Last Worksheet + Survey is Ready!

I just added one more worksheet "Genetics of Organisms" to the Dropbox and I emailed it to all participants as well it is attached. Keep in mind that you do not have to use a lab for which a worksheet is prepared as explained in the "List of Virtual Labs", especially for the AP Biology Weblabs (since they already contain worksheets).

Also, the survey has been ready for some time; please let me know if you need it already (I will only release it to you when you need it). A tip that I did for my own classes: I finished teaching the content for genetics, including genetic engineering and molecular bio techniques (such as PCR, etc.) the way I've normally done it in the past and then I gave only the non-VL classes (the classes that won't be doing the virtual labs) the survey. After that, I actually did virtual labs with both classes except that one had already completed the survey so that they are no longer included in the study. I will then give the survey to the VL classes after they finish all the virtual labs. This way, both classes can have the experience and my planning for these classes is mostly in sync...I'm wondering if any of you are having trouble with this arrangement - please let me know!

Again, thank you so much for your help!

Re: I still did not receive the teacher information sheets from all of you who have originally volunteered to participate so please let me know if you are still participating and whether you need any help.

More virtual labs...

I've written instructor sheets/student worksheets for a couple more labs.  See the dropbox or your email for the attachements for the following virtual labs: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/ and Create a DNA Fingerprint - NOVA

I will be adding two more and then you guys should have at least 9 labs from which to choose (Re: goal is 4-5).  Please let me know if you would like me to make copies of these for each of your participating classes.  You may also choose any virtual lab for which I have not composed a worksheet - just let me know.

Have you started reserving your computer equipment yet?  Also, please don't forget to email me your teacher info. sheets.

Thank you once again for helping to make this study a reality!!!

By the way, I have added the lab write-ups for the transgenic fly lab and bacterial identification virtual labs to the inbox (I've emailed those as well).  More will be coming shortly but remember, you may use any virtual lab related to genetics that you like or may have used in the past; I just ask that you clear it with me so that I can ensure that all virtual labs will be somewhat equivalent in quality.  Thanks!!!!!!

See the following video clip to show your students in order to introduce the study: Oser study (about 2 minutes long)
This video clip is also available in the dropbox if you don't have access to the internet in your classrooms.

A working vacation - how nice!  I am enjoying the sunshine, albeit cool weather in Maimi.  Today I meet with my professor and tell him about how wonderfully responsive you all were to my study.  Then, tonight I go to the graduation ceremony of 5 new PhDs from my program and I get to meet all the authors I've been citing - "Oh, nice to meet you Lightburn, 2007, etc..."  In any case, I hope to be finished with writing up worksheets/lesson plans for 8 virtual labs by the end of this vacation (Thurs.) so that it should be ready for your use soon!

Also, I've put a newer version of the consent from in the dropbox - for those of you that have already printed and distributed these forms, don't worry, there isn't much of a difference (just stick with what you have) - I only decided to do this  to save on postage for those of you to whom I need to send the forms so, I've combined the student and parent form into one form.

Take care & if you have vacation this week, enjoy!

More FAQs...

Are we limited to only virtual labs on the list?
You're not limited to those VLs but please do send me the link of the ones you suggest first so I can preview and make sure that it is somewhat equivalent to the others in quality...

Some FAQs (asked by a participating teacher)

1) What should the other half of my kids be doing while the virtual labs are being conducted? Whatever we are studying at the time? - Right, for the half of classes that do not use virtual labs (VL), just continue teaching as you normally would (so your VL classes might be a bit behind the non-VL classes, but after the survey, you can have your non-VL classes also do the lab for your own purposes to keep grading uniform between classes but you will be finished participating in my study by that time).

2) And, how long are the labs? Can I do a couple in one block or should they be spread out? - Each lab is about one-period (45min.) long...I wouldn't do too many at once or too close together as it may cause overkill and end up boring them!  How and when you do each lab is up to you - the goal is just to try to complete 4-5 by June (I'll have the lesson plans to go along with the labs ready by the end of Feb., but the list of labs to preview is in the dropbox) 

3) Oh and how do I decide who will do the virtual labs and who won't? - Ideally, the classes should be somewhat comparative in nature, but if you fill out the 'teacher info. sheet' and describe your classes to me, I can suggest which group each class should be in...of course, you should do what works best for you in the end!