NEWS
Well guys, it's good to see you again. 
I'm excited about spending the rest of the year together learning BIOLOGY! Here's what's going on:
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20
INAUGURATION DAY!!! First things first, we have to watch President Obama be sworn in. Then we’ll worry about the environment.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21
Working in groups of 4, you will prepare one of the ecology chapters to present and review with the class. You can use the overhead, put together a powerpoint, whatever works for you.Make sure all main concepts are covered. We will probably be able to present one chapter today.
HOMEWORK: Be prepared to present tomorrow.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22
1. Ecology chapter presentations
2. Lab Safety Quiz (as if you need it!)
3. See the “Dot” video, the History of Human Population Growth
HOMEWORK: Go the prentice hall’s lab bench website and read the background on Chapter 12, Dissolved Oxygen.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23
Dissolved Oxygen Lab – Part 1. Prepare for Part II.
MONDAY, JANUARY 26
Fresh from my Miami Marathon....First we have to finish the Dissolved Oxygen Lab. Titrate your light altered bottles for dissolved oxygen content. Lab will be due on Thursday. Then we'll discuss FRQs we'll look at their structure and what the judges are looking for then we'll practice an FRQ and grade it ourselves based on the judges criteria.
HOMEWORK: Read Lab Bench for Lab 11, Animal Behavior, Dissolved Oxygen Lab due Thursday
Study for Ecology Exam on Wednesday.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27
1. Discussion of Dissolved Oxygen Lab data
2. Introduction to Chemistry - Review of Atomic Structure
HOMEWORK: Dissolved Oxygen Lab due Monday Study for Ecology Exam tomorrow WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28 Ecology Exam THURSDAY, JANUARY 29 1. Review Dissolved Oxygen Lab (one more time!) 2. Water, the essence of life: Water's unique properties that allow life to exist, pH, and buffers HOMEWORK: Make up flash cards of the 6 functional groups FRIDAY, JANUARY 30 1. Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Why carbon, isomers, and functional groups are important 2. FRQs - How to write a 10 point AP essay HOMEWORK: Dissolved Oxygen Lab due, FRQ practice - write a response to the Dissolved Oxygen FRQ MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2 1. Introduction to Macromolecules: building polymers through dehydration synthesis, breaking down through condensation reactions, the structure and functions of carbohydrates 2. Grading FRQs - I will give you the rubric for the FRQ you wrote this weekend. Grade yourself. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Carbohydrates and Fats HOMEWORK: Prepare for Pillbug Lab WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Pillbug Lab HOMEWORK: Pillbug Lab due next Thursday THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5 Proteins and Nucleic Acids FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Building Proteins Lab HOMEWORK: Chemistry Exam Monday MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Chemistry Exam TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 1. Review of the Scientific Method and technical writing for labs 2. Tour of the Cell, Media Center HOMEWORK: Tour of the Cell due tomorrow. Pillbug Lab due tomorrow WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 1. Review Cell organelles. 2. Compare and contrast archaea, bacteriall, and eubacterial cells. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Sorry I'll be out today. Meanwhile, complete the Study Guide for Chapter 7, Cell Membranes. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 (ooooooooooooooohhhhhhhh) 1. Group Chem Exam Retake 2. Introduction to the Cell Membrane TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 1. Notes on Cell Membranes including structure, mebrane proteins, passive and facilitated diffusion, osmosis, and forms of active transport. 2. Intro to AP Lab 1: Osmosis and Diffusion HOMEWORK: A response to all Lab 1 objectives is due on Thursday WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 1. Complete the Diffusion Challenge 2. FRQ Practice: Answer the Cell FRQ. You have 22 minutes and may use the book. 3. If you have not yet done so, complete the Cell Membrane Study Guide for Chapter 7. HOMEWORK: Ch 7 Study Guide on Cell Membranes due tomorrow. Lab 1 Objectives due tomorrow. