Work for vacation

Your homework for break is to read chapter 20 and take notes on it; when you return you will have an open notes reading quiz.

Tips for reading and staying focused:

Before reading you should look over the major headings in the chapter and look at the pictures. Read the captions! It costs more money to have a color picture than black text, if publishers are spending money on it, it is there to help you.

Before reading the chapter you should read the section summaries at the end of the chapter to help you keep the big picture in mind.

While reading you should read through an entire paragraph and try not to get hung up on specific details. After reading the paragraph, if you are still confused look to the pictures for clarification.

After reading a section (20.1) close your eyes and try to state 3-4 key points in the section.

While I'm on JUA...

Please sign in with Gina G. (downstairs in Mrs. Berry's office). You should read chapter 20 and take notes. You will have a quiz (and may use any notes you take) when you return from break in January. I suggest you do this before you leave for break so you don't forget.

D block you will have class on Wednesday.

ELSI paper feedback

Lessons Learned:

"I didn't realize that the paper could ONLY be three pages. I had delete the hard work that I did."
"Never trust technology, words are easier to read than squares."
"Footnotes are fun."
"Hard to miss a lot of class and still write a paper."
"Make sure that my own words and my sources are divided."
"Double check your sources...Just because the title says what you need, doesn't mean the paper contains helpful information."

What did we learn through our research?

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act is in the process of being passed...Eugenetics is the science of improving a the human genetic population...GM foods have a positive and negative side, for example: GM foods can create new unknown allergens...No laws have been passed about genetic information...Exploring the link between DNA and behavior...

Where are we going from here?

When we return from break we will jumping into chapter 20 (DNA Technology & Genomics) and chapter 21 (the genetic basis of development). We are going to try a new class structure where the first class period will be a lecture, the second period we will go to the ARC and do research and the third period you will present what you learned to your peers.

Working on papers this week

Change of plans, because of tournaments, testing and a variety of other reason, your paper is now due on either Friday or Saturday, depending on when you have class. In the meantime, you will be meeting in the ARC each class period from now until then to work on your papers.

Check out the video below (thanks Mike H.) for more information.

ESLI Research Paper

What is ELSI?

ELSI stands for Ethical, Legal and Social Implications.

What is a research paper?

Look it up. Just kidding. A research paper means you are going to need to gather information from as many sources as possible and then sift through it to find what is helpful to you.

Where can you find information?

There is a link list on the right side bar for some places you can start looking. Many of these pages will have additional links at the bottom of the page which can lead you to more information. You can also check the library catalog.

When is this due?

This is due for all classes on Thursday December 12th.

Write a three page, 1.5 spaced paper (no more, no less) and (quit complaining, this is practically nothing!) addressing one of the following issues:

A. Fairness in the use of genetic information by insurers, employers, courts, schools, adoption agencies, and the military, among others.

A driving question is: Who should have access to personal genetic information, and how will it be used?

B. Privacy and confidentiality of genetic information.

A driving question is: Who owns and controls genetic information?

Use the check list below to make sure your paper meets all the requirements

¨ Three different sources are directly quoted in the paper and cited. For example:

Blah blah blah, “DNA samples can be held indefinitely, there is the added threat that samples will be used for purposes other than those for which they were gathered.”[1]

¨ All of sources are properly cited in the MLA format.

¨ There is an introduction paragraph which gives background of the human genome project (HGP).

¨ The HGP background includes how and why the project was started and when it was completed as well as three major findings that resulted from the project.

¨ If possible find a specific case study that supports your topic and summarize what happened.

¨ Consequences of misuse of genetic information.

¨ The overall paper addresses the Ethical, Legal and Social Implications of the chosen topic.

¨ Paper is proof read, no seriously, please read the paper before you turn it in, and contains no grammatical or spelling errors.

¨ Paper is TYPED.

¨ Paper uses 1.5 spacing, size 12 Times New Roman Font and has 1” margins (yes you will be graded on this.

---

[1] Genetics Legislation. Human Genome Project. Last modified Friday May 25^th, 2007. Accessed 12.6.2007 http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/legislat.shtml

Article Discussions

The first half of this week will be spent reading articles from The New Yorker magazine's Annal of Medicine & Annals of Science sections.

Why read articles from The New Yorker?

The New Yorker articles are available to the majority of the public, are well written, well researched narrative essays which have a solid science background. The articles fuse the scientific and emotional sides of debates or issues and therefore provide a unique perspective.

