Extra Credit Opportunities

READ THESE GUIDELINES!!!

• A maximum of 40 extra credit points is available per student for the quarter. No exceptions.
• All work must by original.
• All extra credit is due by the end of class of the 9th week of the quarter.  Absolutely NO extra credit is accepted after this deadline.  Sorry, No exceptions.  
• NO extra credit given to students who do not supply references for their work or who have plagarized any part of their work.
• The Instructor will not accept any extra credit from students who have more than 4 absences from class or lab as well as any students who are disruptive or disrespectful in class. 

I. 5 Point Options

Find and read a relevant article.  Must be handed in no later than week 9.

1. The article must directly involve a topic of Biology and be no more than 1 month old.
2. After reading the article, do a brief write up of the key points of the article, note the source, define new vocabulary used in the text.
3. Hand the article & 1 page write up to the instructor. Instructor reserves the right to reject an article if it is not appropriate, is too brief or does not meet the above expectations.
4. All articles must be handed to the instructor prior to the end of class during week 9 of the quarter.

II. For 10 points

Define the term ecological footprint. (Remember this is Due no later than week 9 of the quarter) This exercise asks you to calculate your own ecological footprint.

1. Go to  this website: myfootprint.org.   Define the term ecological footprint.  Itemize your ecological footprint and highlight what part of your current lifestye is the greatest contributor to it. Housing, food?  How does your footprint compare to the average in this country?
2. Print out the final page on this website that summarizes your own footprint.  In addtion, Describe 3 changes you can make to reduce your footprint, then recalculate and discuss the significance of those changes. 

III. For a possible 20 points

Choose any format to answer any ONE of the items below: 5 page paper or powerpoint presentation (20 slides minimum)

Students who choose this option must complete and hand the assignment in to the instructor no later than the end of lecture of week 9. Please don't ask for an extension because after this date you will be needing to work on your lab presentations which are worth much more than 20 points.

1. Go to the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.  Take a minimum of 10 photos (you must be in at least 3 of them) and create a powerpoint.  You may photograph any of the displays there that relate to any topic in biology that may or may not have been covered in this class.  Do not do ANY internet research for this assignment.  All your information should come from the museum directly (placards, films, docent tours etc) and reflect your experience there.  s.  Describe each photo and what you've learned about it. For each photos there should be at least 3 bullet points of information.
2. Research genetically modified foods. What foods are now commercially sold that are GMO’s.? Explain the process of altering the genetic make up of an organism. Can you see or taste any difference in genetically modified foods? How have these foods been tested to insure their safety? What genes have been translocated into food products? From where/ what organisms? Discuss the pros/cons, legal issues, public support/concerns.  Be sure to site your sources.  This can be a paper or a powerpoint but it must include at least 5 images plus 2 graphs.  
3. Go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Select 10 marine animals. Take a photo of each and describe their physical and behavioral characteristics. you must be in at least 3 of these photos.  NO internet research please!!  Get all your info right there at the aquarium by reading the placards/signs or speaking with the many volunteer docents/ employees that are there to provide visitors with information.  Where is each animal found (specifically in what zone of the ocean?) What does it eat? Who eats it? What threatens it? Describe how relates with at least 2 other organisms in its native habitat. Complete your project by discussing 5 things you learned at the aquarium about living more sustainably/ protecting the environment. 
4. Go to the San Francisco Zoo. Take photos of 10 animal exhibits.  You must be in at least 3 of these photos.   For each animal you choose: a) describe its native habitat  b) general characteristics of the animal  c) eating/ mating/ other behavioral characteristics  d)  what is its status:  endangered? Threatened? What are its current numbers?  e) any miscellaneous interesting facts  f) Share 5 facts the Zoo teaches about conservation.
5. Develop a short film. (5-8 minutes). This film should creatively teach any one of the biology concepts taught in this course. Please discuss your topic with the instructor PRIOR to getting started with this project. You can do live-action demos using students, develop a model using props or something completely different.