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19 AP Lab 1: Osmosis and Diffusion, Parts B and C - Determining the effect of molarity of a solution on diffusion rates and setting up for solute concentration levels (prepare potatoes in solutions) HOMEWOK: Osmosis and Diffusion Lab due Wednesday FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20 AP Lab 1: Osmosis and Diffusion, Parts A and C - Observing the effects of particle size on diffusion, and completing solute concentration levels MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23 AP Lab 1: Osmosis and Diffusion, Parts D and E - Share all data, discussion the role of osmotic pressure on osmosis and equilibrium (part D) and observe the effect of high solute concentration levels on plant cells HOMEWORK: Lab 1 due Wednesday TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Notes on Chapter 8, Metabolism and Enzymes - disscussion of metebolism, metabolic pathways, the laws of thermodynamics and their affects on biological systems, and free energy in biological systems HOMEWORK: Work on chapter 8 Study Guide WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Notes on Chapter 8, Metabolism and Enzymes - discussion of enzymes, reaction rates, and factors affecting enzymatic activity HOMEWORK: Work on chapter 8 Study Guide THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26 AP Lab 2: Enzyme Lab, Part A - Using Vernier Probeware, determine the effect of enzyme concentration levels on reaction rates FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Enzyme Lab, Part A and C - Using Vernier probeware, determine the effect of temperature and pH on reaction rates HOMEWORK: Enzyme Lab due Wednesday, All cell related study guides (chapters 6, 7 and 8) due Monday, Cell Exam Tuesday MONDAY, MARCH 2 1. Review Enzyme Lab, get all your data 2. Cell Exam HOMEWORK: Start working on Cellular Respiration Study Guide, Ch 9 TUESDAY, MARCH 3 1. KWL - Intro to cellular respiration - What do you know? 2. Intro to redox reactions - How do biological systems harvest energy locked in those high energy bonds, particularly in H bonds? By pulling electrons from H a little bit at a time, we can "collect" energy more efficiently than ripping the bonds apart in one huge explosion. Redox reactions, the process of transferring H ions from one molecule to another in a series of reactions is the answer. In each transfer, one molecule gives up electrons, becoming oxidized (more +) and one picks up the electrons, becoming reduced (more -). We'll explore these concepts through a servies of games, like Jenga and Mouse trap, then play some redox cards. HOMEWORK: Work on Cellular Respiration Study Guide, Ch 9 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 1. Respiration overview: Glycolysis, pre-Krebs, Krebs Cycle (or how I learned to say Citric Acid), Elctron Transport Chain and Chemiosmosis 2. Notes on Glycolysis HOMEWORK: Work on Cellular Respiration Study Guide, Ch 9 THURSDAY, MARCH 5 1. Notes on the Electron Transport chain 2. Work on the Cellular Respiration Guide FRIDAY, MARCH 6 1. Chemiosmosis Check out the animations at this website: http://vcell.ndsu.edu/public.html MONDAY, MARCH 9 1. Summarize for me: Respiration 2. Fermentation: The other Respiration. We'll explain how cakes rise, how alcohol is made, why you get a stitch in your side when you work out, why you breathe hard, and what makes Gatorade work. HOMEWORK: Photosynthesis Study Guide, Ch 10 , due Friday TUESDAY, MARCH 10 1. FCAT exams HOMEWORK: Photosynthesis Study Guide, Ch 10 , due Friday WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 1. FCAT exams HOMEWORK: Photosynthesis Study Guide, Ch 10 , due Friday THURSDAY, MARCH 12 1. FCAT exams HOMEWORK: Photosynthesis Study Guide, Ch 10 , due Friday FRIDAY, MARCH 13 Welcome back….let’s review photosynthesis, take some notes, and role play the process. HOMEWORK: Cell Signaling Disease Project – Each of you will work either in pairs or independently to provide us with information about a particular disease: its symptoms, treatments, and in particular, an in depth explanation of the cell signaling pathway involved in the disease. Provide an overview of both a properly functioning and malfunctioning