Mr. Cantor's Biology Blog

Second Semester Begins with CELLS!

2012-01-26T07:41:00.000-08:00

What are cells? Who discovered them? Why do they matter? What are they made of? How do they work? What happens when they don't work right?

These are all questions we will be investigating during our Cells unit.

We're starting out with the film "The Cell - The Hidden Kingdom" which shows how cells were first discovered in the 1600s. The website for the film is http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00m425d and you can watch it in 10 minute chunks on YouTube here or you can search for "The Cell The Hidden Kingdom." (the YouTube link will not work in school because CPS blocks YouTube, but you can watch it outside of school.)

The Cell - The Hidden Kingdom - photo from BBC website.

It traces the work of Antony Van Leeuwenhoek, Robert Hooke, Robert Brown, Joseph Lister, Theodore Schwann, Matthias Schleiden, Rudolph Virchow, Luis Pasteur, Robert Remak and others as they discovered that all living things are made of cells and that all cells come from other cells.

Van Leeuwenhoek's single lens microscopes were the most powerful for over a century after his death.
image from bibliodyssey.blogspot.com/2008/08/early-microscopes.html

Here is a link to Robert Hooke's book, Micrographia you can click on the links to the right of the test in the e-book to see the amazing drawings that Hooke created.

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/15491/15491-h/15491-h.htm

Hooke's drawing of the face of a housefly from Micrographia. Image from www.Gutenberg.org

Macromolecules - Lipids, Carbohydrates, Proteins and Nucleic Acids

2012-01-08T19:14:00.000-08:00

Certain types of Macromolecules (a.k.a. Big Molecules) such as Lipids, Carbohydrates, Proteins and Nucleic Acids are the building blocks that make up all cells in all living things.

These special molecules each have certain characteristics which allow them to perform unique functions in cells that, in turn, allow cells to function.

Since humans are living things which are made up of cells, our bodies must either ingest (eat) or synthesize (put together) these special macromolecules in order to stay healthy.

The following links are to articles that relate to health issues that arise from imbalances in these macromolecules.

Lipids:

When Being Overweight is a Health Problem

http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/dieting/obesity.html

Five Ways to Achieve and Maintain a Healthy Weight

http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/dieting/weight_tips.html#cat20131

Obesity in Children and Adolescents: Facts for Families
http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/obesity_in_children_and_teens

Carbohydrates:

Click on THIS LINK to see an animation about diabetes and its relationship to carbohydrates

Type 2 Diabetes: Whatis it? http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/endocrine/type2.html#a_About_Diabetes

Teens with Diabetes: Chicago Tribune
http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/sns-health-diabetes-teens-with-diabetes,0,5075500.story

Teen Diabetes: Kaboose. com
http://health.kaboose.com/kids-health/teens-wellness-diabetes.html

Building Molecules Virtual Lab

2011-12-11T18:07:00.001-08:00

Goals of the lab:
1. Understand the difference between atoms and molecules and recognize how how different atoms can come together to make various molecules.
2. Learn several new molecule names and their chemical formulas.
3. Recognize that the subscript describes how many atoms are in a molecule and that if there is no subscript that means that there is one of that type of atom in a molecule.
4. Recognize that the coefficient is a number which describes how many of a particular molecule is present.

Click on the image below to download and run the virtual molecule lab. It takes a few minutes to download and run, so be patient.

Click to Run

If clicking on the image does not work you can go to http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/build-a-molecule and click on "run now."

Have fun making lots of different types of molecules and collecting them all.

Powers of Ten

2011-11-15T17:29:00.000-08:00

This classic film shows the power of "adding a zero." It starts off looking at a one meter square picnic scene near the shore of Lake Michigan. The camera pulls back to reveal 10 square meters, than 100, then 1000 then 10,000 etc... until the viewer is at the edge of the known universe many millions of light-years away from Earth. Then the viewer gets pulled back into the picnic scene... finally into the man's skin, into a blood vessel and eventually into a carbon atom in the man's DNA.

You can watch the film at this link.

This movie is introducing our basic chemistry unit. In order for us to understand the universe and the living things in it (Bio, after all, means life) we must understand the matter of which they're made. Since all living things are made up of atoms and molecules we need to understand how these basic building blocks of matter interact.

Origins: How Life Began Movie

2011-11-09T12:44:00.000-08:00

You can re-watch the movie, "Origins: How life Began" at http://video.pbs.org/video/1978170520/
The PBS.org site will show you a couple of ads before the movie starts, but the complete movie will play once the commercials are over.

Answer the following questions about the movie.

Use the movie “Origins, How Life Began” to answer the following questions. If you need more room, use the back of the paper. Use full sentences.

1. What happened when another planet the size of Mars slammed into the early Earth?

2. According to a 17^th century “recipe” for life that includes a dirty garment and wheat, what will form in 21 days?

3. Describe the Earth as it existed about 4 billion years ago.

4. When do scientists think that life first began on Earth?

5. What are “snottites?” What are they made of? Why do scientists need to wear gas masks when searching for snottites?

6. What four chemical elements are in most life forms?

7. How did Stanley Miller try to simulate the formation of early life?

8. How could the ingredients of life have come to Earth from space?

9. How did scientist Jennifer Blank prove that amino acids could have survived the heat and pressure of smashing into the Earth on a meteor?

10. How do the bacteria (really archaea) that live deep underground survive? How often do these underground bacteria reproduce?

11. What is a “stromatalite?”

12. How long did bacteria dominate the Earth before more complex organisms developed?”

13. Write a 1 – 3 paragraph review of this movie. What do you think about this movie and the information you learned from it? How does it make you feel about life on Earth?

Six Kingdoms Classification Project

2011-10-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

Your mission is to fill out the "Six Kingdoms of Life" chart (handout). For each of the six kingdoms fill in "yes" or "no" in each column based on the characteristic listed at the top of the column.

Remember kingdoms have many different species in them so some kingdoms might have organisms that have different forms of a characteristic listed. For example in Kingdom Animalia there are both Herbivores and Carnivores, so you'd put a "yes" in both of those columns for Animalia.

While you may work together at the computers be careful to do your own work on your chart. Don't just put what someone else has because they have it... you must confirm the accuracy of your research from a reputable source (see below) rather than just from your friend in class.

In order to fill out your chart you can use information sources such as your class notes, the AGS Biology Text Chapter 15 Pp. 457-500 and the websites listed below.

The Six Kingdoms

http://www.ric.edu/faculty/ptiskus/six_kingdoms/index.htm

http://archives.microbeworld.org/microbes/types.aspx

http://biology.about.com/od/evolution/a/aa091004a.htm

http://www.earthlife.net/kingdom.html

Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic

http://www.cod.edu/people/faculty/fancher/prokeuk.htm

http://tami-port.suite101.com/prokaryotic-and-eukaryotic-cells-a32332

http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Prokaryote

http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Eukaryote

Autotroph vs. Heterotroph

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/autotrophs-and-heterotrophs.html

http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Autotroph

http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Heterotroph

Herbivores, Carnivores and Decomposers

http://www.qrg.northwestern.edu/projects/marssim/simhtml/info/whats-a-herbivore.html

http://www.qrg.northwestern.edu/projects/marssim/simhtml/info/whats-a-carnivore.html

http://www.qrg.northwestern.edu/projects/marssim/simhtml/info/whats-a-decomposer.html

