December 22/23, 2009

If you have any missing assignments/projects and labs you should be working on these ASAP as the end of term is quickly approaching. Over the break make sure to check your TeacherEase account as I will be updating it throughout the week.

December 21, 2009

Osmosis Lab: Type or hand write your lab and bring it to class tomorrow.
Include all parts (Title, Purpose, Hypothesis, Materials, Procedure, Data Table). The remainder will be completed tomorrow.

December 18, 2009

No homework tonight. Review your sourcebook and complete any missing major assignments ASAP.

December 17, 2009

In the LE Review Guide, read pages 5-7 and complete questions 20-35 on pages 7/8. Due tomorrow. Complete this in your sourcebook.

December 15, 2009

No homework. If you have missing work you should be completing it and handing it in ASAP as the end of term is approaching quickly.

December 11, 2009

Identifying the Unknown: Analysis of an unknown substance shows that the substance contains CARBON, HYDROGEN, and OXYGEN and is soluble in oil, but not in water. Which of the four types of biomolecules (organic compounds) could this substance be? Explain your answer.

December 9/10, 2009

1) If you have not done so...Complete your self and peer assessment for the Cell Analogy Project using the Group Work Assessment Rubric provided to you via e-mail. E-mail your assessment to me at emitsiadis@wjps.org.

2) Any Cell Analogy Projects that have not been e-mailed to me, please do so ASAP.

December 8, 2009

1) Test tomorrow on Cells and Microscope Use. Use your review handouts, the cells and their parts and functions (handout and sourcebook work) and plant and animal cell differences and similarities (sourcebook) to study.

2) If you have not done so...Complete your self and peer assessment for the Cell Analogy Project using the Group Work Assessment Rubric provided to you via e-mail. E-mail your assessment to me at emitsiadis@wjps.org. Also any Cell Analogy Projects that have not been e-mailed to me, please do so ASAP.

December 7, 2009

Complete your self and peer assessment for the Cell Analogy Project using the Group Work Assessment Rubric provided to you via e-mail. E-mail your assessment to me at emitsiadis@wjps.org.

December 3/4, 2009

1) Cell Analogy Project: Final product due Monday, December 7, 2009. You must e-mail the final product to me at emitsiadis@wjps.org and also bring your project handouts to class to be handed in. Make sure you have a copy of your PowerPoint saved in your e-mail or somewhere that you can access it for ePortfolio, etc.

2) Cells and Microscope Test on Wednesday, December 9, 2009. We will review on Tuesday.

November 30 - December 1, 2009

1) Cell Analogy Project: work on the chart found on the handout. Chart on the handout MUST be fully complete by Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009. The final project is due on Monday, December 7, 2009.

2) Next week (likely on Dec 8/9) you will have a test on plant and animal cells, cell organelles (parts) and their functions, microscope use. We will review for the test briefly on Monday/Tuesday.

November 24, 2009

In the Living Environment Review Guide, read pages 150 (Microscope Skills) to page 153. In your sourcebook, complete Review Questions 13-28 on pages 157-158. Due Monday, November 30, 2009.

November 23, 2009

No homework. If you have missing work - this is what you should be working on.

November 20, 2009

Complete the handout 'Cells and Their Parts' provided in class on plant and animal cells. Due on Monday, November 23, 2009 at the start of class.

November 19, 2009

No homework.

November 18, 2009

In the LE Review Guide, read pages 3 and 4 and complete the Review Questions on pages 4 and 5 #11-19. Complete this in your sourcebook.

November 17, 2009

Post your response:
You are a scientist with NASA. Some samples of extraterrestrial material containing living things have arrived on your spaceship. Your first job is to determine if the samples contain PROKARYOTIC or EUKARYOTIC cells. EXPLAIN how you will proceed to find out.

November 13, 2009

No homework (unless you have missing assignments/labs).

November 12, 2009

1) Making Connections Lab: Lab Package Part A and Final Lab Report for Part B due Friday, November 13, 2009.

2) Making Connections Lab and Homeostasis Test on Friday, November 13, 2009. Use your review package to study.

November 10, 2009

Making Connections Final lab report, typed, in complete sentences with all the required sections DUE on Friday, November 13th, 2009! No exceptions.

