Ep. 2 Teaching for Thinking: Using Unguided Inquiry in the Biology Lab with James Sidebotham

Ep. 3 A Wearable Muscle Anatomy Activity That Students Love with Mrs. T.

In this episode of The Biology Teacher Podcast, Meghan Perks talks with Mrs. T, a Canadian biology teacher, about building engaging and efficient biology classrooms. Mrs. T shares her most popular activity: a wearable muscle anatomy project using T-shirts, which helps students visualize muscle layering, origins, and insertions in a hands-on, memorable way. She also discusses how she structures lessons, uses guided note-taking, and breaks labs into manageable, meaningful activities, all while maximizing student engagement in 50-minute periods. Plus, she shares practical tips for new teachers, recommended resources, and ideas for creating interactive lessons that stick. Mrs. T's Website: https://teachtoserve.com/ [https://teachtoserve.com/] Podcast Website: www.thebiologyteacherpodcast.com [https://www.thebiologyteacherpodcast.com/]

Ep. 2 Teaching for Thinking: Using Unguided Inquiry in the Biology Lab with James Sidebotham

In this episode of The Biology Teacher Podcast, Meghan Perks talks with James Sidebotham, a biology teacher in Alicante, Spain, whose path to teaching includes studying Buddhist philosophy and working as a medical doctor. James shares how he teaches biology as a story and explains his powerful approach to lab work through unguided inquiry. Instead of giving students step-by-step methods, James presents a question, a box of equipment, and the challenge to figure it out themselves. He explains how this structure builds deeper understanding, encourages productive struggle, and helps students think like scientists rather than simply follow procedures. The conversation also explores James’s classroom style, his resource-sharing website thebiologydoc.com, and his book The Fingerprint of Life, which connects core biology concepts through a narrative journey of life on Earth. This episode is packed with practical ideas and thoughtful reflections for biology teachers looking to deepen student thinking and engagement in both labs and lessons. The Biology Doc: www.thebiologydoc.com [https://www.thebiologydoc.com/] The Fingerprint of Life at https://www.jamessidebotham.com/books [https://www.jamessidebotham.com/books] Podcast Website: www.thebiologyteacherpodcast.com [https://www.thebiologyteacherpodcast.com/]

Ep.1 Formative Assessment in Biology: Turning Instructional Activities into Insight with Aaron Mathieu

In the very first episode of The Biology Teacher Podcast, host Meghan Perks chats with Aaron Mathieu, an experienced AP Biology teacher from Massachusetts, about what is working in the biology classroom. Aaron shares his approach to student-centered learning, including a game-changing formative assessment strategy he uses to help students engage deeply with concepts, analyze data, and reflect on their understanding. They also discuss the importance of teaching critical thinking and information evaluation skills in today’s complex, information-rich world. This episode is full of practical insights, classroom strategies, and inspiration for biology teachers looking to refine their practice and foster meaningful learning experiences.  Podcast Website: www.thebiologyteacherpodcast.com [https://www.thebiologyteacherpodcast.com/]

Trailer: Welcome to The Biology Teacher Podcast

Welcome to The Biology Teacher Podcast—a podcast where high school biology teachers share real lessons, classroom strategies, and reflections from their own teaching experiences. In this short trailer, you’ll hear what the show is all about, why it was created, and what you can expect in future episodes. Whether you’re part of a large department or the only biology teacher in your building, this podcast will bring you practical ideas, encouragement, and stories from real classrooms. Podcast Website: www.thebiologyteacherpodcast.com [https://www.thebiologyteacherpodcast.com/]