Mitosis and Cell Cycle Wheels

 Every time I teach Cells, the kids make Cell Cycle and Mitosis wheels.  I do not like to pay for classroom activities—especially paper plate cell models, an idea that has circulated since the dark ages!  Mitosis is part of the Cell Cycle.  I like to have kids make simple, paper plate wheels, as models.  Here is a good example. (Let the images scroll a second to see the cell cycle pix.).  I’m still struggling to find a free, blank paper plate wheel template.  I have ten boys and four girls in the Co-op Biology class.  I need a template!  I’m using the Adam and Eve template for the cell cycle cover.  There are ten boys and only four girls in the Co-op class.  I know I’ll need a template for the cover.  Below are inspiration screenshots we use for the models.

Things you never knew you needed: Build-your-own Computer!

 Good Will has several DIY computer kits.  My husband, Rob, hates this sort of kit.  Obviously, I need to bid on one as a gift.  Hope I win.  Remember it’s a gamble when you order from Good Will.  However, I’ve had good luck.  This is as close to gambling as I get.

Food Webs are starting to roll in!

 When I teach Biology, the summer assignment is to create a list of 100 native, Virginia  species.  The kids eventually add the scientific names and organize their list by trophic levels.  The first assignment arrived in time.  Others will follow.

Family Science: Engineering Challenges!

 Does your family like to make catapults?  I bet you’ll love an Engineering Challenge.  The 2024 Challenge was a Rubber and Car.  Here are challenges going back to 2015.  Star net has Engineering Challenges specifically designed for libraries.  Each challenge has Family Take-Home Activities.   (Some better than others.)  Here are serious instructions for designing a paper airplane and a launcher.  Here are some classic Engineering challenges, such as Making a Boat.  Here are even more classic challenges; these use recycled materials.  Fun, right?

Cells

 This coming week, we’re finishing Ecology and starting Cells.  There are loads of activities!  Let me share some with you.  Here is the Cell Organelle Quiz I’m using this year.

1. Look at the Biology Lab Primer for Cells.  The Primer has instructions to make a wet mount of an onion cells, Elodea plant cells, and cheek cells.  Additionally, there is information about making Gram Stains.

2. Make a Cell Model.  I insist on a key; however, flags on the organelles are nice, too.

3. Do the Cell Membrane Bubble Lab.  These instructions use sugar in the bubble recipe.  This version uses glycerine.  I use this version with a standard recipe for Super Bubbles using corn syrup.

Family Science: Soil

 One of the kids, Max, in the Co-op Biology class, is studying soil as his research project.  He wanted an idea.  Rob and I can’t raise food in the raised bed in the backyard.  Max’s family and another student, Jacob, have great gardens.  Max is going to do a number of simple soil tests on all three gardens.  Rob and I are paying for a soil test ($10) we’re sending to the Virginia Extension office. We’ll give Max the results he can use for comparison with his own tests. There are a number of soil tests you can perform: Easy to Perform DIY Soil Tests, Garden Soil Testing, and Soil pH, which requires pH strips.  Packs of pH strips are cheap.  I lent Max a probe and a pack of pH strips I had on hand.  Your family might want to perform soil tests on your garden soil, too.  This is the type of family projects which is both practical and informative.  Spend a Friday afternoon doing a host of these practical soil tests.

Chemistry: Naming Ionic Compounds and Covalent Molecules with Building Bricks or Blocks.

The Mega Bloks work well as ions because the charge coincides with the connector.  You can use LEGOS, too.  Here and here are more instructions for labeling and using LEGOs for formulas.  However, the Mega Bloks are easier for kids to see the connection between charge and way an ion bonds.

This lab  has an example with Ba +2 and F-.   Here are more examples.  Chem Kate has complete instructions free!  Download a copy!

Mark-Recapture Lab

 The Co-op Biology class finished (redid) the Mark-Recapture lab.  Most of the kids are in Algebra I; we haven’t done proportions yet.  Additionally, we’re calculating percent error, and learning how to manipulate data in spreadsheets.  In case you’re wondering how we could possibly spend 90 minutes on a 15 minute lab, we also reviewed Ecology for the test and worked on science fair projects.  Truthfully, explaining percent error and how to calculate average in a spreadsheet takes a lot of time.

Family Science: Clouds

 Actually, Clouds are part of Apologia’s Physical Science curriculum. However, Clouds are an interesting science, unit study.  You may want to create a Weather Lapbook.  I put together a list of resources your whole family can enjoy.  Be sure to look at the Cloud Viewer.  Let your smallest children make Cloud Crafts.

1.  I like to start with models of the Layers of the Earth’s Atmospheres, Atmosphere Collage, or Graphing the Atmosphere (Key).  Here is a density column to model the layers of the atmosphere.  

2. Next, download some cloud charts: Globe’s Cloud Identification Chart, GLOBE Cloud Chart, Sky Watcher Chart, and NASA’s S’COOL On-Line Cloud Chart.

3.  Learn all about collecting cloud data with GLOBE.  Here and here are practice to follow-up the training.  Here is a collection of cloud resources for elementary students.  Look at the book, Do You Know That Clouds Have Names?  Ignore the condescending tone and use the guide and images to learn about clouds.

4. Make a Sky Viewer or Cloud Viewer.

5.  Try different versions of Cloud in a Jar: Version #1 and Version #2.  Try Cloud in a Bag.

Desmos: Online Graphing Calculator

 More and more public schools use Desmos, a free, online, graphing calculator.  Is Desmos intuitive?  Not really.  I’m comfortable using a TI 83/84 graphing calculator; I could figure out a few functions.  Where to go for help?  Try Jon Bergmann on YouTube.  He explains steps clearly.  BTW I like his videos for TI 83/84 instructions, too.

Lynx and Hare

 The Lynx and Hare lab went well with most kids finishing and graphing their data.  Take a look!