Subject: Curriculum - Biology (Burke)

Posted by Steve Kipp on 12/7/2005
In Reply To:Curriculum - Biology (Burke) Posted by John Heinbokel on 12/7/2004

Message:

Dan & John-
I've read your exchange with interest, as I am currently teaching high school biology and physical science part time after a stint as a full time Waters Foundation Systems Thinking mentor. I previously taught middle school "life science", so I am doing a lot of adjusting to A)high school B) nearly inner city conditions C)having my own students again D)without a classroom (teaching labs as a floater....) E)two new subjects new classes, esp physical science, where I am reading up a few days ahead of the kids! BUT, I do have some ST/SD experience and am currently teaching similar academically challenged minority kids.

As a mentor, much of my work was in language arts, but I did adapt several lessons for high school bio, two or three of which use STELLA simulations. I can't promise lots and lots of time spent on this (I am also still a part time Systems mentor to local teachers, many of whom are elem or middle level), but I might have a couple of ideas to share. And I can very well give feedback as to how well academically challenged kids will do with any new stuff, we keep things VERY basic at Brunswick High. I do share your goal that these kids do well on their standardized tests, but they are so damaged, they need small, clear bites of things to get going....

Steve Kipp