Sexual vs. Asexual Reproduction

(Background) http://msnucleus.org/membership/html/k-6/lc/organ/5/lco5_5a.html

http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Asexual_reproduction

http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Sexual_reproduction

Antibiotic Resistance Animation

2011-10-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

Watch this animation to find out why we need to be careful when using antibiotics. When we use antibiotics unnecessarily or when we don't finish taking the course of antibiotics the doctor prescribes, we can actually create bacteria that are immune to the antibiotic. Click on the following link, read the page and then click on the "watch the animation." If you have speakers or headphones you can listen to the narration, if you don't have speakers or headphones click on "step-through" to read as the animation steps through.

http://www.sumanasinc.com/scienceinfocus/sif_antibiotics.html

Another very interesting video about antibiotic resistance that is affecting US soldiers in the Iraq war is viewable at this link:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/killer-microbe.html

Wanted: Dead or Alive! Bacteria

2011-10-10T18:47:00.000-07:00

Bacteria Wanted Poster Assignment:

1. Use the internet to find out what you can about one type of bacteria.

2. Give it a nickname or AKA that tells us something about it.

3. Write its "M.O." - what the police call its way of acting on the body... how does it do its thing?

4. Write 3 reasons it is either good for people or bad for people.

5. Draw one or more pictures of the bacteria

6. Draw a picture of where the bacteria can be found or what it does to people.

Some bacteria to learn about so you can pick one:

· Escherichia coli (e-coli)

· Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

· Treponema pallidum (Syphilis)

· Lactobacillus (good guy)

· Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax)

· Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough)

· Streptococcus pyogenes (strep throat and in extreme cases flesh eating bacteria aka necrotizing fasciitis)

· Or you can find another bacterium that affects people

Rules:

NO cutting and pasting from the web. All text must be in your words. At least two images must be drawn, then you may add additional images which you print out if you like.
Keep track of your sources and write them on the back of your poster – full url’s
Start poster in pencil, but add color using colored pencils, crayons or markers
e-mail me with questions at ptdworkin-cantor@cps.edu

Some places to look, but you may find your own sources as well.

http://www.bacteriamuseum.org

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/lactobacillus-000310.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/escherichiacoli_g.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_Invasive_FS.html

http://www.dhpe.org/infect/syphilis.html

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/anthrax_g.htm

http://www.bacteriamuseum.org/species/Bpertussis.shtml

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/necrotizing-fasciitis-flesh-eating-bacteria-topic-overview

Our first week

2011-09-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Cantor's Biology Blog!

We learned about each other a bit and started reviewing some basic science concepts like making hypotheses.

Remember, 1st Period Honors Bio and 3b/7b Bio have their "What is Science?" Essay due on 9/12/11. 8th Period Bio's essay will be due on 9/19/11.

If you were absent make sure you get the following:
A Biography Sheet
A Syllabus
A "What is Science?" Essay assignment sheet (8th Period bio will receive this on Tuesday 9-14)

Next we will be learning how to analyze experimental results, designing some experiments and improving our scientific observation skills.

If you have any questions you can see me after school or e-mail me any time at ptdworkin-cantor@cps.edu .

Course Evaluation

2011-06-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

Please fill out this online course evaluation to help Mr. Cantor improve the Biology course and become a better teacher.

You can find it at http://goo.gl/5UwA2

Evolutionary Events Timeline

2011-06-03T06:18:00.000-07:00

A great source for information on the various species for your evolutionary events timeline is http://species.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page which is a wiki that people are creating to attempt to catalog every species on earth.

Use the search box to find examples of various species. Type in "jawless" to find images of jawless fish. If you then click on "multimedia" when the search results come in you can see images and video clips.

You can also just search google images for various species, but wikispecies has some great stuff.

Lorenzo's Oil RAFT assignment - Due Tuesday 4-12-11

2011-04-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

Write a letter to Lorenzo's doctor.

Role - Lorenzo’s parents (Michaela or Augosto Odone)
Audience - Dr. Nikolias who put the ALD boys on the no-fat diet to see if that would help their symptoms.
Format - A business letter
Topic - Why ALD boys need to not just stay on the low-fat diet, but need to start taking “Lorenzo’s Oil” (use evidence to convince Dr. Nikolias that boys MUST start taking the special oil you've discovered.)

Use the following underlined words in your letter.

Adrenolukodystrophy (ALD)
Long Chain Fatty Acids (C24 and C26)
Lorenzo’s Oil is made of Oleic Acid (C18) and Erucic Acid (C22)
Diet
Symptoms
Myelin
Biosynthesis

The letter should be typed or written very neatly using standard English grammar. You can see instructions for and an examples of business letters at the following links.
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/653/01/
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/653/02/

You may make up the doctor's address and your own return address. Be sure to put your real name and class period somewhere on the letter, since I can't give credit to Michaela or Agusto Odone.

You can find out more about ALD at the following sites:

http://www.myelin.org/LorenzosOil/

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/adrenoleukodystrophy/adrenoleukodystrophy.htm

http://rarediseases.about.com/cs/ald/a/041301.htm

Lorenzo's Oil - Some people make their own miracles.

2011-03-30T13:56:00.001-07:00

The movie Lorenzo's oil is the true story of how one family uses science to find a way to treat their son when he gets the debilitating disease adenoleukodystrophy (ALD). The research the doctors were doing was taking too long, so Lorenzo's parents identified the problem which caused the disease and tested their hypotheses about how the disease could be treated. Boys who get ALD now use the treatment that Lorenzo's parents invented.

If you were absent during the movie you can watch it for free on HULU
http://www.hulu.com/watch/94073/lorenzos-oil

Here are a couple of obituaries of Lorenzo Odone who passed away the day after his 30th birthday... 22 years after the doctors predicted he would die.

http://neurologicalillness.suite101.com/article.cfm/lorenzo_odone_dies_at_30

http://www.myelin.org/lorenzo/

Summer Opportunities - all sorts!

2011-03-09T08:58:00.000-08:00

The following summer opportunities are in a wide range of fields including psychology, law, theater, digital video production, 3D modeling, creative writing, medicine, science and more. Please read through them and see what interests you. Some of them even pay you to have a great learning experience over the summer.

Psychology Summer Program

This summer, IIT Institute of Psychology is offering "Psychology in Everyday Life" to introduce high school students to the profession of psychology. The one week workshop will be a rich learning experience designed to help students make the connection between psychological principles and human behavior in everyday life. Students will acquire a broad array of facts about the developing child, the aging adult and everything else that occurs across the lifespan.

Cost $485 (some scholarships available)

When: June

Applications are due: May

http://www.iit.edu/undergrad_admission/psychology_summer.htm

Contact: Kristin Moriarty 312.567.3502 kmoriar2@iit.edu

Pritzker School of Medicine (YSTP)

The Pritzker School of Medicine Office of Multicultural Affairs is now accepting applications for their summer Young Scientists Training Program (YSTP). This is a 10-week summer program for up to ten outstanding minority high school students to gain experience in research, medicine, and the biological sciences. Students work in the laboratories of University of Chicago faculty where they learn basic or clinical research in the areas of diabetes, endocrinology, nutrition, obesity, digestive, liver, urologic, kidney, or blood disorders.

When June – August

Deadline March 20

Information and apply: http://pritzker.uchicago.edu/about/diversity/pipeline/ysp.shtml

Goodman Theater General Theater Studies

A FREE six-week theater intensive for students 14 to 19-year-old in the Chicago metropolitan area, General Theater Studies gives students the opportunity to learn skills from local theater professionals that are instantly applicable not only to the world of theater, but also their world at large. This summer program is designed to validate the voices of its participants, get them to examine their own potential for creativity and introduce them to all elements of the creation of theater, both on stage and behind the scenes. GTS will culminate in public presentations of an original performance created by the participants!

