Recipes for Genetics

We have some cute dogs in the seventh grade!

Students used DNA strips (set of instructions) to figure out the phenotypes for their dog.

ExCELLent Cell Paintings

Ms. Anna Hodge, our former art teacher, volunteered her time to help us out with our painting techniques! The cells look FABULOUS!

Genetics: Strawberry DNA Extraction Lab

Cells: Protists

Cells: Bacteria

Bacteria can be helpful to organisms and the environment

● Bacteria are in our digestive system and aid in breaking down and absorbing food. 

● Bacteria are used to make a variety of foods including cheese and yogurt. 

● Bacteria can decompose dead organisms and release those nutrients back into the environment. 

Bacteria can be harmful to organisms and the environment 

● Bacteria can be pathogens and cause diseases like strep throat, food poisoning, and tuberculosis. 

● Bacteria, such as wheat blight can infect plants that are used as crops.

Cells: Shrink Film Art

Seventh graders partnered with Ms. Dottie's K4 classes and Ms. Stutts' class to create animal and plant cells using shrinky dink. We loved combining cells with chemistry and art!

Check out this link to learn the chemistry behind it: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-science-of-shrinky-dinks-36715644/

Cells: Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration

Photosynthesis

• Plants use light energy (for example sunlight) to combine carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) to make simple sugars (C6H12O6).  
• Plant cells also release oxygen gas (O2).  
• Once the sugars are formed, they are either used by the plant or stored in the vacuoles.  
• Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts.

Respiration

 

• All organisms, including plants and animals, break down simple sugars (C6H12O6) into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) and release energy.  
• The cell uses the energy to build, repair, and reproduce cells.  
• Respiration occurs in the mitochondria of cells.