Friday before Break

Genetics Test Remediation
Turn in project
Pick up objectives and vocab for evolution

Have a wonderful holiday!

Test Day

Genetics Review Day

We are going over the review today and I am checking it in for points.

Study your objectives and review sheet tonight for the test tomorrow.

Review day Genetics

Today we will spend the hour working on the review packet and the genetics activity.

The review is due tomorrow and the activity is due Friday.

The test is Thursday.

Meiosis Notes

Today we are taking Meiosis notes on a power point.

You need to create a venn diagram to compare mitosis to meiosis. (we studied mitosis in Bio A)

Then you will have time to work on your project, due Friday, and study for the test.

Study guide is due Wednesday.

Ethics Debate

Today we are discussing the ethical issues you researched yesterday.

We will have an informal debate on each topic.
You will each have the opportunity to express your opinion and argue your views.

We are also turning in warm ups.

Test is next Thursday.
Genetics Review Sheet

Our last day with new material will be Monday.
Have a great weekend!

Ethical Issues in Genetics

We are heading to the library to do some research.

Genetic Ethics Debate.

We will research a topic and create a list of pro's and con's (for and against the argument)

Then write a paragraph stating your own opinion with supporting evidence.

Genetic Engineering

Genetic Engineering notes
Genetic Engineering power point

choose a genetics activity

Hypertrichosis and Karyotypes

I am checking your pedigree sheets from yesterday and then we are working on a karyotype activity with a partner.

Then we are working on a pedigree tracing a family with hypertrichosis.

Both sheets are due tomorrow.

Test next Thursday.

Sex linked traits and pedigrees

We are going over the sex-linked punnett square packet.

new sheet-
pedigrees

Beyond Dominant and Recessive

Turn in your warm ups today. I am checking your punnett square packets for homework points.

Notes over power point Beyond Dominant and Recessive.

Sex-linked punnett square problems.

Punnett Squares

Today I am checking your mendel article questions and vocab and objectives for homework points.

Then we are finished the back of the notes you got on Monday.

We will complete the Using Punnett square packet as a class and then you will practice on your own with the Genetics Problems.

Vocab and Objectives

Today there will be a sub for a portion of the hour so we are working independently on some items.

There is a Mendel article for you to read and answer questions over.
Then you will have plenty of time to work on your objectives and vocabulary.

Baby Boom

Today we are discussing the law of segregation and then completing the Baby boom activity.

Then you must write a paragraph explaining the law of segregation in your own words.


Vocab and objectives are due Thursday.
Test is Dec 16.

1st Day Bio B

Welcome to biology B.

Today we are jumping right in to genetics.

We are taking Intro to genetics notes on the power point.

After we finish, you need to write 1-4 sentences using the words gene, allele, dominant and recessive correctly.

Then you will have time to work on the objectives and vocabulary. These are due Thursday.

EXAM TIME!

Friday- 5th hour Exam
Monday- 3rd and 4th hour Exams
Tuesday- 1st and 2nd hour Exams

Good Luck Studying!

DNA Test Remediation

The DNA test remediation is today. You will need to see the remediation that I have copied in order to know what questions to answer.

You may also choose to verbal test today as well.

The remediation is due Wednesday. The retest for DNA will be Wednesday after school.

Exam review is due on Friday for all hours except 5th hour. 5th hour must have their review completed on Thursday.

Warm-Up:
1. What are the DNA rungs made of?
2. What happens during translation?
3. What are the 3 parts of a nucleotide? and where would you find a nucleotide?
4. How are ALL proteins made?
5. What two processes occur in protein synthesis?
6. How can one amino acid have more than one codon?
7. Which type of RNA copies DNA?
8. What are the similarities between DNA and RNA?
9. What processes occur in the nucleus?
10. What kinds of mutations cause frameshift?

DNA/RNA Test Day

Today is test day!


No issues and decisions after the test today. You may pick up the exam review and begin working on it.


Warm-Up:
Mind Dump-write out the things you are struggling to remember for the test.

Daily Homework Week of November 8

DNA article and questions about Rosalind Franklin
DNA vocabulary and objectives
Double Helix packet

15 points total

DNA Review Day

Today I checked your review sheet for 10 points and we spent the hour playing a review game.

