Protein Synthesis/Translation

We have been studying DNA for the past few days. Here are some DNA facts:

• DNA is in the nucleus of most cells


• DNA is made of nucleotides


• A = T


• G = C


• DNA has a double helix shape


• DNA tells the cell what kind of cell to be


• DNA comes from both parents (50% from each)

What else can you tell us about DNA? Leave your answers as a comment.

Today's topic was transcription and translation- how DNA makes RNA and how the RNA makes proteins. Here are the two animations we saw in class today:

Animation # 1

Animation # 2

Trunk Monkey!

As many of you know, my car was recently broken into. While a car alarm would have helped prevent this from happening, I think the Trunk Monkey security system would have been better. What do you think?

DNA Extraction Lab

Here is the video showing the DNA Extraction Lab. You can substitute glassware for cups at home. Show a parent, win a prize!

Hey! Nice Genes!

Trimester two is here. We are currently studying heredity and how traits are passed from parents to offspring. Organisms have the traits they do because of their parents. The new set of vocabulary words have been posted on studystack.com so that you can begin playing those oh-so-enjoyable games.

Genetics Vocabulary

photo courtesy of Scott Kinmartin on Flickr.

Trimester One Final Exam

Is it that time already? Have we really been learning together for 12 weeks? Its been said that time flies when your having fun. Is it true? You be the judge. The final exam is scheduled for Friday, November 14th. Focus your study time on the "Big 50" learning objectives.

This week, we honor the veterans of our glorious United States of America. If you know someone who is in the military or was in the past, be sure to express your gratitude for their sacrifice.

Cell Theory Rap

Here it is, the World famous Cell Theory Rap! I know you want to sing along!

A Cell is Like a Factory...

Today we compared the parts of a cell to the parts of a factory. While these two objects do not seem to be alike in any way, they actually are! Think about it. A cell has a control center- the nucleus. A factory has a controller- the plant manager. A cell has a guard- the cell membrane. A factory has a guard- the security. The cell analogy project we started in class today will be due on Friday.

If you are ever looking for a fun family outing, visit the JellyBelly factory in Fairfield, Ca. It takes about 90 minutes to get there, but it is so much fun, and interesting. While you're there, be sure to explain to your tour guide how the factory floor is like the cell's cytoplasm and the workers are like ribosomes!

Study Stack Organelles!

Link Updated!Click below to practice with the stack of all 28 words.



Just released: the study stack for the flashcards handed out in class 10/8/08. You can expect a quiz on Friday 10/10. Be sure to start studying early! Also, check out the link below. The cells alive website offers a really great look into cells and the functions of their organelles. Spend a few minutes looking at it!

Click Here for StudyStack!
Click Here for a cool interactive cells website!

Mr. Simpson

Homage to Van Leeuwenhoek

     We have been studying living things. Remember Anton van Leeuwenhoek was more than just a guy with a strange name- he was one of the pioneering scientists who studies microorganisms. Hopefully you are able to think of at least six characteristics that all living things have in common. Please enjoy the slide show powered by animoto.

Beat my Time!

Can you beat my fastest matching time?

Living Things Vocabulary

I have created some really helpful digital flashcards on a website called studystack.com. Throughout the year, I will be encouraging you to visit this site to learn new vocabulary words. The more you practice, the more you will learn them!

Click here to view the most recent stack.

Planet Earth Forever video

Week Four Update

You don't get a second chance to make a good first impression. You don't need to! This year has started out fantastic! A statistical analysis of your current progress in science class has shown the mode grade is an "A" and the overall class averages are in the B+ range. I have never had students start off the school year with as much motivation, zeal, and distinguished academic performance as you have this year. Thank you so much, and lets keep the fire burning (but never unattended- that's not safe)!

The Heat is On!

We have just finished learning about how to be safe in the science lab. Hopefully you are getting more and more excited about being a seventh grade biology student. There are many more great days ahead of us. Keep working hard!


Mr. Simpson

Our First Experiment

On Wednesday, we conducted our first science experiments. We investigated the property of cohesion by predicting the maximum amount of water that would fit on a penny. There were some surprising results! Second period honors students: start thinking about your science fair projects. They will be due on September 25th.

Welcome Back!

You are about to begin an educational adventure like no other. Buckle your seatbelts, it's going to be a wild year!

Summer Break...

Enjoy your time off! Be sure to come visit me when you come back as 8th graders. See you August 25th.

-Simpson

Photo courtesy of LinksmanJD on flickr.

Trimester Three Final Exam

The final exam is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2008. Start reviewing early. It's a doozy. A practice test can be found on the teacherweb page by clicking here.
Photo courtesy of Postcool on Flickr.

Did you get the "STD"?

