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?"

http://www.npr.org/2013/02/15/172137776/should-we-prohibit-genetically-engineered-babies

Biology Recording for 1/23 - Final genetics and intro to Evolution

http://youtu.be/IhFe8dbnGN4

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

Recording of 1/16 class - Review and Punnet Squares

http://youtu.be/iHDCBQ1fT3c

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.

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

Recording for 1/9 Biology Class - Meiosis and introduction to genetics

http://youtu.be/4PdX2oJDF2Y