Happy New Year from all of us at Macmillan Learning! 2025 is officially here, and we’re kicking off the year with more than just confetti and resolutions—we’re celebrating the launch of two game-changing resources for biochemistry students and instructors alike. Say hello to Lehninger Biochemistry: Core Concepts and Applications 1e and Biochemistry: A Short Course 5e, our newest additions that are as fresh and innovative as the year ahead. These new releases aren’t just textbooks—they’re complete digital programs built to transform the way students learn, making biochemistry accessible, engaging, and actionable for today’s dynamic digital learners. Whether you’re students are studying biochemistry to advance in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, or research, these programs are here to make their learning experience not just effective, but exciting. A Revolution in Learning with Lehninger Core When it comes to biochemistry, the Lehninger name has always stood for excellence. Now, with Lehninger Biochemistry: Core Concepts and Applications, we’re raising the bar even higher. This 1st edition gem has been meticulously crafted to meet the needs of modern learners. Here’s why it’s a must-have: Interactive Learning Meets Core Concepts: Gone are the days of passive reading. With interactive figures and scaffolded assessments through Achieve, students don’t just read about processes like metabolic pathways or genetic code—they actively build and explore them. Each chapter comes alive, helping students connect ideas and apply knowledge in meaningful ways. Streamlined for Success: This program takes the foundational concepts of biochemistry and delivers them in a clear, concise, and visual format, tailored for students in chemistry, biophysics, and STEM-related fields. Focused on key topics.  A Complete Digital Solution: Through Achieve for Lehninger Core, students have everything they need at their fingertips—instructional content, interactive student study guides, adaptive quizzes, and engaging media. It's a one-stop platform for mastering biochemistry. This isn’t just a textbook; it’s a revolution in how biochemistry is taught and learned, combining innovative tools with the trusted quality of the Lehninger franchise. Biochemistry Made Brilliant with A Short Course 5e The new edition of Biochemistry: A Short Course is the tried-and-true innovator we’ve all been waiting for. Rooted in the legacy of Lubert Stryer’s classic text, this 5th edition carries forward a tradition of excellence while introducing exciting updates designed for the next generation of aspiring scientists. Getting Personal with Science: One of the hallmarks of this edition is its focus on diversity in research teams. Students get to meet biochemists from all walks of life, showcasing the inclusive and collaborative nature of science. It’s not just about learning biochemistry; it’s about seeing yourself as part of its future. Dynamic Visual Tools: With its signature "one idea per figure" approach, beautiful macromolecular structures, and multimedia resources, this program brings clarity to even the most complex topics. Oh, and did we mention the interactive e-book can read to you? Talk about studying on your terms. Built for Critical Thinking: From in-depth problem-solving strategies to scaffolded assessments, this program transforms active learning into an enjoyable experience. Whether you're preparing for pharmacy school, nursing, or research, you’ll build skills that stick with you long after the exam. With its tailored approach and focus on conceptual understanding, Biochemistry: A Short Course 5e ensures students not only learn biochemistry but also enjoy the process. Why We’re All Buzzing with Excitement Both Lehninger Biochemistry: Core Concepts and Applications and Biochemistry: A Short Course 5e share one unifying vision—the desire to make biochemistry active, engaging, and relevant for today’s learners. Through the power of Achieve, both programs break away from traditional learning models, placing an emphasis on interactive, personalized education. No more cramming facts without context. With these tools, students connect concepts to real-world applications, fostering both academic success and curiosity. A Toast to Learning in 2025 Here’s to a year of growth, discovery, and innovation—a year where biochemistry becomes exciting, accessible, and modern. These new programs embody everything Macmillan Learning stands for—authenticity, inclusion, innovation, and collaboration. Together, we are ringing in a new era of biochemistry education, one where students are truly at the heart of everything we do. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you. Let's make this year unforgettable—because when it comes to learning, the best is yet to come! Welcome to the future of biochemistry.                                                                          Note: Biochemistry: A Short Course 5e will become available after 1/13/2025. Lehninger Biochemistry: Core Concepts and Applications will become available after 1/23/2025. ... View more