What are we reading?

An Error in the Code: What can a rare human disorder tell us about human behavior.
Individuals with Lesch-Nyhan acutely feel pain but can't stop self mutilating, it is as if their hands and mouths don't belong to them.

Darwin's Surprise: Why are evolutionary biologists bringing back extinct deadly viruses?

"John Coffin 'understand[s] that the idea of bringing something dead back to life is fundamentally frightening,' he went on. 'It’s a power that science has come to possess and it makes us queasy, and it should. But there are many viruses that are more dangerous than these—more infectious, far riskier to work with, and less potentially useful.' Thanks to steady advances in computing power and DNA technology, a talented undergraduate with a decent laptop and access to any university biology lab can assemble a virus with ease." Continue reading...

Homework: Study for a quiz on Thursday on Chapters 13 & 14

Beyond Mendel

This post is for Friday and Saturday (12/1)
We continued with Chapter 14 with the following concepts:

•

•
Codominance

•Multiple Allelic Traits

Polygenic Traits

•Pleiotropy

•Environmental Effects on Phenotypes

•Genetic Disorders

•Testing for Genetic Disorders

•Tracking Genetic Disorders with Pedigree Charts

High blood pressure is a polygenic trait.

The phenotype is an interaction between a person's weight (one or more obesity genes), cholesterol level (one or more genes controlling metabolism), kidney function (salt transporter genes), smoking (a tendency to addiction).

Homework: Complete the rest of the genetics problem set and work on your genetics mini project.

Genetics Mini Project

Read about your assigned topic and do research to present a concise report to your classmates. You will write no more than half a page, typed, single spaced on your topic and give a 2-3 minute presentation during class on Monday. This will be worth a quiz grade. Remember to keep this concise and informative.

You must have a works cited at the bottom of your paper with at least THREE sources referenced.
Wikipedia is NOT an acceptable source. Below are links to potential starting points for your research:

Understanding Genetic Disorders -- Utah Genetics

Human Genome Project

Genetic Disorders from MedLine

Mendelian Genetics (Chapter 14)

Today we reviewed incomplete dominance as well as Mendelian genetics principles (law of independent assortment, law of segregation, dominance, recessiveness). We also learned how the rule of multiplication and addition can help us solve complex genetics problems, rather than write enormous punnett squares.

Would you rather do this to find the probability of getting YYRR:Or this... YY = 1/4 RR = 1/4
1/4 x 1/4 = 1/16, is the probability of getting YYRR

Homework: Genetics Practice Problems, answer the questions at the top of the page (explain...what is...). Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper and use complete sentences. Complete problem numbers 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8.

Meiosis (see below)

For the winter term, all posts from Tuesday's class will apply to Wednesday as well.
In addition, since it was long block today, D block started chapter 14 with the basics in Mendelian genetics.

Homework: read 14.1-14.3 for Thursday. You will not have a quiz, but taking notes would be to your benefit.

Meiosis

So today we learned a valuable lesson: Check your email, especially before you go home for break. Students had a quiz on meiosis today and took notes from a powerpoint. We are only going to spend one day on meiosis because we covered it in detail last year. There are some key points to remember about meiosis:



1. It occurs in gametes
2. It increase genetic variation through crossing over, independent assortment and random fertilization.
3. It creates 4 daughter cells that are NOT identical to the parent cell.

Homework: Read sections 14.1-14.3 for class on Thursday.

Nothing says welcome back like...

a Quiz.

'Tis the season get back to work. Just a reminder that you needed to read chapter 13 over break and that you have a quiz your first class back. Any notes you took on the chapter you will be able to use.

Need to know...

There are 12 questions out of 75 on Chapter 6 on the test.

You should know…

1. in what type of cell you’d find large numbers of ribosomes.
2. what type of RNA and proteins can move through the nuclear envelope
3. the direction of how DNA/proteins move through the endomembrane system
4. the cell part that makes proteins
5. where you would find hydrolytic enzymes
6. the functions of the following cell parts: lysosomes, vacuoles, mitochondria, golgi apparatus, peroxisome.
7. the components of a chloroplast.

