Interesting opportunity

Hi folks,

A parent forward this to me thinking folks might be interested.  It looks like a great opportunity!

Here it is:

I am emailing you on behalf of the UNC Materials Research Society (MRS). We are hosting a Materials Research Day for high school students at UNC-CH on Saturday, June 18th from 11-3pm. We are particularly interested in reaching students that do not normally know or have experience about science outreach. Below are the details for the event.

The UNC Material Research Society (MRS) is hosting a Materials Research Day for high school students at UNC-CH on Saturday, June 18th from 11-3pm! Materials research is a particularly broad field, ranging from studying solar cells, to butterflies, mucus, soft robotics, and even invisibility.

We want to show students the diverse topics materials research can study and various opportunities to get involved in research while in high school, or once in college. Students will go on lab tours, discuss exciting research currently being pursued, do related demos, have a free pizza lunch, and talk about of paid fellowships or research opportunities for high school students and how to apply for them.

MRS is a graduate student organization with members from chemistry, physics, biochemistry, and applied physical sciences. We think that materials research is a particularly innovative and exciting new field of many different research disciplines, but often high school students do not know about materials research. By introducing students to the wide range of topics and demonstrating how to get involved, we hope to give students an opportunity to explore and find something they like.

We are really excited about this event and hope that you and your students are as well! If you have any questions about the event or MRS in general, please feel free to email me. Additionally, I, or another MRS member, would be happy to skype into your classroom to answer any questions or discuss it.

If you think this would be of interest to your students, please tell them about it and have them fill out the google doc so we know how many students are interested: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1D7uly-tc8dd7NDcVcafjXe2rBW-Bltwx4o-NbDuQPws/viewform

Thanks,

Taylor Moot
MRS President
http://mrschapelhill.wix.com/home

Final Exam Copies

Hi folks,

Let me know if you would like to see your final exams. I'll be happy to scan them and send you the .pdf's.

Happiest of Summer's everyone!

Jim Mueller

Recording for 5/17 Biology class - animals

https://youtu.be/j-A2ZJTW6-Q

5/16 Biology Update

Hi folks,

Today we reviewed a few questions that folks had from concepts we've covered earlier in the year. After that, we did a quick rundown of the animal kingdom and took a look at the major characteristics of most of the classes.

No homework next week. Just take the time to review for the final. Be sure to ask if you would like to know if you're missing any assignments. All old assignments and extra credit are due next week.

Good luck everyone!

Recording of 5/9 Biology Class - Plants and Flowers

https://youtu.be/BRfs13-tJeg

5/9 Biology Class and homework due 5/16

Hi folks,

Today we spent time finishing up plant parts and moved onto plant reproductive systems AKA flowers.

Homework for next week is to read Chapter 29 pages 582 to 603.

Do questions 5 - 15 on page 604.

Also:

Read page 613 and 616-618
Do questions 1-7 on page 617 (note…that's page 617 not the end of the chapter).

Extra Credit Opportunity!!!

1 point of extra credit for every real photograph (not just Google images but taken with your camera) example of each of the following:

Palmate Leaves

Compound leaf

Monocotyledon (tell me why you think it is)

Dicotyledon (again, tell me why)

Tap Root

Anther

Stygma

Petiole

Parallel venation

Self pollinating flower



Also the week after next is the final exam. The final will be on material from the beginning of the year to now. The best way to study for the final is to look over all old quizzes. So… homework for next week is to REVIEW ALL OLD TESTS AND QUIZZES!!! I'll take as much time as needed next week to answer questions so please take this week to look over old material and see if you have any problems understanding any of it.

Also, if you feel you have any homework missing please feel free to email me so I can give you a list of what you may be missing.

Recording of 4/2 Biology class - Plants

https://youtu.be/URlutK0A6zI

4/2 Biology update and homework due 4/9

Hi folks,

Today we began taking a look at plants. We spent time going over the basic classifications of the plant kingdom. Next week we will spend more time on plant parts and will take a look at flowers as well.

Homework for this week is to:
Read pages 562 - 577
Answer questions 1 - 16 on page 578.

Recording of 4/25 Biology video - Bacteria

https://youtu.be/a4b3WePVkQ8

4/25 Biology update and homework due 5/2

Hi folks,

Today we studied the disgusting but amazing world of bacteria as we begin taking a more in-depth look into some of the domains.

Homework for next week is to:
Read pages 461 - 479 in the text book
Do questions 1-2 and 4 - 17 on page 478

Easier to read Biome chart

Hi folks,

This biome chart may be easier to read than the last one. It was blurrier than I thought.

