Differentiating Lab Equipment & The Chemistry of Life

This week will be dedicated to identifying and appropriately using biological lab equipment while all introducing key terminology and essential concepts associated with the chemistry of life.

BY THE END OF THIS WEEK, you should be able to:

  • define all terms from the previous 2 weeks,

  • identify the 6 rules related to significant figures in biology,

  • use significant figures appropriately when using and calculating data in biology,

  • define and compare protons neutrons, and electrons,

  • describe the structure of an atom and our understanding of its’ structure in a three-dimensional space,

  • compare atoms, elements, and isotopes, and

  • name the parts of a compound microscope and describe their function.

Week 3 - Biology

Your Week Ahead

Day 1: Significant Figures and Lab Equipment:

  1. We’ll start with your first quiz of the year; you’ve got this!

  2. We’ll do our final review of classroom logistics and norms in the beginning of the week and I’ll walk around to look at your materials from last week.

  3. We’ll discus how some people might have different answers in their “Experiment” table when calculating the potato buds sprouting averages. This connects to a new concept, learning about the importance of significant figures. We’ll then walk thru the rules of significant figures and you’ll practice working on this concept.

  4. We will then break into groups and start the first lab for Week 3.

  5. Also before next week, you have a journal for the week where you can choose any habitat to observe. Have fun with this one, there are a lot of great places around campus if you can’t think of one! Also, watch the video below on significant figures to review today’s content.

  6. Blocks 2, 4, & 6: Bring your laptop and headset/earbuds for next class.

Day 2: Measuring Challenge & Chemistry of Life

  1. ODD BLOCKS, Blocks 1 & 7: We’ll begin class with a measuring lab to illustrate the importance of significant figures.

  2. EVEN BLOCKS, Blocks 2, 4, & 6: I’ll be absent during class, your responsibility will be to watch Video 1 in mathematical skills on significant figures, then watch all five videos in the chemistry section. You can find these videos in the “Content Videos” button on the main page or by clicking this link.

I will be absent this Friday (August 29) and next Tuesday (September 2). Blocks 1 and 7, you’ll then watch the videos next Tuesday and blocks 2, 4, & 6, you’ll work on the measuring lab next Wednesday.

Blocks 1, & 7: Bring your laptop and headset/earbuds for next class.

After class, don’t forget your 2nd observation (page 12 of your journal manual). That’s due next week.

IMPORTANT DATES

Quiz 1 on Day 1 of this week covering your first two weeks.

Did you…?

  • … review your “terms to know” and answer the big idea?

  • … finish your 2nd journal observation?