SEHS Biology Room 119

Picture Gallery

2006-12-03T17:43:00.000-08:00

TREES OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, we are surrounded by several different species of trees. This picture gallery shows just 5 of the many common conifers that can be found around Oregon and Northern California. By studying the key characteristics, you can learn how to identify these unique and amazing trees!

Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

This is a Douglas Fir, Oregon's state tree. Some key characteristics include:
-Needles are about 1" long with a blunt tip
-Woody cones (3-4" long) hang down; have pitchfork-shaped bracts (look like mouse tails)
-Buds are large and pointed with reddish-brown overlapping scales

Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)

This is a California Redwood, California's state tree. Some key characteristics include:
-Needles are shaped like a double-edged sword, and occur in a flat plane.
-Fruits are woody cones, made up of thick, wrinkled scales.
-Bark is reddish-brown, thick, fibrous, and deeply furrowed.

Hemlock (Tsuga)

This is a hemlock. There are two kinds of hemlock common to Oregon, the Western Hemlock and the Mountain Hemlock. Some key characteristics include:
-Short needles, generally under 1" long.
-Small, woody cones (1-3" long).
-Trees have distinctive droopy tops and branches.

Pines (Pinus)
Pines are the most common type of Conifer. Here in the Pacific Northwest, you will most often see the lodgepole pine (2 needles), the ponderosa pine (3 needles), the sugar pine (5 needles), and the white pine (5 needles). Some key characteristics include:
-Long, narrow needles are bound in bundles resembling whisk brooms.
-Fruits are large, woody cones with thick, tough scales.
-Branches commonly grow in distinctive "whorls" or rings that make their trunks easy to climb (each whorl represents 1 year's growth).

Giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron)
This is a Giant Sequoia, the largest tree ever to inhabit the Earth. This species of tree is restricted to a limited area of the western Sierra Nevada, California. Some key characteristics include:
-Needles are scale-like with short, thick, sharp points
-Cones are woody, egg-shaped, extremely hard, and 2-3" long
-Bark is reddish-brown, stringy, and very thick

The next time you are outside on a hike, see if you can identify some of these trees.
To learn more about trees in the Pacific Northwest, or to try out your skills using a dichotomous key, click here.

Thursday Nov. 23rd 2006

2006-11-23T09:12:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Enjoy the holiday with your family and be safe.

Tuesday Nov.21st and Wednesday Nov.22nd 2006

2006-11-23T09:08:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday of this week, students worked on reading worksheet 9.2 and we discussed the upcoming test. On Wednesday we watched a video on Osmosis and Diffusion and I handed out a study guide for the test (the test is over Chapters 7.3, 8, and 9 and will be next Thursday).

Homework: Diffusion and Osmosis worksheet due Monday Nov.27th

Monday, Nov. 20th 2006

2006-11-20T17:48:00.000-08:00

Today I gave a lecture on cell transport. We discussed osmosis, diffusion, passive and active transport, etc.

Homework: 9.2 Reading Worksheet -- due Wednesday

Friday, Nov. 17th 2006

2006-11-17T21:25:00.000-08:00

Today I gave a PowerPoint presentation on homeostasis and the plasma membrane. Students took notes, and afterwards they worked on an assignment that I passed out: reading worksheet 9.1 due next Tuesday.

Thursday, Nov. 16th 2006

2006-11-16T14:58:00.000-08:00

Today we journed into the Big Cell. The classroom was transformed into a 3x3x3 meter plastic bubble (held up by fans) to symbolize a giant cell. Students went inside and each group took turns presenting their organelle. I was very impressed with the presentations and creativity used to construct the models. Nice job.

For homework: students must fill out the "cell field trip notes" (a worksheet that I gave them) . It is due next Tuesday.

Wednesday, Nov 15th 2006

2006-11-15T22:13:00.000-08:00

Today students continued to work on their 3-D model and written report. Tomorrow we will be presenting our projects. Make sure you come to class prepared and ready to go!

Tuesday Nov. 14th, 2006

2006-11-14T15:43:00.000-08:00

Today students worked on constructing the 3-D model of their organelle. They have also been working on writing up a 2-3 paragraph written copy of the information they researched regarding their organelle.
No Homework.

Monday, Nov. 13th, 2006

2006-11-13T18:34:00.000-08:00

Today, we went down to the library so that each group could research their organelle.
Don't forget to bring materials to class tomorrow so that you can begin constructing your 3-D model.