Refer to page 7 and 8 of your lab package to make sure you include all parts in your typed lab report.

The lab must be handed in with the lab handout and questions from part A and any drafts of the lab report.

November 9, 2009

Making Connections Lab:

Write a first draft of your report on looseleaf paper or typed using the guidelines on the last page of the lab packet and the work you completed in class with your group. You should be able to type up your Title, Hypothesis, Materials, Methods (Procedure) and your Data Table. Draft should be saved in your Google account so that you can access it at school also.

You can access the Making Connections Lab package on the Living Environment Google Site under ‘connectionsedlab’ in the Lab section or use your copy.

You will have one more class to work on gathering data for the lab, completing the conclusion section and making any final adjustments. The final lab report is due on Friday, November 13, 2009.

Test:

Making Connections Lab Test and one question on an example of homeostasis on Friday, November 13, 2009.

November 6, 2009

Making Connections Lab:
Steps 1-6 on pages 6/7 of your lab package should be completed in your sourcebook.

Write a first draft of your report on looseleaf paper or typed using the guidelines on the last page of the lab packet and the work you completed in class with your group. You should be able to type up your Title, Hypothesis, Methods, Materials and your Data Table. Draft should be saved in your Google account so that you can access it at school also. Bring a printed out version on Monday, November 9, 2009

You can access the Making Connections Lab package on the Living Environment Google Site under ‘connectionsedlab’ in the Lab section or use your copy.

You will have two more classes to work on gathering data for the lab, completing the conclusion section and making any final adjustments.

November 2/4, 2009

No new homework assignment. If you are missing any work at this point, you must submit it by the end of this week. Also, sourcebooks will be collected at some point either this week or next week, therefore be prepared.

October 30, 2009

Blog Post: In your own words, summarize how homeostasis is maintained in one of the following situations (you may not write about your group assigned choice from the class activity).
1) Guard cells in plant leaves
2) Insulin and Blood Glucose
3) Carbon Dioxide and Blood pH
Your response should be posted in complete sentences using details. Due Monday, Nov. 2, 2009.

October 27/28, 2009

No homework. If you are missing any work or have incomplete lab work you must work on this ASAP.

October 23/26, 2009

1) ALL CLASS PERIODS: In the Living Environment Review Guide, read pages 25-27. Complete questions 42-53 on page 28 in your sourcebook.

2) PERIODS 3/4 only: Lab #5 Negative and Positive Feedback Loops due tomorrow (Tuesday, October 27, 2009). All 4 graphs and all analysis/conclusion questions (except question 4) must be completed in full.

October 19/20, 2009

Classification Test on Wednesday, October 21, 2009. Test is on Characteristics of Life, Classification System, Levels of Organization, 6 Kingdom system, Dichotomous Keys, and Cladograms. Review your classwork, LE Review Guide questions on these topics, and the review PowerPoint from today's class (you can access this on the Living Environment Google Site).

October 16, 2009

Complete the Regents Practice Questions Handout on Cladograms (#1-7). Due Monday. Staple the handout when completed into your sourcebook.

October 15, 2009

In the LE Review Guide, read 'Dichotomous Keys' on page 155 and 156. Complete questions 14 – 16 and 19 on pages 164 and 165. Answer the questions in your sourcebook. Due tomorrow.

October 9/13, 2009

No homework.

If you have missing blog homework or the Experimental Design Assignment - please make sure to complete and post/hand in these items ASAP.

October 7/8, 2009

In the LE Review Guide, read pages 1-3 and complete Review Questions #1-10 in your sourcebook.
Due Friday, October 9.

October 6, 2009

Post your response: Choose three characteristics of life that you feel are absolutely necessary for survival. For each characteristic, explain WHAT IT IS or MEANS, provide an example and EXPLAIN WHY IT IS absolutely necessary for survival.

October 5, 2009

NO (new) HOMEWORK TODAY.
-If you have NOT handed in your Experimental Design Assignment – please do so ASAP.
-If you have incomplete or missing labs – sign up for a Wednesday lunch session on the sign up sheet in class.
-If you have not brought a folder to class – do so ASAP. You will be placing your work in there!

