Unit 6 - Plants

Monday or March 13, 2017 C.E.:

We have now cleared the unit about plants. This unit was not so difficult. The unit consisted of two sections, Plant Form & Function and Plant Reproduction. In the first we talked about the parts of the stems, roots, and leaves. The most interesting was the leaves. The leaves have many layers in their thin, fine expanse. The top layer, the cuticle is a waxy coating designed to repel disease-causing agents and to keep in water. The epidermis helps protect the layers below. The palisade mesophyll comes next and ensures maximum absorption of sunlight. The spongy mesophyll below helps to exchange gases and keeps the leaf light. The vascular tissue inside the spongy mesophyll helps to bring water and minerals up and food down. The guard cells make up the stomata at the bottom of the leaf which help to release water and exchange gases.

We also studied plant reproduction. It was interesting to see that plants alternate their method of reproduction from producing spores, to producing gametes. We also discussed pollination and reproduction of flowering plants. What was also interesting was the way plants respond to stimuli such as gravity and light (tropism).

We also took part in a multitude of interesting labs. We began the unit with a dissection of a pickle:

Monocot vascular tissue

our first dissection! We examined the different parts of the pickle and practiced the classic I-shaped incision.

One really interesting lab was where we examined the different reproductive parts of flowers. We studied tulips, irises, and day lilies. We made sketches and studied each part of the flower. It was quite a fun lab!

Dicot vascular tissue

We also underwent a lab where we examined the different tissues of plants. We learned of two major classifications of plants, the monocots and the dicots. We learned how to tell them apart and their key differences. Dicots have great bundles of vascular tissue, which we looked at under the microscope. The monocots have small scattered bundles
of vascular tissue.

I really enjoyed this unit and it wasn't as difficult as the previous ones. I look forward to some hardcore dissection in the next few units!

Unit 5 - Diversity of Life

Monday or February 13, 2017 C.E.: 

We have just cleared our latest unit, the diversity of life. I feel like this unit binds what we have learned together and will serve as a base as we move on. We began the unit by studying the classification of organisms everywhere from domains to species. We examined the evolution of organisms and the history of life. Combining what we know from Darwin (natural selection) and Mendel (genetics) we were able to learn about evolution and speciation. Through these concepts I was able to learn about the different ways species are created and how evolution works. We learned about how the fossil record provides scientists with the information they need to conclude and prove evolution.  We also learned that because of DNA, we know that all life-forms come from a common ancestor. In addition to this, we were also taught the concept of artificial selection and adaptations.

The latter half of the unit was spent on viruses and bacteria. I learned that viruses are actually not considered living! I never knew that. Viruses reproduce using the Lytic and Lysogenic cycles. A virus will attach to a host cell and inject its DNA into its host cell. The genetic material will code for virus particles which will begin to be created by the cell. The viruses are assembled and leave the cell, rupturing it through lysis.

The Lytic/Lysogenic Cycle

In order to reinforce what we learned in the unit, we took part in a few great labs. In one, we simulated the spread of viruses, in which one person had a test tube with an acid and, through exchanging drops, infected half the class once we revealed who had the acid. We also underwent two amazing labs about microorganisms. In the first we cultivated soil bacteria in petri dishes with four pieces of paper in each dish. Each piece of paper was saturated in a disinfectant and one with water. We then compared the growth of the bacteria. In another lab we incubated bacteria swabbed from a variety of areas such as a computer keyboard, water fountain, the floor, and a phone. The petri dishes containing keyboard bacteria and locker handle bacteria looked the worst.

Biology is becoming more and more fun the farther we are going into it. In the next unit about plants, we will begin our first dissections! In the recent test, I did not score as high as I would have liked, but I will reexamine my study habits and improve this for next time. I can't wait for the units to come. They are just becoming more exciting as they move on.

Unit 4 - Heredity

Monday or January 2nd, 2017 C.E.: 

Happy New Year! Now we have officially cleared 2016! However, I have only really cleared 2016 after the midterms which are next week. I am sure I will do well on them, though, as we have a whole week to review.

The unit I am writing about is heredity. It was not as challenging or as long as the other units, but it was still quite interesting.

We talked about what genes are and how they are passed down expressed and passed down. We studied Austrian scientist Gregor Mendel and his study of pea plants. We looked at how traits are passed down from the two parents to the following two generations, called filials. Not only did we cover many interesting topics, we also had the opportunity to take part in a few advanced labs and activities.

