29th Annual ABLE Conference
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
June 5 – 9, 2007
Host Institution
Lodging
Weather
Travel
Summary of events
Tuesday fieldtrips
Wednesday workshops
Thursday workshops
Friday Banquet
Saturday fieldtrips
Department of
Biological Sciences
The 2007 ABLE Conference will be hosted by the Department of Biology, which is located in the T. H. Morgan Building, the major building for the workshops. With more than 1100 students, the Department of Biology is home to the largest undergraduate major on the University of Kentucky campus. Department faculty also make substantial contributions to undergraduate instruction of non-majors in related fields from other Colleges and Departments, as well as to the University Studies Program, Discovery Seminars, and Distance Learning.
The Department offers extensive opportunities for Independent Study, providing students with valuable research experience in many areas of Biology.
University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky is located in Lexington (population 235,000), the center of the internationally famous Bluegrass area of Kentucky. UK’s 11 colleges, 5 professional schools, and the graduate school support more than 30,900 students on the Lexington campus and the Chandler Medical Center.
Conference Lodging
Dorm Rooms:
A block of on-campus air-conditioned
dormitory rooms is being held in the Smith/ Baldwin/ Ingels complex. (new
dorms, opened Fall 2005). Each 2-room suite shares a bathroom.
Each guest is provided with two towels, one wash cloth, linens, pillow, and
blanket. You may want to consider bringing an alarm clock, radio, clothes
hangers, reading light and a calling card. Single rooms $27.00. Double
rooms $43.00. Effective
April 2, 2007 – a $5.00/night linens fee has been added to the dorm
rates.
As of January 1, complimentary parking provided.
Hotel Rooms:
A block of off-campus air-conditioned rooms is being held at the Holiday Inn Express at
1000 Export Street.nMake your reservations no later than
May 4, 2007 to be assured a room by calling 859-389-6800.
MUST mention ABLE to receive the special rate of $75.00 plus tax per day PER
ROOM. This includes a complimentary continental breakfast each morning. The
motel is approximately three blocks from the Morgan Building
(approximately 5 minutes walk depending on the traffic lights).
Complimentary parking provided.
Weather
The June temperature in Lexington can vary from
the low 80s (day) to the high 50s (night). Come prepared for warm days and
cool evenings. Bring insect repellant, sun-screen, and rain gear for outdoor
activities. Pop-up thunderstorms (some quite severe) are commonplace during
the month of June.
Travel
By air:
The Bluegrass
Airport in Lexington is the closest commercial airport
and is located 5 miles south west of the university. This airport is served
by the following airlines:
- AMERICAN EAGLE: Reservations:
1-800-433-7300, Daily non-stop flights to Dallas/Ft. Worth and Chicago - CONTINENTAL EXPRESS:
Reservations: 1-800-525-0280, Continental Express provides daily
non-stop flights connecting the Lexington
to Continental’s hubs in Cleveland, OH, Newark/New York and Houston,
TX. - DELTA AIR LINES: Reservations:
1-800-221-1212, Delta Air Lines provides daily non-stop jet
flights between Lexington and Atlanta, GA, Cincinnati, OH, New York, NY, Washington, D.C.and Orlando, FL. - NORTHWEST AIRLINK:
Reservations: 1-800-225-2525, Northwest provides daily non-stop
flights to its hubs in Detroit.
MI, Memphis, TNand Minneapolis, MN. - UNITED EXPRESS: Reservations:
1-800-241-6522, United Express provides daily non-stop jet flights to
United Airlines’ hub in Chicago,
IL and connecting service
to destinations worldwide. - US AIRWAYS EXPRESS:
Reservations: 1-800-428-4322, US Airways provides daily non-stop jet flights
from Blue Grass Airport to its hub in Charlotte, NC
A number of car rental and
taxi/limousine companies service the Bluegrass Airport.