Classroom Resources

2006-11-10T20:15:00.000-08:00

Below is a cool website about science discrepant events. Check it out:
http://school.discovery.com/brainboosters/

If you are interested in finding out more information about a science related career, or any career for that matter, check out the website below. Under "search careers" click on Advanced search and then you may search by subject. If you type in "biology" for instance, it will pull up over 80 job descriptions. It is never too early to begin thinking about your interests, what you want to do with your life, and/or the direction you want to head. http://www.smartfuture.qld.gov.au/(wxl0wm2t4whi4arxwursyr55)/home/default.aspx

Below is a link to the Discovery channel website. The Discovery channel is an excellent tool to learn about some of the fascinating discoveries related to science. You can click on and watch video clips. Check it out! http://dsc.discovery.com/

Below is a link to an online interactive resource for learning biology. It is called the Biology Project. This website is useful for students who are looking to learn and review biology material because it includes exercises, vocab. words, and many excellent visuals. You can search by individual topics. http://www.biology.arizona.edu/

The website below is a link to a page that includes all kinds of cool science facts. I learned a lot of interesting things that I never knew before. Check it out! http://www.sciensational.com/

The following is a link to a website called "Exploratorium" and it contains hundreds of hands on science activites including "how to" instructions and some cool pictures and videos. http://www.exploratorium.edu/explore/handson.html

Click below and it will take you to a website containing a list of the most famous scientists. http://www.crystalinks.com/scientists.html

Thursday, Nov.9th, 2006

2006-11-09T12:26:00.000-08:00

Today we went over the cell transparency as a class. Afterwards, I passed out information about our new project: Cells R Us. Students will have 3 days to research and construct a 3-D model of an organelle assigned to their group. Presentations will be on Thursday.

Homework: Reading Worksheet 8.2 due next Tuesday

Wednesday, Nov.8th 2006

2006-11-08T21:49:00.000-08:00

On Monday, students worked on a measurement worksheet, due on Wednesday.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, we did our cell lab. Students looked at cheek cells, elodea cells, and onion cells under the microscope. The lab will be collected tomorrow, Thursday.

Friday, Nov. 3rd 2006

2006-11-03T17:43:00.000-08:00

Today we made Flip Books. Students constructed four flip pockets for each of the four major macromolecules-proteins, nucleic acids, carbs, and lipids. Then they flipped open the book and listed the location, function, and subunits under each category. These flip books are due on Tuesday.

Wednesday Nov.1st and Thursday Nov. 2nd

2006-11-02T13:25:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, we watched a video on Cells. Then we started 8.1 cell notes.
On Thursday, we completed 8.1 and 8.2 cell notes. We also reviewed the enzyme worksheet that I handed back.

For homework: Discovery of Cells Worksheet due Friday,
Eukaryotic Cell Structure Worksheet due Monday

Tuesday October 31st, 2006

2006-10-31T14:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!
Yesterday (Monday) students filled out a concept map that we went over together in class. This is for them to hold on to along with their notes, I will not collect it. Then I handed out an enzyme worksheet that most students finished in class; it is due on Wednesday.
Today (Tuesday) we did the Enzyme Lab. Students worked in groups of four and the lab took most of the period. What they didn't finish becomes homework. The lab is due on Thursday, along with a worksheet that I handed out at the end of class.

Homework: Enzyme worksheet due Wednesday
Enyzme Lab due Thursday
Reviewing Key Terms Worksheet due Thursday

About the teacher

2006-10-29T16:00:00.000-08:00

A little about myself: I am currently a graduate student in the middle/secondary education program at UofO. I enjoy being outdoors, mostly hiking, biking, surfing and playing soccer and softball. When I am not teaching or taking classes, I am busy planning my wedding, set for June 2007.

Background: I am originally from Bandon, Oregon (on the coast). I moved to Grants Pass, Oregon when I was 5 and lived their until I graduated high school. Seeing as how college was the next big step in my life, I moved up to Eugene to be a duck and attend the University of Oregon. I received my Bachelor of Science, majoring in Biology, in June 2006.

Goals: I have really enjoyed teaching thus far. One of my goals for this year is to challenge students to think of science in terms of how it is relevant to their lives. I hope that they will walk away from the unit having a greater understanding of cells, and an overall greater understanding of biology by the end of year. Please feel free to contact me anytime, provide feedback, or just know that you are always welcome to arrange a time to come in and visit our classroom. I think parental involvement is a key component to student success in school.

