December 09, 2008

Cellular Respiration

Eeeek! What have we been doing in Biology?

Over the past week and a half we have been discussing cellular respiration:

  • C6H12O6 + 6O2 -----> 6H2O + 6CO2 + ATP
  • Takes place in the mitochondria
  • Aerobic and Anaerobic varieties
  • Aerobic consists of Glycolysis, Kreb Cycle, Electron Transport Chain, and produces 40 ATP molecules
  • Anaerobic respiration: Alcoholic fermentation and Lactic Acid fermentation, utilizes only glycolysis, produces 2 ATP molecules

- Fermentation Lab - Fun with rootbeer: will be consumed Thursday, December 11

- Homework due Tuesday, December 9: Read section 9.1 and 9.2 - section review at the end of each

Cellular Respiration Mini Quiz
1. Name the two types of cellular respiration
2.Name the three steps in cellular respiration
3. Where in the cell does cellular respiration take place?
4. Write the equation for cellular respiration

5. What is produced by the first stage of cellular respiration?
6. What enters second stage of cellular respiration?
7. Name the waste product of second stage.
8. What is the role of oxygen in this stage?
9. Name the two electron carrying molecules that are charged during this stage.

10. What enters the last stage of cellular respiration?
11. What is the final product of cellular respiration?
12. What is the role of oxygen in this stage?

November 17, 2008

Pigments, Chloroplasts, and NADP+


Do Now:
What is the difference between the colors of light in terms of wavelength, frequency, and energy intensity?

Today in class we discussed:
- The role of pigments in photosynthesis: Chlorophyll a, b, Carotene, and Xanthophyll
- The anatomy of the chloroplast: Thylakoid membranes, Grana, Stroma
- The role of NADP+ - NADPH as an electron carrier in photosynthesis

We also continued presentations from reading assignments.

Homework for Wednesday
- Study sections 8.1, 8.2, and first part of 8.3 for quiz on Wednesday

November 16, 2008

Photosynthesis Equation and Light

Do Now:
What type of molecule is ATP? Describe the difference between the two varieties of this molecule.

Today in class we:
Discussed the photosynthesis equation: What are the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis.
Discussed the role of light in photosynthesis
Began hearing presentations from science in the news assignment

November 10, 2008

Photosynthesis



Thrusday 11/6
Today in class we:
- Handed back and reviewed Cell Tests
- Began work on Chapter 8: Photosynthesis
  • Autotroph vs Heterotroph
  • Energy Molecules: ATP vs ADP
Monday 11/10
Science in the News Readings:
Each group is assigned a various reading that deals with current plant science.
Presentations and reflections are due on Thursday

Homework:
8.1 and 8.2 Chapter Reviews

October 28, 2008

Cell Unit Review

Do Now:
Write three good test questions based on material covered in Chapter 7. Include answers

Today in class we reviewed for Chpt 7 test

Due Thursday:
Chapter Review at the end of Chpt 7: # 12-23, 26-29

Morning review session on Thursday beginning at 7:15

October 24, 2008

Active Transport

Do Now:
What is water potential?
What two factors influence water potential?

Today in class we:
- Discussed facilitated diffusion, protein-ion pumps, endocytosis, and exocytosis
- Completed lab work and worked on analysis

Due Tuesday:
- Complete all components of osmosis and diffusion lab including graph and analysis

October 22, 2008

Plasmolysis of Plant Cells

Do Now:
Define Osmosis.
Define the three types of osmotic solutions and describe how water behaves in the presence of each solution.

Today in class we:
Worked on Part 2 of Diffusion and Osmosis Lab, and Part 3 data collection

October 21, 2008

Diffusion and Osmosis Lab



Do Now:
Define Diffusion
What factors influence whether a solute will diffuse through a cell membrane?

Today in class we:
- Discussed osmosis
  • Passive transport
  • Hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic soultions
- Began work on osmosis and diffusion in living organisms lab
Pictures courtesy of Shan Lee, 11th grade biology student

October 16, 2008

Types of Transport Across Cell Membrane

Do Now: List three components of the cell membrane. Describe the structure and function of each.

