Monday Class Plan

• Boreal Forest Songbird Homework Turn-In
• Review for Ecology Quiz (on Tuesday)
• Aquarium Auction
• Prep Aquarium Design Presentations
• Present Aquarium Design Presentations
• Turn back Cellular Respiration Quiz

Photos for Natural Inspiration

http://www.williamneill.com/portfolios/landscapes-of-the-spirit/index.html

Tuesday Night Homework

• Work on Team Fundraising
• Work on Team Planning
• Compile Ecology Vocab List

Homework for Monday Night

10 aquariums that blow you away with their beauty of design (one picture per page)

10 themes (one word per page that describes the essence of what you love about the aquarium)

Homework for the Weekend

• Study for cellular respiration quiz!
• Cellular Respiration Vocab List (finish)
• Cellular Respiration Drawings (Finish)
• Cellular Respiration Worksheet

Potential Captains to Choose From Tomorrow

• Amelia
• Jeremy
• Jack
• Maddie
• Josh K.
• Joey
• Frank
• Melissa
• Tyrik
• Ayesha
• Kate N.
• Gabe

DAY 4: (Thursday, December 2, 2010)

IN CLASS

• Captain Primary Elections
• Cellular Respiration Overview
• Malaria Student Work Gallery
• Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, ETC
• Turn in 10 sentences

HOMEWORK

• Cellular Respiration Overview Drawing
• Cellular Respiration Vocab. Sheet
• Cellular Respiration Worksheet
• Prepare for final captain election

Homework: Wednesday

• Parent Letter Filled Out to Return
• Malaria: 10 slides, 10 pictures, 10 words, and 10 sentences

Homework: Tuesday

• Study for Photosynthesis Quiz
• Photosynthesis Worksheet (Finish)
• Photosynthesis Vocab (Finish)
• Photosynthesis Drawing (Calvin Cycle Page)

Day 1 (Monday, November 29th)

• Intro
• Plants - how do they get energy?
• Chemical Energy
• Photosynthesis Overview
• Light Dependent Reactions
• Calvin Cycle

Homework:

1. Signed Lab Safety Form
2. Signed Syllabus
3. Signed "Things to Know"
4. What I want out of Class Form Done
5. Draw the light-dependent Reactions
6. Start Photosynthesis Definitions
7. Start Photosynthesis Worksheet

Meiosis Animations

Find them here.

Day 41 (Monday, November 1st)

• Remind Aquarium Presentation Day
• Socratic Seminar
• Answer Content Questions from Lecture on Friday
• Punnett Square Practice
• Do Punnett Squares!
• Aquarium work time

Homework: Day 37 (Tuesday, October 26)

• Finish Transcription and Translation Worksheet
• Bring in 15 for conference

Homework: Day 36 (Monday, October 25)

• Finish the Leaf DNA Activity to turn in tomorrow
• Visit and complete this Genetics Activity
• Start the transcription and translation practice sheet from class

Homework: Day 35 (Friday, October 22)

The following activities should be a fun way to intro the field of genetics.  We will have a lot of fun with it next week.

• 10 minutes: Explore the internal workings of the cell with this module.
• 15 minutes: Learn the basics of genetics with this module.
• 10 minutes: Assemble your own DNA molecule with this interactive module.

Remember to ask your parents to send a $15 check to Metro for the conference next week (Friday).  Bring the check into me and we will give it to our CFO.

Homework: Day 31 (Tuesday, October 12)

Do ONE of the following options:

• Write a reflection (250 words) about what you learned from Dr. Strogatz
• Go to the COSI Dr. Strogatz talk at 7pm (and check in with Mr. DeWitt)

Day 31 (Tuesday, October 12)

• Aquarium Team Meetings
• Aquarium Work
• Prep for Dr. Strogatz
• Talk with Dr. Strogatz!

Homework: Day 30 (Monday, October 11)

• GROUP PROJECT WORK (I am giving you this night off of regular biology homework)

Day 30 (Monday, October 11)

• Go over cell homework (Ultra Analogy Creation)
• Practice Quiz
• SYNC intro with Megan
• Prep questions for Dr. Strogatz
• Aquarium Work Time

Homework: Day 29 (Friday, October 8)

• Finish Cell Structures Homework (Make poster or drawing of Animal Cell as a Protein Making Factory Analogy)
• Work on group interdisciplinary Project
• Read the SYNC handout.