Cab fare to campus averages $18.00. It is recommended, when claiming baggage,
that attendees scout out the area for other ABLE attendees and share a cab.
Cab rides from the dorm to the airport on Saturday and Sunday will be
coordinated.
- AVIS (800) 230-4898
- BUDGET (800) 527-0700
- HERTZ (800) 654-3131
- NATIONAL (800) 227-7368
- 24/7 TAXI (859) 233-2227
- AMERICAN TAXI (859) 381-8294
- WILDCAT TAXI (859) 225-2227
- YELLOW CAB (859) 231-8294
By bus:
The nearest Greyhound bus
station is located at 477 W NEW CIRCLE RD NW
Lexington,
telephone: 859-299-0428
By car:
SOUTH ON I-64 OR
I-75
(I-64 and I-75
merge just south of Georgetown,
Ky.).
Follow I-64 or I-75 South to Exit 113 (marked Paris/Lexington).
SOUTH AND SOUTHWEST ON BLUEGRASS PARKWAY:
Follow the Bluegrass Parkway
to Lexington.
Turn right off the ramp onto Route 60 (Versailles Road).
NORTH ON I-75:
Follow I-75 North
to Exit 104 (marked Athens/Lexington).
More specific driving
directions will be provided on registration.
Summary of Events
Monday, June 4th
- Early registration for Board
Members (6pm): Morgan
Building; Room 305 - ABLE Board Meeting: Morgan Building; Room 305;
6:00-9:00pm (dinner provided)
Tuesday, June 5th
- Conference Registration: Morgan Building; Room 201;
10:00am-4.30pm - ABLE Board Meeting: Morgan Building; Room 305; 8:00-12:00
noon - Tuesday Afternoon Field Trips; 12:45-5:00pm
- Welcome reception and sit-down
dinner: Round Barn at the Red Mile. 6:00pm – 9:00pm.
The opening reception and dinner will be held in the Round Barn at The Red Mile , the second oldest
harness track in the world, known for its fast, red clay and one-mile
track. For over 130 years, harness racing’s elite has converged on The Red Mile to stage some of the
greatest equine battles in history. In 2004, the Red Mile hosted its
inaugural Quarter Horse meet, which marked the first time that breed has
raced in the Bluegrass in more than a
decade. In addition to each year’s showcase horse racing, The Red Mile simulcasts 365 days a
year and hosts numerous horse sales. The shuttle will begin leaving
the residence hall at 6pm. (This is a barn so bring a jacket or sweater
as it may get cool as the evening wears on.). Cash bar.
Tuesday
Afternoon Field Trips:
1. Horses, Hooch and History Tour 12.45pm – 5pm ( Bus leaves PROMPTLY at 1pm)
The first stop will be a driving tour of scenic Donamire Farm, where some of
the scenes for Seabiscuit and
Dreamer were filmed.
Next will be the Kentucky Equine Sports
Medicine and Rehabilitation Center (KESMARC), where you will be
given a tour of the facilities and learn more about a side of horse racing
that most don’t get to see. After that the group will depart for Buffalo Trace Bourbon Distillery , for
a tour and tasting of their award winning bourbon.
Cost: $25.00 includes
transportation on a motor coach equipped with restroom, tour of Donamire,
tour at KESMARC, tour and tasting at Buffalo Trace, and all gratuities. Registration is limited, Tour is on a first come
first serve basis.
2. Self-guided tour of the Arboretum
Wednesday, June 6th
- New Members Breakfast:
7:00-8:00am OVID’S (W. T. Young Library) - Conference Registration: Morgan Building; Room 201; 7.30am
- Major Workshops: 8:30-11:30am
- Box Lunch: 11:30 am Morgan Building; Room 201, eating area
Room 107 - Lunch Time Presentation: Morgan Building; Room 107: 12:00 -n1:00pm
- Major Workshops: 1.30 – 4.30pm
- Hayden-McNeil Mixer
Wednesday Workshops
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<![endif]>An inquiry based enzyme laboratory.
