Matt Lorenz

 This week in lab we started by discussing the previous weeks reading assignment and the key takeaways that we had from responding to the prompts. We talked a lot about how 3 dimensional learning best supports student science learning and how teachers can adapt to teach science using these methods. We also talked about how technology can be used in the science classroom. Specifically, we talked about the benefits and drawbacks that activities like simulations can have. Lastly, we worked on a group activity with the topic of evolution at the forefront. We created a brief children's book that explained an evolution concept and included engaging images. This activity was a lot of fun and I enjoyed seeing everyones final products when they presented.   I think it would be fun to apply this activity in a future science classroom. Students could work in small groups to create a brief children's book about whichever science concept you are studying. With the help of AI, students...

 This week in lab we began by reviewing the previous weeks reading assignment and which NGSS appendix we chose to analyze. I chose Appendix J: Science, Technology, Society, and the Environment because I find interesting to examine the effects that these three factors have on our environment and how we can correct the negative ones. Next, we began discussing natural selection and how it leads to a  predominance of particular traits in a given population. Likewise, some traits can be suppressed if not beneficial to an organism given its environment. To model this concept, we participated in an  activity  using utensils and beans. We were to collect as many beans as possible in the 30 second time window using our given utensil. It became clear that the fork and spoon were the most effective in getting the beans and the offspring adapted to make these traits dominant.  I was able to relate this information and activity to what I already knew about the...

This week in lab we started with checking on our fast plants. They appeared to be worse condition than last week. It will be interesting to see what they will look like in the weeks ahead as the plant continues its life cycle. The main thing we learned about this week was mutations and how they impact proteins. Mutations are alternations in the DNA. The three types of mutations are substitution, insertion and deletion. We did a couple Mutation simulations online and completed the superhero mutation activity to learn more about how the effects of mutations. Mutations are mostly neutral, however, they can be harmful or beneficial for organisms.  I was able to connect this information to what I already knew about adaptation and mutation and the value they can have to organisms evolving. However, I did not know about the encoding of DNA and the various proteins and codons. The simulations and superhero helped me understand the process and how even the smallest of changes can have an im...

 In this weeks lab we started by checking on our fast plants again. Flowers appeared and the plant appears to be towards the end of its lifecycle.  Next, we made a DNA model using Twizzlers, Dots candy and tooth picks. This was a fun and engaging activity to help us better understand the elements that make up a DND strand. Last, we completed a baby face activity by flipping a coin to learn more about trait inheritance. As to be expected our baby girl, inherited many more dominant traits than recessive traits. It was fun to put all these together and attempt to draw the baby's face at the end.  I was able to relate this information to what I already knew about DNA strands and trait inheritance. I remember learning about the general shape of the DNA strand and I feel like the double helix is a major component of science teaching at all ages. Exposing students to this shape early on can give them a solid visual to provide a baseline knowledge that they can build on in t...