Genetic Disease Project

During this project each student will be assigned a specific genetic disease to research and report on. While projects are being researched the class will be studying basic principles of genetics, which will give students a strong starting point for the project.

Project Due Date: Friday, January 9, 2009

Project: On the above due date you will turn in a typed information sheet about your chosen genetic disease and an informative poster.

This project will be counted as a 75 point grade.


My Assigned Genetic Disease: _________________________________________________________


Questions to be answered on the typed information sheet:

1. What is the name of your genetic disorder?
2. What chromosome is affected in this disorder (which #)?
3. What exactly happens to the chromosome to cause this disorder and how does this occur (feel free to add pictures to help your explanation)?
4. What are any possible risk factors for having a child with this disorder?
5. What is the effect of the genetic disorder on the body (what are the symptoms)?
6. How common is the disorder in the general population (statistics, births/year)?
7. Are males or females more affected by this disorder?
8. Does the disorder affect some population groups (nationalities, ethnic backgrounds etc) more than others or is the disorder more common in some parts of the world?
9. Is the disorder inherited? If so, is it dominant or recessive? Or is it more complicated than that?
10. In what ways is this person’s life affected by the disease?
11. What is the average life span of a person affected by this disorder?
12. Are there any treatments or therapies to make daily living easier for people afflicted by this disorder (how has this changed over time)?
13. What research has been done or is currently being done concerning this genetic disease?
14. What are two interesting facts that you learned about the disorder during research?









Information sheet:

The questions will be TYPED only.
Number the answers to the questions and double space between each new answer.
(5 points)
Answer all questions fully using complete sentences. If researched answers are incomplete points will be deducted. Seek extra help if you are having difficulty finding the answers to any of the questions.
(3 points each question = Total of 42 points for questions)
Your name and class period should be in the top corner.
Correct Grammar/spelling (4 points)
Literature Cited: A minimum of 2 sources is required (put citations at the bottom of information sheet). (4 points)


Include the following on your poster:

Name of genetic disease in large print (3 points)
At least FIVE pictures or drawings
(examples include: karyotype, chromosomes, symptoms) (5 points)
At least FIVE facts about the disease
NOT the whole typed information sheet! (5 points)
Student name and period on BACK of poster (2 points)
Make sure that all written words on the poster and all pictures are large enough so that
they can be seen from far away. Poster is colorful. Shows that good effort was put in to poster. Poster also needs to be full poster board size. (5 points)



*10 points will be taken off for each school day a project is late.

Genetics Extra Credit Project

5 points – Read and review three articles on current genetics issues. Articles may be found in newspapers (cut out) or online (printed). Review of each article must be at least one typed paragraph.

10 points – Watch and review Gattaca or The Island. Type a one to two page review of either movie, focusing on the genetics (accuracy of the science involved) and the ethics (right or wrong) issues.

15 points – Read and review Michael Crichton’s book Next. Review should be a two to three page paper discussing the genetics an ethical issues discussed in the book, not a book report.

Odyssey Part III and IV Essay Questions

As always, for this test you will be writing a 3-5 paragraph essay on either one of the following topics. Don't forget that the best essays use SPECIFIC AND RELEVANT examples to support their points.

1. How does Telemachus grow and mature throughout Part III and IV of the Odyssey? For this essay, you need to discuss how Telemachus was introduced as well as the steps he took to mature into an adult.

2. How is Penelope a worthy wife and partner for Odysseus? For this essay, you need to discuss the different qualities and characteristics Penelope possesses and how they match up to those qualities of Odysseus.

Biology Unit 5 Essay

Honors Biology Unit 5: Mitosis


Essay Question


For this unit there will be only one essay option. This will be a 5 paragraph essay. This essay will be prepared outside of class and typed, in class, on Monday, December 14, 2009. You will be allowed to use an outline; however, the outline must be attached to the essay to receive credit. This will count as the test grade for this unit, worth 30 points.

Question:
Based on your knowledge of cell functioning and the cell cycle, explain why there are so many different types of cancer that affect the human body?

Ideas for discussion in the essay:
• What is the role of cell specialization?
• What is cancer’s affect on the cell cycle?
• Why do normal cells divide?
• How is the regulation of mitosis affected?
• What are some of the causes of cancer?
• What are some of the treatments of cancer?

