End of Year Projects

Create a model that demonstrates a monomer and a polymer for each of the 4 biomolecules. There are various items you may use available at the front of the room, and you may ask for more materials as needed

Create a model of a prokaryotic cell and a eukaryotic cell.

Then, make a double-bubble comparison map of the two primary cell types. Your map should include the following terms:

• nucleoid region
• nucleus
• membrane-bound organelles
• Cell/plasma membrane
• ribosomes
• DNA/genetic information

https://www.classzone.com/books/hs/ca/sc/bio_07/virtual_labs/virtualLabs.html Open the link and complete the virtual lab. Select the "carbon transfer through snail and elodea" lab. Listen to the instructions and complete the lab. The lab notebook at the top right of the screen can help you with assembling your data table and making your prediction.

As you complete the virtual lab, use complete sentences to write the following:

• The purpose "The purpose of the experiment is to..."
• Your hypothesis/prediction "I predict that ...."
• The procedure used "First....Then....Next..."
• The data (use ruler for your data table and/or graph)
• Conclusion "From this experiment, I learned that..."

1) Create a model of the process of DNA replication. Show me how DNA replicates using your models and be ready to explain what is happening. OR

2) Create a DNA replication comic strip, showing the steps in your comic and naming the molecules involved, including helicase, nucleotides, and DNA polymerase.

Either way, with your model or comic strip, write a 3-5 sentence explanation of:

• The process of DNA replication including the structures involved
• The purpose of DNA replication
• The significance of DNA replication to the organism, their ancestors, and their offspring

Watch the video on epigenetics. Then, research epigenetics to get a more complete understanding of the topic.

Create a one-page typed paper over what epigenetics is, and how knowledge of the topic might influence your actions/choices/decisions.

Find a current event article on stem cell usage and the laws surrounding stem cell usage. Write a one-page typed essay describing the current laws surrounding stem cell usage in the United States. Describe what stem cells are useful for. Then, write an argument either for or against stem cell usage based on your research.

ASSIGNMENT:

1. Click on one of the websites above to go through an Evolution lab. You will complete a series of virtual labs looking at relatedness of organisms and constructing phylogenetic trees based on shared traits such as physical traits, DNA and geographic location.

2. Write at least a page describing what you learned and the processes you used while creating your phylogenetic trees.

See me and you will be given a set of organisms for the following assignment:

A museum director has asked you to create an interactive exhibit on taxonomy. Visitors will receive a hand out describing taxonomy and its importance to the scientific community. On the handout, visitors will have a dichotomous key that they will use to identify the specimen in the exhibit.

Your job is to create a dichotomous key for the organisms, with descriptions of each organism in the exhibit using only the dichotomous key. These organism descriptions will be placed on plaques near each specimen so that visitors can successfully identify them using the dichotomous key. Additionally, create the description of taxonomy and its importance to the scientific community that will be included in the handout.

Create a model of a virus that infects humans. Then, use a double-bubble map to compare the structure of the virus to a cell.

In a written summary that is at least a half-page, describe, its genetics, reproductive cycle, mode of transmission, and effects on the host organism. You may use a cartoon or drawings to go along with your written description.

Choose a biome and complete the project above based on the biome you've chosen. Make sure to use color and clear labels for your diagrams.

Create a model of an angiosperm, including roots, vascular tissue, leaves and a flower. Label each of the structures and include their functions. Write a half page describing the environment your plant would be well adapted for and why.