Newman’s Neurons

Today we continued with the monohybrid crosses  for our unit on genetics.  We went over the Punnett squares for the ”Adopt a Zork” activity.  Then you received additional problems on the “Zork Genetics” assignment.  You also received your  username and login for the “Mouse Genetics” on-line activity.  Be sure you have the following (in red) assignments completed in your portfolio:

Click here if you need any of the handouts:

• Adopt a Zork
• Zork Genetics
• Mouse Genetics
• Genetics Portfolio

Homework:  Complete portfolio assignments.

 Today we got to listen to the final broadcasts of the Cardiac 100’s.  Thank goodness we were able to resume racing following the “weather” delay!

Next, we reviewed some of the introductory terminology for our unit on genetics.  Can you explain the following:  dominant, recessive, homozygous, heterozygous, purebreed, hybrid, phenotype, and genotype?

You began your “Adopt a Zork” activity to simulate the probability of inherited traits.  Click here if you need a copy of the assignment: Adopt a Zork  You will also need the following to determine the dominant and recessive phenotypes: Zork Traits. 

Homework:  Continue working on the Genetics Porfolio: Genetics Portfolio

PLEASE CHECK PINNACLE.  SEVERAL LABS SCORES WERE ADDED THIS WEEK.  I ALSO HAVE SEVERAL “NO NAME” PAPERS.   I’m still scoring the essays from the Anatomy Final.   

Today we discussed Gregor Mendel and his contributions as “the father of genetics.”  We discussed some common genetics vocabulary:  dominant, recessive, purebred, hybred, allele, homozygous and heterozygous.  You guys were also introduced to the Punnett square and probability.

If you had your Section 1 portfolio assignments completed (as were due), then you may have begun the Mouse Genetics on-line Gizmo actitivity.  I now have everyone registered and will make sure you get your username and login on Monday.

Homework:  Complete Section 2 portfolio assignments.

Today you guys took your pre-assessment on our heredity unit.  So, how does the cell play a role in your appearance?

Anatomy finals - you received your anatomy essay questions back so you could proofread and make revisions.  You also received the score from the Scantron part of the test.  The points possible on that part of the test were up to 90.  Your two essay questions are worth 5 points each.   Once I finish scoring the essay questions, I’ll add those points to your Scantron so you can have your final score.  I am excited to see how many potential “A’s” we have on this exam=-)

Next, you began your Genetics Portfolio.  Click here if you need a copy of the portfolio table of contents: Genetics Portfolio.   By tomorrow you need to read Chapter 5: Section 1 “Mendel and His Peas” on pages 114-119.  Answer the Section Review (page 119 #’s 1-10) in complete sentences.  Also, add the pertinent key terms to your Genetics Glossary page.

You also received a Genetics Wheel to complete.  How many dominant traits do you have?  What was your number?

Homework:  Complete section 1 assignments for the Genetics Portfolio.

Today everyone worked deligently on their AC Medical School Exit Exams.  I can’t wait to see how many AC Certified “Doctors” we have from this graduating class of “medical” students.  Hopefully, your results will be ready by Monday. 

Homework:  Take a break!

Today we reviewed the nervous system.  We discussed the three main parts of the brain and what each part controls.  We also discussed the parts of a neuron and how impulses flow through the cell.

Case study presentations were made on cerebral palsy, Lyme disease, Parkinson’s disease, rabies, and multiple sclerosis.  You guys have really become awesome presentors.  We have learned a lot about vaRious diseases over the past few days.  It is sad how our systems can be so adversely affected. 

Next, you guys finalized your Cardiac 100 and we began listening to your race through the heart.  It was certainly an exciting day at the races.  We will continue with our broadcasts on Thursday.

Homework:  THE ANATOMY FINAL IS TOMORROW!  STUDY!

Today we reviewed the circulatory system and the respiratory system.  You guys received your scored test on those two systems and we went over the answers.  Next, we had case studies presented on tuberculosis,  cigar  smokers, hemophilia, hepatitis, and atherosclerosis.  It is amazing how many systems can be affected by one disease!

