Presentation Day!

Today and tomorrow for the block days students will be presenting their projects on the introduced species. I will randomly pick names of students to present in that order. When students present their project they will stand up in front of the class and explain their species. They will have to answer the questions that they researched including where the species was originally from, how it was introduced, what time of predator-prey relationship it has, and any issues that are going on about that species. They will also have to show a food web, maps, and pictures of their species. The grade they get on their project will take the place of the unit Test grade for Ecology. Next week we will move on to Unit F: Evolution.

Homework: Remember to come prepared for the Zoo on Friday

Carrying Capacity

Today students read about carrying capacity. They looked at population graphs of Zebra Mussels over a 25 year time period. During the reading the students answered the questions of stopping to think 1-4. The students had to think of limiting factors that may effect a population size such as food, water, shelter, space, predators, etc...They also had to estimate the carrying capacity of Zebra Mussels by looking at the graph in Lake Ness. The students finished this activity by examining their introduced species and hypothesize whether it had reached its carrying capacity or if it was above or below it.

Homework: Project Due This Week!

Hint: The answer to stopping to think #3 part a is 1100 zebra mussels :)

Science Magazine

Today students are reading a current science magazine. I am in Montana so they have a guest teacher today. The students should be reading the magazine and answering questions on the worksheet that corresponds to the magazine. Things to keep in mind for next week: the introduced species project in due on wednesday or thursday depending on what block day you have life science. The zoo trip is Friday. Please remind your chaperones that they need to be at Henry on Friday at 8:25 AM. Have a great weekend!

Activity 80-81: Discovering a Worms Habitat

Today students worked on a lab using the scientific method. The students had to design an experiment that looked at the change in habitat on an earthworm. They had to change one variable to the worm's habitat. The first step was to develop a question they wanted to test. Next they had to come up with a hypothesis to their question. The then developed steps in which they would carryout their experiment. They then tested the habitats on the earthworms and recorded their observations. Their final step was to make a conclusion about their hypothesis. Overall they did a great job on practicing the scientific method.

HMK: work on project!

Computer Lab Day

Today was an early release day so only periods 1, 3, and 4 had life science today. During class we finished the photosynthesis lab analysis questions from the previous class. After we finished that activitiy, we went into the computer lab. The students were given time to work on their introduced species project. They were able to look up the specific research questions, find food webs of their species, and locate a map which shows where the species originally came from and where it lives now. Overall, it was a great day for students to get caught up on their project which is due next Wednesday or Thursday.

HMK: Work on Project!

Activity 80-81: Photosynthesis Lab

On Friday, Students did activities 80-81 in which they used an elodea plant to see how light affects photosynthesis. Students used a BTB indicator solution to see if carbon dioxide or oxygen was present in the water. They started with yellow water which showed that carbon dioxide was in the water. They then placed elodea plant into two vials. They covered one vial with aluminum foil to block the light from entering. They placed both vials under the light and examined what was going on. They found that the vial with no aluminum foil turned blue. This meant that the plant was doing photosynthesis and oxygen was now in the vial. The vial with aluminum foil stayed yellow because photosynthesis did not occur because it needs light to process.

HMK: Work on project. Remember Permission slip and money for Zoo Trip!

Hint: CO2 + Water + Sunlight --> Food + O2

Activity #78: Producer's Source of Energy

Today students carried out activity 78: A Producer's source of Energy. This activity was a reading in which the students learned about the role of photosynthesis, producers, consumers, and food webs had in an ecosystem. Students had to practice drawing food webs of lake, ocean, and land ecosystems. They needed to make sure the arrows pointed in the direction of the energy or food flow. Students also discussed what may happen to lake ecosystems and food webs if zebra mussels keep reproduces and spreading. After we finished this activity, student finished putting their owl pellet skeleton together.

HMK: Work on project and bring receipt and permission slip back for Zoo Trip!