Friday, May 28th In Class and Homework

We streaked plates with 2 "unknown" species of bacteria (1 per student) and added 3 different antibiotics (as well as a control) to each of 4 quadrants. We will incubate these over the weekend and check the results (as well as conduct Gram staining) on Tuesday.

Thursday, May 27th 2010

We had to postpone day 2 of our bacteria lab - the plates for two of the species needed to be restreaked. We watched planet earth (period 6 - shallow seas, period 7 - mountains) and some students used the computers to finish up yesterday's in class work.

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010 In Class and Homework

(No classes yesterday due to Exhibition Day). We used the computers to conduct introductory research connected to Gram staining - the procedure, why it is used and what one will find. We will streak plates tomorrow and conduct the staining Friday.

Monday, May 24th 2010 In Class and Homework

Another "Planet Earth" day today - Per 6 watched "Mountains" and Per 7 watched "Caves".

Friday, May 21st 2010 In class and Homework

(Substitute Teacher) We watched planet earth -the great plains.

Thursday, May 20th 2010 In class and homework

Day 3 of the biotech lab - we used 5 microliters of our PCR samples (mixed with dye) in fast gel chambers in order to see the results compared to known samples and a DNA ladder. Although we had so so results, we were able to see the samples (at least some) migrate through the gels.

Wednesday, May 24th 2010 In Class and Homework

Day 2 of the Biotech lab. We added the master mix to each person's DNA sample and placed this into a thermocycler (to run 40 cycles). We will complete the lab tomorrow.

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 In class and homework

We postponed day 2 of the biotech lab until tomorrow (in order for the number of students absent from yesterday can get back into what is going on). We viewed a Planet Earth video today. The homework is to be prepared for our PCR day tomorrow.

Monday, May 17th, 2010 - In class and homework

We completed day 1 of our Biotech lab today - primarily obtaining and isolating a cheek cell DNA sample from each student. We used the micropipets and centrifuge, as well as water baths of 2 temperatures to do this. Our samples are in the refrigerator waiting for day 2 of the lab. There is no homework

Friday, May 14th, 2010 In class and Homework

We prepared for Monday's lab by reading six pages from the lab handout (3 pages explaining the purpose of the lab and 3 pages describing what will be done Monday - day 1) and went over the specifics. We then viewed approx 15 - 20 minutes of the planet earth video "seasonal forests".

Thursday,May 13th 2010 In class and Homework

We watched another Planet Earth Video. There is no homework.

Wednesday, May 12th In class and homework

The biotech lab directions, etc. was handed out and the 1st 3 pages were read. We then practiced with the centrifuges and the micropippetters. We will complete the lab next week. There is no homework.

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010 In class and homework

We viewed "The Evolutionary Arms Race" In class. There is no homework

Monday, May 10th, 2010 - In class and homework

AP Exam Day! (8:00 AM - 12:00 Noon). We viewed a planet earth video (fresh water in 6th period). No homework

Friday, May 7th, 2010 In class and homework

We will continue to use the computers to view plant function (and structure) animations. The homework is to prepare for the AP exam - good luck!

Thursday, May 6th, 2010 In class and Homework

We used the computers to view many of the plant animations connected to our book (the Campbell site) - dealing with Chapters 35 - 39. This was completed to help prepare for Monday's AP exam (study for homework).

Wednesday, May 5th 2010 In class and Homework

We watched the 1st 40 minutes of the video "Sexual Encounters of the Floral Kind" to see some of the reproductive strategies of flowering plants (and to see how structure suits function), Those who had not yet completed the flower dissection or the plant slide sketches worked on this. The homework is to continue to prepare for Monday's AP exam.

Tuesday, May 4th 2010 In class and homework

We performed a brief flower dissection in class - isolating and identifying the major reproductive parts. We also decided whether this plant was a monocot or (eu)dicot based on its characteristics. The homework is to continue to prepare for the AP exam Monday.

Monday, May 3rd 2010 In class and homework

We used class as a "catch-up" day - to complete our slide drawings (from Friday) or to begin them if absent Friday. Plant Chapter summaries were passed out to help for preparation for next Monday's test. The homework is to continue to prepare for next week's AP Bio exam.

Friday, April 30th, 2010 In Class and Homework

We used the microscopes to view and sketch slides showing monocot and dicot roots leaves and stems. Also, additional practice exams, both multiple choice and extended response, were available for students to pick up for practice. The homework is to continue preparing for the AP Biology Test.