Norris Armstrong, Biology Division, University of Georgia
A laboratory commonly used in introductory
biology classes is the breakdown of starch by the enzyme amylase. These labs
tend use a “cookbook” format in which students are given explicit,
step-by-step instructions that make it possible to easily complete the
exercise without developing a good understanding of many of the concepts
being taught.
This workshop will present part of a three week laboratory series that uses a
guided-inquiry approach and collaborative teams to help students understand
basic concepts in biochemistry and enzyme function as well as experimental
design, the collection and analysis of data, and communication of results.
The workshop will include a discussion of strategies designed to support the
inquiry format and to help insure that students are well prepared for the
lab. Participants will have the opportunity to work through some of the same
assignments that the students are asked to complete.
This laboratory series was designed for non-science majors but would also be
suitable for science majors and could be adapted for use in more advanced
classes as well.
2. Oviposition Substrate Choice by Bean Beetles,
Callosobruchus maculatus
Lawrence S. Blumer, Department of Biology, Morehouse
College and Christopher W. Beck,
Department of Biology, Emory University
Bean beetles, Callosobruchus maculatus, are agricultural pest insects of
Africa and Asia. Females lay their eggs on
the surface of beans (Family Fabaceae). The choice of prey bean is the most
important choice a female makes for her offspring, as it will influence their
growth, survival, and future reproduction. In this study, students will
design and conduct experiments to evaluate the substrate choices of female
bean beetles. The experiments will address three questions: Do bean beetles
discriminate between bean species? Does the bean species from which a female
emerged influence her subsequent choice of oviposition substrate? What are the
consequences of a femaleoeôòùs choice of substrate on offspring survival and
offspring characteristics?
3. a. Morning Workshop Title: Teaching the Teacher: Introducing
and Training TAs in Inquiry-Based Learning Methods
3. b. Afternoon Workshop Title: Breakout: Identifying effective and
innovative solutions to common TA issues
Kelly Bohrer,
Department of Biology, University of Dayton
In this pair of workshops, participants will learn specific methods, tools,
and resources they can use to train graduate student and junior faculty to be
more effective teaching professionals. Participants may choose to attend one
or both of these workshops. After the two workshops, the presentations and
ancillary materials will be compiled by the presenters and copies sent to all
participants.
4. Using the Scientific Method: Fruit Fly Studies
Joseph P.
Chinnici, Department of Biology Virginia Commonwealth University, and Robert
Ketcham, Department of Biology, University of Delaware
This exercise employs the scientific method, active student learning, and
discovery science, as students identify mutant phenotypes and determine their
modes of inheritance, then test their data statistically. Flightless fruit
flies are used.
The workshop is a condensed version of three 2-hour sessions. Each
participant is given sets of vials containing, in sequence, (1) flies to set
up the parental generation, (2) vials containing F1 flies to set up F1 x F1
matings, and finally (3) vials containing F2 flies. Typically, each of the
three exercises takes place 14 days after the previous session, but all will
occur within the 3-hour workshop format.
During part 1 (parental generation), participants learn to anaesthetize
flies, distinguish males and females, collect virgin females, compare normal
and mutant flies and determine which mutant phenotype is in their
“unknown” stock. They set up the parental cross (normal virgin
females x mutant males.) They will view an introductory Powerpoint
presentation about Drosophila melanogaster.
During part 2 (F1 generation), participants observe F1 flies to determine
whether the mutant trait appears in males and/or females. Participants will
set up an F1 x F1 cross. Participants will discuss the four major modes of
inheritance.
During part 3 (F2 generation), participants examine F2 flies, collecting
numerical data on their sexes and mutant status. They perform chi-square analysis
of the data, using the most probable mode of inheritance as the expected
model. Based on the statistical results, participants discuss factors which
may have contributed to their statistical conclusions. Participants test
male-female numbers, mutant-normal numbers, and mutant male-normal
male-mutant female-normal female numbers. The instructor gives a short
tutorial on how to use the chi-square analysis.
