ESA Science Department

Classtime!

2005-11-21T15:59:00.000-05:00

Our wonderful students hard at work.

Miracles in Science

2005-11-17T22:37:00.000-05:00

Class Links

2005-11-08T14:39:00.000-05:00

Attention all science classes!
Every Science Class now has its own Website.
Finding information on assignments, study guides for upcoming quizzes and tests has never been easier!!

All you have to do is this:

Turn your computer on.
Click on the appropriate class below.
You will be automatically directed there.
Smile.

Physical Science

Biology

Chemistry

Anatomy & Physiology

For Monday 11 / 7 / 2005

2005-11-06T14:59:00.000-05:00

Physical Science:
Quiz on Section 3.1 on Tuesday.

Be sure to understand solids, liquids and gases in terms of definite or variable shape and volume.

What is plasma? What is a Bose-Einstein Condensate?

Understand the Kinetic Energy (energy an object has due to its motion).

The faster an object moves, the greater the kinetic energy.

Kinetic Theory of Matter:

all particles of matter are in constant motion (yes, even the particles of
a solid!).

Also, understand that just as there is constant motion within all particles of matter, there also are forces of attraction among particles of matter.

Be sure to name the three main points of the kinetic theory as applied to gases:

particles in a gas are in constant, random motion
the motion of one particle is unaffected by the motion of the other particle unless the particles collide
forces of attraction among particles in a gas can be ignored under ordinary condition (they are too weak in comparison to the kinetic energy of a gas)

Mean Free Path is the distance a particle of gas travels between collisions.

Biology:
Quiz on Section 3.1 on Tuesday.

Know the levels of organization:

Individual ( the species )
Poplulation
Community
Ecosystem
Biome
Biosphere

Be sure to understand the relationship between interactions and interdependence.

How is observation important?

Why is experimenting used?

Understand the differences between observing and experimenting.

How is modeling helpful to scientists?

Chemistry:
Homework for Monday is finish reading section 3.1 and answer "Practice Problems" #3-8 within that section.

Review of materials covered so far: (taken from this site)

Scientific notation:

A system of representing large numbers, ... in order to
express [them] in manageable terms. 1123,000,000 is represented in
scientific
notation as 1.123X109.

Problem 1: Please express the following in scientific notation:

209.4
.00220
.087686

Solution.

Significant Figures:

Digits in a recorded value that are reliable and believable.

Problem 2: How many significant figures are there in the following numbers:

a. 209.4
B. 1.74x10-23
c. 0.00220
d. 0.087686

Solution.

Problem 3: Please perform the necessary math and give the number with the correct number of significant figures. Use scientific notation where appropriate.

A. 4.632 x 2.5
B. 12.443 +1.94672
C. 0.0000042 x 24365
D. 5.4 x 104 x 2.3 x 102
E. (41 x 3890)/36

Solution.

Accuracy:

The extent to which an experimental result agrees with a known or correct
value.

Precision:

The extent to which an experiment is reproducible.

An example:

A chemist is asked to determine the concentration of a chemical dissolved in
a solution. The chemist performs the experiment three times for good measure,
and the concentration determined to be 1.74 M, (moles/liter), 1.73 M and 1.75 M.
The average of these numbers is 1.74 M. This result is extremely precise, but
suppose the chemist is not a very good chemist and made the same mistake in all
three experiments: the true concentration of the chemical in solution is 2.32 M.
Even though this experiment was done three times, and the concentration was
determined very precisely, it is not an accurate result.
Now let's say that
another chemist performs three more experiments to determine the concentration
of the same chemical in solution, and finds the following values: 2.87, 1.48 and
2.61 M. When averaged, these values accurately give 2.32 M, but the experiments
were not precise. In fact, it may have been lucky that they averaged out
perfectly.

Here is a useful website with tons of information.

Anatomy & Physiology:
Quiz on Anatomy of the Cell on Tuesday. For this quiz, you will be asked to name all the components within the figure "Anatomy of the Cell" and also to give their defenitions.

