Thursday 5/30/13

EQ: none

Homework:
- Ecology Test on 5/31
- Ecology Vocab due 5/31
- Bio Final 6/4
- Bio Current Event ppt due 6/3

Class Recap:
Class started with review of which resources to look over for the Ecology Test tomorrow.

Students started class by taking an Ecological Footprint survey to see how they are impacting their resources.  Students must get a parent signature on their Ecological Footprint Survey.

Students then watched the following video about perennial cicadas.

Click here for the CBS video clip about Cicadas

Students then read an article from the Penn State Extension office about the life cycle of cicadas and wrote down 7 facts about the article. 

Wednesday 5/29/13

EQ: What will be on the Bio final?

Homework:
- Ecology Test on 5/31
- Ecology Vocab due 5/31
- Bio Final 6/4
- Bio Current Event ppt due 6/3

Class Recap:
Students finished reading the 3 case studies from Ecology in their groups.  Then we reviewed the guidelines for the presentation and the bio final.

Tuesday 5/28/13

EQ: "What affects our ecological footprint?

HOMEWORK:
- Ecology Test this Friday 5/30
- Vocab exercises due 5/30
- Complete end of year survey (google doc shared with you) by Wednesday

CLASS RECAP:
Today students read about 3 case studies that affect our ecological footprint.  Students completed a list in their daily science journal of the things that affect our ecological footprint.

Friday 5/23/13

Use these websites to complete the "Power of our Lives"

1. Use Table of Contents on Left side of page:
http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/story/index.html

2. Use links on left side of page to navigate:
http://library.thinkquest.org/20331/types/

3. http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=2

4. Geothermal Energy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-ajqiPe_9Ko

5. Renewable & Nonrenewable Resources
http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0210243/Science%20Station/How%20living%20things%20interact%20with%20their%20environment/renewable%20and%20nonrenewable%20resources.htm

6. Flow of Energy
http://www.eoearth.org/article/AP_Environmental_Science_Chapter_1-_Flow_of_Energy#gen8

7. Renewable Resources
http://library.thinkquest.org/26026/Science/renewable_resources.html

8. Impact of Renewable Resources
http://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/renewable_resource.asp

9. Definitions
http://edhelper.com/ReadingComprehension_37_79.html

10. US Energy Dept.
http://www.energy.gov/energysources/index.htm

11. Nuclear Fission Chain Reaction Simulation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0v8i4v1mieU

Wednesday 5/22/13

EQ: "Will humans become overpopulated?"

VOCAB:

 HOMEWORK: -None!

CLASS RECAP:  Today students started class by presenting their adveritisements they created for the movie Wall-E.  Then students began a discussion on the human population.  Students watched the following clip.  (Skip forward and begin watching at 2:20)




Then students took the remainder of the notes for Population Ecology.

We finished class by watching these three videos that dispel many myths about world overpopulation.

Tuesday 5/21/13

EQ:  Will the human population continue to grow forever?

VOCAB: limiting factor, carrying capacity, logistic growth, exponential growth

HOMEWORK:
- Finish Wall-e advertisement for class on Wednesday
- Read sections 5.1 & 5.2 in book & take notes (you may have done this before)

CLASS RECAP:
Today students learned about how populations grow over time.  Students took notes on Population growth.  Students participated in a fish pond demo to show the difference between density dependent limiting factors and density independent limiting factors.  We also started class by reviewing the questions from the movie and reviewing proper graph set-up. 

Monday 5/20/13

EQ:

VOCAB: Water cycle, Carbon cycle

HOMEWORK:
Finish questions from the movie today
Wall-e advertisement due on Wednesday

CLASS RECAP:
Today students finished watching the second half of the movie.  Students answered discussion questions on their worksheet with their groups.  We went over the guidelines for the advertisement assignment that goes with today's movie.  Questions are due in class on Tuesday and the advertisements are due on Wednesday. 

Friday 5/17/13

Last day of Biology Keystone Exams!

Great job everyone!!!

No Homework!!!

