DNA Model

Students made a DNA model in class. They used licorice and gum drops. If students didn't completely finish they need to finish for homework which they can as long as they have the colors for all the bases.

Extra Credit: Make a model of DNA. You may NOT use licorice or gum drops.
Extra Credit is due Tuesday March 6

Meiosis Model

Students worked together to create a model of meiosis using consturuction paper, yarn, colored pencils.
Today was Day 4 of observing our trout eggs. We had quite a few that hatched over the weekend!
No homework.

Trout Books

Students took notes on the genetic code.
Students then made their "Trout Books" These books will include all things trout. Students made their first observations on the trout eggs today.

Students with dogs may bring in a photo of their dog. The photo must have the dogs name, the breed, and their name. These pictures are to make a dog collage.

Extra Credit: Make a DNA model. Include a key. This is due Monday March 5th.

Meiosis Notes

 We had a shortened schedule today cue to the SOAR assembly. The SOAR assembly was a great presentation on the negative aspects of tobacco use.
We finished up the dog video today.
We then took a few notes on Meiosis.
There is NO homework.

Dog movie and show dog

Students watched a NOVA movie on the origin of dogs and should know the two theories of how dogs came about.
Students got to meet a champion dog, Toby, an Old English Sheep Dog. One of my students parents brought this champion dog in and spoke about breeding, genetics, obedience and care. This was a real treat as this dog is a champion and has even been to Westminster Dog Show.
There has been no homework the last two days.

Catch up time

Whew! I have been out sick for the last two days so.....today I am trying to catch up. On Monday students read about DNA in their books  pages 47-103 and did a worksheet. Today we corrected that sheet and students handed it.
Yesterday students corrected the Meiosis sheet that they did on Friday and turned it in.
Students watched a video on fish today - hopefully we will be getting trout eggs on Tuesday - keep your fingers crossed.
In the meantime I am trying to catch up on grades.  I will be out of town and internet service all of break so please be patient.
Have a great break!

Chromosomes

Today we discussed inbreeding pros and cons. We also talked about what a person needs to have if they are going to adopt a dog.
Students read in their books pages 92-96 and worked on a worksheet. If the worksheet isn't done then it is homework.
Have a great weekend!

Wiki and word clouds

Today was the last day for our dog project and wikis.Students should have all their dog information and an image of their dog on their wiki page.
The dog information that I have seen has been fabulous!
Due to all the problems with the word clouds I am not requiring that students have a word cloud. I f students want to try and get a word cloud on using their home computers that is fine.
Tomorrow we are taking a huge break from computers and wikis and will be reading. YEAH!

Word clouds

 Today was VERY frustrating for me. The word clouds were not working on the mac labs because of needed downloads and plug-ins which the computer tech person has to do so......I would like students to try play around with black-text, tagxedo and mosaic word clouds. See if you can embed them into your wiki page. Remeber that to access the wiki look under learning link and scroll down until you find class wiki. When using the wiki always click edit and SAVE when you are done.

The 3 word cloud sites are all found under learning links. Below are the directions to embed or "paste" a  Mosaic word cloud into your wiki .  Good luck. 

To embed your Mosaic word clouds into your wiki page you must:

1.   Make your image that you want to embed.
2.   Click export
3.   Scroll down until you see image URL.  Copy that link.
4.   Go to your wiki page.
5.   Click the edit button.
6.   Put your cursor where you want the word cloud to be.
7.   Click file.
8.   Click external image.
9.   Past link into box.
10. Click load.
11. Double click the small image.
12. Whala! There is your image.
13. Click save!!!

Dog Project Questions

There were technology issues today. I wanted students to use some word cloud programs and post their creations to a wiki that I made. The wiki would not load so students could not post their creations. We printed some out but we don't have a color printer. So.....we will see what happens tomorrow.
Students used black-text and word mosaic to make word clouds. The links to these are under learning links

 Dog project Questions

Use books and the internet to research your dog. You must use at least two books and at least 2 websites. Cite your sources  Be sure to answer the following questions

1.      Where is the breed originally from?

2.      When was your breed first discovered or recognized?

3.      What was the breed used for historically?

4.      What is your dog used for today?

5.      What are some jobs that your dog might have in today’s society? Describe what these jobs are and why your dog can do this job well.

6.      Does your dog make a good pet?

7.      What is the weight?

8.      What is the lifespan?

9.      Does your dog have any genetic disorders? Explain and describe what this is.

10.  Is your dog prone to any health disorders? If yes explain what they are.

11.  What is the temperament of your dog?

12.  What colors can your dog be? What is the nose color?

13.  How much exercise does your dog need?

14.  What are some interesting history and/or facts about your dog? You must have at least 5 additional facts.

15.  What are the major dog groups and which group is your dog in?

16.  What are the vaccinations your dog needs and how often?

17.  What is inbreeding and what are the pros and cons?

18.  Are there any rescue organizations for your breed? How many and where are they located?

Dog Project

Students spent the day on our brand new mac lab in the library. They researched their dogs and put their information in a google doc. Most kids have less than 5 questions left to answer so they made great progress. tomorrow we will finish  researching. There is no homework.

Dog Genetics

Students started on their dog assignment. This dog project can either be done solo or with a partner. Students must research their chosen breed. The emphasis of this assignment is on the genetics of their dogs: where they originated from, what they are bred for, possible genetic disorders. I am anticipating that all work will be done in class with very little homework. There is no homework this weekend except to have a great one.

Mendel and punnett squares

We corrected yesterday's worksheet on Mendel pages 76-81. We then practiced using punnett squares to predict the probability of offspring getting specific traits. We will continue this tomorrow. There is no homework tonight.