Thursday, November 29, 2007

cellular respiration notes

If you would like to print out the class notes already filled in click here!

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Chapter 9 and our next test

Hi Friends:

I hope that you had a restful long weekend. This week we are going to finish up chapter 9 by completing Chapter 9 notes. We will review chapter 8 and 9 next week prior to the test.
Please remember to turn in your homework from the long weekend and begin to think about how you would like to finish up this semester!!!!


Homework:

Page 225 1-5
Page 232 1-4
Start preparing for the test next Friday 12/07

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Third Grading Period

The third grading period marks the final 9 weeks till the end of the semester. I encourage all of you to make sure that you assignments are turned in on time and study!

This week is a short week, we finish up on Tuesday, NO SCHOOL on Wednesday.


Happy Thanksgiving
Homework
Read chapter 9 and define vocabulary terms. Due the first day back from vacation!


Ms.T

Monday, November 12, 2007

Starting Capter 8 Photosynthesis and Respiration

Hi

I'm pleased to announce that Science Nite has been rescheduled for this Wednesday November 14th, starting at 5:30 and will continue until about 7pm. The event will be similar to last year with a pot luck supper from 5:30 and a kick off demonstration at 6pm. Families are welcome. If you come I will also give you extra credit for coming and helping us out. I'd love to see all Academy Students at this event.

Homework for this week includes:
Chapter 8 notes, I would like to see your notes in outline form. It will give me a chance to see how you take notes while reading a text book.
Laboratory Write up on the "Osmosis and the Egg" lab. This week we will open up our eggs to see what has passed through the egg's semipermeable membrane.

Sunday, November 04, 2007

First Week Of November!!!!

Hold on tight cause we are going going to start running through chapter 8 - Respiration, Photosynthesis and Osmosis!
This week you will be given your very own egg - after all it is a single cell AND the largest one!

We will be looking at the properties of semi-permeable membranes using these eggs!

Unfortunately, due to middle school tours I will not be in class this Wednesday - I will sadly miss you all!

Click here to download classroom power point presentation on photosynthesis!

HOMEWORK! Due Friday Nov. 9th. - No School Monday Nov 12th.
Read Chapter 8 define vocabulary and answer questions
Page 203 1-4
page 207 1-4
Notes For Chapter 8 - I want to clooect and grade your chapter 8 notes.Due Friday Nov 16th.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

End Of October

Hi Folks:

We are ending October with showing your cell projects to the class on Wednesday and the display of the project at Science Nite this Thursday.

This week we will be going over cellular organelles and I'll be grading your cell projects and the presentation. Friday of this week we will be taking a small quiz on cellular organelles and more lab work with microscopes.

Homework for Friday will be from chapter 7.
Page 197 numbers 1-10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20.

Ms. T

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Chapter 7 study notes

Hi Folks:

If you are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of chapter 7 click here for study notes.

Please keep in mind that study notes are made to help you go through the chapter - without having to write down every detail. I hope these help.
thanks


Ms. T
Remember your homweork is due on Friday (see Mondays post) and both parts of the cell project are due next Wednesday.

Monday, October 22, 2007

October's Fun is Almost Gone!!!

Hi
I hope everyone has been working hard on their cell project - remember it's due Next Wednesday 10/31.

Your Formal Lab Write up from last Friday's lab is due this Wednesday. Please see me if you have any questions.

Homework:

Due this Friday - Chapter 7 page 189 question 1-6
pg. 193 1-4



Monday, October 15, 2007

Decomposing Food In Class



Here are some decomposing Mac Donald's French Fries that Ms. Cussary purchased on 10/09. we are all watching the fuzz grow. Come to Science Night on Nov. 1st to witness these jars in person!!!


















This is a Mac Donald's hamburger bought on 10/09. We placed t in a jar 10 hours later. What do you see?









This is a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich Made one week ago. Let's watch it
decompose!!!!

This is one week of decomposition for the school hamburger. Cna you see anything growing?

Come to science nite on Nov. 1st to see the rest!

Cells!!!

This week we will begin our 6 week study of the cell. The first two weeks will be spent in chapter 7, unit 3. We have a cell project due in two weeks - this is a work at home project and please read the following post carefully!!!

Homework due 10/19
If you have not completed the vocabulary for chapter 7 please do so.
Section 7-1 questions1-4
Section 7-2 questions 1-4
Section 7-3 question 1-4

Please see me immediately of you missed last week's liver lab and need to make up. If you have not turned in your homework or your lab you need to do so as soon as possible.
Ms. T

Cell Project - Coming soon

Cell Project Biology Trusso

This project has two parts – Each part is Due Oct. 31st -2007. You will present your project to the entire class on the 31st (Nov 1st 5th period).