KEYSTONE BIO STUDY VIDEOS

Module 2 of the Bio Keystone Tests tomorrow cover:

UNIT:  DNA & the Central Dogma Process
DNA structure and function
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kK2zwjRV0M

DNA transcription and translation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itsb2SqR-R0
 
UNIT:  Mitosis and Meiosis
Mitosis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0k-enzoeOM

Meiosis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCLmR9-YY7o

UNIT:  Genetics
Heredity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBezq1fFUEA&list=PL77C078ACD275BE3A

UNIT:  Evolution

Natural Selection
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTftyFboC_M&list=EC3EED4C1D684D3ADF
Evolution: it's a thing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3GagfbA2vo&list=EC3EED4C1D684D3ADF

UNIT:  Ecology

Speciation  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oKlKmrbLoU&list=EC3EED4C1D684D3ADF

Tuesday 5/13/13

EQ: How do nutrients cycle through an ecosystem?

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:
- Finish Carbon Cycle and Nitrogen Cycle packet for Final Five tomorrow
- Study for Keystone exams (see videos below)

CLASS RECAP:
Today students worked on the "Nutrient Cycle" Team activity on Module 2 and Module 3 about the Carbon and the Nitrogen Cycle.  Students received credit for their Primary Succession packet if they completed their homework.  The Keystone Biology Packet extra credit was also collected today in class.

Monday 5/13/13

E
Q: "What is succession?"

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:
- Read sections 5.1 & 5.2
- Finish Succession Packet from class today.
- STUDY FOR KEYSTONE EXAMS ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY!

 CLASS RECAP: Today students were "pepped up" in the beginning of this Keystone testing week.



After watching the video  clip and reviewing the procedure for this week's keystone exams, students learned about an example of primary succession that happened at Mt. St. Helens.  Students took the rest of the chapter 4 notes.  Students then started working in their groups on the succession packet.

KEYSTONE EXAM BIOLOGY REVIEW 

SESSION  #5 (last session)

3:05-3:55 in room 160 today!!

Friday 5/10/13

EQ: What is succession?

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:
- Memorize the Photosynthesis and Cell Respiration equation for monday
- Study for KEYSTONES
- Keystone review session on Monday 3:05-3:55

CLASS RECAP:
Students reviewed how to calculate the energy in the different trophic levels on an energy ecology pyramid.  Students then took notes on Symbiotic relationships and succession. 

Thursday 5/9/13

EQ:None- CDT's

CLASS RECAP:  Students took the CDT for the last time before the keystone exams in 7 days.   Please see me if you are absent to make a time to retest. 

:)

AFTER SCHOOL BIO KEYSTONE REVIEW SESSION 

TODAY 3:05-3:55

Wednesday 5/8/13

EQ: How does an ecosystem become unstable?

VOCAB: Niche, resource,  competition, competitive exclusion principle, predation, Keystone species, biodiversity

 HOMEWORK:
- Complete the Symbiotic Relationship Worksheet

CLASS RECAP:  Today students reviewed the homework from last night on Ecological Pyramids.  Then students took notes on Chapter 3 on biodiversity and keystone species.  Then students played a version of Chesapeake Bay Jenga. 

KEYSTONE BIO REVIEW SESSION #3 

after school from 3:05-3:55

Room 160

HANDOUTS: Chapter 4 Ecology Notes

Tuesday 5/7/13

EQ:

VOCAB: Ecology, biotic, abiotic, primary producer, chemosynthesis, trophic level,

HOMEWORK:
- Study Island assignment due 5/8
- Complete # 1-12 on Ecological Pyramid worksheet

CLASS RECAP:  Today students started their Ecology unit.



Students then wrote their new vocab terms down for Chapter 3 of the Ecology Unit.  Students will complete a vocab exercise of their choice on these terms.


Students then took notes on the biosphere and some common terms we use to refer to the transfer of energy through an ecosystem.

Students completed a food web and identified which type of organisms each level was composed of.

Students learned about Ecological pyramids and took notes on the three different types of pyramids; energy, biomass and number.  Students will practice with an energy pyramid when they complete 1-12 on their homework for tonight.

BIOLOGY KEYSTONE REVIEW SESSION #2 TODAY 3:05-3:55 !!!

Monday 5/6/13

EQ: Evolution Quest day

HOMEWORK:
- Genetics Test this Friday 4/19
- Read sections 3.1 & 3.2
- Study Island assignment #3 due 5/8

CLASS RECAP:  Students handed in their evolution vocab terms to be graded.  Then students took their Evolution quest.

BIOLOGY KEYSTONE REVIEW SESSION #1 TODAY 3:05-3:55 !!!

