Today we finished discussing Chapter 8.1. We learned that the energy in our bodies is in the form of ATP - adenosine triphosphate. We learned how that energy is released. We identified that the products of photosynthesis are the reactants needed for cellular respiration and the products of cellular respiration are the reactants needed for photosynthesis. Next week we will look in much more detail to the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

Homework: Due Monday Oct 1 - Science Notebook pages 78-80

Today we took the Chapter 7 Test - most said they think they did well. You will find out tomorrow. After the test, we began taking notes on Chapter 8 - Cellular Energy!

Homework: NONE - relax!

Today was spent reviewing for the Chapter 7 test that is tomorrow (Thursday 9/27). We watched a video which reviewed the Cell Theory development and the main points of the cell theory. The video also reviewed the main organelles and their functions. After the video, we took a pre-test to help us determine how and where to focus our studies tonight. It also will contribute bonus points to your test tomorrow based on how well you did. After the pre-test, we played BINGO to help review.

Homework: Tests tomorrow on Chapter 7

Today we finished the Sad Salad Lab. After the lab, we reviewed hypotonic, hypertonic and isotonic solutions and how cells act in each solution. Tell your parents how pickles are made and the biology behind the process.

Homework: Study for test on Thursday -Chapter 7. Take time tonight to review. There may be a pre-test on Wednesday which can earn you points on your "real" test Thursday!

Today we reviewed the cell and its functions. We then continued learning about diffusion and osmosis. Two labs were conducted, one that demonstrated diffusion and the other osmosis. Tomorrow we will finish the lab on osmosis by looking at the results of the carrots soaked in either freshwater or saltwater.

Homework: Science Notebook Pages 70 - 75

Today we learned the parts of the microscope and the functions of each part. Then, we "played" with some sand that was hydrophobic to demonstrate how the non-polar phospholipid tails are repelled by the watery environment inside and outside of the cell membrane. We continued learning about transport through the cell membrane via passive and active transport.

Homework: Due Monday 9/24 - Cell Model Project, Article #1

Today we reviewed the homework from Tuesday. After reviewing old material, we moved forward and began learning about transport through the cell membrane.

Homework: If done early and turned in tomorrow, 5 extra credit points will be given on the cell project.

Reminder: article review due on Monday!

Today there was a sub. A movie was watched with a viewing guide and then the viewing guide was reviewed in class. After the movie, the class worked on Anatomy of the Cell worksheet.

Homework: Due Thursday SN pages 64-69

Today we learned the proper way to carry and use a microscope. We learned how to calculate magnification as well as prepare wet slides.

Homework: Science Notebook Pages 64-69 Due on Thursday

Today we learned about the Cell Theory and the plasma membrane. There are several components to the plasma membrane that contribute to its functions. We made models of plasma membranes with various food items to help us visualize the membrane.

Homework: Read Lab 5 in you lab book and complete the Pre-Lab Discussion questions on page 35.

We spent the day finishing the organic chemistry lab and it was turned in.

Homework: you can be reading your article and writing your summary or you can begin the cell model project or both:)

Today we had the test over Chapter 6. After the test, I introduced a Cell Model Project for this chapter. The instructions and rubric were handed out in class and we went over them. I showed some examples of Cell Models from previous years. The Cell Models are due on Monday Sept 24. If they are turned in on Friday Sept 21, you can earn extra credit points.

Homework: you can be working on your article review or begin your cell project

Today we conducted the Organic Molecule lab. We did not finish. My plan is to finish the lab on Friday when we are back in room 219. Tomorrow is still the BIG chemistry TEST over all of Chapter 6 - 60 pts.

Homework: STUDY!!!

Today we continued learning about macromolecules and their importance to living organisms. Tomorrow we will conduct a laboratory investigation in which we identify whether a substance is a carbohydrate, lipid, protein or nucleic acid. After the lab we will review for the test on Thursday.

Homework: Review and begin preparing for BIG Test on Chapter 6 - this Thursday!

Today we began class with an extended DiveIn question. We analyzed a scientific experiment and identified the control, independent and dependent variables. I introduced your 1st quarter project - you must read 3 scientific articles and write summaries of each this quarter. Due dates are posted on the blog. Then we broke into groups and researched various macromolecules. Each group was responsible for one type of macromolecule. Information was shared by using a white board to explain the macromolecule assigned.

Homework: Due tomorrow: SN 59-61, bring lab book tomorrow

Today we took the quiz on basic chemistry. After the quiz, we began discussing the major elements that make up living organisms and completed a quick coloring activity of the elements.
An introduction to organic molecules was given - the proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids. We watched a video on macromolecules and then took a quick quiz (not for a grade) to see how much we learned today.

Homework: Have a safe weekend!

Sorry this got up late - Internet connection issues.

Today we reviewed basic chemistry, including enzyme activity!
We played a review game to help us prepare for the quiz tomorrow.

Homework: prepare for quiz on basic chemistry tomorrow 6.1, 6.2, 6.3

Today we took notes on chemical reactions and learned about enzymes. We learned that enzymes will help to speed up chemical reactions. After notes, we conducted an enzyme lab in which we looked at the effects of fresh, canned and frozen pineapple on the ability of gelatin to gel.

Homework: Complete enzyme lab if not finished during class

Welcome Back from Labor Day Weekend!

Today we continued with reviewing chemistry and ended with conducting a pH lab.

Homework: finish pH lab