Remember, the test is Monday. You need to spend some time going over your notes this weekend.


Warm-Up:
What is a silent mutation?

DNA Mutation

We are discussing DNA mutations today and you will be taking notes from a power point.

Then you will have time to do your DNA review sheet/study guide. This is due Friday. Your test is Monday. If you have not completed the Alien DNA, you must show it to me by Friday as well.

Warm-Up:
How does protein synthesis compare in other species?

Alien DNA

Today we are practicing protein synthesis with an Alien DNA activity.

This is due on Friday, but you may turn it in before then.

Warm-Up:
What is the difference between replication, transcription and translation?

RNA

Today I am checking in the double helix packet for homework points.

Then we are taking notes on Protein Synthesis/RNA with an RNA power point.


Warm-Up:
What are the 3 parts of a nucleotide?

DNA/RNA test is next Monday
Cell Division Retest is after school tomorrow

DNA

I am checking in the DNA article and questions as well as the objectives and vocabulary.

Then we are taking notes on DNA and Replication from the DNA power point.

Your homework is the double helix packet. You will need to get it from me.

Warm-Up:
What does DNA stand for? What does it do?

Cell Division Test Remediation

Today you must turn in your Issues and Decisions and your warm-ups.

We are working on the Cell Division Test Remediation.
You may also choose to do a verbal test today to remediation the questions you got wrong on the multiple choice test.

The assignment for the remainder of the hour, and homework over the weekend it:
DNA objective and vocabulary-defined and written out on a separate sheet of paper
The forgotten woman of DNA article and questions

Warm-Up:
How did you do on this test compared to the others?
Why? did you study and focus?

Cell Division Test

Cell division Test today

Then pick up an Issues and Decisions paper. Answer with complete sentences, restate the question, use supporting evidence and appropriate language.

Learning Logs due for extra credit

Warm-Up:
Mind Dump- write out the things you are trying not to forget for the test

Cell Division Review Day

I am checking in the review sheet for homework points today (10 points)
Then we are reviewing as a class with the white boards.

Test tomorrow and cell respiration retake today after school.

Warm-Up:
What determines the rate in which wastes are produced by a cell?

Meiosis Notes and Review

Today we are going over the beyond cell division notes.

Then you will have time to work on your cell division review sheet.

The test is Thursday.
Don't forget to study for the cellular respiration retest.

Warm-Up:
If a cell has 8 chromosomes, how many chromosomes will each daughter cell have following mitosis?

Mitosis Activity

Good Monday!
I am checking in your cell cycle flash cards today for homework points. (6 cards total)

Then we are doing a mitosis activity as a class.

The cell division test is Thursday. Start studying your notes now so you can ask questions during class.

Warm-Up:
Why is it important to understand how cells divide?

Cell Division Notes

Turn in your cellular respiration test remediation at the beginning of the hour.

I am checking in your chapter 10 reading guide and vocabulary and objectives for homework points.

Also, you need to complete your warm up and turn in the warm up sheet.

We are taking notes on cell division from the cell division powerpoint.
Then you are making flash cards for each stage in the cell cycle: interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, cytokinesis

Warm-Up:
How did you study for the cellular respiration test? Are you actually making sure that you memorize the facts?

Cellular Respiration Test Remediation

Today you are turning in the issues and decisions paper about pregnant women using drugs and alcohol.

Then we will spend the hour working on the cellular respiration test remediation. Remember, there is no excuse for getting any questions wrong. I am here to help and you may use your notes and book to answer the questions. You must turn it in tomorrow.

You may also verbal test today. Do not spend the hour studying. If you knew the information yesterday and made a couple of mistakes, you will still know the information today. If you NEED to study, sign up for the retest next Wednesday, Nov 3rd.

Homework: ch 10 reading guide and chapter 10 objectives and vocabulary

Cellular Respiration Test

We will start by checking the cellular respiration review sheet. 10 points for completing it.

Everyone should have it finished since we had an unexpected day off yesterday.

Then we are taking the test and working on an Issues and Decisions paper.

The issues and decision are due tomorrow.

Warm-Up:
Mind Dump -write out all the things that you are desperately trying to remember just before the test

Cellular Respiration Review take Two!

