Newman’s Neurons

Today was a busy day at the Wellstar McClure AC Genetics Lab!  You guys worked in small groups to assemble  karyotypes for one of the eight patients we are investigating.  On Monday you will analyze the karyotypes and try to determine if the patients have any of the possible genetic disorders described on the research page and include your rationale for the diagnosis.

You guys also circulated through the MAC computers and used Photobooth + special effects to take a picture of your fictitious genetic discorder.  We will respond to the questions next week regarding the disorders and assemble the poster. 

Homework:  Finish your DNA Jewelry/Keychain.  It is DUE MONDAY!  Don’t forget to create a legend.  If possible place your DNA, legend, and rubric (with your self assessment) in a zip-lock bag.  Be sure your name is on your rubric, please.  Click here if you need another copy of the rubric:  DNA Jewelry or Keychain Rubric.  I can’t wait to wear all the jewlery next week!  

Genetics Part II Final Exam is scheduled for next Thursday, March 25.  Completed portfolios are also due next Thursday, March 25.  Click here to print an updated version of the Genetics Portfolio Table of Contents: Genetics Portfolio (Final) 

Today we spent the first half of class focusing on genetic engineering.  We watched segments of a video called Animal Farm that was hosted by a genetic scientist and an organic food journalist.  You guys were introduced to several genetically modified organisms.  There is a lot a controversy regarding this topic;  should it be allowed or not?

Next, we talked about mutations.  Click here for the handout we used in class today:  How DNA Controls the Cell.  Our focus was on point and frameshift mutations.  You had to write the RNA compliments to a DNA segment, then read the codons and decipher their amino acid sequence using the amino acid chart linked here: Amino Acid Chart.  Were there multiple codons to each amino acid?  What happened when one amino acid is affected?  What happens when  nitrogen bases are added or deleted?

Homework:  Continue working on your Genetics portfolio and DNA jewelry/keychain.  The jewelry/keychain is due on Monday, March 22.  Your Genetics Portfolio is due on Thursday, March 25.

Genetics Final Exam:  Thursday, March 25.

Check out this selective breeding simulation:     http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/harvest/engineer/ 

Today we discussed the reasons for DNA extraction.  ENA extraction might be needed for genetic testing, body identification, and forensic science.  We also used a simulation to see the process involved in DNA extraction.  Check out the DNA Extraction Virtual Lab here: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/extraction/.

Next, you guys conducted a lab called Banana Split Lab: Extracting DNA.  Click here if you need a copy of the lab: Banana Split AKA Extracting DNA.  What was the purpose of the liquid dish detergent, sodium chloride, and isopropyl alcohol?  Your completed lab is due by tomorrow for a lab grade.

Has everyone turned in their Dihybrid Creative Writing Story?

Homework:  Work on your DNA jelelry/keychain.  Click here if you need a copy of the rubric:  DNA Jewelry or Keychain Rubric.  It is due on Monday, March 22.

Upcoming test:  Genetics Final Exam is Thursday, March 25. 

MONDAY, 3/15

Hi Everyone!

I’m sorry I had to leave today.  I guess the stomach virus has got a hold of me this morning=-(  Below are the assignments you need to complete today:

Surf’s up:  What is the complimentary base for the following:  TAGCCGATTC?

• Complete the DNA Packet from Friday.   Let the sub know if you were absent and need a copy.
• Read Chapter 6:1 What Does DNA Look Like?  Complete Section Review on page147.
• Read Chapter 6:2 How Does DNA Work? Complete Section Review on page 155.
• Try the DNA Alias (First and Last Name).  This is your pattern for your DNA necklace.
•  Turn in your Dihybrid story to the sub when your name is called.

Homework:  Catch up with everything listed above.

TUESDAY, 3/16

Today we discussed DNA replication and Protein Synthesis.  Use the DNA Workshop to help review these two concepts:  http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit/dna/.  Be sure to try the activity.

Next, we completed an activity regarding “Snorks” where you converted their DNA into mRNA, then connected it with tRNA to form amino acids and determine traits.  Click here if you need a copy of the assignment:  SNORK DNA.

We talked about the DNA Alias assignment you did yesterday and how this would be your pattern for your DNA jewelry/keychain (DNA Jewelry or Keychain Rubric) which is due on Monday, March 22.  Here is a Powerpoint that may be of some help as a possible method of building your jewelry/keychain: Jewelry-Keychain Power Point.  Feel free to use your own brilliant engineering skills to make your DNA model. 

Homework:  Work on DNA jewelry/keychain.

Today we talked about deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).  Our focus was on the structure of DNA.  You guys completed your 6:1  Review questions and began working on your DNA information packet questions and color coding.

We also discuss our DNA model project.  Attached is a copy of the rubric/guidelines if you were not present today:  DNA Jewelry or Keychain Project.  Your only task this weekend is to begin looking for uniquie items around the house to use for the following parts:

• Deoxyribose (Sugar)
• Phosphates
• Hydrogen BONDS
• Nitrogen Bases (Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, and Cytosine)

Don’t begin your assembly until after class on Monday.  We will be completing an activity in class that will determine the order of your nucleotides.  Try to be creative without having to purchase any supplies!

