BIOLOGY FOR LIFE
  • ⭐IB Bio Syllabus⭐
    • Unity and Diversity (A) >
      • A1 molecules >
        • A1.1: Water
        • A1.2: Nucleic Acids
      • A2 Cells >
        • A2.1: Origins of Cells
        • A2.2: Cell Structure
        • A2.3: Viruses
      • A3 Organisms >
        • A3.1: Diversity of Organisms
        • A3.2: Classification and Cladistics
      • A4 Ecosystems >
        • A4.1: Evolution and Speciation
        • A4.2: Conservation of Biodiversity
    • Form and Function (B) >
      • B1 Molecules >
        • B1.1: Carbohydrates and Lipids
        • B1.2: Proteins
      • B2 Cells >
        • B2.1 Membranes and Membrane Transport
        • B2.2 Organelles and Compartmentalization
        • B2.3 Cell Specialization
      • B3 Organisms >
        • B3.1 Gas Exchange
        • B3.2 Transport
        • B3.3 Muscle and Motility
      • B4 Ecosystems >
        • B4.1 Adaptation to Environment
        • B4.2 Ecological Niches
    • Interaction and Interdependence (C) >
      • C1 Molecules >
        • C1.1: Enzymes and Metabolism
        • C1.2: Cell Respiration
        • C1.3: Photosynthesis
      • C2 Cells >
        • C2.1: Chemical Signaling
        • C2.2: Neural Signaling
      • C3 Organisms >
        • C3.1: Integration of Body Systems
        • C3.2: Defense Against Disease
      • C4 Ecosystems >
        • C4.1 Populations and Communities
        • C4.2 Transfers of Energy and Matter
    • Continuity and Change (D) >
      • D1 Molecules >
        • D1.1: DNA Replication
        • D1.2: Protein Synthesis
        • D1.3: Mutation and Gene Editing
      • D2 Cells >
        • D2.1: Cell and Nuclear Division
        • D2.2: Gene Expression
        • D2.3: Water Potential
      • D3 Organisms >
        • D3.1: Reproduction
        • D3.2: Inheritance
        • D3.3: Homeostasis
      • D4 Ecosystems >
        • D4.1: Natural Selection
        • D4.2: Stability and Change
        • D4.3: Climate Change
    • Legacy Syllabus (2016) >
      • Core >
        • 1: Cell Biology >
          • 1.1: Introduction to Cells
          • 1.2: Ultrastructure of Cells
          • 1.3: Membrane Structure
          • 1.4: Membrane Transport
          • 1.5: The Origin of Cells
          • 1.6: Cell Division
        • 2: Molecular Biology >
          • 2.1: Molecules to Metabolism
          • 2.2: Water
          • 2.3: Carbohydrates and Lipids
          • 2.4: Proteins
          • 2.5: Enzymes
          • 2.6: DNA and RNA
          • 2.7: DNA Replication, Transcription and Translation
          • 2.8: Cell Respiration
          • 2.9: Photosynthesis
        • 3: Genetics >
          • 3.1: Genes
          • 3.2: Chromosomes
          • 3.3: Meiosis
          • 3.4: Inheritance
          • 3.5: Genetic Modification and Biotechnology
        • 4: Ecology >
          • 4.1: Species, Communities and Ecosystems
          • 4.2: Energy Flow
          • 4.3: Carbon Cycling
          • 4.4: Climate Change
        • 5: Evolution and Biodiversity >
          • 5.1: Evidence for Evolution
          • 5.2: Natural Selection
          • 5.3: Classification and Biodiversity
          • 5.4: Cladistics
        • 6: Human Physiology >
          • 6.1: Digestion and Absorption
          • 6.2: The Blood System
          • 6.3: Defense Against Infectious Disease
          • 6.4: Gas Exchange
          • 6.5: Neurons and Synapses
          • 6.6: Hormones, Homeostasis and Reproduction
      • Higher Level >
        • 7: Nucleic Acids >
          • 7.1: DNA Structure and Replication
          • 7.2: Transcription and Gene Expression
          • 7.3: Translation
        • 8: Metabolism, Cell Respiration & Photosynthesis >
          • 8.1: Metabolism
          • 8.2: Cell Respiration
          • 8.3: Photosynthesis
        • 9: Plant Biology >
          • 9.1: Transport in the Xylem of Plants
          • 9.2: Transport in the Phloem of Plants
          • 9.3: Growth in Plants
          • 9.4: Reproduction in Plants
        • 10: Genetics and Evolution >
          • 10.1: Meiosis
          • 10.2: Inheritance
          • 10.3: Gene Pools and Speciation
        • 11: Animal Physiology >
          • 11.1: Antibody Production and Vaccination
          • 11.2: Movement
          • 11.3: Kidney and Osmoregulation
          • 11.4: Sexual Reproduction
      • Options >
        • D: Human Physiology >
          • D.1: Human Nutrition
          • D.2: Digestion
          • D.3: Functions of the Liver
          • D.4: The Heart
          • D.5: Hormones and Metabolism
          • D.6: Transport of Respiratory Gases
  • IB Requirements
    • Learner Profile
    • Collaborative Sciences Project
    • External Assessment
    • Internal Assessment >
      • Research Design
      • Analysis
      • Conclusion
      • Evaluation
    • Extended Essay
  • Exam Revision
    • Revision Tools
  • Skills for Biology
    • Tools >
      • Experimental Techniques >
        • Addressing Safety
        • Measuring Variables >
          • Lab Drawings
          • Measurement Uncertainty
        • Techniques >
          • Microscopy
      • Technology >
        • Graphing with Excel
      • Mathematics >
        • Statistics >
          • Glossary of Statistic Terms and Equations
          • Descriptive Statistics >
            • Skew and the Normal Distribution
            • Outliers
            • Measures of Central Tendancy
            • Measures of Spread
            • Pearson Correlation
          • Inferential Statistics >
            • T-Test
            • ANOVA
            • Kruskal-Wallis
            • X2 Test for Independence
            • X2 Goodness of Fit
        • Graphing >
          • Interpreting Error Bars
    • Inquiry Processes >
      • Exploring & Designing >
        • Research Questions
        • Hypotheses and Predictions
        • Varaibles
        • Sampling
      • Collecting & Processing Data >
        • Data Tables
      • Concluding & Evaluating >
        • Error Analysis
  • SHS Course Info
    • Above & Beyond >
      • Biology Club
      • Pumpkin Carving
      • Scavenger Hunt
      • Science News
      • Wood Duck Project (legacy)
      • Invasive Crayfish Project (legacy)
    • Assessment >
      • Class Grading IB Bio I
      • Class Grading IB Bio II
      • Daily Quizzes (legacy)
      • Lab Practicals (legacy)
    • Class Photos
    • Recommendations
  • Contact
  • About
    • Philosophy
    • Resume
    • Reflection
    • Favorite Quotes
    • AEF Blog
  • Expeditions
    • Bahamas (2009)
    • Trinidad (2010)
    • Trinidad (2011)
    • Ecuador (2012)
    • Trinidad (2013)
    • Peru (2014)
    • Bahamas (2015)
    • Peru (2016)
    • Costa Rica (2017)
    • Costa Rica (2018)
    • Arizona (2022)
    • Florida (2023)
    • Belize (2024)
    • Costa Rica (2025)
  • Summer Ecology Research
  • Teacher Resources