October 2, 2009

1) Post on the blog your response to the following Essential Question based on your knowledge of this course and what we have covered in class and lab over the past few weeks:

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CONDUCT A VALID CONTROLLED EXPERIMENT?

In your response, use appropriate scientific vocabulary, such as control, experimental, scientific method, variables, etc. Make sure to explain the vocabulary you use and to use examples throughout your response. Your response should be at least 2-3 paragraphs.

DUE Monday, October 5, 2009.

2) If you have not handed in your Experimental Design Assignment - please complete this and hand it in to the 'WORK TO BE HANDED IN' bin in class ASAP.

October 1, 2009

Period 2 only: Experimental Design Assignment due tomorrow. Staple the assignment handout/rubric to the back of your typed assignment.

All Periods: Bring a folder to class tomorrow. If you have not handed in your Experimental Design Assignment - do so ASAP.

September 30, 2009

ALL CLASS PERIODS:
Test on Thursday, October 1st on Scientific Method, Experimental Design and Graphing.

Review your classwork and the review questions from the LE Review Guide pages 134 -146. The answers will be posted on the Living Environment Google Site as 'Living Environment Review Guide Answers'.

PERIOD 2: Experimental Design Assignment due on Friday, October 2, 2009.

September 29, 2009

ALL CLASS PERIODS:

1) Living Environment Review Guide
Read pages 138-141
Questions 18-29 on pages 141-143
--DUE tomorrow--

2) TEST on Thursday, October 1st on the Scientific Method, Experimental Design and Graphing.

CLASS PERIOD 2: Experimental Design Assignment due Friday, October 2nd.

September 25, 2009

Period 2:
Draft of your experimental design assignment due Tuesday, September 29th. This should be written in your sourcebook.


Periods 3 and 4:
Final Copy of your Experimental Design Assignment due on Tuesday, September 29th.
This must be typed, with the proper heading at the top (WJPS and Living Environment on the top left hand corner AND full name, due date and class period on the top right hand corner)
Staple your assignment handout/rubric to the back of your assignment.

September 24, 2009

1) Periods 3 & 4: Draft of your experimental design assignment due tomorrow. This should be written in your sourcebook.
2) All Periods: Bring a folder to class by Friday. Make sure your name is on that folder.

September 23, 2009

Bring a folder to class by Friday. Make sure your name is on that folder.

September 22, 2009

1) In the Living Environment Review Guide:
READ pages 134-136
Do Question 6-17 on pages 137/138 in your sourcebook.

2) Bring a folder to class by Friday.

September 21, 2009

No homework.

Bring a folder to class by the end of this week (Friday, September 25, 2009). This folder will be used as your 'work' folder and will be kept in class.

September 17/18, 2009

Write about at least three things you learned about experimental design over the last two days in class. Make sure to use complete and detailed sentences with appropriate vocabulary.

Your post should be at least 2 paragraphs (i.e. at least 10 sentences in total). Make sure to EXPLAIN your thoughts and provide EXAMPLES. The more detailed you are the more this shows your deep understanding of concepts.

DUE Monday, September 21st.

September 16, 2009

Lab #1: Lab Safety due tomorrow. You MUST return your lab to class tomorrow. There will be no exceptions, unless you are absent. If so, please ensure that you bring the lab to class the next day you are back in class.

If needed, refer to the PowerPoint link on the Living Environment google sites for any clarification you might need. Also, if needed, use the internet to help search for the lab safety symbols by doing a search for 'Lab Safety Symbols'.

September 14/15, 2009

No homework. If you have not returned your lab requirement letter or syllabus to class, please do so as soon as possible. Also, if you have not visited the blog and/or created a blog account, please do this as soon as possible.

September 11, 2009

1) Review and have your parent/guardian sign the syllabus and lab requirement letter. DUE Monday. If you have access to a WJPS Google account - then preview the Living Environment site and the classroom rituals and routines section.

2) You may post your response to this assignment on the blog or answer in your sourcebook. If you are posting, make sure to follow the guidelines found on the sidebar of the blog. HOMEWORK: Describe one strength that you have that you believe will be helpful in this class, one weakness that you need to work on, and two goals that you have for this class. DUE Monday.