Homework:  Complete the Dihybrid Creative Writing Story.  Your typed final draft and answer key are due MONDAY!  Be sure you bring a copy of the rubric to turn in with your story:  Genetics- My very Original Creative Dihybrid Story Rubric

Today we explored cell division: meiosis.  You guys had to show me that you completed your 5:3 Section Review on page 133 to be given the opportunity to visit the internet sites on meiosis.  Click here if you need a copy of the assignment:  Meiosis Internet Activities

Please note the following instructions:

•Skip Site 1 (Link is broken)

•Site 2:  Go to http://sumanasinc.com/webcontent/animations/biology.html

•Site 3:  Go to www.biologyinmotion.com Click on “Cell Division Exercises” > Click on “Practice Meiosis”

•Site 4:  Go to www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/baby/ >Click on “How Cells Divide” > Click on “Mitosis vs. Meiosis”

After completion of the on-line activities, answer Ch 6 Section 1 “DNA” page 147 #’s 1-8.

Homework:  Complete 6:1 questions.  Work on Dihybrid story.  Final draft must be turned in by Monday, March 15.

Today we dicussed situations when there may be more than two possible phenotypes.  Click here if you want to check out the Powerpoint we used in class during our discussion about incomplete dominance (BLEND) and  codominance (BOTH) and multiple alleles:  4 Incomplete Dominance Codominance and Multiple Alleles.

You guys worked on two practice pages:

• Incomplete and complete dominance with Suess and SmileysCodominance and Incomplete Dominance
• The Case of the Long Lost Son (multiple alleles of blood)The Case of the Long Lost Son

Homework:  Work on your dyhybrid cross story.  Have you completed Chapter 5:3  “Meiosis” Section Review on page 133 (#1-10)?  If not, do so!

got hope?  Check the informational letter below from Mrs. Wing.

got hope???

You may have heard that there is a t-shirt sales campaign going on at McClure and not know the background of the ”why”.  At McClure, we have several students dealing with significant medical issues (among those cancer and organ transplant needs).  We as a school community wanted to reach out to help those families and to show our support for them financially and visually.

Each advisement group was asked to develop a theme – one line – that would show visual support for these students as we wear the shirts, but also generate conversation about why we are wearing them.  Each advisement group submitted suggestions and the student body as a whole chose the winning theme “got hope?”

We are currently selling the t-shirts for $10 or a bracelet that says got hope? for $3.  You can purchase both as a set for $12.  All proceeds from the shirts will be given to these families to meet the additional financial needs that they are incurring.  The families may choose to give the funds to the charity of their choice if they personally don’t need the funds.  One of the families has been assisted tremendously by the Rally Foundation and may earmark the funds they receive for that organization.

This is a time where we can all step out and make a personal difference to students at our school.  We hope that you will purchase a shirt and talk to your friends and neighbors about purchasing one as well to help these families!  The shirts are on sale for the next few days and are available in black with white print, black with hot pink print and brown with turquoise print.  Checks may be made payable to McClure Middle School PTSA.

Thanks for your support!

Susan Wing, Principal

Today you guys completed your Genetics Part I exam.  This test covered the introduction to our unit on heredity.  Focus was on vocabulary such as homozygous, herterozygous, dominant, recessive, genotype, phenotype, allele, etc.  You were also evaluated over your ability to analyze and create monohybrid and dihybrid Punnett squares and interpreting Pedigree charts. 

After turning in your test you had the remainder of the period to work on your dihybrid genetics story.  You received a copy of the rubric to guide you in this assignment.  Stories are due on Friday.

Homework:  Continue working on your dihybrid story.

Homework:  Continue working on

Today we watched a Bill Nye video on the greatest discoveries in genetics.  This carried us all the way from Gregor Mendel’s study of the pea plants to Craig Venter and company mapping the entire Human Genome.  You guys had to complete the visual organizer as you watched the video.  If you were absent you will need to research the scientists contributions and complete the chart at home.  Click here if you need a copy of the visual organizer:  Greatest Discoveries with Bill Nye.

I also gave you a handout regarding genetics web labs.  The completed evaluation of the web labs will need to stay in your portfolio.  Click on Genetics Web Lab if you need a copy of the assignment or you want to see the link to access the labs.  “Mendel’s Peas”, “Dragons”, and “Punnett Squares” would be good activities to work on tonight in preparation for the Genetics Part I test tomorrow.  Don’t forget to rate the activities on the back of the handout for educational and entertainment value.

Homework:  Review for the Genetics Part I Test.  This test is over basic genetics vocabulary, monohybrid Punnett squares, dihybrid Punnett squares, and pedigrees.

Bring your Dihybrid Creative Writing assignment to class tomorrow.  You should have time to work on it in class after the test.  I will give you a copy of the scoring rubric tomorrow since many of you could not download it on Friday.

Today we learned how to comprehend a genetic pedigree.  Using this knowledge and some very good clues from a ficticious story, you were able to identify the suspect in “The Case of the Hooded Murderer”.

After working with pedigrees, you had the opportunity to use the computers to complete the “Mouse Genetics” or you could work on your dyhybrid creative writing assignment modeled after “The One-eyed, Easy Temper-Loser Monster” story.  Click here if you want to see the rubric for the writing assignment:  Genetics – My Very Original Creative Dihybrid Story Rubric.

Homework:  Continue working on portfolio or writing assignment.

Genetics Part I Test is Tuesday.