Recent Changes

Welcome to the Living Environment! I anticipate a good year with you all. Please check the announcements on a DAILY basis. They will help you keep up to date on topics we will cover in class, assignments, and upcoming quizzes, tests, and projects.
June 9, 2912
1. Since we were pressed for time, I have compiled some notes that might be helpful when reviewing human impact on the environment. Please see below and read them through.
2. Don't forget to check your BTHS e-mail for admissions cards for your Regent's exam
3. Happy studying!
Human Impact on the Environment-supplementary notes:
A) Nutrient limitation-The available supply of nutrients, particularly nitrates and phosphates (compounds made from nitrogen and phosphorus), limits the amount of plants that can grow in an ecosystem. Sometimes, when fertilizer is applied to agricultural land and not all of it is absorbed by the plants, then some of it is transported via runoff to aquatic ecosystems. This can stimulate the growth of algae, which can block sunlight. Also, when the algae decompose, the system is robbed of oxygen (because decomposers use it up) and this can result in the death of fish.
B) Resource usage:
Sustainable use is a way of using natural resources in a way that does not deplete them. Ex. One way of ensuring a sustainable energy future would be to switch to renewable forms of energy like hydroelectric, solar, or wind. This would result in us not depleting fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), which are nonrenewable resources.
1. Land resources:
Many of the world’s soils are becoming infertile. This is often due to unsustainable agricultural practices. Continual plowing of the land removes roots that hold soil in place, and increases soil erosion (the wearing away of the surface soil by water and wind). This can be exacerbated in areas where cattle overgraze the land and the climate is dry and/or prone to drought (ex. some areas of Sub-Saharan Africa). These areas can become deserts by a process known as desertification.
Some sustainable agricultural practices:
Contour plowing-fields are plowed across the slope of the land to reduce erosion (this is especially beneficial in areas that are hilly).
Conservation tillage-leaving the stems and roots of a harvested crop in place to help hold the soil.
Crop rotation-alternate crops-some crops take nutrients out of the soil, and some put them back. Ex. Legumes are a special type of plant whose roots harbor bacteria that turn nitrogen into a form that is usable by plants
2. Forest resources
Forests provide “ecosystem services,” some of which include:
Serving as the “lungs of the Earth,” because they remove carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) from the atmosphere and produce oxygen.
Provide habitat for organisms
Moderate climate (ex. Trees remove heat from the local area during transpiration, when water is evaporated off of their leaves)
Limit soil erosion
Protect from flooding
Filter pollutants from water supplies
Many of the world’s forests have been lost through deforestation. Some negative consequences are:
Soil erosion
Washing away of soil nutrients through erosion
Sustainable usage of forests includes:
Harvesting only certain trees (i.e. older ones) to promote the growth of younger trees
Replanting trees in forests where trees have been cut
3. Ocean Resources
Many people rely on fish from the sea as a source of protein. The demand for fish has gone up, but the supply of fish per person has decreased. Some fish have been hunted to commercial extinction (which means there are so few of a population, that it is no longer economically beneficial to harvest them). We are not using this resource sustainably, mainly because the ocean is a common resource for different countries of the world that everyone wants but no one has the incentive to manage it properly.
Sustainable usage of ocean resources include:
Closing portions of some fisheries (i.e. Georges Bank) temporarily
Using aquaculture (fish-farming).
A drawback to aquaculture includes pollution of the water with fish waste.
4. Water Resources
Americans use billions of gallons of water each day. The total supply of freshwater is limited, so using it sustainably is a priority.
Some threats to water resources include the following:
Pollution, such as oil spills
Improperly discarded chemicals
Wasted discarded on land that can seep into the ground and contaminate well water
Sewage (wastewater from toilets and sinks) that adds nitrogen to aquatic ecosystem, which promotes the growth of algae
Sewage that contains infectious microorganisms (i.e. the bacterium that causes cholera)
Sustainable use of water resources-strategies:
Protection of wetlands, such as swamps and marshes, that filter pollutants from water
Using agricultural techniques that conserve water (ex. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, which reduces the total amount of water lost through evapotranspiration).