Friday, October 27th, 2006

2006-10-28T18:58:00.000-07:00

Today the Hydroville reflections were due at the beginning of the period. After they were collected, I gave a PowerPoint presentation on Life Substances. We learned about monomers and polymers, dehydration and hydrolysis reactions, and lastly we discussed the four major macromolecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids) and their subunits.
Homework: I handed out 7.3 Reading Worksheet due next Tuesday (10/31).

Thursday, Oct. 26th, 2006

2006-10-26T21:41:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, students finished up their presentations and we wrapped up the Hydroville Unit. Today (Thursday) I began teaching what will be a 4 week unit on cells. In class students took a Pre-test so that I may better assess their learning gains by the end of the unit. Following the pre-test, we looked at several slides/images of the many different kinds of cells. No Homework!

Tuesday October 24th, 2006

2006-10-24T17:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday (Monday) students practiced their presentations. Today (Tuesday) groups gave their presentations in front of the class for a grade. Great job everybody!

Tomorrow, Wednesday October 25th, the Hydroville Journal notebook is due! Make sure it is complete and organized before you arrive to class.

Thursday Oct. 19th, 2006

2006-10-19T21:11:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this week, students worked on their final Hydroville project. Group members are working together to solve the pesticide spill, specifically deciding what they need to do, how much it is going to cost to clean it up, and how they can inform the citizens of Hydroville. On Friday we will continue to work on this. On Monday students will have the opportunity to do a practice presentation. Tuesday the projects are due and presentations will be given in front of the class. No Homework all week!

Monday, Oct. 16th, 2006

2006-10-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

Students were assigned new groups today. Each group has atleast one mechanical engineer, analytical chemist, soil scientist, and environmental toxicologist. Together, group members will work to find the most efficient way to clean up the pesticide spill. For today, group members filled out a "decision chart" that weighed the possible solutions/actions. There is no homework.

Comments or Questions?

2006-10-11T22:15:00.000-07:00

Do you have any comments or questions? Please post them here. I will do my best to reply within 48 hours.

Tuesday 10th, Wednesday 11th, Oct. 2006

2006-10-11T21:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and today, students worked in their specialized groups. Group packets are due tomorrow (Thursday) during presentations. Natasha collected the student teacher letters today. If you were absent, please have your parent sign it and bring it to class tomorrow. Thanks.

Monday, Oct. 9th, 2006

2006-10-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

Today we got into our specialized groups and began working on specific ways to clean up the pesticide spill. Natasha passed out a student teacher letter that should be taken home, signed, and returned on Wednesday. No homework.

Classroom Policies and Procedures

2006-10-07T18:38:00.000-07:00

For information on classroom policies and procedures, please look through our classroom syllabus below:

COURSE INFORMATION SHEET

BIOLOGY

INSTRUCTOR: JULIA HARVEY

PRACTICUM STUDENT TEACHER: NATASHA CROOK

Room 419

OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE

This is a two-semester course. During the first semester, we will investigate cells, the chemistry of living things, different kinds of living things and how they are classified. In the second semester, we will learn about genetics and heredity. We will also study the interrelationships of living things and the environment and the special features that allow them to survive in their environment. This course is not a lecture class. It involves student participation and involvement. It is a lab course with related discussions, readings from Biology: The Dynamics of Life, films, and other activities.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Comprehend the characteristics, structure, and function of organisms.

2. Understand the transmission of traits in living things.

3. Acquire an understanding of the relationship among living things and their environment.

4. Develop the knowledge and shills needed for scientific inquiry.

*This course will prepare the students to take Chemistry, Physics and other science courses.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Appropriate modifications and accommodations will be made for identified special needs.

ASSIGNMENTS

All assignments should be done neatly, completely and understandably.
Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in a zero for that assignment.
Papers are due at the beginning of class unless other instructions are given. This means work should be competed before arriving to class.
NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Late papers will be accepted only for excused absences. Only absences due to illness or extreme family emergency are excused. It is your responsibility to check the assignment sheet in the classroom for assignments missed due to the absence. If you know you will be absent, then the work must be completed before you leave.

GRADING

After the first few weeks of the term and periodically thereafter a computer printout of grades will be posted.

The final grade is determined from the following scale:

A 90-100% C 70-79%

B 80-89% D 60-69% F 59% or below

The final grade is based on percentages from various categories as follows:

Lab work=35% Assignments=25% Tests/Quizzes=40%

Cheating on tests or quizzes will result in a zero for that test or quiz.