Biology Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration PowerPoints

Copy and paste the links in order to open them. You cannot just click on them. They will not open.

Period 4 PowerPoints
Calvin Cycle - http://h1.ripway.com/quadrivium/Powerpoint Presentations/Calvin Cycle Per 4.pdf

ETC - http://h1.ripway.com/quadrivium/Powerpoint Presentations/ETC Per 4.pdf

Fermentation - http://h1.ripway.com/quadrivium/Powerpoint Presentations/Fermentation Per 4.pdf

Glycolysis - http://h1.ripway.com/quadrivium/Powerpoint Presentations/Glycolysis Per 4.pdf

Krebs Cycle - http://h1.ripway.com/quadrivium/Powerpoint Presentations/Krebs Cycle Per 4.pdf

LDR - http://h1.ripway.com/quadrivium/Powerpoint Presentations/LDR Per 4.pdf

Period 7 PowerPoints
Calvin Cycle - http://h1.ripway.com/quadrivium/Powerpoint Presentations/Calvin Cycle Per 7.pdf

ETC - http://h1.ripway.com/quadrivium/Powerpoint Presentations/ETC Per 7.pdf

Fermentation - http://h1.ripway.com/quadrivium/Powerpoint Presentations/Fermentation Per 7.pdf

Glycolysis - http://h1.ripway.com/quadrivium/Powerpoint Presentations/Glycolysis Per 7.pdf

Krebs Cycle - http://h1.ripway.com/quadrivium/Powerpoint Presentations/Krebs Cycle Per 7.pdf

LDR - http://h1.ripway.com/quadrivium/Powerpoint Presentations/LDR Per 7.pdf

Honors Odyssey Part II Essay Questions

For the Odyssey Part II test, most of your test will be made up of an essay question. In order to make sure that you write accurate, specific, and relevant responses to the question asked, I am giving you the 3 questions in advanced. You are expected to be able to answer all 3 questions, but you will only be asked 1. The essay must be between 3 to 5 paragraphs. Good luck!

1. How does each of the adventures in Part II challenge the relationship between Odysseus and his men? In your discussion, provide examples of the actions Odysseus and his men take that affect the relationship and how the relationship develops and/or changes by the end of Part II.

2. How is Eurylochus a foil to Odysseus and what was Homer trying to teach to his audience? In your discussion, compare and contrast the two as leaders and the consequences of the men with each of them leading.

3. Is Zeus or Odysseus responsible for Odysseus's survival and ultimate fate? In your discussion, choose one the characters and, using examples from the story, explain how their actions affect the fate of Odysseus.


*** The test will be on Tuesday after Thanksgiving break and Vocabulary Quiz #4 will be on Wednesday. ***

Honors Biology Essay Questions

Unit 4: Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

For this unit there will be three essay questions for you to focus on as you study cells. You will be expected to answer each of these questions in a detailed, three to five paragraph essay. One of these essays will appear on the Chapter 8 & 9 Test at the end of this unit.

1. Describe, in detail, the path of energy through the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Focus on the various forms that the energy takes as it is passed along from one stage of these processes to the next.
2. Explain why the conversion of oxygen to carbon dioxide during cellular respiration in important to the functioning of a person’s body. Follow the path from the inhalation of O2 to the exhalation of CO2 and use specific examples of when an organ would use these molecules to achieve a specific goal.
3. Compare the electron transport chain in the thylakoid of a chloroplast with the electron transport chain in a mitochondrion. Focus on where the electrons come from, where the electrons get their energy, what molecules take on the electrons at the end of each chain and how the energy from the electrons is used.

Honors Odyssey Part I Essay Topics

For the Odyssey Part I test, half of your test will be made up of an essay question. In order to make sure that you write accurate, specific, and relevant responses to the question asked, I am giving you the 3 questions in advanced. You are expected to be able to answer all 3 questions, but you will only be asked 1. The essay must be between 3 to 5 paragraphs. Good luck!

1. How are Odysseus’s heroic and human qualities are illustrated throughout Part I of the Odyssey? Be sure to include examples of how Odysseus acts wisely and foolishly in your answer to help support your argument.

2. Why do the ancient Greeks considered the Cyclopes to be monsters? In your essay, compare and contrast the two societies, provide examples of the major differences and why these differences make the Cyclopes monstrous to the Greeks.

