Back to School

Also means back to work for you and Biology class. We are starting on chapter 10 "Cell Growth and Division". You will be responsible for making a mitosis flip book - outlining the different phases of mitosis. More details to follow on the 5th.
Keep in mind your upcoming finals - start studying now as research shows 1/2 hour for 8 days goes twice as far as one 4 hour cram session!


Looking for mitosis links click here!

HOMEWORK
1) Chapter 10 read and turn in SQ3R notes.
2) page 243 questions #1-4
3) 249 questions # 1-6, writing in science - 3 paragraphs please


questions email me!


HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Winter Break

There are many things that one can do while lazying about your house over break.
1) look up your missing assignments on webgrade and do them and have them ready to turn in on the 5th.

2) if you don't know what is missing go through the old blog pages and find out all of the assignments, they are all there and you will recognize what you are missing. Chances are if you did it you will remember doing it/answering the questions/ taking notes......

3) Study for your Final , it is a comprehensive final. The material will be from the first day of school through chapter 10. To help you prepare -
1) Go through your class notes and sq3r notes, cross reference your notes with any handouts you have received from me and homework that has been returned.

2) take notes from your notes and go over these, many times

3) practice taking multiple choice tests by taking the chapter assessments at the back of chapters
1, 2, 7,8,9,10.

4) read chapter 10, take SQ3R notes and have them ready to turn in.

email me with questions

Ms. T

Dec 15th

We are days away from our winter break and please use these two weeks to review your Biology material from the beginning of the year since your final exam will be cumulative. Have a good time too!

Homework for this week includes tying up any loose ends - papers that haven't yet been turned in, notes that need to be written and turned into me, things like that.

DUE THIS Friday

I would like the formal lab write up for our most recent lab involving the three types of bacteria. Please include a background section that refers to the type of bacteria culture we used, the procedure for having a sterile work area,preparing the petri dish, inoculation of the petri dish, incubation at 37 degrees, sealing of the petri dishes with perifilm and finally looking under the microscipe at the different species of bacteria.Also make sure you include any drawings you may have made and observations. Please include the above mentioned items IN ADDITION to the normal formal lab report.

contact me with questions...

TEST THIS WEDNESDAY
Study up! 30 multiple choice questions based on chapters 8 and 9- photosynthesis and respiration. You are allowed to use a 1/2 sheet study guide made by you, to be turned in once test is over.. don't even think of making an extra copy for your friend .

Dec 1st

We are starting our study of Photosynthesis this week with chapter 8 in our text book and further exploration during several laboratory experiments.

Since you have already read up through page 207 in your text and should have an essay prepared that discusses the relationship between heterotrophs and autotrophs we will proceed directly into the reactions of photosynthesis.

Homework: Due; Friday Dec. 5th
Read pages 208-215 taking SQ3R notes on those pages.
Answer questions on page 214 1-5.
Going further---for those who dare
Answer the question How would you design an experiment that could examine one of the factors that effect the rate of photosynthesis?
think independent and dependent variables, any background information you may have, the time this would take and what would your procedure be?
Type this and have it ready by friday to turn in for a grade.

Thanksgiving Homework

As you know we are beginning our study of photosynthesis.Part of this study includes knowing the difference between a food producer and a food consumer. Food producers are referred to as autotrophs and consumers are heterotrophs.

I would like you to scour the internet and use your text book to help you to craft a paper on the relationship between producers and consumers. This can be a straightforward essay on this relationship or it can be a summary of an article that you found while surfing, reading the paper or looking at a magazine.

I need to see an introductory paragraph which needs to include your main topic and what you are going to say. Then the next paragraph or two should be the body of your essay - telling everything. The final part of your essay needs to be a conclusion, telling me what you just tried to say. All of this needs to be
TYPED
SINGLE SPACED
12 POINT FONT.
DUE Monday Dec.1st

email me with questions

November 16th

This week we will finish up chapter 7 and begin a discussion of Photosynthesis and Respiration - Chapter 8. Monday will conclude our three day lab that looked at osmosis through a semi-permeable membrane. We will take finial observations on Monday-Tuesday and the Formal Lab Write up is due Wednesday of this week.

