There
is an abundance of resources in the Bay Area for learning about various aspects
of biology. If you choose to
pursue these opportunities, you may earn extra credit that may improve your
course grade. Credit will be given
for a maximum of 2 events, each one adding 1% to your final grade.
For
each event, you must turn in a 1 - 2 page report that includes the following:
(Due anytime during the term, up to the last day of class).
Date of your participation
Summary
of what you did (describe tour, lecture content, exhibits)
Describe
3 specific things that you learned (examples include adaptations of individual
organism, a concept of ecology, new medical treatments, genetic research)
Signature
of naturalist, docent guide, or museum staff
Stanford
Community Faculty Lecture
First
Wed. of every month at 7:oo pm, Clark Center Auditorium. Various topics of
medical research are presented and new treatments are discussed. March 2 Ð Pathology and individualized
medicine
April
6 Ð Medical Imaging Advances
May 4
Ð TBA June 1 Ð Recent Advances in
Stroke Treatment
Ano
Nuevo State Park
The
elephant seals are returning! Get
up-close to these impressive marine mammals. Ano Nuevo is on the coast between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. Call for current viewing conditions. This Reserve is closed from Dec 1-15th,
then open only by reservation until April.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=523
San
Francisco Zoo
Always
worth a trip, especially if you have not been here for awhile. DonÕt miss the meer cats or the insect
exhibits in the ChildrenÕs Zoo section.
Choose an animal and observe its behavior for at least 15 minutes. Include these behavior notes in your
report. www.sfzoo.org
Palo
Alto Baylands
Lots
of migratory birds are currently visible in this large salt marsh area. Tours are given every Saturday and
Sunday. Call ahead for exact
schedule and topics. A short film
at the Visitor Center will orient you to this unique ecosystem. Bring binoculars for great views of
wildlife. (650) 329-2382
http://www.city.palo-alto.ca.us/ross/naturepreserve/baylands.html
Edgewood
Park
This
is a nice example of 3 ecosystems: chaparral, oak woodland, and grassland. The soil contains patches of serpentine
rock, which creates unique habitat for species adapted to this feature, some of
which are now endangered. There
may be a birding walk one Sunday per month. The park entrance is off of Edgewood Road near Hwy 280.
www.friendsofedgewood.org
James
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
A
perfect spot for exploring tidepools!
Located north of Half Moon Bay, this beach is part of the Monterey Bay
National Marine Sanctuary. Tide
pool walks are led by naturalists at low tides on some weekends. Check tide tables and call to confirm
times.
http://www.mbnms.nos.noaa.gov/visitor/access/fitz.html
The
Tech Museum of San Jose
ThereÕs
an interactive exhibit on genetics, as well as some interesting displays on
medical applications of electronic technology.