A question was sent to me through the blog today. Do you need to include in-text citations in the report component of the homeostasis project? As with any research based project, there are times when you must cite within text. If what you are including is someone elses words or the results of their work (i.e., opinion, statistics, etc) then you MUST cite within text. If you think it is common knowledge then it is not necessary to cite it as long as you are not copying the wording...you are instead working the facts into your own constructed paragraphs. Hope this helps.

Today students dissected sheep brains. They used the rest of the class to answer the questions in the sheep brain dissection lab. This is due next Wednesday. Here are some excellent online sheep brain dissections that will help you with these questions:
http://www.exploratorium.edu/memory/braindissection/index.html

http://academic.scranton.edu/department/psych/sheep/

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2797710367349044411

http://www.hometrainingtools.com/articles/brain-dissection-project.html

On Thursday, we took up the synapse worksheet. We then went through the note on the Central Nervous System. Students filled out a chart on the functions of the parts of the brain. We also discussed the autonomic nervous system, and students copied the table from the textbook on the sympathic versus parasympathetic nervous systems.

On Wednesday, students had their final work period for the homeostasis project. Groups picked when they will present, either Monday or Tuesday of next week.

Today we took up the homework from yesterday. We then discussed how a nerve transmits an electrical impulse and how that impulse will "jump the gap", or cross the synapse between two neurons. Students were given a worksheet to label and were asked to read about this topic in their textbook. Bring any materials needed for working on the homeostasis project tomorrow.

Today we took up the menstrual cycle lab exercise. We then went over the first note on the nervous system. Students were given two handouts which need to be labeled. There are also some textbook questions to answer for homework.

Friday was the second work period for the homeostasis project. A small group of students were present for this class. A final period for working on this project will be provided on Wednesday and the projects will be presented on Monday and Tuesday of the following week.

Today was the first work period on the homeostasis project. Students picked their project topic and groups.

Today we took up the molecular genetics test. Then students worked on an activity involving matching glands, hormones, target organs, and actions. This activity kit will be made available to everyone tomorrow. Tomorrow, students will also begin working on researching their homeostasis case study project.

We had a very small class today, so the students were given time to finish answering the questions on the lab exercise on the menstrual cycle. This is homework if not done already. We then viewed an episode of the Nature of Things on hormones.

Here are some great online animations on the menstrual cycle:
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Interactives/Health/WomensHealth/zFlashAssets/menstrual_cycle_dw2%5B1%5D.swf

http://www.sumanasinc.com/webcontent/animations/content/ovarianuterine.html

http://health.howstuffworks.com/menstruation.htm

On Friday we took up Thursday's homework and then we went over the reproductive hormones, both male and female. We discussed the menstrual cycle and many questions were answered. The lab exercise on the menstrual cycle is homework. On Tuesday, many will be absent for soccer and the Canada's Wonderland trip. Check the blog to see what you will be missing. I will likely start the nervous system on Tuesday.
Have a great long weekend!

Today we discussed the adrenal glands, the pancreatic hormones, the thyroid and the parathyroid glands. Students completed filling out their tables on the glands and hormones and then began working on homework (see under the homework section for details). Tomorrow we will finish "Endocrine Note 2".

Today we began looking at the endocrine system. We discussed the system in general terms, hormones, and how protein and steroid hormones act differently at their target cells. Please read about these differences tonight and write yourself a short note on this. We then examined the pituitary gland and the 8 hormones it produces. Students were given a table to organize information in. If you were absent today, be sure to get that from me.
You will need endocrine note 2 for tomorrow's class.

On Tuesday we discussed some of the other roles of kidneys, including roles in water balance (ADH), blood pressure (aldosterone) and in maintaining blood pH (carbonic acid, bicarbonate buffer system). Students were given an independent learning assignment on kidney diseases and treatments. This material will appear on the future unit test.

On Monday we reviewed nephron anatomy and how they form urine. Students then dissected a pig kidney.

Today (Friday), I would like you to use the computer to view various animations and tutorials on urine formation. Try to understand the various processes involved and learn the names of the parts of the nephron. Here are some good animations and tutorials:
Animation 1
Animation 2
Animation 3
Also try searching youtube.com for other videos on urine formation and nephrons....there's lots!

Have a nice weekend. Be sure to keep up with textbook reading and homework questions....only 6 weeks left!

On Thursday we reviewed the content of Tuesday's class and then discussed the human excretory system, with an emphasis on the urinary system. There are a group of textbook questions to answer from this note.

Today students wrote the molecular genetics unit test. Absent students will write the test on Thursday. If you have a spare during the day, please come and write the test during your spare. If your spare is period 1, you must find me in room 228 before 8:55 am, after that I will be in room 141(tech hall). If you don't have a spare, you will write the test during class.

If any of you need some extra help tomorrow, I can be found in room 102 (gamer's club) during the first half of the lunch hour.

Today we began the homeostasis unit by discussing the first half of the first note posted for this unit. We'll go over these concepts again on Thursday. Remember that your molecular genetics unit is on Wednesday (TOMORROW!).

On Monday, the final two groups presented their mini-lessons. We then reviewed for Wednesday's test.

Here is a document with the answers to the two reviews that are posted on the blog.
ANSWERS

On Friday 3 groups presented their unit project. On Monday the remaining 2 groups will present. Please notice that there are some new notes posted on the blog for the next unit. You can print these now. A reminder, your unit test is on Wednesday....there are 2 reviews posted under the notes section. Have a nice weekend, enjoy the rain-free skies (April was the second most rainiest April on record!).