Life Science Class Summary 3/30/15

with Leigh Ann Yoder

Mendel: The Father of Genetics

We began our new unit on Genetics: The Science of Heredity today. The concepts in this unit are challenging and I have encouraged the students to read and reread the sections several times to help grasp the material. Today started with a lecture defining Heredity, Traits, Genetics, and Fertilization. From this starting point we discussed in detail Mendel's work with pea plants. Specifically what happens when you cross two purebreds with opposing traits. Students should have a good understanding of how the traits are passed to the first generation. We also looked at what traits the second generation would have. This led to discussions regarding dominant and recessive alleles and how they control an organism's traits. We also differentiated between purebreds and hybrids.

Skills Lab: Take a Class Survey

Are traits controlled by dominant alleles more common than traits controlled by recessive alleles?

Each student was asked to write their own hypothesis. Next, we looked at 6 specific identifiable traits. Together we tallied the occurrence of each trait within the class. Interestingly, most students found the data did not support their hypothesis. However, most felt their hypothesis was still correct, and they would not be willing to 'give up.' This led to a wonderful discussion on pursuing a hypothesis even if initial tests do not support it. Students were able to come up with ways they could continue to test their hypothesis. Everyone agreed that a much larger sample pool would be needed and the subjects should not be related to one another. If any student is interested in doing this I would encourage them to pursue it. They could document their results and share with the class.

Project: All in the Family

Last week students began their second project for the semester. They each made a pet with 5 identifiable traits. For each trait they needed to identify both the phenotype and genotype. Today they found another class pet to mate with and began the process of creating offspring. Students were given very specific instructions on how to continue creating the 6 offspring for the first generation and the 6 offspring for the second generation. This step is to be completed by our next class period. (We will work on the final section, making the Punnett Squares, during the next class.) NOTE FOR PARENTS - YOU WILL NEED TO PROVIDE YOUR STUDENT WITH A POSTER BOARD FOR THIS PROJECT. Students must display at least two generations on their board, but they are welcome to create a third generation. Below are some photos of a sample project for the students to use as a guideline. Note - the generations were incorrectly named on the sample.

Math: How do we feel?

I spoke with the class for about 10 minutes regarding their math skills and the direction of our class for next year. I am suggesting to the students that we use the first part of next year to solidify our math skills, so that we may move to meaningful Physics and Chemistry programs. I did not propose we have a Math class, rather an applied Science class that would specifically help us target our math skills. One such program that I find interesting is a Computer Programming class in which the students would design and build their own computer game while learning the fundamental Algebra skills necessary for Physics and Chemistry. I would appreciate any input from the parents and students. Please feel free to email or call me to discuss. I am also often available during second period or immediately after.

Exit Quiz

Today we had a very first Exit Quiz. This quiz was specifically on the material covered during class time. I know I surprised the students with the quiz, but it is important for me to see how well the students are absorbing the material. It will also help me to tailor my teaching. I will begin to implement Entry Quizzes as well. This will show how well the students are coming prepared for class. I don't want the students to be stressed about these. They are really just another opportunity for us to learn together. I will correct them, but will not assign grades as they are to be used as a learning tool only. We will not have them every class.

---

Important Notes for Parents

No class next Monday - Spring Break!

Monday, April 13th - Class will begin at 9:30 (This is the third extra session to make up the missed class period.) Please make every attempt to arrive on time. We will be covering some of the most challenging material of the year.
June 1st - Presentations - During our last class students will be giving brief presentations and all are invited to attend. Save the Date!
Homework - Expect the amount of homework to increase over the next few weeks as we hope to finish the material by the end of the semester.

Homework

Mandatory: (Remember you have two weeks)
Project - Create the first generation of offspring (6 pets) and the second generation (6 pets). Begin creating your display. Make certain each pet has a name and the phenotypes and genotypes are clearly identified on the back of the pet. Remember you have all of the directions in your notebook under 'Projects'.
Read 3.2 and complete Study Guide: Probability and Heredity
Lab Activity: Coin Crosses pg. 86 of text
Read 3.3 and complete Study Guide: The Cell and Inheritance

Optional:
Enrichment: The Test Cross (handed out and in your notebook)
Enrichment: Genetic Crosses with Two Traits (in your notebook)
Online Activity pg. 84
Online Activity pg. 94