With
Mrs. Hopps and Mr. Cranor
On this page, You will find an overview of the day's activity. We hope to update it at the beginning of each new segment. We will include what we will be doing in class, homework and project due dates, topics that you can ask your child about, websites to visit and other interesting tidbits that may come along. The student agenda will reflect any changes made to homework assignments in the event that material was not mastered, or other occurrences make it necessary to change an assignment.
If your child has any questions, please encourage him/her to come in to see us before school starts. Remind him/her to stop by the day before to get a pass to be allowed down the hall early. You can also email me, Mrs. Hopps, the evening before. I usually check my email at about 8:00 and can send an email pass if it is needed.
Please remind your child that it is his/her responsibility to come to see us when he/she returns to school after an absence. The beginning of class is not a good time to do this, as we are engaged with a whole classroom full of students at that time. We arrive at school before 7:45 every day. Have your child come in to see us then.
11/14- Students will be introduced to Mendelian Genetics through a CSI investigation, "The Case of the Contaminated Carnations." Ask them about it- they seem to really enjoy this one! HW- none.
11/17- Students will review meiosis and begin discussion of sexual reproduction and genetics. They will learn some of the vocabulary unique to the science of heredity. HW- do meiosis worksheet
11/18- Punnett squares will be learned and used to further explain why Austin Flowers was at fault in the CSI investigation, and then to investigate other simple traits. HW- read 5.1, do DR worksheet (3 pages)
11/19- For learning matters day, we will focus on the effects of nutrition on our brains. HW- read 5.2, do DR worksheet (3 pages)
11/20- A lab investigating predicted results (through a Punnett square) and actual results (through pulling black/white bead combinations) will be the focus of the day. HW- Do vocab 5.1
11/21- The effects of sample size will be discussed using the pooled results from all of the classes for yesterday's lab. We will also begin looking at genetic exceptions to Mendel's discoveries. HW- none
11/24- Determining the sex of an organism by combining X and Y chromosomes, along with sex-linked traits, will be discussed. HW- do vocab 5.2.
11/24- A lab investigating the chances of an offspring being male or female will be done today. Punnet square problems, and the related vocabulary, will be practiced. HW- none.
12/1- Now that all facets of genetics have been introduced, the students will combine all of the concepts in creating a unique "offspring." HW- review all vocabulary
12/2- Students will continue to work on "offspring" lab. HW- do late work, organize notebook.
12/3- Students will complete "offspring" lab. HW- get notebook in order/ do any late work.
12/4- The use of pedigrees to track traits from generation to generation will be discussed. HW- study! Test tomorrow.
12/5 Notebook due. Test today. HW- none
Vocabulary 5.1:dominant, recessive, zygote (in book, not in chapter- a challenge!) heredity, genetics (use a dictionary)
Vocabulary 5.2: genotype, phenotype, heterozygous, homozygous, allele, Punnett square.
STUDY SESSION: 12/3, 7:50 am. Student must have a pass from teacher in agenda to be allowed down the hall to attend study session.
TEST and NOTEBOOK DUE: 12/5
