Winter Break

Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday Season filled with joy; hoping everyone is keeping safe and warm. And just when you find you have nothing to do remember your science teacher that thought it might be a good idea to assign some work in the Regents Review Book on Mitosis/Meiosis.
When we return its off to a quick start with mid-terms just a couple of weeks away-so rest up and come back ready :)))

Staying Steady

It's hard to believe that we've finished another marking period and on our way to another; January 29th is the end of the 3rd marking period. I want to take this opportunity to say that most of you are doing a great job: I'm thrilled at the level of participation in class. Those of you who are not pleased with your progress- it's not too late to dig in. You are aware that myself and Mr. G are available during study halls and after school on Tuesdays.
I want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season and if needed you always are welcome to contact me at lisa.englert@rochester.rr.com or by cell phone.

End of the Second Marking Period - Friday, December 4

Just a quick reminder that this Friday, December 3rd is the end of the second marking period!

For Periods 4 and 6, the Photosynthesis Assessment is due tomorrow!

For all classes, Part B of the Making Connections Lab as well as any missing assignments are due by the end of the week in order for them to count toward your grade for this marking period.

Please talk to Mrs. E or Mr. G as soon as possible if you need any help or if you have any questions!

Periods 4 and 6 - Cellular Respiration Assessment

Just a reminder to all students in Periods 4 and 6 - your assessment for our cellular respiration unit in due Tuesday, November 24th. If you have any questions or need any help in preparing your project or gathering necessary materials, please talk to Mr. G as soon as possible. Remember, you need choose only one of the four options for your assessment.

Good luck - I look forward to seeing your work on Tuesday in class!

Class Update

All classes have finished their study of DNA structure and replication, RNA structure and transcription, translation, and protein synthesis. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE TALK TO MRS. E OR MR. G FOR ADDITIONAL HELP!!!


Students will begin study on energy production in cells via glycolysis, fermentation, and cell respiration tomorrow.


We are approximately halfway through the 2nd marking period - be sure to keep up with your work and/or make an effort to make up any missing assignments as soon as possible!

Reminder - Test on Wednesday!

Just a reminder to all classes that our unit test on DNA and DNA Replication is on Wednesday - don't forget to study!

Extended Day Program

Just a reminder to students that Extended Day programs begin this week after school! Mrs. E will be available at the following times:

TUESDAYS: Make-up missed lab investigations/AIS

THURSDAYS: Environmental Science (local credit)

Please take advantage of either or both of these opportunities if you need additional help!

Week of October 26

This week, students will begin the study of DNA and its structure, organization, and role in the cell and organisms.

If students are missing work (classwork, homework, or labs), it is their responsibility to set up a time with Mrs. E or Mr. G to come in and complete the assignments - let's get off to a great start this marking period and keep it going! Students can utilize study halls or come in after school to make up any missing work.

"Never give in! Never give in! Never, never, never, never - in nothing great or small, large or petty. Never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense." ~ Winston Churchill

Lab Work

On Thursday, October 22 and Friday, October 23 the students will be completing two laboratories to help reinforce understanding of enzymatic activity and its application to everyday situations.

Thursday: Students will be exploring the activity of catalase by using hydrogen peroxide and examples of plant (carrot, potato) and animal (liver) cells.

Friday: Students will predict, observe, and explain the role of enzymes in laundry detergents and the removal of stains.

Tuesday, October 20

Today in Living Environment:

Period 2:

• Completed notes - B9: Chemical Compounds and Enzymes

Period 4:

• Completed notes - B8: Dehydration Synthesis and Hydrolysis
• Worked on Chemical Compounds review worksheet - if you have not yet completed this assignment, finish it tonight and turn it in tomorrow for credit!

Period 6:

• Completed notes - B9: Chemical Compounds and Enzymes

Period 9 (double block):

• Completed notes - B9: Chemical Compounds and Enzymes

This week students will be working on two laboratory investigations pertaining to enzymatic activity.

New Marking Period!

With the new marking period starting yesterday, let's all make a conscious effort to get ahead and stay ahead! Make sure assignments are completed on time and turned in, participate actively in class (it will make the experience more enjoyable, I promise!), and ask for help if you have questions or need further explanation - we're here to help you succeed!

That being said, students should have completed the following assignments:

All Classes:

• Diffusion Through a Membrane Student Lab Answer Packet
• Section 2-4 Chemical Reactions and Enzymes worksheet
• pg. 49 Vocab and p. 53 questions 1-4

Period 4 students should also complete the Chemical Compounds review worksheet and turn it in on Wednesday.

The Macromolecules Chart worksheet that was started in the computer lab last week can be completed and turned in anytime before Friday, October 23 for extra credit.