Cost: Free

When June – July

Applications http://www.goodmantheatre.org/Education/Programs/Theatre.aspx

Contact 312.443.5581 or email education@goodmantheatre.org

The Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI)

CSBI provides a six-week paid internship program for high school sophomores and juniors each summer. These internships take place at various banks, accounting, engineering, and law firms throughout the Loop and business districts. In conjunction with a 28-hour workweek, students attend half-day classroom seminars and workshops every week where they learn about the financial markets, attend seminars given by successful business executives, and participate in team building programs.

Eligibility Requirements:

Student must currently be a Sophomore or Junior;

Student must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher;

Student must attend either a public, parochial or private high school;

Student must be a resident of the City of Chicago;

When June - August

Deadline: March (must attend readiness workshop on April 2)

For information or to apply: www.cityofchicago.org/CSBI

Contact Debra Carson, Program Director at 312-545-7855 csbi1999@comcast.net

Project Exploration’s Discover Your Summer Guide

Discover Your Summer is a guide to summer science opportunities. It is filled with information on more than 175 programs in Chicago, the Midwest, and beyond.

All of our youth programs are free, eliminating the cost barrier that prevents low-income students from accessing dynamic out-of-school time science programs.

For information or to apply: http://www.projectexploration.org/dys/

Contact 773.834.7614 or email dys@projectexploration.org

National Bar Association Crump Law Camp

The National Bar Association Crump Law Camp was established to provide students entering the ninth through eleventh grades (between the ages of 14 and 17) with an introduction to the American judicial system. Campers will be housed on the campus of Howard University and live in a protected campus environment. The inaugural two-week camp was held at Howard University School of Law. The camp provides students with an exciting academic and social agenda, which includes field trips in the Washington, DC area. The competitive highlight of the camp is the Evett L. Simmons Mock Trial Competition. The four winners of this competition are invited to the NBA's Annual Convention. Washington, DC.

Cost: varies Free-$1400 (sliding scale)

When: July

Deadline: April

Information or apply: http://www.nationalbar.org/lawcamp/index.shtml 301-249-8355

CDC Disease Detective Camp

The CDC Disease Detective Camp (DDC) is a 5 day academic day camp for high school juniors and seniors during the upcoming school year. Campers will take on the roles of disease detectives and learn how CDC safeguards the nation's health.

When: June session and July session

Deadline: April

For more info and to apply to go http://www.cdc.gov/museum/camp/index.htm

Expressing yourself through writing: (For African Americans only)

African American Adolescent Male Summer Literacy Institute (AAAMSLI)

The African American Adolescent Male Summer Literacy Institute helps connect young black males to literacy as a possible way out of violence and poverty. Students read and write about their plight and issues affecting their generation, while learning valuable life skills. "The institute focuses on using a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts as tools to support African-American adolescent males to write about the multiple contexts that shape their lives". The institute features reading, writing, spoken word and mentoring to help nurture the next generation of socially conscious readers and writers. Five young males will be selected for a two-day trip to Harlem in August, and have their writings critiqued by Walter Dean Myers.

Cost: Free (students paid a $150 stipend)

When: July, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

Where: UIC Reading Clinic, 1040 W. Harrison St. (L268 - level)

For more information about UIC, please visit www.uic.edu

http://aaamsli.blogspot.com/

Contact: Alfred W. Tatum, Ph.D. Director of the UIC Reading Clinic/Associate Professor (312) 413-3883 atatum1@uic.edu

African American Adolescent Female Summer Literacy Institute (AAAFSLI)

See above, but for females 11-17 yo

Contact: Lynette Danley ldanley@uic.edu at 312-996-4508 (office)

The summer academy at DePaul – Media, digital video, 3D digital animation

This is a week long program held at DePaul University's Loop campus for High school students. They will receive hands-on instruction using the latest equipment and technology and will be taught by faculty from DePaul's School of Cinema and Interactive Media with real world experience. Areas of focus will include digital cinema production, 3D computer modeling and animation for games and cinema and computer game development. This intensive week-long session will provide motivated students with a valuable educational experience as well as an advantage in today's competitive world of college admission.

Cost $750

Deadline: June 1st

When: July

http://www.cim.depaul.edu/summeracademy/

Information contact: gocdm@cdm.depaul.edu

The High School Summer Institute at Columbia College

This is an intensive non-residential 5-week program for creative high school students that have completed their sophomore, junior, or senior year of study who want to immerse themselves in the visual, media, and communication arts.

Students spend the summer exploring their ideas, developing the technical skills that bring their ideas to life, and earning college credit while they’re at it. High School Summer Institute students study with the same working professionals and scholars who teach Columbia’s undergraduates. Students also hone their craft in Columbia’s state-of-the-art facilities—film and video production and post-production studios, photography labs, animation labs, graphic design labs, dance studios, concert halls, theater stages, radio station, recording facilities, art studios, performance spaces, television studios, and more.

When: July – August

Application Deadline: June

http://www.colum.edu/Admissions/hssi.php

Water intoxification: Hold your wee for a wii contest

2011-03-04T13:03:00.000-08:00

Take a look at this short MSNBC news story about Jennifer Strange and her death by hyponatremia.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16614865/ns/us_news-life/

This link describes the sports medicine concern with hyponatremia that occurs in athletes who sweat a lot during an event, and then drink large amounts of water. Jennifer was not sweating like an athlete, but her body reacted in a similar way.
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/hydrationandfluid/a/Hyponatremia.htm

CBS News also did a story a few days later explaining a bit more about the consequences for the people who worked for the radio station.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/18/national/main2369761.shtml

It turns out that the DJs were joking about a person who died from water intoxication two years prior to their Wii contest... so they knew it was dangerous. The radio station was sued by Jennifer Strange's family and had to pay them quite a bit. The following article from the LA Times newspaper gives the details.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/10/jury-awards-16-million-in-radio-prank-that-left-sacramentoarea-woman-dead-.html

Bacteria: WANTED DEAD or ALIVE - Due March 15th

2011-03-04T09:25:00.000-08:00

Wanted Poster

Bacteria Wanted Poster Assignment:

1. Use the internet to find out what you can about one type of bacteria.

2. Give it a nickname or AKA that tells us something about it.

3. Write its "M.O." - what the police call its way of acting on the body... how does it do its thing?

4. Write 3 reasons it is either good for people or bad for people.

5. Draw one or more pictures of the bacteria

6. Draw a picture of where the bacteria can be found or what it does to people.

Some bacteria to research and then pick one:

· Escherichia coli (e-coli)

· Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

· Treponema pallidum (Syphilis)

· Lactobacillus (good guy)

· Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax)

· Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough)

· Streptococcus pyogenes (strep throat and in extreme cases flesh eating bacteria aka necrotizing fasciitis)

· Or you can find another bacterium that affects people

Rules:

NO cutting and pasting from the web. All text must be in your words. At least two images must be drawn, then you may add additional images which you print out if you like.
Keep track of your sources and write them on the back of your poster – full url’s
Start poster in pencil, but add color using colored pencils, crayons or markers
e-mail me with questions at ptdworkin-cantor@cps.edu

Some places to look, but you may find your own sources as well.

http://www.bacteriamuseum.org

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/lactobacillus-000310.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/escherichiacoli_g.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_Invasive_FS.html

http://www.dhpe.org/infect/syphilis.html

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/anthrax_g.htm

http://www.bacteriamuseum.org/species/Bpertussis.shtml

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/necrotizing-fasciitis-flesh-eating-bacteria-topic-overview

Mitosis = Somatic Cell Division

2011-02-21T11:42:00.000-08:00

Mitosis is the process of cell division for eukaryotic cells found in multicellular organisms. All cells come from existing cells and mitosis is how most cells divide. The only eukaryotic cells which do not divide by mitosis are sex cells a.k.a. gametes a.k.a sperm and egg cells.

