Lafayette Biology with Ms. Snell
Volume One
Welcome families of students!
This month in class we...
Learned how to use a microscope!
Explored the properties of water that make life possible!
Discovered how cells move materials across membranes!
Problem-Based Learning: What Is It and What Does It Mean for Your Student?
Studies have shown that using PBL can increase student learning and success on tests. In one study, a group of 10th grade biology students were taught using PBL, while another group was taught using typical lectures. Both groups were tested. On average, the students taught with PBL scored 12% higher than the students who were taught with lectures (Sungar et al, 2006). PBL is great for other reasons. In PBL lessons, students often play roles and must learn to work together and communicate with each other. PBL can make learning exciting and lets students explore a concept with hands-on materials.
This year, I will be using PBL to introduce some of the more complex class material to my students. In fact, we have already worked through one problem together! To learn how cells use membranes to keep themselves in balance, I asked students to come up with a way to treat kidney failure. Students began by researching what kidneys do, and what they have in common with cell membranes. They used a series of lab tests to create an artificial cell membrane that acts like a real one. Using this fake membrane, students were able to conclude that people with kidney failure needed to run their blood through a fake "kidney". Like the membrane they made, a fake kidney could be used to get toxins and water out of the blood. The treatment that they were able to design is actually dialysis, the most common treatment for kidney failure. It took scientists hundreds of years to come up with this solution. It took my students three days!
Citation: Sungur, S., Tekkaya, C., & Geban, O. (January 01, 2006). Improving Achievement through Problem-Based Learning. Journal of Biological Education, 40, 4, 155-160.
Upcoming Events!
Giving back to the environment: Adopt-a-highway
Saturday, Mar 29, 2014, 01:00 PM
Lafayette High School, Longhill Road, Williamsburg, VA, United States
Lafayette High School Science Fair
Saturday, May 10, 2014, 09:00 AM
Lafayette High School, Longhill Road, Williamsburg, VA, United States
Big News in Biology
Student Shoutouts!
Come see Tori Campbell and Kiara Williams perform "Noises Off!" with the drama club next Friday at 6pm!
Congratulations to Alicia Waters (pictured right) for earning third place at Lafayette High School's Art Show!
Come out to Lafayette's Sports Banquet Friday, March 14th at 5pm to support Michael Corbin (football), Juan Diaz (soccer), Joshua Timber (football), Ja'Quan Peterson (football), and Andrew Thompson (lacrosse)!
Contact Information
Email: misnell@email.wm.edu
Website: http://www.edline.net/pages/Lafayette_High_School
Location: Room 305, Lafayette High School
Phone: 571-488-4158