As Thanksgiving approaches, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude for all you do. Your dedication to educating and empowering students inspires us every day. At Macmillan Learning, we strive to support your efforts with innovative tools that transform learning into something truly meaningful. This Thanksgiving, while you take a well-deserved break, we’re excited to share something new we’ve been working on—Lehninger Biochemistry: Core Concepts and Applications 1e, launching in January! This streamlined, digital-first resource is designed with one mission in mind: to help your students cut through the clutter and focus on what really matters. What Makes Lehninger Biochemistry 1e Special? We know the challenges you face in capturing and keeping today’s students’ attention. That’s why Lehninger Core is paired with an Interactive Student Study Guide, created specifically for the modern learner. Here’s how it meets the unique needs of your students: Engaging Tools for the Modern Learner Many learners today need more than traditional methods to stay engaged—they crave interactive experiences. The Interactive Student Study Guide makes biochemistry come alive, with features that allow students to actively connect with the material instead of passively skimming through it. Support for Independent Learning Self-study can be difficult, and many students admit they struggle with sticking to it on their own. This guide is designed to bridge that gap, combining accessible summaries with hands-on self-assessment tools that motivate students to stay on track and build their confidence. Simplified, Streamlined Content We know many alternate resources can be overwhelming, with more information than most students can realistically absorb. Lehninger Core was created to offer a more straightforward experience, cutting the excess while maintaining the depth you value. With this streamlined approach, it helps students focus on mastering the key ideas without feeling bogged down. Thoughtfully developed based on instructor feedback and student research, this resource is a response to the challenges you’ve shared with us. Today’s students face an abundance of distractions, and we’ve designed Lehninger Core to meet them where they are by providing clarity, interactivity, and relevance in every element. Explore It Over the Break Thanksgiving break is the perfect time to recharge and reflect, but if you find yourself with a little extra time, why not take a sneak peek at Lehninger Core? You can request a sample today and discover how it can reinvigorate your teaching. Pairing this resource with our Achieve platform offers a holistic toolkit for creating an impactful learning environment. From digital assessments to a structured interactive study guide, every piece is tailored to foster engagement and comprehension. Our Thanks to You This Thanksgiving, we want you to know how much we value the work you do in shaping the future. We're grateful for the opportunity to support you and your students, and we’re thrilled for you to see how Lehninger Core can make a difference in your courses. Take care, enjoy the holiday, and don’t forget to treat yourself to some relaxation—you’ve certainly earned it! When you're ready to take a closer look at this exciting new resource, we’ll be here to guide you every step of the way. From all of us at Macmillan Learning, Happy Thanksgiving! ... View more

Kevin Revell, a distinguished educator and well-known author of Introductory Chemistry, 2e, invites you to explore the exciting developments in his latest General Chemistry project. As you delve into his message, discover how these advancements are set to transform teaching methodologies and enhance student engagement. -- Dear Colleagues, I hope you are well and that Introductory Chemistry has been helpful for you and your students.  This year,  I'm thrilled to announce the forthcoming publication of my new General Chemistry text and curriculum.  Briefly, I’d like to share a few highlights. Two Approaches:  Traditional and Innovative The general chemistry text will be available in two organizational sequences.  The first is a traditional reactions-first approach.  The second approach, which we call “Atoms to Reactions”,  mirrors the structure of Introductory Chemistry:  It introduces electron structure early to provide a basis for understanding how compounds form, then moves quickly into reactions and stoichiometry. This innovative organization fosters connections between lecture and lab and moves the more challenging topics earlier in the first-semester course.  It draws from the best features of both atoms-first and reactions-first approaches to optimize the teaching and learning experience. Enhancing Achieve Favorites The General Chemistry curriculum expands the cutting-edge Achieve features you have seen in Introductory Chemistry.  For example, Topic Videos (formerly Lecture Videos) will still be available for each section of the textbook.  But we’ve added assignable Interactive Topic Videos that combine video with knowledge check and reflection questions to turn passive video watching into a more active learning experience.  