In eraly spring, the high school biology department carried out the "Reading Week" activity. This event aims to ignite students' enthusiasm for biology and raise their reading habits and research skills.

Abundant and varied activities supporting different levels of learning.

The "Reading Week" provided books selected carefully that matched the interests and cognitive levels of students in different grades. "The Genius of Birds" and "The Hidden Life of Trees" were prepared for students in G9 and G10. These two books delve into the intricate animal behavior and plant habit, respectively, and encourage students to pay attention to the hidden biological phenomena of living creatures on campus, training their observation skills and curiosity about nature. Students in G11 and G12 were provided with "Allies and Enemies: How the World Depends on Bacteria" and "Neanderthal Man." These two books discuss hot topics in microbiology and genetics, researching how humans adapt to their environments and evolve, enriched by professional biological knowledge that enhances students' mode of thinking for biology learning and encourages more profound reflection on cutting-edge areas of the field.

The "Reading Week" initiative started in the third week of the semester. Each biology teacher spent a class period introducing the book contents to students and reading selected chapters together. Additionally, students in G9 & G10 browsed the online version of the school’s birding guide manual and the content on the birding club's website. In contrast, students in G11 & G12 watched videos related to the books to prepare for subsequent creative work and discussions.

Good Book Sharing Session: Sparking Passion for Reading
On March 19, with great enthusiasm, the biology department held a "Favorite Biology Books" sharing session. Students from various grades gathered to share their favorite biology books and discuss their reading insights with peers. Students actively exchanged recommendations for their favorite books and shared interesting discoveries and profound insights from their reading experiences. During the discussions, students appreciated how reading enriches their thoughts and enjoyed the biology discipline's vastness and excitement. For instance, Peter Godfrey·Smith's "Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness" explores the consciousness and thinking of octopuses, revealing the complexity of deep-sea life. Sean B. Carroll's "The Serengeti Rules" uses vivid examples to delve into the rules and balance in nature. Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" profoundly reveals the impact of pesticides on the environment, sparking students’ thoughts on ecology. Additionally, teacher Yongchi Li participated in sharing recommendations. Ms. Li introduced Matthew Walker's "Why We Sleep," which details the importance of sleep for the brain, and encouraged students on-site to manage their study time and sleep effectively, fostering good study and well-arranged life habits.

Notably, four students gave a speech recommending "The Selfish Gene," a classic work by Richard Dawkins. This book emphasizes the central role of genes in biological behavior, exploring the "selfish" actions of genes as the central theme and discussing their character in natural selection and biological evolution. With G9 & G10 students currently studying genes and evolution in their biology courses, this book not only aids in their understanding of the coursework but also deepens their awareness of the origins of life.

Students Actively Respond, Cultivating Creative Outcomes
Students were actively engaged in the second phase of the "Reading Week" activities. Students in G9 & G10 created posters or videos introducing a bird or plant found at the school, and the excellent works are to be shown during Academic Day. Meanwhile, students in G11 & G12 posted open-ended questions related to the course content on the Blackboard discussion board and actively answered their peers’ inquiries, showcasing a strong atmosphere of academic exchange.

The "Reading Week" activities enriched students' extracurricular reading experiences and enhance their research thinking and teamwork through creative assignments and interactive discussions. The high school biology department will continue to adhere to the principle of integrating innovation with education, providing students with more platforms to explore life sciences and igniting their passion for discovery in these fields. In the future, the high school biology department will plan to hold more engaging and educational activities to support the holistic development of students.

(Written and Pictures by High School Biology Department  Edited by Cody Turner   Reviewed by Qian Zuo)