Anatomy of the Cell:

Below are the Figures from the text book which we will focus on later on this week.
The Cell's Plasma Membrane:

The Structure of the Cell:

Thursday

2005-11-03T08:36:00.000-05:00

Chemistry:
For Homework, Read pages 63-67. Answer questions 1 and 2 under "Practice Problems" on page 68. It is very important you do the reading!

Wednesday

2005-11-02T14:10:00.000-05:00

Anatomy & Physiology:
Optional Project on Sickle-cell anemia. Due on Friday by the end of the day.
Answer the following question:

A new-born is diagnosed with sickle-cell anemia, a genetic disease in which substitution of ONE AMINO ACID results in abnormal hemoglobin. (you may use the links from my post for Monday to aid you with information)

Explain IN YOUR OWN WORDS to the parents of the new-born the following: (these are only some useful guidelines of things I'd like to see)
What is sickle-cell anemia is, when does it happen, what do we mean by "genetic"?
What can you tell me about sickle-cell anemia and the malaria-belt in Africa?
What is hemoglobin?
What is a mutation?
How can the substitution of one amino acid have such a drastic effect on the structure of the protein. Explain thorougly. Name (and diagram) the amino acid substitutions.

What can be done medically? Any treatments?
Use visuals if needed. Make a poster if you want. Be creative!
However, make sure you use footnotes and list your sources!!!!
The more information given, the better the explanations you provide, the better your grade will be.

Tuesday

2005-11-01T11:48:00.000-05:00

Physical Science:
Homework for Wednesday is answer questions #1-8 and "Connecting Concepts" on page 74.

Biology:
Study for Test on Chapter 2 for Wednesday. Scroll below to Monday's post for study guide.
I suggest you finish the "Organizer" Handout to help you put concepts together.
Answers to the handout:
1. hydrogen 2.-4. oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus 5. lipids 6. proteins 7. nucleic acids 8. polysaccharides 9.-10. to store energy; to form biological membranes 11. amino acids 12.-13. DNA; RNA

Chemistry:
We do not meet on Wednesday (gym). Test will be Thursday. Scroll below to Monday's post for study guide.

Anatomy & Physiology:
Study for the Test on Chapter 2 for Wednesday. Scroll below to Monday's post for study guide. Look at your old quizzes for help.
Don't forget your colored pencils for class tomorrow!

Happy Halloween!! (For Monday)

2005-10-29T09:10:00.000-04:00

Physical Science:
We will be beginning Chapter 3, States of Matter, on Monday. As a matter of fact, we'll learn about how on Earth, matter is readily observed in three states: gas, solid and liquid. The kinetic theory is used to explain the behavior of these states of matter, including what occurs within a sample of a substance as the substance changes from one state to another. The forces of attraction that hold solids and liquids together are also a key factor.

Biology:
Important things to review before your test on Chapter 2 for Wednesday:

Why are atoms considered neutral?
What is atomic number? What is atomic mass?
Covalent, ionic bonds. The difference between atoms and ions.

What is polarity? Why is water polar? Another helpful link here to help you visualize this. Why do hydrogen bonds depend on polarity?
Be familiar with the terms solute and solvent when talking about the components of a salt solution.
Know the concept of chemical reactions, reactants, products, and what type of chemical reaction will usually occur spontaneously.

Understand the concept of polymerization; know the names of the monomers for each of the 4 major groups of organic molecules (carbohydrates, nucleic acids, proteins, lipids).
Name two essential roles that enzymes play in cells.

Understand the pH scale, acids, bases. Understand why a pH of 4.5 for a solution means that there are 1000 times more Hydrogen ions, [H+], than a solution with a pH of 7.5

Chemistry:
Important things to know for your test on Chapter 2 on Tuesday:

Understand extensive and intensive properties.
A (pure) substance is either an element or a compound, having a uniform and definite composition. Compounds are made up of elements, which are always present in the same proportion.
Compounds can be broken down into simpler substances (elements) by chemical means.
Mixtures can be identified as homogeneous (also known as a solution) and heterogeneous.