We’ve also created a large set of Video Example Problems.  These assignable homework problems offer students a sample problem with a brief solution video that they can watch before tackling an analogous problem on their own. New Tools and Features The new Lewis structure drawing tool is designed to enhance your students' ability to visualize the concepts and molecular structures. It provides a supportive environment where students can freely explore, make mistakes, and learn from them, mirroring the problem-solving and structure-drawing skills required in written exams. And new Concept Exploration Activities seamlessly integrate digital interactives with thought-provoking questions, encouraging students to apply their knowledge in an immersive and low-stress setting. As we embark on this next chapter, I am excited to see how the innovative General Chemistry curriculum will support your teaching and enrich your students' learning experiences. Class testing will be available in Spring 2025, with full adoption available  for Fall 2025. I'm more than happy to chat about these developments, and I encourage you to reach out to your representative for an early instructor’s copy.  Thank you for your continued trust and collaboration. Warm regards, Kevin Revell Kevin Revell, author of the successful Introductory Chemistry and forthcoming General Chemistry, teaches introductory, general, and organic chemistry at Murray State University, and also serves as the assistant dean for the MSU Jones College of Science, Engineering, and Technology. A passionate educator, his teaching experience includes high school, community college, small private, state comprehensive, and state flagship institutions. His work encompasses curriculum, technology-enhanced pedagogy, assessment, and active-learning design. ... View more

Coming in January, Lehninger Biochemistry: Core Concepts and Applications, a groundbreaking resource designed to elevate biochemistry education. At the heart of this first edition lies an exclusive feature—the Interactive Student Study Guide, available only on the Achieve platform. This innovative tool transforms the learning experience, making complex biochemistry concepts more accessible and engaging for students. Focused Learning is one of the cornerstone features of this guide. By breaking down intricate topics into manageable, essential bites, students can navigate the complexities of biochemistry with greater ease and confidence. This targeted approach ensures that learners can focus on mastering the most challenging subjects without feeling overwhelmed. Beyond just reading, the guide emphasizes Interactive Engagement. By integrating self-assessment tools with comprehensive summaries, students can actively engage with the material, test their understanding, and reinforce their knowledge effectively. This interactive component transforms passive reading into a dynamic learning process, encouraging students to take an active role in their education. The Well-Organized Content structure ties together the foundational concepts of the eBook with practical, real-world applications. This organization provides a clear, logical progression through the subject matter, offering students a practical roadmap to understand the intricacies of biochemistry. By connecting theory to application, students can appreciate the relevance of biochemistry in everyday contexts. Incorporating this exceptional resource into teaching strategies can revolutionize how students approach biochemistry. The guide offers a structured, accountable, and accessible pathway that supports students in grasping key concepts and self-testing their knowledge. By providing accountability and clarity, it alleviates the potential overwhelm that students might experience when confronted with dense scientific material. Exclusively available in the first edition, the Interactive Student Study Guide embodies Macmillan Learning’s commitment to authenticity, collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. It is more than a study tool; it is an educational companion designed to enhance both teaching and learning experiences. Through this innovative guide, students and educators alike can embark on a journey of discovery, making biochemistry not just a subject to study, but a field to explore and enjoy.   ... View more

  Join Us on October 22 at 1 PM EST to Earn a $100 Gift Card! We are thrilled to invite you to a unique focus group experience, crafted exclusively for Physics instructors like yourself. In partnership with the innovative team at Double A Labs, we've designed an engaging and interactive event that goes beyond traditional discussions. This partnership will take you on a journey through a digital world, where you can explore and discuss various features designed to enhance your Physics course. This event will be unlike anything you've ever experienced in a focus group! Why You Should Join: Collaborative Exploration: Engage in meaningful conversations addressing your needs and challenges in teaching Physics. Understanding AI: Learn about our AI tools available to help better support your students' learning objectives. Innovative Solutions: Discover cutting-edge student and instructor resources that can support and enhance your course delivery. Future-Focused Insights: Participate in shaping the future of Physics instruction by exploring emerging trends and methodologies. Don't miss out on this opportunity to collaborate with fellow educators and contribute to the evolution of Physics education. RSVP for your spot today.   As a token of appreciation for your participation, you will receive a $100 gift card! We eagerly anticipate your valuable contributions!   *This opportunity has been filled. Stay tuned for more opportunities in the future* ... View more

