1/29

This month seems to have gone by so quickly! Students spent the majority of the week in the computer lab working on their genetic disorder projects. Class presentations began on Thursday, and we will finish on Monday. Our next chapter will explore how mutations lead to the evolution of organisms.

1/22

On Tuesday, we reviewed for our Chapter 6 Test. Students were assessed on their knowledge of DNA structure, history, function, and advances on Wednesday. Students were given their topic and partner assignments based on the topic sheets that each student turned in last week. We spent the rest of the week in the IMC to begin our research. Students are required to research and create a presentation for the class about their chosen genetic disorder. Students can choose to create a slide show, brochure, or poster of their "final product." We will spend three more days in class next week working on the project. Students will also sign up for their presentation date (and due date) next week.

1/15

On Monday, students began searching for possible topics for their genetic disorder project, which we will begin next week. This week, we also began our discussion of selective breeding, cloning, and genetic engineering. We watched a video entitled "Understanding the Power of Genes" that reviewed these advances in genetics and controversies of genetic engineering. We will discuss some of your "ethical" opinions next week! We will be taking the test over chapter 6 (DNA) on Wednesday, and then we will begin working on the genetic disorder project in class. Students will receive their topic and partner assignments on Wednesday!

1/8

This week, we discussed the structure and history of DNA. We learned how DNA replicates and how DNA nucleotide bases pair up (like puzzle pieces). On Wednesday, we built an edible model of DNA based on our knowledge of its structure. On Thursday, we discovered how the DNA code actually works. We discussed how 3 DNA bases code for an amino acid and that a group of amino acids make up a protein (the chemical messenger that tells the cell what to do). We even had the chance to "view" the DNA of a pea when we did our DNA extraction lab on Friday. When you get those labs back next week, just remember that you can take the "recipe" home and try to extract DNA from other sources!


Next week we will talk about genetic engineering and watch a great video on cloning, DNA forensics, and more! We will also begin picking out topics for genetic disorder projects.