3. How does Homer represents the power of cunning over strength in Part I of the Odyssey? Your answer should include specific examples of what Homer uses to help represent cunning and strength and how the relationship between the two plays out.

Outside Reading CP1

For this assignment, you will be reading a short story from your literature book that we have not read in class. Once you have read the short story, you will be completing the following:

1. Plot Diagram – On a piece of poster board, you will be creating an imaginative and colorful plot diagram for the short story you’ve read. For this, you must include each part of plot (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution). When creating the plot diagram, you must include 5 pieces of rising action and 3 pieces of falling action.
   

2. Characters – On that same poster board, you will identify the round & flat characters and the dynamic & static characters with an explanation as to why they are those types of characters.
   

3. Introduction – For this part of the assignment, you will be writing an introduction to a paper that would answer the question – what is the theme of your short story? This will require you to follow the A.N.T method of writing an introduction. You must follow the following requirement:

12 point font

Double spaced

Times New Roman

In the upper left-hand corner of the first page, list your name, my name, the course (English 9 H), and the date.

Edible Cells Project Rubric

Hi kids,

Mr. Coleman ask me if I could find a solution to the problem with the links on the side for this project. You should just be able to click on the picture to bring up the rubric as a jpeg file. Hopefully this should work.

Mr. Harris

Question about links on the side.

Hi kids,

I know that the links on the side are not being cooperative. The website that I use to link the materials is down and not opening. I hope that this will be resolved within the upcoming days. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Mr. Harris

Honors Biology Unit 3 (Cells) Essay Questions

For this unit there will be three essay questions for you to focus on as you study cells. One of these essays will appear on the Cells Test at the end of the quarter.

1. Describe the development of cell theory, from the first discovery of cells through the understanding of organelles and their function. Include a discussion of the scientists involved and the specific discoveries they each made.
2. Compare and contrast the differences between prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. Include in your discussion the role of organelles, the differences found in unicellular and multicellular cells, and the function of specialized cells.
3. Discuss the structure of a cell membrane and how that structure allows the cell to maintain homeostasis. Include a description of the similarities and differences between active and passive transport, facilitated diffusion, and osmosis.

Honors Organic Molecules Essay Topics

On your first biology test, for Chapters 2 and 3, you will be required to outline a 5 paragraph essay on one of the following topics. The outline should contain a thesis statement which sums up the point of you essay and introduces the three main pieces of evidence that you will use to support your point. You should also have a topic sentence for each of your body paragraphs, which illuminates one of you pieces of supporting evidence. Finally, you should include a summary sentence, a restatement of your thesis which points to the evidence that you have explained in the body of the essay.
There are three topic possibilities for this test. One of them will be chosen, by me, for the test. You are responsible for being prepared to answer all topics.

1. Compare and contrast two of the organic molecules discussed in this chapter. Use their monomers, polymers, and functional groups, as well as their functions and structures to make these comparisons.

2. How does polarity affect waters ability to react with itself or with other substances? What causes polarity, and how does this affect the molecule as a whole? What specific attributes are results of polarity?

3. Explain how ionic and covalent bonds are able to create molecules in different ways. Use the way electrons are used and the structures of the atoms to clarify why some atoms form ionic bonds, some form covalent, and some can form both types of bonds.

Organic Molecules Group Presentations

In this project you will be preparing a presentation to teach your classmates about one of the four organic molecules: Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, and Nucleic Acids. You will be making a 5 – 8 minute lesson on the molecule assigned to your group based on the following requirements.

§ Which elements are involved in the structure of your molecule?

§ Which functional groups are used to create your molecule?

§ What are the monomers and polymers that make up the molecule?

§ What are the functions of your molecule in living things?

§ Give some examples your molecule in living things.

§ Use drawings of the structure of your molecule in the presentation. Include both monomer and polymer structure if possible.

Mr. Harris' Short Story Test Essay Topics

For the Short Story Unit test half of your test will be made up of an essay question. In order to make sure that you write accurate, specific, and relevant responses to the question asked, I am giving you the 3 questions in advanced. You are expected to be able to answer all 3 questions, but you will only be asked 1. The essay must be between 3 to 5 paragraphs. Good luck!

