Hi everyone,
I hope you are all having a wonderful summer so far. We seem to have wandered into the hot part of NC summer a bit early but that's part of the joy of living in NC (and I'll happily have that over an Illinois winter any day! :) )
Thanks so much for being a part of this year's biology class. I know there are many options for homeschoolers and I'm honored that you chose me to be a part of your education process. I truly hope everyone felt that class was enjoyable and educational.
I've included a syllabus that includes all the topics that we have covered this year.
As always, please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
May your summer be wonder-filled,
Jim Mueller
(919) 907-3217
Friday, June 19, 2015
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Final Exams
Hi folks,
If any one would like to see their final exam, please let me know. I'll be happy to get it back to you.
Next week I'm going to be sending a full syllabus of topics covered this year.
Have a good weekend everyone!
Jim Mueller
If any one would like to see their final exam, please let me know. I'll be happy to get it back to you.
Next week I'm going to be sending a full syllabus of topics covered this year.
Have a good weekend everyone!
Jim Mueller
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Biology Class
Hi folks,
Just want to let you know, I've got an appointment tomorrow before class that should be over in plenty of time for me to get to class. However, if it runs long, I just wanted you all to know I will be there but I may be a bit close.
See you all tomorrow!
Jim Mueller
Just want to let you know, I've got an appointment tomorrow before class that should be over in plenty of time for me to get to class. However, if it runs long, I just wanted you all to know I will be there but I may be a bit close.
See you all tomorrow!
Jim Mueller
Monday, May 18, 2015
Update on 5/15 biology class
Hi folks,
Today we reviewed a couple of questions for the upcoming final. We also went over five of the the vertebrate classes and their characteristics. Be sure to take a look at your notes on this, there may well be a question or two about the lecture on the final.
Let me know if you have any questions.
See you all Friday! Good luck.
Jim Mueller
Today we reviewed a couple of questions for the upcoming final. We also went over five of the the vertebrate classes and their characteristics. Be sure to take a look at your notes on this, there may well be a question or two about the lecture on the final.
Let me know if you have any questions.
See you all Friday! Good luck.
Jim Mueller
Friday, May 15, 2015
Biology root words
Hi folks,
No need to memorize this but I thought you might enjoy seeing a list of roots and their meanings.
See you soon.
Jim Mueller
No need to memorize this but I thought you might enjoy seeing a list of roots and their meanings.
See you soon.
Jim Mueller
Sunday, May 10, 2015
5/8 Biology update and homework due 5/15
Hi folks,
Today we took a look at the plants reproductive system, flowers. We got a chance to dissect several flowers to get a good look at the different parts.
For homework next week:
Read page 613, 616-618
Do questions 1-7 on page 617 (note…that's page 617 not the end of the chapter)
Also the week after next is the final exam. The final will be on material from the beginning of the year to now. The best way to study for the final is to look over all old quizzes. So… homework for next week is to REVIEW ALL OLD TESTS AND QUIZZES!!! I'll take as much time as needed next week to answer questions so please take this week to look over old material and see if you have any problems understanding any of it.
Also, if you feel you have any homework missing please feel free to email me so I can give you a list of what you may be missing.
Today we took a look at the plants reproductive system, flowers. We got a chance to dissect several flowers to get a good look at the different parts.
For homework next week:
Read page 613, 616-618
Do questions 1-7 on page 617 (note…that's page 617 not the end of the chapter)
Also the week after next is the final exam. The final will be on material from the beginning of the year to now. The best way to study for the final is to look over all old quizzes. So… homework for next week is to REVIEW ALL OLD TESTS AND QUIZZES!!! I'll take as much time as needed next week to answer questions so please take this week to look over old material and see if you have any problems understanding any of it.
Also, if you feel you have any homework missing please feel free to email me so I can give you a list of what you may be missing.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
5/1 Biology Class update and homework due 5/8
Hi folks,
Today we took a look at the parts of vascular plants. Also, the differences in parts between dicot and monocot plants.
Homework for 5/8 is to read Chapter 29 582 to 603.
Do questions 5 - 20 on page 604.
Also, be sure to be ready for the monocot vs. dicot questions regarding stems and roots.
Today we took a look at the parts of vascular plants. Also, the differences in parts between dicot and monocot plants.
Homework for 5/8 is to read Chapter 29 582 to 603.
Do questions 5 - 20 on page 604.
