Huntington Biology Students Hit the Ground Running

Huntington High School Biology students are hitting the ground running with an engaging, phenomenon-based introduction to their first unit of study. Using the “Marathon Runner” phenomenon as a launching point, students are beginning to explore the interconnected systems of the human body while developing their skills as scientists.

At the start of the unit, students were challenged to create an initial model showing what they believe is happening inside the human body as a person runs a marathon. Rather than beginning with a list of vocabulary or isolated facts, students first considered what they already know, made predictions, and developed ideas that they will continue to refine as they gather new evidence.

Over the course of the unit, students are investigating how the body's systems work together and how cells obtain and use energy. One hands-on investigation focused on the effect of sugar on the rate of cellular respiration using yeast. Students collected and analyzed evidence from their investigation to better understand how cells use nutrients to release energy, connecting their findings to the increased energy demands placed on the body during exercise.

At the conclusion of the unit, students will return to their original Marathon Runner models and revise them based on the evidence and knowledge they have gained. This process provides students with a meaningful opportunity to see their own growth while demonstrating how scientific understanding develops through questioning, investigation, evidence, and revision.

The learning experience reflects the three-dimensional approach emphasized by the New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS). Students are not simply memorizing scientific content. They are engaging in the practices of science by developing and revising models, conducting investigations, analyzing evidence, making connections, and applying their understanding to an authentic real-world phenomenon.

The photos accompanying this article feature students in Ms. Jao’s 9th-grade Honors Biology class as they participated in the cellular respiration investigation. While these students are pictured, all Huntington High School Biology classes have completed the same lessons and investigations, providing students throughout the program with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.

This work represents the collaborative efforts of Huntington’s Biology teachers: Ms. Flood, Ms. Hall, Ms. Jao, Mrs. Kenny, Mr. Papasidero, Ms. Sorrentino, Mr. VanBell, and Mrs. Rossy.

As Huntington continues to implement its NYSSLS-aligned Biology curriculum, the Biology team is continually refining and expanding phenomenon-based learning experiences that promote academic rigor, deepen student understanding, and help prepare students for success on the new Regents examination.

Through experiences like the Marathon Runner investigation, Huntington students are learning not only what happens inside the human body, but also how scientists use questions, evidence, models, and investigation to understand the world around them.