In the classroom setting, students write a detailed scientific report so that
others are able to read the report and repeat the experiments.
5.
CANCELLED Bioinformatic Analysis and
Exploration of Biological Databases with the Fibroblast Growth Factor Family
Kari L. Clase,
Department of Industrial Technology, Purdue University CANCELLED
The evolution of the computer as an essential tool for the acquisition and
storing of information has literally revolutionized the field of
biotechnology with the acquisition of vast amounts of information generated
by the decoding of the sequence of the human genome, as well as multiple
other eukaryotes, prokaryotes and viruses. Immense amounts of data have been
produced by genome sequencing projects and multiple biological databases have
been generated for public use. These data have provided abundant opportunities
for investigators to create predictions and hypotheses based upon in silico
data to elucidate biomolecular interactions and facilitate functional
annotation of genomic information. This student laboratory project will
explore the protein interactions within a model protein family, Fibroblast
Growth Factor (FGF), using online biological databases. Since their initial
discovery, FGF family members have been identified in species ranging from
fruit fly to human. Across species, FGF proteins are highly conserved and
share greater than 90% amino-acid sequence homology. The twenty-three members
of the FGF family of proteins have been directly implicated in a strikingly
diverse set of biological activities and the interactions of the Fibroblast
Growth Factor family with proteins and extracellular matrix molecules include
both high affinity and low affinity interactions, both of which are necessary
for biological function. An organism can modulate the function of a protein
family by controlling the splicing patterns and expressing specific isoforms
of its members. Many of the members within the FGF family are alternatively
spliced to generate different protein isoforms. Students will explore the
publicly available information for this model protein family and select an
individual protein member for further study. The laboratory exercise and the
biological databases that will be presented, could be adapted as a model to
explore other proteins of interest within other laboratory courses.
6. Extraction, Sequencing, and Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA
Robert J. Kosinski
and Brad Robinson, department of biological Sciences, Clemson University
In this laboratory, students extract mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from eyelash
hair follicles. The instructor then uses polymerase chain reaction to amplify
a 440 bp segment of the control region. After the students perform
electrophoresis to verify that the segment has amplified successfully, the
samples are sent to the Dolan DNA Learning Center (DNALC) at Cold Spring
Harbor Laboratory for free sequencing. The sequence results are posted on a
Dolan Web site. Finally, students use bioinformatic tools such as BLAST and
ClustalW to determine if their mtDNA sequence is most similar to those of
their own ethnic group, or to a completely different ethnic group. The
results can be used to lead a discussion of the relatively small genetic
differences between different human groups, and are a personally-relevant use
of bioinformatics skills. In this workshop, the participants will extract
their own mtDNA and partially process it. The presenter will finish the
processing and send the samples to the DNALC for sequencing. Therefore, every
participant whose mtDNA processes successfully will be informed of his/her
own mtDNA sequence. This laboratory has been used since 2005 in the
introductory biology course for majors at Clemson University.
7. The Two-Hybrid Assay
John Mordacq and
Roberta Ellington, Department of biological Sciences, Northwestern University
This laboratory exercise investigates the yeast two-hybrid assay as it is
used to identify protein-protein interactions. The two proteins being tested
are called the bait and the prey. The cDNA that codes for the bait protein
has been subcloned into a plasmid vector containing the coding sequences for
the DNA-binding domain for the yeast GAL4 transcription factor. The cDNA that
codes for the prey protein has been subcloned into a separate vector
containing the coding sequences for the activation domain of GAL4. If these chimeric
proteins interact, they result in the reconstitution of the GAL4 transcription
factor %G—%@ the DNA-binding domain and activation domain are held
together by the protein-protein interaction between the bait and the prey
proteins. Interactions are observed in a strain of yeast that is auxotrophic
for histidine and adenine biosynthesis. This yeast strain contains histidine
and adenine reporter genes found downstream from the yeast UAS sequence (UAS
is the binding site for GAL4). This selection allows for the screening of
protein interactions on media lacking histidine and/or adenine.
