Tuesday, March 31, 2009

A Bit About Tropism

Hello Biology students!

In lab, we have been keeping a close eye on the little seedlings we "planted" in our petri dishes earlier this week. As you observe their growth, keep in mind the variables involved in the growth direction, and also how we tried to limit other variables too.

The video below offers a glimpse into what is actually going on -- take a look, and consider it in the context of the current lab. Enjoy!

Monday, March 30, 2009

"Green Sheet" Reminder

Hello Biology students!

The Chapter 22-25 LE is fast approaching, so it would be a great idea to study your "green" review sheet if you have not done so already, and ask questions about the material asap. Waiting until Thursday to look the sheet over is not a good idea, so plan accordingly!

We will be moving through the in-class portion of the material fairly rapidly, so please keep that in mind as you plan your week's schedule.

If you have any questions, please let me know!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

The Paramecium

Hello Biology students!

Today, you became fairly acquainted with the tiny organism called paramecium. This "cute" (your classmate's words, not mine) organism is a great example of a ciliated protozoan that exhibits simple structure and behavior, but is oddly complex at the same time.

Below is a video of the paramecium taking in nutrients in the form of a stained yeast. If you have the option, press the "HQ" button on the menu to view the clip in higher quality.

Pay specific attention to what happens after the food has been in the paramecium's system for a little while. What do you notice? What would explain this change?

Think about it, and I'll ask you for your answer tomorrow in-class. Good luck!

PS - Please excuse the music. =)

Online Review Announcement

Hello Biology students!

We will be holding another online review session on Thursday evening, March 12, beginning at 5:00 p.m. and ending at 8:00 p.m. sharp.

We will be covering the material from both chapters in a very structured form, similar to the last review led by one of your very own. If anyone wishes to participate, please make certain that you are logged into Gchat by 4:50 p.m. so that you can be invited into the group chat by start time.

If you have any questions, please let us know!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Of Exam Reviews and Extra Credit

Hello Biology students!

There will be two exam reviews held for the upcoming Ch. 18-19 LE. The first will take place in the Biology room during lunch today, and the second will be ONLINE via Google Chat (Gchat), beginning at about 6 p.m. this evening.

To access Gchat and the review, login to your Gmail account and find your contact list on the left hand side of the screen. Right-click my address, select "chat," and send me a message letting me know that you are online. I will invite you into the group chat review.

Also, regarding the extra credit Evolution vs. Creation lecture we have been planning, it has been scheduled for Thursday, March 12, at lunch time in the Biology room. Mark your calendars, and plan on being there!

If you have any questions, please let us know. Good luck with your studies!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Papers, Papers, Papers

Hello Biology students!

With an LE fast approaching, it is very important that you have all completed work in your possession, graded, and available for you to use in your studies. If you have been absent and have not received papers back during the last week or so, please visit with us immediately so that we can get you your items. Thanks!

Chapter 18-19 LE and Review

Hello Biology students!

The Chapter 18-19 LE has been scheduled for Friday, March 6. There will be an ONLINE review using Gchat, Gmail's chat program, on the evening of Thursday, March 5. Make certain that you have your Gmail account set up by then!