pathway. Then discuss some of the most current research going on in your disease. Due Monday, March 23 Welcome back….let’s review photosynthesis, take some notes, and role play the process. HOMEWORK: Cell Signaling Disease Project – Each of you will work either in pairs or independently to provide us with information about a particular disease: its symptoms, treatments, and in particular, an in depth explanation of the cell signaling pathway involved in the disease. Provide an overview of both a properly functioning and malfunctioning pathway. Then discuss some of the most current research going on in your disease. Due Monday, March 23 MONDAY, MARCH 16 1. Wrap up of photosynthesis 2. Grade Photosynthesis Study Guide. HOMEWORK: Read over the Photosynthesis Lab. Complete the objectives for Wednesday. Begin reviewing for the midterm. Use the midterm study guide I handed out. TUESDAY, MARCH 17 Sorry, I’m out today. I’ll be at jury duty. In the meantime you can do test corrections from the Cell Exam and work on your Cell Signaling Disease Project. See you tomorrow. HOMEWORK: Respiration Lab due tomorrow. Photosynthesis objectives due tomorrow. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 AP Lab 5: Photosynthesis HOMEWORK: Photosynthesis Lab due next Tuesday. THURSDAY, MARCH 19 I’ll be out again today and tomorrow. This time I’m going to the National Science Teachers Conference. Yay! See you Monday. 1. Work on the Chapter 11 Study Guide: Cell Signaling 2. Work on your Cell Signaling Disease Project 3. Work on your midterm cheat sheet. FRIDAY, MARCH 20 I’ll be out again today and tomorrow. This time I’m going to the National Science Teachers Conference. Yay! See you Monday. 1. Work on the Chapter 11 Study Guide: Cell Signaling 2. Work on your Cell Signaling Disease Project 3. Work on your midterm cheat sheet. HOMEWORK: Cell Signaling Disease Project due Monday. Cell Signaling Study Guide and Photosynthesis Lab due Tuesday. MONDAY, MARCH 23 Cell Signaling Disease Presentations TUESDAY, MARCH 24 Cell Signaling Disease Presentations WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 Midterms THURSDAY, MARCH 26 3rd Hour Midterms FRIDAY, MARCH 27 No school – Planning Day! MONDAY, MARCH 30 2. Mitosis Modeling. Use my handy dandy Mitosis Modeling kit and show me what you know! We’ll cover all the stages – prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis. HOMEWORK: Chapter 13 notes due Wednesday. TUESDAY, MARCH 31 HOMEWORK: Chapter 13 notes due tomorrow. 1. Comparing and contrasting mitosis and meiosis. 2. Let’s do the Meiosis Polka! Lab 3: Mitosis and Meiosis HOMEWORK: Lab: 3 Mitosis and Meiosis, due Thursday. Chapter 14, Mendelian Genetics notes due tomorrow. Today, we'll review Mendelian Genetics with an overview of genetic terminology, Mendel's experiments, Punnett squares and probability...all stuff you're already familiar with. You’ll play the MENSA approved game Set to help jog your memory on the numerous tems associated with genetics. HOMEWORK: Notes on Chapter15, the Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance, due when you return from break. Notes on Chapter 16, Replication due that Wednesday. HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY BREAK! 1. What exactly was Mendel’s theory of inheritance and how did it differ from the contemporary theory of the day , the blended theory? 2. Mendel’s Rules of Segregation and Independent Assortment paved the way for statistically analyzing the probability of inheriting any one, two, or ten traits from a parent. Using cards and dice , we’ll explore the basics of probability and relate it to the potential of inheriting your Dad’s eyes and Mom’s hair. We’ll also look at Mendel’s corn and see probability in action. HOMEWORK: Chapter 16, Replication notes due Wednesday. Mitosis Meiosis Lab due Thursday. TUESDAY, APRIL 14 1. You know, most traits are not a case of simple dominance/recessiveness. Today we'll discuss other modes of inheritance and allelic frequencies including codominance, incomplete dominance, multiple alleles, polygenic alleles, pliotrophy, and epistasis. 2. Then I'll bend your senses with di and trihybrid crosses (and show you a simple way to determine probability) We'll practice genetics problems at www.biology.arizona .edu. 1. Mendel identified the rules of inheritance without ever knowing the mechanism. Today we'll talk about chromosomes and their obvious role in heredity. We’ll also investigate the experiments of Sutton and Morgan, and take a look at sex linked genes. 