Thursday,
June 7th
- Major Workshops:
8:30am-11:30am - Box Lunch: 11:30 am Morgan Building; Room 201, eating area
Room 107 - ABLE in the Galapagos and Ecuador : Morgan Building;
Room 10: 12:00 -1:00pm - Major Workshops: 1.30-
4.30pm - Evening: Supper on your own.
Suggestions and directions will be provided in your
packet.
Thursday Workshops
1. Using Vernier equipment to convert didactically taught
human respiration lab to inquiry based human respiration lab.
Tim Bradshaw, Sam
Carmichael, Debasish Ghosh, and Jason Collett, Dept of Biology, University of Kentucky
Participants will learn about an effort at the University of Kentucky to use Vernier equipment to
convert a didactically taught human respiration lab into an inquiry based
human respiration lab. The didactically taught lab consisted of a step-by
step cookbook lab constructed by Vernier. We redesigned this lab with the 5 E
framework, creating an inquiry based lab with more emphasis on student led
investigations. We will demonstrate both labs, identify key areas that were
changed, discuss teaching assistant training on the new lab, and examine the
effects of the new lab on student achievement and attitudes. We will also
provide training on Vernier equipment. An understanding of inquiry based
education and 5E framework will be beneficial.
2. Conversion Immersion, Version 2.0: Working Together to
Create Investigative Labs
Marielle Hoefnagels and Mark Walvoord
In this workshop, participants will work together to generate ideas for
modifying specific, traditional (“cookbook”) labs to a more
investigative format. We will divide the participants into small groups and
assign each group a lab or set of related labs. Participants will spend about
half of the workshop working in their groups, brainstorming and summarizing
their ideas for making the labs more investigative. For the remainder of the
workshop, each group will report its ideas to the rest of the workshop
participants.
We will compile the ideas generated in the workshop and publish the results
in the Proceedings and in Labstracts.
3. The Genetics of Beta-galactosidase-Encoded by the lacZ
gene in E. coli Laboratory Exercises to Illustrate Gene Regulation
Sue Karcher, Tina
Henne, and Debbie Anderson, Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue
University
Beta-galactosidase is an enzyme that splits lactose into glucose and
galactose; it is encoded by the lacZ gene in the lac operon of the bacterium
Escherichia coli. An operon is a set of structural genes transcribed as a
single messenger RNA and adjacent regulatory regions that control the
expression of these genes. Because beta-galactosidase is a relatively stable
enzyme that is easily assayable using the substrate ONPG
(o-nitrophenyl-beta-galactopyranoside), it is used in laboratory exercises.
The beta-galactosidase system of E. coli was studied by scientists François
Jacob and Jacques Monod. From their analysis of mutations within the lac
operon, they developed a model of transcriptional regulation of the lac
operon by the lac repressor. They formulated a model of genetic regulatory
mechanisms, showing how, on a molecular level, certain genes are activated
and repressed. They received a Nobel Prize in 1965 for this work.
In this workshop participants will perform a laboratory exercise using E.coli
strains with different mutations in the lac operon to demonstrate the
regulation of beta-galactosidase production in E. coli. This exercise is used
in a sophomore level genetics and molecular biology laboratory at Purdue University for biology majors.
Students identify the nature of the mutations in each strain based on their
determination of the beta-galactosidase activity of each strain. This laboratory
enhances the studentsoeôòù understanding of gene regulation.
In addition, we will focus on the historical background and practical
applications of the lac operon. We will examine the use of the lacZ gene as a
reporter gene to study gene expression and as a part of cloning vectors such
as pUC13. Participants will investigate the use of a blue/white screening for
recombinant DNA cloning with vectors containing a part of the lacZ gene.