{Human Impact on the Environment Notes.doc}
June 6, 2012
1. URGENT-Your book return day is now on Monday, June 11. Sorry for the misinformation! Please spread the word!!

Welcome to the Living Environment! I anticipate a good year with you all. Please check the announcements on a DAILY basis. They will help you keep up to date on topics we will cover in class, assignments, and upcoming quizzes, tests, and projects.
April 17, 2012
1. You will have an exam on DNA and genetic engineering on Thursday, April 26.
2. Homework assignments for the remainder of the week are the following:
HW#26-Read sections 13-3, 13-4, and 14-3. Answer all section assessment questions. Write out questions and answers. Due on Friday, April 20.
HW#27-Read section 15-1. Answer all section assessment questions. Write out questions and answers. Due on Monday, April 23.
April 21, 2012
1. You have a test on DNA and genetic engineering (chapters 12-14) on Thursday, April 26.
2. Assignments for the week are now posted...
EVOLUTION UNIT TOPICS AND ASSIGNMENTS
|| W 4/18
Intro to evolution and natural selection: “Candy Dish Selection”
HW#26-Read sections 13-3, 13-4, and 14-3. Answer all section assessment questions. Write out questions and answers. Due on Friday, April 20.
TH 4/19
Principles of natural selection (PBS Evolution video clip)
Complete HW#26.
F 4/20
Genetic Engineering review (worksheet)
HW#27-Read section 15-1.
M 4/23
Darwin vs. Lamarck
HW#28-Read section 15-2. Answer all section assessment questions. Write out questions and answers. Due on Tuesday, April 24.
T 4/24
Speciation
HW#29-Read Section 16-3. Answer all section assessment questions. Write out questions and answers. Due on Wednesday, April 25.
W 4/25
DNA review
STUDY FOR EXAM
TH 4/26
DNA/Genetic engineering exam (chapters 12-14)
HW#30-Do “Analyzing Data” on p. 408. Due on Friday, April 27.
F 4/27
Evidence of Evolution (I): transitional fossils (whales) and project intro (from PBS online evolution site)
HW#31-Evolution evidence project (TBA). Due on Monday, April 30.
|| Dragonfly Textbook Reading
Upcoming Quizzes/Exams
Evolution:
Chapters 15, 16 (section 3), 17, 18
DNA Exam Chapters 12, 13, 14 on Thursday, 4/26
April 26
1. HW#31-Use the following site to research the evidence for your role (to be assigned in class). Bring in your research, along with a written summary of it to class on Monday, April 30. You will assemble your finding with your group on that day, and present them to the class:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/educators/lessons/lesson3/act2.html
If you are absent on Friday, April 27, then pick one of the roles in the web-quest, and do the homework according to the above instructions.
April 30, 2012
1. HW#32-
Read Chapter 17 (Sections 1-3). Your task is to depict the major events of the evolution of life on Earth. You should include: a) The formation of the first organic molecules b) The formation of free oxygen c) Origin of eukaryotic cells (including the endosymbiotic theory) c) sexual reproduction d) major life forms evolved in the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras and mass extinctions
Option A: Create a timeline, complete with pictures and descriptions, that depicts each of the major events of a) through d). Clearly label each era and period on your timeline.
Option B: You have entered a time travel machine that takes you back in time to witness the major events of the history of life on Earth. Keep a journal that describes what you are observing as the various life forms emerge (and become extinct.) Include major events from (a) through (d).
This assignment is due on May 7th, and will count as a project grade.