Review Sheets

Here's who is doing what review sheet:

Chapter 2: Dana & Andrea
Chapter 3: Jun ALONE
Chapter 4: Nicoya ALONE
Chapter 5: Sammy ALONE
Chapter 6: Ms. Saxe
Chapter 7: Terrance
Chapter 8:Tak and Jae Ro
Chapter 9: Ji
Chapter 11: Rachel and Mike
Chapter 12: David

Your review sheet should at, a minimum, have the vocabulary (and definitions), key concepts and images which help explain concepts.

Final Exam Review

Please sign up for one of the following chapters. 5 people will need to work on their own. If you choose to work on your own, you will get extra credit. Your partner may be from the other class.
You will create a study guide for your peers to use.

This is due Monday in Class. Please make 14 copies of your review sheet, before you come to class.

Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12

Use the post a comment feature to write you First Name and Last Initial and the chapter you will be doing.

Cancer & the Cell Cycle

Today we talked about cancer & the cell cycle. We watched a video clip on the development of tumors from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and discussed the frequency of various types of cancer around the globe.

Notebook Check & Mitosis

Today B Block had their notebook check and we reviewed the basics of mitosis. Tomorrow we will have visitors to class from the headmaster's council.

Homework: Start studying for the final exam

Reminder: Notebook Check

B block you will have a notebook check on Tuesday.

D block you will have a notebook check on Thursday.

Why have a notebook check?
Your final exam is coming up and if your notebook isn't organized, it's pretty difficult to study. Anything from the first day of class is fair game. I suggest you use the blog to help you get organized. You will only have 20 minutes to complete the notebook check. Questions will be in chronological order.

Mitosis Homework

Mitosis Homework: Read Chapter 12 and please use your own lined paper to complete the following assignment. This activity will count as two homework assignment grades.

Here are some links to help you with the homework:

Review of Mitosis

Cell Cycle and Mitosis Tutorial

Cell Cycle Game

1. How can there be 46 chromosomes in a human cell at metaphase and also 46 chromosomes in each daughter cell?

2. Describe the events in each of the following phases of the cell cycle; G₁, S, G₂, and M.

3. Briefly describe how prokaryote chromosomes differ from those of eukaryotes.

4. Explain the difference between a chromatid and a chromosome, using a diagram with
your explanation.

5. List the stages of mitosis in proper order.

6. Diagram the stages of mitosis and give the major events in each stage.

7. How does cytokinesis differ in plants and animals.

8. How does mitosis ensure that each daughter cell has the same genetic makeup as the parent cell?

9. List and briefly discuss at least two factors that control and regulate cell division

Cyclic AMP disucssions

Today in class we discussed how cyclic AMP can impact how our bodies function at the molecular level. Here's what we learned...

1. Cells of alcoholics have lower levels of cAMP.
2. Researchers have found in that reduced cAMP induction may be an underlying cause of fragile X syndrome, a leading cause of mental retardation.
3. cAMP can effect erythroblasts (which are nucleated red blood cells, found in bone marrow).
4. cAMP responds to liver disease
5. A possible cause of Alzheimer's disease is low levels of cAMP.

Cell signaling continued

Today D block caught up with B block in cell signaling. Also, the chapter 11 PowerPoint is available for download for seven days (until Nov. 8) by clicking here: http://download.yousendit.com/98A18084708E0D7D


Today our goal was to look at the big picture when it comes to cellular communication and signal transduction. Also, there has been a change of plans: You do not have a quiz on chapter 11 tomorrow.

Instead, your homework is to find a disease, condition or poison that is related to the function of cyclic AMP.

What is cyclic AMP (cAMP)? cAMP is a secondary messenger that is produced from ATP by adenylyl cyclase. As a second messenger, cAMP initiates a series of additional reactions in the cell such as phosphorylation and activation of enzymes.Where can you look for information:
Science Daily
PubMed

What should you search for? Try looking up, "genetic disorders cyclic AMP" "toxin cyclic AMP" etc..

Halloween + NOLS bus = a great day

Today the NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) Bus came to campus to talk about alternative and sustainable energy. Here's the NOLS bus mission:

"In an effort to educate the public on ways to reduce these impacts, the NOLS bus has a specially converted diesel engine designed to run on recycled vegetable oil (RVO), a cleaner, renewable alternative to petroleum. As we travel around the country, we’ll fill up at restaurants and dining halls where RVO is available, and get the word out about environmentally-friendly alternative energy."

Here are some pictures from the day..