September 10, 2009

Review the:

-Syllabus
-Lab requirement letter
-Classroom Rituals & Routines (can be accessed through WJPS google sites)

with your parents/guardians and have the forms signed. Return to class by Monday!

Come to class tomorrow with your supplies as listed on the syllabus. You MUST have a composition book tomorrow.

Homework - June 12, 2009

LIVING ENVIRONMENT REGENTS is on Thursday, June 18th at 1:00pm. Remember to bring two pencils and two pens with you. Be here on time.

1) Continue to work on the review package at your own pace.

2) ePortfolio submissions: Upload your work into your ePortfolio for Living Environment. You must choose the standards addressed for each assignment and write a summary for each assignment. Your summary should be a paragraph (at least) that describes what the assignment goals were (what was the assignment about and what you did for the assignment) and what you learned during and after completing the assignment.

3) Visit the Regents Prep websites posted on the blog to review for the Regents. Also use your Living Environment Review Guide to review.

Homework - June 11, 2009

1) In the review package, complete page 262 and 263. Bring the package to class with you tomorrow.

2) Body Systems Regents Package: Complete the whole packet. You can use the LE Review Guide pages 8 - 12 and the web links on the blog to help you out.

3) Check your TeacherEase account. Complete any missing assignments/projects by this Friday, June 12, 2009.

4) ePortfolio submissions: Upload your work into your ePortfolio for Living Environment. You must choose the standards addressed for each assignment and write a summary for each assignment. Your summary should be a paragraph (at least) that describes what the assignment goals were (what was the assignment about and what you did for the assignment) and what you learned during and after completing the assignment.

5) Visit the Regents Prep websites posted on the blog to review for the Regents. Also use your Living Environment Review Guide to review.

Homework - June 10, 2009

1) Diffusion Through a Membrane Regents Practice Handout. Bring to class tomorrow.

2) Body Systems Regents Package: Complete #1-20 on the first three pages and #1-12 on page 4 of the package. Bring the package to class EVERY DAY!

3) Check your TeacherEase account. Complete any missing assignments/projects by Wednesday this week! I can not accept anything after then.

4) ePortfolio submissions: Upload your work into your ePortfolio for Living Environment. You must choose the standards addressed for each assignment and write a summary for each assignment. Your summary should be a paragraph (at least) that describes what the assignment goals were (what was the assignment about and what you did for the assignment) and what you learned during and after completing the assignment.

5) Visit the Regents Prep websites posted on the blog to review for the Regents. Also use your Living Environment Review Guide to review.

Homework - June 9, 2009

1) Body Systems Regents Package: Complete #1-20 on the first three pages and #1-12 on page 4 of the package. Bring the package to class EVERY DAY!

2) Check your TeacherEase account. Complete any missing assignments/projects by Wednesday this week! I can not accept anything after then.

3) ePortfolio submissions: Upload your work into your ePortfolio for Living Environment. You must choose the standards addressed for each assignment and write a summary for each assignment. Your summary should be a paragraph (at least) that describes what the assignment goals were (what was the assignment about and what you did for the assignment) and what you learned during and after completing the assignment.

4) Visit the Regents Prep websites posted on the blog to review for the Regents. Also use your Living Environment Review Guide to review.

Homework - June 8, 2009

1) Body Systems Regents Package: Complete #1-20 on the first few pages of multiple choice section. Bring the package to class EVERY DAY!

2) Check your TeacherEase account. Complete any missing assignments/projects by Wednesday this week! I can not accept anything after then.

3) ePortfolio submissions: Upload your work into your ePortfolio for Living Environment. You must choose the standards addressed for each assignment and write a summary for each assignment. Your summary should be a paragraph (at least) that describes what the assignment goals were (what was the assignment about and what you did for the assignment) and what you learned during and after completing the assignment.

4) Visit the Regents Prep websites posted on the blog to review for the Regents. Also use your Living Environment Review Guide to review.

Homework - June 5, 2009

1) Risks During Pregnancy Project: due Monday, June 8, 2009. You must hand in your project with your assignment handout.

2) Check your TeacherEase account. Complete any missing assignments/projects by next week! I can not accept anything after then.

