Evolution Projects: Adaptations

The AP Biology classes were asked to produce posters of museum quality. They were to include an explanation of an animal's classification and describe examples of a behavioral, biochemical, and structural adaptations that afford the organism an advantage in survival.

Shea explained the "Happy Feet" species......our tuxedoed avian friend, the penguin

Bryana extended the holiday season to her project by describing undersea tropical worms known as Christmas tree worms. They were given that moniker because when they take up residence in coral, they resemble the decorations on a Christmas tree.

Brad presented information on the polar bear. I wonder if he is a fan of Iorek from  "The Golden Compass".

Sarah examined the adaptations in dolphins. Does anybody remember "Flipper"?

Lara studied the arctic fox's advantages, which allow it to survive in such a harsh environment. Do not confuse this species with the red fox depicted in the "Remarkable Mr. Fox".

Margaret is all starry eyed! Sea stars  were the focus of her poster.

The movements and haunts of the mako shark were the focus of John's research.

Renato examined the high diving peregrine falcon, a relative of our local red-tailed hawks.

The armadillo was the focus of Joey's presentation.

Chara studied the puffer fish with its inflatable ego!! Can fish have egos?

The pelican was the focus of Heather's inquiry.

Kirsten presented the great panda as her poster project.

It was no laughing matter when  Paige presented her research into the African hyena.

Sara presents the elephant's strong points.

I wonder if Robbie is a member of "Team Jacob", at least he studied the adaptations of the timber wolf.

Classical Genetics: Meiosis, Fertilization and Marriage Lab

         In their recent study of classical genetics, the AP Biology classes examined their phenotypes and genotypes for a number of different genetic traits. They then used them to prepare chromosomes to be used to determine the traits they would pass on to their offspring. The students in the class were randomly paired up and given "marriage certificates" allowing them, for one day only, to share their chromosomes (bearing their genes) to see what traits would appear in their children.  

   

    This exercise asked the question "How does gametogenesis and fertilization determine the phenotype of a human?".  Each student cut out chromosomes simulated the segregation of alleles and homologous chromosomes in the meiotic production of monoploid gametes followed by the return to the diploid state as the homologous chromosomes from a male and a female are recombined in the process of fertilization.  

   

     The lab helped illustrate to the students the various ways genetic information of parents is recombined in human offspring. There were examples of dominant and recessive traits, sex linked traits, polygenic inherited traits, and epistatic genes in their chromosomes. 

    

     As part of their lab reports, students were asked to produce a birth announcement for one of their children. They were also to render a representation of the child as a teenager.

Birth Announcement for the K. Bianco and P. Gordon baby girl touting her unique traits.

 

A very creative birth announcement for the daughter of H. Bothwell and B. Davies.

Eighth Grade Study of Freezing and Melting Points of Solids

New laptops purchased with the Government Grant allow the students to upload the data from their temperature probes directly for immediate analysis.

You have to position the temperature probe correctly for good readings.

Do you remember the old adage, "A watched pot never boils?" Is there a similar adage for melting?

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Fifth Graders Variables Unit

Fifth Grade students learn about dependent and independent variables while studying pendulums.

Earth Science Students Visit AMNH and Planetarium

Here are some photographs of exhibits one of our students, Kyle, found interesting during the Core Earth Science course field trip to the American Museum of Natural History on November 4th.  Unfortunately the inclement weather prevented the classes from visiting the rock outcroppings that exhibit the characteristic marking of glacial movement, folding, and the other interesting geological phenomena the classes usually visit in Central Park on this field trip.

More Students At the Lab Bench

Catherine, Katherine, and Paige are keeping a close watch on their potometer, which is used to measure transpiration through a plant's leaves. In this second of two runs their group did, they are interested in the affect a incandescent light has on the evaporation of water from the leaves of this coleus shoot. They have already determined a baseline for evaporation in the room in general.

A potometer, used to measure the evaporation of water from a plant shoot's leaves.

Alliso, Claudia, and Emily are building 3D representations of the periodicity of electronegativity.

Henry measures a length of straw which is being used to represent the electronegativity of an element.

Natasha and Max are aligning their straws in to the proper positions their elements would occupy in the periodic table.