Today in class we discussed:
Concentration of solutions
Passive and Active Transport
Diffusion

Continued viewing Death By Design video on cell communication

Homework due Monday
Read section 7.3: Complete Data Analysis on pg 188 and Section Review on pg 189

October 09, 2008

The Cell Membrane

Today in class we:
Discussed the components of the cell membrane
  • Phospholipid bilayer
- Hydrophilic phosphate heads
- Hydrophobic fatty acid tails
  • Integral and Peripheral proteins
  • Carbohydrate chains
- Fluid mosaic model of cell membranes

Worked on cell membrane model lab

Homework for Thursday:
Complete cell membrane model worksheet
Quiz corrections

October 02, 2008

Cell anatomy


Do Now:
  1. What is the function of the nuclear envelope?
  2. what type of cells contain a cell wall?
  3. What are ribosomes and where are they produced?
  4. What are the structural and functional differences between Rough and Smooth ER?
Today in class we:
- Discussed the structure and function of the following organelles: (find PPT lecture on the sidebar)
  • Golgi Apparatus
  • Lysosomes
  • Vacuoles
  • Mitochondria
  • Chloroplast
  • Cytoskeleton
- Played Cell Anatomy Memory game (find print out for the cards on the side bar)

Homework:
Read section 7.2 and answer review questions
Study for quiz on sections 7.1 and 7.2
Extra Credit Opportunity - see sidebar for link to assignment

October 01, 2008

Organelles of the Cell

Do Now:
How has technology influenced what we know about cells and how cells are arranged in organisms? What significance has this had on science and society?

Today in class we:
Discussed the nucleus and its parts: nuclear envelope, nucleolus, and chromatin
Discussed several organelles of the cytoplasm: Ribosomes, Endoplasmic Reticulum

Watched segments of Death By Design

September 27, 2008

The Cell


Today in class we:
- Returned and reviewed Chpt 2 Test - Test corrections due on Tuesday (optional)
- Began discussion of Chpt 7: The Cell
  • Discovery of the Cell
  • Contributors to the Cell Theory
  • Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes
Homework due Tuesday
- Read Chpt 7.1 and answer review questions at the end of the section

September 24, 2008

Chemistry of Life Review and Test

Monday:
Reviewed material from chapter 2 in class
Review due at the beginning of class on Wednesday

Wednesday:
Test day

September 19, 2008

Enzymes


Today in class we:
Began discussion of enzymes and enzyme activity
- See enzyme animation video
Continued work on chemical composition of cells lab


Homework due Thursday:
Complete and turn in chemical composition of cells lab

September 18, 2008

Lactase Lab - The Results of Denaturing Proteins

Today in class we:
Finished discussion of enzyme activity: Effects of Environment on Enzyme Activity
Preformed Lactase Enzyme Lab

Homework:
Begin review for Organic Molecule test next Wednesday

September 12, 2008

Nucleic Acids and Chem Composition of Cells Lab

Today in class we:
Discussed the structure and function of nucleic acids
Began work on composition of cells lab

September 10, 2008

Quiz

Today we quizzed on basic chemistry, and organic molecules Carbohydrates, Lipids and Proteins

September 09, 2008

Lipids and Proteins

Do Now:
Name the elements involved in making carbohydrates
In what ratio do these elements appear
Name the monomer of carbohydrates and give the chemical formula
List two functions of carbohydrates

Today in class we:
Discussed Lipids: triglycerides, phospholipids, waxes, steroids
Discussed Proteins: Amino acids, structure and function

Homework:
Study Chapter 2: Section 1,2,3 for quiz on Wednesday

September 04, 2008

Organic Molecules


Do Now:
Slide 1
Your stomach contains Hydrochloric Acid, HCl, to help with digestion. An excess of acid can cause discomfort. To help neutralize the acid, an antacid such as Magnesium Hydroxide Mg(OH)2 can be taken.
Describe how the antacid works and draw the chemical reaction of this process.

Today in class we:
- Introduced organic molecules and discussed:
* The role of carbon atoms (view carbon video)
* Monomers and Polymers
* Carbohydrates: mono- and di-saccharides, dehydration reactions

Homework due Monday:
Read section 2.3 and complete the 2.3 review on pg 48

September 02, 2008

pH Lab


Do Now: What is the difference between an acid and a base. How do we quantify the amount of acid and base in solution.

Today in class we:
Performed a lab using red cabbage juice as an indicator of pH to test unknown and known substances.

August 26, 2008

Today in class we:
- Made corrections on Scientific Method Test
- Discussed science fair and science symposium opportunities
- (A3) Amazon Leaf Cutter video and discussion guide as well as Toxic Newt video

Due Thursday (optional)
- typed test corrections attached to original test
- (A3) complete a summary of the toxic newt research, write a hypothesis for the research, and describe the conclusion of the research project

August 21, 2008

Quiz Day

Today in class we took our Chapter 1 quiz on the scientific method, metric conversions, and proper microscope use.

Homework: Think about doing a science fair project! Although it is optional, it can boost your semester test grade by up to 50%! Bring three science fair ideas to class on Monday when Ms. Virkus returns.