2. Quiz on evolution on Friday, May 4.
3. Week's schedule of topics and assignments to be posted...
4. Schedule for the week is now posted....
MayJune 6, 2012
1. The week's assignments are now posted.
ECOLOGY UNIT TOPICS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Please use this sheet to keep track of upcoming assignments in biology.
|| M 5/7
Finish into to ecosystems
HW#33-Read section 3-1. Do Section 3-1 Assessment questions. Due on Tuesday, 5/8
T 5/8
Ecosystems and energy flow
HW# 34- Read section 3-2. Do 3-2 Section Assessment questions. Due on Wednesday, 5/9
W 5/9
Cycles of matter
HW#35-Read section 3-3. Do 3-3 Section Assessment questions. Due on Thursday, 5/10.
TH 5/10
Cycles of matter, continued
HW#36-Do “alternative assessment “ on p. -33. Due on Monday, May 14.
F 5/11
Community interactions
Complete HW#36
|| Dragonfly Textbook Reading
Upcoming Quizzes/Exams
Ecology and the Environment
Chapters 2-6
TBA
May 13, 2012
1.Assignments for the week are posted below. HW#37 will be counted as a project grade and the guidelines and grading rubric are also below.
2. Get the Barron's reviewURGENT-Your book for the Living Environment (red and white) as soon as possible. I will start giving you homework from that book within the next couple of weeks.
{Ecology topics and assignments 2012.doc}
{Literature_Review_Rubric}
3. There will be a quiz on basic ecology concepts on Friday, May 18. See "ecology topics and assignments 2012" for more details...
4. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.
May 14, 2012
1. Here is the assignment due on Wednesday, kids! Sorry for the mistake. I will try to attach it as a word document below this copied version and see if it works this time!
Brooklyn Technical High School Ms. D. Nathan, Teacher
Science Department Spring semester, 2012
Name
Class Date
Task: Select a current events article that discusses one particular aspect of human impact on the environment. Choose the article from a reputable source, i.e. The New York Science Times. Some potential article topics include, but are not limited to: Global climate change, the introduction of exotic species to ecosystems, water pollution, air pollution, overconsumption of natural resources. Write a review of the article, based on the facts presented. In doing so, first give a brief summary of the article, in your own words. In your summary, clearly demonstrate knowledge of the key points made, and cite specific examples of evidence from the article that support these key points. Second, evaluate the article, according to your personal opinion. Consider what the claims made in the article are, and whether or not these claims are adequately substantiated by the evidence presented in the article. In your review, be sure to write in complete sentences and use vocabulary relevant to the text. Check your grammar to ensure that there are no major grammatical errors before submitting your review. Use the following template as a guide in writing your review:
Current Events Article Review Template
Title of Article _
Author(s) _
Publication Date
Summary of the data/issues/research discussed in the article:
Personal evaluation of the article, based on evidence presented:
The rubric by which your work will be graded is attached below.
Point values
1
2
3
A) Cites specific textual evidence
No citations
Minimal citing, reference to text in incomplete citations
Properly used full citations/quotes.
Reading Standard 1
B) Summary of article displays knowledge of central ideas and author’s purpose
Missed central ideas, discusses irrelevant issues
Touched on one/two issues, but confused on main theme/idea
Determined all main topics discussed in article, clearly summarized author’s purpose
Reading standard 2
C) Used key/domain-specific terms in summary and conclusion
No vocabulary used
Minimal vocabulary used or used incorrectly
High vocabulary used, referenced properly in text.
Reading standard 4
D) Personal evaluation
Short phrases showing little or no thought, restates article points instead of reflecting upon them.
Some thought and evaluation, minimal effort
Strong and thoughtful explanation and evaluation of article
Reading standards 6, 8, 9
Writing standard 4
E) Grammatical Structure
Many mistakes in sentence structure and grammatical errors.
Few grammar mistakes, decent writing flow.
Excellent sentence structure, no major grammatical errors.
Writing standard 4
Total: 15 points
{Literature_Review_Rubric.doc}
May 19, 2012
1. Homework for the weekreturn day is now posted (see below).
2. You have a quiz on Friday on basic ecology. See below for details.
3. Your final will take place on Thursday,Monday, June 7. See below11. Sorry for details.
4. Get a copy of the Barron's Living Environment review book, if you haven't already.
5. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. :)
HUMAN IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Please use this sheet to keep track of upcoming assignments in biology.
|| M 5/21
Endangered Species
HW#40-Read section 6-1. Do section 6-1 questions. Due on Tuesday, May 22.
