Extra Credit Assignments

What you may do for extra credit is generally limited only by what you are willing to do. If you are interested in improving your grade it is up to you to pursue extra credit! If you have ideas, talk to me about it. The list below represents some of the possible types of extra credit assignments. It is required that you discuss your intentions/ideas with Dr. Blackmon before spending any time/money on the project. PDF Below

MODELS

Models are excellent tools for demo and study.  In general, you can design a model of virtually anything related to biology.   Models are worth a maximum of 25 points.  For a model to be accepted for extra credit it must meet the following criteria:  all models must

  1. begin with a written proposal (to be presented to me) which includes a sketch of your idea, the materials to be used, and details about scale (size)
  2. be unique, three-dimensional, and structurally correct
  3. be durable, show careful planning and meticulous construction
  4. have all parts clearly labeled

Some models accepted in the past include: atoms, simple molecules, organic compounds, specialized cells (plant or animal), fluid mosaic, exo- and endocytosis, lock and key (enzymes), mitosis, meiosis, nondisjunction, DNA, RNA, DNA replication, protein synthesis, viruses, skeletal system components…

LITERATURE REVIEWS

At any time throughout the semester you may submit a review of written literature.  In general, the longer the article the longer the review, but the review must be a minimum of 2 pages.  Reviews are worth a maximum of 25 points.  The review must be typed, double-spaced and include the following:

  1. a succinct summary of the entire article
  2. a discussion of how it relates to your biology studies
  3. an explanation of your interest in the topic of the article
  4. a copy of the article

 You can review books, periodicals, newspaper articles or any other printed material pertaining to biology.  Keep in mind that the quality of your chosen article will affect the quality of your review.  These assignments are first come, first served, so you may not review literature that has already been reviewed and submitted by any other student. 

ORAL REPORTS

Oral reports can be done on a variety of subjects.  In general, they should cover topics relevant to what is currently being studied but should focus on more detail than expected in the class objectives.  Oral reports must demonstrate that you have done research, using sources other than your textbook.  They are worth a maximum of 25 points. Oral reports can accompany any of the other types of extra credit.  Oral reports must:

  1. be at least three minutes but not more than seven minutes in length
  2. include a typed transcript of the report
  3. include photocopies of your sources      

EDUCATIONAL TOOL

Everyone can teach! Actually teaching someone else is one of the best ways to learn a subject matter. Create an educational tool (web, print, movie, etc.) designed to teach a middle school science student a biological concept. They are worth a maximum of 25 points.

  1. limit the main points in a lecture to five or fewer
  2. create effective visuals, analogies, demonstrations, and examples to reinforce the main points
  3. share your outline with students
  4. emphasize your objectives and key points in the beginning, as you get to them, and as a summary at the end

INTERVIEW

Interview someone who uses concepts from biology as an important part of their work (an important person in biology studying DNA, biotechnology, evolution, ecology, or genetics.) They are worth a maximum of 25 points.

  1. write a summary of your conversation or interview
  2. be sure to include education and experience needed, a description of the type of work that they do, approximate salary, job satisfaction and opportunities, how you know this person and how much time you spent with them.
  3. it is a good idea to write down some questions before you actually meet with the person.

CURRENT EVENT REPORT

Find an article in a recent, serious magazine (2015 to now), a recent newspaper or an Internet site (but not an encyclopedia or Wiki); on any topic in biology i.e. DNA, RNA, genetics, genetic engineering, evolution, ecology, and similar topics.  Better quality earns more points. They are worth a maximum of 25 points.

  1. summarize the article in your own words (at least 2/3 page)
  2. give your reaction or opinion

For more points, read your report to the class. Schedule this with me before hand

ADVENTURE

Go to a public meeting or field trip having to do with biological, health, science, or natural resource concerns. They are worth a maximum of 25 points.

  1. turn in your notes.
  2. a signature from the presenter, and
  3. some handouts

CAREER

If you are interested in a career that involves science, learn more!  Find out what type of coursework you need to prepare for it, check out schools you might like attend, find out about salaries, outlook for work, the type of duties you might have. Worth a maximum of 25 points.

  1. Make copies of information that you find, let me know what you have learned.

There are great web sites for this.

OTHER IDEAS

Do you have other ideas, experiments, posters, projects, interests, or want to learn something new!!?? See me first with your idea, so you will be sure to get credit.

- create or significantly edit a page in Wikipedia on a biological topic,
- write a letter to your congressperson discussing a biology-related issue,
- write a letter to the editor of a news media source about one of their articles on a biology-related topic