August 19, 2008

Quiz Review

Today in class the students reviewed Chapter 1 material for the quiz on Thursday. The quiz will cover the following topics:

The Scientific Method
The Metric System
Microscopy

Students should now have all their labs back and class materials to study from, as well as sections 1-1, 1-2, and 1-4 in your textbooks.

Homework: Study for the quiz!

August 14, 2008

Interpreting Graphs and Tables

Today the students finished up their Metric and Microscopy labs. Afterwards, they examined and interpreted data presented in a variety of tables and graphs.

Homework: Review Chapter 1 and the topics we have covered so far this school year, and bring questions for Tuesday's review session. The quiz will be on Thursday the 21st, and will cover:
The Scientific Method
The Metric System
Proper Microscope Use

August 12, 2008

Finishing the Metric and Microscopy Lab

Today in class most of the students wrapped up their metric and microscopy labs, and got the opportunity to look at some interesting specimens. We examined our own hair, skin cells, the cells of an onion skin, and the organisms that live in pond water. This lab writeup is due Thursday the 14th in case you want to review your metric conversions before you hand it in.

Homework: Read Section 1-3 in your textbooks and be prepared to answer the Section Assessment questions at the end.

August 08, 2008

First part of the microscope lab

Today in class we discussed why scientists use the metric system, and began the measurement and microscopy lab. The students are now ready to start viewing specimens under the microscope next week.

Homework: Look over the rest of the lab exercise so you will be ready to complete the remaining lab activities on Tuesday.

August 06, 2008

Variables and designing an experiment

Today in class we discussed different types of variables (independent vs. dependent), and how to use them in designing an experiment. We did a worksheet in class that gave examples of experiments, and we identified the different types of variables as well as the control group. We finished up the worksheet by designing our own experiment to test a given hypothesis.

Homework: Read section 1-4, finish the Black Box lab writeup (with your additional knowledge of variables).

August 04, 2008

Review of Scientific Method and The Black Box Lab

At the start of class today we discussed the goals of science, the role of science in society, and examples of science we have heard or read about recently. We then moved on to defining some of the initial parts of the scientific method, such as observations, types of data, inferences, and predictions.

The majority of class was spent working on the Black Box lab. Remember that this lab packet should be completed for homework and turned in on Wednesday.

July 31, 2008

Syllabus, Class Letter

Aloha students and parents, and welcome to Biology! Today in class we all got to know each other and reviewed the syllabus and class rules. We also talked about what a broad field of study Biology is; from plants and animals, to diseases and viruses, and even the individual cells that make up all these things. I am excited be a part of your Biology learning experience!

Homework: Over the weekend, parents and students should both read and sign the letter that was distributed in class today. Also, check the syllabus and make sure that you have all the binder and divider materials required for this class. This is your first homework grade and should be an easy way to earn a few points! Finally, remember to read Section 1-1 in your textbooks and be ready to discuss the "section assessment" at the end of the section on Monday.

Mahalo,
Mr. Eric Haskins (substitute to Ms. Virkus until August 25)

July 27, 2008

Welcome Back Students

Welcome Cardinals to the 2008-2009 School Year.
Check the sidebar for syllabus and introduction letter.

May 13, 2008

Breeding Bunnies Genetic Frequency Lab

Today in class we:
Reviewed ideas of variation, adaptations and evolution
Participated in a gene frequency lab (see side bar)

May 08, 2008

Adaptation and Variation

Today in class we discussed:
- Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution
- The role of variation in the fitness of a population
- How adaptations arise in a population

May 05, 2008

Finishing Up

Today in class we:
- Completed and reviewed DNA extraction lab
- Completed Cracking the Code of Life video

Due Thursday:
- Turn in your completed video worksheet
Extra Credit:
1. Complete the Our Genetic Future Survey by following the link
2. Choose one of the questions on the survey and write a one page reflection on your answer to the survey question, why you answered the way you did, and what are the implications on society if your decision was put into common practice.

May 01, 2008

DNA Extraction Lab


Today in class we:
- Discussed the role of DNA in the production of proteins in the body
- Discussed the importance of proteins in the body
- Participated in the DNA extraction lab (see sidebar for download of this lab)

April 23, 2008

NOVA Cracking the Code of Life


Today we began viewing the NOVA documentary "Cracking the Code of Life"
Students should be working through the outline worksheet for this documentary


Extra Credit Opportunity:
Science News: All in the Family reading and summary reflection
due Tuesday in class for credit
Obtain copy of reading and summary requirements from Ms. V

April 21, 2008

Genetic Disorder Brochure Presentations

Today in class we presented our projects on a variety of genetic disorders including:
Tay Sachs
Down Syndrome
Cystic Fibrosis
Huntington's Disease
Sickle Cell Anemia
Hemophilia

Nice Job everyone!

