02/10 bone structure

In-Class:
Students completed the diagram of the bone structure. They also worked on p.19 1,2,3.
Homework:
Any work not completed in class becomes homework.

I was absent from class today. Mr. Lale was my substitute.

2/09 bones & medical terminology

In-Class:
Labeled and studied the bones of the skeleton. Worked on Medical Terminology Made Easy. DUE in class Tuesday. (exception: 9th hour will have an additional day.) There really is a reason why scientists use "those big words" to identify organisms and parts of organisms. Laboratory: Homeostasis. Why can't you hold onto a book with your outstretched arms forever?
Homework:
Complete Medical Terminology if not done in class. Study bone names.

2/02 week in review

Friday

Introduction to the skeletal and muscular systems. Viewed 20 minute video. Students received credit for their attention to the video.

We played "Ms. Grumbine says" to identify the names of bones as we learn them. It became a favorite right away.

Thursday

TEST - Modern Genetics the test included extra credit points beyond the 20 basic questions. Students submitted their Cells and Heredity text and received Human Biology and Health text.

Wednesday

Introduction to the human body. We viewed Man the Incredible Machine to preview the upcoming unit on the body systems. We reviewed the handouts and vocabulary necessary for students to study for the test.

Tuesday

Genetic disorders group presentations. Students were evaluated on their accuracy, cooperation, and presentation as a group.

Monday

Genetic Disorders.

02/02 genetic disorders

In-Class:
Reviewed Friday's genetics laboratory. Introduced the genetic disorders mini-presentation. Students worked in groups of 3 or 4 to answer the following questions about their assigned disorder. What causes the disorder? What are the symptoms or signs of the disorder? What treatments are available for this disorder? What are some adaptations that can be made at home and in the classroom for children with the disorder? I provided the research on Down's Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, Cystic Fibrosis, and Hemophilia.
Homework:
Study Modern genetics for TEST Thursday. Complete diagram from p.126 or commercial as assigned last Thursday. DUE in bin Tuesday.

www.kidshealth.com

01/30 Week in Review

1/30 Friday:

Family Matters Laboratory
Complete the four questions related to the family pedigree. 9th hour completed all answers in class. DUE Monday if not completed Friday.


1/29 Thursday:

Hour 1: Complete the radio commercial for a genetically engineered form of insulin. Hours 2,3,,7,8,9 : Complete diagram of genetic engineering. Include the title and steps listed on p.126. Hour 7 has the option of completing either the diagram OR the commercial. DUE Tuesday, February 2.

1/28 Wednesday:

I was absent from class. Complete Advances in genetics (guided reading and study.) Complete p. 133 (1-10) DUE Thursday.

1/27 Tuesday:
Reviewed Human Inheritance (guided reading and study.) Took Quick Quiz over reading (4points) Complete p.121 2C in notebook. DUE Wednesday

01/26 Human Inheritance

In-Class:
Completed the guided reading and review exercises in class.
Homework:
Any work not done in class will be completed for homework. DUE Tuesday in folder.
Hours 8 and 9 will attempt to complete p.242 "review and reinforce" but we will discuss the answers Tuesday as a class.

Reminder: any assignment given that can be done with the use of a computer can also be done by using other recommended resources such as magazine articles from the library or newspaper articles. The computer is the dog of the 2000's; instead of the dog eating student homework now students complain that their computer crashed, the internet failed, or the printer broke. All science assignments where the computer is an option can also be done using materials available at the school's media center or at the public library. No one's computer was ever responsible for a student not completing an assignment nor is it the computer that will receive a zero for choosing not to complete the assignment.

01/23 TESTING

In-Class:
Think link testing as required by the school district.
Homework:
Review pp. 110-128 if not completed in class.

01/22 genetics in the news

In-Class:
We reviewed and gave examples of what a science article is and where to find them. Several students earned extra credit by reading their completed summary aloud as an example for those students who had some difficulty. Congratulations to my 9th hour class who earned 10 minutes free time by listening and following directions in class.
Homework:
Complete the Science Article Template to turn in for late credit. Study Modern Genetics Vocabulary.

Friday, January 23: Think Link Testing for science. Students will bring any assignments that need to be submitted for late credit.

01/21 genetics in the news

In-Class:

Students were expected to summarize their articles due in class today. Those students who followed directions will complete the template and return it to class tomorrow, Thursday, for entrance into the lab activity. Hours 8 and 9 complete the article summary template in class with guidance.

Homework:

Any incomplete article summary templates will be completed at home. Students who did not bring an article will bring the article and template to school Thursday.

Detailed instructions were given regarding what is considered "genetics in the news." They were also given examples of sources where the articles could be found: newspapers, magazines, journals, TV programs, internet news sources. Students had the opportunity to request a media center pass to copy an article from the many science magazines available. The assignment was originally due last week but was extended due to the school closing.

01/20 modern genetics

WELCOME BACK FROM OUR UNEXPECTED BREAK!
I hope everyone kept warm.