(Thanks Roman!)

4/18 Biology recording - Climate change and Biomes

https://youtu.be/OMTOXZ7SlkI

4/19 Biology update and homework due 4/26

 Hi folks,

Today we explored one more human effect on the environment, climate change.  We also touched on the concept of biomes.

Homework this week is to:
Read pages 417 - 429 in the book.
Do questions 4 - 17 on page 430 

I've also included a map of biomes and a table that gives an easy study guide to the biomes.

Re: 4/11 Biology recording Link

Got it, thanks!

On Mon, Apr 18, 2016, 3:16 PM Jim Mueller <jim@bitesizephysics.com> wrote:

Hi folks,

Sorry, here's the link to the debate. https://youtu.be/i_KTudlo0dI

4/11 Biology recording Link

Hi folks,

Sorry, here's the link to the debate. https://youtu.be/i_KTudlo0dI

Recording of 4/11 Class - GMO debate

Hi folks,

Sorry I didn't post this earlier. I put it on YouTube and sent it out to about 20 folks to take a look at and vote on the "winner" but, apparently I never sent this to you all!

Sorry again.

Jim Mueller

4/10 Class update and homework due 4/17

Hi folks,

We had a great class today.  The pro vs. anti-GMO debate was a lot of fun and really covered a lot of great topics regarding the issue.  Well done everyone!

For homework next week, I'd like you to tie 10 of the concepts we've been working with in biology this year to the topic of GMO's and give me at least one example of how GMO's are related to the concept.

For example, human beings are part of the food chain and GMO's may help in providing food for the ever growing population of humans.

Good luck folks!

Jim Mueller

Recording of 4/4 Biology class - Human Effects on the Environment

https://youtu.be/8d_lSNYUi84

Sorry this took a while to post.  My power cord went bad on me.  :(

4/4 Biology update and homework due 4/11

i folks,

Well, a depressing class this week. We've been talking about ecology and ecosystems and I wanted to tie in that information with some of the threats that are facing them at the moment. We talked about deforestation, desertification, non-native species, over-harvesting and pollution. Next week we will cover the biggie, climate change. We also took a look at all the "services" the environment provides for us (46 trillion dollars worth!).

One of the issues we discussed this week was the idea of genetically modified crops. Are they good or maybe not so good for the environment and for us? For homework this week, I would like you all to take some time to prepare for a debate on this issue. The topic of the debate will be "Genetically Modified Crops: Helpful or harmful to the human race.

Each of you will take a side of the debate (I'll email you separately letting you know what "team" you're on.)

Then in class next week we will take some time debating the issue.

After the debate, I'll collect your notes to make sure you've done some research.

I will also give extra credit to folks who make some nice, well researched, points during the debate.

Be sure your sources are reliable (no Food Babe :) ). When you state your points you may very well want to also state where you found it.

Feel free to bring in graphs or data. If you want me to project it, send it to me ahead of time.

I'm working on a way to figure out a "winner" of the debate. There may be more extra credit points available if I can come up with a good way to do that.

Have fun with this folks. We've had some great discussions in class so far and I'm looking forward to seeing what you all do with this.

3/29 Biology Recording - Biogeochemical Cycles

https://youtu.be/W4VWjNYO6k8

3/28 Biology Update and homework due 4/4

Hi folks,

Today we looked at the four biogeochemical cycles, the carbon cycle, the nitrogen cycle, the phosphorous cycle and the water cycle.

Homework for next week:

Read pages 371 - 374

Do questions 1-8 on page 374

Recording of 3/21 Biology Class - Energy Flow

https://youtu.be/4AdE0KiK3u4

3/21 Biology Class and homework due 3/28

Hi folks,

Today in Biology we took a fairly in depth look into how energy moves through an ecosystem. We discussed food chains, food webs and biogeochemical cycles. We also took advantage of the wonderful weather to play a game that emphasized some of the hardships of being a part of a food chain.

Homework for next week:

Read pgs. 366-369
Questions 10-17 on page 376

Slight change to biology homework

Question #4 got spell checked the wrong way and I didn't catch it. Sorry. Here is the correct question.

4. What does competition mean when it is applied to communities?

Link to Biology Recording for 3/14 - Community Interactions

Hi folks,

This is the correct link for this weeks Biology video. Cut and paste failed me on the last one!

https://youtu.be/nsZJqqQCzKk

Biology update 3/14 and homework due 3/21

Hi folks,

Today we discussed ways that different species interact in their community.  Unfortunately the book really doesn't cover this material so I'd like you to go to this page and read each page until you get to "Ecosystem Energy Flow".  After reading the material, please answer the questions below.