Signal Transduction: The big picture

Today our goal was to look at the big picture when it comes to cellular communication and signal transduction. Also, there has been a change of plans: You do not have a quiz on chapter 11 on Friday. Instead, your homework is to find a disease, condition or poison that is related to the function of cyclic AMP.

What is cyclic AMP (cAMP)? cAMP is a secondary messenger that is produced from ATP by adenylyl cyclase. As a second messenger, cAMP initiates a series of additional reactions in the cell such as phosphorylation and activation of enzymes.Where can you look for information:
Science Daily
PubMed

What should you search for? Try looking up, "genetic disorders cyclic AMP" "toxin cyclic AMP" etc..

Chapter 11: Cell to Cell Communication

Today students had a quiz on sections 11.1 and 11.2.

By the end of today students should feel somewhat confident in their abilities to:

1. Describe the basic signal-transduction pathway used for mating in yeast.
2. Define paracrine signaling and give an example.
3. Define local regulation and explain why hormones are not local regulators.
4. Explain how plant and animal hormones travel to target cells.
5. List and briefly define the three stages of cell signaling.
Signal Reception and the Initiation of Transduction
6. Describe the nature of a ligand-receptor interaction and state how such interactions initiate a signal-transduction system.
7. State where signal receptors may be located in target cells.
8. Compare and contrast G-protein-linked receptors, tyrosine-kinase receptors, and ligand-gated ion channels.

Homework: Read 11.3 and 11.4 As far as taking notes: notes are designed to HELP you. If taking notes helps you, TAKE NOTES. If taking notes doesn't seem to do much good, don't take notes. You know what type of learning style you have, WORK WITH IT.

Chapter 9 cellular respiration assessment

Today we finally wrapped up Chapter 9 on Cellular Respiration. In an effort to be fair, students were given the option to decide if they wanted the assessment to count as a quiz or a test grade. Students must decide by circling "test" or "quiz" at the top of their paper.

Homework: Read sections 11.1 and 11.2. You will have a reading quiz on Monday and may use any notes that you take.

Video on Signal Transduction

Video on G-Protein Linked Receptors (pages 206-207 in your book)

Practice Test Review

Today we took a practice test on Chapter 9 to review for the assessment tomorrow. I am on duty tonight in Moore if you would like to come for extra help or review. To get to the post with the animations on cellular respiration click here.

Fermentation and Review

Today we are wrapping up chapter 9 with a quick overview of fermentation. The rest of the class period will be used for starting to review for the final exam. We still have two full weeks of class before the final, but it's never to early to start reviewing.

Before the final we are going to do two more chapters: 11 (cell-cell signaling) and 12 (mitosis)

Glycolysis Quiz

I hope you're all having a great fall break. Your quiz for both classes on Chapter 9 will be on Friday. Click here to check out this drag and drop quiz for glycolysis to review.

NOTE: the game only works with internet explorer (I don't know why, but it doesn't work with Safari or Firefox).

Parents Weekend!

Today parents and students worked together to build models out of play-doh for the three stages of cellular respiration: glycolysis, the krebs cycle and the electron transport chain.

Homework: study for a quiz on chapter 9 on Thursday if you are in D block and on Friday if you are in B block.

Wrapping up Cellular Respiration

Today we wrapped up cellular respiration by reviewing glycolysis and the krebs cycle, as well as learning about the electron transport chain. To see any of the animations we have looked at in class, click here.

Homework: complete the electron transport chain reading and coloring sheet from the Biology Coloring Book.

"Today was actually fun."

D block:

"Today was actually fun."

Who thought learning glycolysis could actually be fun? Using an animation, the whiteboard and handouts we learned the steps of glycolysis, why we needed to learn those functional groups in chapter 4, and how to name compounds.

Homework: create some kind of study guide for all the steps of glycolysis (poster, flash cards etc.)

B Block:

"I thought our body was supposed to be efficient? This seems like a lot of work.."
"It is efficient, because it doesn't have a lot of waste."

A quick review of glycolysis, before an overview of the krebs cycle and short video of the electron transport chain.

Homework: read and color the info from the Biology Coloring Book.

Glycolysis

After several technological struggles, we reverted back to our good 'ol friend, "the whiteboard." Today we completed the steps of glycolysis, which is the first step in cellular respiration.