April 17, 2008

Project Time II

Today in class we:
worked on pedigree and x-linked disorder problems
Worked in computer lab on finishing genetic disorder labs

Due Monday:
Genetic disorder web quests, brochure, and presentation

April 14, 2008

Project Time

Today in class we:
- Worked on completing the Family Pedigree projects (due at end of class)
- Work on genetics web quest and brochure project

April 09, 2008

x-linked traits

Do Now:

If a mother is type O+ and the father is A-, what are the possible blood types of the
offspring?

Today in class we:
Discussed x-linked traits and examples of x-linked traits such as:
- Color Blindness
- Hemophilia
- Muscular Dystrophy

Finished blood type lab

Homework:
Period 5: Pick 2 of the 3 pedigree problems to solve for Friday
Period 7: Finish labs for Friday

April 08, 2008

Blood Type Lab



Today in class we:
Worked on blood type genetics problem
Performed blood type lab in which we determined the blood type and Rh factors of 4 individuals as well as conducted blood cell counts of simulated blood smears.

Homework due Wednesday:
Complete post lab analysis questions and have labs complete to turn in on Wednesday

April 01, 2008

Human Genetics


Welcome back from Spring Break!

Today in class we:
- made grade goals for 4th quarter
- reviewed concepts of chromosomes: autosomes vs. sex chromosomes, karyotypes
- introduced pedigrees and practiced using a pedigree

Homework:
pg 343: Problem Solving (all steps) due Wednesday

March 12, 2008

Analysis of Human Genetics Lab

Today in class we:
- Practiced dihybrid crosses
- Collected class and general population genetic data and analyzed the observed and expected frequencies of the data
- Worked on graph for collected data

Homework due Thursday:
Review genetics material: vocabulary, monohybrid crosses, test crosses, and dihybrid crosses
Quiz on Thursday
Complete the genetics lab questions, data, and graph

March 10, 2008

Dihybrid Crosses


Today in class we:
- Practiced solving monohybrid crosses
- Discussed dihybrid crosses and practiced solving practice problems

Homework:
- Finish monohybrid practice problems

March 03, 2008

Mendelian Genetics


Today in class we:
- Learned how to predict the genetic possibilities for the offspring of a cross by using a Punnett square
- Practiced using Punnett squares, and determining the genotypic and phenotypic ratios for the crosses
- Worked on Sea Urchin Lab Write Ups in computer lab

Homework:
- Lab write ups due Thursday
- Extra Credit due Friday

February 27, 2008

Meiosis and Sea Urchin Lab


Today in class we participated in a sea urchin fertilization lab.
- Echinometra mathaei
- Learned about sea urchin habitat and reproductive behavior
- Viewed fertilized eggs under microscope

Lab Report due Tuesday (time will be spent in class working on it)
To include:
- Purpose statement
- Background information of sea urchin (common/scientific name, reproductive information, habitat)
- Procedure
- Observations (include at least two drawings
- Conclusion statement

February 25, 2008

Genetics and Probability

Do Now:
A man is homozygous recessive for blue eyes and his wife is heterozygous for brown eyes.
What are the genotypes and phenotypes for the man and woman.
What is the likelihood that they will have a child with brown eyes? With blue eyes?

Today in class we:
- Defined genotype and phenotype
- Discussed probability and deviation with penny activity

February 21, 2008

Introduction to Mendelian Genetics


DO NOW:
An all white flowering plant is crossed with a all purple flowering plant. All the offspring have purple flowers. Which of the parents had the dominant trait? What is the difference between dominant and recessive traits?

Today in class we:
Handed back and reviewed meiosis quizzes
Began discussion of Mendelian genetics
Vocabulary defined today:
- Law of Dominance - dominant - recessive - allele - trait - gene - homozygous
- heterozygous - Law of segregation - P generation - F1 generation

Homework due Monday
- Typed quiz corrections

February 19, 2008

Meosis Quiz + Mendelian Genetics

Today in class we:
- Took quiz on meiosis
- Introduced concepts of inheritance with short video segment

Homework due Thursday:
- Read chapter 11.1 and complete the review questions at the section assessment

February 14, 2008

Biology of Love


Today in class we:
- Discussed the biology of love: how mating and reproduction works in the animal kingdom (selective mating vs random mating, mating behavior)
- Watched some Biology of Love Video clips:
Jumping Spider Mating Dance
Love of the Praying Mantis
Moon Walking Bird
Birds of Paradise


- Worked on Reebop meiosis activity

Homework due Monday:
Meiosis Review (see sidebar to download)
Study for Meiosis quiz on Monday

February 12, 2008

Meiosis II

Do Now:
Describe the processes of independent assortment and crossover. Explain how these processes affect the resulting gametes of meiosis.