4. Whodunit? A Murder Mystery for Teaching Biology
Joann M. Lau and
David Robinson Department of Biology, Bellarmine University
From Sherlock Holmes to modern-days sleuths, the tremendous explosion of
interest in the science of forensics is all around us. Turn on the
television and one can see popular shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation , Cold Case , Crossing Jordan , The
New Detectives , and Forensic
Files all bolstering interest in forensics. This represents
a pedagogical opportunity for science educators. The National Science Teachers
Association recommends incorporation of forensics into courses as a tool for
getting students intrigued. This laboratory exercise incorporates a
variety of techniques and takes a multi-faceted approach in solving a mock
crime scenario which gives students hands-on experiences in both current
molecular techniques and data-analysis. It was designed to introduce
students to a multitude of molecular, biochemical and microscopic techniques
using a mock crime-scene, involving faculty participation in a murder
scenario. Students gain hands-on experience in a breadth of fields,
including analysis of latent fingerprints, ABO/Rh typing, urine analysis,
paper chromatography, as well as analysis of hair and fiber evidence.
Students also execute molecular techniques such as setting up a restriction
enzyme digest, preparing an agarose gel, gel loading, gel electrophoresis,
and staining to visualize the ‘DNA profile’ of suspects. This exercise
was used at the beginning of the semester in a junior-level Molecular Biology course and with some
modification was used in two different non-majors courses: Introduction to Life Sciences and Modern Genetics . T his exercise
would also be appropriate for the laboratory portion of undergraduate courses
in Cell Biology , Biochemistry , Biotechnology , Recombinant DNA Techniques , or Genetics . It could even be tailored to a Criminal Justice course.
Due to recent advances in DNA technology the laboratory procedures are
routine, safe and relatively inexpensive. The laboratory exercise can
be completed in one 3-hour lab session with minimal molecular-biology
equipment.
5. For Puppies or Children? Using Case Studies in the Biology
Classroom
Joy Perry,
Department of Biological Sciences, University
of Wisconsin and Kathy
Schwab, Department of Natural Sciences, Juston-Tillotson University
This workshop will introduce participants to the use of case studies in
biology courses. Case studies, “stories with educational messages”,
have been used as teaching and learning tools in law and business schools for
many years. There are many benefits to incorporating cases into biology
lectures and labs, and significant resources are available to support that
practice. The case to be presented here, “For Puppies or Children? A
Case Study about Global Food Security”, is a progressive disclosure case
concerning a real famine situation that arose in Kenya in 2006 after rains failed
for several years. Students learn about famine conditions that stimulated an
offer of international aid and identify key issues and stakeholders. They
work in groups to discuss the concerns and responses of several stakeholders,
both before and after receiving additional information about the aid offer.
An extension activity asks student groups to briefly research and compare
basic factors relating to food security in Kenya with those in their home
state or country. The results are communicated in a brief report to the
entire class. The progressive disclosure format allows the instructor to
tailor this case to fit classes varying in length from 50 minutes to 3 hours.
Workshop participants will also learn about case studies and other resources
provided by the National
Center for Case Study
Teaching in Science and other sources.
6. Determining human blood type by non-invasive methods
Michael P. Martin
and Stephen M. Detzel, Department of Biology, John Carroll University
When teaching co-dominance in my genetics course as a new professor, I
discovered only 1 in 3 students knew their ABO blood type. In addition, many
did not understand the relationship between the ABO phenotype and Rh factor.
I searched for a new lab to incorporate into my Introduction to Biotechnology
Lab and found one that used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine the
Rh phenotype (Imperial and Boronat 2005). I decided to expand on this theme
and developed protocols to determine ABO blood type without drawing blood.
Students isolate their own DNA from cells present in saliva and use this DNA
as a template for PCR. Subsequently, the PCR products are digested to test
for the identity of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that indicate the
presence of a particular allele. This method can differentiate among the five
most common alleles: A1, A2, B, O1, and O2. Students tend to look forward to
performing this exercise as they learn something about themselves.