Thursday 5/2/13

EQ: How does evolution affect populations?

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:
- Complete Evolution Vocab by Monday
- Read Chapter 17
- EVOLUTION QUIZ on Monday
- Study Island Assignment #3

 CLASS RECAP: Today students were reminded about the Biology Review sessions taking place next week.  Then students presented their evolution terms for the class.

Wednesday 5/1/13

EQ: How does evolution change populations over time?

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:
- Evolution vocab term packet due on Monday
- Study island assignment #3 due on Tuesday next week
- Evolution quiz on Tuesday

CLASS RECAP:  Today students were able to work in groups on their evolution term presentations.  Students will present tomorrow in class.

Tuesday 4/30/13

EQ: How does evolution change populations?

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:
- Vocab definitions pages 1 &2 due Wednesday
- Vocab definitions pages 1 -4 due Monday

CLASS RECAP:
Today students finished their Evidence of Evolution Labs.  They discussed and saw examples of Analogous, Homologous and Vestigial structures.  They were also assigned into their groups for their Vocab term presentations tomorrow.

Monday 4/29/13

EQ: "What evidence is there of evolution?"

HOMEWORK:
- Complete first two pages of vocab terms by Wednesday
- Complete first two pages of Evidence of Evolution Lab by Wednesday

CLASS RECAP: Today students started class by playing "Evolution: Fact or Fiction?".  Students responded and debated over whether facts about evolution were true or false.  Then students reviewed the 16.3 & 16.4 homework.  Then students took notes on Evidence of Evolution on page 4 of their Evolution notes. 

Friday 4/26/13

EQ: "How is natural selection a mechanism of evolution?"

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:
- Study Island assignment #2 due 4/29
- Read sections 16.3 & 16.4 and complete questions 16-20 & 20-24

 CLASS RECAP:
Today students took notes on the 4 ideas behind Darwin's theory of natural selection.   Students then acted out an activity that showed natural selection... involving the indigenous Cycloptos tootsierollous.  Students watched a video clip from Crash Course about natural selection and the class discussed the example of the pepper moth.  See the full clip below.

  

Thursday 4/25/13

EQ: "How did Darwin gather evidence for his theories of evolution?"

HOMEWORK:
- Study Island assignment #1 due Friday 4/26
- Study Island assignment "Cell Energy & Cell processes" #2 due Monday 4/29
- Read sections 16.3 & 16.4 from text.  Answer questions 16-20 & 25-28 on page 476

CLASS RECAP:
Today students took a final five from sections 16.1 & 16.2 in the book.  Then students took notes on Darwin's journey on the H.M.S Beagle.

Wednesday 4/24/13

EQ: "What is the difference between a theory and a law?"

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:
- Read sections 16.1 & 16.2 - Final Five quiz on reading tomorrow.
- Study Island assignment "Biochem, Cells, Cell Processes RETAKE due 4/26
(if you are taking the test for the first time or retaking the test, you will need to go through the "RETAKE" version of this test.

 CLASS RECAP:
Today students started class by looking at the picture of the hatching ducks.

 

Then students finished making their dichotomous keys from yesterday.  When groups finished, they exchanged the keys with other groups to check their progression.

Students then participated in a four corners activity that helped differentiate between Law, Theory, Observation, and Inference.  This activity is great for the beginning of the unit of Evolution because we will be discussing several more controversial topics.  Students were reminded what a theory is and how it differs from a Law.  Students were told that they were going to be taught and responsible for knowing "Theory" behind this unit, but never definite laws.  

As always, if you have any questions about this unit, please feel free to come see Miss Styer or email her (estyer@yssd.org) to discuss it personally.   :)

Tuesday 4/23/13

EQ: "How do you use and make a dichotomous key?"

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:
- Read sections 16.1 & 16.2 Final Five tomorrow on the reading.
- Study Island assignment "Biochem, Cells, and Cell Processes" due 4/26 * must get a passing grade (64 or higher)

CLASS RECAP:
Today students learned how to use a dichotomous key.  They used a dichotomous key to figure out the species in a Rocky Mountain ecosystem. (Worksheet- Rocky Mountain Organisms- dichotomous key)

Then students identified all the living species in our room.  They then started the first process of creating a dichotomous key of these organisms.

Monday 4/22/13

HAPPY EARTH DAY!!