Also, go to the following web page and do the activities there.  Please write on a separate sheet of paper what the "journal" asks you to write on the screen.

http://glencoe.mheducation.com/sites/dl/free/0078802849/383928/BL_04.html   Population Biology

1.  What is a niche?

2.  How would you describe your "niche"?

3.  What is a niche made up of?

4.  What does competition mean when it is applied to communities?

5.  What is the difference between interspecific and intraspecific competition?

6.  Name four things that species can compete for.

7. What is competitive exclusion?

8.  What is resource partitioning?

9.  Draw a predator/prey graph and explain what the graph is showing and why.  (This isn't in the reading, use your notes for this one.)

10.  What are three categories of prey defense adaptations?

11.  What are the three main types of symbiotic interactions?

12.  Give a definition and an example of the three types of symbiotic interactions.

13. Give a description of succession starting from colonizers and working up to climax communities.

Fwd: Some Birds Are Just As Smart As Apes – Neuroscience News

Hi folks,

Here's an interesting article about the intelligence of crows I thought you folks might find interesting. Turns out, they are really very smart and researchers aren't sure why.

http://neurosciencenews.com/bird-ape-intelligence-3801/

Never Stop Wondering,
Jim

Recording of 2/29 Biology class - Animal Behavior

https://youtu.be/tAkmtBwgMSE

2/29 Biology update and homework due 3/14

Hi folks,

Just a reminder, next week is Spring Break so we will not be having class next Monday.

Today we started a unit on basic ecology. We discussed different methods of animal behavior and how individuals interrelate with their environment and the organisms within that environment.

Homework for this week is to:
Read pgs. 359 - 365 in the book
Answer questions 4-11 & 25-26 on page 376

2/22 Biology update and homework due 2/29

Hi folks,

Today we got into a bit of the nitty gritty when it comes to classification.  We spent some time familiarizing ourselves with different phyla, classes and orders and seeing what kinds of characteristics go into the organization of those classifications.

For homework this week I'd like you to take a look at the following websites.  You may need to cut and paste them into your browser to make them work.

The first two are simulations and will allow you to put various objects and creatures into their appropriate classifications.  Please go through all the steps set out in the simulation.  Turn in the "journal questions" as homework.

The last one is a worksheet.  Please answer all the questions on the sheet as homework.

http://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/taxonomy_interpret.html

http://glencoe.mheducation.com/sites/dl/free/0078802849/383951/BL_18.html

http://glencoe.mheducation.com/sites/dl/free/0078802849/383956/BL_27.html

Recording of 2/22 Biology class - Classification

https://youtu.be/BXLYsZY-tx4

End of Trimester for Science Classes

Hi folks,

Just wanted to let folks know that next week is the last week for this trimester of classes. This means that any late homework assignments are due the week of February 22 to the 26.

If you aren't sure what assignments you're missing, feel free to send me an email.

Stay warm!

Jim Mueller

Recording of 2/8 Biology Class - Classification of the Kingdoms

 https://youtu.be/OQEJj_HbUdw

2/8 Biology update and homework due 2/15

Hi folks,

We started this week with a bit of a review based on the some issues I saw on this last quiz.

We then started talking about classification systems and, specifically, about the different kingdoms.

Next week we will do more with taxonomy.

Homework for this week is to:
Read pages 337 to 350 in the book
Do questions page 352 #'s 5-16

Fwd: Peppered Moth Simulation

Hi folks,

A link to the peppered moth simulation has been found!!! Now you can do that part of the homework!

http://biologycorner.com/worksheets/pepperedmoth.html

Recording for 2/1 Biology Class - A bit more evolution

https://youtu.be/wXAIHccoPS8

2/1 Biology Update and homework due 2/8

Hi folks,

Today we continued to focus on evolution with a great computer simulation that really helped to see evolution in action.

Here's the link to the simulation we used in class.

Here are the questions we answered using the simulation.

1.  Using the program, describe genetic drift.

2.  Describe what is happening as far as genetic drift goes.

3.  Using the creatures, describe evolution.

4.  What kind of selection is being displayed by this program (stabilizing, directional or disruptive)? Do the settings change this answer?

