DNS Project Reflection
In the fall of our 2013 semester, our class traveled to the Durango Nature Studies facility to study amphibian populations and look at the cause and affect relationship between Leopard Frogs (native to Colorado) and American Bullfrogs (invasive to Colorado). After visiting the DNS property and studying the native species, our class wrote management plans to help with the capture and execution of the invasive Bullfrogs, which compete for resources with the native Leopard Frog. In addition, we learned how to help natives species thrive in this environment by learning and writing about tactics to promote diversity and stability. This project was very beneficial in helping us learn about biodiversity, and highlighted the importance of a balanced ecosystem in nature. As well as learning about amphibian populations, we tested water quality on the DNS property and took levels of pH, phosphates, and other levels within the water. All of these components helped us learn how to promote a more stable natural habitat, and left each student with a new understanding about the state we live in and the dynamics that affect the course of nature.
Monkey Meal Plan Project
Summary: During the Monkey Meal Plan Project, we investigated the diets of monkeys and chimpanzees, and studied the Primate Rescue Center in Kentucky. After reading about the mission of the PRC, we began creating special meals for monkeys and chimps that have been rescued and also created enrichment activities for them as well. Under certain requirements, we were able to create unique meals for the PRC and also send intriguing enrichment activities that brought a fun twist to the life of the chimps and monkeys. Read my recipe for "Slappin' Tortilla Salad" below.
Lyle's Slappin' Tortilla Salad Supreme
Category: Regular Meal For Chimps and Monkeys
Total Carbs: 305 grams
Total Fats: 165 grams
Total Sugars: 55 grams
Makes: 200 oz/25 cups
Serve In: Cups
Preparation Time: About 20 minutes
Ingredients:
Directions:
Total Carbs: 305 grams
Total Fats: 165 grams
Total Sugars: 55 grams
Makes: 200 oz/25 cups
Serve In: Cups
Preparation Time: About 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 12 cups chopped lettuce
- 4 cups ground soy
- 2 cups chopped baby carrots
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes
- 2 cups chopped cucumbers
- 1 cup sliced avocados
- 1 cup shredded tortilla strips
- 1 cup sunflower seeds (hulled)
Directions:
- Chop lettuce and place in large mixing bowl
- Chop baby carrots, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Put in separate [smaller] containers
- Heat ground soy in microwave until cooked
- Add cooked ground soy to large mixing bowl
- Add chopped baby carrots, tomatoes, and cucumbers into large mixing bowl
- Slice avocados and place in large mixing bowl with other ingredients
- Slice or shred tortillas into small strips, add to large mixing bowl
- Sprinkle hulled sunflower seeds on top of other ingredients
- Stir contents of the mixing bowl until all ingredients are mixed
- Serve in 8 oz cups for chimps and 2 oz cups for monkeys. Enjoy
Meal Plan Part 1
Meal Plan Part 2
Cat Dissection Project
At the beginning of our dissection unit, each group of students was assigned an animal to dissect. The four options for dissection were cat, shark, and fetal pig. My group was assigned a cat for this project, and we spent the first day with our specimen looking at external features including but not limited to the vibrissae (whiskers), papillae (nipples), and nictitating membrane (3rd eyelid). Along with these external features, we also looked at bigger features like fur function and oral anatomy on our specimen. Once we had surveyed the outside of the cat, it was time to dig in (for lack of a better phrase). We began to research muscle structures within our cat after initial dissection, and then subsequently began to look at organs and systems of our specimen. We studied digestive systems, the nervous system, and circulatory systems to gain a better understanding of the biological functions within the body and how they perform in different ways within a cat and in humans. To wrap up this unit, we took a quiz in which one partner recorded the other with a video camera, and each student went through and thoroughly explained each section of the cat and how each part of the body functioned.
CSI Project
For the CSI project, groups were assigned a crime scene to investigate over a period of time. Scene 1 dealt with evidence associated with guns, Scene 2 dealt with evidence associated with skeletal remains, and Scene 3 dealt with evidence associated with tracks/casting. By using blood splatter analysis, bullet trajectory, fingerprinting, DNA processing, blood analysis, and many other methods of identification, groups were able to narrow down possible suspects for the crime, and we were able to determine wether certain cases were a homicides or suicides. After looking at multiple pieces of evidence, each group summarized their information and displayed their information on a poster board for our final exhibition.
The most interesting part of this project for me was looking at the steps of DNA processing. This was interesting for me because I had never done much research into DNA, but seeing the complex tests and results that make up DNA processing showed me how complex each piece of DNA is. Collaborating with my partner, Ellie, was very helpful because when I had any questions or confusion, she was a good resource for me to go to. Along with being able to ask questions, Ellie and I worked very well as a team to accomplish our assignments and complete any tasks we were given. Because I was able to work with a good partner, my level of engagement in this project was very good, and I felt very good about how our final result turned out as a result.
The most interesting part of this project for me was looking at the steps of DNA processing. This was interesting for me because I had never done much research into DNA, but seeing the complex tests and results that make up DNA processing showed me how complex each piece of DNA is. Collaborating with my partner, Ellie, was very helpful because when I had any questions or confusion, she was a good resource for me to go to. Along with being able to ask questions, Ellie and I worked very well as a team to accomplish our assignments and complete any tasks we were given. Because I was able to work with a good partner, my level of engagement in this project was very good, and I felt very good about how our final result turned out as a result.