In-Class:
Hours 1,2,3,7 completed definitions for and examples that represent the 14 vocabulary words for the unit on Modern Genetics. Hours 8 and 9 completed definitions only.
Homework:
Complete definitions if not done in class. Due in notebook, Wednesday. Review pp.110-113 in text.

FINAL, FINAL DUE DATE FOR GENETICS ARTICLES
Wednesday, January 21, 2009

01/14 genetics TEST

In-Class:
Students completed the genetics unit test.
Homework:
Preview Modern Genetics vocabulary. pp.110-128

01/13 genetics review

In-Class:
We used a combination of activities on the "smart" board to review for the genetics test. Some students played hangman with genetics vocabulary or rags to riches. Two sections had the chance to preview an interactive program called medmyst.
Homework:
Study for Genetics Unit Test.

Wednesday, Genetics Unit Test.
Friday, Copies of articles related to genetics in the news DUE.

• articles may be torn from newspapers
• photocopied from magazines
• downloaded from Internet sites
• summarized from TV programs.

make sure to include a citation if it isn't written on the article already.

01/12 genetics review

In-Class:
Students took practice test to determine what areas need the most study. We reviewed concepts of genetics and some classes had the chance to play a whiteboard activity.
Homework:
Study genetics unit.

• You could....
• Make flashcards
• write an outline
• create graphs like the one on p.105
• use the CTB to quiz yourself or a friend

01/09 genetics review

In-Class:
Reviewed the correct answers for student study guides/Computer Test Banks.
Homework:
None

Wednesday, January 14: Genetics Unit Test

Friday, January 16: Science Think Link Test

01/06 & 01/07 CTB genetics

In-Class:

We reviewed RNA. Students began work on the Computer Test Bank packet for the Genetics unit. This acts as their study guide and most questions for the test will be taken from this CTB.

Homework:

Study for test. Complete at least 20 questions from the CTB if not done in class. Completed CTB is due at beginning of class Thursday.

Wednesday, January 14: Genetics Unit TEST.

Friday, January 16: End of second quarter.

01/05/2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Welcome Back to Science.

In-Class:
Students studied RNA and completed questions 1,2and 3 from p. 103 section assessment. Assignment is due Tuesday in notebook.
Homework:
Complete p.103 if not done in class.

Unit test over Genetics is planned for Wednesday, January 14, 2009. We will spend the remaining days prior to the test getting the neurons firing again after the winter break.

extra credit project

Create a Brochure about Cancer and the cell cycle

Brochure will include six panels (a trifold brochure)

Front page Panel 1 is the cover page, include an illustration/drawing, title and introduction (ALSO YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME)
Inside page Panel 2 will contain information about the cell cycle as it relates to cancer cells. i.e. the cancer cell cycle has a limited interphase stage and cells reproduce uncontrollably.
Panel 3, panel 4, panel 5 include information about the three primary treatments for cancer: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy.
Panel 6 (the back of the pamphlet) will list sources for additional information about cancer. i.e. the American Cancer Society website or land mailing address/phone number.

Extra Credit Opportunity. DUE in bin, Tuesday, January 6, 2009. Students may receive 15 points extra credit.

12/17 offspring lab

In-Class:
Due to my absence in November, I allowed students to make up three assignments given during that time. Students had the chance to make up three different assignments. Most, but not all, students showed appreciation for this rare exception to the rules and used their time wisely to raise their scores. Students whose work was complete for that time period participated in an offspring lab.
Homework:
None

An extra credit assignment worth 15 points will be available for completion over winter break. Students will receive the information during class on Thursday or may pick up a copy of the assignment on Friday. The extra credit will be due the first Tuesday after Winter Break.

12/16 Genetic crosses

In-Class:
Students learned how to use punnett squares to demonstrate the expected traits in offspring. Reference pp.86,87 in text. All work was completed during class. Some students were so excited about the work, they chose to take it home for fun. All hours did great work today.
Homework:
Complete seventeen vocabulary words in notebook if not done in class Monday.

12/15 genetic vocabulary

In-Class:

Students wrote out vocabulary as they found the seventeen definitions through their reading. Teams began creating posters that graphically represent one assigned vocabulary word.

Homework:

Complete vocabulary if not done in class. 90% of my students completed the assignment in class. Work will be recorded Wednesday.

1. heredity
2. trait
3. genetics
4. fertilization
5. purebred
6. gene
7. allele
8. dominant allele
9. recessive allele
10. hybrid
11. probability
12. punnett square
13. phenotype
14. genotype
15. homozygous
16. heterozygous
17. codominance

All assignments are posted in the classroom for the week as well.

Overview of week -

Monday: genetic vocabulary DUE in notebook

Tuesday: Punnett squares and genetic crosses. Assignment DUE in class.

Wednesday: Offspring laboratory. Keep in folder.

Thursday: Computer lab activities online.

Friday: Half day of school. Students will meet in their homerooms.