APES Program 3, 4 and 5

Genetics and Biotechnology - We finished our transformation lab Friday.  Congrats to Lauren and Hannah for the most bacterial transformations ... also, our flies are doing well.  Tomorrow will be the only day we will have enough people for class ... the rest of the week over half the class will be gone to APES ... depending on scheduling ... tomorrow, discussion questions for Chap 12 and dump parent flies from our tubes.

Introduction to Computer Programming - Starting Visual BASIC tomorrow ...

Selected Topics in Science - Back to Biology tomorrow for our final CATS unit ... Don't forget our Field Trip to Bowling Green Technical College on Wednesday!

Selected Topics Chem Test Tomorrow ...

Selected Topics in Science - We will be having our chemistry test tomorrow.  We reviewed today, worked on graphing and analysis of data and reviewed for the CATS test. This test is open note and open handout.  Be ready!

We are well underway on our Powerball analysis program using 2-D arrays.  We should finish tomorrow and be millionaires by Sunday ... if it is not random ... which it is!

We did our bacterial transformation lab today in Genetics.  This lab is one of the required AP Biology labs in which students subject E. coli bacteria to a procedure that causes the bacteria to take in a DNA plasmid  and express the genes on that plasmid.  The results are that some of the bacteria are ampicillin resistant.  We have our bacteria incubating over night and hopefully have some great results tomorrow!

After school driving the bus for the CC to practice on the regional course in Bowling Green. Will be back late.

Bacteria was not ready!

We had to hold our Bacterial transformation lab for a day since our bacteria starter plates did not have enough bacteria for this lab.  Strange outcome and in nearly 20 years of doing this lab I have never had bacteria fail to be ready in a 24 period.  We will see tomorrow.  In Genetics we went on to Plan B ... checked our F1 flies from the transfer from yesterday, they seem to be doing fine.  We went over the fly crosses again and the transformation procedure one more time.  We also went over the first seven discussion questions in Chapter 12 ... mostly over types of mutations and the problems they cause.  Most mutations are bad ... occasionally a mutation can be good!

In our Computer Programming class, we are hard at work with our Powerball analysis program.  Lots of data and some serious programs with 2-D and single dimension arrays.

We spent some time in our Selected Topics in Science class getting ready for our field trip next Wednesday (November 3) to Bowling Green Technical College.  We also did some in class reading in our Current Science magazine.  Don't forget to get your permission slips signed.

We had softball conditioning at the Lake today ... our best runner finished the 2.5 mile course in 25:20 ... a good time for a non-CC runner!!!

Sorry I missed blogging yesterday ... did not get home until late from a Softball booster meeting.

BETA gone today - Raining AM - Yeah!

After weeks of no rain, we got about an inch today ... too late for fall wildflowers but not two late for cool weather grasses and some fall plants ... at least until frost which appears won't happen for at least a week!

Genetics and Biotechnology - Today most of our class was gone to BETA District ... with the students that were still in class, we prepared our culture tubes for our fly crosses (tomorrow) and we poured our luria broth plates for our transformation lab ... we will do this lab on Wednesday (The bacterial transformation lab - a required lab for AP).  We will be doing a transformation lab using pBLU, a plasmid that has an ampicillin resistance gene and the beta-galactosidase gene (used as a color marker) that turns the colony blue in the presence of the x-gal (a lactose analog ... this protein would break lactose into galactose and glucose).  Lots of good labs this week!

Introduction to Computer Programming - This is lottery week ... a week of programming to analyze patterns of numbers.  We are using the Josh - Pick 3 problem as a warmup and then will analyze the Powerball picks over the last year to see if there are any patterns for predictions. We are building and using 2-D arrays in these problems.

In Selected Topics, we finished and handed in our gunpowder lab. We worked on Periodic Table Bingo cards to use tomorrow in our review of the periodic table.  Chemistry unit is wrapping up and we will have a chemistry test later this week.

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Weekend about over!

