How to Study for Biology

Bloom's Taxonomy for categorizing level of abstraction of questions that commonly occur in educational settings.

Revised Bloom's Taxonomy - an updated version of the original version above.  Mary Forehand of the University of Georgia provides a nice summary of the two taxonomies and the differences between them.

Team-Based Learning - The Power of Teams for Powerful Learning

Critically reviewing exams in an SI session - Here is an effective way to review exams in SI.  Tell your SI prof that you are going to do this in SI, and ask them to encourage students to come and critically review their exams in SI!

How to do a Concept Map - Instruction and facilitator notes (word file);and Powerpoint slides for introducing concept maps

Round Robin Worksheets - This is great activity to do right before an exam!

Blank SI Session Sign-in Sheet - in case you run out and need one at the last minute. There are also extras in the bottom drawer of the file cabinet outside my office (Rm. 207 SCIC).

SI Evaluation Form - This form will be used by the SI Peer Mentor or SI Supervisor when they come to observe an SI session.

Condensation Rummy - a great activity that helps students learn organic monomers and polymers! Change by Chance: The Role of Chance and Natural Selection in Evolution - this is a fun and interactive simulation of natural selection which works best in SI sessions that have 8 or more students.  Email Dr. Peters for the passwords to get this activity if you want to try it. Latin Roots of Words - These may be help students figure out the meaning of biological terms! Modeling the classic Meselson and Stahl experiment - in the Process of Science folder under the Nature of Science section: Meselson and Stahl developed the experiment that proved the double helix structure of DNA.  The experiment with students uses yarn and a simulated CsCl gradient to display the varying densities of DNA. Making the rate:  Enzyme dynamics using pop-it beads - in the Enzymes folder in the Molecular Biology Section: This activity helps students see chemical reactions at the molecular level.  The class works in groups.  One person is the designated enzyme.  Using pop-it beads, the students will see how changes in substrate concentration will influence enzyme reaction rates.  The activity is timed.  Different manipulations of the beads address enzyme structure and function DNA Fingerprint Simulation: In the Biotech Developments folder of the Bioethics & Biotechnology section - The activity introduces gel electrophoresis.  A crime-like investigation ensues.  The “mystery” is solved as the students analyze the banding patterns that they have created.