Student Expeditions

I believe deeply in the Earthwatch mission of promoting science and environmental awareness by connecting volunteers with field science projects.   It has been very rewarding to take my students on Earthwatch expeditions to the Bahamas, Trinidad, Peru, Costa Rica,  Ecuador and Belize to participate in valuable science, learn about global conservation concerns, and make a  positive impact in the world.

It takes a lot of advance planning and preparation to make a trip like this come to fruition.  Planning for this expedition begins about 16 months before a trip.  I worked closely with Earthwatch to select a project that aligns with my educational goals for the students, fits our calendar of availability and is in a reasonably accessible location.  Once an expedition is selected, I have to begin advertising to the students for enrollment.  I am fortunate to have relatively easy time getting students to enroll thanks to word of mouth advertising.  Expeditions typically fill within a few weeks of the start of the school year.  

Once the team is set, the focus shifts to logistical arrangements.  I focus on getting travel finalized; Earthwatch forms complete, vaccinations, and packing.  It is a lot of extra work on top of my daily work, and I’ll admit that there are a few moments of, “why am I doing this again…?” during the process.

The answer to that question is easily answered once we arrive at our destination.  I feel an overwhelming pride when my students are patrolling a beach, independently collecting data, tagging and measuring wildlife, transect sampling and assisting with authentic science.  The students are eager to learn, passionately caring and committed to making an impact.  These kids should give us all reason to be optimistic for the future of humanity and our planet.


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Bahamas (2009)

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Trinidad (2010)

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Trinidad (2011)

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Ecuador (2012)

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Trinidad (2013)

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Peru (2014)

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Bahamas (2015)

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Peru (2016)

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Costa Rica (2017)

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Belize (2024)
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Costa Rica (2018)

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Arizona (2022)

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Florida (2023)
I give many of my IB Biology resources away, for the benefit of students and teachers around the world. 
If you've found the materials helpful, please consider making a contribution of any amount
to this Earthwatch Expedition Fund or donating a puzzle to our classroom from our wish list.


​Did I forget something?  Know of a mistake? Have a suggestion?  Let me know by emailing me here.

Before using any of the files available on this site,
​please familiarize yourself with the 
Creative Commons Attribution License. 
​​​It prohibits the use of any material on this site for commercial  purposes of any kind.  ​
​
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  • ⭐IB Bio Syllabus⭐
    • Unity and Diversity (A) >
      • A1 molecules >
        • A1.1: Water
        • A1.2: Nucleic Acids
      • A2 Cells >
        • A2.1: Origins of Cells
        • A2.2: Cell Structure
        • A2.3: Viruses
      • A3 Organisms >
        • A3.1: Diversity of Organisms
        • A3.2: Classification and Cladistics
      • A4 Ecosystems >
        • A4.1: Evolution and Speciation
        • A4.2: Conservation of Biodiversity
    • Form and Function (B) >
      • B1 Molecules >
        • B1.1: Carbohydrates and Lipids
        • B1.2: Proteins
      • B2 Cells >
        • B2.1 Membranes and Membrane Transport
        • B2.2 Organelles and Compartmentalization
        • B2.3 Cell Specialization
      • B3 Organisms >
        • B3.1 Gas Exchange
        • B3.2 Transport
        • B3.3 Muscle and Motility
      • B4 Ecosystems >
        • B4.1 Adaptation to Environment
        • B4.2 Ecological Niches
    • Interaction and Interdependence (C) >
      • C1 Molecules >
        • C1.1: Enzymes and Metabolism
        • C1.2: Cell Respiration
        • C1.3: Photosynthesis
      • C2 Cells >
        • C2.1: Chemical Signaling
        • C2.2: Neural Signaling
      • C3 Organisms >
        • C3.1: Integration of Body Systems
        • C3.2: Defense Against Disease
      • C4 Ecosystems >
        • C4.1 Populations and Communities
        • C4.2 Transfers of Energy and Matter
    • Continuity and Change (D) >
      • D1 Molecules >
        • D1.1: DNA Replication
        • D1.2: Protein Synthesis
        • D1.3: Mutation and Gene Editing
      • D2 Cells >
        • D2.1: Cell and Nuclear Division
        • D2.2: Gene Expression
        • D2.3: Water Potential
      • D3 Organisms >
        • D3.1: Reproduction
        • D3.2: Inheritance
        • D3.3: Homeostasis
      • D4 Ecosystems >
        • D4.1: Natural Selection
        • D4.2: Stability and Change
        • D4.3: Climate Change
    • Legacy Syllabus (2016) >
      • Core >
        • 1: Cell Biology >
          • 1.1: Introduction to Cells
          • 1.2: Ultrastructure of Cells
          • 1.3: Membrane Structure
          • 1.4: Membrane Transport
          • 1.5: The Origin of Cells
          • 1.6: Cell Division
        • 2: Molecular Biology >
          • 2.1: Molecules to Metabolism
          • 2.2: Water
          • 2.3: Carbohydrates and Lipids
          • 2.4: Proteins
          • 2.5: Enzymes
          • 2.6: DNA and RNA
          • 2.7: DNA Replication, Transcription and Translation
          • 2.8: Cell Respiration
          • 2.9: Photosynthesis
        • 3: Genetics >
          • 3.1: Genes
          • 3.2: Chromosomes
          • 3.3: Meiosis
          • 3.4: Inheritance
          • 3.5: Genetic Modification and Biotechnology
        • 4: Ecology >
          • 4.1: Species, Communities and Ecosystems
          • 4.2: Energy Flow
          • 4.3: Carbon Cycling
          • 4.4: Climate Change
        • 5: Evolution and Biodiversity >
          • 5.1: Evidence for Evolution
          • 5.2: Natural Selection
          • 5.3: Classification and Biodiversity
          • 5.4: Cladistics
        • 6: Human Physiology >
          • 6.1: Digestion and Absorption
          • 6.2: The Blood System
          • 6.3: Defense Against Infectious Disease
          • 6.4: Gas Exchange
          • 6.5: Neurons and Synapses
          • 6.6: Hormones, Homeostasis and Reproduction
      • Higher Level >
        • 7: Nucleic Acids >
          • 7.1: DNA Structure and Replication
          • 7.2: Transcription and Gene Expression
          • 7.3: Translation
        • 8: Metabolism, Cell Respiration & Photosynthesis >
          • 8.1: Metabolism
          • 8.2: Cell Respiration
          • 8.3: Photosynthesis
        • 9: Plant Biology >
          • 9.1: Transport in the Xylem of Plants
          • 9.2: Transport in the Phloem of Plants
          • 9.3: Growth in Plants
          • 9.4: Reproduction in Plants
        • 10: Genetics and Evolution >
          • 10.1: Meiosis
          • 10.2: Inheritance
          • 10.3: Gene Pools and Speciation
        • 11: Animal Physiology >
          • 11.1: Antibody Production and Vaccination
          • 11.2: Movement
          • 11.3: Kidney and Osmoregulation
          • 11.4: Sexual Reproduction
      • Options >
        • D: Human Physiology >
          • D.1: Human Nutrition
          • D.2: Digestion
          • D.3: Functions of the Liver
          • D.4: The Heart
          • D.5: Hormones and Metabolism
          • D.6: Transport of Respiratory Gases
  • IB Requirements
    • Learner Profile
    • Collaborative Sciences Project
    • External Assessment
    • Internal Assessment >
      • Research Design
      • Analysis
      • Conclusion
      • Evaluation
    • Extended Essay
  • Exam Revision
    • Revision Tools
  • Skills for Biology
    • Tools >
      • Experimental Techniques >
        • Addressing Safety
        • Measuring Variables >
          • Lab Drawings
          • Measurement Uncertainty
        • Techniques >
          • Microscopy
      • Technology >
        • Graphing with Excel
      • Mathematics >
        • Statistics >
          • Glossary of Statistic Terms and Equations
          • Descriptive Statistics >
            • Skew and the Normal Distribution
            • Outliers
            • Measures of Central Tendancy
            • Measures of Spread
            • Pearson Correlation
          • Inferential Statistics >
            • T-Test
            • ANOVA
            • Kruskal-Wallis
            • X2 Test for Independence
            • X2 Goodness of Fit
        • Graphing >
          • Interpreting Error Bars
    • Inquiry Processes >
      • Exploring & Designing >
        • Research Questions
        • Hypotheses and Predictions
        • Varaibles
        • Sampling
      • Collecting & Processing Data >
        • Data Tables
      • Concluding & Evaluating >
        • Error Analysis
  • SHS Course Info
    • Above & Beyond >
      • Biology Club
      • Pumpkin Carving
      • Scavenger Hunt
      • Science News
      • Wood Duck Project (legacy)
      • Invasive Crayfish Project (legacy)
    • Assessment >
      • Class Grading IB Bio I
      • Class Grading IB Bio II
      • Daily Quizzes (legacy)
      • Lab Practicals (legacy)
    • Class Photos
    • Recommendations
  • Contact
  • About
    • Philosophy
    • Resume
    • Reflection
    • Favorite Quotes
    • AEF Blog
  • Expeditions
    • Bahamas (2009)
    • Trinidad (2010)
    • Trinidad (2011)
    • Ecuador (2012)
    • Trinidad (2013)
    • Peru (2014)
    • Bahamas (2015)
    • Peru (2016)
    • Costa Rica (2017)
    • Costa Rica (2018)
    • Arizona (2022)
    • Florida (2023)
    • Belize (2024)
    • Costa Rica (2025)
  • Summer Ecology Research
  • Teacher Resources