In the first lab we extracted DNA from wheat germ. We used water and dish soap to soak and weaken the cell membrane. The alcohol helped the DNA precipitate. At the end of the lab we were able to spool a tiny white tendril of DNA onto a tooth pick.

The second lab was quite advanced. We cross bred 5 different mutations of fruit flies. The first group was the wild type. They are the "normal" types. The second group was the sepia group they had sepia eyes. The third had white eyes, the fourth smaller wings, and the fifth had legs instead of antennae. We studied sex-linked heredity and gene expression in this lab. We separated the male and females and then counted them after each generation. In order to count them, we sedated them with a chemical called FlyNap. This was probably the coolest part. We were not able to complete the lab since all the fruit fliehnbs died during Christmas break, but it was quite an educational lab in which I learned a lot.

We looked at the flies under the microscope in order to see their traits. 

We then sorted them with paintbrushes.

Unit 3 - Cells

Tuesday or November 8th, 2016 C.E.:

I just cleared the most difficult unit to date. The cells unit contained a vast amount of vocabulary and a vast amount of topics. It covered cell theory, the parts of a cell, cell division, and even cellular respiration and photosynthesis.

We learned about cell theory which tells us that all living things are made of one or more cells the cell is the basic unit of structure, physiology, and organization in living things It states that the cell is the basic unit of structure, physiology, and organization in living things.It also states that all cells are organized into tissue which is organized into organs, which is organized into systems, which are all part of the body. It also states that every cell arises from a pre-existing cell. 

We also learned about the two types of cells. They are Prokaryiotic and Eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotes include single celled organisms such as Bacteria and Archaea. Eukaryotic cells are primarily multi cellular organisms. They divide through mitosis and have an area of membrane bound DNA called a nucleus. Prokaryotes divide through binary fission. 

We also talked about reproduction.We learned about the phases of mitosis and the process of binary fission. We also talked about the pros and cons of assexual and and sexual reproduction. 

The unit was finished up by the studying of cellular respiration and the mitochondrion and the study of photosynthesis. There were many interesting steps for each process that we had the opportunity to learn about.  

Not only did we learn about a ton of interesting material, we were also able to take part in a number of incredible labs. The first lab was to help learn how to use the microscope. The second was more in depth where we took a look at cells. We looked at animal and plant cells and drew them and their organelles. In another lab we simulated diffusion through membranes. We used dialysis tubing and put a starch solution on the inside and iodine on the outside in one beaker. In the other beaker we put glucose solution in one bag and normal water in the other. After we left them for a day, the Iodine seeped into the bag causing the starch solution to be purple. The sugar seeped out and the water on the outside tested positive. We talked about why this happens and how smaller molecules can go through membranes easier. It was all very interesting.

Plant cells and their chloroplasts

Dialysis tubing in beakers

 
Now we are getting into the real stuff of biology and it is way more fun than I would have expected one year ago. I am more motivated and interested in the new material, so much more that I studied quite a lot on my own time. I even created my own set of notes! I really look forward to the next unit about genetics and I hope it will be just as fun as the cells unit. 

Until next time!

Unit 2 - The Building Blocks of Life

Saturday, October 1, 2016 C.E.:

We went on a really cool field trip to a Hendersonville, NC, which is in the mountains. It was called Mountain Trail Outdoor School. There we learned how to build fires and stay safe in the wilderness. We also learned leadership skills and worked together as a team. I thought the trip was very fun and was definitely worth going to.

Canoeing at the camp

Also, another unit has come and gone and school is starting to be a routine again. This unit was quite difficult because of the vast amount of vocabulary we had to learn. We learned about the atom and chemical bonds for the first part of the unit. This wasn't very challenging for us because we have already taken chemistry. We reviewed ionic and covalent bonds and the structure of atoms. We also talked about ions, pH, and the characteristics of water. The quiz for this section was very easy because we had already learned this before. 

However, the test on the rest of the unit was not so easy. We learned about the four main types of organic molecules. They are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. We had to know everything related top to these things such as their function, their chemical composition, the name of their monomer, and the name of their polymer. 

Carbohydrates serve as structural support in exoskeletons (chitin) and plants (cellulose). They also provide energy for animals. One molecule, called a monomer, of a carbohydrate is called a monosaccharide. Two molecules are called disaccharides. A polymer (many molecules) of a carbohydrate is called a polysaccharide. They are made up of oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon. 