Sue Neal and I went to our 35th year reunion at Centre College this weekend.  The campus has changed a lot since then ... Centre lost the football game ... our class of 1975 reunion party saw a lot of DEKEs, Phi Delts, Betas with a sprinkling of Phi Taus ... lots of good ol' frat boys (emphasis on old!) so we stayed for the pict then left.  We did see a couple of our old classmate friends, the Fosters, as well as, our oldest daughter and her husband, Rachel and Kyle (Kyle - Centre Class of 2003) ... it was great to see them!

Tomorrow at school BETA is going to District so only a few will be left in first block Genetics ... Drosophila cultures are ready to cross but we may wait until Tuesday with everyone on board.  We will analyze our data from our osmosis lab.  I have updated some info on www.patscience.com ... put on contest winners!

Below two or our genetics students in action ... Part-time and Ernesto filling dialysis tubing.

Labs and Labs today!

Genetics and Biotechnology - Today was biscuit day in Genetics ... hot biscuits, honey from Holland, fresh molasses, and sausage.  After a little breakfast, we worked through an osmosis lab in which we tried to calculate the amount of sugar in a retro Mountain Dew.  We did this by graphing osmotic data from sugar solutions of 0, 0.5 and 1.0 molar concentrations and that of Mountain Dew.  We will expand our Drosophila (fruit fly) cultures for the start a genetics lab next week ... Sepia X Wild and White-eyed X Wild (a sex-linked trait).
     Congratulations to Cole, Olivia, Hannah, and Lauren (2) for winning the superlative gamete contest ... cards used in our population genetics lab last week.

Introduction Computer Programming - Today we checked the two problems we worked on this week.  Next week is the Josh Pick 3 problem and another data analysis problem analyzing the Powerball picks over the last 50 weeks.

Selected Topics in Science - In our Chemistry Unit - today, we completed our Gunpowder Lab ... this included a historical review of gunpowder making in Kentucky and using the gunpowder chemical reaction to make up a small amount.  We took these samples outside and to see them burn ... congratulations to Louis and Josh for the best gunpowder today.  We all agreed that sulfur stinks!
     Chemistry Unit winds down next week with some additional balancing equations on Monday, periodic table study, a review and later in the week our Chemistry test.

Hope you all have a great and safe weekend!   rr

Work and Work!

Genetics and Biotechnology -  Tomorrow we have a diffusion and osmosis lab ... determining the molar equivalent of Mountain Dew using data we collect from samples of sugar water.  We finished our Chapter 11 discussion questions today. 

Introduction to Computer Programming - Today we finished our 2 dimensional sorting problem.  We will check it tomorrow.  Tomorrow we start a program using 2-D arrays called Josh's Pick 3.  We will be writing a program that will analyze a lottery scandal and find the way Josh is cheating.

Selected Topics in Science - We worked on ACT graphing and analysis of data today using a problem on photosynthesis at different temperatures and colors of light.  We finished our chemistry review sheet by practicing balancing questions ... randomly checking to see how students are doing!

Tomorrow is Biscuit Friday in Genetics ... I am bringing the Holland honey!

Wednesday - Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences !!!

Today we had a faculty meeting after school.  From 4-6 was Parent Teacher Conferences ...

Genetics and Biotechnology - We had several students out today for a DECA trip and for seniors to Jostens.  However, we did start our Chapter 11 discussion questions ... the difference between fetal and adult hemoglobin was a good discussion and the pancreas as an exocrine and endocrine gland ... how it develops in the fetus.  Tomorrow we will finish these questions, start on Chapter 12, and start prep on our next lab.

Introduction to Computer Programming - The address program was finished today ... now we know how to program a computer to send junk USPO mail.  At least the addresses!  Tomorrow is a problem using a 2-dimensional array/table and how to sort from it.

