Sunday, September 28, 2008

Welcome to Chapter 3

Hello Biology students!

Congratulations on completing the Chapter 2 Learning Experience! Now, we move on to Chapter 3, which covers basic Ecology. Exciting stuff!

We will be moving more quickly through the material, now that we will be testing over multiple chapters at a time. So, be ready to pick up the pace, and keep up with the reading as best as you can!

Good luck!

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Study Material [REMOVED]

Hello Biology students!

***MATERIAL REMOVED***

Take a look at the images below (you may need to rotate our head and click them for a larger view =P). They are pictures of the worksheets and lab work that we completed for the current material, and will prove very useful in your studies for tomorrow's exam.

And please remember how to identify the types of molecules we covered in Chapter 2. Here's a quick list of what to look for when doing so:

Carbohydrate: Hydrogen to Oxygen ratio of 2:1
Lipid: Hydrogen to Oxygen ratio greater than 2:1
Amino Acid: A group with a Nitrogen bonded to two Hydrogens (NH2)
Nucleic Acid: A Nitrogenous base and a Phosphate group
Organic Acid: A COOH group

And don't forget about identifying the monomers of polymers too.

Good luck! And if you have any questions, email them asap!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Calendar Posted

Hello Biology students!

In the right column, you will see a calendar that lists the items we will be engaged in during class on any specific day this week. It mimics what you see on the board in the classroom daily and should be consulted regularly.

This way, there should be no surprises when you arrive to class and you will know exactly what to prepare for. Good luck!

Monday, September 15, 2008

Extra Credit Opportunity

Hello Biology students!

Here is another extra credit opportunity for those of you in Biology I.

Find an article that answers the question, "How can jojoba help save the sperm whales?" Read the article, print, and bring it to class. It is due on the last day your class meets this week!

These are some easy points, so EVERYONE should take part.

Good luck!

Biology Period 2 Grades

Hello Biology students!

The display issue regarding period 2's grades is resolved, and items should start appearing on Net Classroom at any moment. Check your grade to make sure that it is accurate!

Friday, September 12, 2008

Update

Hello Biology students!

A quick update on the issue with Net Classroom: we are still working to combine the grades that were separated into two different categories for Period 2. Until that issue is fixed, your test scores will not be posted. I am confident the problem will be resolved before we start again on Monday.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Walking on Water

Hello Biology students!

Here is the incredible video we saw in class today showing a lizard walk (run) on water. Think about the adaptations that allow it to do so, along with the important properties of water (Hydrogen Bonding, etc.) that also help it along it's way. Enjoy!

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

When Chemicals React

Hello Biology students!

Below is an episode of Mythbusters, where Hindenburg models are put through tests of flammability based on their gas content and outer layer materials (pay close attention to these!). Watch how they differ in terms of the explosive reactions they produce.

Feel free to skip past unrelated segments, or to watch the entire episode if you wish.

Monday, September 8, 2008

The Anatomy of an Atom

Hello Biology students!

Below is a great web page that summarizes well the anatomy of an atom. Give it a look while you study section 2.1 in our textbook.

THE ANATOMY OF AN ATOM

Chapter 2 is Upon Us

Hello Biology students!

Congratulations on completing your first Biology exam of the year! We hope to have the tests graded and returned to you as soon as possible. If you are one of those who attended the football tournament this past weekend, please don't forget to take your make-up exam, so that we can congratulate you too!

We begin Chapter 2 on Tuesday, and will cover basic Chemistry topics including the atom and the basic types of chemical bonds. As you read through the chapter, keep in mind the style and format of the Chapter 1 exam, and consider it wisely as you take in the new material to set yourself up well for the next LE.

Again, congratulations, and if you have any questions, please let us know!

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Chapter I Review

Hello Biology students!

Linked below is a very condensed review of the Chapter I material. It contains items I am hoping you have already looked at, and serves only as a minor refresher as you wind your studying down before tomorrow's exam. Also, keep in mind that it only contains a small amount of textbook material; lab material can be found in previous posts and in the assignments you received back on Friday.

Good luck with the rest of your studying!

CHAPTER I REVIEW

Instructions for Operating a Microscope

Hello Biology students!

Follow the link below to view instructions on how to operate a microscope. This is material you have already seen, but it would be a good idea to review it once again as you prepare for your exam. Good luck!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPERATING A MICROSCOPE

Friday, September 5, 2008

Microscope Anatomy

Hello Biology students!

Below is an image worth noting--the anatomy of a microscope is something you should be familiar with for Monday's exam. Make certain that you not only know the location of each item on the scope, but that you know the function of each item as well. Also, keep in mind that the microscope in the image and those that we use in the laboratory differ slightly (the location of the fine adjustment knob, for example). Good luck studying!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Syllabus Posted

Hello Biology Students!

If you look to the column at the right, under the heading "Class Documents," you will notice that the syllabus is now available for your viewing pleasure. It is also linked in this post below. Please take a look at it so that you are familiar with classroom policies.

BIOLOGY I SYLLABUS, 2008-2009

Extra Credit - Bioethics

Hello Biology students!

You first heard about this EC opportunity in class yesterday, and here is just a quick reminder of what it is:

You are to find an article about a recent bioethical issue and outline one pro and con argument for the topic discussed. To receive full credit, each argument must be complete, type-written, and turned in with a copy of the article stapled to it.

This EC assignment is due on Thursday. Good luck!

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

This Week's Schedule

Hello Biology students!

I hope that you enjoyed our extended weekend!

This week, we will be performing three light laboratories, the first of which you already completed earlier today when we completed the exercise on random sampling. The second will coincide with your extra credit assignment on Bioethics, and will take place tomorrow (Wednesday). And finally, the third will be completed at the end of the week, when we take a close look at microscopes.

And please, don't forget about the Chapter 1 exam next Monday. Notes will be made available online Wednesday evening, so be sure to check back for those accordingly.

Good luck studying!