So this week we have started discussing the principles of evolution in class. How ironic is that? This year is the 150th anniversary of Darwin's publication, Origin of Species (1859) and what would have been Darwin's 200th birthday. I always am excited about teaching the concepts of evolution, and always amazed at the reactions of my students. Most of my students after reading Darwin's 5 principles of Natural Selection, seem to say "Oh, so what's the big fuss all about, anyway?"
Teaching evolution also means we discuss several types of evolution or selection. Sexual selection is always their favorite topic. This is highly expected since I have a classroom loaded with teenagers between the ages of 16-18. I'm also excited to see their enthusiasm in a topic. One student said they couldn't wait until their quiz on the topic, because it was so interesting. That did however, surprise me.
On the topic of Batesian and Mullerian Mimicry, I too have learned about what the kids have been exposed to while growing up. We were discussing how King snakes and Coral snakes are a wonderful display of Batesian Mimicry to each other. One student had heard a tale that if you cut a coral snakes head off, and leave the snake unattended, it will reattach its head.....before dark. I guess once night falls, just like Cinderella's coach turns into a pumpkin, it'd be too late. It's got to finish the process in daylight hours. Even though this is all non-sense with the snake performing an amazing head reattachment on itself, it reminded me how much I love teaching. Each year, kids teach me just as much as I teach them. I learn how they may see the world through their eyes, in this world that is ever changing, and evolving, my kids each year are the same age range, but I'm getting older.
Their beliefs I don't care to change, and that is never my goal. But on the topic of Evolution, I just hope to open their minds to a point of view they may not yet have been fully exposed. And they better open their minds, because it is a large chunk of the AP Biology exam :)
I'm sure, this Thursday Feb 12th when we celebrate Darwin's 200th Birthday with some cake, all of their minds will be open. At least, I know their mouths will. No one turns down free cake.
Sleep, Sweet Sister
12 years ago
I remember that fun sexual evolution lecture! It certainly is the best kind ;) I'm curently in my second class involving vertebrate evolution/comparative anatomy-just can't get away from the stuff! I just thought I'd let you know I'm a creepy stalker that you haven't talked to in forever, but who is sharing in your vet school strife as I still await hearing from UF and UTN... I did have an interview at tufts last week though, so that is at least heartening. I hope all is well! Let me know how things are going for you!
ReplyDelete~Cat Kang