PART I - Cell. Brochure

You will choose a cell ( *please see below) and provide a minimum 10 page brochure that should be organized in the following way, with the following five chapters.

Table Of Contents
1) History
Type and History of the cell of your choice. Include, information about its discovery (who, what , where, when , why, how).

2) Function
Explain the function of your cell and WHY it is important - answer the question “Why Should I Care?”

3) Organelles
The cellular organelles this cell uses. Include at least 10 – please define and state why they are necessary to the survival of your cell.

4) Poem
My cell is like: - Create a Poem about your cell. Poem must be at least 10 lines. Remember, the more similes the more thoughtful the poem will appear! Ex, My cell is like a hot air balloon…….

5) Bibliography
Provide a list of sources that you used to make your brochure. The bibliography needs to be written in APA format. (see me for more details). Use at least two sources.

This brochure should be bound and printed on colorful paper. It can be hand written or typed and it must be at LEAST 4x6 inches.

*Cell Type - You can choose a straight forward animal or plant cell or more challenging cell such as a neuron, white blood cell, or liver cell. This is YOUR choice.

PART II - 3 Dimensional Model of your Cell.

You are responsible for making a 3D model of your cell that is big enough so that I can hold it in my hands and clearly see at least 10 cellular organelles.

This model should accurately reflect your cell shape and type. It can be made out of many materials - be creative and have fun. In the past students have made cells out of -
Foam, Plaster, Paper Mache, Paper, Scuply Clay, Plaster, Buttons, strings, shoe boxes……..

Edible Cell models are also acceptable however they need to be approved by Ms. Trusso One Week before due date.

How will your project be assessed?

The book will be assessed in the following way and Part I is worth 20 points and Part 2 is worth 20 points.

The Brochure will be evaluated by the following:





CATEGORY 4 3 2 1
Writing - Grammar
4 There are no grammatical mistakes in the book. There are no grammatical mistakes in the book after feedback from an adult.
3 There are 1-2 grammatical mistakes in the book even after feedback from an adult.
2 There are several grammatical mistakes in the book even after feedback from an adult.
Content - Accuracy
4 All facts in the book are accurate.
3 99-90% of the facts in the book are accurate.
2 89-80% of the facts in the book are accurate.
1 Fewer than 80% of the facts in the book are accurate.
Attractiveness & Organization
4 The brochure has exceptionally attractive formatting and well-organized information.
3 The brochure has attractive formatting and well-organized information.
2 The brochure has well-organized information.
1 The brochure's formatting and organization of material are confusing to the reader.
Sources
4 Careful and accurate records are kept to document the source of 95-100% of the facts and graphics in the brochure.
3 Careful and accurate records are kept to document the source of 94-85% of the facts and graphics in the brochure.
2 Careful and accurate records are kept to document the source of 84-75% of the facts and graphics in the brochure.
1 Sources are not documented accurately or are not kept on many facts and graphics.


Presentation to the class will also count for 4 points a total of 20 points.




3D Modeling


CATEGORY 8 6 4 2
Scientific Knowledge
8 Explanations by all group members indicate a clear and accurate understanding of scientific principles underlying the construction and modifications.
6 Explanations by all group members indicate a relatively accurate understanding of scientific principles underlying the construction and modifications.
4 Explanations by most group members indicate relatively accurate understanding of scientific principles underlying the construction and modifications.
2 Explanations by several members of the group do not illustrate much understanding of scientific principles underlying the construction and modifications.
Design
8 Design represents the cell accurately. Is colorful and interesting.
6 Design is similar to the cell. The design is interesting.
4 Design is somewhat like the cell and the object could be more attractive.
2 Looks nothing like the cell and could be more creative in design

Presentation to the class will count for 4 points for a total of 20 points.

Part I and Part II = 40 points

Things to note:

You may work with a partner. Groups of more than two are not allowed.

You may work with people in your class only.

This project involves preparation outside of class. If you choose to work with a partner
make sure you live close to each other to work at each others houses, exchange phone numbers email information.
o make sure that you can work with this person, you won’t get into a big fight
o YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL WORK DUE ON OCT 31ST, EVEN IF YOUR PARTNER DOESN’T SHOW UP TO SCHOOL.

See me with all questions as soon as they arise!!!!!

Friday, October 05, 2007

Opps!

I'll try to post to micrograde this weekend!

