Monday, December 04, 2006

Begin Circulation and Lymph System

Hi!

Well, today we concluded the last bit of information relating to digestion and excretion . We are going to start chapter 37, circulation. We will explore the blood flow of the heart, lungs and "just what are white blood cells anyways? "

Looking for notes?

Homework due this Friday 12/8
Vocabulary Chapter 37
Creative Script Writing page 994. I would like a page that is set up to read like a TV script or a play, that gives me the idea that you understand digestion. If you would like to view my incomplete example click here.

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Human Body

Hi

We are starting a new six week unit covering the human body. This will be a very quick overview. Keep in mind that every chapter that we cover could be a year long college course as there is so much information. However for our purposes we will be covering six chapters in sic weeks so hold on and stay on top of assignments.

Our order of chapters will be as follows, 38,37, 36 , 35, 39, 40. Notes?

Homework due 12/1 Friday - Vocabulary Chapter 38
Homework Due Friday 12/ 8 Page 994 " creative writing" and Vocabulary chapter 37

I'll be posting class notes soon!
Thanks
Ms. Trusso

Saturday, November 18, 2006

End of Second Grading Period

Hi Folks
Can you believe how fast this semester is going? The end of the second marking period has come - progress reports should be out in the mail this week.

We are also coming to an end of our evolution unit. Chapters 15, 16 and 17 form the evolution unit.

Please make sure you begin to put your notes on on 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper to bring in to the test.
The exam for all three chapters will be on MONDAY 11/27. Plan on multiple choice questions and one essay.

NOTES

Click here for notes

Homework

Monday's homework is to define chapter 17 vocabulary.

Have a great weekend

Ms Trusso

Friday, November 10, 2006

web grades

hi folks

i managed another attempt at micrograde this weekend. please use your HO number (given by the school district) as your user id number.

questions - you can leave them here and check my responses.

another thing is

HOMEWORK

Due Monday 11/13 - vocabulary chapter 16
Due Monday 11/13 - hominid tree

Due Tuesday 11/22 re-do for written report of final evolution project due.

Heads up
Our exam for Evolution will be Monday November 27th

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Hominid Tuesday and Wednesday

HI

Thanks to everyone who presented an oral report on the evolution of your choice. I really enjoyed learning about the evolution of hip hop, Coco Chanel's fashion empire, fossils and more! This week was very exciting.

Now we are examining and comparing several different hominid skulls. If you want to learn more about any of these skulls here is a link with a fun flash animation game.


Here are the study notes for
Chapter 15
Chapter 16

and finally notes for chapter 16, and bits of 17


HOMEWORK
Vocabulary for chapter 17 is due Monday 11/13
The hominid lab will be due upon completion

Remember no school this Friday and Thursday is an early dismissal day.

Ms. Trusso

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Happy Halloween Week

Happy Halloween -

This week is full of activity. Friday marks the day your evolution project is due - remember two forms are required
1) ORAL PRESENTATION IN FRONT OF CLASS

2) WRITTEN PRESENTATION

This week we will continue to address content standards for Evolution. Moving from natural selection and into genetic drift, population genetics , mutations and speciation.

HOMEWORK

Due Friday: Chapter 15 notes
have a wonderful week

Ms. Trusso

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Notes 10/24

Hi!

For those who might have missed some notes today due to the fast pace of the class....
you can click here to download.

Please remember that typically you will first read the material, hear a lecture on the material, have homework about the material, due a lab that helps clarify a concept and finally you will be tested on the material. Hopefully, you will, after so many exposures, understand it!

good luck

Ms. Trusso

Monday, October 23, 2006

Tuesday Wednesday

Hi Remember that your evolution project is due Friday Nov. 3rd. You are responsible for a written and oral presentation. If you have questions see me or click on the evolution link - a few log's ago.

This week you are required to turn in homework "writing in science". Part of any good writing process is making an outline. In your outline be sure to include:

A topic sentence
One fact supporting the topic sentence
Information, data supporting your fact

A second fact that supports the topic sentence
Information, data supporting your second fact

Conclusion

Hope this helps!!!
Ms. Trusso

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Finishing Chapter 15

Hi
This week we will finish chapter 15 and move into chapter 16. We will be weaving the evidence for evolution together and finish with a beautiful tapestry of how species have evolved over time.

Remember, the two part evolution project is due in written form and presented to the class on Nov. 3rd. If you have questions see me or the post.

Homework
Page 390 Questions 28, 29 and writing in science

Have a wonderful week!

Ms. Trusso

Friday, October 20, 2006

evolution project

Hi in case you need to review what is expected of you for the evolution project you can refer to the link.

here is the link click here


Prepare to present project to class and written report is due Friday, November 3rd.

thanks
ms. trusso

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Wednesday/Friday

HI
This week we have been discussing Charles Darwin and his theory of Natural Selection. If you want to review my notes click here!

On Another note, we will be beginning our evolution project. The evolution project is a two week take home project. You will be responsible for a presentation to the class as well as a written report. Details to follow.