Embark on a transformative journey with the 5th edition of Biochemistry: A Short Course, where the excitement of discovery meets educational excellence. This edition builds on the success of its predecessors and redefines how biochemistry is taught, making it an indispensable resource for students in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and beyond.   From Classic Roots to Modern Mastery Originating from the classic text Biochemistry by Lubert Stryer, Biochemistry: A Short Course has consistently evolved to meet the needs of modern students. The 5th edition continues to uphold the vision of John Tymoczko, focusing on clarity and accessibility to engage students at every level. The book seamlessly integrates foundational knowledge with the latest advancements, effectively blending science with other disciplines.   Key Features and Innovations Biochemical Timescale: Explore the fascinating dynamics of molecular processes, enzyme actions, and evolutionary changes. This principle offers students a new perspective on time as a fundamental variable in biochemistry. Diverse Research Teams: Learn from the profiles of scientists contributing to biochemistry, showcasing a variety of backgrounds and approaches. The book emphasizes the importance of research at all levels, encouraging students to see themselves as future scientists. Visualization as a Teaching Tool: Benefit from a visually engaging layout with one idea per figure, standalone captions, and beautifully rendered macromolecular structures. The interactive e-book further enhances this with 3-D models and multimedia tools. Conceptual Understanding and Problem Solving: Develop critical thinking skills through structured problem-solving approaches and in-depth conceptual discussions. The edition's interactive assessments and media make learning active and enjoyable.   Interactive E-Book and Multimedia Tools The 5th edition offers an enriched digital experience with an interactive e-book available through our platform. Students can highlight, annotate, and even have the text read aloud. Using Macmillan Learning’s Achieve platform, students can engage with interactive figures, videos, and feedback specific questions. Brief chapters and engaging multimedia tools help instructors foster student understanding.   Why Upgrade? Biochemistry: A Short Course 5e with Achieve is more than an ebook—it's a gateway to mastering biochemistry and its broader implications. With its legacy of excellence and commitment to innovation, this edition is poised to elevate your students' educational journey.    Upgrade today and embrace the future of biochemistry with the tools and insights that make learning both enriching and rewarding. Don't miss the opportunity to unlock the full potential of your biochemistry education.     ... View more

Introducing Lehninger Biochemistry: Core Concepts and Applications! Welcome to the future of biochemistry education! We are thrilled to introduce Lehninger Biochemistry: Core Concepts and Applications, the latest addition to the renowned Macmillan Learning Biochemistry portfolio. This new piece of the Lehninger Franchise is designed to revolutionize the learning experience. This program promises to uphold the highest standards of quality that the Lehninger name is known for. The Evolution of Lehninger Stemming from the foundational Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, this program brings to you the core concepts in a streamlined and engaging digital format. It is crafted to cater to the modern learner, focusing on visual and conceptual understanding through clear, concise figures and interactive art. A Complete Digital Solution Achieve for Lehninger Biochemistry: Core Concepts and Applications is not just a brand new 1st edition text; it is a comprehensive digital course solution. Through Achieve for Lehninger Core, we integrate instructional content with assessments, media, and resources to support student’s learning experiences.    Why Lehninger Core?  