HOMEWORK:
- Study Island assignment due 4/26

CLASS RECAP:
Today students started class by going over their Genetics tests.  Then students were able to learn about the 17 ducklings that were brought into class.  Pics to come soon!

STUDY ISLAND UPDATE

Hey bio students, please spread the word that study island is not letting you take the Biochem, Cells, and Cell processes test over again like I had mentioned in class.  I will be changing the grading protocol and extending the deadline.  Please attempt and do your best, but do not worry if it doesn't let you retake the quiz.  I will have more information for you tomorrow in class. 

If you have any individual concerns you can email me.  Thanks!

Miss Styer

Friday 4/19/13

Genetics Test Day

 HOMEWORK:
- Study Island assignment due 4/22
- WEAR NEON FOR EARTH DAY ON MONDAY!!!!

Thursday 2/18/13

EQ: What is genetic engineering?
VOCAB:
HOMEWORK:
- Genetics Test this Friday 4/19
- Study Island assignment due 4/22

CLASS RECAP:
Today students completed a Do First that reviewed DNA fingerprinting.  Then students reviewed the worksheet that was completed for homework last night.  Students then took notes on Genetic Engineering.  We finished the notes for sections: Cell Transformation and Cloning.

Students also watched two video clips:

This clip is about transgenic mice that contain a segment of DNA extracted from luminescent jellyfish.  The result is a strain of mice that can glow in the dark.

Then students watched the following clip about Dolly the sheep- the first cloned mammal via nuclear transfer.

GENETICS UNIT EXAM TOMORROW!

Wednesday 4/17/13

EQ: What is genetic engineering?

VOCAB: Selective breeding, hybridization, inbreeding, restriction enzymes, gel electrophoresis, DNA fingerprinting,  Recombinant DNA

HOMEWORK:
- Genetics Test this Friday 4/19
- Study Island assignment due 4/22
- DNA Fingerprinting worksheet

CLASS RECAP: Today students discussed what genetic engineering is.  Students discussed what they read in their 15.1 & 15.2 homework.  Then students finished watching "Cracking your Genetic Code".  Then students took notes on Selective breeding and DNA manipulation.  Students learned how to use DNA fingerprinting to solve a crime.  Students were assigned to complete a DNA fingerprinting worksheet for homework.

Tuesday 4/16/13

EQ: "How do you teach pedigree problems?"

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:
- Genetics Test this Friday 4/19
- Read sections 15.1 & 15.2
- Study Island assignment due 4/22

CLASS RECAP:
Today students moved back into the groups they were in yesterday.  They broke down their assigned pedigree and Sex-linked problems and decided how to teach them to their home group.  Then students moved back into their home groups and taught the problems to the other students.

Monday 4/15/13

EQ: "How do pedigrees display inheritance?"

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:
Study for Genetics Unit exam this Friday 4/15

CLASS RECAP:
Today students started class by reviewing the homework from over the weekend.  Then students completed the Visual Vocab activity.  Then students were assigned groups for tomorrows activity.

Friday 4/12/13

HOMEWORK:
- Read Sections 14.2 & 14.3.  Take notes.  Complete questions 1-15 on page 412.
- Genetics exam (pt1 and pt2) on Friday 4/19/13
- Keystone exams May 16 &17th

CLASS RECAP: Today students reviewed the Keystone exam schedule and learned that there will 5 review sessions before the exam days.  (see me for a paper explaining the dates)

Students then reviewed pedigrees and how to determine inheritance

Period 1 finished the "Cracking your Genetic Code" video.  If you missed it in class or you would like to show your family it is embedded below.

Watch Cracking Your Genetic Code on PBS. See more from NOVA.

TUESDAY 4/9/13 CLASSWORK ASSIGNMENTS!!!

Directions for TUESDAY April 9th 2013

*You will only have 20 min to work on the laptops today.  All other work becomes homework*

1) (If you have not already) Complete the "Genetic Disorders" worksheet.  You should be able to find the diseases by using the websites listed on the worksheet.  You may write this on another piece of paper if you run out of room.  This is due on Thursday 4/11/13.  If you work efficiently you should be able to finish this in class between today and half of the period tomorrow.  You will have a short (8 pt) quiz on these disorders when I return.  ...be ready :)



2) Complete the Pedigree Analysis packet.  Read, highlight and answer the questions on pages 7-9.  This packet is due Thursday 4/10/13


3) If you are finished, please log on to the online textbook and begin reading and taking notes on Sections 14.2 and 14.3 (this will be homework due later in the week/next week- you can get ahead by reading now)

3) Please pick one person from your period class to send me an email at esstyer@yssd.org.  In the email, please include:

• 1) Class period
• 2) A recap on how far the overall class got with today's assignments
• 3) Any problems or questions about the assignments.  