Day 29 (Friday, October 8)

• Critiques of group Experimental Write-Ups
• Cells, Cell Structures

Homework: Day 28 (Thursday, October 7)

• Finish Publishing Post to Blog using Experimental Write-up Form
• Work on Interdisciplinary Project Write-Up

Day 28 (Thursday, October 7)

NOTE: This is a 1:05 hour class period (10:55 - 12:00) - shortened for project work day

• Harvest Brine Shrimp and Count / Collect Data
• Analyze Data
• Begin Experimental Write Up as a group
• Publish Post on Blog using Experimental Write-up Form

Homework: Day 27 (Wednesday, October 6)

• Prep. Interdisciplinary Project Group Work.  Do a great job.

Day 27 (Wednesday, October 6)

• Meet Mrs. Singhal for trip to Aquarium Adventure at promptly 12:00 in front open space.
• Travel to Aquarium Adventure
• Work Quickly to get exactly what your group needs at Aquarium Adventure
• Leave Aq. Adv. at 1:00.
• Return to Metro and work as a group release fish, plant plants, work with gear, etc.
• Check on Brine Shrimp Project

Homework: Day 26 (Tuesday, October 5)

• Work on Experimental Components Organizer
• Plan Aquarium Adventure Visist

Day 26 (Tuesday, October 5)

NOTE: This is a 1:10 hour class period (10:20 - 11:30) - shortened for project work day

• Study for Chemistry Quiz
• Take Chemistry Quiz
• Aquarium Work Time

Homework: Day 25 (Monday, October 4)

• Study for Overall Chemistry Quiz (which will be Tuesday)  TOPICS BELOW:
• 
  
• ·      Atomic Structure
  o   What is Chemistry?
  o   What is Matter?
  o   Mass and charge of atomic particles
  o   Isotopes
  o   Ions
  
  
  §  Ionic Bonding
  §  Polar Covalent Bonding (with charge prediction)
  §  Covalent Bonding
  §  Hydrogen “Bonding”
  ·      Biological Chemistry
  o   What is organic chemistry – Structure of Carbon
  o   Polymers
  o   Chemical Potential Energy
  o   Carbohydrates
  o   Lipids

Day 25 (Monday, October 4)

• Assess Brine Shrimp Project
• Re-visit experimental Design
• Finish Chemistry
• Aquarium Planning
• Aquarium Work Time

Homework: Day 24 (Friday, October 1)

• Finish Organismal Diversity Webquest PPT
• Plan to go to Aquarium Adventure next Wednesday (while I will be at the conference).  You guys can do it!  What will you get next?  What is your tank ready for?  Has the ammonia been staying at zero?  Plan it up!

Homework: Day 22 (Wednesday, September 29)

• Watch and take notes on the new Tegrity video on chemistry (it will be up by 6:30 pm)
• Watch for my email with instructions about Thursday's class.

Homework: Day 21 (Tuesday, September 28)

• Group Blog
• Plant and Fish Info Sheets
• Watch chemistry lecture on Tegrity (will take longer for students without previous chemistry experience).

Day 21 (Tuesday, September 28)

• Debrief Aquarium Adventure Work and Aquariums (Thank you Notes)
• Debrief blogs and daily aquarium maintenance
• Revisit Plant and Animal Information Charts
• Turn Ecology Quizzes Back
• Re-orient Office Hours
• Plan Chemistry Unit

Homework: Day 19 (Friday, September 24)

• Fill out Fish and Plant Info Forms as a group.  Do a nice job uploading them to your blog.  I would like them posted on your blog by Sunday at 8pm.
• Prep as a team for Monday's trip to Aquarium Adventure - send a few team members that can to go look their this weekend to get ideas and report back to the team what other options may need some research before Monday.
• Get the work from your 2nd period class that you will be missing the second half of.

Thanks!

Mr. D

Day 19 (Friday, September 24)

• Ecology Quiz
• Group Performance Assessment and Discussions
• Plant and Fish Information & Taxonomy Sheets
• Plan Monday's Trip

Homework: Day 18 (Thursday, September 23)

• Study for ecology quiz

Day 18 (Thursday, September 23)

• Population Growth Models
• Ecology Quiz Review
• Tank Budget, Plan, 2D Model, Blog, Daily Testing, Presentations

Homework: Day 17 (Wednesday, September 22)

• Study for Friday's Ecology Quiz
• Work on Group's Blog, Etc.