Despite all the various chemical names and transitions, please remember the big idea of glycolysis:
1. Happens in the cytosol
2. Breaks down glucose, a 6 carbon sugar, into 2 pyruvates, 3 carbon sugars.
3. Is powered by a shifting of phosphate molecules between ATP and ADP (phosphorylation).

For links to the animations we tried to watch in class, see the post below.

Homework: Rewrite or draw the steps of glycolysis in some way to help you remember them. Nate asked if he could do them on flashcards and string them together, I think this is a great idea. You could make a poster, flip book etc..

Cellular Respiration Animations

Having trouble understanding cellular respiration? Check out these links for animations to help you understand it better.

A basic animation of the whole process (glycolysis, krebs cycle and ETC)

Anaerobic and Aerobic Respiration Tutorial

Glycolysis Movie (needs shockwave player, click here to download it free).

Virtual Cell Animation for the Electron Transport Chain

Vocab Quiz and Cellular Respiration

Today students took a quiz on chapter 8 vocab and we moved forward into chapter 9, on cellular respiration.

Homework: read and take notes on sections 9.1 and 9.2

Metabolism continued

On Friday students had a quiz on sections 8.1-8.3 and learned a valuable lesson. The concept check boxes are really helpful when it comes time to studying.

Homework for the weekend:
Read sections 8.4-8.5. There will be a vocab quiz on all of chapter 8 on Monday. Any words in bold, black lettering are fair game.

Metabolism

What is metabolism? Why do some people say, "I'm skinny because my metabolism is really fast"? Is metabolism only related to digestion?

These are some of the questions we are going to answer over the next few classes.

On August 10, 2007 Scientists made an important discovery...

Skeleton Is An Endocrine Organ, Crucial To Regulating Energy Metabolism

Science Daily — Bones are typically thought of as calcified, inert structures, but researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have now identified a surprising and critically important novel function of the skeleton. They've shown for the first time that the skeleton is an endocrine organ that helps control our sugar metabolism and weight and, as such, is a major determinant of the development of type 2 diabetes.
Click here for the entire article

Homework: Read sections 8.1-8.3. You will have a quiz on these sections on Friday and you may use any notes you take. In addition, look over your most recent test and highlight all the questions you got wrong because you didn't know the material and all the questions you got wrong because of careless mistakes.

Test on Chapters 6,7, and Lab 1

Today B block had a test on chapters 6, 7 and lab 1. D block will have their test on Wednesday. Believe it or not, we are somewhat on schedule with our syllabus. Our next topic will be Chapter 8: Enzymes which we will complete this week.

Chapter 7: Membranes and their functions

Today we wrapped up chapter 7 on membrane structure and function. For additional information and online activities on membranes check out these links:

Membrane Structure and Function (thanks Dana!)

Cell Membrane Tutorial Questions & Answers

Cell Membrane Animation

Finishing chapter 6

Today we got to be in room 206 and sit around the big table to finish up chapter 6 on the parts of the cell.

Check out Cells Alive for the basic overview of cell parts.

Objective Summary Sheets & Vocab

Beginning with chapter 6, each time we start a new chapter, I will place a copy of the teaching objectives, vocabulary and word root lists on reserve in the ARC.

What does it mean if something is "on reserve"?

This means that you can check out the materials for 1 block during the academic day or 1 hour at night. These materials DO NOT LEAVE THE ARC. You may photocopy these or just read them. Please return them promptly to the circulation desk so that another student may use them.

Hooray! Chapter 6 is done!

Today B block finished Chapter 6! The questions on the last page of the packet are to be completed as review for your quiz on Monday 10/8.

Week of October 1: Chapters 6 & 7

Trying to stay on schedule (despite foliage day) we're moving forward with chapters 6 & 7.
Here's the schedule for the up coming week:

Monday: B long : fill in notes for chapter 6, sections 1-4

Tuesday: B block: fill in notes, complete chapter 6. Finish reading chapter 6 for homework.

Wednesday: D long : fill in notes for chapter 6, sections 1-4, read chapter 6
B block: Chapter 7, sections 1, 2, and 3

Thursday: D block: fill in notes, complete chapter 6. Finish reading chapter 6 for homework

Friday: D Block: Chapter 7, sections 1, 2, and 3
B Block: Chapter 7, sections 4 and 5

Saturday: D block: Chapter 7, sections 4 and 5

Monday: You will have a quiz on Chapters 6, 7 and lab 1 (parts a & b).

