Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Today we reviewed the Chapter 7 Test. After reviewing the test, we learned how ATP provides energy for our cells. The ATP/ADP cycle. We then moved onto Photosynthesis - the basic workings of the process.

Homework: Photosynthesis worksheet

Monday, September 29, 2008

Today we took the Chapter 7 Test - Cellular structure and function. We are moving into Cellular Energy. How does the cell acquire its energy needs and what does it need energy for anyway? We distinguished between autotrophs and heterotrophs - a flashback from integrated science. Another flashback: The Law of Conservation of Energy!

No homework! Extra Credit deadline: Friday 10/3

Friday, September 26, 2008

Today we spent half the class looking at the analogies everyone came up with for their projects. Nice Job! We also reviewed for the test which is on Monday. A study guide for Chap 7 was given out so that you can focus your studies.

Have a good weekend! - Study!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Today we finished the diffusion lab and took notes on active transport. In class we began working on a cellular membrane packet of review.

Homework: Plasma membrane packet, concept map worksheet

MONDAY - Test over Chapter 7

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Today we finished the Gummi Bear Osmosis lab and began set-up for another osmosis demonstration.

Next Monday, 9/29, there will be a test over Chapter 7

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Today we continued with the Gummi Bear Osmosis lab. After the lab, we took more notes on osmosis and diffusion. We learned what happens to cells when they are placed in isotonic, hypotonic and hypertonic solutions. At the end of class, we watched a short video on osmosis and diffusion.

Homework: Cell Analogies project due tomorrow!!!

EXTRA CREDIT - Deadline next Friday 10/3

Monday, September 22, 2008

Today we finished making the cell membrane models. After construction, we took notes on diffusion and osmosis. At the end of class, we set-up a Gummi Bear Osmosis Lab.

Homework: Work on Cell Analogies Project!

Friday, September 19, 2008

Today we made models of the plasma membrane using various materials to represent the phospholipid heads, phospholipid tails, cholesterol, carbohydrates and transport proteins.

Homework: How Cells Operate worksheet - Due Monday 9/22

Cell Analogies Project - Due Wednesday 9/24

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Today we:
*took notes on the plasma membrane
*watched a video - Mystery Through the Lens - about the use of microscopes to solve forensic cases

Homework: Bring book tomorrow! Due Friday Section 7.2 Assessment Questions 1-4 Pg.190

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Today we finished the microscope lab. I introduced the Cell Analogies Project. We took notes on the Cell Theory.

Homework: NONE!

Monday, September 15, 2008

Today we learned more about the microscope and how it works. We conducted a microscope lab and learned how to make wet mounts and use the microscope properly. We will finish up the lab tomorrow.

Homework: Read section 7.1 and answer questions 1-4 on page 186 (Section 7.1 Assessment)

Friday, September 12, 2008

Today we took the test over Chapter 6. After the test, we worked on identifying microscope parts and determining functions.

Homework: Microscope worksheet

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Today we finished the Organic Chemistry lab. After the lab, we reviewed for the test tomorrow. The test is 75 points so STUDY. You have your last quiz to study and the Chapter 6 Review guide. Also, you have your notes, the book, the text book website and other handouts to study.

STUDY FOR TEST! Test tomorrow!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Today we went over the chemistry quiz from yesterday. After going over the quiz, we conducted a lab. We learned how to test substances to determine if they are composed of protein, lipid, or carbohydrates.

Homework: bring goggles again so that we can test an unknown substance, begin analysis questions from the lab

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Today we took the Chemistry quiz. After the Chemistry quiz, we had presentations on the four macromolecules of life.

Homework: NONE - But bring goggles tomorrow!!!

Monday, September 8, 2008

Today we reviewed section 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 for a quiz we are having tomorrow. The quiz is 30 points. After review, we broke into smaller groups and researched macromolecules. Today white board presentations were generated and will be shared with the class after the quiz tomorrow.

Homework: Study!!!

Friday, September 5, 2008

Update for: Thursday 9/4

Today we reviewed the functions of enzymes. We saw a video which introduced the most important elements to living things and the molecules they come together to form. We spent part of the class identifying the elements essential for life and what percent of living organisms they make up.

Homework: Chapter 6 Chemistry Review Sheet: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 (not 6.4 yet)

Reminder: Quiz on Tuesday 9/9 - basic chemistry

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Today we learned about activation energy and the role enzymes play in chemical reactions. Enzymes are biological catalysts which help to speed up the rate of chemical reactions. We went to the library today and conducted a virtual lab on the lap top computers. The lab compared the concentration of substrate and pH on enzyme reaction rates.

Homework: Analysis questions from the virtual enzyme lab.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Today we continued to review chemistry. We reviewed covalent and ionic bonding. We also distinguished between endothermic and exothermic reactions. We also reviewed The Law of Conservation of Matter - balancing equations. We explored the pH of various household items and reviewed the pH scale.

Homework: Page 155: 1, 3, 4
Page 165: 1, 3, 4