Mixture of subtances (with variable composition) can be broken down into simple substances (with definite composition) physically.
Understand the differences and importance of distillation and filtration.
A physical blend of two or more substances is a mixture (it has a composition that varies).
What is a phase?

Know the difference between physical changes and chemical changes.
Understand chemical equations, chemical reactions, reactants, products and the law of conservation of mass.
Know the three main clues that indicate a chemical reaction has taken place.
Know why there are exceptions to when color change and production of a gas do not always indicate chemical changes have taken place.
What is a precipitate?
But, here is a little more on the topic of elements and the sure-to-be "Book for November" in Oprah's Book of the Month Club.

Anatomy & Physiology:
Why are atoms considered neutral?
What is atomic number? What is atomic mass?

Covalent, ionic bonds. The difference between atoms and ions.
What is polarity? Why is water polar? Another helpful link here to help you visualize this. Why do hydrogen bonds depend on polarity?

Understand the concept of polymerization; know the names of the monomers for each of the 4 major groups of organic molecules (carbohydrates, nucleic acids, proteins, lipids).
Look at how enzymes work.

Understand the pH scale, acids, bases.
It will help you if you understand why a pH of 4.5 for a solution means that there are 1000 times more Hydrogen ions, [H+], than a solution with a pH of 7.5

Be prepared to answer the following questions for you Test on Chapter 2 on Wednesday:
1. It is determined that a patient is in acidosis. What does this mean, and would you treat the condition with a chemical that would raise or lower the pH?

2. A new-born is diagnosed with sickle-cell anemia, a genetic disease in which substitution of one amino acid results in abnormal hemoglobin. Explain to the parents how the substitution can have such a drastic effect on the structure of the protein.
To answer this, it may be helpful to understand more about sickle-cell anemia and hemoglobin.
This website talks about the mutation in the gene for the changed amino-acid Valine that leads to the clumping up of the protein:

Although several hundred HBB [hemoglobin] gene variants are known, sickle
cell anemia is most commonly caused by the hemoglobin variant [Sickle-cell mutation gene]. In this variant, the hydrophobic amino acid valine takes the place of hydrophilic
glutamic acid at the sixth amino acid position of the HBB [hemoglobin] polypeptide chain.
This substitution creates a hydrophobic spot on the outside of the protein
structure that sticks to the hydrophobic region of an adjacent hemoglobin
molecule's beta chain. This clumping together (polymerization) of Hb S [Sickle-cell] molecules
into rigid fibers causes the "sickling" of red blood cells.

3. Johnny's body temperature is spiking upward. When it reaches 104 degrees F, his mother puts in a call to the pediatrician. She is advised to give Johnny children's aspirin and sponge his body with cool water to prevent a further rise in temperature. How might a fever (excessively high body temperature) be detrimental to Johnny's welfare?
To answer this you will need to know how temperature affects enzymes and enzyme denaturation.

For Friday

2005-10-27T13:47:00.000-04:00

Physical Science:
No Homework. We begin Chapter 3 on Friday.

Biology:
Test on Chapter 2 on Wednesday (November 2nd).

Chemistry:
Test on Chapter 2 on Tuesday (November 1st).

Anatomy & Physiology:
Test on Chapter 2 on Wednesday (November 2nd).

2005-10-26T10:01:00.000-04:00

Physical Science:
Test on Chapter 2 on Thursday.

Biology:
Quiz on Section 2.4 on Thursday.

Chemistry:
Quiz on Section 2.4 on Thursday.

Anatomy & Physiology:
Quiz on Biochemistry: Composition of Living Matter on Thursday.

2005-10-25T11:37:00.000-04:00

Physical Science:
There will be a Test on Chapter 2 on Thursday. Review in class on Wednesday, as well as taking the Discovery Channel Video Field Trip entitled "Fresh-Squeezed Water".
The Homework for Wednesday is read pages 52 and 53 on your text book and answer the first question on the "Going further" Section:

Some people use a system to purify water at home. Research and write about one of these systems. What is the system designed to do? Compare the method used to the processes that occur at a water purification plant.

