Good resource for studying biology

They offer case studies at multiple levels for different learning levels, like AP and general level biology, while the teacher can follow along at real time. With being able to monitor progress and change their responses with undesired results they get to learn and understand the impacts of their choices. Questions can be answered as they come up as well and anyone who is struggling can get aid quickly. They get to apply their prior learning to the problem at hand and try to solve it in the role of a scientist. They answer questions as they go along and then reflect on what they learned from their trials in solving the problem at the end. The students get to take on the role of a scientist and unlike a case study gone over in class they can get quick results and either change their approach or continue on. They get to apply their knowledge to a deeper understanding of the material and by applying it make deeper connections with how the content relates to real life. This is a great tool to include in reviewing concepts and something fun and engaging for the students that goes beyond another worksheet.

I began using the Cogent Case Studies years ago and now find them an invaluable tool. The animations allow students to experience concepts such as membrane transport, osmosis and cellular respiration (among many others) at the molecular level - this is something that was simply impossible for the students to really see or experience before now. Having the students play the role of a doctor or vet trying to save a patient causes them to really invest in the outcome of the case, and see the value of what they are learning. While some vocabulary can be challenging for lower level students, you can easily differentiate by using the cases in different ways, such as partners or small group settings. There are so many possibilities! I highly recommend these cases, they are worth the investment!

This tool was amazing when working with Biology students. Students can work in class or at home. While in class, the teacher can monitor progress through a system called sable and then assist students on a "just in time" basis to help them with content that may be challenging. This system also allows the teacher to keep track of content mastery through both multiple choice and constructed response questions. Although the content presented is of a high level, students expressed that they learned more than they would have expected was possible. I love using these cases! There is also potential for flipped learning models.