Homework:
Due Friday Oct. 20th
Read Chapter 15, define vocabulary

Sunday, October 15, 2006

having trouble viewing the power point presentations?

Here is a utility that you can download that allows you to view the powerpoint files.


click here and you will be able to download the FREE utility


Good Luck!

Ms. Trusso

Evolution Revolution

HI

This week we are starting our fabulous journey into the depths of Darwin's Theory of Evolution. We are going to be discussing Evolution for three weeks. During the next three weeks plan on several fun labs and a take home project that you will present to the class!

Let me know if there is something in particular that you know about evolution and would like to share with the class.

Homework due this Friday
Chapter 15 Read and define, draw or make flashcards of all the vocabulary for the chapter.

Notes for Monday 10/16 click here

Thanks and don't forget the re-do policy!


Ms. Trusso

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Chapter 2 Test - and Homework

This Friday the 13th we are having the second exam. The material covered will be from chapter 2, so please have your notes in order. Remember you can use your notes on the test.

We will begin Evolution next week. However for that test, you will be able to bring in only one sheet of paper. By the end of the year there will no notes! You will be ready!!!

HOMEWORK:

Please re-read chapter 2 and answer questions 1-10 on page 57 and 1-10 on page 59. Homework is due Friday!

Monday, October 09, 2006

Enzyme Lab

This week we will be putting what we have just learned about enzymes to practical use. The calf liver enzyme lab will show the effects of temperature on the enzyme catalase.

Catalase is found in liver and will provide a site for hydrogen peroxide (substrates) to turn into water and oxygen.

Here are the notes

please come to lab prepared to follow directions and discover enzymes

ms. trusso

Re-Do your Work

Hi!

I would like to explain again my policy regarding do-over work. I believe that you can master the work for Biology. One way that you will be able to receive the highest grade that you would like for ASSIGNMENTS ( homework, lab reports) is to re-do the work. HOW?
1) The assignment MUST be turned in on time - and completed.
2) I return the assignment and if you wish to re-do the work I will assign a "new due date" and the re-do must be turned in by that date. If the re-do is not turned in to me by the start of the class period, you will keep the old grade.
3) If you turn in the work as a re-do by the re-do date, you have the opportunity to return the assignment as many times as you like until you get the grade you want ( until you show me that you have mastered the material) HOWEVER all your work needs to be turned in ON TIME!!! I will accept no late work for re-do.

thanks

Ms. Trusso

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Carbon is the word

Carbon based compounds will be our focus over the next few days. I'm planning on finishing up Chapter 2 this Friday and using our time next week reviewing and preparing for the chapter test.
Please remember that in addition to content for chapter two there will also be a few metric questions and questions regarding our labs.

Notes for 10/03/06


Thanks
Ms. Trusso

Monday, October 02, 2006

pH Lab

HI

Today we ran a pH lab testing the potential of hydrogen for various substances. This lab is due as a formal lab write up on this Friday, October 6th. Any questions please see me at lunch in room 103.
This week we are going to be learning about carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, proteins, and enzymes. The hope is to finish chapter 2 this week and have the test Oct. 13th. Remember Monday 10/09/06 is a holiday - no school.

thanks
ms. trusso

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Class Notes and Happenings

Hi
I hope everyone had a very relaxing weekend and took in the wonderful SOTA musical Quilters .
I feel that some students could benefit from having most of our class notes posted to a link on the blog. To help your study efforts as well as providing you with one more source for information I will post a link to the class notes. Please keep in mind that I will not be able to post all of the images as this would take up too much memory. I welcome your feedback - as always!!


notes from last Friday click here 9/29/06


notes from 10/02/06

Ms. Trusso



Homework 10/02 - due 10/06
Formal Lab Write Up - pH Lab
Exam on Chapter 2 - 10/13/06

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Microscope Lab

Hi
We spent two days fine tuning our microscope skills and now everyone should be able to
1) make a wet mount slide
2) focus on low, medium and high power
3) find the field diameter in microns using any power
4) find the total magnification


This week we will be looking at the properties of water, carbon compounds and enzymes.

Homework
the lab paper is due FRIDAY - please remember to answer all questions in complete sentences
Chapter 2 notes are due friday - so please read chapter 2 and answer the questions.

Ms. Trusso

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Happy Monday

Hi
Grades will be posted in the classroom on Monday. I'm working on the micrograde distribution.
This week we will be doing a microscope lab that we will begin on monday and turn in on Friday.
We are also going to study the properties of water. We are going to try to squeeze in another lab towards the end of this week, showing the basic ideas of enzymes.

Looking for a real cool link showing the water property of surface tension???

Have a nice one!