The following links are to sites which can help you understand how mitosis works. The sites combine images, text and animation. Look at each site to best understand how the process works.

http://www.cellsalive.com/mitosis.htm

http://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio104/mitosis.htm

http://www.johnkyrk.com/mitosis.html

http://www.sumanasinc.com/webcontent/animations/content/mitosis.html

Identifying microscopic organisms

2011-02-08T06:21:00.000-08:00

Use the following links to help identify the various microorganisms you have found in your "pond" water samples.

This page some images and descriptions that will help you identify organisms you may find in our pond water. http://www.microscope-microscope.org/applications/pond-critters/pond-critters.htm

These other links may also be helpful if you don't find what you need on the first page.

http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/indexmag.html?http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/wimsmall/smal1.html

http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/index.html?http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/pond/index.html

Macromolecule Project

2011-01-02T18:37:00.001-08:00

Macromolecule Links – You may use these as a starting point in your research. Be sure to write down the information in your own words after you take notes on several sources about your topic. You may also do searches on Google, Yahoo, or other search engines, but you must keep track of all sources and beware of plagiarism.

General:

http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetailsKids.aspx?p=335&np=284&id=1431

http://biology.about.com/library/organs/bldigestoverview4.htm

http://biology.about.com/od/molecularbiology/ss/polymers.htm

http://bcs.whfreeman.com/thelifewire/content/chp03/0302002.html

http://www.ehow.com/about_5208931_types-biological-macromolecules.html

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/pyramid/index.html

Proteins

http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetailsKids.aspx?p=335&np=284&id=1431#3

http://kidshealth.org/kid/nutrition/food/protein.html

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/protein/index.html

http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/P/Proteins.html

http://www.lifeclinic.com/focus/nutrition/protein.asp

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002467.htm

http://www.cem.msu.edu/~reusch/VirtualText/proteins.htm

http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/food/protein.htm

http://www.historyforkids.org/scienceforkids/chemistry/organic/protein.htm

http://www.dnaftb.org/dnaftb/15/concept/

Nucleic Acids

http://www.chem4kids.com/files/bio_nucleicacids.html

http://library.thinkquest.org/C004535/nucleic_acids.html

http://www.chem4kids.com/files/bio_dna.html

http://www.dnaftb.org/dnaftb/15/concept/

http://www.dnaftb.org/dnaftb/19/concept/index.html

http://www.dnaftb.org/dnaftb/39/concept/index.html

http://www.visionlearning.com/library/module_viewer.php?mid=63

http://www.historyforkids.org/scienceforkids/biology/cells/dna.htm

Lipids

http://pcos.about.com/od/losingweight/a/lipids.htm

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/fats-and-cholesterol/index.html

http://chemistry.about.com/od/lecturenoteslabs/a/lipids-introduction.htm

http://library.thinkquest.org/C004535/nucleic_acids.html (click on “lipids”)

http://www.lifeclinic.com/focus/nutrition/fat.asp

http://library.thinkquest.org/18755/nutrition/lipids.shtml

http://www.ehow.com/about_5456036_lipids.html

http://www.ehow.com/about_5402465_elements-found-lipids.html

http://www.ehow.com/about_5435763_foods-lipids-found.html

Carbohydrates

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/carbohydrates-full-story/index.html

http://library.thinkquest.org/C004535/nucleic_acids.html (click on “sugars”)

http://library.thinkquest.org/18755/nutrition/carbohydrates.shtml

http://chemistry.about.com/od/biochemistry/a/carbohydrates.htm

http://biology.about.com/library/weekly/aa040501a.htm

http://www.lifeclinic.com/focus/nutrition/carbohydrate.asp

http://www.lifeclinic.com/focus/nutrition/sugar.asp

http://www.indoorclimbing.com/carbohydrates.html

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art5698.asp

Observation Assignment for 4th Period Biology Due 9/21/10

2010-09-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

On loose-leaf paper to turn in:

Title centered at top of paper: Observations
Full heading in upper right corner
            Full name
            Biology    period #
            Date

Make 20 observations outside or at home.
4 with each sense (4 obs. X 5 senses = 20)
At least 10 must be quantitative – please label the quantitative observations with a “QUAN”.

First Assignment Due Wed. 9/15- Period 1 and Period 4 Biology

2010-09-13T18:30:00.000-07:00

Your first assignment in biology is to read Chapter 1, Lesson 1 from the AGS Biology textbook. It is just a few pages, but the real assignment is taking Cornell Notes on what you read in your AVID binder.

Here is a link to a page with an audio version of the AGS textbook so you can listen as you read if you like.

Here is a link to a site about Cornell Notes in case you need a reminder of how to do them. Remember, the "Note Taking Area" on the right is where you write down ideas, vocabulary and examples from what you read. The "Cue Column" is for you to write main ideas and questions that relate to the material you have in your notes. When you are done you should write a 1-2 sentence summary of what you learned in the "Summaries" part on the bottom.

Did AIDS start in monkeys? Did chicken pox start it chickens?

2010-04-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

How do diseases which start in one species "jump" to another species? How do people get a flu which started in chickens? Scientists at the University of Chicago and the Field Museum are using DNA to trace how diseases like AIDS and SARS pass from one species to another.

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/04/field-u-of-c-studying-how-disease-jumps-from-animal-to-man.html

Genetics - How parents pass down traits to their offspring

2010-04-13T06:24:00.000-07:00

We're learning about how offspring inherit traits from their parents.

AGS Chapter 10 Lessons 1, 2 and 3 give a great explanation of the basics.

Your assignment is to take notes on those 3 lessons IN YOUR IBN and then do the lesson review for those 3 lessons on separate paper to turn in.

We are also using the site, "DNA From the Beginning" www.dnaftb.org to get into more depth and to learn from the excellent animations on the site.

Cells

2010-03-10T13:55:00.000-08:00

Go to our audio page to listen to the "These are the Parts of a Cell" song. You can listen there and refresh your memory about what different cell organelles do.

Another great resource for all things cell, is the Cells Alive website.

Macromolecule Project

2010-02-17T08:03:00.000-08:00

We are researching Lipids, Carbohydrates, Proteins and Nucleic Acids and then presenting what we find to the class.

Go to the Biology Links page to find the template for the PowerPoint presentation as well as the research sheet, if you need it.

Lorenzo's Oil RAFT Letter assignment

2010-02-08T12:53:00.000-08:00

Remember, RAFT stands for Role, Audience, Format and Topic.

Your Lorenzo's Oil RAFT assignment should be set up as follows:

ROLE: Lorenzo's Parents
Audience: The doctors who are working on ALD
Format: A business letter
Topic: Why ALD boys should go off the proscribed diet and start taking "Lorenzo's Oil"

A business letter is written in "block style," so rather than indenting for paragraphs, you need to skip a line between paragraphs. Be sure to include the date, the salutation (Dear Fred,) and the signature at the end.

A good example of a business letter can be found on Purdue University's web site.