Today we are doing a lab that demonstrates how quickly a sexually transmitted disease can be spread through a population. While most suffer from severe symptoms (fluid discharges, pain, burning sensation when going pee), some people do not show symptoms at all which makes it hard to determine who is infected. You can't always tell who has an STD just be looking at someone. Hopefully you will spend a minute talking about STDs and pregnancy as a family. Remember, there is only one way to be 100% sure of not getting an STD or causing a pregnancy: Abstinence!

Enoch's High School Science Day!

Here's another chance to learn more about light! If you go to this free event, I will give you some extra credit (15 points). Simply bring me the handout with your orginal notes on it and the points are yours!

Click here for more information on this free event!

See What We're Learning!

We have learned about the ear, the eye, and are currently studying the properties of light. A take-home test was sent out today. Please bring it back competed tomorrow. As of now, the extra credit opportunity still stands. Tell me about Ole Roemer's experiments that led him to a close estimate of the speed of light. Also, a practice on light and the eye is available on the teacherweb site.

Virtual Body Tour

Try this really cool virtual human body by MEDopolis. Build a skeleton, track the flow of blood through the heart, or poke around in a brain, the choices are yours! Click the picture to get started.

ASUS Eee PC Laptop Computer

I have been investigating a way to offer internet access to my students directly from the science lab. I came across the ASUS EeePC Laptop. Despite its tiny hard drive, it includes Open Office productivity software. Watch the video below and tell me what you think!

Heart, Bones, and Muscles Practice Test

The test is scheduled for Friday. Be sure to review your notes, the study stack, flashcards, and take the practice test by clicking here.

Bones, Muscles, the Heart and More!

The studystack for the vocabulary words can be accessed by clicking here. There will be a quiz on Friday and a test next week. Start reviewing early!

Owl Pellet Dissection

Can't get enough of the owl pellet activity? Click here to view the online version

Spring Break

Enjoy your time off!

Click here for the latest podcast announcement!

Mmmmm..... RIBS!!!

A few weeks ago, I shared my Ultimate BBQ Ribs recipe with you. I promised to post it on the blog, so here it is! Enjoy!

Mr. Simpson's Ultimate BBQ Ribs

Ingredients:

• Big ol' slab of bone in baby back or country style pork ribs


• Garlic salt


• Your favorite barbecue sauce

1. Preheat oven to 300*F
2. Start with a slab of bone-in or boneless pork ribs
3. Season ribs with garlic salt
4. Place whole slab in a baking dish with 1.5 cm of water
5. Cover with foil
6. Bake for 2 to 2-1/2 hours (meat thermometer should reach 165*)
7. Remove from dish and put on a hot barbecue grill.
8. Brush with your favorite barbecue sauce
9. Grill 3-5 minutes per side
10. Remove from grill, let stand 10-15 minutes
11. Enjoy the juiciest, tenderest ribs ever!

Photo courtesy of seanomalone on flickr.

Beautiful Bones and Marvelous Muscles

I have created a new StudyStack for our skeletal system and muscular system unit. The sooner you start learning these terms, the better prepared you will be to move on to the next body system.

Click here for the StudyStack

Growth...

Yup, they're growing. I'm talking about two different things here. Our horticulture lab is progressing well! It seems that the sunflower and pea plants are growing the fastest. Remember Gregor Mendel? He chose pea plants in his heredity experiments for many reasons, one being their growth rate.

The other growth that is occurring is our knowledge of living systems. You will have many great academic experiences over the next few weeks. I'm excited, you should be too! Stay tuned...

Out with the Old, In with the New!

Trimester Three is here! This is a perfect time to reflect back on your successes and struggles this year. Develop a plan, anticipate pitfalls, and navigate your way to 8th grade!

Trimester Two Final Exam

The final exam is fast approaching! Tentitively, it will be administered on Friday Mach 7. This week we will be reviewing with Jeopardy and StudyStack. Its never too early to start reviewing!

Practice Test Version 1

Practice Test Version 2

Be sure to try both!

Earth and Life History Test

Your test is scheduled for Wednesday, February 6th. Review this weekend.

Here is a StudyStack to help you prepare!

ROCK and ROLL!

We have been studying the rock cycle and how one rock type can change into another. Additionally, we've learned about how organisms that were on Earth in the past sometimes left clues behind as to their existence. That's right- fossils. Over the next few days we will be starting to understand how the Earth's 4.6 billion year history is organized and some of the bazaar organisms that lived on Earth before humans. There are three fascinating videos we will be watching: Before the Dinosaurs which catalogs Paleozoic life, Chased by Dinosaurs which shows Mesozoic life, and Walking with Prehistoric Beasts which portrays Cenozoic creatures.
Check out this website for interactive rock building!

Visit a prehistoric zoo here! Be sure to leave a comment!