This week really blew me away. How creative is that to have students design their own robots, all the while exploring the applications of chemistry and physics to the biological arena. This, to me, is the ultimate lesson. I wish, wish, wish that I could teach my class using the same creative flair we have explored in this unit. One thing I really enjoyed about my robot assignment was the exploration and review of physics phenomena, particulary the REYNOLDS number. I used information that our physics teacher used to teach is AP Physics kids about the the applications of fluid dynamics in the mobility of sperm The video is included in my glossary post and I have also included it here so you can view..It is a riot and a great way to show students how nature obeys the laws of physics!! I used this when I designed my nanobot that will navigate the fluid environment of the human bloodstream:
This week's list of video viewing was outstanding!! Again, all of the laws of physics are revisited and build upon last week's Young's modulus concept and tensile strength exercises. What I am most impressed with in this week's lectures is the connections between biology and specific physics concepts. I know I have said this before but so far, I believe that this course should be a MUST for any teacher pursuing a career in teaching of the biological sciences anywhere between K-12. How cool is that for a student to pair their understanding of the biological arena with the laws of physics. It doesn't get any more concrete than that. I believe all students, early in their childhood, have a better idea of the basic laws of physics than they do about any of the abstracgt chemistry and biology laws (forces, gravity, motion) Pairing the living world with the physical world is a great step in promoting a deeper understanding of how the natural world works.
The following video clip from the optional readings list provides an excellent example of how nature provides examples of the laws of physics working a way that has already worked out "3 billion years" of Research and Development. This video clip is one that I think high school biology instructors might like to share with their physics instructors to perhaps update their knowledge about biology. Perhaps the videos from this week's module could be used as a tool to help high school physics, chemistry and biology instructors to develop a more integrative curriculum. CHECK THIS OUT!!
HOW A FLY FLIES...PROVING THAT THE BEE TRULY OVERCOMES THE FORCES OF GRAVITY!!
The following video clip from the optional readings list provides an excellent example of how nature provides examples of the laws of physics working a way that has already worked out "3 billion years" of Research and Development. This video clip is one that I think high school biology instructors might like to share with their physics instructors to perhaps update their knowledge about biology. Perhaps the videos from this week's module could be used as a tool to help high school physics, chemistry and biology instructors to develop a more integrative curriculum. CHECK THIS OUT!!
HOW A FLY FLIES...PROVING THAT THE BEE TRULY OVERCOMES THE FORCES OF GRAVITY!!
The above video fascinated me. What a nice review of physics for us biology teachers who have not exercised this knowledge base for a long, long time!!
CHECK OUT THIS OTHER LINK ON BATS AND ELASTIC ENERGY...MORE PHYSICS AND LIVING SYTEMS APPLICATIONS!
Great video that explores how energy and forces are utilized by bats in flight. Another excellent pairing of physical laws with animal behavior.
CHECK OUT THIS OTHER LINK ON BATS AND ELASTIC ENERGY...MORE PHYSICS AND LIVING SYTEMS APPLICATIONS!
Great video that explores how energy and forces are utilized by bats in flight. Another excellent pairing of physical laws with animal behavior.