Also, be sure to be ready for the monocot vs. dicot questions regarding stems and roots.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Saturday, April 25, 2015
4/24 Biology Update and homework due 5/1
Hi folks,
Today in biology we began our investigation into plants by basically taking a look at the basic classifications of plants. We will be doing more with this next week.
I found an interesting article on the internet regarding human genetic modification. It's something we've talked about in class a bit and it looks like it's been tried in China. It's worth a read if you have time.
For homework next week please read chapter 28 in the text book. Pages 563 - 576.
Answer questions 1 - 16 on page 578.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Biology 4/17 update and homework due 4/24
Hi folks,
Today we studied the disgusting but amazing world of bacteria. Perhaps, literally as we tried to capture some and culture them in agar. Nothing happening with them yet, but I'm hoping.
Homework for next week is to:
Read pages 461 - 479 in the text book
Do questions 1-2 and 4 - 17 on page 478
Today we studied the disgusting but amazing world of bacteria. Perhaps, literally as we tried to capture some and culture them in agar. Nothing happening with them yet, but I'm hoping.
Homework for next week is to:
Read pages 461 - 479 in the text book
Do questions 1-2 and 4 - 17 on page 478
Sunday, April 12, 2015
4/10 Biology update and homework due 4/17
Hi folks,
Today we took a brief look at biomes and explored the rather scary concept of climate change.
Homework this week is to:
Read pages 417 - 429 in the book.
Do questions 4 - 17 on page 430
Today we took a brief look at biomes and explored the rather scary concept of climate change.
Homework this week is to:
Read pages 417 - 429 in the book.
Do questions 4 - 17 on page 430
Friday, April 10, 2015
Saturday, April 4, 2015
4/3 Biology update and homework due 4/10
Hi folks,
We had a great class today. The pro vs. anti-GMO debate was a lot of fun and really covered a lot of great topics regarding the issue. Well done everyone!
For homework next week, I'd like you to tie 10 of the concepts we've been working with in biology this year to the topic of GMO's and give me at least one example of how GMO's are related to the concept.
For example, human beings are part of the food chain and GMO's may help in providing food for the ever growing population of humans. (Or not if the Failure to Yield study is accurate.)
Good luck folks!
Jim Mueller
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Saturday, March 28, 2015
3/27 Biology update and homework due 4/3
Hi folks,
Well, a depressing class this week. We've been talking about ecology and ecosystems and I wanted to tie in that information with some of the threats that are facing them at the moment. We talked about deforestation, desertification, non-native species, over-harvesting and pollution. Next week we will cover the biggie, climate change. We also took a look at all the "services" the environment provides for us (46 trillion dollars worth!).
One of the issues we discussed this week was the idea of genetically modified crops. Are they good or maybe not so good for the environment and for us? For homework this week, I would like you all to take some time to prepare for a debate on this issue. The topic of the debate will be "Genetically Modified Crops: Helpful or harmful to the human race.
Each of you will take a side of the debate (I'll email you separately letting you know what "team" you're on.)
Then in class next week we will take some time debating the issue.
After the debate, I'll collect your notes to make sure you've done some research.
I will also give extra credit to folks who make some nice, well researched, points during the debate.
Be sure your sources are reliable (no Food Babe :) ). When you state your points you may very well want to also state where you found it.
Feel free to bring in graphs or data. If you want me to project it, send it to me ahead of time.
I'm working on a way to figure out a "winner" of the debate. There may be more extra credit points available if I can come up with a good way to do that.
Have fun with this folks. We've had some great discussions in class so far and I'm looking forward to seeing what you all do with this.
Well, a depressing class this week. We've been talking about ecology and ecosystems and I wanted to tie in that information with some of the threats that are facing them at the moment. We talked about deforestation, desertification, non-native species, over-harvesting and pollution. Next week we will cover the biggie, climate change. We also took a look at all the "services" the environment provides for us (46 trillion dollars worth!).
One of the issues we discussed this week was the idea of genetically modified crops. Are they good or maybe not so good for the environment and for us? For homework this week, I would like you all to take some time to prepare for a debate on this issue. The topic of the debate will be "Genetically Modified Crops: Helpful or harmful to the human race.
Each of you will take a side of the debate (I'll email you separately letting you know what "team" you're on.)
Then in class next week we will take some time debating the issue.
After the debate, I'll collect your notes to make sure you've done some research.
I will also give extra credit to folks who make some nice, well researched, points during the debate.
Be sure your sources are reliable (no Food Babe :) ). When you state your points you may very well want to also state where you found it.
