What sorts of things determine whether or not something is living? This was our first topic of discussion today in biology. Here I've listed some characteristics of life, in no particular order: 1) comprised of cells; 2) have DNA and RNA; 3) can reproduce (my high school students' favorite subject!); 4) grow and develop; 5) evolve; 6) respond to stimuli - i.e., we sweat to prevent overheating; 7) need water; 8) contain carbon (organic); 9) need a source of energy. There are others, but I will stop here. Tomorrow in class we will be learning about synthetic organic polymers (i.e., polyester, nylon, etc.) and inorganic substances.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
First day of school
Today was the first day of school, which meant going over lots of paperwork and passing out textbooks! Yay! Tomorrow we will be discussing the characteristics of life, so I will keep you "posted".
Friday, August 22, 2008
7 & 1/2 Lifelong Learning Habits
As a teacher, one of my goals is to encourage my students to be lifelong learners. This is not easy since my students are in high school and are more concerned with text messaging and hanging out with their friends. However, they are constantly learning new things whether or not they recognize it.
As a lifelong learner, the hardest habit for me is to have confidence in myself as a competent, effective learner. I have always had to study hard, and I usually need to hear things repeated several times before I understand. My husband can remember something he hears only once, which frustrates me!
The habit that is the easiest for me is to accept responsibility for my own learning. My students will often try to blame me if they do not complete an assignment or do not do well on a test. Most of the time it is because they are not putting forth the effort and accepting resposibility for their own learning. Through educating others, I recognize that I am ultimately the one responsible for what I choose to learn or not learn.
As a lifelong learner, the hardest habit for me is to have confidence in myself as a competent, effective learner. I have always had to study hard, and I usually need to hear things repeated several times before I understand. My husband can remember something he hears only once, which frustrates me!
The habit that is the easiest for me is to accept responsibility for my own learning. My students will often try to blame me if they do not complete an assignment or do not do well on a test. Most of the time it is because they are not putting forth the effort and accepting resposibility for their own learning. Through educating others, I recognize that I am ultimately the one responsible for what I choose to learn or not learn.
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