To my Biology Students after your first Quiz

Dear students,

Many of you just had a total freak out. You've maintained AWESOME grades up until now and this new format and new environment really threw you for a loop! A lot of you did really well. And a few of you are really stressed by the results of what happened.

Before I go on, I'd like to tell you a story. When I was in high school, I had the hardest AP Biology teacher in the school, Rita Moore. She was really nice and really kind and really smart and REALLY tough. I thought I was a good student. And I took good notes. But I failed that quiz. And not a cute fail like a 60 where there's a chance for recovery. I failed it with a big old solid 10/100. I was so defeated. I wanted to quit.

So, here is what I would've said to me, and what I'd like to say to you...

1. Go easy on yourself. It's one quiz is a dizzying sea of many. There are so many chances in life to be evaluated and graded and judged. Go easy on yourself. The adage that we are our own worst critic is soooo true. Allow yourself the room and the opportunity to fail so that you can grow!

2. Learn from this. There are so many different lessons to learn. Did you pace yourself? Did you read carefully? Did you study in a way that was effective for you? Did you give the material the time that it needed? Were you hydrated, fed, nervous, etc?

3. Find something you did RIGHT! After any challenge that stresses you out, look for what you have done right. Write it down. Own it! That is a sign that you have learned and grown. If you need, make yourself cards and put them in your room or locker to remind you of all the things you have done well. These will be the bouys you need to help you get from one challenge to the next.

4. Allow yourself the chance to ask questions. Sometimes when we think all hope is lost, if we ask questions and work with it, things get better. Maybe you need to ask questions of your teacher, maybe you need to ask questions of yourself.

As a side note, please remember we have many more grades to go. This is not the end! We are just getting started!!

And, I AM PROUD OF YOU!! Be proud of you too! High School is hard. And it's supposed to be. You'll be a whole new person in 4 years! Just wait!

Week 8: Quarter 4 (5/4 - 5/8)

Monday: Good Luck to all English 2 Testers!!!

Tuesday: Good Luck to you all on the Biology EOC!!! Please make sure you sleep and eat and get yourself in the mindset of being awesome!!! I know you will all do great!!!

Wednesday: We will watch "How Stuff Works: Corn" if you miss it, the video can be found here and answer these questions.

Thursday: Study Hall with Mr. Hurt. I will be absent and you may rest your brains.

Friday: OUTSIDE!!! We have an assignment and we will meet on the back steps of the Senior Gym.

Midterm Review

The midterm review can be found here. It is being handed out in class today.

A completed midterm review is a free 100 classwork grade if it is completed.

The answers can be found here.

I do not recommend that you go straight to the answers, rather that you attempt the midterm review and then check your answers.

Good luck to you all!!!

Week 9: Quarter 2

Last week before exams and the start of Winter Break!!!

Monday: Continuing our discussion of cells, we are going to work on Cell Movement!!! This is not super complicated but it is important that you pay attention this week!!!

Tuesday: Finishing notes!!

Wednesday: Video and review of material

Thursday: Hands on lab day!!! If you can bring things, please let me know!!!
Here's what we need:
koolaid packets (SINGLES ONLY)
cups
pretzels
goldfish
m&m's

raisins
food coloring
coffee filters

This is a fun day, but it's important that you come prepared to pay attention!

Friday: Quiz today!!! Organelles from last week will be included with cell movement!

If you have not made up your quizzes they are available to you in the library with Ms. Doyle and Ms. Carlson.

Also, the exam schedule can be found here.

Study Time!!!!

Ok, it's almost time for your midterm.... don't forget the midterm will focus only on Chapter 7.

Here's a link to my Quizlet folder that has all the study guides I made.

The one you got in class is worth a free homework grade if it is completed and returned.

DON"T FORGET!!!!

This week....

Monday 4/8: Chapter 4

Tuesday 4/9: Chapter 4/5

Wednesday 4/10: Chapter 5

Thursday 4/11: Review Chapter 4/5

Friday: Test over Chapter 4/5

****Homework for this week: Section reviews for Chapters 4 and 5*****

Chapter 13 power point

Sorry guys, I thought this posted earlier...

Here is the Chapter 13 powerpoint presentation.

Don't forget that tomorrow is the quiz over DNA Technology and that Thursday is the test over Chapter 12 and 13.

I know this is a lot, but you have all proven on the tests that you are capable of doing this!!!

I will be going over the scores with 1st and 2nd period tomorrow.

By the end of the week I should know which class made the highest gains and I will have posted the students who all scored in the advanced and proficient categories!!! I am so proud of you all!!!!

Keep up the good work! Only 4 weeks left until the End of Course exam!!!!

Mrs. K

Power Points from Chapter 12

hey guys,

Sorry, I just realized that this blog post didn't post on Wednesday like I thought it did...

Here's the link to the DNA Structure powerpoint

And....

Here's the link to the Chapter 12 powerpoint that goes with the book. At the end of this one there are some questions that you can quiz yourself on if you do them in slideshow.

And a few reminders:

Quiz tomorrow

Next week, we'll finish Chapter 12 and start on Chapter 13.

Please hang tough with me for the next 5 weeks. We don't have much time left before we do our individualized week of study and then take the End of Course exam. You guys have worked really hard with me for the last 2.5 months, don't give up on us now! It's a lot of work, but I know that you guys can do this. You are incredible people and you are capable of incredible things!!!

Mrs. K