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/653/2/

Here is a sample letter to the ALD doctors to get you started:

02/09/10

Dear Doctors,

We are the parents of a boy named Lorenzo. He has a rare disorder called adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). As many of you know, this disorder leaves the body unable to break down big fat molecules, either ones the body makes itself or ones that enter the body through food. The diet that many of you are prescribing is not working. We want to tell you why ALD boys need to go off the diet and start taking “Lorenzo’s Oil.”

We think the diet you are prescribing is not working because…. (explain how removing fats from the ALD boys’ diets is causing their bodies to create more of the harmful long chain fatty acids like C24 and C26)

Lorenzo’s Oil is made of Oleic Acid (C18) and Erucic Acid (C22)….(explain that Lorenzo’s oil prevents the body from creating extra long chain fatty acids like C24 and C26)

We know that you are trying to help ALD children, but we believe the diet is harmful and that the oil we have developed... (Thank the doctors for taking the time to read the letter and ask them to take action.)

Sincerely,

Agosto and Michaela Odone
Washington, D.C.

Lorenzo's Oil - Some people make their own miracles.

2010-02-02T09:07:00.000-08:00

Black History Month Essays due Feb. 15

2010-01-25T13:38:00.000-08:00

When most people think of the word "scientist" the image which comes to mind is not usually of a woman, an African American or a Latino. There are actually many notable scientists who aren't white men.

For those of you who want to enter the Black History Essay competition, I urge you to think about writing about a great African American scientist.

Take a look at the following links to explore more about some of these amazing people who make our world a better place.

Percy Julian
Percy Julian was a great African American scientist with ties to Chicago.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/julian/
The official PBS Nova Percy Julian page. You can watch the show online, find out facts about Julian, and find links to other sites with information about Percy Julian.
http://www.pbs.org/previews/nova_forgottengenius/
The PBS NOVA preview page with a good summary of the Forgotten Genius show about Percy Julian

Sites about Vivian Theodore Thomas, the African American carpenter (yes, carpenter) who first figured out how to do open heart surgery.
https://webfiles.uci.edu/mcbrown/display/thomas.html
http://medicalarchives.jhmi.edu/vthomas.htm

Info about the HBO movie about Vivian Thomas staring Mos Def – Rent the movie and see if you want to write about this amazing innovator.
http://www.flixster.com/movie/something-the-lord-made

The website and video page of Neil DeGrasse Tyson, the astrophysicist in the NOVA movies about the formation of the Earth we watched in biology.
http://www.haydenplanetarium.org/tyson/
http://www.haydenplanetarium.org/tyson/watch

Website with listing of many African American scientists
http://www.black-scientists.com/home

Black History Month website about African American inventors
http://inventors.about.com/od/blackinventors/u/BlackHistoryMonth.htm

The Faces of Science – a university site highlighting African American scientists
https://webfiles.uci.edu/mcbrown/display/faces.html

Site listing notable African American physicists
http://www.math.buffalo.edu/mad/physics/physics-peeps.html

Site listing notable African American astronomers and astrophysicists.
http://www.math.buffalo.edu/mad/physics/astronomy-peeps.html#AST%20PEEPS

Chemistry of Biology

2010-01-11T15:07:00.001-08:00

We're exploring the chemistry of biological processes.

Homework:
Vocabulary lists and review questions for AGS Chapter 2, Lessons 1 and 2 are due on 1/11 (a) and 1/12 (b).

Follow these links to learn about basic chemistry:

Matter http://www.chem4kids.com/files/matter_intro.html

Atoms http://www.chem4kids.com/files/atom_intro.html

Elements http://www.chem4kids.com/files/elem_intro.html

And a great animation to a song about all the elements: http://www.privatehand.com/flash/elements.html

Origins: How are scientists figuring out how the Earth formed, and how life began on it?

2009-12-17T12:31:00.000-08:00

Some of the most cutting edge science of our time is attempting to uncover the origins of the Earth and life on it.

The PBS TV show NOVA did a 4 part series about this research.

In class we watched "The Earth is Born" and "How Life Began."

You can watch some clips on the NOVA/Origins website at

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/origins/

If you need to make up the assignment you can read the transcripts of the programs at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/transcripts/3111_origins.html .

What do you think about the ideas in these shows? Are there better explanations of how the Earth came to be? How do you think life began? What evidence do you base your beliefs on? Is evidence important when considering such questions?

Science Fair Winners

2009-12-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

Here are the winners from my Biology classes. Congratulations!
Once all the projects from all the Biology and Chemistry classes are judged, perhaps one of our classmates will be going on to the Area science fair at IIT, the Illinois Institute of Technology and then on to the City science fair at the Museum of Science and Industry.

Per 4

Izamar Ramirez

Dennise Rendon

Evelyn Diaz

Per 5

Amelia Alvarez

Nancy Mendiola

Sigfredo Cortez

Per 8

Jocylen Baldarrama

Mario Fernandez

Alisia Lilliebridge

Raquel Guardiola

Science Fair !!!! Papers Due 11/20, Presentations Due 11/24

2009-11-02T08:28:00.000-08:00

Use the link on the upper right of this page to get to "Cantor's Science Fair Page" for copies of the Science Fair Proposal Sheet, the Science Fair Paper Guide and Rubric, the Science Fair Paper Template, and the Science Fair Board Layout sheet. You can download these documents and print them out if you lost the one I passed out in class.

If you use these documents you will do great on your paper and presentation.

There are also links to science fair ideas for those of you who are having a hard time coming up with one.

How do Viruses work? - A video from National Public Radio

2009-10-26T08:27:00.001-07:00

This video is from npr.org's health page. It is a good demonstration of how viruses work.

Science Fair !!!! Papers Due 11/20, Presentations Due 11/24

2009-10-22T06:09:00.000-07:00

Homework for next class is to bring in 3 ideas you have for science fair projects. Remember, it should be something which interests YOU! If you are having trouble coming up with ideas click on the link at the upper right side of this blog to get to my Science Fair Page.

Test coming up - 10/30 (a-day) and 10/27 (b-day)

2009-10-20T18:14:00.000-07:00

Study AGS Chapter 1 as well as all the notes and activities we've done in our Interactive Biology Notebooks (IBN's.)

Part of your studying involves reviewing Chapter 1 from AGS. You need to turn in the Chapter 1 Review (Pp. 27-29). Answer all 25 questions and be sure to write all questions and write out all answers. Answer the critical thinking questions in full sentences. Due Thurs. 10-22 (b-day) and 10-26 (a-day). If you don't know any answers FIND THEM IN THE BOOK - most are "right there" questions or "think and search" type questions.

Use the review sheet you received in class to make sure you are studying all the topics. This test will be CLOSED notes so you need to memorize important terms and be sure you UNDERSTAND the ideas we've discussed them so you can apply them.

In case you don't have your review sheet, here is the info from it.

Terms and topics to know – All were in our book or covered in class lecture or activities:

Observation

Quantitative, Qualitative, Subjective, Objective

Biology

Organisms

Cycles of Life

Energy Cycles Growth Cycles

Conservation of energy Reproduction

Energy transformation & Heat DNA

Cell

Evolutionary Cycles Ecological Cycles

Evolution Ecology

Species and Speciation Ecosystem / Ecologist

Extinct Stimulus

Adaptation

Environment

Scientific Method –

Theory

Experiments –

Experimental Group, Control Group

Independent Variable, Dependent Variable

Purpose

Hypothesis

Materials and Procedures

Data and Data Analysis

Data Tables (reading them carefully)

Graphing (which graph to use and how to do it well)

Bar

Line

Pie (Circle)

Writing Conclusions and Communicating Results

Measurement using the Metric System / SI

millimeters, centimeters, meters, kilometers

milligrams, grams, kilograms

milliliters, liters, deciliters

Calculating Velocity distance ÷ time = velocity d/t = v

Calculating Mean mean = sum of all values / number of values

Plant Growth Data - for those who didn't finish their graph in class

2009-10-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

Here is the plant growth data we were graphing in class.