Homework:  Be sure to study for your AC Medical School Exit Exam AKA Anatomy Final scheduled for this Wednesday!  Be sure to check out the on-line reveiw activities on last Friday’s blog and here are some more:

Circulatory System

 http://www.pbs.org/wnet/redgold/journey/phase2_a1.html

 http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/eheart/

 http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/pe/appliedanatomy/0_anatomy_circulatorysys_rev1.shtml

 http://www.medtropolis.com/VBody.asp

 http://www.syvum.com/cgi/online/mult.cgi/squizzes/biology/blood_vessels.tdf?0

 http://www.ahealthyme.com/Imagebank/heart.swf

 http://www.kscience.co.uk/animations/blood_system.swf

 http://www.smm.org/heart/heart/top.html

 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/changingthefaceofmedicine/activities/circulatory.html

 http://www.e-learningforkids.org/Courses/Liquid_Animation/Body_Parts/Heart_and_Circulation/index.html

 http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/eheart/transplant.html

 Respiratory System

 http://www.kscience.co.uk/animations/lungs.swf

 http://www.e-learningforkids.org/Courses/Liquid_Animation/Body_Parts/Respiratory_System/index.html

 http://www.smm.org/heart/lungs/top.html

 http://www.syvum.com/cgi/online/mult.cgi/squizzes/biology/respi.tdf?0

 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/changingthefaceofmedicine/activities/circulatory.html

 http://www.kscience.co.uk/animations/lungs.swf

 http://www.e-learningforkids.org/Courses/Liquid_Animation/Body_Parts/Respiratory_System/index.html

http://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/contexts/see_through_body/sci_media/animations_and_interactives/label_the_heart

Today we spent time reviewing the digestive system and the urinary system to help prepare for the Anatomy Final scheduled for next Wednesday.  You guys did a great job during our discussion.

We also heard case studies on the following diseases:  anorexia, diabetes, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections.   Very interesting information was shared!  Next Monday and Tuesday our other residency case studies will be presented.

Homework:  Study for the Anatomy Final + take advantage of the beautiful weather by getting outside and using up some of that energy!

Check out these on-line review sites: 

 http://www.biologymad.com/resources/kidney.swf

http://kidshealth.org/kid/htbw/htbw_main_page.html

http://library.thinkquest.org/2824/Excretory.html

http://library.thinkquest.org/5777/urin1.htm

http://yucky.discovery.com/noflash/body/yuckystuff/pee/js.index.html#

http://www.whitman.edu/biology/vpd/excquiz.html

http://kidshealth.org/teen/nutrition/general/digestive_system.html

http://www.gastro.net.au/frame_digestive.html

http://www.medtropolis.com/VBody.asp

http://www.syvum.com/cgi/online/mult.cgi/squizzes/biology/GIT2.tdf?1

http://www.syvum.com/cgi/online/mult.cgi/squizzes/biology/GIT2.tdf?0

http://www.syvum.com/cgi/online/mult.cgi/squizzes/biology/excr.tdf?0

http://nature.ca/discover/exm/blddgstvsystm/index_e.cfm

Today we reviewed the integumentary system, muscular system, and skeletal system in preparation for our AC Medical School Certification Exam AKA Anatomy Final scheduled for next Wednesday. 

Our Case Studies on arthritis, muscular dystrophy, eczema, and acne were shared in classes today.  Very interesting info!  Some of you did an outstanding job on the public service announcement or the doctor/patient conference.  I will have to read the doctor’s reports before I can brag on others=)

At the end of class many of you finished your Stroop effect graphs for the data collected yesterday, worked on your Cardiac 100, or finalized your case study.

Homework:  Complete your case study and begin studying for the final exam.

Today we ran our trials for the Stroop Effect.  Click here if you need the materials to do this at home:  Stroop Effect Lab Sheet.  Plus you will need the test strip printed in color: stroop effect bookmark sample.  Tomorrow we will  work on our graphs and on Friday you may work on your conclusion.  The completed lab is due by Monday, 2/22.

You guys had the remainder of class to work on your Residency: Case Study and the Cardiac 100.  Case Studies B, K, Q, P, and O will present tomorrow.  Click here if you need to verify your Case Study letter and presentation date:  Mr Residency! Case Study Presentation Dates.

Homework:  Work on Residency Case Study and begin reviewing for the Anatomy Final. 

Upcoming Test:  Anatomy Final will be on Wednesday, 2/24.  Make a 90 or> on the final and you may replace your lowest system test with the “A” score.  STUDY!