Wednesday, April 22nd: Babies!

Yay!  It's Baby Day!

(you have two days to complete these tasks)

Task 1: Check your answers to the genetics practice page from yesterday.  Be sure to email Ms. Dolan with questions if there is anything you don't understand.

Task 2: Print or read the Baby Activity Handout.

Task 3: Watch the Baby Activity introduction.  Find two coins.

Task 4: Watch the Baby Activity example.  

Task 5: Complete the data table for your own baby!

Task 6:  Draw your baby and give him/her a name. 

Task 7:  Send a picture of your data table and baby drawing to Ms. Dolan.

                  adolan@hccs481.org         ms.dolans_science

Tuesday, April 21st: Practicing Genetics Vocabulary

How do you feel about Mendel's genetics vocabulary?

There are definitely some big words, but I know you can handle it, especially if we practice!

Task 1: Check your answers to the genetics vocabulary matching assignment from yesterday:

Task 2:  Practice!  Please complete this practice page and send it to Ms. Dolan.  Make sure you send questions too if there is anything you get stuck on!  adolan@hccs481.org  Answers will get posted tomorrow!

Link: Practicing Genetics Vocabulary and Ideas

Monday, April 20th: Gregor Mendel's Genetics

How do traits get passed from parents to children?

Carefully read through the slides below.  As you do, you have TWO learning targets:

1. I can describe who Gregor Mendel is and why he is famous.
2. I can define key genetics vocabulary words.

When you finish reading the slides, click the link below to complete a vocabulary matching activity.

Click here for vocabulary matching activity

Send your answers to Ms. Dolan: adolan@hccs481.org

We will go over this matching activity tomorrow for you to check your work.

Friday, April 17th: Colors Nature Journal

It's Nature Journal Day!

You can walk through your neighborhood, yard, park, or apartment complex or just find a natural area and sit.  Remember to look for natural (not man-made) objects.

  

Look for as many DIFFERENT COLORS as you can find.

Draw or trace the objects you find. Include a label to identify what each object is, what color it is, and to describe any details you notice.  

You can use this note-catcher or create your own.

Send me your journal entries and, if possible, a picture of you in nature!

adolan@hccs481.org or ms.dolans_science

Wednesday, April 15th: Traits Survey (two-day assignment)

Traits Survey

A “trait” is another word for physical characteristic. 

Your physical characteristics are a combination of the genes you receive from your parents and effects of your environment. 

Take the next two days to fill out the traits survey on yourself.  Then, try to fill in answers for at least 4 other family members or friends while keeping a safe social distancing.  Use the data table below to organize your data.  I have included a sample data table to help you. 

Click here to see a sample data table.

Attached or detached earlobes?

Can you roll your tongue?

Clasped hands: which thumb is on top?

Do you have a widow’s peak?

After completing your traits survey, answer these questions.  You can print a copy of this PDF or just write the numbers 1-5 on any paper with your answers. 

1.    Which trait(s) do you think are determined more by the genes you receive from your parent?

2.    What evidence from your data table supports your answer to number 1?

3.    Which trait(s) do you think are determined more by your environment?

4.    What evidence from your data table supports your answer to number 3?

5.    What questions do you have about genes or traits?

Please send a picture of your traits survey and the answers to questions #1-5 to Ms. Dolan.  

adolan@hccs481.org      ms.dolans_science

Tuesday, April 14th: Introduction to Genetics

Introduction to Genetics

We have learned that DNA makes proteins but DNA also make you who you are.  Your DNA is unique and is responsible for how you look and sometimes even how you act.  Your DNA is inherited from your parents, which is why you look and often act similar to your family members.  The passing of DNA and characteristics from parents to their kids is called heredity.  The scientific study of heredity is called genetics.  

Look carefully at the pictures below and then answer the questions that follow.

You can print this question page PDF or just write the numbers 1-8 on any paper with your answers and send them to Ms. Dolan:

adolan@hccs481.org   ms.dolans_science

1.  How many chromosomes do humans have in every cell?

2.  Where do our chromosomes come from?

3.  What’s a gene?

4.  What do genes determine?

5.  Which kind of gene is more common, dominant or recessive?

6.  What determines your gender?

7.  Is XX a male or female?

8.  Is XY a male or female?

Monday, April 13th: Protein Synthesis Concept Check

We've spent a good amount of time discussing and practicing the process of protein synthesis.  It's one of the most important processes for living things!

Today's the day for you to show off what you know!

Please use any resources you have (notes, videos/slideshows from last week) except people to help you.  Don't get help from family members or friends.  I want to know what YOU know!

If possible, click the link below to access Google Forms.  Answer the questions there to the best of your ability and then hit submit.  I'll automatically get your answers.

Click here for protein synthesis questions on Google Forms.

If you have trouble with the link, here's a PDF of the questions.  You can send me your answers in whatever way works best for you.  

adolan@hccs481.org     ms.dolans_science