I will be checking in the review questions from the book for points (10).
Then we will be taking a practice test and going over the answers together.
After that, you will have time to work on the Cellular Respiration study guide/review sheet.

Learning log due tomorrow.
Cellular Respiration Test tomorrow.

Warm-Up:
Compare and contrast photosynthesis and respiration using a venn diagram.

Cellular Respiration Review

Turn in your warm ups today.

You will be working on review from your book.
page 237-238 1-10, 12-14, 16-19, 22, 25-27, 29, 30
page 239 1-9


Warm-Up:
How do you plan on studying for the respiration test this weekend and Monday evening?

Daily Homework Week of Oct 18

Cellular Respiration Unit objectives and vocabulary 5
chapter 9 reading guide 5
French fry article and questions 10
Fermentation notes (top half) fill in the blank from book 5

Fermentation and Respiration Lab

I am checking in the fermentation notes and the french fry article for homework points today.

Then we are going over the fermentation power point notes. You may fill in anything you missed yesterday.

After that, we are completing a cellular respiration lab.
You must answer questions 1-3 in the book on page 231. This is due tomorrow. See me to make it up.

There will be a sub tomorrow as I am attending an in-service training all day.
You will be reviewing.

Warm-Up
Where does glycolyis take place? where does the kreb's cycle take place?

Fermentation

Today you are filling in the fermentation notes using your book. We will go over them tomorrow.

Then you need to read the article called, "Death by French Fries". When you finish reading, answer the questions.

Warm-Up:
How many ATP are produced in Glycolysis?

Parent-Teacher Conferences tonight.
Cellular Respiration Test next Tuesday

Cellular Respiration

Turn in your photosynthesis test remediation at the beginning of the hour.

I will be checking in your objectives and vocabulary as well as the chapter 9 reading guide for homework points.

We are taking glycolysis notes with the cellular respiration power point.

No official homework tonight. Read over your notes. Be prepared to ask questions over what you do not understand. Rest up for the social studies MME tomorrow.

Warm-Up:
What is the equation for cellular respiration?

Photosynthesis Test Remediation

Turn in your Issues and Decisions paper about food additives.- 10 points

Photosynthesis Test remediation. You have all hour to work on this and ask questions. You may use your book or notes and get help from anyone, including me! No excuses for incorrect answers.
Turn in the remediation when you are finished. -20 points


Then you need to complete the cellular respiration unit objectives and vocabulary and the chapter 9 reading guide.

Everything is due Tuesday.

Warm-Up:
What does photosynthesis produce?
What does it need?

Daily Homework Week of Oct 11

Page 213 Analyzing Data # 1-4-5 pts
Rough draft essay- 5pts

Entered separately:
Photosynthesis study guide/review sheet- 10 points

Photosynthesis Test Day

Today is test day.

After completing your warm up you will turn in this week's warm-ups.

After the test, you need to pick up an Issues and Decisions paper and answer the questions. Remember the grading criteria: CS, RQ, SE, AL. This is a 10 point assignment.

The survey is optional if you would like to give feed back on the unit.

Have a great weekend!

Photosynthesis Review Day

Today you are turning in your photosynthesis essays.
I will be checking your photosynthesis review sheets for 10 points.

We will go over the review sheet answers together and play a review game.

Test is tomorrow.

Logs due tomorrow for extra credit.

Warm-Up:
Write the photosynthesis equation from memory.

Peer Edit Essays

You have a sub today.

Today the sub will check your rough draft to see that you have it completed on time for 5 points.

You will then pair up and peer edit your essays. The peer edit sheet is attached to yesterday's lesson.

Your final draft is due tomorrow along with the peer edit sheet and the rough draft. I will be collecting them at the beginning of the hour. I will also check to see that you have completed your review sheet/study guide for 10 points on Thursday.

Warm-Up:

What is the ultimate source of energy for all living things?

Hard at Work

Photosynthesis Essay

Today I am checking your homework: page 213 analyzing data #1-4

Then we are spending the hour working on the photosynthesis essay. Your rough draft is due for homework credit tomorrow.

If you finish, you may peer edit with someone today.

Everyone must have 2 people peer edit their essay for points.

I will also be handing out the review sheet/study guide for the test Friday.