A Dynamic Digital Experience Say goodbye to the traditional reading experience. The rich eBook is revolutionizing how biochemistry students engage with their coursework. Each chapter comes alive with 3-5 Interactive Figures that guide students through essential concepts, such as building metabolic pathways and deciphering the genetic code. These figures are complemented by assessment-based activities, ensuring students not only grasp but apply the principles and learning goals of each chapter. Streamlined Content for Modern Learners  Achieve for Lehninger Biochemistry Core Concepts and Applications is meticulously crafted to cater to the needs of today’s biochemistry students. This innovative program integrates a variety of learning tools into a single, cohesive platform. By presenting the core concepts from Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry in a streamlined fashion, students can actively explore and practice biochemistry concepts with ease and efficiency. An Essential Student Study Guide Tailored specifically for the Achieve for Lehninger Biochemistry: Core Concepts and Applications program, the student study guide is an indispensable digital resource designed for the modern student. It offers a clear, structured pathway through the key ideas of each section, combining concise summaries, targeted assessments, and in-depth explorations to create an efficient and effective study experience. By enabling students to quickly check their knowledge and background on complex biochemistry topics, this guide helps learners navigate their studies with confidence and ease. Whether reviewing material or preparing for exams, the student study guide ensures that every minute spent studying is productive and impactful. Scaffolded Assessments for Continuous Learning Supporting continuous learning and retention, the program's scaffolded assessment strategy starts with frequent just-in-time interactive Self Checks. These build up to Section-level conceptual reviews and culminate in Chapter-level synthesis questions. This structured approach ensures that students deeply understand and retain the material, enhancing their overall learning experience. Experience the latest Lehninger program! Explore the possibilities with Lehninger Biochemistry: Core Concepts and Applications. Elevate your teaching and engage your students like never before. Ready to transform your classroom?  Sign up for an Achieve Demo and see the difference or Request an Advanced Copy!    Together, let's build a brighter future in biochemistry education!   ... View more

Competing at the Olympic level means every second and centimeter count.   That’s why athletic gear is so important!  Looking for athletics examples and exercises in your statistics course that are a little outside of the box? Check out a sample of some of our favorite content, all about the shoes, fuel, and equipment that Olympic athletes rely on to compete at the highest level.   What other athletic gear do you think could lend a good data set to statistical analysis?  Achieve allows instructors to write their own questions, or edit pre-built questions, to incorporate any examples, skills, or exercises that work best for their class.   Want to see more? Browse more features of Achieve for Statistics, or sign up for a demo here!     ... View more

“Dive” into Achieve for Statistics exercises from our favorite Olympic water sports. Are you and your statistics students watching this year’s Summer Olympics? It's a great opportunity to bring examples into your classroom from swimming and diving using our Achieve homework questions with embedded data sets. We include data sets and technology how-to videos for Excel, JMP, Minitab, R, RCmdr, SPSS, TI calculators, and more!   From Kokoska's Introductory Statistics 3e, now with Achieve!   Check out more great features of Achieve for Statistics here, or sign up for a demo! ... View more

  Water color painting of an Olympic torch The fastest, the highest, and the furthest. Track & Field is full of exciting events, which, beyond showcasing incredible athletic feats, also produce some great data sets for statistical analysis. What's your favorite track & field event? Check out our range of track & field questions in Achieve for Statistics to see how you can "track" the data in your own class, alongside this year's Summer Olympics.   See more examples below or sign up for a demo to explore more features of Achieve for Statistics!   ... View more

Each year, Earth Day serves as a moment the world can join together for a common cause. We are taught from a young age to respect the natural world around us. However, oftentimes the key resources are not made available that empower and inspire change. In the latest digital update of Achieve for Scientific American Environmental Science for a Changing World, Susan Karr showcases the importance of understanding how we live amongst nature. This new update offers resources and enhanced features such as: new stories, decision point activities, videos, and visualizations, thus enabling students to take control and make decisions that can better support their communities and advocate for positive change. Karr's Environmental Science for a Changing World focuses on using stories from real people. In partnership with Scientific American, students learn through a journalistic approach and are provided with real life examples that they can bring back to their communities and be empowered to make a difference.  