• In “Gaston” and “The Lady, or the Tiger?”, the main characters are torn between two decisions. Choose one of these short stories and explain how their decision helps to demonstrate the theme of that story.

• In “The Necklace” and “Harrison Bergeron”, some of the characters change. Others do not. Choose one of these short stories and explain how the change (or lack there of) is used by the author to help express the theme.

• In “The Most Dangerous Game” and “The Cask of Amontillado”, characters are killed in one form or another. Choose one of these short stories and explain how the author uses the violent conflict between the major characters to illustrate his theme.

Feel free to discuss any of the topics in the comments section linked to this post. The more discussion generated, the better answers you may have.

Discipline Policy

As a team, the teachers of the Quadrivium SLC (Ms. Broughton, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Harris and Ms. Madden) have created a three strike policy in regards to discipline. Our purpose in doing so is for students to be 100% clear on our approach to discipline and class behavior.

Discipline will be handled using a 3 strike policy.

1^st Strike - Detention

2^nd Strike - 2 Detentions

3^rd Strike - 2 Detentions and removed from class

A student has 5 school days to serve the detentions. For students who earn a 2^nd strike or higher, they must also serve both detentions within the 5 school days. Detentions can be served Monday through Thursday with the Quadrivium teacher whose day it is to stay after for extra help. However, students serving a detention must first complete their detention before they are eligible to receive extra-help on they’re academic subjects.

The schedule for after-school assistance/detention will be:

Mr. Harris - Monday

Mr. Coleman - Tuesday

Ms. Broughton - Wednesday

Ms. Madden - Thursday

The following is a list of offenses that will earn a student a strike.

§ Swearing, in any context.

§ Being late to class.

§ Having a cell phone out.

§ Being rude or disrespectful.

§ Being unprepared for class.

Strikes accumulate throughout the quarter; however, they will reset at the beginning of each quarter, providing students with the opportunity to begin each new quarter with a clean slate.

In addition to the 3 strike policy, if a student swears at another student or attacks another student, either verbally or physically, they will be immediately removed from class and earn 2 detentions.

Be aware that a student who earns a 3^rd strike or is otherwise removed from class, will be subject to any consequence handed out by their dean, in addition to the detentions owed to their teachers.

Welcome

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to the 9^th grade at PVMHS! At the 9^th grade level, students are placed in Small Learning Communities (SLCs). In addition to helping ease the students’ transition into high school, the SLC’s purpose is to increase student success and teacher collaboration. Our SLC is referred to as Quadrivium and we are excited about the opportunity to get to know you, and are looking forward to a happy and productive school year.

The following are a list of dates that you should be aware of at the beginning of this school year.

Parent Orientation September 17^th from 6 to 8 pm.

End of Quarter 1 November 6^th

End of Quarter 2 January 22^nd

Midterms January 19^th to January 22^nd

End of Quarter 3 March 26^th

End of Quarter 4 June 16^th to 23^rd (depending on snow days)

Finals The last four days of school

Parent/Teacher Conferences November 19^th and March 11^th from 6 to 8 pm.

The Biology MCAS June 1^st and 2^nd.

*Progress Reports are given at the midpoints of each quarter.

There absence policy at the school this year contains two provisions. This sets the limit for total absences in a year-long course at 16 and allows teachers to subtract 2 points from a student’s average for any absence. This means that students will automatically fail a class in which they have 17 absences. The 2 points can be earned back by the student by making up the work they missed after school to the teacher’s satisfaction. Any missed work must be made up within ten school days to receive credit and earn back the 2 points.

This year we have instituted a three-strike, behavior policy in our classrooms. The goal of this policy is to reduce the number of minor, in-class disruptions, leading to fewer distractions during lessons. Major infractions will continue to be dealt with by the deans. We will have the policy posted online for further information.

If you have any questions or concerns or if you would like to schedule a conference, you can contact us at quadrivium.pvmhs@gmail.com, or through the main office, (978) 536-4500. Please feel free to leave us a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We will also be maintaining a web-log (blog), as a means of making some of the general information easily available. You can find us at http://www.quadrivium-pvmhs.blogspot.com/.

Once again, welcome to the 9^th grade. Let’s work together to make this a great year!

Sincerely,

David Coleman - Science
Daniel Harris - Englih
Taryn Broughton - Math
Jessica Madden - History