Homework:

Lab write up due Wednesday

Due Friday
SQ3R notes pages 200-207 -
Questions page 203 numbers 11-5
Extra Credit - connecting concepts page 203.

Cells

This week we will be showing how bacteria grow and reproduce. We have been discussing eukaryotes (organisms with a defined nucleus. This week we be focusing our attention on organisms that are called prokaryotes (unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus).
To go along with this please read and take SQ3R notes on pages 470-477.

Homework- Due Friday 11/7
page 477 questions 1-6
sq3r notes for pages 470-477

October 27th

This week we will be going over exactly what the functions are of the carious cellular organelles. Last week's lab that investigated plant and animal cells is due this Friday along with your Cell Project (Thursday for period 3).
Please see me if you are in need of materials supplies or ideas.

Homework
Due this friday (Thursday per 3) the cell project - see last weeks post for more details. Remember to receive full credit you need to present your project to the class on friday along with the brochure.

Animal vs Plant cell lab is due this Friday. This should be pretty much finished. Please see me if you require more time.

October 20th

This week we will continue chapter 7 and our discussion on cells. Since so much of what we are going to talk about over the next few months relates directly to cells - let's make sure we get off to a good start.
Complete your labs - due This Wednesday is the Microscope Lab
Complete your Homework including your SQ3R reading notes and any other work we do.

Homework and Quiz

The cell project is due next Thursday and Friday. Please make sure that you check in with me in the next few days and let me know what you are working on and if you have a partner. (see the previous post for more details!)

Quiz on the Microscope - This Wednesday!!!!

October 15th

We are beginning our discussion of cells and cell biology. This relates to chapter 7 in your text book. Please keep up with all of the readings and remember that your lab reports are also due (usually wednesday).

On the 30th (per 3) and 31st(per 1 and 4)your cell project is due. Please click here for more info on the cell project.


HOMEWORK - Due Friday

read pages 168 - 174 and turn in SQ3R notes.

Enzyme Lab

Looking for the lab or extension questions?
click here

October 6th

This week we will be investigating enzymes and have a test on chapters 1 and 2. Please come to class prepared to get right down to work.

Monday:
Discuss the effects on enzymes. The role the pH and temperature play in the effectiveness of enzymes.

Wednesday:
Enzyme Lab - lab report will be due the following Wednesday.

Friday:
Test on chapters 1 and 2. Come to class prepared to take the test, it is a 40 question multiple choice test with two essay questions.

Homework due Wednesday:
Formal lab write up of last weeks the "Corn to Milk" lab.

thanks!

Chapter 2

This week we will be finishing up chapter 2 and you will be tested on chapter two next Monday and Tuesday. Please make sure that all of your reading and homework are up to date as this Friday October 3rd marks the end of our 6 week grading period.

This week we will be learning about macromolecules, carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. This includes art projects, laboratory experience readings and lecture.

This week we will be having another lab on Wednesday the write-up will be due the following Wednesday. This lab will be the investigation of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. I will start to explain the lab on Monday.

Looking for the Power Point on Macromolecules to help you study?
Click Here

Due Wednesday
Your Lab on pH is due Wednesday
-Homework Due Thursday - Read pages 49-55 and take SQ3R notes. Turn in assessment on page 57 Questions 1- 15.

Sept 24th -

This week I saw great success with your chapter 1 quiz - keep up the good work. If any of you wish to take the quiz over for a higher grade, you may do so. Please see me regarding this matter.

This week we will begin to discuss chapter 2 - The Chemistry of Life.
Remember
Monday your Periodic Chart Element is due
Wednesday we will have our first pH lab - please be prepared with your lab notebook.

Homework
SQ3R Method pages 49-54

Due this Friday is Page 39 questions 1-6,
page 43 questions 1-5
page 48 questions 1-5
Please answer in complete sentences!

Ms. T

Sept. 15th - Monday

Hi

This week we will start chapter 2. Chapter 2 provides an introduction to atomic theory. So, to reinforce this we will be learning about atoms and elements. Wednesday of this week we will head into the computer lab. I will assign each of you a special element to study. Please click here to find out more details.

Friday 9/19 you will have a quiz on chapter 1.
Looking for study notes to chapter 1 click here

EXTRA CREDIT: Beach cleanup is this saturday 9/20 from 9 - 12. help clean up and get extra credit details click here!

