Friday, October 30, 2009

Wikis in Education

I would have to agree with the postings of the other classmates. Wikis, just like the other tools, we've learned, have many benefits. Currently, students in my Advanced Placement Biology class at Parkdale High School have embarked upon a year long project by using a wiki to develop a student portfolio. The portfolio is a collection of artifacts ranging from a resume, an autobiographical sketch, a career research assignment, and much more.

Speaking to the validity of Wikipedia and Wikibooks, as a rule of thumb, I typically refer my students to initially visit sites other than Wikipedia or Wikibooks. I think I have some apprehension that the students will gain misleading information. For assignments such as lab reports and such, I instruct them to visit sites with either an .edu or .gov extension. Other sites that are corporately owned with the .com extension are also useful provided they are educational in nature. Sites such as Gale Research and United Streaming provide invaluable resources for students and adults alike.

On the other hand, one benefit, of using a site such as Wikipedia or Wikibooks is that is does provide students with a quick reference for information.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Thursday, November 5, 2009 - WUP#10 - A DAY

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 -- WUP#9 - B DAY

Objective:
Students will complete an assessment in order to demonstrate their understanding of concepts related to the cell and the cell membrane.

Warm Up:
Prepare for exam.

Classwork:
Exam Ch. 6/7

Homework:
Begin Reading Ch. 8 and reviewing its unit sheet.

SAT Word:
11/4 - audacious - adj. - excessively bold

Announcements:

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 -- WUP#8 - A DAY

Objective:
Students will review concepts related to the cell and cell membrane in order to prepare for an exam.

Warm Up:
Identify any concepts in Chapters 6 or 7 that you are having troubles with.

Classwork:
Review Ch. 6/7

Homework:
Study for Exam
Prepare Unit Sheet/Notebook for Submission
Warm Up Journals

SAT Word:
11/3 - atone - v. to apologize

Announcements:

Monday, November 2, 2009 - WUP#7 -- B DAY

Objective:

Warm Up:

Classwork:

Homework:

SAT Word:
11/2 -- assuage - v - to pacify

Announcements:

Friday, October 30, 2009

School Closed Grading Day

Thursday, October 29, 2009 -- WUP#6 -- A DAY

Objective:
Students will review Free Response Essays in order to improve their essay writing performance.

Warm Up:
In your own words, explain the concept of a "fluid mosaic model".

Classwork:
Free Response Essay #4 -- 2002

Homework:
Review Chapter 6/7 Tuesday

SAT Word:
ascetic - n. - one who practices restraint as a means of self-disciple, usually religious.

Announcements:
Exam 11/4/09Expla

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 -- WUP#5 -- B DAY

Objective:
Students will analyze an article in order to write a critique related to the cell and the cell membrane.

Warm Up:
None -- Substitute

Classwork:
Lab Wrap Up
Grades
Abstract Writing
Field Trip

Homework:
Chapter 6,7

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Google Reader


There are so many useful blogs around for educational purposes, from posting classwork and assignments, as this blog does. There are blogs for student feedback and interaction/discussion on topics. I have even found blogs highlighting student work and other topics of interest.

As I mentioned on the discussion board, it took me a while to write this post as I was kind of confused and all over the place. At any rate, I mentioned that as I used the new technology, I became more comfortable with using it.

I definitely see the benefits of using an aggregator tool as information is now brought to you instead of you having to search for it. I learned that I could access important information that will come in handy. In particular, as I go through the National Board Certification process I am able to access articles and advice that will assist me during my journey.

For your convenience, here is the feed for this blog: http://apbiodailyblog.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

So far, I like the interface of the Google Reader application, so I have decided to use it as my aggregator. I have many more feeds that I subscribed to, so I am eventually getting the hang of the purpose behind RSS feeds.

-Dawn

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Friday, October 23, 2009 -- WUP#2 -- A DAY

Objective:
Students will continue their investigation of diffusion and osmosis

Warm Up:
Using the lab protocol provided, answer the following:
a. Define water potential
b. Write the equation for water potential
c. What two (2) factors influence water potential?
d. What is the water potential of pure water at an atmospheric pressure of 0?

