Want to Buy a Dinosaur?

The final selling price was $942,797. An American collector purchased this specimen and wanted it displayed for the "education and enjoyment of the public." It is currently on long term loan to the Museum of Science in Boston. Read the full article here.

Welcome Lizzy!

We have a new classmate. Lizzy is a 2 year old bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) graciously donated by the Chhouk family. Bearded Dragons are native to Australia, can grow to be about 55 cm long, and have a life span of 6-10 years. Thanks Chris!

Click here for the geology study stack games.

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.