The AP Exam

Click here to link to the college board homepage for the AP biology exam.

The average grade for your first test was a 70%.

Lab 1: Part B Osmosis and Diffusion

Students completed their first AP Biology lab today. For pictures check out the NHS portal.

This lab was designed to increase student's understanding of osmosis and diffusion as well as the following lab skills:
* using a balance
* pour solutions
* working with dialysis tubing
* graphing
* drawing inferences.

Homework: complete the lab analysis questions on pages 6 and 7 as well as question #5 on page 8. This is due on Monday in class. I am on duty this weekend if you need help :)

Osmosis and Diffusion

Today D block saw the basics of osmosis and diffusion in action as they helped with a demonstration of lab 1A.

This cool guy is adding 4mL of IKI to 170mL of distilled water. On the table are glucose test strips which are used to measure the amount of glucose present in solution.

What did we learn today:
1. Molecules move from areas of high concentration to low concentration (down a concentration gradient).
2. Dialysis tubing functions as a semipermeable membrane through which water, glucose and IKI are able to pass through.
3. Starch is a macromolecule, and therefore too large to pass through the membrane, so it stays in the bag.

Homework for both classes:
1. Complete the analysis questions for lab 1A.
2. Read the background and procedure for lab 1B
3. Bring your lab manual to class on Friday.

Lab 1 Activity A

D Block is taking their test today and B Block is starting A.P. Lab 1.

D Block: please bring your lab manual to class tomorrow and the completed essay portion of your test.

B Block: Lab 1A objective: investigate the processes of osmosis and diffusion in a model membrane system.

Since last year we spent a substantial amount of time on osmosis/diffusion you will be responsible for reviewing the majority of this material independently.

Test 1: Biochemistry Review Sheet

1.

1. 1. essential elements

2. 2. atomic mass

3. 3. atomic number

4. 4. subatomic particle (P,N, electron)

5. 5. isotopes

6. 6. valence electrons

7. 7. covalent bond

8. 8. non-covalent bond

9. 9. ionic bond

10. 10. polar substance

11. 11. nonpolar substance

12. 12. electronegativity

1. properties of water
2. surface tension
3. high specific heat
4. evaporative cooling
5. density of water
6. adhesion/cohesion

13. 13. hydrophobic

14. 14. hydrophilic

15. 15. mole

16. 16.molarity

17. 17. molecule

18. 18.pH

19. 19. H⁺ (hydrogen ion)

20. 20. OH^- (hydroxide ion)

21. 21. isomer

22. 22. enantiomer

23. 23. structural isomer

24. 24. geometric isomer

25. 25. amino acid (structure and function)

26. 26. amine functional group

27. 27. phosphate group

28. 28. macromolecule

29. 29. poly/di/mono – saccharide

30. 30. carbohydrate

31. 31. lipid

32. 23. phospholipids

33. 33. protein

34. 34. nucleic acid

35. 35. polymer

36. 36. monomer

37. 37. dehydration reaction

38. 38. hydrolysis

39. 39. ratio of C:H:O in sugars

40. 40. structural polysaccharide

41. 41. storage polysaccharide

42. 42. triacyclglycerol

43. 43. saturated fat

44. 44. usaturated fat

45. alpha helix

46. beta pleated sheet

47. basic structure of RNA

48. structure of DNA

49. nitrogenous base

50. phosphate group

51. nucleotide

52. pyrimidine

53. purine

54. complimentary strand (5’– 3’ DNA


Format of the test: There are 50 multiple choice questions and 1 essay. The multiple choice questions are each worth 2 points. The essay is worth 25 points and will be considered a separate test which will you complete AT HOME using the honor system. There will be three essays and you will complete 1 of them. You will only have 30 minutes from the time you open the questions until the time you must stop.

Why is the essay being tested this way?

1. You will likely have tests like this in college.
2. We don’t have enough class periods.

HEADS UP FOR THE ESSAY: All answers must be in essay form. Outline form is not acceptable. Labeled diagrams may be used to supplement your essay but are not sufficient on their own. Read the question thoroughly before you begin to write. You may hand write or type the essay.

Student Presentations

Starting last Friday and wrapping up today, students will give a mini-lesson on one of the sections in Chapter 5.

Tonight there will be an extra help session from 7:30-8:30 pm in Meservey 205 to prepare for the test tomorrow (B block) and Wednesday (D block).