T 5/22
Invasive species
HW#41-Read section 6-2, 6-3, and 6-4. Answer all 6-2, 6-3, and 6-4 section questions. Due on Friday, May 25.
W 5/23
To be assigned
Work on HW#41
TH 5/24
To be assigned
Finish HW#41
F 5/25
Air and water pollution
HW#42-Do “Making Connections” on p. 156. Due on Tuesday, May 29.
Upcoming Quizzes/Exams
Evolution:
Chapters 15, 16 (section 3), 17, 18
Ecology and the Environment
Chapters 2-6
Quiz on ecosystems: food webs, energy flow, community relationships-Friday, May 25.
Final Exam- Thursday, June 7. It will cover the entire year’s worth of topics. Study ALL UNITS
May 25, 2012
1. Students that need to resubmit assignments can do so through next Friday, June 1.
2. Your final exam is now moved to the 6th of June.
3. Buy the regents review book if you have not done so already.
4. Enjoy your weekend!
May 28, 2012
1. Your final exam is on Wednesday, June 6th. It will consist of both a multiple choice section and a free response section.misinformation! Please notespread the change in date. See below for a list of topics to be covered on your exam:
Ecology an human impact on the environment
Evolution
Heredity and DNA technology
Asexual and sexual reproduction
Maintenance of homeostasis: human physiology and metabolic processes (cell respiration and photosynthesis)
Scientific method and experimental design
State mandated labs: Connections (experimental design), Beaks of Finches (evolution), Diffusion through a Membrane (diffusion and osmosis), Biodiversity
2. Homework assignments for the week are now posted:
HUMAN IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Please use this sheet to keep track of upcoming assignments in biology.
|| M 5/21
Endangered Species
HW#40-Read section 6-1. Do section 6-1 questions. Due on Tuesday, May 22.
T 5/22
Invasive species
HW#41-Read section 6-2, 6-3, and 6-4. Answer all 6-2, 6-3, and 6-4 section questions. Due on Friday, May 25.
W 5/23
To be assigned
Work on HW#41
TH 5/24
To be assigned
Finish HW#41
F 5/25
Invasive species
HW#42-Do “Making Connections” on p. 156. Due on Tuesday, May 29.
T 5/29
Invasive species cont’d
HW#43-Do questions #15-21 on p. 164. Write out QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. Due on Wednesday, May 30.
W 5/30
Pollution problems
HW#44-Do questions 22-26 on pp. 164-165. Write out QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. Due on Thursday, May 31.
TH 5/31
Overconsumption of resources
HW#45-Do questions #27-31 on p. 165. Write out QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. Due on Friday, June 1.
F 6/1
TBA
HW#46-Protein synthesis activity (TBA)
M 6/4
Climate change
REGENTS REVIEW ASSIGNMENT FROM REVIEW BOOK (TBA)
|| Dragonfly Textbook Reading
Upcoming Quizzes/Exams
Evolution:
Chapters 15, 16 (section 3), 17, 18
Ecology and the Environment
Chapters 2-6
Quiz on ecosystems: food webs, energy flow, community relationships-Friday, May 25.
Final Exam- Wednesday, June 6. It will cover the entire year’s worth of topics. Study ALL UNITS. Please note the change in date. A list of topics is posted on the wiki homepage under
NOTE: As of next week, all your homework assignments will be from the Barron’ Living Environment Regent’s review book.
3. Buy the Barron's review book. You will have homework assigned from it starting on Monday, June 4.
May 31, 2012
1. HW#46 is due on Monday, and is posted below:
HW#46 Protein Synthesis Review
Adapted from a lesson from Irene Salter at www.mysciencebox.org
Create a comic strip that is an analogy for the protein synthesis process. Below each panel of the comic strip, write down the translation of your story using the key concepts listed below. The comic strip should be illustrated, using color.