5.  What happens when you change the mutation rate?  Does the population become more "fit" faster or slower?

6.  What happens to the population when you increase the number of cycles.  (What do the cycles represent)?

7. What, in the real world, would effect the selection rate?

For homework I'd like you to compete this "web quest".  There are quite a few interesting and, dare I say it, "fun" things here to help you understand evolution even deeper than you do now.  (At one point it mentions "your text book".  Don't worry about that, they are using a different text than we do.)  If you do this properly it may take you longer than usual so be sure to allow some extra time.

Recording of 1/15 Biology class - speciation

https://youtu.be/5qfjsA-0Sjg

1/25 Biology update and homework due 2/1

Hi folks,

Today in class we took the time to "debate" the ideas of manipulating DNA to control traits and also whether or not humans are still evolving.  We also went over speciation and the methods in which living things become new species.

Homework for next week is to continue thinking about the concept of human evolution.  To do so, I've included three articles that I would like you to read.  Afterwards, answer the included questions.

http://www.npr.org/2013/09/27/226837803/modern-humans-still-evolving-and-faster-than-ever

http://www.yourgenome.org/stories/are-humans-still-evolving

http://www.popsci.com/article/science/human-species-still-evolving

1.  Who were the Denisovans?  Why are they interesting as far as genetics goes?

2.  What is an example of something that we have in our genotype that may have come from the Denisovans?

3.  Explain why, evolutionarily, we can't digest fibrous materials?

4.  How recent is the variation of skin pigmentation?  What is a hypothesis for why there are different colors of skin?

5. List five different stressors that are mentioned in the articles.

6.  List ten different pieces of evidence that humans are still evolving.  

7.  What would it take to get Homo sapiens to evolve into a new species?

8.  What is epigenetics?

9.  Can stresses in our life make genes act differently?

10. What is a "SNP" and how does it help us to see if humans are evolving?

11.  What is indicated if scientists find genetic variants in lots of genomes in a population?

12. What is a hypothesis for why drinking milk would be an evolutionary advantage in Europe?

Blue-eyed humans have a single, common ancestor -- ScienceDaily

An article I though you folks may enjoy.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080130170343.htm

1/18 Biology Recording - Evolution

https://youtu.be/dXTRIwDBxN0

1/18 Biology update and homework due 2/25

Hi folks,

Today we dove quite deeply into the concept of evolution.  What is it, what causes it and what does it do.  

For homework this week:

Read the text 317 - 330

Do questions on page 332 #'s 2-4, 6-16

Extra Credit Opportunity

10 points extra credit to anyone who listens to the debate (50mins) and writes a paragraph or more about their thoughts.  

Before listening, however, read the following quote and think about it.  What do you think about the issue?  Then listen to the debate and write the paragraph about how you felt originally, how do you feel now and what facts either changed or supported your original thoughts.

"What if, before your children were born, you could make sure they had the genes to be taller or smarter? Would that tempt you, or would you find it unnerving?

What if that genetic engineering would save a child from a rare disease?"

http://www.npr.org/2013/02/15/172137776/should-we-prohibit-genetically-engineered-babies

Error on Answer Sheet

Hi folks,

For #5 there should be all "rt" across the top. They have one Rt but that's incorrect.

Jim Mueller

Recording of 1/11 Biology Class a bit more genetics and intro to evolution

https://youtu.be/jnT0aCKoBE0

1/11 Biology Update and homework due 1/18

Hi folks,

Today we spent quite a bit of time doing an activity called Dragon Genetics. It allowed us to take a fairly deep look at the genetic make-up of fantasy dragons and see what happens with different traits as the dragons produce offspring.

We also began our unit on evolution. We will be spending quite a bit more time on this next week.

Homework due 11/18 is to do the enclosed .pdf. I've included the answer sheet so that you can check your answers when you're FINISHED. Make sure you feel good about this because it will be tested next week.

Incorrect problem on biology homework

Hi folks,

Don't worry about question #15 on the Biology homework. That problem shouldn't be there.

Sorry for the confusion on that.

Jim Mueller

1/4 Biology recording - Punnet Squares

https://youtu.be/0XGNuV6wrZM

1/4 Class update and homework due 1/11

Hi folks,

We are now at the point where we can see how genetic material from two parents intertwine to create an new and unique individual. This is the beginning of genetics. We used Punnet squares as a tool to see what kinds of combinations could be created from the parents genotypes. We will be doing more with genetics next week.

Homework for 1/11 is to:

Read chapter 9 pages 173 - 186
Do questions 1 - 17 on page 188