Hi, welcome to Sandy's Biology Corner. This is the web page of Sandy Bishop. I teach biological sciences at South Johnston High School, Four Oaks, N.C. This page is designed to help educators locate internet sites for information on biological topics.

Last update: July 24, 1997

My 3 favorite topics to teach are:

• biotechnology
  Need a DNA extraction lab that doesn't require handling E. coli? Try working with onion, liver or thymus cells for D*NA Extraction .
  

• marine biology
  
  
  
  How about information on fish population studies. Check out the Reef Environmental Education Foundation. http://www.mrdf.org/mlhome.htm This site provides information about on going projects by the Reef Environmental Education Foundation. It includes reef fish pictures, distinctive features, and descriptions opf the fish, description of the fish survey, survey data, and how to interpret the data. The survey data would be useful for designing an activity based on reading a table, or determining fish distribution. Information is also provided about the organization - training programs, collecting sites, how to become a member, and the "REEF" publication. Also included, is a list of other links related to marine biology. This site would interest elementary level students interested in learning about different types of marine fish on up to high school students interested in population and distribution studies. It will be necessary to have a description of the number code in hand when interpreting the survey data. Navigating this site will present no problems.
  
  Another source to try is The Coral Reef Alliance. http://www.coral.org/ This site has a photo gallery, a place to make divers report or view those made by others, and is a good source of information about reefs. It also provides you with information about the organization membership.
  

• environmental science
  
  
  
  Want a link to environmental organizations? Look at the Amazing Environmental Organization Web Directory. http://www.webdirectory.com/ This site advertises itself as the "Earth's Biggest Environmental Search Engine." It gives you a choice of typing in your own search topic or choosing from the broad topic folders already listed. Example: Opening the animals folder gives you more folders to choose from eventually giving you information or contacts. Also included is a folder on education. It contains, among other things, a listing of environmental education products, some of which are free. If you can think of a topic, you will probably find information. However, you may be overwhelmed by all the choices. The site is easy to navigate and could be used by students and teachers alike.
  
  
  

Ideas for extended field trips:
Want a fantastic extended field trip? Try a MarineLab Experience. I have been taking students for nine years.



The MarineLab Experience Home Page http://www.mrdf.org/mlhome.htm is an excellent source for information about planning an extended field trip in marine ecology. MarineLab is located in Key Largo, FL. The MarineLab Home Page gives you information about field trip descriptions and destinations. Programs are available for elementary through college students. The main topics covered are seagrass ecology, mangrove ecology, coral reef ecology, field identification of reef fish, invertebrate diversity lab and astronomy/plankton tow. Whether you are a snorkeler or SCUBA diver, suitable programs are available. Information is also available about the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. There are many photographs and even a virtual field trip included. You will enjoy this site.