Welcome to Mr. Tyler Hollow’s class!
I am a science teacher at Helena High School and my goal is for students to think like scientists and do what scientists do. I have taught over twenty years in many different science subjects including Earth and Space, Biology, Biomed 4, Chemistry, Wildlife Biology, AP Research and Horticulture. I am passionate about science and I enjoy exploring the amazing natural phenomena in Montana, especially rivers and mountain ranges and seeing wild things in wild places.
I grew up in Helena and went to college at Seattle Pacific University for my first year and finished my undergraduate degree at The College of Idaho. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Natural Science Teaching Minor and played varsity soccer and ski raced. After graduation, I worked professionally in the northwest as a Fish Technician, Wolf Biologist, a wildlife guide, and as an environmental consultant. Additionally, I have taught High School Science in Meridian, Idaho and Victor, Montana. I graduated with a Masters in Science Teaching from Montana State University in 2018.
My wife and I have two children that are in the Helena Public Schools which I am proud to be a apart of. I enjoy the outdoors through trail running, river rafting, biking and all types of skiing. I also spend time coaching youth sports.
In this introductory unit, students will explore the process of science. Students will use scientific tools to investigate living organisms. Students will understand the difference between scientific theories and scientific laws and improve upon their analysis skills. Skills learned in this unit will be used throughout the year.
Ecology is the study of species and their interaction with each other and their environment. In Ecology, we will take an in depth look at how humans affect ecosystems.
Biochemistry Unit explores the basics of chemistry and applies the chemistry to biological function such as digestion and pH balance.
The Cell Unit will goes into depth on structure and function of the organelles and examine different types of cells. Another focus in the unit is how energy is made and used in Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis.
Students will explore DNA and how proteins are made in developing life. Students will understand technology advances, genetic diseases and molecular basis of life.
Students will explore how evolution works. They will take a close look at how the changes in DNA affect species and understand that all species evolve.
Students will engage in Science and Engineering Practices so they think like scientists and work like scientists. Student will apply the Metric System and Measuring to investigate scientific questions through experimental design.
Earth Science Text Resources: Chapter 1 Introduction to Earth Science
Students will explore the water cycle in depth, spending time engaging in fun activities in surface water, groundwater and glaciers. Hydrology Unit is covered in Chapter 6 in the Earth Science text book if students need additional support.
Earth Science Text Resources: Chapter 6. Running Water and Groundwater
Students will explore the layers of the atmosphere, investigate the Ozone Layer, develop an opinion on Climate Change based on analysis of evidence and design a solution to fix the carbon cycle.
Earth Science Text Resources: Chapter 17. The Atmosphere: Structure and Temperature
Students will investigate weather patterns, cloud formations, storms and effects of difference of pressure. Students will explore storms and the effect of climate change on these systems.
Earth Science Text Resources: Chapter 18. Moisture, Clouds and Precipitation; Chapter 19. Air Pressure and Wind; and Chapter 20. Weather Patterns and Severe Storms.
Astronomy is the study of the area outside of earth’s atmosphere. Students will investigate craters on moon and the reason for phases of the moon. Students will explore the universe’s laws and scientific theories such as gravitational attractions effects on planets. Students will study star composition and technology that has led to the understanding of our universe.
Earth Science Text Resources: Chapter 22. Origin of Modern Astronomy; Chapter 23. Touring our Solar System; Chapter 24. Studying the Sun; and Chapter 25. Beyond our Solar System.
Students will explore Earth’s interior and the dynamics of plate movement. Students will investigate different types of plate boundaries and their resulting features.
Earth Science Text Resources:Chapter 8. Earthquakes and Earth’s Interior; and Chapter 9. Plate Tectonics
Students will explore the dynamics of volcanism by learning the origin of igneous rocks and why volcanoes occur.
Earth Science Text Resources: Chapter 10. Volcanoes and Other Igneous Activity; and Chapter 11 Mountain Building
Student will investigate how earthquake happen and the resulting features. Students will learn three different types of faults, how to locate and earthquake epicenter and the hazards of earthquakes.
Earth Science Text Resources: Chapter 8. Earthquakes and Earth’s Interior
Geologic Time Unit will take the students on a Journey Back into Time and investigate Relative Time, Absolute Time and the figure out how Scientists use Radiometric Dating to create the Geologic Time Scale.
Earth Science Text Resources:Chapter 12. Geologic Time; and Chapter 13. Earth’s History