2. We'll continue our conversation on chromosomes and inheritance, discussing sex linked genes, Barr bodies, and chromosomal alterations leading to disorders. 3. Finally, we'll review pedigress and the role they play in following a particular family characteristic as well as discussing the role environmental factors play in inheritance. You’ll be given two pedigrees to decipher in preparation for tomorrow’s Pedigree Lab. THURSDAY, APRIL 16 1. All My Children: The Pedigree of the O’smithsteinskis and the Akim Garcia Chan Clan – complete your pedigree and determine the method of inheritance for your unusual trait! HOMEWORK: Genetics problems due tomorrow. FRIDAY, APRIL 17 2. Review and grade the homework problems - Genetics Problems 1 - 20. MONDAY, APRIL 20 TUESDAY, APRIL 21 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 Introduction into protein synthesis. What do you know? How does it compare to replication? What is transcription and translation? HOMEWORK: Notes on Chapter 17, From Genes to Protein due next Monday. THURSDAY, APRIL 24 – EARLY RELEASE AND TAKE YOUR CHILD TO WORK DAY Review probability, null hypotheses, and chi square analysis as it relates to the Fly Lab. HOMEWORK: Notes on Chapter 17, From Genes to Protein due next Monday. Fly Lab due tomorrow. FRIDAY, APRIL 25 Protein Synthesis Modeling Lab. You will each take on one role as either mRNA, rRNA, or tRNA. You will each be responsible for filling in the details of the roles of each of these molecules and completing the Lab Analysis questions HOMEWORK: Notes on Chapter 17, From Genes to Protein due Monday MONDAY, APRIL 27 1. Today’s word: Adroit 2. Complete protein synthesis lab and notes , protein synthesis group quiz TUESDAY, APRIL 28 1. Today’s word: Aesthetic 2. Complete the DNA/RNA Review 3. Start Chapter 20 notes: DNA Technology and Genomics WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29 1. Today’s word: Agog 2. Overview of biotechnology and genomics: tools, techniques and applications THURSDAY, APRIL 30 1. Today’s word: Ambivalent 2. Electrophoresis Lab: First we’ll practice micropipetting, then we’ll apply our new skills to an actual gel and measure the bands resulting from electrophoresis. HOMEWORK: Read and take notes on Chapter 23: Evolution of Populations Seniors: Enjoy Grad Bash. See you Monday FRIDAY, MAY 1 1. Today’s word: Ambulatory 2. For those of you who show up today, we’ll do a paper and pencil lab that walks us through the steps of nucleic acid hybridization, electrophoresis and Southern blotting. We’ll act as restriction enzymes, and later as radioactive probes to identify the parents of Paula Eva, a child of “disappearados,” individuals who were murdered in Argentina during the Peronist regime. HOMEWORK: Read and take notes on Chapter 23: Evolution of Populations AP EXAM WEEK BEGINS – Good luck and try to keep up with the last few lessons here. AP BIOLOGY EXAM – MONDAY, MAY 11, AM. MONDAY, MAY 4 1. Today’s word: Ancillary Last Chapter! The Evolution of Populations takes a look at Darwin's theories of fitness and natural selection from a genetic perspective. We'll review Darwin's arguments for evolution then bring them into the 22nd century analyzing allele frequencies in gene pools and how genes may drift in a given population. We'll study the conditions for non-evolving populations. Then, using the principles of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium we will calculate the percentage of allele and genotype frequencies in stable populations over time. 1. Today’s word: Animated 2. Lab 8 - Population Genetics today. Get ready to fertilize!!!! WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 1. Today’s word: Animosity 2. Let’s start with a few practice essays in preparation for the exam Monday. THURSDAY, MAY 7 1. Today’s word: Annals 2. Media Center - I’ll show you a few websites with practice AP exams and peruse the APCollege Board site for tips and test suggestions. FRIDAY, MAY 8 1. Today’s word: Annex PROM NIGHT - I know many of you will be out. Have a wonderful night and stay safe. AP Biology Exam is Monday............. For the rest of you, final review day. MONDAY, MAY 11 1. Today’s word: Apex WOW! Exam day...good luck!!!! See you on the other side for some pizza and down time. TUESDAY, MAY 12 1. Today’s word: Appease Most of you will be out today with other AP exams. For those of you that are present, we'll watch the Scopes Monkey Trial and recap the AP Exam. WEDNESDAY, MAY 13 1. Today’s word: Armament 2. Final Project Assignment: Children’s Book. You will choose one abstract concept or topic covered this year and produce a children’s book, complete with copy and hand illustrations. Concepts should be clearly and simply explained for a 3rd to 5th grade audience. Due dates: Seniors: Friday, May 22 Underclassmen: Tuesday, May 26 HOMEWORK: Storyboard due Friday THURSDAY, MAY 14 1. Today’s word: Ascribe 2. Work on Final Project HOMEWORK: Storyboard due Friday FRIDAY, MAY 15 1. Today’s word: Asinine 2. Work on Final Project HOMEWORK: Due dates: Seniors: Friday, May 22 Underclassmen: Tuesday, May 26 MONDAY, MAY 18 1. Today’s word: Assail 2. Work on Final Project HOMEWORK: Due dates: Seniors: Friday, May 22 Underclassmen: Tuesday, May 26 TUESDAY, MAY 19 1. Today’s word: Atone 2. Work on Final Project HOMEWORK: Due dates: Seniors: Friday, May 22 Underclassmen: Tuesday, May 26 WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 1. Today’s word: 2. Work on Final Project HOMEWORK: Due dates: Seniors: Friday, May 22 Underclassmen: Tuesday, May 26 THURSDAY, MAY 21 1. Today’s word: Attrition 2. Work on Final Project HOMEWORK: Due dates: Seniors: tomorrow Underclassmen: Tuesday FRIDAY, MAY 22 1. Today’s word: Augment 2. Senior Project Presentations…Yay!!! TUESDAY, MAY 26 1. Today’s word: Baleful 2. Project Presentations WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 1. Today’s word: Balk 2. Project presentations THURSDAY, MAY 28 1. Today’s word: Bandy 2. Lab Favorites- Baby Face Lab FRIDAY, MAY 29 1. Today’s word: Barage Lab Favorites – That’s My Baby MONDAY, JUNE 1 1. Today’s word: Battery Lab Favorites - Fishing for DNA TUESDAY, JUNE 2 1. Today’s word: Bauble 2. Lab Favorites - Blood Typing - Antigens meet Antibodies WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3 1st and 2nd Hour Finals THURSDAY, JUNE 4
1. Review of the Cell Cyle and Mitosis. Group notes.
1. How about meiosis? We’ll discuss the fundamental principles of meiosis, then, model the steps with my handy dandy Meiosis Modeling kits. Draw the steps of meiosis I and II as we move through the steps.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1
HOMEWORK: Read Lab: 3 Mitosis and Meiosis and be prepared for tomorrow. The Cell Cycle, Meiosis, and Genetics Take Home Test – due tomorrow.
THURSDAY, APRIL 2
MONDAY, APRIL 13
HOMEWORK: Just what you always wanted, 20 genetics problems. Consider whether the law of multiplication or addition applies before working through each one. Genetics problems due Frisday. Chapter 16, Replication notes due tomorrow. Mitosis Meiosis Lab due Thursday.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15
HOMEWORK: Work on your genetics problems.
2. Class time for genetics problems .
1. In preparation for Monday’s Drosophila Lab (affectionately known as the Fly Lab) we'll learn about null hypotheses and chi-square tests. These are statistical tools that determine the significance of an experiment's outcome.
HOMEWORK: Notes on Chapter 17, From Genes to Protein due next Monday.
Lab 7: Drosophila Lab
Virtual Fly Lab - go to www.sciencecourseware.org/vcise/drosophila/.
Class code:1245383. Complete a minimum of a P1 and F1 cross for eyes and wings.
HOMEWORK: Drosophila Lab due Thursday
1. What does DNA look like? How does its structure allow it to store and replicate the genetic code endlessly? What is semi-conservation and replication? Join me today as we explore the DNA molecule. Also check out the replication animation at 207.207.4.198/pub/flash/24/menu.swf
2. Build your own DNA molecule ...remember read in the 3' to 5' direction and build in the 5' to 3' direction. Build your own 9 nucleotide sequence and replicate both parent strands. Use your helicase, SSB proteins, primase, DNA polmerase, and ligase to unzip, hold open, attach new nucleotides, replace RNA primers and glue the new DNA fragments together. Got it?
HOMEWORK: Notes on Chapter 17, From Genes to Protein due next Monday.
TUESDAY, MAY 5
HOMEWORK: Lab write up due Friday
3rd and 4th hour finals. Hava a great summer!