LaMarck vs. Darwin Argument

For your homework this weekend you were asked to read a bit about Darwin & LaMarck's theories of evolution. Today we know that Darwin's theories were more accurate than LaMarck. Assume that these two theorists lived at the same time, and could have sat down to dinner together. Their conversation might have rounded around to evolution, and they might have ended up arguing! Your task is to create a script of dialogue between these 2 men. Each person should have 5 lines, for a total of 10 lines minimum in your script. Each should argue their point. Use actual examples from the reading to further solidify your argument.

The assignment is worth 25 points (2.5 times a typical homework assignment in my class), and is due on Monday!

A sample of A+ student work is here...

What happens when mothers & their fetus have different blood types?

Students always ask this question when I teach about blood typing and Genetics.

First off the placental barrier does not allow mixing of the maternal blood & the fetal blood.

The Rh factor is a bit different. Maternal antibodies can cross the placenta and destroy fetal red blood cells. Here is a link to a great article that explains how the Rh factor influences the mother-fetal problems that may occur.

Karyotype Computer Lab Activity

Today's activity involves doing some Internet research about chromosomal abnormalities. You may use the following links to aide your research...

Link 1: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/begin/traits/predictdisorder/

Link 2: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/begin/traits/karyotype/index.html

Link 3: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/disorders/whataregd/

Genetics - Week 3

This is our 3rd (and final) week studying Human Genetics. So far we have covered the following modes of inheritance: Mendelian Genetics (monohybrid & dihybrid crosses), polygenic inheritance, codominance, incomplete dominance, and multiple alleles. We have also learned about blood types and pedigrees.

This week we'll be focusing on Karyotypes & Genetic Disorders, as well as the production of sex cells (aka "gametes) during the process of Meiosis. We will learn about various methods to screen an unborn child to test whether he or she will have any chromosomal abnormalities, and you will be taking a trip to the computer lab to research some information about various disorders.

We will complete the LAUSD SPA Test on Thursday, and our classroom Genetics Exam on Friday. You can find the Genetics Exam Review Sheet here. You may use a 4x6 notecard of notes during the exam if you wish.

Our calendar for the week can be found HERE.

Need some Community Service Hours?

The Biology teachers would LOVE some student assistance during the school's Open House on Thursday, April 30th! The department's presentations will occur in Room 287 (my room), and will include microscope demos, a dissection of an eyeball (to be demonstrated by a responsible student), among others. Are you interested? The night begins at 6pm and finishes at 8pm, so you'll earn 2 community service hours for participation! Let me know ASAP if you'll be there! The more the merrier!

This week!

This week (and the next few) we'll be focusing on Genetics. There is a lot of information online that can be used to help you with your understanding of Genetics. By clicking HERE you can find an online tutorial about Mendelian genetics.

This week's in-class calendar can be found here, as usual.

Extra Extra...Read All About It!

Extra credit that is! I have 2 opportunities for Extra Credit that I wanted to extend to students...


1) We are in desparate need of KLEEENEX Tissues (aka "napkins" as the students call them). 5 points per box, please! Limit 2.

2) Disney is coming out with a new movie called, "Earth." If you click on the word "Earth" you will be taken to the website to watch the Trailer and buy tickets! It premieres on Wednesday...EARTH DAY! Every ticket purchased in the first week is rewarded by Disney planting a tree! I will reward 10 extra credit points to anyway who can show a movie stub from the viewing, and an additional 10 points to anyone who goes during the 1st week (up to Wednesday, April 29th, I believe) and has the tree planted! What an awesome opportunity!