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November 29, 2005
Experiment plans and accompanying forms were due today for a project grade.
Students created a mini-poster of their project question for our class bulletin board and then prepared cards for an inquiry activity that models natural selection.
What is natural selection? How do you think variation of color in a species might affect natural selection?
Some teams had time to get started on part 1 of the activity. Tomorrow we will complete the activity and the analysis of data.
There is no homework for tonight.
Posted by Carroll at 05:14 PM
November 28, 2005
Monday, during class, students will have time to evaluate their research plans and to organize and work on their logbooks. The final research plan, forms, and bibliography are due on Tuesday. Here is a timeline with due dates for the project.
Download file
Please let me know if you need help with your project. I will be happy to schedule time to help you...afternoons are best for me.
Posted by Carroll at 07:15 AM
November 16, 2005
Remember that all students who did not earn 80 or higher on the last test are required to do workbook pages 39-46 by tomorrow.
Chapter 4 is the focus of information for the test tomorrow. Use your study guide and additional questions from today to help review.
Some questions will originate from ourpedigree activity and Trackstar investigations from last week. The tracks are in an earlier post and your have the your responses in your journals. Your journal should be on the shelf Thursday for me to check.
Posted by Carroll at 05:17 PM
Students need to edit their first drafts for the experiment plan and turn them back in to me with the checklilst on Tuesday, Nov. 29th. Please note that I am requiring an additional category of information to be included - Safety. Parents need to carefully read through the final plans and note that their supervision may be needed.
I am working on an updated timeline of due dates for this project and will post it when it is finished. Students need to complete their experiments before the winter break so they will have time to evaluate the data, write the report, and prepare a display. Mid-January is when these final items will be due.
Some students need to get started on their projects ASAP, expecially if they involve plant growth. Students may get approval to begin their experiments if their first draft of the plan is detailed enough for me to sign as sponsor.
Posted by Carroll at 06:48 AM
November 15, 2005
Almost all of my students have submitted forms for the Jekyll trip. I do have a few who have not. If you are still interested in going and are worried about the funds, please go ahead and submit your forms. The money is not required to register for the trip.
Posted by Carroll at 06:50 AM
I am available this week after school from 4:20 until 5:15 to assist students with their project research and experiment planning. Please let me know if you will be staying.
Posted by Carroll at 06:45 AM
There will be a test over genetics topics covered in Chapter 4 on Thursday. Students who did not earn an 80 or better on the last test are required to do the guided reading workbook pages for chapter 4 and show them to me on or before Thursday. This assignment is optional for others.
Posted by Carroll at 06:40 AM
Monday students participated in a simulation activity called "Who Stole the Crown Jewels?" that allowed students to create DNA "fingerprints" for comparison. Tuesday we will discuss out findings.
Modern technology uses a slightly different technique for comparing DNA evidence. Check out the link to DNAi below. I am directing you to Applications and you will want to choose the Human Identification module and check out the Profiling and Family links for more information.
This site is loaded with interesting information. Go exploring in the genes and medecine section or others for fun.
Posted by Carroll at 06:23 AM
November 11, 2005
Classwork for Friday: As you explore the links given on the track below, record the answers to the questions in your science journal.
Posted by Carroll at 10:52 AM
November 10, 2005
Finish your Experiment Plan for homework tonight. Remember that you should include your forms with your typed experiment plan as described on your Research Plan Attachment. Include a bibliography (MLA format)of at least 5 sources of information that you have used to gather background information for your research and (hopefully) to plan your experiment. Remember that you are trying to practice what you have learned about the scientific method. I will be the sponsor for most students so you may leave that blank. Parents should read your experiment plan before they sign it to decide if they approve and to screen for potential safety concerns.
Of course your thoughts and plans should be recorded in your project logbook before you type them. It is a good idea to use an experimental design diagram to help plan and evaluate your experimental procedures.
Posted by Carroll at 10:49 AM
Today you will investigate the role of genetics in the occurance of certain health conditions. How has the mapping of the human genome affected our knowledge about these disorders? What are some of the issues related to this?
As you explore these sites, answer the 4 numbered questions in detail in your science journal.
Posted by Carroll at 10:40 AM
November 04, 2005
Here is some information about your project logbook.
Posted by Carroll at 07:01 AM
Today students received copies of the official research forms that are required for their independent study project. Navigate the UGA link to see the specific rules and forms that apply to your project. Projects involving human subjects, vertebrate animals, and any dangerous materials require additional forms and approval by review boards. Your forms are due to me on or before Nov. 11th.
Some of you may want to get busy with your experiments, but you must have your forms signed by me before you begin. So...get your forms to me as soon as possible. The deadline for your research plan and accompanying forms is Nov. 11. I will review them and sign for approval if no changes are needed. FYI- most students need to have their work edited before it is approved, so be prepared to revisit your typed plan and make changes.
Do not begin your experiment until you have signed paperwork returned to you that indicates approval of your plan.
Posted by Carroll at 05:47 AM
November 03, 2005
Students have been exploring the inheritance of traits that are controlled by multiple alleles, like blood type. We also have been investigating traits like colorblindness and genetic disorders, like hemophilia that are carried on the sex chromosomes. Here is a link to a site that allows you to create pedigrees as you play the role of a genetic counselor. Check it out.
Genetic Counselor
Today students worked on a study guide for chapter 4. If you were absent today, you may do the guided reading workbook pages for Chapter 4 in place of the study guide or you may get the study guide when you return to class.
Posted by Carroll at 08:12 PM