Day 17 (Wednesday, September 22)

• Share plan for the day
• Go over homework
• Planet Earth and Nitrogen Cycling
• 2D Models of Aquariums
• Fundraising Talk
• Ice Cream Social Talk
• Plan Plants and Fish (and Budget)

Day 16 (Tuesday, September 21)

• Tegrity Video Review
• Ecology Abiotic and Biotic Factors
• Planet Earth
• Population Growth Models
• Group Nitrogen Cycle, Tank 2D Prototype, Ice Cream Social Work
• Group Re-convene and report out
• Class Report Out
• Revision Documentation

Homework: Day 15 (Monday, September 20)

• Watch Tegrity Video and take Notes

Day 15 (Monday, September 20)

• Updates
• Aquarium Design Councils
• Ice Cream Social Council
• Plant & Equipment Auction Walk Through and Bidding Planning
• Build your aquarium
• Ecology Lecture
• Ecology Packet Review

Homework: Day 13 (Thursday, September 16)

• Group Work
• Ecology Packet
• Send (Email) 200 word summary from last night if you have not already

Day 13 (Thursday, September 16)

• Ecosystem Concept: Planet Earth Caves
• Collect Homework
• Shallow Seas: Nutrient Cycling, Resource Availability, and Limits to Population Growth
• Role of Climate: Deserts
• Group Time (Blogs up, fundraising report, Tank Planning, etc)

Homework: Day 12 (Wednesday, September 15)

• Work on Group Documentation, fundraising, planning, etc.
• 200 words or so on how the ecological concepts from PPT will apply to your aquariums

Day 12 (Wednesday, September 15)

• Talk about documentation
• Group Time to Document
• Ecology Introduction

Aquarium Photo (for Inspiration)

I am excited to see how students design their aquariums. Here is a photo of a design that is modern and minimalistic. It is of the "Nature Aquarium" style that Amano has popularized.

Day 11 (Tuesday, September 14)

• Turn in Cellular Respiration Worksheet
• Cellular Respiration Quiz (right at start of class)
• Watch the Presidential Address on Education
• Groups build CO2 Injectors

Day 10 (Monday, September 13)

• Cellular Respiration
• Group work on CO2 Injection System

Homework: Day 9 (Friday, September 10)

• Watch Tegrity Video (it is not uploading yet, I will change this post once it works)
• Cellular Respiration Work Sheet
• Study for Cellular Respiration Quiz (on Monday)
• Work on CO2 project with group
• Prepare for next week's fundraisers with group

Day 9 (Friday, September 10)

• Group Work on CO2 System and Fundraising Planning
• Krebs Cycle

Help with Carbonate Hardness (KH)

Hi Class,

If KH seems a little unclear, here is a helpful link.

Day 8 (Thursday, September 9)

• Group Leadership Styles
• CO2 Helpful Information
• Group Time
• Group Fundraiser Presentations
• Group CO2 Progress Presentations

Homework: Day 7 (Wednesday, September 8)

• Work on Fundraiser Ideas with group on Google Docs!

Design Process for Biology Class

1. Purpose: Identify the need or problem.

2. Research: Research the need or problem
• Examine current state of the issue and solutions
• Explore other options via the Internet, library, interviews, etc.

3. Develop: Develop possible solution(s)
• Brainstorm possible solutions; Draw on your research mathematics, and science.
• Think of something new; improve on known designs; make it better; dream a little!
• Articulate the possible solutions in two and three dimensions; Refine possible solutions

4. Select: Select the best possible solution(s)
• Determine which solution(s) best meet(s) the original requirements
• Will it work great?
• Does it look good?
• Do we have the materials and resources to make it correctly?

5. Construct: Construct a prototype
• Model the selected solution(s) in two and three dimensions
• Prototypes should be working models (so they can be tested thoroughly – step 6)

6. Test: Test and evaluate the solution(s)
• Does it work?
• Does it still meet all of the original design constraints?
• How could it be improved?

7. Revise: Make all possible improvements on physical prototype in order to prepare it for presentation.

8. Communicate: Communicate the solution(s)
• Make an engineering presentation that includes a discussion of how the revised solution(s) best meet(s) the needs of the initial problem, opportunity, or need.
• How does it perform? What does it cost? What can it do? What can it not do?

CO2 Injector Design Project

Purpose: To research, design, prototype, and revise a final CO₂ injection solution for your aquarium design team for the term.

Grouping: Your aquarium design teams (led by team captain)

Time Frame: 3 Days for first prototype. Then 4 days for testing.

Vision: The group vision is for exceptionally beautiful planted aquariums. Part of that equation is CO₂ injection. The more accurately and consistently the group is able to inject CO₂ into the aquarium, the more beautiful the group’s aquarium will be.

