Apologia Biology: DNA

The kids took their test.  The good news is that no one cheated.  We're retesting on Tuesday.  After the test, we worked on DNA replication.  We used two set of the Lab Aids DNA and Replication kits.  (The ribose molecules broke off easily.  I sent photos to Lab Aids to see if I can get replacement parts.  I'll let you know.)  (You may recall I used Lab Aids Modeling Molecules of Life earlier for Biochemistry.)  We worked through building the DNA molecules and DNA replication.  Next, we're building nucleotides and amino acids before tackling transcription and translation.  These molecule kits are pricey--I hope to teach Biology again and will use these models again.  Teach Genetics has a hands-on activity for transcription and translation.  I've used this paper clip activity for DNA replication, transcription, and translation.  The kids are going to work through this activity using these DNA and RNA templates.

Below are photos of the DNA models and DNA replication.  Next week, I'll post pix of the amino acids and proteins--and possibly the four nucleotides.

Apologia Biology: Genetics Test

Tomorrow we're finishing the Genetics unit with a test.  I'm going to post both versions after the kids take the test.  After the kids are going to construct amino acid and protein models and begin the DNA exercises: replication, transcription, and translation.   Wooo!

Test A

Test B

Apologia Biology: Genetics Karyotypes and Pedigrees

After two weeks of flu, class resumes.  Let Lent roll.  We are trying to complete Genetics.  So today we used these three activities: Pedigrees, Karyotypes, and more karyotypes.  We’ve completed several pedigrees; the activity was a review exercise.  We started karyotypes with this activity.  Karyotyoes are pictures of 23 pairs of human chromosomes.  Here is an in-depth introduction to karyotypes.  Frankly, I’m happy to give the kids an introduction and move on!  Thursday, we are finally reviewing terms and testing.   Yeah!!!!!!