How to get the most out of an extra help session:
1. Come prepared with specific questions to be answered.
2. Bring your notes
3. Bring your textbook

B Block: if you would like extra time on the test, you may start at 7:30am

Help for your presentations

Looking for information for you lessons? Click on the name of your topic for help. Also, check out google video for some good ideas.

Lipids

Macromolecules Overview

Protein


Carbohydrates

Nucleic Acids

Chapter 4 notes and Chapter 5 presentations

D Block is catching up to B block... D block took notes on section 4.2 and built models of various functional groups in section 4.3

Tomorrow D block has an open notes quiz on section 4.3 and will begin working on their lesson plans for chapter 5.

B Block had time to work on their lesson and will begin presenting on Friday.

B Block: Chapter 5 The Structure and Function of Macromolecules

After taking a 10 minute open notes quiz on Chapter 4, students divided up the sections in chapter 5, to create a 10-15 minute lesson which they will teach to their peers on either Friday 9/21 or Monday 9/24.

5.1: Ben & Nate
5.2: Pat & Tak
5.3: Terrance & Jae Ro
5.4: Ms. Saxe
5.5: Rachel & Mike

Class time on Wednesday will be used to meet with Ms. Saxe and go over your lessons. You have been emailed the rubric for how you will be graded.

You will have a test on Chapters 2, 3, 4 and 5 on Tuesday 9/25. If you think you want extra time, you may come in at 7:30am and start the test.

Chapter 4: Carbon, Isomers & Functional Groups

D Block: Quiz on Chapter 3. Homework: Read sections 4.1 and 4.2

B Long Block:
Objective: Be able to identify and differentiate between various types of isomers and functional groups.



After a lecture on section 4.2, students used Ball & Stick Models to build 8 functional groups and complete a worksheet.

Homework: Complete worksheet.

Chapter 3 Quiz

B Block had a quiz on Chapter 3 today.

Homework: Read sections 4.1 and 4.2.

Water is essential to life (cont.)

We continued our notes on why water is really pretty amazing. We focused on the following key ideas:





1. Insulation of Water by Floating Ice
2. Water is the Solvent of Life
3. Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Substances
4. Solute Concentration in Aqueous Solutions
5. Dissociation of water molecules leading to changes in pH
6. The pH scale and how to determine a pH by looking at the concentration of hydroxide ions.


Homework: B Block has a quiz on Chapter 3 on Saturday, D Block has a quiz on Monday.

Extra Help: I am on duty tonight in Moore if you would like to review anything.
Links for Extra Help:
Chapter 3 Flashcards Online:
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the "study" box. Follow the instructions on the left side of the screen.
The Biology Project Interactive Quiz:
Click on a question (underlined in blue). If you answer incorrectly, you will get an explanation as to why you are wrong.

Properties of Water

D Block:
Students had a quiz on Chapter 2. After completing the quiz we finished section 3.2 on the properties of water.

Homework: Complete the properties of water homework.

Confused on the what adhesion and cohesion are? Watch the video below.

Basic Chemistry Review

Today we reviewed Chapter 2, which is on basic chemistry.

Homework: B Block complete the "self quiz" at the end of chapter 2 in preparation for a chapter 2 quiz tomorrow (Wednesday). In addition write at least 2 paragraphs to answer the questions in the "Scientific Inquiry" box on page 46 (of the 7th ed.).

It's finally here!

So it's the first day of school...while your parents may not have had you pose akwardly in your new "first of school" outfit, you did manage to stumble to school meeting on time and eventually to class. Now it's time to get down to business.

Homework on the first night!?!? You bet.

Skim ALL of Chapter 2 and take brief notes.
What does it mean to "skim" something?

1. Read all the section headings, what are the main ideas of the chapter?

2.Read the subheadings (Words in blue--"Elements and Compounds.")

3. Look at the figures, diagrams and pictures. READ the descriptions of the figures.

Welcome to Advanced Biology Honors

Hi All,
I hope you've had a great summer, I know that class is just what you all want to be thinking about now, but I wanted to give you a heads up with what you can expect for the Advanced Honors Biology course. While this course is NOT an advanced placement course, it IS designed to prepare you to take the exam in May (provided you have an 85% or better for the year). If you have already bought your books, now would be a great time to start flipping through chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5, which we will be covering in the first three weeks. See you in September!