Plant-----Week one------ Week two------ Week three ------Week four

A ---------10.5 cm ---------10.3 cm ---------10.0 cm --------- 9.5 cm

B -------- 10.9 cm ----------11.5 cm ---------12.3 cm ---------12.5 cm

C -------- 11.0 cm ----------11.5 cm ---------12.5 cm ---------13.5 cm

When you do your graph be sure to label the X and Y axis with the variable and units. Also create a title which includes both variables in the experiment. For example, "How_____ affects _______."

Reading Assignment Chapter 1, Lessons 3 and 4

2009-09-29T09:02:00.000-07:00

DUE 9/30/09 (a-day) and 10/01/09 (b-day)
(4th period students had time in class to do this when the sub was here on Monday 9/28, but it must be turned in on 9/30)

Reading assignment in Biology is from our AGS "Biology: Cycles of Life" book.

Read Chapter 1, Lesson 3 on pp. 10-13
Answer questions 1-7 and question 9 and 10 on p. 14.

Read Chapter 1, Lesson 4 on pp. 17-21
Answer questions 1-10 p. 22.

Write out the questions and fill in the complete answer for the fill-in-the-blanks and multiple choice questions, and write the question and answer in complete sentences for the critical thinking questions.

You can click on the link to the audio version to this textbook on the upper right corner of this page. You will be able to listen to the book as you read along.

Reading Assignment Chapter 1, Lessons 1 and 2

2009-09-23T13:31:00.000-07:00

DUE 9/28/09 (a-day) and 9/29/09 (b-day)

Your first reading assignment in Biology is from our AGS "Biology: Cycles of Life" book.

Read Chapter 1, Lesson 1 on pp. 1-3
Answer questions 1-7 and question 9 on p. 4.

Read Chapter 1, Lesson 2 on pp. 4-8
Answer questions 1-7 and question 10 on p. 9.

Write out the questions and fill in the complete answer for the fill-in-the-blanks and multiple choice questions, and write the question and answer in complete sentences for the critical thinking questions.

You can click on the link to the audio version to this textbook on the upper right corner of this page. You will be able to listen to the book as you read along.

How to send an e-mail to a teacher - REALLY!

2009-09-21T16:50:00.000-07:00

In your high school career you are beginning to communicate via the internet with your teachers. It is crucial to follow some basic guidelines when you do this for a couple of reasons.

First, your teachers are busy people (as are most students) and e-mail should be a tool which makes their lives easier rather than more difficult.

Second, and more important, your e-mails are a projection of your professionalism. Get used to writing professional e-mails so you are taken seriously by teachers, college professors, peers, employers, and others you think should take you seriously.

1. Write a subject line that tells the reader what the e-mail is about. For email about classes, include the class name and period in your subject line.

Don’t: SUBJECT: (don't leave it blank or put something like "hi")

Do: SUBJECT: Question about observation assignment Hon. Bio. Per. 5

2. Sign the e-mail with your full name and your class and period number. Many students have e-mail addresses which don’t include their name, and remember that teachers have about 150 students so be sure they know who you are!

Don’t: seeya J ;-)

Do: Sincerely, Juan Gonzalez, Hon. Bio. Per. 5

3. Write in a professional manner. Use standard capitalization and punctuation. Use your computer’s spell checker and proof-read your email before you send it. Remember, using ALL CAPITALS is like YELLING in an email.

Don’t: yo mr c wazup wat u giv 4 homwurk 2day

Do: Hi Mr. Cantor. I am absent today because I’m pretty sick. Can you please e-mail me any notes from class and our assignment? I’ll be sure to bring a note from my grandma so my absence is excused.

4. Only send appropriate emails. Please don’t forward chain letters or other Spam. Please don’t send joke or “inspirational” e-mails unless they relate to our class. Many chain letters are urban myths. Before you feel the need to forward the message about a new computer virus or free laptop giveaway, check http://snopes.com/ to see if it is true or not. Also, I don’t “friend” current students on Facebook, so please don’t send a friend request until you graduate from NGHS.

i.e. I’d love to see a clean and school appropriate joke or cartoon about evolution that involves Charles Darwin and Sigmund Freud bungee jumping, but I don’t want to see any joke that might be mean, racist, sexist, obscene, rude, offensive, or otherwise irrelevant to our class.

5. If you send a paper or other assignment to a teacher learn how to send it as an Attachment. Name your file something that makes sense and is unique to your paper.

Don’t: biologypaper.doc (every student might name it this)

Do: JuanGonzalezSciFairBioPer05.doc

The computers at school can’t read “.docx” and other unusual file types. Always use “save as” to save your document as a .doc or a .rtf file before attaching. If you can’t do that, you can copy and paste your document into the body of your e-mail, assuming it isn’t too long and full of graphs etc.

6. If you don’t have internet access at home there are other options:
1. Use the library at school during lunch or after school.
2. Use the Chicago Public Library – There are several branches near school.
3. Use a computer at a friend or relative’s house.
4. Arrange to stay after school in my room, or another teacher's room to use the computer.

Observation Homework - Due first class after assigned

2009-09-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

On notebook paper to turn in
Title centered at top of paper: Observations
Full heading in upper right corner
Full name
Biology class period
Date

Make and record 25 observations outside or at home.
5 with each sense
At least 10 must be quantitative – please label all the quantitative observations.

Welcome to Biology: bio = life, ology = the study of

2009-09-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

Our first class of the year is a time to get to know each other and to learn what to expect during our year together. Students will fill out a "Biography Sheet" and hear a little about their teachers. Students will get a "Student Contract" which their parent or guardian will need to sign to show that they know what is expected in our class. We will also go over our syllabus and get started learning about life on earth. Our first science skill will be forming and testing hypotheses.

Awesome example of adaptation

2009-06-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Ms. Heitzman we have can read a blog and see fantastic photos of an amazing fish with bifocal eye lenses. This fish has one eye with two lenses; one to see above water and one to see below water... at the SAME TIME.

Be warned, the blog it is on is called "Ugly Overload."

Have a great summer.

Final Class Review

2009-06-03T04:52:00.000-07:00

Biology Finals:
Friday 6-6-09 for B day
Monday 6-9-09 for A day

Most of the 60 question multiple choice exam will focus on macromolecules, cells, DNA, and evolution. There will be also be some questions about the scientific method, variables and reading charts and graphs. Anything we’ve covered in class may be on the final.

Review chapters 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 13 in our AGS biology book. If you took notes on the chapters, as assigned, you will have a much easier time.

Review your notes on the readings and notes from class. QUIZ YOURSELF or work with a partner to quiz each other to see if you know what the terms mean in your own words.

I may make the final open notes so bring your complete notes just incase.

Topics you must make sure you can demonstrate your knowledge about:

Experiments: for example, independent and dependent variables

Macromoleules: for example, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids

Atomic structure: for example, electrons, protons, neutrons

Homeostasis: for example, osmosis, hypertonic and hypotonic solutions

Cells: for example, organelles such as nucleus, mitochondria, membranes and chloroplasts, as well as photosynthesis and ATP,

DNA: for example, cytosine, guanine, thiamine, adenine, deoxyribose backbone, codons, mutations, replication, base pairing, double helix

Genes: for example, genetic engineering, genotype, transgenic species, mutations

Human Genome: for example, percent of shared DNA with other species

Mitosis: for example, interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, cytokinesis cell division, cancer

Meiosis: for example, production of gametes

Evolution: for example, natural selection, common descent, common ancestors, Origin of Species, Charles Darwin, Lamarck, evidence, homologous structures, biogeography

HOMEWORK: Write at least 15 test questions with an answers including at least one Q and A for each of the above topics. This is due the day of the final as a review.

