Powerhouse of the School
The study of life unearths a new passion for students.
Sunlight, shining across every sea, far beyond the horizon line. Animals, populating every corner of the Earth, swimming through every sea and running across all lands. Plants, blooming through summer, the sight of them unforgettable.
These are just a few examples of biology, which Biology Club members hope to unearth people’s passion for.
“We want to make people more passionate about biology and really take everything we learn and apply it elsewhere,” club leader junior Emily McKenna said. “We are learning to have more fun with it.”
Biology Club allows students to practice biological concepts, such as zoology and microbiology, after school.
“We wanted to learn more besides the school curriculum,” McKenna said. “We go a little more in-depth. So far, we’ve been focusing on zoology. We had a dissection last semester. Someone’s pet snake died and we did an autopsy. The club is just a fun way to apply what we learn in school.”
The passion McKenna feels for biology eventually led to the creation of Biology Club. Wanting to learn biology in a fun environment, rather than in a classroom, McKenna created Biology Club.
Some members joined because they want to study biology in the future.
“I joined because I enjoy biology,” sophomore Sam Martin said. “I want to go into medicine. I thought that being surrounded by other people who enjoy biology would be good.”
Biology Club, along with Environmental Club, raised money to go to the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha. At the zoo later
in April, members will be able to see the animals up close.
“We will get behind the scenes of the desert dome, the aquarium, some mammal stuff,” club sponsor Maria Knowles said. “We get to see how the zoo runs behind the scenes and not just what the general public sees.”
The Omaha Zoo will allow members to see what an animal does in a day, what they eat and how they interact with each other. The field trip will also teach members what a zookeeper’s life is like.
“They have much more animals behind the scenes than they put out, so we’re going to be going there for a day trip and see what being a zookeeper would be like,” McKenna said.
One goal for McKenna is to teach others about biology-related professions.
“Right now, our goal would be to educate people on more careers in biology, rather than just the medical field,” McKenna said.
The other members agree. Teaching others about biology and the club is a top priority for its members.
“We would like to have more people join the club and interest people in careers in biology,” senior Carly Mantia said.
A few career options the members have learned about include zookeepers and lab- related occupations.
For those thinking about joining Biology Club, know that the club is always willing to accept members.
“Come to one meeting, see how you feel and go from there,” McKenna said.
Joining Biology Club allows members to explore different biological studies and practice biological concepts while meeting new people.
“It’s a great way to meet new people who have the same interests as you and have a sense of passion for biology,” Mantia said.