Rules: The following are a list of basic project constraints:

§ Money: As much as you want to spend (if it is yours – not your parents’)

§ Choice: You choose how you do it. Don’t just copy something from Internet. Invent!

§ Originality: Don’t copy other groups (it is fine if it happens to happen)

§ Everyone Plays: All members of group actively do their part to make the CO₂ sweet.

§ Design: It looks good.

§ Presentation: Each member of the group is able to give the final presentation of work.

§ Audience: We will post our designs on the blog and send to Aquarium Adventure.

§ Documentation: All parts of design process documented in final group portfolio.

Grading: The following items will equally determine the group’s grade for the design challenge.

§ Design Portfolio Documentation

§ Post on Blog

§ All students being able to present well

§ Aesthetic appeal of final product

§ Design able to produce 2 days of 10ppm CO₂

§ Design able to produce 2 days of 20ppm CO

§ Quality of Revision

Day 7 (Wednesday, September 8)

• Check and Collect Homework
• Discuss Quiz and CO2 reactor drawings
• Announce Class Captains
• Krebs Cycle
• Aquarium Design Groups!
• CO2 Project Overview
• CO2 Project (Research and Development and Selection)

Homework: Day 6 (Tuesday, September 7)

• 1 page summary of your understanding of aquarium plant care (based on student presentations)
• Drawing of Glycolysis and the Fermentations

Day 6 (Tuesday, September 7)

Welcome back to class!

• Vote for class Captains
• Two final group presentations
• Presentation Debrief
• Book Competition
• Glycolysis and Fermentation Lectures
• Glycolysis and Fermentation Drawing
• Aquarium Groups Announced

Homework: Day 5 (Friday, September 3)

• Research existing CO2 injection solutions
• Draw engineer's sketch of your proposed CO2 Injection system
• Enjoy the long weekend

Day 5 (Friday, September 3)

Buckeyes won their first game last night; sweet!

Plan for class today:

• Debrief Virtual Day
• Groups work (practice presentations, final polishing)
• Group Presentations (students take notes in order to complete homework)
• Vote for class captains

Homework: Day 4 (Thursday, September 2)

• Prepare group presentation (remember we will only have 40 minutes in class before presentations start on Friday - should be used to practice the presentation at that point).

SIMPLE RUBRIC for Presentation:

1. Did the group provide information that was well organized?
2. Did the group provide a thorough presentation of the topic?
3. Did the group present accurate scientific information with specifics where possible?
4. Did the group presentation incorporate every student as a presenter?
5. Was the group able to effectively answer questions after the presentation?

Day 4 (Thursday, September 2)

Virtual Day is Here! (And also the firsst buckeye game of the season). Here is the plan:

• Watch Tegrity lecture on Glycolysis and Fermentation before 12:30pm (it will require good note taking).
• Log on to the Adobe Connect link I sent you between 12:15 and 12:30.
• Work on Google Doc with group - speak with me on Adobe Connect as a group at your designated time.
• Times:

Lighting Group 12:40 - 12:50

Algae Group 12:50 - 1:00

Fertilizer Group 1:00 - 1:10

Plant Type Group 1:10 - 1:20

CO2 Group 1:20 - 1:30

WHOLE CLASS 1:30 - 1:35

Homework: Day 3 (Wednesday, September 1)

• Work on group project via GoogleDocs for 1 hour.
• Watch video lecture on Tegrity before 12:30pm tomorrow. (NOW UPLOADED)
• Prepare your computer for online class Thursday (at 12:30pm)

Day 3 (Wednesday, September 1)

• Grade/Collect HW (Students study for quiz)
• Photosynthesis Quiz
• 5 Groups Research Planted Aquarium Basics (led by potential captains)
• Light Bulbs (intensity, spectrum, and duration)
• Fertilizers (what kind, how much, how to use)
• CO2 (Plants' need for, how is it done, how much is too much?)
• Types of Aquarium plants (types of propigation, lighting requirements, etc.)
• Algae (Types, What conditions it likes, how to avoid/control it)
• Presentations

Possible Captains to Consider

• Morgan
• Evan
• Alana
• Michael
• Jordan P.
• Lena
• Andy
• Leah
• Alex
• Zane

Photosynthesis Animation Links

A Great Web Tutorial that is Interactive

Light Dependent Reactions

Calvin Cycle

Homework:Day 2 (Tuesday, August 31)

• Study for Photosynthesis Quiz
• Finish Photosynthesis Vocabulary Sheet
• Finish Photosynthesis Worksheet
• Prep. a slide show of your 10 favorite aquarium photos
• Write a personal reflection on which two captains you will vote for

