Life Of The School Podcast: The Podcast For Biology Teachers

Life Of The School Episode 105: How do you run a lab during a pandemic? Our Panel this week is Aaron Mathieu from Massachussets, Joining us from Arizona is Tanea Hibler, Joining us from Missouri is Ryan Lacson, and joining us from Texas is Lee Ferguson. We started by asking: Which would you rather be: a pill bug or a Wisconsin Fast Plant? We celebrated our panelist Tanea Hibler for being chosen as on HHMI Ambassador Ryan discussed the focus on PPE with masks, goggles, gloves, as well as social-distancing. Simulations are not a great option due to internet inequities. Lee described the interesting world of Arena Scheduling Tanea shared any great resources including labXchange, PIVOT interactives, and HHMI materials Tanea is also using lots of whiteboard in Google Jamboard too. We talked about how some labs like the osmosis/diffusion lab will be easy to adjust. We talked about how important computer programing is to modern fields of biology. Aaron has been using Jon Darkow’s simulations this year. Aaron is rem

- Our panel this week is Aaron Mathieu from Massachussets, Joining us from Arizona is Tanea Hibler, Joining us from Missouri is Ryan Lacson, and joining us from Texas is Lee Ferguson. - Our silly questions of the episode is: who would win in a fight: honey badger or Plasmodium or a plasmodium slime mold? - Lee shared that her go to labs are the potato osmolarity lab and enzymes labs. - Ryan feels that the “find the e” under the microscope lab worth his time. - Ryan is know for his hot peppers lab safety lab - Tanea, like many of us, is planning week to week. - Aaron only likes to do a lab that works with his Lab Notebook Sections. - Aaron has been doing shows for the last 4 years and has learned from a lot of other teachers. - Cleaning desks between classes is a time suck. - Aaron feels we are doing a lot of hygiene theater - Tanea gave voice to the social-emotional struggle most teachers are facing. - Tanea also pointed out how HHMI BioInteractive is a lifesaver. - Lee feels wet labs in class are highly in

This is the second episode of the podcast as a panel of discussion with Aaron Mathieu, Lee Ferguson, Tanea Hibler, and Ryan Lacson. Show Notes: - We discussed how the office is going to change as a result of the pandemic. - Ryan pointed out the issue of rural internet access. - While not getting bogged down in a conversation about politics, we discussed the origins of Gerrymandering. - We also brought up how the inequities of education are being highlighted by the pandemic. - We had lots of LMS talk. - Lee lamented the fact that she can’t use her 3D Molecular designs models this year. - Lee also discussed the appropriateness of the RockyIV 2020 Meme. - Tanea brought up how teachers are making wills as part of back to school work. - Aaron worries about how the pandemic might be an ACE. - Lee is the queen of the interactive notebook and this year and this year she is going digital with one of her groups. - Ryan is looking forward to trying out NGSS Storylining this year. - Lee is excited to try out Pivot Inter

Show notes: - This is the first episode of the show's new format! The podcast is now a panel of discussion with Aaron Mathieu, Lee Ferguson, Tanea Hibler, and Ryan Lacson. - Lee has recently posted a video of her classroom. - We discussed articles including: - Texas Teachers Consider Leaving The Classroom Over COVID-19 Fears, Houston Public Media - As U.S. Schools Move to Reopen Despite Covid-19, Teachers Threaten to Strike, NY Times - Missouri could see a teacher shortage, educators warn, The Missouri Times - State Board of Education Approves Alternative Route to Obtain Substitute Certificate, MO DESE - We discussed how face shields alone are not enough! - Social Emotional Learning is So Important for Teachers. - Ryan went to school in a hazmat suit. - Aaron, Lee, Tanea, and Ryan are all on twitter. - We would love feedback! DM or Tweet @lifeoftheschool and share your stay/go story. Have you left your school or teaching as a profession? Credits: - Please subscribe to Life Of The School on your