Selected Topics in Science - We started our Chemistry worksheet on atoms, compounds and mixtures ... periodic charts and subatomic particles ... a little dry but, we should finish tomorrow with balancing equations.  We went over and discussed the two most important chemical reactions on earth ... photosynthesis and aerobic respiration.  Don't forget ... the Daniel Boone - Best in Kentucky - Gunpowder making contest is Friday ... not to worry, each student group gets only 3g of potassium nitrate!

Hope we see you tonight!
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Tuesday - Parent/Teacher Conferences tomorrow.

Genetics and Biotechnology - Today we finished our Population Genetics Lab ... we will have some people out of class but will go over our discussion questions in Chapter 11, a study of the genetics of cancer.

We are working on an address program in the Introduction to Computer Programming ... learning to store and sort addresses for mass mailings.  We should be able to finish this problem tomorrow.

In Selected Topics in Science we did our Chromatography Lab ... studying ways to separate mixtures of molecules.  This lab is called "Who Killed Waldo" and students had to analyze the inks of black pens to discover the killer.  Tomorrow ... balancing equations and the periodic table.

Softball conditioning after school today as our team ran at the Barren River Dam ...

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Club Day Today ...

Today we had Club Schedule which means we had people out of class almost every block / skinny.

Genetics and Biotechnology - During the first half of class we had most students present so moved ahead practicing Hardy-Weinberg problems.  Students appear to have an understanding how to use the equation to calculate the heterozygotes or carriers in a population which would be important in understanding the dynamics of a genetic disease and its treatment.

Introduction to Computer Programming - We started an address problem which simulates setting up a sortable database you could use for mass mailings.

Selected Topics in Science - Today we started our Chemistry Unit.  This included a study of the chemical reaction that is gunpowder firing and a little Kentucky history about mining nitrates in caves.   We have a lab tomorrow on separation science ... the methods of separating molecules using chromatography ... Gunpowder Lab is Friday ... in between we are working on balancing equations and the periodic table.

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This Monday in 509

We have club schedule today which significantly impacts my first block.

We will finishing our Population Genetics Lab on Tuesday since many people will be out of class.  We will work on our Hardy Weinberg problems that were assigned.

Introduction to Computer Science will be assigned our last problems before going on to Microsoft Visual BASIC ... these problems will be single and 2-D array problems with sorting. Congratulations to Alex for winning the Farm graphics with animation contest ... maybe the be program for this ever!

In Selected Topics in Science we are moving into our Chemistry Unit ... Daniel Boone - Best in Kentucky Gunpowder Contest will be on Friday.

See you all on Monday!  That includes two I know called it an early week by skipping on Friday ... you know who you are!
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In 509 today ...

Genetics and Biotechnology - Today we went over our last test and put the problems we had on the board. We started our study of population genetics and the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium.  Tomorrow a lab / simulation in population genetics and selection.

Introduction to Computer Programming - We started checking our final graphics and animation projects today ... I have some video of some of the projects with their coding and will post it this weekend on our website page ... www.patscience.com

Selected Topics in Science - We are finished our Physics Unit and reviewed today ... analyzing graphs and data from physics simulations and labs.  Test tomorrow concludes our physics unit and Chemistry starts on Monday.  I have a couple of students that are missing a lot of school and labs ... since we do several labs, it is important to be in class everyday!

Club Schedule on Monday ...
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PSAT Day!

We had about 70 students take the PSAT today ...  To be good at taking big tests, you have to practice taking big tests.

Genetics - Most students were out taking the PSAT ... Tomorrow we will hand back and go over our last test and begin our next unit ... Chapter 11, the genetics of cancer.  Our discussion questions tomorrow.

Introduction of Computer Programming - Tomorrow we will start checking out farm scene with animation programs.

Selected Topics in Science - Today, we finished our Electromagnet Lab.  Taking and graphing data in two student generated labs.  Tomorrow will be review for our Physics Unit test on Friday.

Softball players will have their physicals tomorrow at 5:00 ... we will hit at BSA after school.

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PSAT tomorrow!

Good luck on the PSAT tomorrow ... the National Merit Qualifying Exam ... that's BIG!