Warm-Up:
How do plants gain mass?

Light Independent Reactions Photosynthesis

Today we are reviewing the light dependent reaction drawing and then finishing the notes on the light independent reactions.

Your homework tonight is to complete the analyzing data on page 213. Do all 4 questions.

The cell retest is Wednesday after school during detention. You must sign up with me and have completed your test remediation.

I will be handing out the photosynthesis essay guidelines today as well. The essay is due on Thursday.

Warm-Up:
1. what is the function of the cell nucleus?
2. what is ATP? what does it do?

Photosynthesis Test Friday!

Daily Homework Week of Oct 4

Cell Review sheet (entered separately) 10 points

Chapter 8 reading guide 5 points
Photosynthesis objectives and vocabulary 5 points

Photosynthesis Notes

Today I am checking in your chapter 8 reading guide and the photosynthesis objectives and vocabulary (10 homework points total).
You need to turn in your Cell test remediation today as well. This is worth 20 assignment points.

Then we will go through the photosynthesis power point and you will take notes through the light reactions.

We will be drawing a picture of the light reactions. You can find it on page 211 of your book.

Memorize the photosynthesis equation as soon as possible!

Warm-Up:
What is photosynthesis?

Cell Test Remediation Day

Today you are turning in the Issues and Decisions paper on hunting for 10 assignment points.

Then you will complete the Cell Test Remediation using your notes, book, or by asking for my help. It is due tomorrow with the scantron stapled to it. Plan on coming in during summit if you still don't understand the material.

Then you need to complete the chapter 8 reading guide(photosynthesis intro ws) and the Photosynthesis Objectives and Vocabulary. These are also due Friday.

During the class period, if you would like an opportunity to verbally test over the cell material and increase your test score, see me. Otherwise, the cell re-test is scheduled for after school next Wednesday, Oct 13.

Warm-Up:
How did you prepare for the cell test? How did your score compare to the last test?

Cell Test

We are taking our Cell test today.
When you finish the test, you may choose to complete a unit survey, but this is optional.

Your assignment after the test is another Issues and Decisions paper. This one is about hunting. You must read the passage and answer the questions. I will be grading you based on:

CS-complete sentences
RQ-restating the question in your answer
SE-using supporting evidence
AL-appropriate language (cause is not the same word as because, LOL, IDK or any other abbreviation is not appropriate for a formal assignment)

If you are absent, see me during summit when you return so you can make up your test as soon as possible and you can pick up an issues and decisions paper.

Warm-Up:
Mind Dump (write out the things you are struggling to remember for the test)

Cell Review Day

I am checking to see that you completed your cell review sheet for points today.

We will then spend the hour reviewing as a class.

Test tomorrow.

Warm-Up:
What is the cell theory?

Cell Study Guide

Today I am handing out an optional web quest called: Cells Alive. If you complete this on your own time, you may turn it in for extra credit on Wednesday. The computer lab across the hall from my room is available during summit.

We will be discussing the notes from last Friday and going over the answers.

I will also be handing out the cell unit review sheet/study guide that you must complete by Tuesday. The cell test is Wednesday.

Warm-Up:
What two things cause cell specialization?

Daily Homework Week of Sept 27

Cell unit vocab and objectives- 5pts homework

Other graded items this week:
Introduction to the cell was class work on Monday
Cell activity was turned in Wednesday
Osmosis lab done in class Thursday

Cell Specialization

It's Homecoming Day!!! Assembly schedule is being followed so you have shortened classes.

We are discussing the lab and then working on the note packet called, "Different Types of Cells". There are questions to answer after the notes. This is due Monday.

Warm-Up:
What might happen to a cell if it is placed in a solution that is not isotonic?

TURN IN YOUR WARM UP SHEET TODAY

Osmosis Lab

Today we are doing a lab on Osmosis.
There is nothing to print out, so you must see me to get the lab sheet and schedule your lab make-up.
I will plan on Monday, Oct 4 during summit as the make-up date. If you are absent, plan on coming in at that time to do the lab.

Warm-Up:
What is the difference between active transport and diffusion?

Osmosis, Diffusion and Active Transport

Turn in the cell activity first thing today.