Homework
Due thursday - per. 3 or friday per1 and 4 are SQ3R notes for pages 35-43.
Due monday - your 4 x 6 card representing your element.

September 8th

This week we are starting our first lab report and that means our first lab. I plan on going over how i want you to write up all of your lab reports for the school year. We are also going to start chapter one notes, to get you ready for your first test on Wednesday October 1st. The exam will cover chapters 1 and 2 from your textbook.


Homework due Thursday or Friday (sept 11th 12th)
Read pages 20-28 (SQ3R method) and answer questions on page 31, # 11,13,14,17,19.

Lab Report Due Friday:

SQ3R Power point

If you need to take a look at SQ3R again please check out this link.

click here

Remember Metrics quiz, homework and re-take the safety test if you did not score 100%.

thanks

ms.t

Sept 1st

This week I will be passing out your textbooks. I will explain the SQ3R method that I you will use to ready your text book and turn in for a homework grade. As we will finish our review of the metric system, you can expect a QUIZ this Thursday/Friday - whatever day you have class.
This week we will start chapter one by reviewing metrics and the scientific method.

Homework Due Thursday - per 2and 3. Friday Period 4

Read your textbook pages 1-20 using the SQ3R method. On the one piece of paper take notes as usual on all the reading. On the other paper use the SQ3R method for studying and reading texts.

Welcome Back!!!

Welcome to a new school year and the start of your journey into the world of life!

this week we will begin our discussion on lab safety - want to see a power point on chemical burns? Come to class on Wednesday.
Wednesday Lab Safety -
Friday - Lab Safety Quiz. Begin discussion of measurement and the metric system!

Homework -
300 word essay due in class Tuesday discussing how Biology affects/effects your life.

Comment on the Blog.

Looking for a course syllabus? click here
Looking for a curriculum map? click here

Remember Due Friday - signed student contracts and please have all of your materials ready to go on Tuesday - No school Monday!

Final Exam

There has been a slight change in your final. In the interest of saving paper i have reduced the number of multiple choice questions to 50. In exchange you will be responsible for answering one of two essay questions.
click here for the essay questions!


good luck!!!

Final Exam

Those looking for a study guide you can open this word document to help you.
click here

Please get ready to turn in your text book this week. Use it to study this week and bring it to the final.

Remember there is no homework this week as your final is this week.

Study hard
Wednesday is your Laboratory Final for both periods 1 and 4.
Friday is period 1's written final
and Monday period 4 is your final.

Final Weeks

Hi Students - we are entering into our final two weeks of school and please don't fall behind on assignments or forget to study for your finals.
Biology will have two final exams. Your first exam will be Wednesday June 4th. This final will be a practical/laboratory final. I will ask you to preform a series of lab tasks and you will be graded on how well you preform these tasks. In addition to your lab final you will also be taking a multiple choice test. Please consult

http://www.sotacad.org/

for final schedule.


Homework
because your final is cumulative ( it covers material from september until now) you need to study. you homework this week will be to study every night for your final.

good luck!

Week of May 15th

Sorry about not putting the homework up for this week.
As you may be aware this is the last week that UCSF will be in the classroom. Thanks to Brad. Greg , and Stephen for all of your help and fun hands on labs!

Next week we will continue our discussion of the brain and sensation and perception.

Homework

This week page 193 numbers 1-24

Formal Lab Write Up for the Red Fluorescence Protein Due Monday May 19th.

Five Weeks Left

Yes! We are finished with our STAR testing and are moving on into the Brain!
This week we will be looking at actual human brains and identifying structure and function. Please come to class on time and ready to work.

Homework:
Read chapter 35 and define all vocabulary.
Answer questions 1-6 on page 905 and questions 1-5 on page 914.

April 21st

Next Tuesday starts the STAR testing and testing will take place from Tuesday till Friday. Please come to school rested and fed.
This week we have three post-doctoral fellows coming into the classroom. This will be Wednesday and Friday. Since this is a very special week homework will not reflect the weeks lesson yet a review for the STAR test. Please be on time for class.

Homework;
Re-Read Chapter 11
Answer question on page 283 numbers 1-21

homework next week

Bio Class - we are coming down to the wire with the state testing and over the next two weeks we are going to be covering ecology and leading into human body systems.

