Activity #75: Classifying Species

Today students classified species in the animal kingdom. They first predicted which species should belong together according to specific characteristics. Next, I hint that there are 6 different phyla in which all 18 species belong to. Finally we defined the six different phyla: Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Chordata.

Homework: Have a fantastic Spring Break!!!

Activity #74: Observing Worms

Today students observed red wiggler worms. They first wrote a description of the worm's size, shape, color, texture, and body style. They then recorded how the worm responded to touch and how the worm moves. The next step was to predict what type of habitat the worm would live in its natural environment. This was one of the first steps in understanding how ecologist study organisms and their environment.

Activity #73: Introduced Species

Today students discussed introduced species into new environments. Each group of 4 was assigned a different introduced species to research. They had to find the answers to six different questions by reading a summary about the species. Questions: Where is it found and where is it currently living? How does it effect the new ecosystem? How does it effect humans?
The students will present their poster to the class.

This is due tomorrow!!!!!

Actvity 72: Nile Perch Discussion

Today students started Unit E: Ecology. We started the unit with discussing the effect that the Nile Perch had on Lake Victoria. The Nile Perch were secretly introduced and caused the extinction of many different types of tropical fish. Students had to write a reflection on whether or not the Nile Perch should have been introduced. They have to support their opinion with 4-5 reasons or pieces of evidence.

Reminder: Bring permission slip and money next week!

Unit D Genetics Exam

Today and tomorrow during block days students completed the exam for genetics. There was 17 multiple choice questions and 3 short answer questions. The test covers knowledge and understanding in science. When the students finished the exam, students completed the reflection of the missing children. They had to include three different parts: Blood typing, DNA fingerprinting, and the court case of biological/ adoptive parents.

Genetic Jeopardy

Today students played genetic jeopardy to prepare them for the exam on Wednesday. The questions in the game directly correlated with the material covered in this unit. The topics ranged from sexual/ asexual reproduction to punnett squares and pedigrees. As students played the game, they took notes to review for in preparation for the exam.

Homework: Students have to write an one page reflection on finding the lost children of Namelia. The reflection must include three parts: blood typing, DNA fingerprinting, and the court case of parents.

Reminder: Zoo permission slip and money due on April 8th

Activity #70 DNA Fingerprinting

Today students continued analyzing which missing children belong to Mai/Paul or John/Belinda. They examined DNA fingerprints of all the children as well as the two set of parents. If the DNA Fingerprints match, they then checked to make sure the blood types matched as well. The final step of this activity was to write a conclusion on which children belong to which parents.

Hint: Girl 3 is John and Belinda's

Finding lost children

Today students finished analyzing blood types to see if the 8 missing children match the two parents. Students predicted if they could be Mai/ Paul's or John/Belinda's. They had to include reasoning's for each predictions. They finished by writing a paragraph of what additional evidence they would need to make final conclusions on the missing children.

Activity 68: Searching for Lost Children

Today student analyzed blood types to match the missing children to the parents. Students first identified which alleles can go with each blood type. They then tried to match the missing children with the parents by looking at the blood type. They will make predictions on which children belong to Mai and Paul and which children belong to John and Belinda.

Homework: Rest up for CSAP