Crime Scene Investigation Project
During this project, students use a variety of forensic techniques to solve a crime.
Content for this project includes
- DNA Processing
- Blood Typing
- Fingerprinting
- Blood Spatter Analysis
- Trajectory of a bullet
- Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA
- Forensic Entomology
- Analysis of Skeletal Remains
Through this project we also look at reasons for wrongful convictions and how scientific advancements have improved the efficacy of the U.S Justice System and is helping the wrongfully convicted be exonerated.
During this project, students use a variety of forensic techniques to solve a crime.
Content for this project includes
- DNA Processing
- Blood Typing
- Fingerprinting
- Blood Spatter Analysis
- Trajectory of a bullet
- Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA
- Forensic Entomology
- Analysis of Skeletal Remains
Through this project we also look at reasons for wrongful convictions and how scientific advancements have improved the efficacy of the U.S Justice System and is helping the wrongfully convicted be exonerated.
Durango Nature Studies: Amphibian Monitoring & Management
Each year since 2011, Animas High School sophomore's have been monitoring amphibian populations through mark-recapture and assessing habitat quality. Data collected in the field includes water quality measurements of the DNS pond and Florida River and diversity of plants and aquatic invertebrates.
Using the data collected, students have written management plans to address the presence of invasive bullfrogs and the promotion of native leopard frogs and written habitat assessments to gauge the quality of the amphibian habitat on the property.
The data collected over the years was compiled and put into a website by Brandon Navratil, and can be seen here.
Through this project students learned how to identify species of amphibians and macroinvertebrates, used the Shannon-Weiner diversity index to assess habitat health, practiced technical writing, interpreted water quality results, and estimated population size using mark-recapture data.
In addition to the website, students have presented their management and monitoring proposals to interested parties such as employees of Durango Nature Studies, Colorado Division of Wildlife, US Forest Service, and Fort Lewis College.
Each year since 2011, Animas High School sophomore's have been monitoring amphibian populations through mark-recapture and assessing habitat quality. Data collected in the field includes water quality measurements of the DNS pond and Florida River and diversity of plants and aquatic invertebrates.
Using the data collected, students have written management plans to address the presence of invasive bullfrogs and the promotion of native leopard frogs and written habitat assessments to gauge the quality of the amphibian habitat on the property.
The data collected over the years was compiled and put into a website by Brandon Navratil, and can be seen here.
Through this project students learned how to identify species of amphibians and macroinvertebrates, used the Shannon-Weiner diversity index to assess habitat health, practiced technical writing, interpreted water quality results, and estimated population size using mark-recapture data.
In addition to the website, students have presented their management and monitoring proposals to interested parties such as employees of Durango Nature Studies, Colorado Division of Wildlife, US Forest Service, and Fort Lewis College.
Monkey Cookbook
In the summer of 2012, I spent a month at Primate Rescue Center in Nicholasville, Kentucky. This is a non-profit organization that offer sanctuary to captive primates who have been retired from biomedical research, confiscated from individuals, or surrendered by owners. Captive animals suffer many of the same ailments we see in American Society; obesity, diabetes and heart disease. In order to prevent the primates at the rescue center from suffering these ailments, a tremendous amount of planning goes into meal preparation. While learning about nutrition, each student came up with a recipe for the chimps and/or monkeys at the rescue center that would offer them both behavioral enrichment and proper nutrition. These recipes were then compiled and shared with the Primate Rescue Center.
Ecological Solutions
During this project, students were asked to write a 3-point management plan addressing wildfires in the west, colony collapse disorder, bear activity in Durango, or the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Students researched the ecological issues of their choice and developed specific, attainable management plans to address their issue. Plans were then exhibited at an "invitation only" exhibition that included folks from Bear Smart Durango, Durango Nature Studies, Durango Buzz Club, Colorado Division of Wildlife, US Forest Service, San Juan Hot Shots and Fort Lewis College. Those invited provided feedback to students about their proposed plans, presentation and professionalism.
Antiangiogenic Foods
Angiogenesis is the creation of blood vessels. Angiogenesis is necessary when we injure ourselves, or when a woman is pregnant. However, excessive angiogenesis is what allows cancerous tumors to grow out of control. Dr. William Li discusses antiangiogenic treatments and foods in his 2010 TED talk. Looking into this research and learning about the connection between mitosis, protein synthesis, mutation and cancer, students created a "cancer fighting" cookbook that is full of foods containing antiangiogenic ingredients and information about cancer treatments and overall wellness. This book was compiled and has been made available on Lulu.com for purchase. All proceeds from the book are donated to the Denver Children's Hospital.
In the summer of 2012, I spent a month at Primate Rescue Center in Nicholasville, Kentucky. This is a non-profit organization that offer sanctuary to captive primates who have been retired from biomedical research, confiscated from individuals, or surrendered by owners. Captive animals suffer many of the same ailments we see in American Society; obesity, diabetes and heart disease. In order to prevent the primates at the rescue center from suffering these ailments, a tremendous amount of planning goes into meal preparation. While learning about nutrition, each student came up with a recipe for the chimps and/or monkeys at the rescue center that would offer them both behavioral enrichment and proper nutrition. These recipes were then compiled and shared with the Primate Rescue Center.
Ecological Solutions
During this project, students were asked to write a 3-point management plan addressing wildfires in the west, colony collapse disorder, bear activity in Durango, or the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Students researched the ecological issues of their choice and developed specific, attainable management plans to address their issue. Plans were then exhibited at an "invitation only" exhibition that included folks from Bear Smart Durango, Durango Nature Studies, Durango Buzz Club, Colorado Division of Wildlife, US Forest Service, San Juan Hot Shots and Fort Lewis College. Those invited provided feedback to students about their proposed plans, presentation and professionalism.
Antiangiogenic Foods
Angiogenesis is the creation of blood vessels. Angiogenesis is necessary when we injure ourselves, or when a woman is pregnant. However, excessive angiogenesis is what allows cancerous tumors to grow out of control. Dr. William Li discusses antiangiogenic treatments and foods in his 2010 TED talk. Looking into this research and learning about the connection between mitosis, protein synthesis, mutation and cancer, students created a "cancer fighting" cookbook that is full of foods containing antiangiogenic ingredients and information about cancer treatments and overall wellness. This book was compiled and has been made available on Lulu.com for purchase. All proceeds from the book are donated to the Denver Children's Hospital.
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