Background information before you begin your reading: Water that contains dissolved calcium and magnesium compounds is called hard water because deposits of these salts can accumulate in water and lessen the effectiveness of soaps. Water softeners replace calcium and magnesium compounds with sodium compounds, which do not cause the same problems.
As far as water purification systems, three common ones are Activated Charcoal (AC), Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Ultraviolet Light (UV).
As you do your research on this topic, keep in mind that other scientists must also keep up with scientific literature.
http://www.nearingzero.net/work/screenres/work007.jpg

Biology:
For Homework answer questions #11-17, 22-25 from page 57 on your TextBook. I will collect it.
Remember that single bonds involve the sharing of one pair (two) electrons between two atoms. Double bonds involve the sharing of two pairs (four total) of electrons. Triple bonds... You guessed it, involve the sharing of three pairs of electrons.

Chemistry:
For Homework, read over the article linked from the previous post called "Particle Theory".

In physical changes no new materials are formed and the particles do not change apart from gaining or losing energy.

In chemical changes new substances are formed and the process is often difficult to reverse. During chemical changes particles do change with atoms or ions regrouping.

Be prepared to discuss it in class for Wednesday.
I would again recommend that you follow the practice quiz dealing with Physical vs. Chemical Properties also linked below.

Anatomy & Physiology:
We do not meet on Wednesday (gym class).
Quiz on Biochemistry Section of Chapter 2 on Thursday.
Be sure you are familiar with the structure of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. The pH scale is important. Acids, bases and buffers will also be included and remember that these three are substances that conduct electrical current in a solution (because they contain ions) and are collectively called electrolytes. Be sure to know examples of structural proteins, functional proteins. Know the three types of lipids (neutral fats, phospholipids, steroids). Neutral fats can be either saturated (containing the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible) or unsaturated (as found in plant oils and tend to be liquid.)

2005-10-24T16:32:00.000-04:00

Physical Science:
Arsenic Projects due Tuesday!! Don't be afraid to be creative.
Very important: do not forget to list your sources. Avoid plagiarism!!
(Remember that they are worth a whole Test grade!)
CCA Fact Sheet
Environmental Protection Agency's take on CCA

Biology:
Here is a review for Quiz on Sec 2.3 on Tuesday:

*Carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids and proteins -- monomers and building blocks for each.
*Know the importance of why Carbon is so unique in playing such an important role for each of
those 4 macromolecules mentioned above.
*When a fatty acid is saturated, it means that there are NO double bonds
(made with the maximum number of hydrogens per Carbon as possible.)
*Lipids are made up of a glycogen back bone and fatty acids. Also, they make up important parts
of biological cell membranes.
*Proteins are composed of amino acids, are involved in carrying out chemical reactions in the form of enzymes
as they bind in a unique way to substrates, and even transport substances in and out of cells.

Chemistry:
Homework due for Tuesday: page 61 # 1-14. (Standardized Test Prep)

Particle Theory
This page explains the major differences between chemical changes and physical changes. It describes several examples.

Practice Quiz
Review and Practice on Chemical vs. Physical Properties and Changes

Anatomy & Physiology:
Quiz has been moved to Thursday, in part because of Monday's field trip.
Last review of Biochemistry Section Quiz (Chapter 2) will be Tuesday.
We do not meet on Wednesday (gym day) so make sure you come prepared to class with questions on Tuesday.
Focus on the questions from the handout and also on questions #17-29 from your text book on page 53-54.

For Monday 10/23

2005-10-23T16:09:00.000-04:00

Physical Science
- Quiz Section 2.3 on Monday.
- Arsenic Project due on Tuesday (Test Grade!). Be sure to see me if you have questions on the material or the format.

Biology
- Review of Section 2.3 on Monday.
- Quiz Section 2.3 on Tueday.
- Lab on enzyme activity on Wednesday.
(Our first lab experiment!)

Chemistry
- Quiz Section 2.3 on Monday.
- Tuesday we start preparing for Test on Chapter 2.

Anatomy &Physiology
- Review for Quiz on Biochemistry: Composition of Living Matter (Chapter 2) on Monday.