Today we worked on monohybrid crosses. We completed a lab in which we created a Marshmallow Reebop. We were given mother and father chromosomes and randomly picked chromosomes from each parent to make the offspring. We determined the genotype and phenotype of the offspring and of each parent. Next class we will work on dihybrid crosses.

Homework: Bikini Bottom Genetics Worksheet #2 - Due Thursday 11/1

Today we took the 1st quarter exam. Remember, your score on this exam will be averaged into the 2nd quarter exam that you take in January. The average of these two exams will be reported as your semester exam grade.

Homework: NONE!

We spent the day reviewing information for the quarter exam tomorrow. Remember this is an Exam. If you are absent, you must speak with Sr. Joanne about making it up.

Good Luck and study tonight!

I handed out a review guide for the quarter exam which is next Tuesday. Spend at least an hour each day this weekend studying and preparing for Tuesday.

We worked on monohybrid crosses today during class.

Homework: Correct monohybrid problems and study for exam.

Quarter Exam - Tuesday 10/30

Today we reviewed the new vocabulary from Chapter 10. More notes were taken from section 10.2. We learned about Mendel's 2 Laws: The Law of Segregation and the Law of Independent Assortment. After notes, we conducted a lab on determining probability of offspring from a cross between two heterozygous parents. We determined that a Punnett square is a reliable way to predict the possible offspring from a genetic cross.

Homework: Genetic Problem Worksheet

Reminder: Quarter 1 exam is Tuesday 10/30

Today we learned about Mendelian genetics. We were introduced to a lot of new vocabulary: homozygous, heterozygous, dominant, recessive, allele, genotype and phenotype - to list just a few.

Homework: The Simple Genetics Worksheet

Reminder: Tuesday 11/30 is your first quarter exam!

Today we compared mitosis and meiosis by completing a lab. We manipulated pipe cleaners, which represented chromosomes, during a simulated cell division.
After the lab, we began learning about Mendelian Genetics.

Binders were collected today as well as P&R Passes.

Homework: Study for 10.1 quiz which is tomorrow!

Today we reviewed meiosis and watched a video which showed meiosis occurring.

Homework: Due Tuesday 10/23 - Binder check and P&R Pass collected for 1st quarter

Quiz -Wednesday 10/24 - Chapter 10.1 - meiosis

Next week - Tuesday 10/30 - Quarter #1 Exam

Today we learned about how sex cells are formed. We learned why sex cells have to have half of the number of chromosomes that normal body cells have. There are two stages of meiosis, meiosis I and meiosis II. Two divisions are needed so that the number of chromosomes remains constant from generation to generation. We also learned that crossing over of the homologous chromosomes during prophase I increases genetic variability.

Homework: Science Notebook Pages 98-100, Article #3 - Due on Monday!

Today we spent most of the class discussing stem cell research. A lot of differing opinions were discussed during class. It is a controversial topic. You had an opportunity at the end of class to write an opinion on stem cell research.

Homework: NONE!

Today we reviewed and then took the test over Chapter 9. After the test, we worked on a worksheet that discussed the factors which cause cancer and some preventative measure which can be taken to reduce the risk of cancer.

Reminder: Tomorrow is a school wide testing day - no classes!

Today was a short class due to Mass with the Bishop. We reviewed Chapter 9 - cell cycle, mitosis and control of the cell cycle. A 50 point test will be tomorrow. You should minimally know why cells have to be small, the steps of the cell cycle (interphase, mitosis, cytokinesis), the steps of mitosis (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase) and what controls the cell cycle (cyclins and CDK). You should also know what carcinogens are and how genetics can contribute to cancer. Understand what apoptosis is and what stem cells are.

Homework: Prepare for Test Chapter 9

Today we reviewed that phases of mitosis. We watched an animated video of mitosis which described the activities of each phase. After the review, we went to the library and conducted a Virtual Lab in which we compared the tissue of normal cells to that of cancerous tissue. We learned that the cells of cancerous tissue spend more time dividing that normal tissue - this is why the tumor grows so rapidly.

Homework: Science Notebook Pages 94-96

Looking ahead: Tuesday 10/16 - Test Chapter 9
Monday 10/22 - Article #3 Due
Tuesday 10/23 - Binders Due and P&R pass
Tuesday 10/30 - 1st quarter Exam!!!!!!

Today we reviewed why cells are small, the cell cycle and the phases of mitosis. We then took notes on section 9.3 - the cell cycle and cancer. We learned what happens when the cell cycle goes wrong - cancer!

Homework: NONE! - Review the phases of Mitosis - don't wait to cram!

NOTICE: Look to the right of this box to see the new access code for the online book.

Today we reviewed the three reasons cells maintain a small size. We reviewed the cell cycle: interphase, mitosis and cytokinesis. Then we learned about the activities that occur during mitosis: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase. We took a field trip to the gym where we acted out mitosis on the basketball court. Hopefully this visual representation of each phase helps you to remember what happens at each phase.

Homework: prepare 5 flash cards (one for each phase) which includes a drawing of the cell in the phase, the name of the phase and a list of activities which occur in the phase.
5 Phases: Interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase

Today we took the Chapter 8 test on photosynthesis and cellular respiration. After the test, we began Chapter 9 - Cellular Reproduction.

Homework: NONE

Today we spent the day reviewing for the Chapter 8 test which is tomorrow.

Homework: STUDY!

There was a substitute today and the classes were short due to the Pep Rally in the afternoon. A video on Cellular Respiration was seen and a viewing guide was completed. After the video a worksheet was to be completed looking at the effects of temperature and amount of sunlight on the rate of photosynthesis.

Homework: Due Monday 10/8 - Article Review #2

Reminder: Tuesday 10/9 will be the test on Chapter 8

Today we completed two worksheets which summarize the steps of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. We also conducted a lab that demonstrates how plants take up carbon dioxide from their environment.

Reminders: Article Review #2 due on Monday

Next Test: Chapter 8 next Tuesday

Homework: Due tomorrow: Science Notebook Pages 84-86

Another tough day! We watched a video reviewing energy and photosynthesis prior to the quiz. After the video we took the quiz on Photosynthesis - all did fairly well. After the quiz, we learned all about cellular respiration. We made another foldable to help us learn the three steps in cellular respiration. What is the importance of oxygen???

Homework: finish foldable and review cell resp. tonight

Tough day today --- we learned in (semi) detail the two steps of photosynthesis. We started by reviewing ATP and then learned the new information oh photosynthesis. After notes, you transferred the information to a foldable review guide to help you study. Cellular respiration is next, the other matabolic pathway!!


Homework: QUIZ tomorrow on the steps of photosynthesis. Study tonight - explain the steps to your parents.

I was out today a substitute was there in my place. Today a video on Photosynthesis was watched with a viewing guide. Handed out was a summary sheet on photosynthesis. With the help of the sheet and your book, you were to complete a study guide sheet.

Homework: Due Tuesday 10/2 - SN pages 81-83