Classwork:
Complete Analysis of AP Lab #1 -- Diffusion/Osmosis

Homework:
Work on Graphs and Lab Report in Google Docs

Nobel Peace Prize Ribosome Discovery

'>http://

The Danger of a Single Story -- Please View

http://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story.html

Thursday, October 22, 2009 -- WUP #1 -- B DAY

Objective:
Students will continue their investigation of the processes of diffusion and osmosis in order to model a membrane system.

Warm Up:
Calculate %Change in Mass for your dialysis bags.

Classwork:
Set up Part 1C of the Diffusion/Osmosis Lab

Homework:
Set up google docs
Answer Part 1E Analysis Questions

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 -- WUP#10 -- A DAY

Objective:
Students will investigage the processes of diffusion and osmosis in order to model a membrane system.

Warm Up:
1. Pick up a copy of the Diffusion/Osmosis Lab
2. Copy chart on front board
3. Prepare for lab quiz
4. Submit Homework (Free Response Question)

Classwork:
AP Lab#1 -- Diffusion/Osmosis

Homework:
Begin working on lab questions
Set up google docs (http://docs.google.com)

Monday, October 19, 2009

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 -- WUP#9 -- B DAY

Objective:
Students will analyze the structure of a simulated fluid mosaic model in order to consider how cellular form fits function. Students will also gain a visual and kinesthetic understanding of how the cell membrane can be both dynamic and stable at hte same time. Finally, students will practice making chemical solutions to be used in the diffusion/osmosis lab.

Warm Up:
In free response essay question format ("main point plus three" structure), write a rough draft outline for the following question: "How does form fit function in regard to the fluid mosaic structure of the plasma membrane"?

Classwork:
Complete Notes Ch. 7 -- Membrane Structure and Function
Fluid Mosaic Model Simulation




Homework:
Free Response Essay Question #4 -- 2002 AP Biology Exam. (Rubrics will be handed out in class).
Print out and read/study the lab protocol for Lab#1 Diffusion/Osmosis. Be prepared to answer a ten (10) question quiz on the material covered. The lab protocol can be found on the Google Site: http://sites.google.com/a/pgcps.org/biobuzzwithberkeley/

SAT WORD:
anomaly (n). something that does not fit into the normal order


Announcements:

In some classrooms, books are a thing of the past (The Washington Post, 19 Oct 2009, Page 3)




In some classrooms, books are a thing of the past
by Ashley Surdin
The Washington Post
19 Oct 2009

agoura hills, calif. — The dread of high school algebra is lost here amid the blue glow of computer screens and the clickety-clack of keyboards. A fanfare plays from a speaker as a student passes a chapter test. Nearby, a classmate watches a video...read more...

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Monday, October 19, 2009 -- WUP #8 -- A DAY

Objective:
Students will identify components of the cell membrane in order to understand cellular transport.

Warm Up:
Differentiate between the following:
a. hypertonic
b. hypotonic
c. isotonic

Classwork:
Notes Ch. 6/7

Homework:
Below are two (2) short videos. View EACH of the videos and take ten (1o) summary notes on Video #1 and twenty (20) summary notes for Video/Animation #2, for a total of 30 notes. Please write these on a separate paper to be handed in with the Unit Sheet.

Video #1: (10 notes)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GW0lqf4Fqpg&feature=player_embedded

Animation/Video #2: (20 notes)
http://www.johnkyrk.com/cellmembrane.html
(For this animation, you will need to click through each scene/slide, making sure to take down the important pieces of information as you complete the video)

Announcments:
Extra Credit Opportunity #1 for 2nd Quarter.
Just recently announced were this year's winners for the The Nobel Prize. Your task is to determine who the award in chemistry was awarded to (there are 3) and as best as you possibly can, BRIEFLY explain their research/discovery. Please don't cut and paste, read and interact with the text and in the best possible way, re-explain the research as though you were having a conversation with a friend. (10 points). When we discuss cell division, we will discuss the nobel prize winners for physiology or medicine. Post your completed response here as a comment ALSO send me an email with a copy of your posted comment at: dawn.berkeley@pgcps.org.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Friday, October 16, 2009 -- NO SCHOOL

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Monday, October 12, 2009

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 -- WUP#7 -- A DAY

Objective:

Students will identify extracellular components in order to understand complex cellular activities.


