Compass Biology Visits Colorado State University Biology Department

This week, Dominique’s Biology Studio class hopped on the MAX and headed to Colorado State University for an afternoon of hands-on science. First up was the dissection lab—definitely not everyone’s thing, but a few students couldn’t look away, totally fascinated from the get-go.

From there, we visited the Kanatous Comparative Animal Physiology Lab, where researchers are studying polar apex predators in Antarctica to better understand how animals interact with their environments. It’s seriously cool science aimed at protecting animals and the ecosystems they depend on.

Next up was the Wilsterman Reproductive Physiology Lab, where the class learned how reproductive traits have evolved in mammals.

Along the way, we picked up some fun facts. Did you know?

• Mammals range in size from a 2g bumblebee bat to a 180-ton blue whale
• Rodents take the prize as the most species-rich group of mammals (2,000+ species!)
• Ancient Mesopotamian tablets show that pigeons were domesticated more than 5,000 years ago

A huge thanks to Dr. Kanatous, Mel, and students for letting us peek into your world at CSU.

If you are looking for a Fort Collins middle school and high school charter school with strong academics AND hands-on learning, you'll want to check out Compass Community Collaborative School! We are a top-rated charter school in Colorado and continue to consistently win STEM awards .