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A much needed update...
Biology: We are immersed in our unit on Cell Structure & Function. Students have quite a bit to study right now; there is a lot of vocabulary for this topic. They should also know the three parts of the Cell Theory. It is very important for students to be spending a few minutes every night using their Cornell notes and Color Sheets to practice with this content. Genetics: Students have been assigned an Argumentative Essay on the topic of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). We spent 1-2 weeks researching this topic in great detail. They have now been turned loose to write their paper. It is very important that they use the criteria and scoring guide I provided as they develop their writing. We have also just begun learning about Mendelian Genetics. College Biology: We are exploring evolution! Students are working on their chapter outlines (22-25). We are discussing the categories of evidence and how natural selection serves as the mechanism for evolution.
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End of Trister
I am trying to get all of the grades updated ASAP for the end of Trister 1. Grades should be updated by Tuesday morning....
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Class News
Biology: Students explored the structure and function of four organic compounds: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. We also began the properties of water...to be continued this week. We have a biochemistry test scheduled for Friday - therefore, ALL UNIT WORK WILL BE DUE FRIDAY. Genetics: We have begun learning about protein synthesis. We started with transcription last week, and will continue with translation this week. We have a DNA & Gene Expression test scheduled for Friday - therefore, ALL UNIT WORK WILL BE DUE FRIDAY. College Biology: We are wrapping up the unit on Ecology. Students should be finishing up their outlines for Chapters 50.1, 51-55. We have a test either late this week or early next week - at which time ALL UNIT WORK WILL BE DUE.
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The results are in....
Voting is now closed for TRex and Triceratops. Their names will be revealed tomorrow - Monday 9/9/13 - via Twitter. Stay tuned! :)
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What happened last week?
Biology: We have begun our unit on Biochemistry. Our focus this week was atoms as the basic form of matter - as well as atomic structure. Students analyzed some Robert Frost poems written about the discovery of atomic structure, such as Version: Once there was an Archer, And there was a minute When He shot a shaft On a New Departure. Then He must have laughed: Comedy was in it. For the game He hunted Was the non-existence Of the Phoenix pullet (The Mńöv of Plato), And the shaft got blunted On her non-resistance, Like a dum-dum bullet – Did in fact get splattered Like a ripe tomato. That’s how matter mattered. Students are now writing their very own poems. Can't wait to read their own creative interpretations of atomic structure and/or the scientific process. Genetics: Students reviewed (via quiz and concept map) what they have learned about DNA structure. We read and annotated an article from Nature magazine called "DNA at 60." This article is about how much we still don't know about DNA. For example, maybe that "junk" DNA isn't really junk after all! Students are now writing summaries and reflections (Level 3)...as well as selecting an extension activity (Level 4). College Biology: This week we focused on the key ideas relating to Population Ecology. Students are also analyzing their Behavior labs and working on chapter outlines to help organize the content.
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Fairness Study - monkeys reject unequal pay
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Week 2 - check!
We have had a very fun week of learning....
Genetics: Students learned all about DNA structure and how the different aspects were discovered by various scientists: Chargaff, Watson, Crick, Franklin, Wilkins, et al. Students are working on building 3D models to demonstrate their understanding. I am excited to see the final products!
Biology: Since Biology is the study of life - we spent last week exploring this concept of LIFE as it can be rather difficult to elucidate. Students are learning about the 8 characteristics we use in science to define "life." We also spent a great deal of time reading "When Does Life Belong to the Living?" - an article from Scientific American. It delves into the ethical choices that must be made with regard to organ transplants. Students read, annotated, and then wrote a summary and reflection.
College Biology: The focus this past week was on animal behavior and ethology. We watched some fascinating video clips that illustrate a variety of behaviors. Students also investigated pill bug behavior (taxis and kinesis) in a lab activity. Next, students may design an experiment using flour beetles as their test subjects.
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“Let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world.”
Voltaire
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Cardinal softball ladies + reading = very cool! :)
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One down...lots more to go
This week - students in all classes received a SYLLABUS, a handout on SAFETY, a handout explaining my grading philosophy and procedures called MAKING THE GRADE, and an AGREEMENT page for signatures. This AGREEMENT will be entered as the first assignment in the grade book in the Responsibility category (10%). Students also have one other Responsibility assignment - to create a ROOTS & SHOOTS tree.
Genetics Update: We are exploring that amazing molecule of life: DNA. Students developed a scoring guide for a 3D DNA Model...and now they are ready to start building.
Biology Update: We have been discussing the qualities of SCIENCE: curiosity, observations, evidence, logical reasoning, and creativity. Students applied the principles of experimental design to The Science of Happiness - An Experiment in Gratitude. Curious? Check it out here: http://safeshare.tv/w/thyhWmIaXl
College Biology: We have discussed the scope of ECOLOGY (our first unit) and enjoyed a brief tour of the biomes involved. Students have been working on creating outlines to process the abundance of text information. Ethology (or behavior ecology) will be the first of many topics we cover in the next few weeks.
We have had a fantastic week of school! Looking forward to many more....
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