We are working in groups today on Osmosis, Diffusion and Active Transport.

The sheet goes along with chapter 7-3 (pages 183-189). Due at the end of the hour. If you are gone, show me your completed sheet when you return.


Warm-Up:
What structures are found only in plant cells and not animal cells?


**Lab tomorrow. Be there!!!

Choose a Cell Activity

If you haven't turned in your progress report, you need to do that today.

We are working on Choose a cell activity.

You may work alone or with a partner (1 partner only).
Choose 1 of the 3 activities to complete by tomorrow.
No homework is being checked in today. You all completed the intro to the cell sheet in class yesterday. You will have the entire hour to work.

Warm-Up:
What structures do ALL cells have?

***Cell Test- Wednesday, Oct 6***

Introduction to the Cell

It's homecoming week! Should be exciting and very busy. Try to stay focused in class.

You are turning in your Biochemistry Test Remediation first thing today. You will also be turning in your signed progress reports that I passed out to you last Friday.

I will be checking your cell unit vocab and objectives for homework credit. Remember, you don't answer all the objectives yet. You can go back and fill them in as we learn them. All you do for the initial assignment is write the objective out on a separate sheet and leave space to answer it in the future.

Today you will be doing some reading from the text book. The introduction to the cell reading assignment is due by the end of the hour.

You should have plenty of time to finish it. We will go over the answers together. You will then be spending the rest of the hour working on memorizing your cell organelle functions.

Warm-Up:
What have you studied about cells in the past?

Biochemistry Test Remediation

Today is the test remediation for biochemistry.

I will pass back your scantron. Then you will circle all the numbers on the remediation that you got wrong on the test.
You may use your notes, book, or ask a friend or me for help in order to answer the essay that matches with the question numbers you circled.

While the class is working on essays, you may choose to do a verbal test with me to regain points on your test. This option is only for those students who really know the material and just made a few mistakes on the test.

The remediation is due Monday.

You also must define the vocab and write out the objectives for our next unit on cells. I will hand out the Cell unit standards and vocabulary today as well.

Warm-Up:
How did you prepare for the biochemistry test?
What will you do differently next time?

Daily Homework Week of Sept 20

5 pts
Chart comparing organic compounds

Entered separately in the grade book:
10pts- Chemicals of Life Lab
10 pt- Biochemistry review sheet/study guide

Biochemistry Test

Test Day!

Take the test and then complete the issues and decisions paper.

If you are gone, you will need to make up the test the day you return and get the issues and decisions paper from me. It is titled, "Is Organic food really better for you?"

This paper needs to be turned in Friday.

I am grading it based on: complete sentences, restating the question in the answer, using supporting evidence in your answer, and using appropriate language (i.e. no slang, texting language, or abbreviations).

Warm-Up:
Mind "dump"
write down everything you are desperately trying not to forget just before the test. Those thoughts that are on the tip of your tongue and you are itching for me to pass out the test because you really need to write them down. Basically, it is a cheat sheet that you create using your notes (although I am not letting you use it on the test)

Review Day Biochemistry

I am checking in and giving you credit for both the "chemicals of life lab" (we completed yesterday in class and you answered two questions on your own), and the biochemistry study guide.

Be sure to show me both of these things.

The rest of the hour will be spent playing a review game and answering questions.

Biochemistry test tomorrow

Publish Post

extra credit learning logs due tomorrow

Warm-Up:
What is the function of enzymes? What type of compound is an enzyme?

Lab Day

We are beginning class by checking in and going over the %water lab we have been working on.

Then we are doing a lab called, "The chemicals of life".
If you miss class today, you will need to see me in order to make up the lab. I will provide you with the handout when you sign up to make up the lab.

The make-up day is going to be Friday during summit. Be sure not to miss it.

Homework: finish study guide/review sheet

Warm-Up:
How is energy stored in macromolecules?

Reminders: Biochemistry test Thursday, Extra Credit Learning log due Thursday (no late work accepted)

S'mores!!

Happy Monday. I hope you all had a relaxing weekend because we have a full week ahead of us.

I am checking in the organic compound comparison chart for homework credit today. We will go over it for those of you who were unsure of how it should be filled out.