Today in class we:
Reviewed concepts of Meiosis I
Discussed process of Meiosis II
Described the main differences in gametogenesis between spermatogenesis and oogenesis

Homework:
Study for Meiosis Quiz on Thursday

February 08, 2008

Meiosis I

Do Now:
Describe the difference between somatic cells and gametes in terms of their function and chromosome number.

Today in class we:
Discussed the process of Meiosis I
Watched meiosis I video

Homework due Tuesday:
Read Chapter 11.4 and complete the review questions 1-5

February 06, 2008

Intro to Meiosis

Today in class we:
- Reviewed ideas of sexual reproduction
- Introduced terminology important for understanding meiosis: diploid, haploid, homologous chromosomes, somatic cells, gametes
- Finished watching cancer warrior

February 01, 2008

Cancer Week: NOVA Cancer Warrior

Today in class we:
Reviewed the mitosis quizzes
Watched the online NOVA special Cancer Warrior
This program features the research of Dr. Judith Folkman in his journey to find a cure for cancer. His work, and the work of countless other scientists, focuses on a revolutionary treatment called angiogenesis. This program is 60 minutes long and can be viewed on line at the link provided

H
omework for Wednesday:
- Typed test corrections on mitosis quiz
- Sign up for edline

January 29, 2008

National Cancer Week

Today in class we:
Discussed cancer readings in a jigsaw fashion
Discussed skin cancer (power point)
Skin Cancer post test

For more information on cancer and cancer issues visit the following sites:
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute

January 28, 2008

Cell Cycle Quiz

Today in class we:
- Quizzed on Chapter 10.1 and 10.2- the cell cycle
- Began readings on cancer: "Are Teens Dying for a Tan?" and "Cancer Rates in America"

Homework due Tuesday:
Have your assigned reading finished along with the review questions

January 24, 2008


Do Now:
1. The process of cell division results in 2________
2. Identical chromosomes called ________ are held together in the center by the___._________
3. __________ migrate to the poles and release spindle fibers
4. During S phase, DNA is in its loose form called ___________ in order to be replicated.
5. If a cell has 12 chromosomes, how many chromosomes will each of its daughter cells have after mitosis?

Today in class we:
- Finished our discussion of mitosis with anaphase, and telophase
- Discussed the process of cytokinesis and the differences between cytokinesis in plants and animals
- Worked in partners on mitosis activity

Homework due Monday:
STUDY FOR QUIZ -
See sidebar for helpful links
R
eview sections 10.1 and 10.2 in text and answer the following questions on pgs 257-258: #11 -20, 27, 31

January 22, 2008

The Cell Cycle

Do Now:
1. Describe two reasons why cells must divide
2. Name the process of cell division

Today in class we:
- Discussed reasons for cell division
- Discussed the role and forms of genetic material in cell division
- Discussed interphase, and mitosis: prophase and metaphase

January 15, 2008

Cell Size and Shape Lab II

Today in class we:

Listened to and reflected on science in the news story: In Battle of Elephants and Ants, Trees Win Big
Continued work on cell size and shape analysis lab - class data sharing

Homework due Thursday:
Read Section 10.2 Cell Division: Answer questions 1-6 of 10.2 section assessment

January 11, 2008

Cell Size and Shape Lab

Do Now:
There are 2 cube shaped cells. Cell A has a side with the length of 1cm and cell B has a side with length of 3cm.
1. Calculate the surface area and volume for cell A and cell B
2. Calculate and compare the surface area to volume ratio of cell A and B
3. Which cell might be more effective in absorbing and utilizing resources? Why?

Today in class we:
Worked on cell size and shape lab

Homework: Due Tuesday 1/15
Rd 10.1- pg 141 -143 and answer section assessment questions on pg 143 1-5

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to 3rd quarter - 2008!

Today in class we:
1. Played a back to school game (ping pang pong)
2. Do Now:
What is your grade goal for quarter 3?
What are 3 ways in which you can work to achieve your goal?
What are 3 ways Ms. Virkus can help you to achieve your goal?
3.
Took introductory notes on Chpt 10: Cell Growth and Division
4. Began pre-lab work for Friday

Homework due Friday: Complete construction of your paper cubes and bring them to class for lab on Friday