Warm Up:


Foldable: See Front Board


Contrast the components of the cytoskeleton. Be able to identify the function, proteins involved, relative size and any additional features (diagram) for each.


Classwork:
Notes: Ch. 6/7
Begin Reading/Notetaking Ch. 7 -- Membranes


Homework:

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 -- WUP#7 -- A DAY

Objective:
Warm Up:
Classwork:
Homework:

Friday, October 9, 2009

Monday, October 12, 2009 -- WUP#6 -- A DAY

Objective:

Students will identify extracellular components in order to understand complex cellular activities.


Warm Up:

Differentiate between:

a. cilia and flagella

b. tight junctions, desmosomes, gap junctions

c. centromsomes & centrioles

Classwork:

Notes Ch. 6/7

Homework:
Unit Sheet Ch. 6/7

Monday, October 12, 2009 -- WUP#6 -- A DAY

Objective:

Warm Up:

Classwork:

Homework:

Friday, October 9, 2009 -- WUP #5 -- B DAY

Objective:

Students will continue their tour of the cell in order to understand cell structure and function. Students will also analyze their Free Response Questions in order to improve their performance on the written essay exam.

Warm Up:
Free Response Question #1 -- 2006

Classwork:
Notes Ch. 6
Grade Check

Homework:
Unit Sheet 6/7
Bring in Manila Folders

Thursday, October 9, 2009 -- WUP#4 -- A DAY

Objective:
Students will continue their tour of the cell in order to understand cell structure and function.

Warm Up:
In which cell would you expect to find the most smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

A. (5) Ovarian cell that produces estrogen (a steroid hormone)?

Classwork:
Notes Ch. 6
Grades Check

Homework:
Unit Sheet 6/7

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Wednesday, October , 2009 -- B DAY -- WUP#3

Objective:
Students will continue their tour of the cell in order to understand cell structure and function.

Warm Up:
Concept Check 6.1 & 6.2

Classwork:
Notes ch. 6
Check Begonias

Homework:
Describe the "endosymbiotic theory". Also identify who initially identified and described it.
Free Response Question 2006 -- #1 (See below)

Friday, October 2, 2009

Monday, October 5, 2009 -- WUP#1 -- B DAY

Objective:
Students will review cell parts and functions in order to distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Warm Up:
Draw a line down the center of your notebook paper. On the left side of the line, list as many organisms that you can identify as eukaryotic. To the right of the line, identify the parts of a eukaryotic cell.

Classwork:
Notes: Ch. 6/7

Homework:
Unit Sheet Ch. 6/7
Comparing Cell Parts Handout W/S #1
Video Notes -- Take down 20 notes on the attached video. Both the Cell Parts W/S and Video Notes are due in class tomorrow. Please give these items to the substitute.



Announcements:
Instead of celebrating birthdays tomorrow, please prepare to celebrate birthdays on Wednesday 10/7 when I return. Thanks!

Friday, October 2, 2009 -- WUP#8 -- A DAY

Objective:
Students will review responses to Chapter 4/5 exam in order to improve AP performance.

Warm Up:
Differentiate between:
a. light microscope
b. scanning electron microscope (SEM)
c. transmission electron microscope (TEM)

Classwork:
Correct answers to Exam Chapter 4/5
Complete Techniques for Microscope Use Lab

Homework:
Unit Sheet 6/7

Thursday, October 1, 2009 -- WUP# 7 -- B DAY --

Objective:
Students will participate in a presentation given by Eden Garosi of the University of Maryland College Park in order to explore college and career options.

Warm Up:
What college majors do you intend on pursuing and why?
What plans have you made to pursue careers in those fields?

Classwork:
Classroom Connections Presentation
FRE Cell Size
Notes Ch. 6

Homework:
Complete Lab - Due 10/1/09