MONDAY 4/9/13 CLASSWORK ASSIGNMENTS!!!

Directions for MONDAY April 8th 2013

1) Complete the "Genetic Disorders" worksheet.  You should be able to find the diseases by using the websites listed on the worksheet.  You may write this on another piece of paper if you run out of room.  This is due on Thursday 4/11/13.  If you work efficiently you should be able to finish this in class between today and half of the period tomorrow.   You will have a short (8 pt) quiz on these disorders when I return.  ...be ready :)

2) If you finish early, you may begin your work on the Pedigree Analysis packet.  Read, highlight and answer the questions on pages 7-9.  This packet is due Thursday 4/10/13

3) Please pick one person from your period class to send me an email at esstyer@yssd.org.  In the email, please include:

• 1) Class period
• 2) How far the class got with the Genetic Disorders Assignment
• 3) Any problems or questions about the assignments. 

Friday 4/5/13

EQ:"How are sex-inked traits inherited?"

VOCAB: pedigree,  sex chromosome, autosome

HOMEWORK:
Period 2-9 Finish Worksheet "Genetics- X-linked traits"
Period 1 Finish Worksheet "Intro to Pedigrees"

CLASS RECAP:
Today students had their 14.1 homework checked.  Then we reviewed sex linked traits and learned about color blindness. Students started the worksheet "Genetics- X-linked traits". Some periods went on to start pedigrees. 

Thursday 4/4/13

EQ:"What role do chromosomes play in genetics?"

VOCAB: autosome, sex chromosomes

HOMEWORK:
- Complete reading section14.1 and 14.1 homework packet.

 CLASS RECAP: Today students started class with a review activity for Meiosis vs. Mitosis.  Students then reviewed their Genetics quiz from yesterday (except periods 2 & 7/8).  Students then reviewed the terminology for
Diploid vs. Haploid
Gamete vs. somatic
and crossing over and homologous chromosomes

Students received the packet for Part two of Genetics called "Human heredity and Biotechnology"  Students then learned sex chromosomes and how there are sex-linked traits that are carried on the X and Y chromosome. 

Wednesday 4/3/13

EQ: none

HOMEWORK:
- Study and Define Vocab Terms 
- Read section 14.1 in text and complete packet 14.1 for homework

CLASS RECAP:
Today students had 10 min to ask questions about types of inheritance before the quiz.

Students took a 27pt quiz on types of inheritance and Mendelian genetics.

Students who are absent must arrange a time to make up the quiz in the TLC ASAP!

Tuesday 4/2/13

EQ: "How are sex cells made?"

VOCAB: meiosis, somatic cells, diploid cell, crossing over, gamete, haploid cell

HOMEWORK:
- Study and Define Vocab Terms
- Complete the "Punnett Practice" packet in preparation for tomorrows quiz
- Quiz tomorrow on Part one of genetics- Mendel and types of inheritance
- Period 2- Complete 1-14 questions on meiosis in notes.

CLASS RECAP:
Today students started with a Do First question about blood types.  Students then learned and took notes about meiosis.  Students then got into pairs to answer questions 1-14 on the bottom of their meiosis notes.

ANSWERS TO THE PUNNETT PRACTICE WORKSHEET WILL BE POSTED ON MY MOODLE PAGE.

Students in period 2, 7/8, and 9 took a blood type quiz.  

Monday 4/1/13

EQ: "How do we determine blood type?"

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:
- Study and Define Vocab Terms
- Read sections 11.3 & 11.4 take notes on the sections (one page for each section)

CLASS RECAP:
Today students handed in their Vocab exercises that were due today.

Students received several graded homework and activities that are now in IC.

Students with missing work received a notification that they will have an Incomplete on their report card as this is the last day of the marking period.

Students reviewed the Blood Type worksheet that was homework over the weekend and we answered any questions about blood type.

