11/29

Last week, we began talking about cancer and how this disease is related to problems with cell processes. We discussed the types of tumors, treatment methods, and possible causes of cancer. We reviewed for our cell processes test on Monday and Tuesday of this week and we took our first test of the trimester on Wednesday. For students that had class on Thursday, we read a article (entitled "Toxicville") that outlined the true story of communities that have been heavily affected by cancer. This article described how environmental factors (chemicals and pollutants) may be to blame for the high incidence of cancer in some areas.

11/16

This week, we did a lab to demonstrate the processes of cellular respiration and fermentation. We set up an experiment to determine if different amounts of sugar affected the carbon dioxide production in yeast cells. We also began discussing the processes of mitosis and apoptosis. We learned the importance of each, and had the chance to see some "mitosis animation" on Friday. Next week, we will discuss cancer and determine how this disease relates to our discussions of mitosis and apoptosis.

11/9

This week, we wrapped up our chapter on cells and microscopes and took our second test of the year. In our next chapter, we will focus on the processes that allow cells to obtain resources, produce energy, and reproduce. We did a "Carrot Osmosis Lab" which showed students what happens to baby carrots when placed in fresh water and salt water solutions. We were able to explain our lab results by recalling the properties of diffusion and osmosis. We also began discussing three important cell processes: photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and fermentation. Next week we will examine these processes in more detail and discuss the important process of mitosis.

11/2

This week, we focused on completing a "Cell Analogy Project." In this project, students had to find pictures that represented analogies of important cell organelles. In doing this, the students were able to make connections about how cell organelles function like everyday items. The students presented their analogies to the class, and I was quite impressed with the result! Great work! We have finished our microscope and cell chapter, and we will be taking our second chapter test on Tuesday of next week. Students have been given a study guide in order to help them prepare.