Homework Due next Friday 4/18/08
Read Pages 60- 118
Answer Questions 11-25 on page 83
11-25 on page 115

Remember the evolution project is due this FRIDAY - a short class presentation is also expected and will be graded.

lab report

there have been some questions regarding the hypothesis. yes, you are responsible for a hypothesis and remember you must make a chart showing the sequence of evolution for each of the skulls. to d this you will be using some parameters based on measurements taken during the lab. for example, if you believe that the order of evolution for each skull is based on the angle of the forehead ( more horizontal means older more vertical means most recent) then use that in your hypothesis. a hypothesis is, after all, a proposition (or a set) to explain a scientific phenomena.

Evolution Week

This week - we are finishing up our Evolution discussion with an exam on Wednesday. Friday you are going to present your evolution project to the class. If you plan on using a power point presentation or have something on the computer that you would like to project, send me the files prior to Friday. This way I'll be sure to have the program that you need.

Things to Note:
This Friday is a minimum day - 4/11
Wednesday is the Exam chapters 15, 16, 17

Homework due Friday 4/11
Evolution project
Skull Lab due - written up in Lab Book!!!

welcome back

Welcome back from Spring Break - I hope everything was very restful.

Things to remember:
Wednesday 4/9/08 Exam 15, 16, 17
Friday Evolution Project is Due 04/11



Homework
Read Chapter 17 Define all Vocabulary words

Chapter 17 and spring break

As you may know this Wednesday is a minimum day - you get out of school at 12:25. However this means that we have less time to go over chapter 17.
Spring break starts Friday at 3:10.


Things to remember:Evolution Project due April 11th
Exam on evolution Wednesday 9th - chapters 15- 16- 17

Homework: Due Friday 3/22
Read chapters 16 and 17 in text answer the following questions:pg. 413 # 1-14
443 #1-14,445 # 1-8

Evolution

Friends
we are beginning evolution theory this week and with that comes the


Evolution Project: - need info click here

This weeks Homework includes:
Chapter 15 notes - read the chapter and fill out these notes

Last Week in the 6-week grading period

Friends:
Let's study up for your three chapter test this Wednesday - March 5th. Re-read chapters 12, 13, 14 and come to a review session Tuesday at lunch in room 118. The review will be a question and answer session - you asking questions and me answering them. Come prepared with questions.

Homework this week - Due Fri 3/7
Due Friday the Formal Lab Write Up for the Gel Electrophoresis Lab. Make sure that the lab is in ink, written in your lab book. I want to see all seven sections in everyones report.

Don't forget to study for the test.
Ms. T

February 25-29th

This week we will finish up chapter 13 and 14. Please start studying for a three chapter test( chapters 12-13-14) on Monday March 3 rd (period1) and Tuesday March 2nd (period 4). If you have not yet turned in your essay on "Whether GMO need stricter controls or not" please do so ASAP. Please refer to last weeks blog for details.

After Genetic Engineering we will move on and begin our discussion on evolution.

Homework Due Friday 2/29
Read chapter 13 and 14 and define all vocabulary words.
Answer questions on page Page 337 numbers 1-14, and answer questions on page 363 numbers 1-14.

February 119th - 22

We are beginning chapter 13 this week - Genetic Engineering. We will discuss molecular biology and stem cell research, cloning, and cellular transformations. You need to read chapter 13.

Homework
Page 330 presents Issues in Biology - "Do Genetically Modified Foods Need Stricter Controls?"
Read this short article, use your class notes from our discussion on genetically modified foods and come up with a four paragraph essay that supports your position. Remember to answer the Question either - Yes, Genetically Modified Foods Need Stricter Controls or NO Genetically modified Foods Do Not Need Stricter Controls.
Provide a Reason - Detail and Fact for at least TWO reasons you give. Remember your four paragraph essay must have an introduction , body and a conclusion!

DUE: This Friday - Lab Report DNA Extraction
Due Friday - Essay on Genetically Modified Foods.

