My aim is to help students not just score well, but also think & relate concepts to realworld science, and develop strong problemsolving skills.

Palak and Zarah's recent biology lesson focused on ecology concepts. They reviewed topics such as ecosystems, biomes, biodiversity, and limiting factors, using the pitcher plant as an example. Their discussion also covered how geographical location and climate impact ecosystems and species distribution, along with practical soil analysis techniques like determining pH, water holding capacity, texture, and porosity.

Palak and Hannah recently dedicated a lesson to the fascinating topic of speciation. Their comprehensive discussion covered key aspects such as natural selection, the iconic Darwin's finches, and the distinct types of speciation: allopatric, sympatric, and parapatric. They further explored reproductive isolation mechanisms and disruptive selection, drawing on diverse examples including finches, dogs, mules, and Galapagos palm trees to illustrate these concepts in evolutionary biology. Palak will be sending the presentation slides to Hannah, and their next class is slated for Monday.

Palak Jain provided assistance to Margaret Bassett, focusing on a detailed review of a Hendra virus case study. Their discussion encompassed patient symptoms, diagnostic tests, and the virus's characteristics, along with an examination of case details, lab findings, and potential treatment options. This comprehensive lesson aimed to prepare Margaret for an upcoming exam on Monday, with Palak also offering to review the final report and provide study tips.

Palak and Zarah's recent biology lesson delved into various aspects of classification, covering binomial nomenclature, hierarchical classification, cladograms, and dichotomous keys. A significant part of their discussion involved analyzing cladograms to grasp evolutionary relationships, using examples from both the plant and animal kingdoms. They also briefly touched upon bioinformatics. Looking ahead, they intend to continue their lesson on Monday, first reviewing the current chapter before moving on to the next.

Palak guided Janice through a comprehensive biochemistry lesson on cellular respiration. Their discussion covered the intricate stages of glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, explaining how these processes ultimately yield ATP from glucose. Beyond the core topic, Palak also differentiated between catabolism and anabolism, and digestion versus metabolism. The lesson further explored broader concepts like glucose metabolism and drug metabolism, emphasizing the liver's crucial function in the latter.

Palak Jain and Margaret Bassett collaborated on Margaret's Hendra virus case study, delving into its complex virology. Their work involved creating discussion questions that explored the virus's transmission dynamics, its potential for bioterrorism, and the significant influence of bat ecology on outbreaks. They also identified relevant references and discussed various treatment options, including the equine vaccine and experimental monoclonal antibodies. To ensure the case study is thoroughly prepared before its due date and Margaret's upcoming exam, they scheduled another lesson.