Week of 11/22

We finished our "cell processes" chapter this week by taking a chapter test. We will begin our genetics unit after we return from break. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving break!

Week of 11/15

On Monday we reviewed the processes of mitosis and apoptosis and did a mini-lab to observe the four stages of mitosis in onion cells. Students that had class on Tuesday used computer activities to review all of the cell processes that we have discussed in class. Students watched videos and animations of active and passive transport, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, mitosis, and the cell cycle. On Wednesday, students learned more 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 Thursday and Friday, and we will take our Chapter 4 test on Monday.

Week of 11/8

This week, we discussed the important processes of photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and fermentation. We wrote equations for photosynthesis and respiration, and discussed how each process depended on each other. We did a lab to demonstrate cellular respiration in yeast cells. In this experiment, we determined whether adding different amounts of sugar would affect the carbon dioxide production of yeast cells. We used balloons to "catch" the carbon dioxide that was being released from the process, and we measured the circumference of each balloon to determine how much gas was produced.

Next week, we will continue our discussion of mitosis and apoptosis. We will relate this discussion to cancer, which is a result of these processes not working properly.

Week of 11/1

We took our microscope and cell chapter test on Monday. On Wednesday, students set up a lab where they submerged a carrot in fresh water and another in salt water. We discussed the properties of osmosis and diffusion, and then we viewed the results on Friday. Most students observed that the carrot in fresh water got larger and more firm, and the one in salt water got smaller and more flexible. Students were asked to explain their lab results by recalling how waters diffuses across the cell membrane (osmosis). Next week, we will discuss the important properties of photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and fermentation.