Though Karr’s work has been updated, the scientific topics stay consistent, and are focused on empowering students with tools and resources to become environmental advocates. The latest digital update provides readers with  unique stories and tools that better prepare them for the real world. Students are provided the opportunity to showcase their skills and understanding of course content. The update has six new stories that engage students with real examples and key visualizations. Also included in this update are all new questions in LearningCurve, new narrated lecture slides from Susan Karr, and some brand new resources.     Teach using Real Stories Real stories are key to teaching the real impact we have on the environment. In this text we take various different concepts and build upon them utilizing real life stories and examples. One new highlight is an all new and refreshed update for  Chapter 3. In this chapter we have added updates and new stories. In Module 3.1 a new case study is woven into the text showcasing A Wetland Murder Mystery. This module captures the attention of students by challenging them regarding wetlands. This highlights the fact that mammals are disappearing from the Florida Everglades, and why this is occurring. Written in a Scientific American journal style, it captures the attention of students. Module 3.2 on biodiversity has some of the most significant changes in the text. This module tells the story of how Oil Palm Plantations are threatening Tropical Forests. It goes into detail utilizing the example of Indonesia’s shrinking forests due to the increased demand of palm oil rising. Students learn from real world examples paired with incredibly detailed infographics and adaptive quizzes.   Guide with Decision Point Activities  Decision Point Activities are a key function in Achieve to help students better grasp concepts from their readings. These Decision Point Activities provide students with the tools to observe and understand the deep implications that society and business has on nature. These Decision Point Activities provide students with an engaging video so that they can learn more about a unique topic. Students are prepped for these topics with Pre-Class work that presents information about these topics in a video format, which then students can go on their own academic journey to learn more within the subject. These Decision Point Activities are then paired with in-class slides and post-class assignments to ensure students are retaining key facts and information. Some topics Karr covers in these Decision Point Activities are Overfishing, Feeding Cities, and E-Waste. The newest Decision Activity which has been added in our latest digital update is about the Fast Fashion Industry. In this new Fast Fashion Decision Activity, it takes students on a journey to understand the negative impact that the Fast Fashion Industry has had on nature. The Decision Activity begins describing the textile industry and how it has been negatively impacting the environment through extreme waste. These activities then allow students the necessary tools needed to make a difference. The goal of the activity is to empower them to take these concepts back to their own community.    How to Empower Students The text Scientific American Environmental Science for a Changing World has the goal to inspire and empower students to make the right choices at home. It highlights the key issues facing our world today, and how we can take the right steps in making a difference. In this text Author Susan Karr adds a “Bring It Home” section, where she provides students with information to help their communities. It brings about discussion topics for key problems, and how students can make a difference on their own at home. This section is unique to the module being taught, and provides resources and information needed to help students reflect on what they have learned. Students from this course should be empowered to take the next steps and think critically about the natural world around them. Faculty can provide several actions that can empower students to take charge and make a significant difference in their communities for Earth Day: 1. Organize Community Clean-Up Events: Encourage students to plan and participate in local clean-up efforts, such as clearing litter from parks, beaches, or school grounds. 2. Initiate Recycling Programs: Students can lead by example by initiating or enhancing recycling programs within their schools or neighborhoods, educating others on the importance of recycling to reduce waste. 3. Conduct Environmental Education Workshops: Utilize the educational resources and stories from the updated curriculum to conduct workshops that educate community members about environmental issues and sustainable practices. 4. Innovate Sustainable Solutions: Students should encourage themselves and others to focus on inventing new ways to help with sustainability. Through practical action, students can come up with ideas that make a difference within their own communities. Like encouraging the creation of a student garden at school. 5. Advocate for Local Environmental Policies: Empower students to research and advocate for environmental policies at the local level. It is key that students understand that policymakers have a large impact on the environment. As they influence things such as bans on single-use plastics, promoting green spaces, or supporting renewable energy initiatives. Take a Tour of Achieve for Environmental Science for a Changing World 4e ... View more