Ms. Trusso

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Triple Beam Balance

Hi

Wednesday and Friday we will be starting the laboratory experience. Plan on starting with the triple beam balance. If you have forgotten how to use a balance click here and use this cute utility

Please don't forget about the homework and the quiz on Friday. (check yesterday's blog for homework stuff)


Ms. Trusso

Chemical Bonding

hi folks:
today we are going to start with chemical bonding.
If you want to check out a real cool chemistry web site

click here

don't forget
Friday
1) quiz on metric conversion - you can use notes
2)Homework - vocabulary
3) Food Irradiation worksheet

Wednesday we will get familiar with measuring tools and Friday we will see how the microscope works
thanks
Ms. Trusso

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Welcome to Chapter 2

Hi
Today we start to understand the chemistry of life. We will begin with atoms and move into carbon based molecules. This is a fast moving chapter however it is essential that you understand it.

We will also begin our Biology Laboratory experience this week with Identifying a Biologists tools and understanding how the microscope is used.
To see video of chemistry ch 2 click here
once image appears click on top and the animation will start!
Homework

Due Friday:
1) Vocabulary from chapter 2. Please define through a drawing, use in a sentence or the textbook definition. You can submit this on 3 x 5 cards if you need this to help study.
2) The questions from the article on food irradiation.
3) The Biologist tools lab on page 23, questions are due.

Thank you and please remind your parents to attend Back To School Nite this Wednesday

Ms. Trusso

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Biotech mania

Hi
Well we all survived our first "Exam" on chapter 1. The tests should be graded and ready to hand back on Monday. Normally I will try to administer tests on Monday's so you can study all weekend!

Today I spent the morning at Lincoln High School and with the Biotechnology Teacher. I am very pleased to say that my students at the Academy will have the opportunity to explore the world of biotechnology. I am planning on having our classes perform two laboratory experiments using biotech during our study of molecular biology!

Some final notes regarding lab safety, several students did not take and/or pass the laboratory safety quiz. If you find your name on the board you need to see me prior to attending any lab.

Weekend homework read chapter 2 section 2-1.

Have a nice weekend
Ms. Trusso

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Check Out the Chapter notes to help study

Remember our first exam is this Wednesday. Need help???
Check out the study notes. Click on the link below.

chapter1 study notes

Friday, September 08, 2006

Friday Sept 8th

Today we had our first laboratory experience. The measurement lab will be written up as a whole class next week. I want everyone to write it up together so we can share our experiences about how we devised our measuring tools and units.

Next Week
Exam Chapter 1 Wednesday 9/13

Turn in Lunch forms, signed parent contracts, emergency cards.

Back to School Night in Wednesday Sept 20, please tell your parents so they all can plan to attend.

Have a wonderful weekend!
Ms. Trusso

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

End of Chapter One

HI!
The Lab Safety quiz went well and I hope to start lab's this friday.
We will finish chapter 1 and get ready for the exam.

Some reminders:

Homework:
Due Friday 9/8, Chapter 1 notes, Worksheet (characteristics of living things)
Exam Wednesday 9/13 Chapter 1
During the Exam there will be a binder check. Make sure your binder is in order.

Please bring in from home signed parent student contracts, free/reduced lunch forms and yellow emergency cards, as soon as possible.

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Characteristics of living things

HI
We spent time today going over the characteristics of living things. Wednesday ( tomorrow) we will be having a quiz on lab safety and begin our introduction into the laboratory experience.

Homework due Friday - chapter 1 study notes!
Wednesday Sept. 13 Exam chapter 1

Monday, September 04, 2006

First Quiz, First Exam and Binder Check

We made it through the first week of school! We studied the scientific method and applied it to our lives. Next week we will begin understanding the characteristics of living things.

Wednesday there will be a quiz on lab safety. Everyone needs to pass this quiz prior to lab work. Friday we will learn about the metric system.

Homework due Friday: Worksheet review notes for chapter 1.

September 13th chapter 1 exam and binder check ( your science binder will be graded).

The school wide Micrograde site is not yet functional. When it is, you will be issued a password and will be able to check on all your grades and assignments.

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Day Three

Please remember to turn in your homework Friday, the signed contract, reduced lunch forms, and emergency card forms. I know that it is a lot to remember but we are almost through the nuts and bolts beginning.
Class lecture notes will be uploaded this weekend! Remember no school Monday!

Monday, August 28, 2006

Welcome First Day BAck

I am happy to have everyone in my classes and see that there are so many intelligent and creative 10th graders at the academy.
Today we went over the rules of the class, tomorrow I will give out books so everyone can work on the homework assignment.

thanks and see you tomorrow

ms. trusso

Friday, August 18, 2006

Assignment #1

Hey Folks - read up and enjoy your first week of school and your first assignment.
1) Read Chapter 1
2) Define all vocabulary words (23) using complete sentences.
3) Writing in Science (page 32) in complete sentences, on paper using ink – please PRINT!

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Rules and Policies for Intro to Biology

Welcome Academy Students. To view or download this document you need to use MS Word - Just click on the Rules and Policies link below.
Rules and Policies

Class Objectives

One of the most important relationships you can have is with the environment around you. This class will help you understand the environment around you, discover organisms around you, understand your body and the way it works, relate our bodies to the evolutionary scheme of life and provide challenging laboratory expeiments to test and prove the observations around us.