Day 2 (Tuesday, August 31)

• Check and Collect Homework
• Light Dependent Reactions (Tell the story)
• Light Dependent Reactions (re-tell the story as groups)
• Calvin Cycle
• Share Captain Election Results
• Time to Draw and Practice LDR and CC for Photosynthesis Quiz Tomorrow

Inspiring Planted Aquariums

Homework: Day 1 (Monday, August 30)

• Read Syllabus and prepare questions for me for class tomorrow
• Read "Things to Know" on blog and prepare questions for me for class tomorrow
• Finish first side of photosynthesis worksheet
• Complete "what I want out of biology"
• Read and sign Lab safety sheet
• Bring back signed parent welcome sheet
• ALSO, please make a vocab. list from terms we covered in class today

Good job today,

Mr. DeWitt

Day 1 (Monday, August 30)

1. Names
2. Vision for Class
3. Purpose for Unit
4. Photosynthesis
5. Books Out
6. Emails Gathered
7. Primary Election for Captains
8. Blog Shared
9. Homework Given

Why Biology Class?

It can be a teacher's worst nightmare . . . A student asks "why are we even doing this?" Or better yet, "why do we even have to take this class . . . " I think the students are right in asking. There should be a reason. There should be a purpose. We are going to work really hard this term. Why? Why should we work so hard? Here are my answers:

Purpose: Biology class exists to prepare students for the OGT, ACT End of Course Exam, and Biology 113 and 114 at OSU, while developing their ability to do design and engage in the inquiry process.

Mission: Daily, we seek to engage, challenge, and develop high-achieving students.

Vision: Our vision for biology class is for students to be the initiators in the learning process as they tackle authentic and meaningful problems by asking questions and designing solutions.

Values: We place particular value on the following:

§ Family: We are committed to each other as a class.

§ Team: Together we improve.

§ Purpose: What we do is meaningful.

§ Everyone Plays: We all actively do our part to make class sweet.

§ Leadership: We lead by example (including Mr. DeWitt).

§ Design: We can create solutions to a project’s needs within set parameters.

§ Scientific Confidence: We can do science well with our own hands.

§ Inquiry: We can make observations that lead to understanding.

§ Scientific Literacy: We can read and write in the language of science.

§ Presentation: We present and share our meaningful work.

I am looking forward to a great class. What we do matters and it will be great.

-Mr. DeWitt

Last Year's Aquarium Design Projects

Here are a few photos from last year's aquariums:

Things to Know about Biology Class

Captains: During the first week of class, students will select their two class captains. Class captains should be selected for their history of positive peer leadership. There will be a primary and secondary election. Captains are sweet.

Portfolios: Biology students will keep class portfolios that are organized by unit and by project. Each unit will have a reflection uploaded to Task Stream as the final portfolio product for that unit.

Reflections: Unit reflections can be videos, a set of work, a final written paper, a blog post, a podcast, or a piece of art.

Project Reports: Project Reports will be uploaded to Task Stream for each project.

End of Term Open House: On November 18^th, from 6-8pm, Biology students will host parents and corporate partners for a portfolio open house. Students will share their portfolios and aquarium design projects – which will be judged by Aquarium Adventure that evening.

Student Roles: Each student will be in the class as a whole, have a captain, be part of a team, have class jobs, and play specific roles in each project.

Project Roles: For each project, every student will have a specific job – fulfilling a certain role.

Teams: For the duration of the term, the class will consist of two captain-led teams.

Class Role: Each Biology student will work to define areas of need in our biology class and meet that need with their talent.

Aquarium Design Project: Two teams will compete to design, implement, and care for the “most beautiful” aquarium.

Fundraising for ADP: Each team will be allowed one week of active fundraising after approval of fundraising plan.

Class Meetings: The biology class will have class meetings each Tuesday (brainstorm) and Thursday (reflect).

Projects: CO₂ injection solution, Project Sustainable Tank (a.k.a Project Don’t Kill the Fish), Food Re-Design, Brine Shrimp Breeding, History of Evolutionary Thought EXPO, Aquarium Design Project.

Design Process: The simple, 7-step design process will be used.

Office Hours: Where tutoring, make-up work, and extra aquarium work take place (M, T, W, and R from 2:30 -3:30)

Lecture Requests: When working on a project, teams may submit lecture requests to Mr. DeWitt to inform their work.

Blog: See pictures from class, trips, labs, etc. (www.biologyatmetrohighschool.blogspot.com)