Lipids serve as a energy storage, insulation, and cushioning. They also serve a key role in cell membranes. They are also used in the covering of plant leaves. They are made up of fatty acids and glycerol. Lipids are either fats, oils, or waxes. They are a contain much more energy than carbohydrates.

Proteins are extremely important. They serve in a lot of different areas of cells. They regulate what goes in and out of cells, they perform lots of cell functions. They also help build muscle and help as catalysts. (Enzymes)

Nucleic acids help store and replicate genetic information. They are made up of RNA and DNA. Their monomer is on nucleotide. They are vital for life.

This was quite a difficult unit, but that means I learned a lot. I look forward to biology and the next unit. 

A chart of some of the things we had to know

Back to School and Unit 1

Tuesday, August 30, 2016 C.E.: 

School has started again and summer is now over. We have a new school year and also a new blogging style. We will now only blog every Unit and reflect on what we have learned. It is very open-ended so I am not sure what I am supposed to do yet, but I think it will work out. I guess I will talk about my summer because we haven't done much interesting stuff in class yet. 

My summer was probably the best summer ever. My dad switched jobs and had the whole summer off. We decided to go to Japan, China, and South Korea. Japan was my favorite for two reasons. First, the people there were super nice and always trying to help. Second, there is a dog breed that I like that is common in Japan. It is the Shiba Inu breed. They became famous in the "doge" meme. 

This is the doge meme picture. I was able to see many dogs of this breed and even the dog in the original picture. This was really great because these dogs super cute and have furry ears. I also went to California with my mom and we also were able to go see four Shiba Inus there as well. We met them at dog parks.

However, school has now started again and that means lots of fun science topics. We did Unit 1 already and it was essentially a review of the Scientific Method. We also did two labs which were also pretty fun. I can't wait to delve deeper into biology with Unit 2 and Unit 3 especially. 

E & E Final Blog Reflection

Earth and Environmental is over

This is the last week of school and Earth and Environmental is already over. This is the end of all of it. It really was a good year and it had a really good end to it too. I am quite happy since I got 99% on it! This is much better than last year where I was extremely disappointed with my grade. I thought this one was easier too, but I hope I also did good due to my new studying techniques!

        Looking back on the year, two labs were really fun for me. The first was the Cookie Bake-off Lab. In this lab, we had to make our own cookies and vary one variable for each one. This was to help us understand how an experiment works. The best cookie was the one with extra eggs. I remember that our group was supposed to be the control group until one member messed up the ingredients. It still tasted good though. My other favorite lab was the Properties of Seawater Lab that my friend Andrei and I did ourselves. We researched Cyanobacteria and their detrimental effects on marine ecosystems. This was really fun since we had a lot of freedom in how we could do the lab. It still wasn't as good as the cookie eating though!

        This year was also really special because it opened up my mind. Before this year, all I really knew and cared about was chemistry. I would always study chemistry and think that all the other branches of science were stupid. I barely even studied physics! I was dreading E & E, but in reality it was really fun. Now I can learn about more branches of science because I learned that Earth and Environmental is actually interesting. It wasn't as fun as chemistry, but I still liked it much more than I would have thought one year ago.
        Since this year was so much better than I expected, I actually look forward to biology next year. I can't wait to dissect stuff. I also want to learn about about cells and how they communicate.
        Next year I want to improve two things. First is the quality and time taken to do my blog. I want to make it better while also finishing it faster. I spend about one hour per week more than I should on my blog. This hour could be spent doing something really fun and it should. I also want to increase my performance on labs. Labs are where one can learn the most from everything we do in science class. If I perform better in labs, I will be able to learn more and get better grades. Next year I hope to get A+ honor role every quarter and to get an A on each lab. At the beginning of this school year, I received a bad grade on a lab which really hurt me in the long run. My goal is to always do good on labs to prevent this from happening again.
        Lastly, I want to give some advice to future Earth and Environmental students. Firstly, learn as much as you can from the labs. The labs we do are not only fun, but very interesting. Also, keep your binder organized so you can always refer to the information that you have in it. This will  help you study. One useful point to make is that you will only have to study minimally if you pay attention in class. Mrs. Giacomelli will review for the test the day before and if you listen closely, you will see that she gives out all the answers on the test and puts emphasis on the things that will be on there. This is how I get good grades. I barely study at all! The last thing I would like to say is never give up. I once had a C in this class and was able to bring it up to a 97 by the end of the quarter. You can make things up and you can do good in this class.

Knockerball

Looking at Mercury's transit of the sun

Goodbye!!!