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 Transport and Processes.

Today we will be starting a Unit on Cell Transport (active and passive).

Essential Question - How do the necessary materials get in and out of your cells.

Here are the notes from today's class.  Click here to access- blank document
Click here to click on class notes.

Click here to access the reading link.

Today in class we will add to these notes filling in examples of each of the vocabulary terms from demonstrations performed in class.

Here are some interactive links showing diffusion of molecules - a form of passive transport.

Wisc-Online - The Cell Passive Transport Demo

Goldiesroom - Passive Transport Demo

Water specific diffusion- Osmosis

Cell Cycle Review for Quiz on Thursday 3/24

Cell Cycle Study Guide

Click here to access

Quizlet Link
Click Here to Access


Video Links:

Mitosis from the Amoeba Sisters

Meiosis from the Amoeba Sisters

Link to Dragon Meiosis Game

Concord Consortium - Meiosis Lab

Mitosis Rap

Helpful Videos on DNA and the Cell Cycle

Cell Cycle Image

Amoeba Sisters Explain Mitosis

Cell Division and application to Chemotherapy

DNA in a Nutshell

How does blood clot?

Plant and Animal Cells - Same, But Different

Here is a link to the Macro to Micro section on Cells.

Please read the article "Plant and Animal Cell: The Same, But Different" on pages 83 - 85

Click here to access


Inside a Cell Video

Scientists at work!

Here are some images of onion and skin cells taken from our digital compound microscope from today's lab. The cells have been dyed with different materials to allow for easier viewing.

Plant - Iodine:

x100

x400

Skin Cells -                               x100

                                                 x 400

Cell Structure/ Function Helpful Links

Cell Games Link - Click here to access the site

The game will help you learn and practice the parts of the cell.

Cell Builder Game - 

Click here to access the link on building cells.

Cell Structure Song

Monocot and Dicot Helpful Links.

Untamed Science Crew Explains Monocot and Dicot Plants

UC Berkeley - monocot vs. dicot

Click here to access

Junior Master Gardener - Great pictures and explanations.

Click here to access

Lists of Monocots and Dicots.

Monocots Lily: Oriental Lily, Day Lily Tulip Orchid Bluebell Daffodil Jonquil Crocus Freesia Amaryllis Lily of the Valley Day Flower Lesser Celandine (below) Agapanthus

Dicots Rose Daisy Sweet Pea Cosmos Nasturtium Hollyhock Foxglove Portulaca Begonia Ranuculus Marigold

Microscopes and magnification

Good video to help with parts of a microscope.

Link to help for parts of a microscope.

Click here to access.

Link to Magnification and Powers of a Microscope
Click here to access

Reading in Macro to Micro

Macro to Micro
Click here to access the online text.  
Please read p. 6-11
"That's Life." and "What's in an organisms name?"

Click here to access the guided questions to go with the 

Reading in Chapter 1

That's Life and What's in a Name?

Taxonomy - What is it?

Animal Characteristics Game

Click here to access

What does it mean to be living?

On a T-chart list on one side living things and the other side non-living things.  Once you have a good list on either side think of what makes the organisms living.  Come up with some ideas.  

Click here to access the reading on Abiotic and Biotic Factors.

Video on Abiotic and Biotic Factors.

Trophic Cascades and Yellowstone

Click here to access the Anderson Cooper Documentary.
Planet in Peril

Stop watching at 38:40.

How the wolves can change rivers in Yellowstone.

Access the video here.

Ecology Speaker - Dan Argo

The 7th grade science classes are pleased to welcome Dan Argo, a local mycologist, on Friday, October 16th.

Dan will speak to the classes about his specialty, fungi.  The 7th grade science class is entering a Unit on ecology and decomposers are often overlooked next to the larger more common organisms.  Dan will help us shed light on the importance of decomposers in our ecosystem and how they reproduce, quite a different process then other organisms.  Finally, Dan is a cook and foodie; he will finish with talking on the deliciousness of eating local fungi!

Some videos to prepare for his presentation!

BBC - David Attenborough

The Power of Fungi!