing this to my kid?

Fuel
(I thought that perhaps a few of the bio geeks here would get a kick out of this one.)

Lately, my students and I have been studying not only the effectiveness of biological illustrations, but also the efficacy of their own illustrations to personally enhance th… Continue

Posted by Sean Nash on March 9, 2009 at 12:21am — 3 Comments

The Power of Visualization?

I think the TPACK framework is one of the most influential things I have learned about/grappled with this past year. As an instructional coach in the middle of an educational technology implementation, this is one piece I have relied on heavily for personal focus and planning.

… Continue

Posted by Sean Nash on March 5, 2009 at 5:00pm

Peeing Egg Lab

Students began the Peeing Egg lab during class today. This is the first of three days we will do this lab. We will wait at least 2 days between each part of the lab to ensure as much success as possible. A major part of my lab design is to get students thinking. I also allow the students to determine what solute they want to use for the last part of the experiment. Yes, each group gets two eggs and has a control egg that is soaked in water versus another egg that is soaked in a solution of water… Continue

Posted by Glen Westbroek on February 27, 2009 at 4:46pm

Web 2.0 Science Presentation Handouts

I was asked to provide my handouts from the presentation "Top 10 Internet Sites for teaching 21st Century Skills." The first handout is an overview of 21st Century NETS for students and teachers. As my state as not adopted 21st Century Skills, I wanted to highlight these.… Continue

Posted by Glen Westbroek on February 22, 2009 at 11:28am

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