Ms. Benitez AP Biology Blog
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Test Reminders Podcast
This is a podcast on things to keep in mind for the test. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me! Thanks and good luck.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Biomes Video Project
Make sure to create a short video clip (2 minutes) for your biome brochures. Your video should include one example of a abiotic factor, a plant, and animal. Additionally, briefly describe an ecological issue that affects your selected biome. You can use websites such as Go!Animate.com and Xtranormal.com. You can also use a digital camera or camera phone to create your video. Below is an example for the desert biome. If you selected the desert biome, please note this is a basic example. You are required to include more detailed information. If you have any questions, please contact me! Thanks!
Biome Video Project Example
Biome Video Project Example
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Tech Terms Flashcards
Here is the link to the flash cards that were made for EDT 660 Multimedia and Interactive Technologies Class.
Tech Terms Flashcards
Tech Terms Flashcards
Friday, April 12, 2013
Video works!
The video worked. I converted it to both .avi and .wmv. When I inserted it to the PowerPoint presentation, I used .wmv.
AP Biology Test Format
The AP Biology test date is approaching fast! I know most of you are wondering about the format of the test. View the following video for more information:
Answer the following questions about the video. You can email me the responses, message the responses to me on Facebook through our page or write your responses and turn them in during class.
1. What are the two parts of the test? How much is each part worth for your overall score?
2. How long is the multiple choice?
3. List the tips on how to do well on the multiple choice.
4. What are grid in questions? What can you use during this portion?
5. How do you grid in fractions and decimal points?
6. How long is the free response portion of the test?
7. List the tips on how to do well on the free response.
8. How long should you take on the long free response? How about on the short free response??
9. What two things will you be tested on?
Make sure to create a student account on apscore.org. You will be able to view your scores of the AP test in July. Additionally, use the AP student website to access practice tests. You can access this website by using your college board account. Thank you!
References
Andersen, P. (Performer) (2013, January 15). The new ap biology exam - a user's guide. Bozeman Biology. [Video podcast]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7INh-DV0G_w
Answer the following questions about the video. You can email me the responses, message the responses to me on Facebook through our page or write your responses and turn them in during class.
1. What are the two parts of the test? How much is each part worth for your overall score?
2. How long is the multiple choice?
3. List the tips on how to do well on the multiple choice.
4. What are grid in questions? What can you use during this portion?
5. How do you grid in fractions and decimal points?
6. How long is the free response portion of the test?
7. List the tips on how to do well on the free response.
8. How long should you take on the long free response? How about on the short free response??
9. What two things will you be tested on?
Make sure to create a student account on apscore.org. You will be able to view your scores of the AP test in July. Additionally, use the AP student website to access practice tests. You can access this website by using your college board account. Thank you!
References
Andersen, P. (Performer) (2013, January 15). The new ap biology exam - a user's guide. Bozeman Biology. [Video podcast]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7INh-DV0G_w
Friday, March 29, 2013
Biotechnology Assignment
Standard: California
Biological/Life Sciences Standard 5: The genetic composition of cells can be
altered by incorporation of exogenous DNA into the cells.
c. Students know how genetic engineering (biotechnology) is
used to produce novel biomedical and agricultural products.
d. Students know how basic DNA technology (restriction
digestion by endonucleases, gel electrophoresis, ligation, and transformation)
is used to construct recombinant DNA molecules.
e. Students know how exogenous DNA can be inserted into
bacterial cells to alter their genetic makeup and support expression of new
protein products.
Introduction: Based on the knowledge that the nitrogenous
bases found in DNA form the universal genetic code, organisms genomes can be
manipulated. New genes from a human,
such as the gene that codes for insulin, can be inserted into a prokaryotes
(bacteria) genome. The bacteria can then
express the new gene and produce insulin through transcription and
translation. There are many other
biotechnologies that have different purposes in the science field. You will learn about what these techniques
are, how they are used and how they are a potential benefit to society.
Task: You will visit various websites that introduce
and explain different biotechnologies.
You will fill in a comparison matrix as you visit each site. This is to help you organize your
information. Finally, you will create a
blog post about ONE of the biotechnologies.
In this post, you will persuade the class on why your chosen
biotechnology is the best. Make sure to
include pros and cons for your chosen biotechnology and for the ones that were
not chosen. It cannot be an “It is the
best because I say so.” Make sure to
support your points with the research gathered through the various websites.