Reading assignment - Chapter 13, Lessons 1 and 2 NOTES and Questions

2009-05-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

Due Thursday, May 28 (a day) and Friday May 29 (b day)

Read and take Cornell notes on Ch. 13 Lessons 1 and 2. Pp. 387-395

Answer questions 1-10 at the end of Lesson 1 (p.391)
Answer questions 1-10 at the end of Lesson 2 (p. 396)

Write out all questions and write out your answers even for the multiple choice questions.

For the "thinking critically" questions.... THINK CRITICALLY and write out complete answers to each of them using evidence to back up what you say.

Happy Birthday Charles Darwin - February 12th

2009-02-11T21:22:00.001-08:00

Happy 200th birthday to one of the great geniuses of the Western world. Charles Darwin's theory of evolution is the unifying theory of modern biology.

Watch a fantastic video that shows how Darwin started finding evidence that organisms change over time.... that the species alive today came from earlier species which are now extinct.

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/video/player#/?titleID=7036436001

Continuing CELLS

2009-02-11T21:14:00.000-08:00

Finish reading and taking Cornell notes on Chapter 4 in the AGS Biology Book.

Lessons 3 and 4 of Chapter 4 begin on page 116.
Take careful Cornell style notes on the reading in your biology notebook.
Complete the review questions 1-10 on both Lesson 3 and 4 to turn in on a separate sheet.

This assignment is due Tues 2-17 (b) and Wed 2-18 (a)

If you have trouble with the critical thinking questions go back through the reading and do SOME CRITICAL THINKING! You need to use some creativity and imagination and put some effort in. If you are still stuck e-mail me at mr.cantor@gmail.com and I'll try to steer you in the right direction.

- mr. C

CELLS - Beginning the second semester

2009-02-02T08:23:00.001-08:00

Cells are the basic unit of life.

Make sure you get all assignments turned in. If you don't turn them in on time you can turn them in late for reduced credit.

Assignment 1 - Due Jan 27 (a) Jan 28 (b)
Read and take Cornell notes on AGS Biology Book Chapter 4, Lesson 1
Answer Questions 1-10 review on P. 108

Assignment 2- Due Jan 29 (a) Jan 30 (b)
Read and take Cornell notes on AGS Biology Book Chapter 4, Lesson 2
Answer Questions 1-5 review on P. 115

Assignment 3- Due Feb 2 (a) Feb 3 (b)
Review and "fix up" your notes on the first two lessons from chapter 4
Write a short summary of each lesson in your notebook.

Lab 1 - Visualizing Cells Microscopy Activity - Week of Feb 2
Draw detailed diagrams of 10 biological specimens at low and medium power.
Finish lab questions about unusual and common structures.

Lab 2 - Osmosis in Giant Animal Cells (chicken eggs) - Begin Week of Feb 2
Measure the effect of hypotonic and hypertonic solutions on the homeostasis of animal cells

HW for over winter break... Due on Jan 5

2008-12-18T12:39:00.000-08:00

Basic Chemistry:

Read and take notes on the lessons 5 and 6, the final lessons from Chapter 2.

Answer the review questions at the end of each lesson. Study all of chapter 2 and be ready for a quiz on chapter 2.

Key terms:
Atoms
Molecules
Elements
Compounds
Periodic Table

Protons

Neutrons

Electrons
Energy Shells
Covalent Bonding
Polarity
Ionic Bonding
Special Properties of Water
Acids and Bases

Lorenzo's Oil

2008-11-24T11:48:00.000-08:00

We are watching this film for two main reasons.

First, the movie is a great example of how science works. It shows how people use science to create solutions by identifying a problem, testing hypotheses, reviewing scientific literature, doing experiments, analyzing data and drawing conclusions.

The other reason we are watching is to learn a bit about the nervouse system and the biology of how enzymes and organic molecules such fatty acids are crucial to our health.

As you watch Lorenzo's Oil answer the following questions, and come up with some questions of your own.

1. Lorenzo begins to experience problems at school and at home. What symptoms of the disease first appear?

2. What medical tests are done to try to diagnose Lorenzo’s condition?

3. When the doctor finally diagnoses Lorenzo’s disease, how does he describe Lorenzo’s prognosis to Michaela and Augusto?

4. From which parent did Lorenzo inherit his disease?

5. Explain what kinds of molecules are causing Lorenzo’s disease:

6. What is myelin?

7. Explain how damaged myelin could cause Lorenzo’s symptoms.

8. When the Odones enroll Lorenzo in the first study, what kinds of foods is Lorenzo NOT allowed to eat?

9. When Lorenzo does not get good results from the diet in this study, what do Lorenzo’s parents believe might be happening? Describe what Augusto means when he uses the analogy of a sink with two faucets.

10. How does taking “Lorenzo’s Oil” stop Lorenzo’s symptoms from getting worse?

11. Once Lorenzo in on “Lorenzo’s Oil” why doesn’t he regain many of the abilities he had before he got the disease?

12. Describe at least three things that Lorenzo’s parents did to try to find a cure for adenoleukodystrophy even though the doctors said there is no cure for it?

13. This movie is based on a true story. The real Lorenzo lived much longer than the doctors predicted. In fact, he died in 2008 the day after his 30th birthday. What do you think about what Michaela and Augusto Odone did for their son and the other boys who suffer from ALD?

14. Michaela and Augusto were not doctors or professional scientists. What skills and attitudes did they have which enabled them to help their son?

15. Write a short movie review: Explain why and how much you liked or disliked the movie. Would you recommend the movie to a friend? Do you think the movie was appropriate for a high school biology class?

For more information about ALD and Myelin go to the Myelin Project at http://www.myelin.org/

Sci Fair Presentation Board or PowerPoint due 11/25 - 11/26

2008-11-21T05:01:00.000-08:00

The last day I will accept overdue science fair papers is 11/26/08. This is more than a week after the actual deadline and over a month after the paper was assigned.

As assigned back in October, your science fair presentation board or PowerPoint presentation is due on 11/25 or 11/26 depending on which day you have biology.

Use the Science Fair Board Layout guide you received at the beginning of this project and use all the work you did on your paper to create your board or powerpoint. If you typed your paper as required you can create your board or PowerPoint easily by cutting and pasting the appropriate parts of your paper. If you hand-wrote your paper, use your rough draft or copy of your paper to create your board or PowerPoint.

Remember, if you worked on your experiment with a partner, unless you made arrangements ahead of time, each person must turn in a paper and do a board, a PowerPoint and present your project to the class.

Science Fair Paper Due week of Nov. 17th

2008-11-13T07:35:00.000-08:00

Use the Science Fair Guide and Rubric to make sure your science fair paper is ready to go. Proof-read it, read it aloud, have a friend proof read it. Check your sentences for capitalization and punctuation. Check for sentence fragments and run-ons. Spell-check your document and look up any words you aren't sure of. Make sure each sentence actually makes sense and gets your ideas through.

Make sure you get as many points as possible on each section. You can still e-mail me if you have any questions, or want me to make comments on your rough draft.

