Cellular Energy and Processes

Photosynthesis & Respiration Introduction

Today in science we introduced our new unit on Photosynthesis.  Photosynthesis is the process by which a cell captures energy in sunlight and uses it to make its own food (a type of sugar called glucose).

As a class we focused on a few key terms to know when learning about photosynthesis such as autotrophs, heterotrophs, pigments, chlorophyll, and stomata.

Tomorrow, we will start to dive deeper into the the process of photosynthesis.  The reading for tonight will help reinforce our new understanding of how organisms get energy.  The reading will also introduce the two stages of photosynthesis.

Here is the link for the reading from our Science Explorer text.

Here is a great three minute video from Discovery's "Greatest Scientific Discovery" series that will introduce the experiments that enabled Priestly and Ingenhousz to "discover" photosynthesis.

Padlet Links:

Cuthbert Taz Devils

Cuthbert Tweetie Birds

Cell Organelles- Structure and Function

Cell Organelle Group Work

Organelle Notes - Spreadsheet - Click here to access

Completed Organelle Notes for Taz Devils.
Completed Organelle Notes for Tweetie Birds

Essential Cell Organelles

Cell wall
Cell membrane
Cytoplasm
Nucleus
Nuclear membrane
Nucleolus
Vacuoles
Mitochondria
Endoplasmic reticulum
Ribosomes
Golgi body
Chloroplasts

Do the following for each organelle for which you are responsible:

• Indicate whether it is present in an animal cell, plant cell, or both
• Describe where it is found in the cell
• Describe what the organelle looks like (structure)
• Describe what the organelle does (function)

Cells Alive Link

Biology 4 Kids- use the links on the right hand side.

Here is another resource for you to use as you work to finish finding the structure and function for the different organelles of a cell:

Science Explorer p 16-22

Click here to access

Classifying Flowering Plants - Plant Reproduction

Complete the following reading by Friday December 18th.

Lesson #9 - "The Wonder of Flowering Plants"

p. 116-119

Click here to access the pdf.

Here is a link to the questions on the reading "The Wonder of Flowering Plants" p. 116-119

Make a copy an complete these by Friday December 18th.

Macro to Micro - Ecosystem, Habitat, and Niche

Lesson #4 Reading
Click here to access


Click here to make a copy of the guided notes:

Your Habitat is in my Ecosystem.

Portland Press Herald Article on Invasive Species in Maine

Mayday - Gulf of Maine in Distress

Invasive Species Exploit a Warming Gulf in Maine

Click Here to Access