Quarter One
Predictable Randomness and Basic Molecular Genetics: The first quarter of this class is dedicated to the basic understanding of scientific inquiry and molecular genetics. Before functioning life forms could take hold on Earth there had to be a way to reproduce. Consider that without reproduction any form that resembled life would eventually die and disappear from the planet without a trace. So we begin our study here with the interesting link between random generation, genetic inheritance and the ground breaking work of Brother Gregor Mendel. Science, though, is the medium in which we can make such discovery, so we'll also be spending some time on basic scientific inquiry.
During the First Quarter: The year is divided into four sections (4 sec. = 4 Qtr = Go Figure). We'll first study the scientific process and the basic components of life. Then, as life exists in units called populations, we'll spend second quarter concentrating on genetic impacts on populations. As we return after Winter Break the third quarter will be spent concentrating on the natural history of animals. We finish the year with the biology of us.
So, without further verbiage, you will find below your Basic Biology Classroom Schedule for the 2017/18 school year categorized by semester. Week markers reflect the time of presentation and there will be notice of the assignments due. Follow the links provided to print any additional needed material, though you'll usually be provided a hard copy in class. Assume these weeks to be quite flexible, as following the student is a best practice. Thus, extra time needed will be given within reason.
--Time and Tide waits for no man -- John Skot's "Everyman"
Science and Puzzle of Inheritance -- THMS Semester 1, 20017/18, Quarter 1 In the Beginning ...a year of Scientific Inquiry Bad News: Everything is NOT possible. Sorry to break it to you like this, but the truth here is basic.
We'll begin our year with an introduction to good scientific thought that assumes little, but can predict much. What may look like a game or a simple puzzle takes on new meaning as the scientific requirement of communication takes hold. You will be assigned a set of Critical Thinking Exercises in class and for out of class use. Additionally, we'll be working on classroom maintenance requirements basic teamwork, a Classroom Notebook and you'll also be given a Letter to Home.Downloadables: Notebook Requirements -- A Letter to Home -- Pento-Puzzles "1" -- "2" -- "3"
AFT: Specifically Strand 1, Concept 2: Observations, Questions and Hypotheses
The Basic Biology of a Student: The Brain and Learning Students, actual students, come in all ages and can best be defined as thinkers. Teachers direct such thinking an thereby build brains. That's true philosophically as well as physiologically. So this week, we'll be looking into your brain to understand how to help it learn.
First things first. We'll set up our Notebooks, learn a bit about note taking and settle in. Good learning like everything else complex requires a steady maintenance schedule. This week is dedicated to learning how to report the findings of the philosophical and physiological process of learning.
Downloadables: Notebook Requirements
AFT: Specifically Strand 1, Concept 2: Observations, Questions and HypothesesThe Basic Biology of a Student: The Brain through Life The brain is an electrical device. The stock and trade of neuropathways comes in the form of neurotransmitters like dopamine (to the left), saratonine and others. These chemical devises, molecules, create our moods, our desires and our basic functionality. Our brain's inability to utilize these chemicals can make us schizophrenic, depressed or drug addicts. Our brain's ability to utilize these chemicals properly can make us functional, rational and life long learners.
Downloadables: Notebook Requirements --
AFT: Specifically Strand 1, Concept 2: Observations, Questions and Hypotheses
Random Events and Predictable Outcomes The case of random events and predictable outcomes. Understanding life requires an understanding of genetic determination, which thereby requires an understanding of mathematical probability.
Probability, as understood through mathematics, deals with random events. Random, though, is an often misused and poorly understood concept. One thing that is not commonly understood is that the more complex a system, the more predictable it is overall. That's something that casino owners understand and casino "donors" don't.Downloadables: Notebook Requirements --
AFT: Specifically Strand 4 (Life Science), Concept 2: Molecular Basis of Heredity
Basic Randomized Reproduction as seen by Gregor Mendel Here's a thought experiment. Go back to the 1860's and determine to discover the secret of sexual reproduction. How would you go about the effort? What tools would you use? Brother Mendel used statistical modeling to give us some uniform answers that have held up for over a century and a half. If there's a better idea that is experimentally verifiable, then the Nobel Prize awaits.
We'll be working with prior experiments with Random Events. Then we'll be linking this statistical world of random events to the real world of sexual reproduction.We'll be working with a specific format for monohybrid and dihybrid crosses. This Mendel Primer may help boost your understanding a bit.
AFT: Specifically Strand 4 (Life Science), Concept 2: Molecular Basis of Heredity
Mendelian Genetics and Statistical Analysis and HOMECOMING SCHEDULING MESS,...YAHOO!!! Gregor Mendel's work has a wide range of effect on our understanding of genetics. To understand fully, we'll need to learn to run genetic equations forwards and backwards. This takes some understanding of protocol, but with just a few rules we can understand a great deal about the nature of biological reproduction.
AFT: Specifically Strand 4 (Life Science), Concept 2: Molecular Basis of HeredityMitosis, Meiosis and Chromosomes Mendel's insights into inheritance were interesting, but the story continues as we look into the mechanisms that make the phenomena he observed work. This requires some insight into the workings of the cell.
AFT: Specifically Strand 4 (Life Science), Concept 2: Molecular Basis of HeredityFinding DNA: A Tale of Skullduggery We'll be looking into the steps leading up to the discovery of Deoxyribonucleic Acid. There's a thriller of a century-long story here, spanning multiple generations and involving a multitude of scientists. We'll finish with the interesting tale of Rosalind Franklin.
This tale is one of scientific intrigue, stolen data and heroism. All within the tale of discovery of DNA and the function of this basic component of life. You'll also note a structural story of machinery that far out performs anything that mankind can design. Macromolecules that spin as fast as a jet engine and "flawless" data operations that trump the workings of our fastest super computer.
AFT: Specifically Strand 4 (Life Science), Concept 2: Molecular Basis of HeredityBasic, Really Basic, DNA Structure and Synthesis and AIMS Testing Scheduling Mess!!! Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) is the blueprint for life on Earth. Elsewhere, there may be another mechanism, but we'll have to hold that idea until we discover life elsewhere. We'll be looking at the intricate construction of DNA from the atomic to the graphic to a rendition using origami with DNA Origami and a handy-dandy fold sheet. In the end, we'll learn the true importance of the odd message GoCATs!!!
AFT: Specifically Strand 4 (Life Science), Concept 2: Molecular Basis of Heredity
End of the First Quarter NOTE: This schedule is meant as a guide and is subject to change for reason or whim.
Biology: Concepts and Applications: Here's the web site for the THMS Biology book. That is, our class's main book. Here you will find help withstudying, flashcards and sample tests. Books in an inquiry-based classroom are often used as a reference. THMS Biology in this class does not follow the text directly, but it does use it in class to back-up instruction. instruction is intended to back-up student learning. In the end the student learns and the infrastructure of the classroom is there to assist the student.
NOTE: In the never ending quest for informative teaching, there is a bit of Administrative "Flap-trap" (AFT) listed to let the "THMS Head-shed" in on my compliance with the Arizona State Standards for Science. So, you'll see a notation at the end of each week's listing that denotes the specific (or not so specific) part of the standards being covered in the classroom during the week. Also note that Strands 1 thru 3 are ongoing and continual.
Cross curricular standards dealing with non-sciencie-type subject matter, including mathematics, are not included.
Work Always in Progress