Every student comes with their unique learning style. Some find it easy to understand complex concepts by reading text, while others prefer visual and auditory cues to grasp the same concepts. As an educator, I have recognized the immense power and potential of multimedia in teaching, especially in subjects as intricate as chemistry. Visual representations, intricate diagrams, audio commentary, and a series of instructional videos can simplify complicated phenomena, making it more comprehensible for students. By directing a student’s attention to specific parts of a video, educators can guide students beyond just observing, enabling them to actively engage and interact with the subject matter. My journey into integrating multimedia into teaching started somewhat accidentally. I wanted my students to retain the class lessons better, so I started video recording my classes. Little did I know that my initiative would not only help my students but would also be beneficial to learners worldwide. A simple YouTube channel, initially meant only for my students, turned out to be a global classroom. My inbox started filling up with appreciative messages from learners worldwide. Encouraged by the response and the increasing viewers, I continued creating instructional videos during my PhD studies, covering many major topics in general chemistry. Around that time, I bumped into a group of forward-thinking people from Macmillan at the South by Southwest conference. They were considering the creation of a revolutionary type of textbook, one that would be redesigned from scratch with a focus on contemporary student learning styles. Today’s students, when confused about a concept, turn to YouTube almost instinctively. It is this change in learning behaviors that my work on YouTube and Macmillan's innovative project aimed to cater to. Combining our resources and insights, we collaborated to develop an interactive general chemistry platform, a revolutionary step in education. The journey to developing and fine-tuning this platform has been long and meticulous. However, the results have been astonishing. So, if you are an educator trying to cater to modern students or a student struggling with complex concepts, consider embracing the power of multimedia. Trust me, it will revolutionize the way you teach! Watch the video! ... View more

Engaging chemistry students to be active participants in learning is more important than ever!  You need to find ways to increase student participation, facilitate problem-solving and involve your students in the learning process overall.  It is a lot to manage and you have limited time and a lot to get through everything you need to do.  We want to help cut through some of the noise and show you some simple tips and tricks to enhance what you already do and possibly provide some ideas to try so you can effectively engage your students and help provide a more equitable classroom without adding layers of complexity. Watch the recording. ... View more

We asked biology professors what inspired them to become teachers. Here's what author and instructor Michele Schuster, co-author of Scientific American Biology for a Changing World with Physiology, had to say! Michele Schuster’s journey began when she first encountered the captivating world of biology in high school. It was at that moment when she peered through a microscope and witnessed the intricate beauty of cells for the very first time. Since that awe-inspiring moment, her fascination with cells and chromosomes never waned. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she delved deeper into the realms of cell biology, microbiology, genetics, and all things related to the world of chromosomes. During her time in graduate school, her focus shifted towards the study of chromosome segregation in yeast. Although her project didn't yield the desired results, it failed to dampen her unwavering passion for chromosomes. Following her graduate studies, she embarked on a post-doctoral research position at the University of Pittsburgh, where she  immersed herself in the field of oral cancer cytogenetics. This involved meticulously examining and analyzing rearranged and altered chromosomes found in oral cancer. Her objective was to identify chromosomal alterations that served as indicators of poor outcomes, thus warranting more aggressive treatment approaches. Additionally, she sought to unravel the biological implications of these alterations for future research endeavors. During an unexpected encounter at the Greek Food Festival, Michele’s life took an unforeseen turn. A conversation led to an invitation to teach a summer course in human genetics. Little did she know that this