Resources:
1. Learn
about DNA probes by using the following websites: DNA probe, DNA probe animation and DNA probe 2
2. Learn
about PCR (polymerase chain reaction) by using the following websites: PCR animation, PCR virtual lab and PCR.
3. Learn
about DNA fingerprinting: DNA fingerprinting interactive game, DNA fingerprinting, and DNA fingerprinting animation.
4. Learn
about Gel Electrophoresis: Gel electrophoresis virtual lab, Gel electrophoresis animation and Gel electrophoresis.
5. Learn
about Microarrays (DNA chip): DNA chip 1, DNA chip 2, Microarray virtual lab, and DNA chip animation.
Process:
- As you visit each website,
make sure to fill in the comparison matrix. As you view the websites, keep in mind
the following questions:
- What it is
- The process of it (how to
use this in laboratory conditions)
- Why is it important?
- When you are done
completing the assignment, make sure to compare and contrast all the
techniques. Some of them rely on
other techniques in order to work.
- Using a Word document,
create a persuasive review about one of the techniques. In this piece, you must write why the
technique you chose is more beneficial to society than the other
ones. Make sure to discuss the pros
and cons of all the techniques.
- When done, copy and paste
your review to the class blog. The
blog post should have your name, period, date and title of your
review.
- Make sure to comment on two of your peers post. In your comment, you must respond about how your technique is still better than the technique they chose. You can also agree with their post but must post two reasons they did not identify in their post.
Assessment:
|
CATEGORY
|
4
|
3
|
2
|
1
|
Introductory
Paragraph (x2)
|
The
introduction names the chosen biotechnology and outlines the main points to
be discussed.
|
The
introduction names the biotechnology chosen of the post.
|
The
introduction outlines some or all of the main points to be discussed but does
not name the technology.
|
The
introduction does not name the biotechnology AND does not preview what will
be discussed.
|
Support
for Position (x2)
|
All of
the evidence and examples are specific, relevant and explanations are given
that show how each piece of evidence supports the author's position.
|
Most of
the evidence and examples are specific, relevant and explanations are given
that show how each piece of evidence supports the author's position.
|
At
least one of the pieces of evidence and examples is relevant and has an
explanation that shows how that piece of evidence supports the author's
position.
|
Evidence
and examples are NOT relevant AND/OR are not explained.
|
Closing
paragraph (x2)
|
The
conclusion is strong and leaves the reader solidly understanding the writer's
position. Effective restatement of the position statement begins the closing
paragraph.
|
The
conclusion is recognizable. The author's position is restated within the
first two sentences of the closing paragraph.
|
The
author's position is restated within the closing paragraph, but not near the
beginning.
|
There
is no conclusion - the blog post just ends.
|
Grammar
& Spelling (x1)
|
Author
makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the
content.
|
Author
makes 1-3 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the
content.
|
Author
makes 4-7 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the
content.
|
Author
makes more than 7 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from
the content.
|
Biotechnologies
can be used to solve crimes, to analyze evolutionary
relationships, to study genetic disorders, and to study the function of
genes. Through the use of these
technologies, many advances can be made to improve the quality of human
life. Other technologies such as cloning
and genetically modified organisms are controversial. Check out the following websites to learn
more about them: cloning
and genetically modified organisms.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
About Ms. Benitez
I was born and raised in Yonkers, New York. I always had a great
interest in science (Biology) since Middle School. I attended the University
of Scranton and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Biology.
I have been teaching at Pacific High School since 2006. I would
like to work on a Masters in Biochemistry or Genetics. I am currently
working on a Masters of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Educational
Technology. Both of my parents came from El Salvador. My mom
was born in the capital (San Salvador) and my dad was born in Gotera, Morazan.
I visit El Salvador often. I am a fluent in Spanish (reading,
writing and speaking).
Hobbies: Watching tv, reading, movies, making corny science jokes,
working out, running and thinking of new ways to teach Biology.
Loves: Biology, Science, Fringe, Soccer, Dexter, House, using slang
incorrectly to see students squirm, mispronouncing words, chocolate, lasagna,
pizza, pupusas, zalpicon, learning about different cultures, eating different
cuisines, traveling, food
I
hope that you all have a wonderful year learning about Biology. Dottie
the bio dog says hi! Don't worry she will make appearances throughout the year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)