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October 31, 2006
Chica says, "Happy Halloween!"
Homework: Be safe, come back in one piece, bring me a peanut butter cup!
Posted by Larkin at 04:12 PM
Students are studying the different uses of DNA fingerprinting by participating in a mock Crime Scene Investigation. Students received police reports, collected DNA samples from the four suspects, and evaluated the DNA found at the crime scene. Students evaluated the base pairs, Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, and Cytosine, and charted their molecular weight to form a unique pattern of bands. These bands are used by police and investigators to assess the DNA evidence of victims, suspects, and perpetrators.
Posted by Larkin at 04:07 PM
October 30, 2006
These photographs supplied by Genelex Corporation show several different examples of DNA fingerprints similar to those used in criminal investigations and paternity cases. In each photograph it is possible to match the genetic fingerprints of certain samples to those of other samples, such as in the case of crime scenes, paternity testing, and identical twins vs. non-identical twins.
Posted by Larkin at 06:39 PM
Here is another article for my Forensic Science fans. This article explains how DNA is used by lawyers in court and gives samples of evidence collected from real crime scenes and compares the DNA found at the crime scene to that of the suspect.
Posted by Larkin at 06:33 PM
This week, students are learning about DNA and its effects in the courtroom. Technological advances in DNA have revolutionized how crimes, paternity, diseases and other medical cases are studied. Tomorrow, students will try to find the guilty party in a mock crime scene by collecting and analyzing evidence. Attached is an article that may be of interest to some of you Forensic Science fans. The article, DNA On The Witness Stand, highlights the investigation into the real-life mass murder of 15,000 Argentineans during a period of political unrest in the 1970s.
Posted by Larkin at 06:19 PM
October 26, 2006
This podcast is a brief overview of last year's Jekyll Island trip.
Posted by Larkin at 11:43 AM
October 25, 2006
All forms are due by Friday, November 3rd!
The following forms are required:
* Blue - Behavior Policy
* Yellow - Overnight Permission Form
* Red - Medical History (school will notarize)
* White - Copy of Child's Insurance Card (FRONT & BACK)
All students MUST have medical insurance to attend the trip. If your child is not covered on you plan, the school district provides a student plan for a minimal, one-time payment.
Posted by Larkin at 07:29 PM
There will be a test on Chapter Three on Friday, October 27th. As always, there is an optional study guide available that can be picked up in class. If completed and signed by a parent, the study guide is worth five bonus points. There will also be a morning review session on Friday morning at 8:15.
Posted by Larkin at 05:22 PM
The blog has been fixed, we're up and running again! Stay tuned for lots of updates.
Posted by Larkin at 04:10 PM
October 12, 2006
We practiced our Punnett Squares by playing a game on our Promethean Board. To breed more chickens and lemmings, click on the link below.
Chickens and Lemmings Game - Click Here to Play
Posted by Larkin at 12:03 PM
October 04, 2006
SAVE THE CELL!
Posted by Larkin at 05:12 PM
When we began our Chia experiment, students designed an independent variable that would test the effect of light on the growth of a plant. Group C was locked in a dark cabinet for almost two weeks, with no exposure to sunlight. Most students predicted the Chias would not grow any hair at all, but when the cabinets were opened yesterday, students were in for a surprise! The Chias did grow hair, but because they were not exposed to sunlight, the chloroplasts were not able to effectively produce the green pigment chlorophyll. The result was yellow and white grass!
Posted by Larkin at 10:41 AM
Click on the link below to download the study guide for the Chapter Two test. Study guides that are complete and signed by a parent are worth five bonus points on the test.
Posted by Larkin at 10:27 AM
October 02, 2006
Posted by Larkin at 04:47 PM
Students need to complete their Photosynthesis & Respiration compare/contrast sheet, plus Workbook 2-4 on Respiration. Students also need to bring a plastic bag to class tomorrow so they can take their Chia Pets home!
Click on the link below to download the Compare/Contrast sheet.
Posted by Larkin at 04:42 PM
