Friday, April 5, 2013

Yeast Fermentation Lab!

Scientists,

Well done today with the lab despite the fact that we did not see the results as quickly as we might have thought.  Some of your labs actually came out quite well!  Unfortunately you were all out the door and starting your weekend fun before you could see it!!

Good science means that we are always "tinkering and experimenting" for ways to get results with our labs.  Why do you thi nk we saw faster results when we added heat and more yeast to the beakers?  We can explore this more on Monday!

For those of you who would like to get a head start on the Post Lab Analysis here is an image of what your beakers looked like before the fermentation took place and what they looked like after:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Click on the images to enlarge them, but from left to right it is the water, the Powerade, the fruit punch, and the Hi-C.

Enjoy the weekend and be sure to email Mr. Greg with any questions you might have about the lab or the comics!

  

Yeast Fermentation Lab

Greetings Scientists,

On Friday you will be conducting an experiment to observe the evidence of yeast activity.  Before performing the lab, you must take the time to answer the Pre-Lab Questions from the handout given to you today in class.  The link to the reading "Chapter 15-Investigating Fungi II--Yeast" will help you answer these questions.  Be sure to read pg. 180-182 and the Lab Instructions!

Chapter 15-Investigating Fungi II--Yeast

The Pre-Lab Questions must be completed by the start of class on Friday for you to do the lab.

Good Luck!

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

We had some excellent discussions today about the relationship between photosynthesis and respiration.  It is always great to see that a lot of critical thinking is taking place!

During class, we talked about fermentation including alcoholic fermentation in yeast and lactic acid fermentation in the muscles of humans.

Also, we kicked off class with a gallery walk for students to share their illustrations and poems depicting photosynthesis and respiration.  Here is a lovely example of student work:

Helpful Fermentation Link:
http://leavingbio.net/respiration-(ordinary%20level).htm

Helpful Comparison link between anaerobic and aerobic respiration
Click Here

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Greetings Everyone,

Today, we took an interactive trip into an animal cell (via iCell) and took a closer look at the mitochondria of the cell.  We learned back when we first started working with cells that the mitochondria are known as the "powerhouses" of the cell.  Today, we were able to connect that analogy with the fact that mitochondria are essential to respiration.

We also took the time to compare and contrast respiration and photosynthesis.  The students used their Venn Diagram's from Monday night and helped me make a Double Bubble as seen below....

Tomorrow, I look forward to seeing the creative drawings and writing pieces that students put together to demonstrate the relationship between photosynthesis and respiration!

Monday, April 1, 2013

MAJOR EXAM TOMORROW WORTH 95% OF GRADE!

....April Fools!
(Mr. Greg is so lame...)

What's no joke is how well both classes worked today as we started to shift our focus from one cell process to another and are now looking at respiration.

Now that we know cellular respiration is a series of chemical reactions by which energy is released from sugars with the use of oxygen; heat is a waste product of the thousands of respirations taking place in the mitochondria of your cells.

The following link includes what we read in class today (it is always a good idea to refresh!) as well as some extra reading that will help you with your Photosynthesis vs. Respiration Venn Diagrams you are making tonight!

Science Explorer - Respiration

Looking forward to another great day tomorrow.  Keep up the good work!