7. Exploring Interactions of Fluorescent Pseudomonad Bacteria
and Associated Microflora with Select Plants and Fungi
Norm Strobel and
Larry Porter, Natural Sciences Division, Bluegrass Community and Technical
College
The unpleasant experience of finding a decayed cucumber in your refrigerator
can be exploited for biological inquiry and learning. The activities we have
developed engage students in hands-on detection and measurement of the
activity of pectolytic enzymes associated with the decay of cucumber fruits;
of total and fluorescent Pseudomonad bacterial populations in soil and on
plant materials; and of factors influencing production of fluorescent
siderophores and their contribution to the antifungal activity of selected
Pseudomonads. Pectolytic enzyme activity is detected by examination of
cucumber slices and a pectin-containing medium exposed to raw and
heat-inactivated extracts of decaying cucumber fruit. Pectolytic enzyme
activity is measured with a simple viscometric procedure (flow rates of
fluids through 10-ml pipettes) and comparison to a pectin concentration
standard curve. The viscometric procedure is employed to investigate the
temporary and permanent effects of temperature on pectolytic enzyme activity
and pectin viscosity. Total and fluorescent Pseudomonad bacteria are detected
by plating soil and lettuce leaves (“leaf prints”) on a medium that
supports fluorescent pigment production, which is visualized under UV illiumination.
Bacterial populations are quantified with dilution plating utilizing the same
materials and methods. Green fluorescent pigment production is quantified via
spectrophotometry, which is applied to evaluate enhancement of siderophore
production by exogenous salicylate (a biosynthetic intermediate) Regulation
of siderophore production by iron, and its effect on inhibition of fungal
growth by a fluorescent Pseudomonad, are readily seen and quantified when
bacterium and fungus are co-cultured on a defined medium low or high in iron.
8. Adaptation and Variation in Four Classes of Mollusks
Barbara D. Stegenga, University
of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
In an effort to help explain evolution in the laboratory, this lab exercise
introduces the phylum mollusca and the adaptations of four classes of
molluscs to the environment. Students study how molluscs diversified in terms
of natural selection by observing “key” characteristics (radula,
foot, mantle and shell) among gastropods, cephalopods, bivalves and polyplacophora,
and then hypothesize how these organisms descended from a common ancestor. By
examining the external anatomy of these organisms, students are asked to
explain how modifications from a simple ancestral body plan represent
adaptations to new habitats. This is done using worksheets that guide the
students through concepts such as variations within a species and adaptive
radiation. The worksheets include questions that help students think about
the process of natural selection. Students are then asked to write an essay
speculating on how variations from the hypothetical ancestral mollusc came
about in each animal.
Friday,
June 8th
- Mini Workshops:
8:30-10:30am - Poster Session: 10:45-11:45am;
second floor corridor MorganBuilding
(abstracts) - Box lunch: 11:45am – 12:30pm;
Rm 201 Morgan Building; eating area Room 107 - Business meeting: Morgan Building. Auditorium Rm.107: 12:15-1:15pm
- Mini Workshops: 1.30pm –
4.00pm. - Banquet: Kentucky Horse
Park : Buses leave from residence
hall parking lot – 6.00 pm, returning 10.00pm
Friday Banquet:
Friday evening we will travel via buses to the Kentucky Horse
Park for dinner.
Located in the heart of the Bluegrass, the Kentucky Horse
Park is a working horse
farm with 1,200 acres surrounded by 30 miles of white plank fencing. The park
is like none other in the world. Dedicated to man’s relationship with the
horse, the park features two outstanding museums, twin theaters and nearly 50
different breeds of horses. Tales of home cooked meals “Down on the
Farm” come to life in an Old Kentucky Night at the Kentucky Horse Park.
