Multi-Dimensional Metaphorical Analysis

EXERCISE

General Biology I

 

The purpose of this exercise is for you to demonstrate your understanding of one of the major concepts of General Biology I. You will work in teams of 2 to 4 persons on a multi-dimensional presentation (at least two-dimensions i.e. a poster, or a 3-D mobile or a play, dance...). There will be approximately 30 minutes in-class preparation and practice time. There will be 15-20 minutes presentations by each group where they relate the concepts of their assigned biochemical event to a more familiar similar concept. I anticipate that through preparing and participating in a metaphorical presentation of one particular concept or major themes in Biology your knowledge will increase as will your learning skills.


Each group of 2 to 4 students will choose one of the following topics and develop a metaphorical presentation demonstrating the critical concept. The sign up sheet is on the back door. Topics will be chosen on a first-come- first chosen option. Each group will lead a 15-20 minute presentation of their topic to the class, in the following order:

 

TOPIC OPTIONS

Biological Membranes--structure and function (include cell signaling)

Thermodynamics- principles & concepts

Glycolysis

Krebs Cycle

Electron transport chain-Oxidative phosphorylation

Harvesting and Using Light Energy

The Cell Cycle including mitosis

Sexual reproduction- meiosis

Central Dogma (from Gene to Protein)


Once your group chooses your topic, see me and I’ll help you brainstorm on ideas!


Recall that although this in-class activity requires that you demonstrate an understanding of only ONE key concept, an outcome of this class requires that you demonstrate a basic understanding of all of them! Consider organizing study group activities in a similar manner if you find this sort of activity particularly helpful.

EVALUATION of

Multi-Dimensional Metaphorical Analysis



Name _____________________________ TOPIC _______________________


ATTACH THIS SHEET TO THE TOP OF YOUR EVALUATION. Initial beside each number indicating all aspects are included.

Questions to address when preparing the activity and to include in the evaluation:

  1. What aspects of the concepts were made clearer to you as a result of this exercise? How and why?

  2. What was the beneficial and detrimental aspect of the group presentations that influenced your understanding of the concepts? Why?

  3. How much did each members of the group participate in the process and how productive was their participation? What actions occurred that influenced participation by group members?

  4. How can teams better take advantage of the different skill and interests of its members while preparing team projects?

  5. What University student-learning goals were met as a result of this exercise?


Each participant will be evaluated based upon the following criteria:

  1. (25%) The preparation of the presentation itself and the teamwork used to produce it. How well developed was you idea at this time? Does it demonstrate the concept? How well were responsibilities for the assignment delegated? Did all members actively and productively participate? Part of these points will be awarded based on my perception of the process and part based on you and your peers' evaluation as described in the written part of the assignment.

  2. (50%) The presentation of the metaphor to the class. How well did the presentation demonstrate the process in an understandable way? Were all members actively participating in some aspect of the presentation? (This does not mean that all must present, but that all must have played a role- if there is a shy one in the group- they may play the role of organizing the presentation to be sure all key components are included and well described). Recall that part of your grade will be based on my assessment and part will be based on your and your peers assessment.

  3. (25%) An evaluation of the effectiveness of this exercise in helping you learns the key concepts in General Biology I.

Be sure to consider not only your own group's work and presentation but also the entire metaphor presentation activity.

This written evaluation of the entire process is due one week from the completion of the assignment. The essay should be grammatically correct and include evaluation of: