Claire

Posted on 6/21/09

I teach biology and biotechnology (AP level genetics &
molecular biology) and I make a non-traditional word wall.

I put up signs for various ways to remember important things
(such as mnemonics, pictures, etc).

Here are some examples:

Parts of a solution: A guy playing a lute going into a vent
(solute goes into solvent).

Active vs. Passive Transport: A huge mountain with a hiker
going up (actively going from low to high and using energy)
and passive (a sledder sliding from high to low using no
energy)

PCR (stands for polymerase chain reaction): They have to know
the three steps: Denature, anneal, extend. I have a huge
diamond on the wall and all it says in DAE. My kids learn
diamonds are expensive.

The "HI-C" bonds: I have one poster with all three. Hydrogen
is represented by a really weak looking guy. Can't hold up his
head. Ionic is represented by two people, one of whom just got
their purse stolen by the other. Covalent is represented by
two people with their arms through the same bag. They are
cooperating.

I could tell you more but you probably get the idea. I change
the wall (somewhat) during the year. Mine is pretty mixed up
since I have 4 different preps. I always use them during the
original lessons and then remind them about them the rest of
the time.

I give extra credit points for good "remember how" posters.

Also, I have them all over the place. I have some of them on
small tack boards I got at a yard sale (I can hold it up that
way).

I hope this helps.

Claire

On 6/17/09, Berta wrote:
> Has anyone used a word wall for science jargon? I know
> these are popular in English classes for vocab terms...but
> I'm not sure about JR level courses...
>
> If so, can you give me a sense of how you set it up, and
> how you used it to help develop a student vocab base? I
> will be teaching Chem I next fall, and this is an area that
> some of the regular level kids struggle with...
>
> I'm open to ideas...
>
> Thanks!

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