DNA Activities

 This post has more DNA activities.  Once the kids make the Twizzler DNA models and complete the DNA Lab-aids models, they are doing RNA Transcription with these templates from Nancy Clark’s DNA Collection of activities.  I’ll post pix next week.  Keep in mind the kids are doing DNA and RNA transcription several ways, including DNA Sentences.  DNA replication, transcription, and protein synthesis are tough topics.  Start with models-lots of them!

DNA

The kids are building Biomolecules.  They just built  Edible DNA molecules.  Before the kids completed their Biomolecules, they used the Lab-aid kits to build Nucleotides.  The kids are still checking their molecules and answering a host of questions.  Next time, the kids will build DNA molecules with the DNA Lab-aid kit.  One group has built a DNA molecule; forward to DNA replication.

Edible DNA

 The kids are making molecular models.  I thought they would enjoy Edible DNA.  (Have Your DNA and Eat It, Too has clear instructions.).  Most of the time, the kids like to see a photo and go from there.  Here is the post with Paul last year.  He’s doing the lab again this Thursday.  The models really help the kids understand the components of molecules.  Here are some pix.  Walmart of out of colorful, mini-marshmallows.  We cut up large ones. 

Texas Instruments View Screen

Good Will online has a listing for a TI 83 View Screen.  eBay sells TI View Screens starting at about $16. The view screen sits in an overhead projector and connects to a TI 83 graphing calculator.  I have a view screen for the TI 84, shown below.  The view screen is ideal for showing a Co-op group different graphing exercises.  I project on to a whiteboard.  This tool is most useful for math and science teachers who want to introduce graphing calculator exercises to larger Co-op classes.

Food Webs—One More Time!

 C., a new addition to Biology Co-op, is learning how to make food webs based on the Owl Pellet.  Here is  a long post about food webs.  C. is creating a food web for the lab.  Several kids are staying after class to help her.  What gems home-school kids are!

Owl Pellet Dissection

 We just added a student to Biology.  We are meeting after class to complete all of the labs and assignments.  Two teens are staying after with C. to help her catch up in class. We did the  Owl Pellet Dissection lab and created a food web based on animals the owl eats and the diet of the birds and rodents.  C. hasn’t completed the Summer Assignment.

Biomolecules

 The kids used the Lab-aide Molecules of Life kits to build molecules.  Yes, these class sets are pricey.  Here are ideas for molecules.  It’s worth the time invested to build all of the molecules. Take a look.

Concept Maps

 Okay, the POGIL activity failed.  Too much Organic Chemistry.  We did complete the cell concept maps.

Make your own chemistry kit!

 Yes, I have written several blog posts on this topic.  Here is one more!  There was a request on social media for ideas for chemistry kits for a ten year old.  Here is my suggestion.  Instead of a kit, buy the materials for several fun labs, print the instructions, and assemble the materials in a bin.  Here are some of the best labs: Benzocaine Acid Blizzard in a Bottle, Reaction in a Bag, Ghost Crystals, and Gummy Worm Polymer.  There is one kit I will recommend: Edible Chemistry.  Be sure to supply some sugar or the potions taste foul.

Digital Thermometer

 EasyTemp by Vernier attaches to any TI 84 Graphing Calculator.  If you buy a used TI 84, try Good Will online.  I have purchased used TI84 calculators from eBay and Amazon, with limited success. Try to buy the calculator for under $50.  My target price is $35-$40.  Vernier has an adaptor, EasyLink to connect with wired probeware, such as the pH sensor.  Usually, I buy used  Vernier probeware on eBay.  You might want to try Vernier’s Go! Temp sensor, which connects directly to a laptop.  These probes are another way to add a bit of tech to your science curriculum.

Food Tests

 The point today is to be able to identify bio molecules: sugars, starches, lipids, and proteins.  I also wanted the kids to understand iodine is a test for starch, biuret for protein, and Benedict’s for sugars.    The kids used these instructions and this website to test a bunch of foods: corn starch, corn sugar, corn syrup, vegetable oil, agar, gelatin, potato chips, beans, peanuts, etc.  (No one had a peanut allergy.) The kids used Benedict’s solution, blurted solution, iodine, and Sudan III.  The kids used brown lunch bags to do additional fat tests.  It was a bit chaotic.  A few teens struggle with less structured labs.  It was a chance to show kids how to use Easy temp with aTI 84 graphing calculator.  The Benedict’s solution test requires  a hot water bath with a temperature of 70 degrees  to 95 degrees Celsius.  The steel temperature probe connects directly to a TI 84 calculator—not a TI 83.   Most TI 84 calculators have  Easy Data software preloaded on the calculator.  Take a look.