Then we are finishing up our "occurrence of water in living things" lab (started last Thursday). That means will will gather our last data set and graph it. The graph will help us to analyze the data and refresh our memories as to how graphs should be constructed. There are questions that must be answered.

Next, I will be using some delicious treats to illustrate polymerization of macromolecules. You will have a chance to eat in class.

While we are enjoying our snack, you will work on your Chemicals of Life Study Guide, due Wednesday.

Warm-Up:
What is the result of hydrolysis of a carbohydrate? a protein? a lipid? a nucleic acid?

Daily Homework Week of Sept 13

25 points
Assignments:
-experimental design worksheet spongebob or simpsons
-scientific method experimental design worksheet (if___, then___)
-Biochemistry vocab and objectives
-Visual aid to help learn 6 common elements
-Illustrations of dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis

I try to enter the week's worth of homework on Fridays and I will try to post the list at the end of each week. You can always look at specific days to find out what I "checked in" (gave homework credit for) that day and what was assigned.

Lipids, Proteins and Nucleic Acids

Homework check: dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis illustrations

You will explain your illustration to a partner.

Today we are finishing up the biochemistry note packet you received yesterday. I have some demonstrations to help you understand the monomers and polymers of each type of organic compound. We will also be collecting more data for our "Occurrence of Water in Living Things" lab. (The handout was yesterday)

Then you will be completing the organic compound chart. This chart will help you compare the 4 types of compounds we are studying.

Warm-Up:
How is it possible for carbon to form such a variety of complex molecules?

It's Friday so you are turning in your warm-up sheet today. Remember, all 5 days must be included to receive full credit!

NEXT TEST: THURSDAY, SEPT 23
INTRO TEST RETAKE, SEPT 20

Beginning Biochemistry

Today we are starting our unit on biochemistry. I will check to see that you have completed your vocabulary, standards on a separate sheet, and a visual representation of the 6 most common elements.
Then we will start a lab called % of water in living things. This will be an ongoing lab for the next week. We will collect data each day to be graphed.

The notes we are taking today are on the chemical basis of life. We will fill in the blanks through dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis.

Your assignment is to illustrate those two principles. You do not have to color them, but you may if you wish. I just want you to come up with a picture to help you remember each process.

Warm-Up:
What is the difference between an atom, an element and a compound?

P.S. The test scores yesterday were the highest they have ever been! Congratulations guys!!

First test re-take will be during summit on Monday (Sept 20th) Let me know by tomorrow if you are planning on taking it.

First Test!

Today is our first test! It's only 20 multiple choice questions, so it's actually more like a quiz. I hope you all studied.
If you are absent today, you will need to come in during summit to make up this test the day you return.

I will begin class by giving you credit for completing the scientific method experimental design worksheet that we worked on in class yesterday. I will answer any questions you may have before the test.

Then we will take the test.

After the test you will pick up the biochemistry unit objectives and vocabulary.

Your assignment is to define the vocab words using your text book, dictionary, or internet. I recommend putting them on flash cards. This is a great study tool.
You will also need a separate sheet of paper to write out the objectives. What I mean by this is you will read through each objective and then write down what you already know about it. You may not know much at this point. That is OK. You will be able to write something for each objective by the end of the unit. Leave yourself space as you write out each of the objectives so you can add more information later.

The third part of your assignment is going to require some creativity. You must look in your book (chapter 2) for the 6 most common elements in all living things and then visually represent them in some way. Some students like to write out the element names in different colors, some draw a picture, some create a crossword type pattern. Ultimately, you want a sheet of paper that captures your attention and will help you remember those 6 elements.

Reminder: Learning logs are due tomorrow for extra credit.

Warm-Up:
Why is it ineffective to test more than one variable at the same time?

P.S.
I am feeding the snake tomorrow during summit. Hope to see you there!

Review Day

Today we will discuss the microscope lab that you worked on yesterday. I will talk about the questions and help you with the answers you could not figure out.

Then we will do the scientific method experimental designs worksheet as a class to review.

You will also receive an intro to biology study guide for the test tomorrow.

The penny labs are being handed back, and if there is time, you may put together your learning log.

Warm-up:
When testing a new medical drug, you give one group the drug and another group something that looks like the drug so they believe that they also are getting the drug. Why?