Students then took a short quiz on blood types.

If time permitted, students were able to get up and look at other Central Dogma projects which had been submitted. 

ALL GRADED/MISSING WORK IS DUE TODAY BY 4PM to ROOM 169.  All missings become incompletes.  All incompletes turn into 35% if they are not submitted.

 

Thursday 3/28/13

EQ:"How do we determine blood type?"

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:

- Study and Define Vocab Terms
- Vocab exercise due 4/1
- Finish Blood Type worksheet (period 1- incomplete dominance/codominance wkst)

CLASS RECAP:
Today students submitted their Central Dogma projects.  They look wonderful!!!

Students then saw Miss Styer test for her blood type.  Students discussed what blood type is and how you can trace the different types of inheritance.  Students practiced a few punnett square problems involving blood types.  Students should finish the worksheet for homework.  

Wednesday 3/27/13

EQ: What are non-mendelian types of inheritance?

VOCAB: incomplete dominance, codominance, multiple alleles, polygenic traits

HOMEWORK:
- Study and Define Vocab Terms
- Vocab exercise due 4/1
- Central Dogma project due 3/28

 CLASS RECAP:  Today students solved the Punnett square problems they created yesterday. 

Then students received different trait cards.  The traits all were examples of non-mendelian types of inheritance.

Students took notes on the 4 main types of non-mendelian types of inheritance. 

Then students got into groups and decided the which type of inheritance their trait was an example of. 

Tuesday 3/26/13

EQ:"How do we use Punnett squares to predict heredity?"

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:
- Study and Define Vocab Terms
- Vocab exercise due 4/1
- Central Dogma project due 3/28
- Complete Ready... Set... Punnett word problem for class tomorrow

CLASS RECAP:
Today students started class by completing a Punnett square Do First problem.  Then students reviewed Punnett squares using white boards.

Then students started the Ready Set Punnett activity.  Students received suggestions for their Punnett square problems from other students in the class. 

AFTER SCHOOL PROJECT WORK SESSION IN MISS STYER"S ROOM TODAY FROM 3-4.

Monday 3/25/13

EQ: "How do we use Punnett squares to predict heredity?"

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:
- Study and Define Vocab Terms by 3/28
- Vocab exercise due 4/1
- Central Dogma project due 3/28
- Bikini Bottom Spongebob genetics worksheet

CLASS RECAP:  Today students started class with a Do First activity that reviewed genes, genotypes and alleles.  Students then worked on the Genetics practice worksheet and wrote the answers to 1-30 on the Smart board.  Students then learned how to distribute alleles into a Punnett square.   Students were assigned to finish the Bikini Bottom worksheet #1 for homework.

Friday 3/22/13

EQ: Who is Gregor Mendel?

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:
- Study and Define Vocab Terms by 3/28
- Vocab exercise due 4/1
- Central Dogma project due 3/28
- Finish 1-15 of Genetics practice problems on the worksheet on the back of your notes.

 CLASS RECAP: Today students heard what an authentic Gregorian chant sounds like.  These are chants similar to those that the father of genetics, Gregor Mendel, would have heard when he lived in an Austrian monastery in 1840's. 

We reviewed last night's homework in class.  Then students took notes on Gregor Mendel's first experiments. 

Students finished class by practicing writing genotypes and phenotypes. 

Thursday 3/21/13

EQ: How are sex and inheritance related to Genetics?"

VOCAB: allele, trait, genetics, inheritance, dominant, recessive, homozygous, heterozygous

HOMEWORK:
- Study and Define Vocab Terms by 3/28
- Vocab exercise due 4/1
- Central Dogma project due 3/28

CLASS RECAP: Today students received back their Final Five assessments from yesterday.  Students then learned about the new vocabulary procedure for the Genetics unit.  Students will now complete the vocabulary worksheet and choose one activity from the vocabulary exercise worksheet to complete.

Students then brainstormed on what they think of when they hear the words Genetics and Heredity.  Students wrote their responses on post-it notes and stuck them to the classroom door.

Students the took notes as they listened to the story of Billy and Sally and how sex and heredity are related to Genetics.

*** There will be an after school Central Dogma project work session today from 3:00-4:00.

Wednesday 3/20/13

EQ: "How does a DNA mutation affect proteins?"