End of First Grading Period

Hi
Today marks the end of the first grading period. Please keep in mind that this is only a progress report not an actual grade. This grade will not be on your transcripts.

This week we are going to be studying the effects of enzymes in a lab as well as classroom notes.
The Ca standards addressed this week are 1-b

Homework this week
Due Friday 10/12 Laboratory Experience - Catalase Lab - answer all questions associated with this lab.
Text Book - read chapter 7 and define vocabulary words.

Sunday, September 30, 2007

End of the Six Week Grading Period

Hi Folks:

This Friday marks the end of the first six weeks. Can you believe it we made it through the first six weeks! This Friday we will be celebrating with our fist EXAM. Chapters 1 and 2 will be tested.
You will be able to use your notes during the 50 question multiple choice and one essay test.

This score will be added to your end of the first six week score.

Homework
Please study for our first test by reading the first two chapters and you can practice by doing the following:
Page 57 11, 15,16,17,18,19,22,24,25

Monday, September 24, 2007

End of Grading Period - Oct. 5th

Hi

This week we are looking into the polar nature of water as found in chapter 2. Please be prepared to read and answer questions in chapter two this week. If you did not turn in your lab report last Friday you need to see me to discuss this matter.

Homework:
Read chapter 2 answer questions 1-10 on page 57 and questions 1-10 on page 59.

Dates to remember
This Fri 9/28 Picture Day
Wed and Thursday Oct 3 and 4th Exam Chapter 1 and 2.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

How to write a lab report and more

Hi Folks
This week we are going to go over the steps you need to use to write a proper lab report.
Please bring all the data from Friday's Measurement Lab to class. We are also going to finish the discussion of Chapter 1 and move on to Chapter 2 Wednesday.
I have prepared study notes for Chapter 1.


Click here to download the Chapter 1 study notes.
Click Here to download the notes for chapter 2.

Monday Morning at 7:30 I will be hosting a metric review. ALL students are welcome to attend. You may make up the Metric Quiz and I will average the grades. You can do this as many times as you like by the 5th of October.


This week I hope to begin Chapter 2 and have the exam for chapter 1 and 2 Wednesday October 3rd.
Remember This Tuesday THE 18TH, is and Early Release Day, that means School is OUT at 12:30.

HOMEWORK - Due Friday 9-21
Formal Lab Write up on Measurement Lab due Friday 21st. Read Chapter 2 and submit chapter notes.

Sunday, September 09, 2007

Week three!

HI Folks:

This week we will begin using our textbooks. Your also going to be designing your own experiment this Friday in a laboratory experience. We will be going over emergency procedures again!

We will start with chapter 1 in the text and proceed to chapter 2.

Homework Read Chapter 1
Due: Friday Sept. 15th, chapter 1 vocabulary words defined. Chapter 1 page 32 questions 30, 31, and writing in science. Please provide a paragraph explaining your experiment!

Reminder
Safety contracts and behavioral contracts are due signed.

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Wednesday

hi folks:
as a reminder Back To School is Wednesday September 5th at 6pm. Here is the schedule.
BTS Night
6:00 Talk in Auditorium
6:45 Arts Departments meet (SOTA); 6th period (Academy)
7:00 Arts Departments continue (SOTA), 7th period (Academy)
7:15 1st period
7:32 2nd period
7:49 3rd period
8:06 4th period
8:23 5th period
8:35 Dismissal

Homework

Due this Friday the 7th, a graph showing the heights of your classmates. this needs to be in centimeters showing a title, axises, mean ,median and mode.

Reminder:
Signed parent contracts are due as well as safety contracts.

Monday, September 03, 2007

Back to School Night

HI

This Wednesday the Academy is hosting a Back To School Night for all families. The event starts at 6pm. Parents will be going from class to class following the same schedule as their children.
Teachers will be explaining what will be happening in classrooms for the up-coming school year.
Please Plan on Attending.

Wish List
Biology is in need of the following items:

paper towels
hand soap
disposable gloves
big roll of butcher block paper
drawing supplies ( colored markers, pencils and sharpies)
meter sticks

Homework
Due Friday 9/7 a graph showing the height of students in your class, with the mean , median and mode.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

start of school

Hi Folks:
Once again a new school year is upon us. This is a very exciting time as you can decide for yourself how you would like this year to be for you. What type of student would you like to be this year? What sort of changes can you make in your study habits today that will effect your grades and success in school.

Here is the start of the school year information

class syllabus and information

safety contract

How to keep a legal scientific notebook