This Week in Biology (May 3-7)

Dear Parents and students,

Because we are doing dissections in groups instead of individually we have been able to offer multiple dissections this year.  This week, we will be dissecting a frog and a pigeon.  Then next week we will dissect a pig.  I intentionally tried to leave any “pet” animals out of the list of animals being dissected.  Please let me know if this is not the case for you and I will be extra kind to your student on that day.

Here is our class schedule for next week:

Monday
Frog Dissection Lab (All Class)
As you dissect the frog, first look at how the organs are arranged.  Next,  cut out each organ and place it on paper in its proper place and label it.

Tuesday
Notes and Practice:  12.14  Reptile Structure and Function
12.15  Reptile Reproduction
12.16  Reptile Classification
12.18  Reptile Ecology
Project: What are the major differences between reptiles and other types of animals?  What benefit do these differences afford reptiles?  200 words

Wednesday
Notes and Practice:  12.19  Bird Structure and Function
12.20  Bird Reproduction
12.21  Bird Classification
12.23  Bird Ecology
Project: Pretend you are a bird ecologist or animal advocate.  Are there any species of birds that are endangered in Arizona?  What can be done to protect these species and their ecosystem?  Make a tri-fold brochure to pass out to people to educate them and increase their awareness of this issue.

Thursday
Pigeon dissection (All Class)
As you dissect the pigeon, first look at how the organs are arranged.  Next,  cut out each organ and place it on paper in its proper place and label it.

Friday (Half day)
Makeup day

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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