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NAME:
Mrs. McDonough
SCHOOL:
Wissahickon HS
CLASS:
AP Biology and Honors Biology
SCHOOL PHONE:
215-619-8112 ext.2763
Welcome to Mrs. McDonough's web page! Who am I? I have been teaching biology
for over a quarter of a century. I have been at Wissahickon for the majority
of this time. I am a complete Bio-Geek, I love the stuff! For more about
just how much I love it, check out below for descriptions of my research and
course work.
What's up for the year? Check out the pages for your class.
Helpful links to your homework, assignments, resources and more can be found
on this site.
Earthwatch Expedition: Alpine Meadow Study- This study was part of a
long-term project at the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab in Colorado. Data was
collected on flowering of the alpine meadow as well as types and numbers of
pollinators in order to gather data on the population trends over time.
Coolest Part: Running up the mountains catching butterflies!
Teacher Fellowship at Rockford School of Medicine: During this summer I
worked in a lab studying arteriosclerosis development in vasculature. The
study involved working with rabbits that were fed high cholesterol diets and
preparing casts of vasculature. These casts were imaged using the SEM and
images were analyzed for cellular changes on the vascular walls.
Strangest Part: Dissecting brains out of skulls.
USGS Teacher Work Program- I spent a summer working with a microbiologist
looking for naturally occurring microbes that could break down TCE
contamination in soil.
Most Tedious Part: Sterilizing everything in the autoclave and counting and
counting and counting bacteria colonies! But, it was a very cool project!
Pa. Governor’s School for the Life Sciences: This program was held at the PSU
Hershey School of Medicine and focused on neurobiology. Teachers were invited
into the various parts of the hospital and school of medicine to experience
the newest findings, technologies and resources in the area of neurobiology.
Grossest Part: Human cadavers, but it was awesome!
FDA/NSTA Professional Development in Food Science- Sponsored by the FDA and
USDA I spent a week in Washington DC research facilities learning about the
issues and science behind food safety.
Most Unique Part: Sticking my hand in a fistulated cow...what is this you may
ask? Go to the A Plink page and find out...it may even be worth some Extra
Credit!
Rainforest Ecology in the Quintana Roo Ecological Preserve. Camping on the
beach, coral reefs, jungles, cool plants, howler monkeys..
Best Part? All of it!
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