3) ePortfolio submissions: Upload your work into your ePortfolio for Living Environment. You must choose the standards addressed for each assignment and write a summary for each assignment. Your summary should be a paragraph (at least) that describes what the assignment goals were (what was the assignment about and what you did for the assignment) and what you learned during and after completing the assignment.

4) Visit the Regents Prep websites posted on the blog to review for the Regents.

Homework - June 2, 2009

1) Risks During Pregnancy Project: Continue your research. Look for resources online or at the library. Bring resources to class tomorrow. Project draft due Friday. Project due Monday, June 8, 2009.

2) Check your TeacherEase account. Complete any missing assignments/projects by next week! I can not accept anything after then.

3) ePortfolio submissions: Upload your work into your ePortfolio for Living Environment. You must choose the standards addressed for each assignment and write a summary for each assignment. Your summary should be a paragraph (at least) that describes what the assignment goals were (what was the assignment about and what you did for the assignment) and what you learned during and after completing the assignment.

4) Visit the Regents Prep websites posted on the blog to review for the Regents.

Homework - June1, 2009

1) Risks During Pregnancy Project: Choose the topic you would like to research for the project. Look for resources online or at the library. Bring resources to class tomorrow. Project draft due Friday. Project due Monday, June 8, 2009.

2) Check your TeacherEase account. Complete any missing assignments/projects by next week! I can not accept anything after then.

3) ePortfolio submissions: Upload your work into your ePortfolio for Living Environment. You must choose the standards addressed for each assignment and write a summary for each assignment. Your summary should be a paragraph (at least) that describes what the assignment goals were (what was the assignment about and what you did for the assignment) and what you learned during and after completing the assignment.

4) Visit the Regents Prep websites posted on the blog to review for the Regents.

Homework - May 29, 2009

1) Reproduction Practice Regents Questions - complete the 3 page handout and bring it to class on Monday, June 1, 2009.

2) Check your TeacherEase account. Complete any missing assignments/projects by next week! I can not accept anything after then.

3) ePortfolio submissions: Upload your work into your ePortfolio for Living Environment. You must choose the standards addressed for each assignment and write a summary for each assignment. Your summary should be a paragraph (at least) that describes what the assignment goals were (what was the assignment about and what you did for the assignment) and what you learned during and after completing the assignment.

4) Visit the Regents Prep websites posted on the blog to review for the Regents.

Homework - May 27/28, 2009

1) Human Impact on the Environment Assessment: Complete the artifacts, 'what you understand' section, and reflection questions for EACH of the standards. E-mail your completed document to me at emitsiadis@wjps.org AND upload it to your ePortfolio.

Artifacts to choose from:
a) Sourcebook work: include the date
b) Environmental Issues Blog
c) Environmental Issues Poster
d) Ecological Problem Blog
e) CRQ on Carbon Dioxide Concentration and Temperature Change
f) Your second CRQ
g) Human Impact on the Environment Test
h) Industrial Melanism and the Peppered Moth Lab
i) Relationships and Biodiversity Lab


2) Check your TeacherEase account. Complete any missing assignments/projects by next week! I can not accept anything after then.

3) ePortfolio submissions: Upload your work into your ePortfolio for Living Environment. You must choose the standards addressed for each assignment and write a summary for each assignment. Your summary should be a paragraph (at least) that describes what the assignment goals were (what was the assignment about and what you did for the assignment) and what you learned during and after completing the assignment.

4) Visit the Regents Prep websites posted on the blog to review for the Regents.

Homework - May 26, 2009

1) ePortfolio submissions: Upload your work into your ePortfolio for Living Environment. You must choose the standards addressed for each assignment and write a summary for each assignment. Your summary should be a paragraph (at least) that describes what the assignment goals were (what was the assignment about and what you did for the assignment) and what you learned during and after completing the assignment.

2) Regents Prep: Use the Regents Prep websites linked to this blog to review for the Regents exam. Links are located on the right of the blog as you scroll down.

3) Check your TeacherEase account! If you have any missing assignments or projects please work on those immediately. I will not accept missing work after next week! Many of your midterm grades are 'incomplete' because of missing major assignments.