Microscope Lab

Today we will go over the spongebob and simpsons experimental design worksheets. You will get into a group with other students who worked on the same assignment that you chose. You will compare answers and discuss them and I will help with the questions that arise.

Then the class will go over to the lab and work on the microscope lab.

The questions from the lab are due tomorrow, so you may have homework.


Warm-Up:
What types of questions cannot be investigated scientifically?

Daily Homework Week of Sept 7

5 pts
assignment:
8 characteristics of life notes from the book

Scientific Method

Today we are taking notes on the scientific method!

For practice, we will be working on one of two worksheets. You may choose to complete the Spongebob or Simpsons worksheet. You will be identifying the control, independent and dependent variables.

One of these two worksheets is due, completed, on Monday.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Penny Lab

I will begin class by checking in your characteristics of life notes. That means I will walk around and look to see that you have done it. You will not turn them in. If you are absent, you need to show my that you did them when you return.
We will discuss the important aspects of each characteristic and you may add to your notes as needed.

Then we will be doing the Penny Lab to get reacquainted with the scientific method and experimental design.

There are questions on the back of the lab sheet that need to be finished by tomorrow.

Focus on the parts of the experiment and learn the definitions (control, independent and dependent variable, hypothesis, conclusion)

Social Contract

We made it through the first day! It was wonderful to see all your smiling faces and begin to learn all of your names. I will try my best to be quick about the learning names part.

Today you are going to turn in the 10 to 1 facts about yourself and the signed parent/guardian information sheet (if you have it) and then we will be creating a social contract for our class.

The 4 questions you will ask yourself are:
1. How do you want to be treated by me?
2. How do you want to be treated by each other?
3. How do you think I would like to be treated by you?
4. How should we treat each other when there is conflict?

We will compile all our answers and come up with a set of guidelines that we would like to follow as a class and hold each other accountable to.

Then we will work in groups on an activity called The Martian vs The Car.

This sheet deals with the characteristics of all living things. These 8 things can be found on pages 16-19. Each one will be defined and or described in notes that you will write as a class.

First Day of School!

It is finally here! The first day of school has arrived. I hope you all had a wonderful summer. I am really looking forward to getting to know you and teaching you this trimester.



Today we will be discussing the course expectations by going through the syllabus. I will also give you some tips on how to be successfull in biology.



My plan is to pass out text books and do a short activity to help you all get acquainted with the classroom.



If you miss class today, see me to receive a text book, but don't worry about the activity.

Biology A Expectations

As many of you may have heard, it has been a crazy week around here. I have been working hard getting our classroom ready and planning some awesome activities for us to do this trimester. For students and parents who would like to take a look at how the state objectives are being organized into units, I have attached my Biology A Unit Plans.


You may also want to take a look at the Michigan Merit Curriculum. I have added the link on the left hand side of this web page. There are a few other goodies that you may find useful as the year goes on.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to seeing you Tuesday!

Preparing For Biology Class

I'm sure that most of you can hardly wait to get back to school. Ok, maybe I'm jumping the gun a little on my estimation, but September will be here soon enough. I don't know about you, but buying new school supplies is one of my favorite things to do.

There aren't any supplies that are officially required for biology class, but a three ring binder or a sturdy folder to house your papers would be beneficial. I also recommend stocking up on lined paper and some type of writing implement. I would stick with standard mechanical pencils myself, but you may purchase whatever suits your preference.

Staying organized is a tough task for many freshmen, so color coding folders or binders is always helpful.

Stay tuned for more tips for success.

A Tough Choice

If you've been anywhere near a TV in the past couple of months, I'm sure you've heard about the devastating effects of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Bird, fish and plant species alike are all suffering from damage caused by the ever spilling oil. An interesting article in Discover Magazine has posed this question: Should We Just Euthanize the Gulf's Oil-Soaked Birds?

For those of you unfamiliar with the term euthanize, it means to end a life humanely in order to relieve pain or suffering.

Take a minute to read the article and tell me what you think.

Who should make this decision?

Summer is Here!

Wow! Can you believe it is summer again already? In just a couple short months we will be back in full swing. What kinds of things are you doing this summer? What books are you reading to keep your mind active?

I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

~Mrs. P.