Question of the Day - Feb 28th

What is SLOS? What gene and chromosome is it located on?

Email Mr. Greg the answer.  First correct answer wins!

Thursday 28th -DNA Modeling and Genes and your Health

We will be constructing DNA models using one of the three methods:

• Bead Jewelry
• Origami or
• Candy

The point of the activity is to be able to correctly identify the smaller parts that make up a DNA Molecule .

Here is the DNA Model Rubric

When you are done with your model...

Here is the link to the Nobel Prize Game on DNA Replication.  Be sure to use the correct base pairs!

Finally, here is a link to a reading on cholesterol genes to your health.

Wednesday Feb 27th - DNA Structure

Here is the video on Chromosome wrapping and DNA Synthesis
(Watch until 2:55)




Here is the link to the Nobel Prize Game on DNA Replication.


The following is a link to a reading on DNA's structure and composition.

The Guide- DNA's Chemical Composition and Structure.

Here are two images of the make-up of DNA.
In both of these images you can see the "ladder" sides are made up of a sugar and phosphate, where the central rungs are made up of nitrogen base pairs (A,G,T and C).

We will be constructing DNA models using one of the three methods:

• Bead Jewelry
• Origami or
• Candy

The point of the activity is to be able to correctly identify the smaller parts that make up a strand of DNA.

Welcome Back - Feb 25th and 26th 2013

Welcome back from a wonderful break!

We are going to continue our work with Cell Reproduction.  Specifically we are going to look at DNA and how it makes up the chromosomes in your body.

The following are two great readings on DNA.
1. Science for Kids Link- DNA
2. Kidipede - Genetics for Kids


Here is a link to an interactive site on DNA:
1. Tour of the Basics  - from the University of Utah - Choose "What is a Chromosome?"


Here are two good videos explaining the relationship between DNA, genes, histones, chromatin, chromatids, and chromosomes.

Wednesday February 13th

Today students will complete the in class Cell Cycle Simulation using pipe cleaners and transparencies to show the different stages of the cell cycle.  Students will show the movement and changes that the cell's chromosomes go through as the cell divides.

Once students complete the task they will import their pictures into a Pages document and supply a description labeling the major changes in each of the pictures.

Here is an example of the layout:

Finally, when students complete the document they can access the online webquest here.
Be sure to go through the directions carefully and record the information when it is asked for.

Tuesday February 12th - Lesson 8

Here is the link to the reading in Lesson #8 of Macro to Micro Text.

After completing the cell division simulation in class, Lesson 8.1 and 8.2.
Please complete the reading on pages 102-105 and the reflection questions on p. 101 #1 a-c.

First Wind - Siting a Wind Turbine Challenge

First Wind Energy Project:

Find a home for "Orphan Annie" - the wind turbine.

Here is a template for the proposal.

Here is a link to the product descriptor for the challenge.

Here is a link to the PowerPoint from Mr. Adam's Presentation. 

State of Maine Wind Map

Thank you Mr. Adams for coming in and speaking to us today!  Here are some photos from the presentation.

Friday Feb 8th - Mitosis Image

Here is a great image of mitosis.  This is much like our text book but do not worry about the "Prometaphase."

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. 

Thursday February 7th - Cell Division and Mitosis

Here are some videos that introduce cell division- mitosis.




Here is a video that links cell division -mitosis and cancer.




Here is a link to Cells Alive Mitosis

Here is a link to a great Nova PBS Interactive Mitosis Site.

Friday February 1st - Do Now

Here is a link to a students answer of the Do Now. 

The question asked the students to create a chart detailing the 4 components of blood, their structure and how they are used once donated.


Help Video detailing how to solve ABO Blood transfusion Problems.