This episode is guest hosted by Tanea Hibler from Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix Arizona. Tanea Interviewed Aaron Mathieu, the typical host of the podcast. Aaron teaches Honors Biology and AP Biology at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School in Acton, Massachusetts. In addition to his classroom teaching, Aaron is the advisor for the BioBuilder Club at ABRHS. This fall, Aaron is beginning his 25th year as a high school teacher. He was named the NABT Outstanding Biology Teacher for the state of Massachusetts in 2015. In 2016, he started the Life of the School Podcast where he interviews life science teachers from around the country about their teaching practices and goals. You can follow Aaron on twitter @MrMathieuTweets. Pick of the Episode: Check out Life of the school this September with Aaron, Tanea, Lee Ferguson and Ryan Lacson! Credits: Please subscribe to Life of the school on your podcast player of choice! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LOTS Music by: https://exmagicians.bandcamp.com/

Bryan Dewsbury is an associate professor of biological sciences at the University of Rhode Island. In addition to teaching Principles of Biology 101, Bryan is the Princple Investigator for the Science Education And Society (SEAS) Research Program. The SEAS Program examines broad questions relating to the delivery and practice of education from kindergarten to doctorate. Bryan earned his Bachelor’s degree at Morehouse College, and a Masters and PhD from Florida International University. You can follow Bryan on twitter @bmdewsbury

Lisa Sequeira is the Science Department Chair and Middle School Science Instructional Coach at Tahanto Regional Middle/High School in Boylston, MA. She has also served as a district mentor for a number of new teachers and hosted student teachers in her classroom. In addition to her leadership work, Lisa also teaches Biology and AP Biology. Lisa is also an Amgen Biotechnology Master Teacher bringing both biotech labs to her students and engaging in professional development with the ABE Massachusetts community. You can follow Lisa on twitter @SequeiraBio

Anu is a Science Teacher at St. Mary’s Academy in Portland, OR where she teaches biology and chemistry. Before moving to Oregon, Anu taught at Westborough High School in Westborough MA, teaching both biology and chemistry. At Westborough, Anu was both the school’s Science Fair Club and Science Olympiad advisor. While in Massachusetts, Anu was an active member of the Amgen Biotech Experience community and was also a member of the teacher development team for LabXchange. You can follow Anu on twitter @Anuopenskies.

Mark Eberhard teaches Biology and AP Biology at St. Clair High School in St. Clair, MI. Next year will be Mark’s 35th year in the classroom, and for the past 25 years Mark has been the St. Clair High Theatre Troupe’s Director of Theatre, leading the school’s theater program. Mark is also the long time advisor of the school’s Student Council. Outside of the classroom, Mark has been an active leader in the Biology teacher community as an Ambassador for HHMI Biointeracitve, working on the writing team for College Board's Pre-AP Biology Course, Facilitating BSCS/NABT Regional Biology Teacher Academies and serving on the Board of Directors for Michigan Association of Biology Teachers (MABT). Mark was recognized as the 2019 Outstanding Biology Teacher Award for the state of Michigan. You follow Mark on Twitter @mark_eberhard

John Maddux teaches biology, ecology, and anatomy & physiology at Festus High School in Festus, MO. John began teaching science at Festus High School during the 2017-2018 school year, where he is working with his department to adapt instruction to meet the expectations of the Next Generation Science Standards. Additionally, He and two colleagues wrote a $25,000 grant to help their school purchase hands-on materials to better align with new Missouri state science standards. John is a Knowles Teaching Fellow in the 2015 cohort.

Hannah is a biology teacher at Denver School of Science and Technology: Montview, in Denver, CO. Before joining DSST, Hannah worked for over a decade in biomedical research labs, from clinical hematology to neuropharmacology. She has also taught collegiate courses in Pharmacology and Molecular Biology. Hannah is the co-coordinator of the recently formed Denver pod of 500 Women Scientists. This is an organization that works to promote diversity, inclusivity, and equity in science. You can follow Hannah on twitter @HathawayPhD.

Aubrey is a Science Teacher at Ottawa Township High School in Ottawa, IL, where she has been teaching since 2017. Since entering the classroom in 2009, she has taught a variety of science courses including 9th grade biology, astronomy, and anatomy & physiology. Aubrey has also been very involved with the online Planting Science Program. Aubrey has presented at both state and national conferences about how to help students explore authentic research using the Planting Science platform and resources. Aubrey shares her thoughts on teaching on her blog “Refuse To Reinvent The Wheel.”