Feel free to bring in graphs or data. If you want me to project it, send it to me ahead of time.
I'm working on a way to figure out a "winner" of the debate. There may be more extra credit points available if I can come up with a good way to do that.
Have fun with this folks. We've had some great discussions in class so far and I'm looking forward to seeing what you all do with this.
Monday, March 23, 2015
3/20 bio update and homework due 3/27
Hi folks,
This week we had a bit of fun with a game/model of a small ecosystem. The students represented different parts of a food chain and we saw, first hand, how changing the predator/prey relationship had quite an impact on the system.
We also discussed the four major biochemical cycles, hydrologic, carbon, phosphorous and nitrogen.
Homework for this week is to:
Read pages 371 - 374
Do questions 1-8 on page 374
This week we had a bit of fun with a game/model of a small ecosystem. The students represented different parts of a food chain and we saw, first hand, how changing the predator/prey relationship had quite an impact on the system.
We also discussed the four major biochemical cycles, hydrologic, carbon, phosphorous and nitrogen.
Homework for this week is to:
Read pages 371 - 374
Do questions 1-8 on page 374
Sunday, March 8, 2015
3/6 bio update and homework due 3/20
Hi folks,
Today we did a bit more with classification and we also took time to get into how energy moves through an ecosystem.
Note!!! No class next week due to Spring Break. Our next class will be on 3/20.
Homework due 3/20
Read pgs. 366-369Questions 10-17 on page 376
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Saturday, February 21, 2015
2/20 Biology update and homework due 2/27
Hi folks,
Today we started a unit on basic ecology. We discussed, primarily, how individuals interrelate with their environment and the organisms within that environment.
Homework for this week is to:
Read pgs. 359 - 365 in the book
Answer questions 4-11 & 25-26 on page 376
Today we started a unit on basic ecology. We discussed, primarily, how individuals interrelate with their environment and the organisms within that environment.
Homework for this week is to:
Read pgs. 359 - 365 in the book
Answer questions 4-11 & 25-26 on page 376
Friday, February 20, 2015
Biology class is ON
Hi folks,
It looks like everyone is able to get to class to day so we will hold class.
See you all soon.
Jim Mueller
It looks like everyone is able to get to class to day so we will hold class.
See you all soon.
Jim Mueller
Re: Biology Class
Bren will be there.
Debbie Everly
Educational Consultant, Pathways Educational Consulting
Consulting and aid for college bound students 8th grade and up
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college planning and organization, admission applications, scholarships and financial aid
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On Fri, Feb 20, 2015 at 6:49 AM, Leigh Fowler <leighfowler5@gmail.com> wrote:
We can get there.LeighOn Thu, Feb 19, 2015 at 11:03 PM, Jim Mueller <jim@bitesizephysics.com> wrote:Hi folks,
I'm planning on holding class today but just wanted to check in to see if most folks can make it. I know quite a few folks may still have some icy drive ways. Please let me know when you get a chance whether you can make it to class or not.
Jim Mueller
Re: Biology Class
We can get there.
Leigh
On Thu, Feb 19, 2015 at 11:03 PM, Jim Mueller <jim@bitesizephysics.com> wrote:
Hi folks,
I'm planning on holding class today but just wanted to check in to see if most folks can make it. I know quite a few folks may still have some icy drive ways. Please let me know when you get a chance whether you can make it to class or not.
Jim Mueller
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Biology Class
Hi folks,
I'm planning on holding class today but just wanted to check in to see if most folks can make it. I know quite a few folks may still have some icy drive ways. Please let me know when you get a chance whether you can make it to class or not.
Jim Mueller
I'm planning on holding class today but just wanted to check in to see if most folks can make it. I know quite a few folks may still have some icy drive ways. Please let me know when you get a chance whether you can make it to class or not.
Jim Mueller
Monday, February 16, 2015
2/13 Bio update and homework due 2/20
Hi folks,
This week we took some time to have a bit of a debate/talk about human evolution and the idea of designer genes. It was a pretty fascinating conversation. We also took a slightly more detailed look at taxonomy and we will do a bit more of that next week as well.
For homework this week I'm going to offer up another extra credit assignment. 10 points of extra credit for anyone who creates a fun creative way to illustrate DNA transcription to translation. It could be a kids book, a song, a claymation film, whatever you want to do. If you want to do this as partners, both partners can get 10 points extra credit. This isn't necessarily due next week but those 10 points are waiting for you if you want them. :)
This week we took some time to have a bit of a debate/talk about human evolution and the idea of designer genes. It was a pretty fascinating conversation. We also took a slightly more detailed look at taxonomy and we will do a bit more of that next week as well.