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:
- Central Dogma Project due 3/28
- Keystone question on Central Dogma due tomorrow

CLASS RECAP: Today students started class by completing a Do First assignment on identifying mutations.  Students then reviewed the two worksheets they completed for HW yesterday.  Students then did an activity on the Smart board which demonstrated how mutations in our DNA can affect the proteins that are formed.  They learned the difference between silence and nonsense mutations.

Students took a Final Five titled "DNA & mutations" at the end of class.

Tuesday 3/19/13

EQ: "How does DNA mutate?"

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:
- Central Dogma project due 3/28

CLASS RECAP: Today students finished their two worksheet activities on Types of Genetic Mutations.   There will be a final five on types of genetic mutations tomorrow in class.  Students finished conferencing with Miss Styer about their Central Dogma projects. 

Miss Styer is offering two after school project help sessions on Thursday 3/21 and Tuesday 3/26.  Students are welcome to come to get help on their Central Dogma projects.

Monday 3/18/13

EQ: "How does DNA mutate?"

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:
-Central Dogma project due 3/28

CLASS RECAP: Today students played whisper down the lane and noted how messages can be altered (mutated) as they are transferred.  We discussed how DNA's message/code can be mutated as it is copied or transcripted into RNA.

Students completed a worksheet on DNA mutations and Types of Mutations using section 13.3 from their text.

As students worked, they were called up to conference their brainstorming pages from their Central Dogma projects with Miss Styer.

Friday 3/15/13

EQ:"What is the Central Dogma?"

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:
- Central Dogma project brainstorm sheet due Monday 3/18
- Central Dogma model projects due Thursday 3/28

CLASS RECAP: Students created a Thought web on the concepts of the Central Dogma.  Students submitted the webs at the end of class, after getting two signatures from other students in the class.

Here's a video to help summarize transcription and translation

Funny pic provided by Christian Branch :)

Oh noooo!  I spilled water on my laptop!

Thursday 3/14/13

EQ: "What is the Central Dogma?"

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:
Central Dogma Project due 3/28
Brainstorm page due 3/18

CLASS RECAP: Today students started class with a DNA Vocab word whip.  Then students had the last part of class to conference with their partners for the DNA Central Dogma project.

Wednesday 3/13/13

EQ: "What is the Central Dogma?"

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:
- Study and Define Vocab Terms (1-17)
- Central Dogma Project due (3/28)
- Brainstorm for Project due (3/18)
- DNA vocab cards due Thursday (3/14)

CLASS RECAP: Today students finished learning the translation process.  They took notes on the process.  We then reviewed the project guidelines for the Central Dogma Model Project.  Students had the opportunity to walk around the class to see projects from previous years.

Monday 3/11/13

EQ:

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:
- Study and Define Vocab Terms (1-19)

CLASS RECAP: Today students started class with a Do First quiz (non-graded) that reviewed skills in replication and transcription.  Students copied the following diagram that summarized transcription into their daily science journal.

Students then took the 20pt DNA transcription and translation vocab quiz.

Friday 3/8/13

EQ: "How can we model transcription?"

VOCAB: (18) Transcription (19) RNA splicing

HOMEWORK:
- Study and Define Vocab Terms (1-19)
- Study for Vocab Quiz on Monday (20pts)

CLASS RECAP:  Today students started class with a Do First question about transcription
Then students watched a video in live time of an RNA polymerase transcribing DNA into mRNA.  See the 1 min video below.



Students then finished the second part of their DNA K'nex activity.  Students took their template strand of replicated DNA and transcribed the DNA into a strand of mRNA. 

Students will have a VOCAB QUIZ on Monday on the first 19 terms.

Thursday 3/7/13

EQ: "How can we model the process of replication and transcription using Kinex?"

VOCAB:

HOMEWORK:
- Study and Define Vocab Terms (1-)

CLASS RECAP: Today students worked in groups to create DNA molecules from a sequence that Miss Styer provided to them.  Then students replicated and transcribed the sequences.

Ang acting as a helicase enzyme, unzipping the DNA strand by breaking hydrogen bonds. 

Myra and Olivia acting as DNA polymerases :)

Kyle and Christian with a beautiful replication fork!

Two replicated strands!

The guys hard at work making their DNA molecule.

Who has two thumbs and loves DNA replication?  ... That guy!

:P

Wednesday 3/6/13

SNOW DAY ?