February 11th-15th

Hi Everyone:
This week we will be folding origami models of DNA, and extracting DNA from fruit cells or your cheek cells.
Wednesday prepare for a quiz on chapter 12, Friday we will be doing the Lab. You are expected to provide a full Lab Write up due on Friday 02/22. This includes the following seven sections - Title, Hypothesis, Objective, Materials, Procedure, Results, and Conclusions. All of this will be written in your hand in INK - no typed reports will be accepted. Please see the blog for the grading rubric if you have any questions.
Homework
Page 313 presents an activity for Modeling DNA replication using construction paper. Follow the instructions step by step writing down the answers to questions 1-4. Bring your models to class on Friday and turn it in with your answers.
Due- Report on famous African American Scientist.

First Week Of February

We are going to be busy with the California High School Exit Exam this Tuesday and Wednesday. Please rest and eat!
Tuesday is an early release day. Students will be released at12:25. Thursday and Friday are School Holidays. There is no school!

Homework
In Honor of African American History Month I would like each student to research a famous African American Scientist in the field of Biology or Biochemistry. I would like you to display the scientist that you found on a 8 1/2 x 11 inch sheet of paper or construction paper (larger size is OK). There are several formats you can use.

This is due Next Monday 2/11.

A Newspaper Article - write information about your scientist like you would if you were writing it for a newspaper

Resume - Make the poster in the form of the scientists resume


Picture - make a poster showing the scientists working or his/her accomplishments.


web site with ideas.

Finals Week

This week is finals week. Please rest well and study hard. I should have your finals graded by Thursday am, so please stop by room 118 to find out how you did (period 1 and 4).
If you have lost your textbook please see me now so you can pay for it and I can order you a new one for next semester. You need your textbook to complete homework assignments, reinforce what material is learned in class and provide you with a reference guide for Biology.

NO SCHOOL MONDAY January 28th - It is a day off for the Semester Break.

Homework Due 02/01/08 - Friday
Read pages 286-294
Answer Questions on page 294 # 1-4
Extra Credit DUE Feb 8th
Make a 3-D model of DNA at home with materials you find around the house. see me for details.

Helpful Study Giude for Finals!

Since finals are next week I thought it prudent to provide you with a study guide. The final is Cumulative - covering topics from the first day of school through today. The test will be 100 multiple choice and 1/2 of the exam is review material and the other 1/2 will be from mitosis-meiosis, and Mendelian Genetics. SO

Please study chapters 10 and 11 very throughly.
Review the following

Chapter 2 - Know the meaning of _Nature of an Atom, Three types of chemical bonds, Difference between solution, suspensions, pH scale, Buffers, Enzymes. Know the four types of Organic Compounds. Difference between monomer and polymer.

Chapter 7 History of the cell, Difference between prokaryotes vs eukaryotes, Cellular organelles, Know how cells make proteins, What is the cell membrane made of, How substances cross the cell membrane,

Chapter 8 Photosynthesis - where does photosynthesis take place, what chemical factors are necessary , Process of photosynthesis , formula for photosynthesis, Light dependent reaction, Calvin cycle,
Chapter 9 Cellular Respiration, Glycolysis, Formula for cellular respiration, Fermentation -two types, Krebs cycle, electron transport chain.

We will spend Friday as review.

Homework You will be allowed to bring in a 3x5 card to the final. I encourage you to make one while you are reviewing the material . YOU MUST LEAVE THE 3x5 card WITH ME FOLLOWING THE TEST.

finals

Good People:
The finals schedule has been announced and it is

Tuesday Jan 22nd 8-10 period 1
10-12 period 2
Wednesday Jan 23 8-10 period 3
10-12 Period 4
Thursday Jan 24 8-10 Make Up
10-12 period 5
Friday Jan 25 Arts Finals

Please note that Biology's final will be a cumulative final That means that you will be tested on material from the beginning of the year through the Jan 22.

Need extra help? Come to room 118 Wednesday at lunch for study preparation.


Ms. T

Welcome Back

Welcome back to school after our winter recess. These next few weeks, leading up to the semesters end on Jan 25th will be quite busy. The Biology semester final is cumulative from the beginning of the school year, so please start studying now. Finals will be given during the week of Jan 21st.

Reminder - If you haven't turned in your mitosis flip book turn it in ASAP. In addition please remember to turn your lab-book in from 12/14th lab.

Homework as usual will follow on Monday.

Ms. T