NOTEBOOKS

Each student is expected to keep a three-ringed notebook for science papers. This notebook will help you organize your papers for test reviews as well as help you understand the material. The notebook should include all of the papers you do or receive during the term. A sheet with the correct order of papers will be posted in the classroom.

LABORATORIES

1. Labs are an important part of this course. They are difficult to make up and some can’t be made up. If you miss a lab and it can’t be made up, you may obtain the results form others in the class but you will not receive full credit for the lab.

You will be working together in small groups for many activities and labs. I encourage you to discuss your work with each other and to study together. This is different from copying. Blatant copying will result in NO CREDIT for either paper.
Safety is the top priority in the lab.
The Science Department will be charging a fee of $5.00 to help cover the costs of consumable supplies.
You are responsible for any laboratory equipment that you damage or break.

ATTENDANCE

1. If you are absent and it is excused, you are responsible for getting caught up. Absences must be called into the attendance clerk within two days. If you know you will be absent then it is your responsibility to complete the work before the absence.

More than 7 absences (excused or unexcused) or 5 unexcused absences may result in partial credit.
You must be on time to class. You are tardy if you are not inside the classroom at the time the bell rings and you do not have a written excuse from a staff member. Three tardies will result in a referral to the office for community service.

CLASS BEHAVIOR

1. No student has the right to disrupt another student’s education. Students are expected to be respectful to others. If you behave in a disruptive manner, I will send you to the office and discuss the incident with your parents.

Bring your own pencils, colored pencils, paper and your notebook to class each day. I also recommend that you bring a calculator as well.
You are not allowed to leave the room without permission.
Food, drinks, radios, cell phones, I-pods, and headphones are not allowed in SEHS classrooms.

QUESTIONS

My office is 419B, located in the science wing. I will have office hours during 2^nd period. I also will be available 7^th period and after school by appointment only.

Natasha can be reached by email: ncrook@uoregon.edu

It is important that each of you does well in this course. If you maintain a positive attitude and give a sincere effort, you will likely be successful. I look forward to an exciting year.

Contact Me

2006-10-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me anytime. The best way to reach me is through email (I check it daily):

ncrook@uoregon.edu

Friday Oct.6, 2006

2006-10-06T17:24:00.000-07:00

We had a half-day today so classes were only 29 minutes long. In class, students finished up their posters about the Hydroville unit. They also picked which expert group they want to work with to clean up the "pesticide spill". No Homework. Have a nice weeekend.

Homework-Consent form

2006-10-06T16:58:00.000-07:00

On Monday, I will be handing out our first homework assignment-a consent form. Please take home the student teacher letter and have a parent/guardian sign it. Then bring it to class, due on Wednesday. Thanks!

Cell Video

2006-10-06T16:50:00.000-07:00

Cheek Cell Lab

2006-09-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

In our first lab of the unit, students will be taking cheek swabs and looking at them under a microscope. This is what they should see. These are stained cheek cells from the inside of one's mouth. Pretty cool huh!

4 Week Cell Unit

2006-09-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

In mid-October, we will begin a four week unit on cells and transport. This is the portion of the class that I will teach. I am planning several fun activities/labs for the students. First we will be learning about and looking at plant and animal cells under microscopes. In a later activity, students will construct large organelles and place and describe their function in a blown up cell (the size of the classroom) . For more information on this lab, click here. In closing the unit, we will do some activities looking at diffusion and how things move in and out of the cell. All in all, the cell unit should be both fun and challenging. I am looking forward to working with your student(s).

Introduction to this Blog

2006-09-29T16:47:00.000-07:00

Welcome to South Eugene High School's Biology Room 119 Blog! My name is Natasha Crook and I am a practicum student teacher in Julia Harvey's classroom. I set up this blog to offer students and their parents an online source for information and communication about what we are learning in the classroom this year. Please feel free to give feedback because it will help me improve the blog.

You will notice that the right hand side of the blog site contains several different categories. The "About this site" allows you to click on Home which will refer you back to this introduction page. You may click this anytime you need to. The "Labels" section contains several categories such as Homework, Labs, What did we do today, Contact Me, Videos, etc. By clicking on any of these individual categories, you will be directed to any and all posts that fall under that category. The "Archive" section allows you to follow a timeline of when posts were made. Lastly, the "About Me" section allows you to find out more information about me and my interests.

I hope you find this blog helpful. Feel free to access it as much as you want. I usually make updates and posts every couple days.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me anytime. The best way to reach me is through email (I check it daily):

ncrook@uoregon.edu