Ask a Scientist

Last week I tried to post my question to Ask a Scientist but the site was busy and did not allow me to submit.  I asked, "How do antibiotics 'kill' disease-causing bacteria cells without harming other cells in the body?"  Fortunately, Dr. Lyman provided some insight from his microbiology background and I learned that antibiotics interfere with the cell walls of prokaryotic (bacteria) cells because they are made of peptidoglycan.  Eukaryotic cells in our bodies are not affected because they do not have cell walls. 

I also did further searching on the Ask a Scientist website by altering the wording of my question, and was able to find out that antibiotics can also keep the bacteria from reproducing by preventing it from making new proteins (Larson, 2006).  Read more from  http://askascientist.org/askascientist/answers/20071115-166.html.  This website and others like it would be good places for my students to research and find scientific information.  The wide range of topics would require students to pinpoint specifics or keywords related to their search to make their findings more meaningful. 

This inquiry has ultimately led to a new wondering of "What is the difference between 'good' and 'bad' bacteria?  How do we have bacteria that is actually helpful?  Have there been mutations between the two kinds as our bodies have adapted over the years?"

Larson, M. (2006).  Why are our body cells not damaged by antibiotics?  Retrieved from http://askascientist.org/askascientist/answers/20071115-166.html

Image retrieved from http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/cells/bacteriacell.html

Evaluating Web 2.0 Presentation Tools

I began my evaluation of the web tools with Prezi.  I have heard of this website before, but never used it for myself.  After watching the tutorial and trying it out for myself, I really enjoyed how the presentations zoom rather than being more linear like typical slide presentations.  I think this would be very beneficial for visual learners.  You can even collaborate in real-time with others anywhere with an internet connection! 
Pro:  Search through pre-made Prezis & tutorial videos
Con:  Pay to use upgraded features

If you can use Power Point, then Prezentit is a breeze!  This tool is web based so you can access your presentation anywhere...no software needed.  The format is simple and easy to maneuver.  With one click you can add/ delete images, easily cut, copy, resize and send forward or back on your presentation slide.  Like Power Point, Prezentit allows transitions between slides and you can preview before publishing. 
Pro:  Choose your language & share online
Con:  Not many bells and whistles

Finally, I tried out Museum Box.  I was immediately drawn to it's creative title and the website did not disappoint.  This website is like a virtual show-and-tell allowing the creator to select a topic and add images, text, videos, and documents to a box.  Multiple layers allow for more or less information to be added (a great differentiation tool).  After exploring this site more, I may decide to use this for my presentation instead of a Prezi!
Pro:  Creative!
Con:  Login required to add videos and links

I am looking forward to exploring more tools that I can use for my project, classroom instruction, and with my students!