experience would prove to be transformative. Teaching ignited a newfound love within her that surpassed even her passion for chromosomes! Since that pivotal moment, she  devoted herself to the art of teaching, while also delving into the realm of education research. Her current inspiration lies in instilling a sense of wonder and motivation in her students. She strives to help them forge connections between their own interests, emotions, and the captivating world of biology. Her ultimate aim is to demonstrate the profound impact that biology has on their everyday lives. For Michele, success is not solely measured by her students' performance in her class, rather, it is when students’ effectively utilize the knowledge they have acquired to make informed decisions across various facets of their lives. Whether it be in matters of voting, healthcare, nutrition, exercise, or reproduction, she empowers students to apply their understanding, thereby leading fulfilling lives enriched by biological insights. See what Michele had to say about her inspirational journey into the classroom, watch the video below. ... View more

We asked biology instructors what inspired them to teach. James Morris, author of How Life Works, kindly shared with us what motivated him to become a scientist, teacher, and writer. Here's what he had to say!  I wrote How Life Works because I deeply care about science education. But if you ask me what inspired me and got me interested in science in the first place, it was my high school biology teacher, Dr. Dorothy Andrews. Dr. Andrews, or Dr. Dot as we called her, had a unique way of teaching that left a lasting impression on me. One of the things I loved about her was how observant she was of the world around her. She would notice even the tiniest details, like a plant growing through the pavement in a parking lot. We would often go on nature walks, but sometimes we never made it down the trail because she would get so caught up in her fascination with a particular plant. This story perfectly describes her - someone who noticed the world and delighted in it. It made a big impression on me and inspired me to pay close attention to the world around me. Dr. Dot taught me the importance of observation and close looking. She taught me that even something as seemingly simple as a fern can have many variations and unique characteristics. By noticing these differences, we could better identify and understand them. As Yogi Berra once said, "You can see a lot just by looking." Dr. Dot taught me to observe, which is an essential aspect of being a scientist. She had us read a book called "The Art of Scientific Investigation" by W.I.B. Beveridge. This book focused on different aspects of the scientific process, such as observation, experimentation, chance, and imagination. It laid a foundation for my understanding of science and continues to influence the way I teach and write today. When I went to college, I was disappointed to find that there wasn't as much emphasis on observation and experimentation in my biology classes. It was more focused on memorization, which turned me off from pursuing biology as a major. Instead, I became a history major. However, my passion for science was reignited later when I had another inspiring teacher, my graduate advisor, Dr. Ting Wu. Dr. Wu, a geneticist, introduced me to the world of chromosome structure, gene expression, and epigenetics. She encouraged me to ask interesting questions and explore the unknown. One valuable lesson she taught me was to treasure exceptions. When something didn't fit the normal pattern, it was an opportunity to learn something new. This reminded me of Barbara McClintock's book, "A Feeling for the Organism," where she described how getting to know corn so well allowed her to learn from its exceptions, leading to groundbreaking discoveries in genetics. Both Dr. Dot and Dr. Ting inspired me to become a scientist. I try to incorporate their teachings into both my teaching and writing. I prioritize caring for and getting to know my students. I ask open-ended questions that invite discussions rather than simply providing answers. My goal is to instill a sense of wonder in my students because when they are interested and curious, everything else falls into place. They will naturally learn the terms and processes if they have that sense of wonder. In recent years, we have learned a great deal about how students learn best. We understand the importance of learning objectives, structured learning, and active learning. However, one aspect that often gets overlooked is the crucial role of teachers. Just as Dr. Dot and Dr. Ting had a tremendous influence on me, teachers can have a profound impact on their students' lives. So, if you reflect on your own interests and passions, chances are there was a teacher who played a similar role. They ignited that spark within you. As we continue to improve science education, let's remember the significance of teachers. They are the ones who can inspire and guide students on their journey of discovery.  Watch this short video to view his response! ... View more