This Week in Biology (Dec 7-11)

Dear Parents and students,

We have been studying evolution and will will continue this in the next two weeks.  We are going to study the various forces of evolution including population genetics and genetic drift and horizontal gene transfer.  It is quite amazing to think that many species that have changed in time have taken their extra dna from other species.  There is a certain type of seaweed in Japan that has been eaten by the population for thousands of years.  Somehow dna from that seaweed made its way into the human population which caused their gut to be stronger and incresed their overall health.  Apparently sometimes the old addage is true:  you are what you eat!

We will also be woring on the science fair and stem fest projects.  Keep in mind that your student should probably work on their experiment or project over the break.  The final paper will be due in january and the powerpoint will be due soon after.

The science fair will be virtual this year.  That means we will be using powerpoint and video instead of the elaborately decorated boards. Please keep this in mind before you spend the money!

A website has been produced which has all the available information on the Science Fair and STEM Fest for this year. I was told that some people could not view this website but I believe it has been fixed so everyone can see it now. There are links to the directions and templates for the the science fair template as well as the templates for the research papers on the site.

SCIENCE FAIR WEBSITE
https://sites.google.com/view/science-fair-stem-festival/home

Here is our class schedule for the week:

Notes and Practice:  5.16  Comparative Anatomy

Read: 5.17  Biogeography

Scientists assume that animals with similar anatomy have a common ancestor.  Make a poster explaining comparative anatomy. Make sure to give real life examples.   Also,  list a few controversies or arguments against this idea as well such as coevolution and similarities because of environmental adaptation.

 

Read: 5.18  Population Genetics

Notes and Practice:  5.19  Hardy-Weinberg

In 100 words or more:  why are populations, rather than individuals, the units of evolution?

What is a gene pool?

Assume that a population of 50 individuals has the following numbers of genotypes for a gene with two alleles, B and b: BB = 30, Bb = 10, and bb = 10. Calculate the frequencies of the two alleles in the population’s gene pool.

 

Read: 5.20  Forces of Evolution

Notes and Practice:  5.21  Natural Selection

Biology Workbook 10.2  Critical Reading

Science Fair Research Paper First Draft

Research Paper

Access the template for the research paper on the website:   https://sites.google.com/view/science-fair-stem-festival/home

You may also access the template and rules for the powerpoint on this site.

Finish Science Fair Research Paper First Draft

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I would love to hear any feedback or questions you or your student may have.  Feel free to contact me via email at any time.

Thank you again for sharing your wonderful student with us this year,

Chris Newton
Biology
San Tan Charter High School
cnewton@santancharterschool.com