Remember, the paper must by typed and you can turn it in on paper or e-mail it to me as a Word document (.doc or .docx) or plain text file (txt) . If you e-mail me, be sure to include your FULL name, class period, and "sci fair paper" in the SUBJECT line of your e-mail. Be sure to sign your e-mail with your full name and class period.

Also, SAVE A COPY of your paper so you can start to work on your science fair presentation board or PowerPoint presentation which is due the week of November 25th.

Science Fair Paper Partial Rough Draft due Fri. Oct. 31 (b) Mon. Nov. 3 (a)

2008-10-30T08:36:00.000-07:00

Turn in your TYPED rough draft of the PURPOSE, HYPOTHESIS and MATERIALS & PROCEDURES sections of your science fair paper.

Use the SCIENCE FAIR GUIDE & RUBRIC to be sure you understand what to write in each section.

Save a version on your computer, on a thumb drive, or e-mail yourself an attachment of your rough draft so you can continue working on it and use it for your final draft. You may e-mail it to me if you like. Be sure to put your full name, period number and "rough draft assignment" in the SUBJECT line of your e-mail.

If you can't type it you need to write two copies of it so you have a backup.

Science Fair Project Proposal Sheet Due Mon. Oct. 27 (b), Tue. Oct. 28 (a)

2008-10-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

This assignment is to fill out the whole Project Proposal Sheet.

The full research paper is due the week of Nov. 17th and the poster and presentation are due the week of Nov. 25th. This proposal is just the first step in the process of starting your project.

If you have trouble, contact me or get help from your AVID teacher, another science teacher, a librarian or a friend or family member.

Tips for choosing a project:

When you do your proposal, be sure to first think about what interests YOU. If you like sports, think about a project that has to do with sports. If you love music, try to think about something that has to do with music or sound. Once you have some of your own ideas, then do some research about other projects that might help you figure out how to design your own experiment. BE ORIGINAL!! BE QUANTITATIVE!!

Here are some science fair links to help you research project ideas. You can use the NGHS library during lunch or after school and I encourage you to use your Chicago Public Library as well. Not only can you use the computers there, but the librarians may be able to suggest good books, magazines and other resources.

http://www.chipublib.org/
http://www.chipublib.org/branch/details/library/humboldt/
http://www.chipublib.org/branch/details/library/bucktown-wicker-park/
http://www.chipublib.org/branch/details/library/logan-square/
http://www.chipublib.org/branch/details/library/north-austin/
http://www.chipublib.org/branch/details/library/portage-cragin/

This link is to my science fair web page. It has instructions, ideas and links to other sites. This is the best link for you to get started. Remember you can always e-mail me with questions at mr.cantor@gmail.com.

http://mr.cantor.googlepages.com/sciencefairlinks

Here are a few other links that may be useful.

http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/

http://www.cdli.ca/sciencefairs/intermed.html

http://www.cdli.ca/sciencefairs/senior.html

http://www.cdli.ca/sciencefairs/biology.html

http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/elmers/250projectideas.html

As you do your research be sure to WRITE DOWN ALL SOURCES YOU USE. This included the FULL URL (web address) of any site you use.

Reading Assignment - Chapter 2, Lesson 1 Due Mon. Oct. 18 (b) and Tue. Oct. 19 (a)

2008-10-16T19:47:00.000-07:00

Read about the basic chemistry that makes life possible P. 32-35. Answer questions 1-5 on P. 35 and bring them to class.

Biology Test Thurs. Oct. 16 (b) and Oct. 17 (a)

2008-10-14T10:52:00.001-07:00

This test will cover material from the whole year up to this point. Study your notes by sumarizing them for each day and quizzing yourself on each term. The test will also cover Chapter 1 from the AGS Biology Book.

Make up any late homework assignments before the test as a way to get your work done and to study at the same time.

The test will be multiple choice and have a written portion as well.

If you already have a free Google account, you can click on this link view the presentation about Properties of Life. If you don't have a Google account you can click the link and just follow the directions to start your Google account. It is free and easy and very useful.

Chapter 1 Review Assignment Due 10/14 (B-day) and 10/15 (A-day)

2008-10-08T19:56:00.001-07:00

Review chapter 1 in the AGS Biology book (Pp. 1-21)
Complete the whole chapter review questions 1 - 25 (Pp. 27-29)

Work hard, and don't forget to enjoy learning.

Reading assignment - Chapter 1, Lesson 3- due 10-8 (B-day), 10-9 (A-day)

2008-10-08T19:52:00.000-07:00

Read pages 10 -13 in the AGS Biology book.
p. 14 Questions 1-10

2nd Reading Assignment Due Wed. Oct. 1 (b) and Thurs. Oct. 2 (a)

2008-09-29T19:52:00.000-07:00

Read pages 1-8 of the AGS biology book. Answer the following questions to turn in on a separate sheet with your full heading :
P. 4 - Questions 1-6, 9, 10
P. 9 - Questions 1-6, 9, 10

First Reading Assignment - Due Mon. Sept. 29 (B), Tue. Sept. 30 (A)

2008-09-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

AGS Biology Book: P. 17-21 on the methods of science.
Answer all the questions on P. 22 according to the directions on the page.

"What is Science" Essay - Assignment #1

2008-08-31T10:57:00.000-07:00

Your first assignment is to write a 5 paragraph essay that explains YOUR VIEWS about science. Read all these directions carefully before starting to write, then refer back to them several times as you write.

Due: Mon. Sept. 8 (A day) or Tues. Sept. 9 (B day) at the beginning of your class period.

The essay should be typed if possible. If typing is not possible you may hand write it very neatly in blue or black pen. Typed essays should use 12 point TIMES font. You may turn in the essay on paper, or e-mail it to me as a WORD doc (non-Vista). If you e-mail it please put your full name, biology class period and "Science Essay" in the SUBJECT LINE of your e-mail. My e-mail address is mr.cantor@gmail.com

Please include your full heading in the upper right corner of each page of your paper. The heading should include, your FULL name, Biology Period #, and the date you turn in the assignment.

Essay title: "What I think about Science"

The first paragraph is an introduction. Include a topic sentence describing your ideas about what science is, then explain why people do science, how people do science, and your opinion about whether science is mostly good or bad.

The second paragraph should start with a topic sentence about what science is and why people do it and then give about three DETAILS and/or EXAMPLES of what science is and why people do it.

The third paragraph should start with a topic sentence and then give about three details and/or examples of how people do it. One or more of the examples could be about how YOU have done science in the past.

The fourth paragraph should start with a topic sentence and then explain in more detail why you think science is either mostly good or mostly bad. Give at least two examples that back up your opinion.

The fifth paragraph is a conclusion. It should start with a topic sentence that explains what you think science is (in different words from the one in your introduction.) Then restate (in different words) the two or three most important points you made in your essay in a convincing way.

How will this be graded?

You will get up to 20 points for this assignment.
Addressing ALL parts of the essay as described in the assignment = 10 points
Describing your ideas in clear, interesting and creative ways = 5 points
Neatness, grammar, spelling, correct heading = 5 points.

Papers turned in after the deadline will have 5 points deducted for each class period they are late. Academic dishonesty is very serious. Any papers which are copied from other students or websites will receive a zero and your parents will be contacted.

Please keep in mind that since this essay is about what YOU THINK, there are no "right" or "wrong" answers. The purpose of this assignment is to let me get to know what you think about science and to give me an idea about the strengths and weaknesses of your writing and thinking skills.

If you have any questions please e-mail me or see me after school in room 125 or 121.