We will enjoy a casual evening of dinner, bluegrass clogging and a hayride
tour of the grounds of this beautiful park. Southern hospitality Kentucky style…the way
it was meant to be. Cash bar. Cost:
$42.00
Saturday,
June 9th
Field Trips:
1. Shaker Village
at Pleasant Hill (9.00am – 5.00pm)
The restored
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is a living history museum where the tangible
reminders of an extraordinary life are preserved. Shaker Village not only
presents America’s finest, largest, and most completely restored Shaker
community and living museum set in the rolling hills above the Kentucky
River, but also offers one of the most extraordinary dining experiences in
the country. Shaker Village is a premier
living history museum where costumed interpreters chronicle Shaker life. The
self-guided walking tour includes 14 restored buildings. The Centre Family
Dwelling houses an extensive collection of original Shaker furniture and
household items from the nineteenth century. Within the restored community,
skilled artisans work at 19th-century trades and historic farming brings the
past to life. The Shaker Life Exhibit in the East Family Dwelling has
changing exhibits, a video viewing area, and hands-on room. Daily
demonstrations include broom making, spinning, weaving, coopering, domestic
work, woodworking, farm work and gardening. Shaker music is performed
by a solo music interpreter four times daily from April through October in
the 1820 Meeting House at Pleasant Hill. A number of special music events are also
scheduled throughout the year. Performing at several of these event are the
Pleasant Hill Singers, a group of dedicated and talented volunteers. The
Shakers wrote more than 20,000 hymns, including the popular Simple Gifts.
Participants will have time to explore the village, travel by river boat on
the Kentucky River (river conditions
permitting), hike some of the trails around the village, attend a musical
presentation and partake of a very tasty shaker meal in the Trustees Office . Cost: $50.00 includes
transportation, river boat ride, three course lunch at the Trustees Office and admission to the
Village.
2. Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Park (8am –
7pm-ish)
Located in eastern
Kentucky in the Daniel Boone National Forest is the Red River Gorge
Geological Area. Carved over millions of years by wind and water, this area is
truly unique and wonderful. Within the area there are over 80 natural arches,
historical sites, and miles and miles of trails made for cross-country
backpacking or just day hikes. There are magnificent views, unusual
vegetation and the largest concentration of arches and rock shelters
east of the Rocky Mountains. Many arches in
the Red River Gorge Geological Area can be found or viewed from the trails.
One the best known and most accessible arches is Sky Bridge.
From here, visitors are treated to a magnificent view of Clifty Wilderness.
This portion of the Gorge has been set aside for the preservation of
wilderness values and experiences. Clifty, named for its towering cliff
lines, was added to the National Wilderness Preservation System by Congress in
1985. The section of the Red River that runs through Clifty Wilderness is a Kentucky Wild
River, and is now a National Wild
and Scenic River, the first and only one in Kentucky.
The Red River Gorge supports an unusual array of plant and animal life. The diversity
may be attributed to geographic location, topography, and glacial history. A
significant number of endangered, threatened, sensitive or rare species of
plants and animals exist in the area. The U.S Forest
Service, along with other interested agencies and individuals, is working to
protect these species and their habitat. A rare opportunity also exists here
for the protection and scientific study of cultural resources. Archaeological
studies are providing insight into the lives of the prehistoric people who
lived in the Gorge. In later times, the Shawnee
and other tribes and frontiersmen like Simon Kenton, Daniel Boone preceded
settlement by colonial Europeans moving west.
Participants will hike some of the trails within the gorge, view several of
the natural bridges in the area and will end the day with dinner at The
Natural Bridge State Park Lodge before heading back to Lexington. Cost: $50.00 includes
transportation, box lunch and dinner.
For further
information contact:
Ruth E. Beattie,
2007 ABLE host.
Dept. of Biology,
University of Kentucky,
Lexington, KY 40506
E-mail: rebeat1@uky.edu,
Telephone: 859-257-7647