In Genetics today, we took our test over Chapters 9-10.  Two important chapters dealing with replication, transcription and translation ... how to make a protein.  A quick look over the tests look like you all did well. Tomorrow we will begin Chapter 11 ... depending on the number of students we have in class ... also Caption Friday is on Transgenic organisms ...

In Computer Programming, Alex is tearing it up with a tractor as an animated object with a farmer that dismounts and walks across his field ... lots of lines of code and tough programming.  All projects seem to be coming along well.  Will post some of the efforts later on www.patscience.com.

We went over our physics problems before making electromagnets in Selected Topics in Science.  It was a great competition.  Best efforts took into account Faraday's Law. Tomorrow we start our review for our Physics test on Friday.

First day of softball conditioning today ... a good 2.5 mile run at the Lake ... leaves were beautiful!

Back to Work - PSAT Wednesday!

Remember that the PSAT is on Wednesday.  This test is the National Merit Qualifying Exam for juniors.  Last year it took a 209 out of 240 to qualify.  We had no qualifiers.  It is without a doubt one of the most important achievements you can put on your resume!  More important that your ACT score and much more important that your GPA.   Cost is 13 dollars but, there are fee waivers for juniors.  If you are a bright freshman or sophomore you should take this test !!!  ... for too many reasons to list here!  Just do it!

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html

Today in Genetics we reviewed for our test tomorrow on Chapters 9-10, Chi Square Analysis, Plasmid Mappiing and the reading of gels.  Study tonight and Good Luck tomorrow!

In Computer Science we got back to work on our graphics project of a farm scene with animation.  We have some great programs!  Maybe best ever for animated objects.

In Selected Topics we calculated Hang Time of individuals in our class ... Mr. Vernons standing jump was exceptional!  And five physics problems for tomorrow on speed and acceleration.  Also tomorrow, the Great Electromagnet contest and lab!  Faraday's Law is the key to a win! 

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Back to school tomorrow! and some bee picts

Fall Break is about over ... In Genetics, we will be reviewing for a test on Chapters 9-10.  Our computer programming class will be working on our Ol' McDonald Farm Scene with animation ... due Thursday. We continue to work on Physics problems tomorrow ... Newton's Laws and falling objects.  Electromagnet Contest on Wednesday.

Today, I finished checking my beehives ... the bees have put away a lot of honey for the winter and most of the hives are strong ... still gathering nectar or pollen ... from where I don't know since, it is so dry.  The last two days, I removed empty frames and put in the second treatment of Apiguard (menthol) to control mites.  Added water to a few open containers I have near the hives.

Pictured below is a frame (ten to a super with honey on both sides) from one of the top supers (boxes of a hive) ... the frame is over half full of capped honey and some bees are working on the open cells in the corner ... notice the shape of the cells ... if you are into geometry, the cells are interesting!

Planting cover crop ...

I planted a small field in a legume cover crop - Winter peas, hairy vetch, oats, turnips and upland cress (creasy).  Too dry to germinate until it rains ... which does not appear to be in the near future!
Including a picture of my "old school" equipment for the front row of my Selected Topics in Science class ... Tuck, Tuck and Company ...

Back to Holland

Ms. Roberts and I took some time during Fall Break to visit my father and sister in Ohio.

After our Ohio visit, we went to see our oldest daughter and her husband in Champaign, IL ... at the University of Illinois.  We went to a local orchard (Curtis Orchard) to pick apples.  Two interesting things at the University of Illinois are the Morrow Plots (oldest soil/crop agriculture test plots in North or South America and The Pollinatarium (pollination of flowers by all insects and other animals) which is part of the Entomology Department.

Back to school soon ... hope you are enjoying your Fall Break!!!

Department of Entomology

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

http://www.life.illinois.edu/entomology/

http://www.life.illinois.edu/pollinatarium/

The Morrow Plots

http://cropsci.illinois.edu/research/rdc/urbana/morrow.cfm