Biology ~ Honors Biology ~ Ecology

Q We are currently finishing up the chapter on diffusion

and osmosis. Students worked on labs with dialysis tubing, selectively permeable membranes,

and designed experiments concerning movement of molecules.

Q Our next chapter will cover photosynthesis and respiration. As part of this chapter, we will making

rootbeer demonstrating anaerobic respiration. This is always a fun activity and students are

surprised as to how the rootbeer tastes when we are finished.

Q We will be having a lab practical test soon to be sure that we are learning the names of lab

equipment and proper lab techniques.

Q After photosynthesis and respiration, we will then finish the semester with a unit on Genetics.

Q October 2^nd some students and myself went to Muskegon to a Genetics conference given by Sam Rhine. Topics included: What causes cancer?, The genetics behind cancer and how could we treat it, and advances in the Human Genome Project. It was a great experience and we learned a lot.

Q The Honors Biology class will be having a "Science Day" for two second grade classes in November. Students will be able to participate in various scientific activities. We look forward to having a great day!

Q Photo Essays are the next big project in Honors class. Students will be creating photo essays of topics of interest to them in science. Students will also be interviewing professionals in their chosen fields and putting it all together in a folder.

Q In December, Honors Biology students will be participating in a day long Biotechnology Workshop presented by a Ferris State professor at CHS to separate DNA and look at plasmid structure.

Q We will be working on the Dupont Essay contest in a few weeks and if students win, they have the opportunity for cash prizes as well as a trip to the Space Center in Houston. Airfare and hotel expenses will be provided by Dupont.

Q In an effort to increase science writing abilities, we will be piloting a program call Calibrated Peer Review. This program is web based and asked the students to evaluate different pieces of science writing. Their analyses are then evaluated by members of their class and the web site calibrates their score and evaluates their writing and comprehension of the article. If you’re interested in previewing the site look at: http://cpr.molsci.ucla.edu/cpr_info to get a summary of this activity.

Parent / Teacher Conferences-

11/14- 12-4:30pm

11/15- No School Deer Day!

Hope to see you there!!