Cara teaches biology, zoology and marine science at North Quincy High School, in Quincy, MA. In addition to her work in the classroom, she also serves as the school adviser for the National Honor Society Chapter at NQHS. Outside of the classroom, Cara has a passion for science. In 2016, she was a PolarTREC Educator on an Antarctic expedition focused on factors limiting photosynthetic diatom growth in the Southern Ocean. Cara was named the 2018 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year and is currently serving as an Educator Ambassador for WGBH/PBS LearningMedia. You can follow Cara on Twitter @MsPekarcik Note this was recorded on March 8, and within a week, felt out of date!

Mike is a biology teacher at Hilton High School in Hilton, NY. Mike has been teaching at Hilton High since 1996, primarily teaching The Living Environment and AP Biology. Outside of the classroom, Mike has been a leader in a variety of teacher professional development forums. On twitter, Mike is frequently involved in many twitter chats including as a moderator of the #tg2chat. Mike is also part of the NY State Master Teacher Program and the Cornell Institute of Biology Teachers. He has presented at numerous conferences and events including NSTA, STANYS (Science Teachers Association of NYS), NYSCATE (NYS Association for Computers and Technologies in Education) and Master Teacher Program state conferences. Mike was the NABT 2019 Outstanding Biology Teacher for the State of New York. You can follow Mike on Twitter @MikeSzczepanik.

Sam is a high school science teacher at Standley Lake High School in Westminster, Colorado. In addition to his work as a science teacher at Standley Lake, Sam is a co-founder of the Colorado Transgender Educators Network and co-creator of the site GenderInclusiveBiology.com. Sam also identifies as an “aspiring astronaut” and was a participant in the 2019 Out Astronaut Contest. Sam writes about his work at sam-long.weebly.com and tweets from @samlong713. NOTE: At the end of the episode, Sam and I briefly checked in to discuss how COVID-19 is impacting our schools. Please listen to the postscript that I added after the music.

Christian is a science teacher at Oak House School in Barcelona, Spain. In addition to teaching secondary science and IB Biology at Oak House School, Christian also organizes the schools annual Science Fair. Chistian works with fellow faculty members leading PD on topics in psychology and pedagogy, focusing on evidence based practice. You can follow Christian on twitter @biogogy.

Ali is a Biology teacher at Niles West High School in Skokie, Il. Ali began working at Niles West in the fall of 2017, was then hired as a science paraprofessional at the school, and was hired as a full time teacher for the fall of 2019. This year he is teaching both biology and honors biology. Ali was also selected as a 2019 Knowles Teaching Fellow. You can follow Ali on Instagram @sayedscience and on twitter @alisayedscience

Gretel is a biology teacher at Skyline High School in Sammamish, WA, Gretel has been teaching at Skyline since 2002 and where she teaches IB Biology I and IB Biology II. Throughout her career Gretel has been recognized for her excellence in teaching through many awards and distinctions. These include earning and renewing her National Board Certification, being a 2010 recipient of the Presidential Scholars Teacher Recognition Award, and in 2013 being selected as the Washington State winner of Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Gretel was also a 2017-2018 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow, spending the year in Washington, DC focusing on federal level science education programs. You can follow Gretel on twitter @vB_ibbio or on instagram @ibbioteacher

Kurt is and AP Biology and Pre AP Biology teacher at Hewitt-Trussville High School in Trussville, AL. Kurt has been teaching biology and environmental science for over 20 years in both private and public schools. He has also worked with very diverse learning needs, including elementary students in a progressive private school, and rural county schools in Alabama. Outside of the classroom, Kurt has worked as an education consultant for A+ College Ready, and has led professional development sessions at both state and national conferences.

Ron Michelotti is a Science Teacher and Lesson Design Coach at Oxford Academy in Cypress, CA. Throughout his career, Ron has taught at several academic levels including Middle School, High School, and Undergraduates. Ron has also presented at district, state, and national science teaching conferences, often focussing on integrating NGSS science practices into the classroom.