1/31, 2/1 or 2/2

Final exams schedule:

• Tuesday, 1/31:    Periods 1, 2, & 4
• Wednesday, 2/1:  Periods 5, 6, & 8
• Thursday, 2/2:     Periods 3 & 7

For our final Biology class of the semester, we continued to learn about the Cell Membrane. Today, students did a warm-up in their lab notebook. We then took notes on types of Cell Transport through the membrane. Finally, we read in the text book about the 3 types of cell transport: Diffusion, Osmosis & Active Transport. 

Cell Transport Power Point

Cell Transport LN Outline

Cell Transport Book Worksheet

Happy end of the semester! Great work!

1st semester grades!

All late work and test re-takes have been graded and entered. Students may continue to turn in late work and do test re-takes this week during the flex periods following final exams on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  All late work and test retakes must be completed by 3:15 p.m on Thursday, 2/2/17 to be considered for credit.

1/27 & 1/30

We will spend our last two classes of the semester learning about the cell membrane's structure and how it controls the movement of other chemicals in and out of the cell. Today, students completed the "Interpreting a Graphic" activity in their lab notebooks. We looked at a cell membrane diagram and attempted to predict what jobs different components might have. Following this, we completed coloring notes in our lab notebooks.

Finally, we began using our cell membrane model kits to learn more about the structure of the cell membrane. Students will take notes and use the model kits for two classes. Starting second semester, they will then use these notes in order to film & narrate their "Cell Membrane Video" project.

Interpreting a Graphic: Cell Membrane
Cell Membrane Structure Power Point (for coloring notes)
Coloring Notes:

Cell Membrane Video Project Notes Packet

1/25 & 1/26

The much anticipated trial debate is finally here! We asked the question, "Who is to blame for the rise in Type II Diabetes?" Students presented their opening statements, accused other groups, defended themselves and gave closing statements during the trial. Principal Carol Campbell was able to observe one of the classes and act as one of the jury members. She was really impressed with your research and ability to express your perspectives. I was really pleased with the debate in each class and appreciated everyone's participation. Great job!

Absent students: come see Mrs. Polzin for a make-up assessment. Your semester grade is strongly impacted by the trial debate.  

1/19 & 1/20

Student groups continued working on preparing for the trial project. The trial debate has been re-scheduled due to the weather interruptions we experienced. A-day Trial will be on Wednesday, 1/25 and B-day Trial will be on Thursday, 1/26.

Students are expected to work as a group to research their role. They will prepare accusations against other groups and need to be prepared to defend themselves against others accusations. Groups will be scored on accusations that are factual and supported by statistics & evidence. Please see the "Sugar on Trial" post below for all trial prep resources.  

Sugar on Trial Project

The Trial Project is the summative/test grade for the Biochemistry Unit. You will be expected to do research in class and at home to prepare for the trial debate. However, due to the weather interruptions, we are going to shift the dates of the trial itself.

A-day Trial = Wednesday, 1/25/17     B-day Trial = Thursday, 1/26/17

So far, in class students have learned their roles for their group and watched the documentary "Fed Up."  A-day classes have completed the documentary and the activity, "Allies & Adversaries" in which they met and interviewed the other five groups in class. Today, A-day classes will have research time to work on the "Trial Prep Packet" to organize their information for the trial.

B-day classes will complete the "Allies & Adversaries" and "Fed-Up" activities on Wednesday or Friday (depending on the weather), in addition to starting the "Trial Prep Packet." I'm hoping that B-day will have some trial preparation time on Friday and next week on Wednesday, before performing in the trial on Friday.

Resources:  Roles Warm-Up     Fed Up Video Worksheet     Allies & Adversaries Worksheet

I have uploaded the "Trial Prep Packet" to Google Classroom and am posting it here. I encourage all groups to trade contact information, as well as share this document within the group so you can work on it during Flex or outside of class to be best prepared for the trial debate next week. Remember, that the best arguments will be compelling and supported by facts, data & statistics.

Resource:     Trial Prep Packet

You will be graded on your trial performance as a group and as an individual. I've attached the rubric so you can see how your group will be graded. Individuals will be graded on participation and maintaining a respectful debate. You may have paper materials during the trial, such as notes on index cards or your packet, however no laptops. Groups may choose to make electronic presentations for the opening and closing remarks, but not during the debate period of the trial.

Resource:     Trial grading rubric

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns! apolzin@pps.net

1/6 & 1/9

I think we are all caught up now! At this point, all classes have taken their Biochemistry Quiz, learned their group roles for the Type II Diabetes Trial, as well as watched the majority of the Fed-Up documentary.

The activity we are doing today to get ready for the trial is called "Allies & Adversaries" so students can meet the other groups they will be meeting during the trial. Representatives from each group remained at their table to introduce their group and explain how they are impacted by the Type II Diabetes issue. Meanwhile, delegates from each group visited the other five groups to record this information. At the end, each group reflected on who they might be able to align themselves with and who might be their adversaries.

Allies & Adversaries

Absent Students: Make up the quiz during Flex on Thursday or Friday! Get Allies & Adversaries information from your table group.

B-day! It snowed so I didn't get to see you. We will complete these activities on Wednesday, or Friday if it snows tomorrow!

1/4/17 & 1/5/17

Today, students were introduced to the Sugar on Trial project. There are six groups in class and each received a role they will be researching. We will ask the question, "Who is to blame for the rise in Type II Diabetes?" Groups will need to research and be prepared to defend themselves during the debate portion of the trial. To help us prepare for the trial, we are watching the documentary, "Fed Up" which hypothesizes that the increase in sugar consumption is leading to the rise in obesity and Type II Diabetes.

What is your role? Warm up
Fed Up video worksheet

Biochemistry Quiz update

Happy New Year's everyone!

I hope you have been enjoying the long holiday break. We were scheduled to take a Biochemistry Quiz before the break, however the snow days interrupted our ability to do this. 

We will be taking the quiz instead on Thursday, January 5th (B-day) and Friday, January 6th (A-day). This will be the second class of the week and will give me a chance to announce this in class as well. If you are looking to do a little studying, remember that the Biochemistry study guide can be found below on the 12/12 & 12/13 blog post. 

I am looking forward to seeing everyone back at school next week!