Homework - May 18-22, 2009

1) Beaks of Finches Analysis Final Draft must be typed and stapled to the rubric handout and ready to hand in on the day we get back to school. If you need feedback on your written assignment, please e-mail me your work through TeacherEase or at my wjps email and I will reply to you with feedback as soon as possible.

2) ePortfolio submissions should be made for various assignments listed in the Living Environment section of your portfolio. You MUST have work added to your ePortfolio! So please use this time wisely to do so.

3) Regents Prep - Visit http://regentsprep.org/Regents/biology/biology.cfm and read through the synopsis of the 'Reproduction and Development' section. Also complete the practice regents questions in this section. Furthermore, you should continue to review topics we have covered by visiting the other sections of the Regents Prep link and practicing with the multiple choice questions.

4) Further Regents Prep: Visit http://www.nysedregents.org/testing/scire/regentlive.html to take various practice Living Environment Regents Exams. They are a valuable tool to use to study and there are answer keys provided.

Homework - May 15, 2009

Beaks of Finches Analysis Final Copy of written assignment due on Monday, May 18, 2009. Please staple your work to the assignment handout. Make sure to save your work so that it is available for you to upload into your ePortfolio.

Homework - May 14, 2009

Beaks of Finches Analysis - Draft must be brought to class tomorrow. See handout provided in class for details.

Homework - May 13, 2009

No homework.

Homework - May 12, 2009

Relationships & Biodiversity Part D Practice Regents Questions - handout provided in class. Due tomorrow.

Homework - May 8 & 11, 2009

Respond to the following on the blog in complete and detailed sentences:

--Describe the purpose of the Relationships and Biodiversity lab (i.e.
what were you trying to do in the lab).
--How did you achieve the purpose of this lab (i.e. what tests did you conduct)?
--What were your overall results and conclusions?

Homework - May 7, 2009

No homework.

Homework - May 6, 2009

Human Impact on the Environment Test Corrections: To receive partial extra points on your test you must make your test corrections on loose leaf paper. The test corrections must consists of the correct answer and a detailed explanation of your choice of answer (i.e. how you know that is the correct answer). Staple the loose leaf to your test and hand in tomorrow. Test corrections will not be accepted after tomorrow.

Homework - May 5, 2009

1) If you have not handed in your 2 CRQ assignments (Human Impact on the Environment) they must be completed and handed in ASAP.

2) If you have not completed the online DNA Fingerprinting Lab - Please see me ASAP to do so.

Homework - May 4, 2009

No homework.

Homework - May 1, 2009

Human Impact on the Environment Test on Monday, May 4th, 2009.
Review your sourcebook notes/work and the LE Review Guide (read pages 109-122 and the practice questions on pages 115-116 and 122-129).

Homework - April 28/29/30, 2009

1) Human Impact on the Environment Assignment - Two CRQs due on Friday, May 1, 2009. Handouts provided in class with assignment details.

2) Human Impact on the Environment short Test on Friday, May 1, 2009.
-- review your sourcebook work on environmental issues
-- use the regents prep website on the blog (look under the Human Impact section)
-- LE Review Guide - Human Impact on the Environment section (begins on page 109)

Homework - April 27, 2009

No homework.

Quiz on Human Impact on the Environment - Will be coming near the end of this week.

Homework - April 24, 2009

Choose one ecological problem from the list below:
GLOBAL WARMING
OZONE DEPLETION
Discuss the ecological problem you chose. In your answer state:
-the problem you selected and ONE human action that may have caused the problem (2).
-ONE way in which the problem can negatively affect humans (1).
-ONE positive action that could be taken to reduce the problem (1).

DUE Monday, April 27, 2009.

Homework - April 22, 2009

No homework.

Homework - April 21, 2009

DESCRIBE 2 local environmental issues and explain how YOU can or are helping solve the problem/issue.

Homework - April 20, 2009

No homework.

Homework - April 8, 2009

Complete the Evolution Practice Regents Questions handout. Due on Monday, April 20th.

Homework - April 7, 2009

No homework this evening.

Homework - April 6, 2009

In your sourcebook, DESCRIBE three (3) things you learned about Evolution today in class. Be detailed and provide examples where appropriate.