Unit 4 - Video Assignment

Below you will find a video I created using Screenr - a wonderful video capturing website I would highly recommend. The video below shows you how to access the blog but considering you're already here, you probably already know how to do that.

The real point of the video is to provide you with instructions on how to properly comment on posts for this class. Watch the video and let me know if you have any questions. If for some reason the video below is not working. You can view the video by clicking this link - VIDEO LINK.

Podcast Assignment

Hello everyone. I hope you're all proud of me: I've made my first podcast! I know - very exciting.

Below you will find my first podcast in which I read a passage from Ben Gore's "Concrete Canvas" - a short magazine about skateboarding. I hope you like it. Enjoy!




I've included the link to "Concrete Canvas" above, so if you're interested, be sure to read the entire zine.

Digital Flash Cards

Hello everyone. I've made a set of digital flashcards for you all. I was perusing the glossary of our text and picked 25 interesting terms worth noting. The digital flashcards are in Power Point form and can be viewed or downloaded at the link below:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B92PBZ1Hj9OTVnY4Y1JlRmRVbVk/edit?usp=sharing


If you have questions or concerns, contact me.

EDT 660 - Powerpoint Success

I was successful in entering a .wmv version of the video I downloaded and converted into a power point presentation.

EDT 660 - Assignment 1

 

Here is the video that I downloaded using the YouTube Downloader. I downloaded the video and converted it to an .avi and .wmv file. I tried uploading these converted files but I got an error message both times. I even tried using multiple computers when trying to upload the files and I still got error messages. So, I just used the URL of the video to insert it into this post.

The Cell

Today's lesson will cover the basics of cells and cell types. This will cover California's Science Content Standard Biology/Life Sciences 1a and 1c:

• 1a:  Students know cells are enclosed within semipermeable membranes that regulate their interaction with their surroundings.

• 1c: Students know how prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells (including those from plants and animals), and viruses differ in complexity and general structure.

Introduction

The cell is the most basic unit of life. These microscopic building blocks are what all living organisms are composed of. You, me, plants, animals: all are made up of millions upon millions of cells. Your body alone is composed of up to 100 trillion cells. That's quite a big number. Before we start our lesson, look at the interactive tool below to get a feel for how big (or small) cells really are.

click here to go the interactive module

Task

For this lesson you will create two Venn diagrams. The first diagram will compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The second diagram will compare the eukaryotic cells of plants and animals. (You won't be required to include it in your diagrams, but keep in mind where you think viruses would belong in your diagrams. We will be discussing viruses on a later date.)

Resources

Watch the two videos below for a brief introduction to prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Now that you've been introduced to the different cell types, spend some additional time learning about the specifics of each. View and read the two interactive modules below to gain more specific knowledge about cells.

• Prokaryotic Cells

• Eukaryotic Cells - Plants and Animal cells

Process

With your new knowledge about the different types of cells you are now ready to complete the lesson of creating two Venn Diagrams. First, watch the video below for a quick review of what a Venn diagram is.

Ok, now that we're all caught up, let's create two Venn diagrams as described above under the "Task" heading.

Click here to visit the Class Tools website to create your Venn diagram. Choose "2-Circle" and now you're ready to start. Be sure to write in your name and title for each diagram accordingly. At the bottom of the screen you will see two boxes "factor 1" and "factor 2". This is where you would write "eukaryotic" and "prokaryotic" for the first diagram and "plant" and "animal" in the second. Just click inside the circles to write what you need to to complete the diagrams.

Once you're complete, you will need to save your diagram so you can submit it for grading. At the bottom right of the screen you will see a floppy disk that says "Save as Web Page" when you hover over it. Click this when you are ready to save. This is save your diagram as a webpage. To submit your two diagrams, comment on this post with the URL to your diagrams.

You will be submitting two separate diagrams. Please review the "Task" heading if you're confused.

Grading

You will be graded on the accurateness of your Venn diagrams. Be sure to include structural differences and list out organelles. This assignment is worth a total of 15 points.

Conclusion

This brief lesson is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the discussion of cells. Entire classes are devoted to the cell and you've only learned the basics of what there is to know. But, you should know the key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. You should also know the differences between plants and animals cells as well. Knowing these basics of cell structure will make learning more complex issues of cell biology even easier in the future.

As with any assignment, be sure to email me if you  any questions or concerns regarding this lesson.

Class Overview

Welcome to Biology 005 - Grade Ten Introductory Biology.

My name is Mr. B. and I am the teacher for this wonderful class.

I would like to start by saying that I put a lot of work into my class and that I hope my students put in just as much work. We are all here to learn about biology and I am sure we are going to learn a great deal from one another. My sole purpose as a teacher is to help my students learn and to be there to lend a helping hand whenever they need one. Students and learning are my number one priorities.

 

Some recommendations for making the classroom experience easier:

• come to class prepared to learn
• be prepared to work hard
• be prepared to be confused
• be prepared to not know all the answers
• be prepared to have to do what is expected of you as a student
• listen 
• respect your fellow students
• be curious
• ask questions
• have fun

Some necessary materials for a good classroom experience:

• a brain
• curiousity
• paper
• pencils
• pens
• a good attitude

Classroom Rules

• I like to have students make the rules considering it is their classroom. Classroom rules will be posted here once they are made and agreed upon my all students in the classroom.

School Resources

• Although this website serves as a resource for our class, our school's website is also a great resource as well. Below are some convenient links that will undoubtedly come in handy for you.
• School Calendar
• School Library
• School Bell Schedule
• School Contact Information

Future Fieldtrips

• We are lucky enough to have a chance to go on a field to the San Diego Zoo or Sea World.
• We will be having a vote on which one to go to later in the year. 
• Be prepared to vote!

Fun Science Stuff

• I have no problem admitting I am a total science dweeb! I even listen to scientific music. I'd like to share with you one of the best science bands ever - Symphony of Science. Check out their music and you might even learn a thing or two! You can even download all their music for free!
• Symphony of Science Website

Alright, that's all I have for today. I can't wait to get to know everybody and I'm sure I will see you all soon.

- Mr. B.

Welcome to BIO 005 with Mr. B.

Hello out there!

Welcome to the first post of the class website for BIO 005 with Mr. B.

I am working on writing a "Class Overview" post for the class but before that, be sure to read a little bit about me. Look to the right hand side of the website and you will see some various links.

Click "Meet Mr. B." for my introduction.

Click "Contact Mr. B." for information about getting in contact with me.

Stay tuned for a class overview.

- Mr. B.