Macromolecules

1. All classes should be studying the notes B8 Macromolecules
2. Those classes that went into the computer lab to work on-line: worksheet will be graded as an extra credit assignment for the 2nd marking period
3. HW is section 2.4 p. 49 define the vocabulary words
p. 53 #1-4
Also explain how pH and temperature affect enzymes?
4. All classes will be studying the main proteins of enzymes

Wednesday October 14th

I will be out of the classroom accompanying the seniors to a career/college fair. All classes are either completing the questions to the NYS Diffusion Thru a Membrane lab or copying all answers onto the Final Student Answer Sheet that gets handed in for credit.
*Thursday Binder Check
*Friday end of 1st marking period

NYS Diffusion Thru A Membrane Lab

All classes are working on the 1st of 4 NYS Regents Labs: Diffusion Thru A Membrane
We are in various stages of completion and will be finishing up by Thursday the 15th.
Of note: the end of the marking period is Friday October 16th and a binder check will take place in all classes on Thursday the 15th.
Make sure your binder is up to date by checking the Assignment Log in the classroom.
Have a wonderful and safe (long) weekend and I'll see everyone on Tuesday :)

Wednesday, October 7

With the end of the marking period quickly approaching, students who are missing work and/or would like to raise their grade should make arrangements with Mrs. E or Mr. G to use available study halls and free periods to stop by to pick up missed assignments and/or complete projects, classwork, tests, and labs.

REMEMBER: Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential ~ Winston Churchill

Tuesday, October 6

Today we discussed the Kingdom Protista and some of the organisms which comprise this diverse group:

• ameoba
• paramecium
• euglena

Students should be able to identify the means by which these organisms obtain nutrients, locomote in their environments, and reproduce.

HOMEWORK - Questions #1-5 on page 198 in the textbook due tomorrow!

Studying for the Cell Exam

All class will be taking a cell unit exam on Monday, October 5. To study for this exam, Thursday and Friday classes will either be:

• creating a cell model with items brought from home
• going into the computer lab to complete an interactive study guide using CellsAlive Website.

Use materials provided in class as well as those posted on the blog to help you prepare!

Online Quizzes and Animations

If you are looking for some more preparation for Friday's test, here are a couple online quizzes that can help you!

http://www.biology4kids.com/extras/quiz_cellorgan/index.html

http://www.biology4kids.com/extras/quiz_cellintro/index.html

If you are looking for some cool animations of animal and plant cells, visit:

http://www.cellsalive.com/cells/cell_model.htm

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/begin/cells/insideacell/

Also let Mrs. E or Mr. G know if you would like more help!

All Classes - Tuesday, September 29

Today in class we continued our study of cellular organelles and structure.

REMEMBER!

1. Cell project begins tomorrow! Don't forget to bring in items that you can use to represent cell parts (rice, pasta, buttons, string, etc...)
2. Test on cells and organelles on FRIDAY!

Terms to know (be able to identify each on a diagram and recognize its function)

1. Nucleus
2. Cell wall
3. Mitochondria
4. Vacuole
5. Nuclear membrane
6. Chloroplast
7. Endoplasmic reticulum (rough and smooth)
8. Golgi bodies
9. Chromosome
10. Cytoplasm
11. Ribosomes
12. Cell membrane

Friday September 25th

Retakes-only those students who have arranged for a retake (or original) will be getting them whether its in your study hall or after school with me (Friday until 3pm)

Period 2: Completing Microscope Lab #3; beginning cells (structure/function; plant vs animal)
Period 4: B5 Cells
Period 6: Completing Microscope Lab #3; beginning cells (structure/function;plant vs animal)
Period 9: Complete Microscope Lab #3

HW Due Monday All Classes:
p. 173 #1,2 and 4
p. 174 define structure and function of all vocabulary terms

*** If there is anyone who is without a textbook, please see me on Friday so I can have one issued to you (no excuses for not completing assignment by Monday)

All Classes

Tomorrow we will be working on a Microscope Lab (#3) Make sure you in class!!
Make arrangements to retake the exam. I will need your name, date and where you will retake written on a sheet of paper- your study hall teacher will have it in their mailbox(es)

Period 9 - September 23

Today in 9th period we:

• Warm Up: Microscope Vocabulary
• Returned Classification Unit Tests and reviewed answers - if you missed the test and need to take it or wish to retake it, please make arrangements with Mrs. E
• Introduced blogging!

Period 6 - September 23

Today in 6th period we:

• Warm Up: Microscope Vocabulary
• Returned Classification Unit Tests and reviewed answers - if you missed the test and need to take it or wish to retake it, please make arrangements with Mrs. E
• Introduced blogging!

Period 4 - September 23

Today in 4th period we:

• Warm Up: Microscope Vocabulary
• Returned Classification Unit Tests and went over the answers - if you would like to retake the Classification Unit Test, please talk to Mrs. E or Mr. G
• Introduced blogging!
  

Period 2 - September 23

Today in 2nd period we:

• Warm Up: Microscope Vocabulary
• Returned Classification Unit Tests and went over the answers - if you would like to retake the Classification Unit Test, please talk to Mrs. E or Mr. G
• Introduced blogging!

Periods 2, 4, 6, and 9 - September 21, 2009

Don't forget - Unit test on Classification is tomorrow, Tuesday, September 22nd.

Topics will include:

• The 7 levels of classifications (Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, species)
• Binomial Nomenclature
• Dichotomous keys
• The 5 Kingdoms (Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia)

Be sure to study your class notes (B3), the Kingdoms "clover sheet," and in-class activities.

Feel free to post any questions you might have about the material!