Today we learned about radiometric dating. Radiometric dating is different from relative dating because one can actually determining the exact age of a rock layer using radiometric dating. At the end of class, we started watching "How the Earth Was Formed"

NO homework!

For the Dive In today, we practiced a short response OGT question. I will score them so that we can review them and learn how to improve our short answer responses. Today we learned about fossils. We learned how they form and the different types. We also learned how to use relative dating to determine the age of fossils.

Homework: worksheet on relative dating

Today you took the Chapter 13 test. From here on out, we will be on the "macro" level. We will no longer be looking at the cell and the happenings in the cell. We will be studying fossils and how the Earth formed next.

Homework: Complete worksheet on section 14.1

Today we identified a criminal in a forensics science investigation. Arrest Warrants were issued and the criminals sent to prison. DNA fingerprinting was the method of identifying the criminals. After arresting the criminals, we reviewed for the next test which is tomorrow.

STUDY for Chapter 13 test tomorrow!

Today we watched a video called "Clone Age". After watching the video, the assignment was to create a public service announcement either for or against cloning. Use the information provided in the video to support your argument.

Homework: Clone Age Response

Next Tuesday is Chapter 13 Test

Today we finished chapter 13. We learned about DNA fingerprinting and gene therapy.

There will be a test next Tuesday!

NO homework

Today we spent the day studying genetic engineering and the associated vocabulary. We also took some time to look at the pros and cons of genetically engineering the food crops we grow.

Homework: Genetic Technology puzzles (double sided)

Today we learned about genetic engineering. We learned how geneticists take DNA from one organism and insert it into another organism for a desired result.

Homework: study the genetic engineering technique and the vocabulary

Today we began learning about genetic engineering. The simplest form of "genetic engineering" is through selective breeding and inbreeding. A test cross is used to determine the unknown genotype of an individual. At the end of class we continued watching the video started on Friday.

Homework: Chapter 13.1 Assessment Questions 1-6

Today there was a substitute. Chapter 12 test was taken and then a movie was watched.

Today we wrapped up Chapter 12 by extracting DNA from strawberries. We were able to actually see something that is microscopic when in its individual form.

We spent a few minutes reviewing for the test which is tomorrow.
I have posted the review guide on the blog to right.

Homework: STUDY!

We spent the day finishing Chapter 12. We learned about different mutations and how some can be more damaging than others. Tomorrow we will actually view DNA - the genetic information stored in the nucleus of strawberries. We will then review for a test which will be on Friday.

Homework: finish crossword puzzle and vocabulary review worksheet

Begin studying for test which is on Friday!

We spent today working on DNA replication, transcription to mRNA and translation to an amino acid sequence.

Homework: complete Breaking the Code worksheet from class - due tomorrow

We spent the day practicing protein synthesis. We worked with board magnets which illustrated how protein synthesis occurs. We were able to manipulate the DNA, mRNA and tRNA to show the process.

Homework: complete protein synthesis booklet and explain protein synthesis to parents - have them sign the homework sheet indicating you explained protein synthesis to them!!