PHOENIX CLASS: Phoenix started this inquiry unit with a head-first dive into anatomy and physiology of the animal kingdom. We learned the basic taxonomic divisions of living organisms and began a comprehensive survey of the nine phylums of the kingdom Animalia. Students learned note-taking skills and put them to use writing down all the things I have to say (and I have a lot to say about biology!) We are in the process of developing a large scientific vocabulary to aid us when reading articles or conducting our own research. So far we have covered the following phylums: Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Annelida, Nematoda, Arthropoda and Mollusca. Within each phylum, we examined the major organ systems and their function as well as notable or unusual features. In addition to lecture material, Phoenix engaged in active reading of articles on biomimicry: technologies inspired by animals. We also watched videos from BBCEarth on jellyfish locomotion, cicadas emerging from hibernation and cuttlefish camouflage. To cap our study of crustaceans we watched and discussed a TED talk on the mantis shrimp, a tiny animal which exerts 200 pounds of hitting force with its front claws. And in Lab, this week Phoenix observed a member of phylum Mollusca: a common garden snail. Live snails were given to each of the students and they had to make anatomical as well as behavioral observations. All snails survived Lab and were returned to their natural habitat (as were the students)!
Posted on: Mon, 15 Jul 2013 18:05:11 +0000