For homework this week I'm going to offer up another extra credit assignment. 10 points of extra credit for anyone who creates a fun creative way to illustrate DNA transcription to translation. It could be a kids book, a song, a claymation film, whatever you want to do. If you want to do this as partners, both partners can get 10 points extra credit. This isn't necessarily due next week but those 10 points are waiting for you if you want them. :)
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
2/6 Biology Update and homework due 2/13
Hi folks,
Wow, I'm really sorry. I was sure I sent this Friday after class.
This week we finished off evolution and talked about taxonomic systems.
Homework for this week is to:
Read pages 337 to 350 in the book
Do questions page 352 #'s 5-16
Wow, I'm really sorry. I was sure I sent this Friday after class.
This week we finished off evolution and talked about taxonomic systems.
Homework for this week is to:
Read pages 337 to 350 in the book
Do questions page 352 #'s 5-16
Monday, February 2, 2015
Friday, January 30, 2015
1/30 biology update and homework due 2/6
Hi folks,
This week we dove a bit deeper into evolution as we discussed natural selection and speciation.
Homework for this week is to:
Read the text 317 - 330
Do questions on page 332 #'s 2-4, 6-16
Extra Credit Opportunity
10 points extra credit to anyone who listens to the debate (50mins) and writes a paragraph or more about their thoughts.
Before listening, however, read the following quote and think about it. What do you think about the issue? Then listen to the debate and write the paragraph about how you felt originally, how do you feel now and what facts either changed or supported your original thoughts.
"What if, before your children were born, you could make sure they had the genes to be taller or smarter? Would that tempt you, or would you find it unnerving?
What if that genetic engineering would save a child from a rare disease?"
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Friday, January 23, 2015
1/23
Hi folks,
This week we began talking about evolution. We talked about where the Theory of Evolution came from and how it "evolved" to where it is. We worked our way up to Darwin and will be talking next week about Darwin's theory of natural selection.
Homework for this week is to:
Read in the text pp. 297 - 307
Do questions on page 312 #'s 4, 5, 7, 10, 12, 13, 18
Do questions on page 313 #'s 1-3
This week we began talking about evolution. We talked about where the Theory of Evolution came from and how it "evolved" to where it is. We worked our way up to Darwin and will be talking next week about Darwin's theory of natural selection.
Homework for this week is to:
Read in the text pp. 297 - 307
Do questions on page 312 #'s 4, 5, 7, 10, 12, 13, 18
Do questions on page 313 #'s 1-3
Sunday, January 18, 2015
1/16 Bio update and homework due 1/23
Hi folks,
Today we took a bit of time to review the year and see how all the various bits and pieces fit together to add up to where we are now in class. We also took a good bit of time working with Punnet squares and seeing how they work to predict the genotypes of offspring.
For homework this week, I'd like you to complete the enclosed .pdf. It goes back to basics a bit, but hopefully it will help you cement all this allele and Punnet square stuff into your brains if it's not already there.
Today we took a bit of time to review the year and see how all the various bits and pieces fit together to add up to where we are now in class. We also took a good bit of time working with Punnet squares and seeing how they work to predict the genotypes of offspring.
For homework this week, I'd like you to complete the enclosed .pdf. It goes back to basics a bit, but hopefully it will help you cement all this allele and Punnet square stuff into your brains if it's not already there.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
1/9 Biology update and homework due 1/16
Hi folks,
This week we finished looking at the cell cycle and cell reproduction. We studied meiosis today which brought us to the point where we can see how genetic material from two parents intertwine to create an new and unique individual. This is the beginning of genetics which we did a bit of work with as we completed the "Dragon Genetics" activity. We will be doing more with genetics next week.
Homework for 1/16 is to:
Read chapter 9 pages 173 - 186
Do questions 1 - 17 on page 188
This week we finished looking at the cell cycle and cell reproduction. We studied meiosis today which brought us to the point where we can see how genetic material from two parents intertwine to create an new and unique individual. This is the beginning of genetics which we did a bit of work with as we completed the "Dragon Genetics" activity. We will be doing more with genetics next week.
Homework for 1/16 is to:
Read chapter 9 pages 173 - 186
Do questions 1 - 17 on page 188
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