The Kansas Association of Biology Teachers is a group of current and former educators interested in advancing the practice of science teaching within and beyond the borders of the state of Kansas. Through fellowship amongst members, the sharing of information, and the free interchange of ideas, our objective is to foster passion and appreciation for the life sciences.
Ashfall Spring Field Trip Recap
- Three KABT members – myself, Kelly Kluthe, and Andrew Taylor – made the long trek to see the ashfall fossil site in North Eastern Nebraska. I was completely moved by the site and the compelling story it tells about the ancient mammals who once roamed much of the midwest. To physically SEE these amazing animals in the exact location where they died was truly spectacular. I was also blown away by the presentation of information at the site, and was moved to create a two-day lesson sequence (see link below) based off of the evidence/reasoning displays they provided at the site. All in all, I can’t recommend a trip to the site enough. Truly a rare and compelling site that is well worth the time and drive. Please enjoy some photos below of our explorations!
- Link to folder of claim, evidence, reasoning lesson based on the site.
- I am not finished with this resource and would love feedback that anyone would want to provide! Right now I’m hoping to get a first draft together that I try out with my students in the first couple weeks of school. After I’ve experienced it with students I’m hoping to present the lesson sequence at the KABT fall conference.
Speaking of fall conference….
KABT Fall Conference Information
- When: Saturday, September 27th, 9AM – 4 PM
- Where: Campus High School, 2100 W 55th St S, Wichita, Kansas 67217
- Theme: Outdoor education and community science
- Link to presenter application form – we highly encourage anyone who is interested in sharing something cool from your classroom, school, or PD.
- Thanks to Zach Shinkle (KABT President Elect) and Tyler Balsters (KABT Vice President) for coordinating and planning the fall conference this year!
NABT information
- The annual conference this year will be in St. Louis! We are hopeful that the close proximity means more Kansas folks will be able to attend – last time the conference was in STL we had a great showing (and coordinating shirts!).
- When: October 30 – November 2
- Where: St. Louis Union Station
- Link to register
- If you’re planning on going to the conference, maybe reply to this email and I can make a separate email thread of folks attending so we can meet up for another photo op?
- My last email newsletter included a link for a scholarship application for an early career teacher to receive registration for NABT. I’m proud to announce that Grace Higgins and Amanda Harra were the recipients of that scholarship and will have their registration fees covered by KABT.
- I am so proud to announce Robin Dennis from Olathe South High School is the 2025 Outstanding Biology Teacher for Kansas this year! If you know an outstanding biology teacher, encourage them to apply for the 2026 award – details can be found here.
- Last NABT thing – one perk of being a member is the American Biology Teacher Journal. Each month a free article is posted online so that anyone (member or not) can read about the amazing things biology teachers are doing around the country. Also, NABT members automatically get access to the entire history of ABT, which has been published for (A LONG TIME) – lots of goodies in there!
Free State Prairie Open House
- The bio department at Free State (which I’m lucky to be a part of!) has some all-time rockstar teachers like last year’s OBTA Julie Schwarting. 10 years ago Julie spearheaded the prairie restoration site along with KU’s Dr. Helen Alexander and it has been a wonderful learning lab and outdoor area for our school ever since. If you’re interested, swing by for a prairie walk to hear about how we use the site and explore some other local prairie-oriented folks. It looks like the weather will be beautiful Sunday evening!
Book Club
- In the past our group has run a casual book club. We’ve read The Evolution of Beauty by Richard Prum and Immense World by Ed Yong – both amazing books!
- We’ve tried various formats, but I think what might be easiest for everyone is to agree on a book and a date to discuss the book. I know that I personally read a lot in the summer and then come to a screeching halt once school starts but I think a book club could help me stay motivated!
- Let’s do two things moving forward…if you have a book you’d like to suggest for the book club please respond to this email. After a week has passed I’ll create a poll on the facebook page of all the books and also send an email to anyone who is interested in participating. We will vote on the book and the date once everyone has time to throw out their suggestions!
- I’m going to throw two books into the ring that I’ve heard good things about… Nature’s Rainbow by Joan Roughgarden and The Sea of Grass by David Hage.
- I’m going to throw two books into the ring that I’ve heard good things about… Nature’s Rainbow by Joan Roughgarden and The Sea of Grass by David Hage.
- Let’s do two things moving forward…if you have a book you’d like to suggest for the book club please respond to this email. After a week has passed I’ll create a poll on the facebook page of all the books and also send an email to anyone who is interested in participating. We will vote on the book and the date once everyone has time to throw out their suggestions!
- Please respond to this email if you’re interested in participating in the book club and I’ll be sure to include you in future communication.
Legislation Lookout
- This month marked the 100 year anniversary of the Scopes Evolution trial, where a Tennessee teacher was fined for teaching evolution in his classroom. Our own KABT group went through similar tribulations in the 80s when evolution curriculum was under fire from the state. In today’s political landscape perhaps you may find the story to be instructive and inspiring. Here’s a link to an NPR piece about the trial and its implications for today.
- Here I’ve linked the position statements page from NABT that may be useful to you this upcoming school year. Also, the National Center for Science Education (NCSE) has a great link where you can look at legislation related to science education in different states.
Wow thanks for sticking around through all of that – we’ve got a great network of teachers doing some amazing things! I, for one, have been enjoying the summer showing of blooms, insects, birds, bats, and all of the energy that comes with this time of year. Prairie Park Nature Center and Rockefeller Prairie in Lawrence have both been putting on a show in my neck of the woods, which I will leave you with below.
