Introduction
DNA is considered to hold the secrets of life. Perhaps that was the case at one moment in time but we are witnessing a revolution in how DNA is viewed and how we are able to manipulate it. With modern technologies and expert research, the DNA that once symbolized a mystery to the diversity of life, is being replicated, studied and altered. Genetic engineering is pulling the cloak from the secrets that lie within DNA and allowing academics to become versed in the structure and function of DNA.
Where I Teach
My students live in the small urban city of Emeryville, Ca and surrounding neighborhoods, creating a rather diverse student population. Emery Secondary School is a small high school of approximately 240 students. Based on the most recent published numbers for Emery Secondary School, a majority of students are Black American (66%), Latino (22%), Asian including Middle Eastern (12%). My school's population comes from working class families and nearly 98% of students qualify for free or reduced lunches. English learners are 8% of the population and students with disabilities are 12% of enrollment. The learners in my classes demonstrate a large range of skill level and many of our ambitious young students are not provided the opportunities to explore the capabilities of their minds. I want to incorporate STEM education and project based learning into my curriculum in order to equip my students with tools to succeed in higher education.
What I Teach
I teach Biology to sophomore students who before coming to my class last had science education in the eighth grade. This will be the students first experience in high school level science, therefore I emphasize the use of proper scientific methods while being scientists in my classroom. This course will be held three times a week due to a recently acquired modified block schedule. Two sections will be 90 minutes long and one will be 60 minutes long. I also teach AP Biology to juniors and seniors: I meet with these students four days a week. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for 60 minutes a class. Students must have completed both first year biology and chemistry prior to enrolling in AP Biology. Students who take this course are preparing to take the AP test in Biology.
Class Structure
I use many modalities to educate my students and attempt to make the content as engaging and relatable as possible. Students spend half of their time in class completing activities in which they build, replicate or manipulate topics discussed in class. It is essential that I provide tactile learning for my students to conceptualize the microscopic organisms in biology but also to demonstrate processes. My classroom is designed to be student-led with my facilitation. I spend a considerable amount of time training the students in routines and expectations in the classroom. The purpose is that I equip the students with the tools they need in order to explore in an inquiry based learning environment. This style of teaching is necessary for my unit as will be discussed below.
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