Protein synthesis-Key Concepts:
DNA is located in the nucleus of the cell
The sequence of DNA nucleotides forms the genetic code
The message of DNA must be transcribed to mRNA
The messenger RNA leaves the nucleus
The ribosome reads the sequence of codons in the messenger RNA and matches a transfer RNA molecule to each codon.
The ribosome assembles the amino acids brought by the transfer RNA into a chain.
The finished chain of amino acids is a protein
{Protein Synthesis alternative assessment.doc}
2. See you all on Monday! (On a trip tomorrow) Remember, your final is this coming Wednesday.word!!
June 3, 2012
Wednesday, 6/6.
2. Your final assignments for the rest of the semester are posted below:
LIVING ENVIRONMENT
RR HW#4- Identify at least 10 (extra credit if you do more) questions based on the diagnosis of your strength and weaknesses and the curriculum map in Regents exams OTHER than the June 2010 Regents. Write down these questions and answers. For each question, briefly explain what biology topic the question relates to and why. Due date for RR HW#4: Tuesday, 6/12
{Regents Review Homework assignments 2012.doc}
June 5.
4. Happy studying!! You're almost at the end! :)

3. Buy the Barron's review book. You will have homework assigned from it starting on Monday, June 4.
May 31, 2012
posted below:
HW#46 Protein Synthesis Review
Adapted from a lesson from Irene Salter at www.mysciencebox.org
{Protein Synthesis alternative assessment.doc}
2. See you all on Monday! (On a trip tomorrow) Remember, your final is this coming Wednesday.
June 3, 2012
1. Your final exam is on Wednesday, 6/6.
2. Your final assignments for the rest of the semester are posted below:
LIVING ENVIRONMENT
MS. NATHAN
Regents Review Homework Assignments-Spring 2012
Your final exam is scheduled for Wednesday, June 6. It will consist of both a multiple-choice section and constructed response and will cover the following main biological themes:
Ecology an human impact on the environment
Evolution
Heredity and DNA technology
Asexual and sexual reproduction
Maintenance of homeostasis: human physiology and metabolic processes (cell respiration and photosynthesis)
Scientific method and experimental design
State mandated labs: Connections (experimental design), Beaks of Finches (evolution), Diffusion through a Membrane (diffusion and osmosis), Biodiversity
RR HW#1- Complete the June 2010 Regents Exam, Parts A. Write out your answers completely on a SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER. Due date for RR HW#1: Tuesday, 6/5
RR HW#2- Complete the June 20120 Regents Exam, Parts B, C, and D. Write out your answers completely on a SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER. Due date for RR HW#2: Friday, 6/8
RR HW#3-Grade your exam using the key provided in the book, and then diagnose your current strengths and weaknesses using the following sample as a template:
Question #
Right
Wrong
Simple Mistake
Needs further review
Main Topics corresponding to questions that need further review
Specifically need to review these subtopics
1
x
2
x
3
x
x
4
x
x
Scientific Method
Designing a controlled experiment: controls and variables
Due date for RR HW#3: Monday, 6/11
RR HW#4- Identify at least 10 (extra credit if you do more) questions based on the diagnosis of your strength and weaknesses and the curriculum map in Regents exams OTHER than the June 2010 Regents. Write down these questions and answers. For each question, briefly explain what biology topic the question relates to and why. Due date for RR HW#4: Tuesday, 6/12
{Regents Review Homework assignments 2012.doc}
3. Bring the Barron's Review Book to class every day starting Tuesday, June 5.
4. Happy studying!! You're almost at the end! :)

NOTE: As of next week, all your homework assignments will be from the Barron’ Living Environment Regent’s review book.
3. Buy the Barron's review book. You will have homework assigned from it starting on Monday, June 4.
May 31, 2012
1. HW#46 is due on Monday, and is posted below:
HW#46 Protein Synthesis Review
Adapted from a lesson from Irene Salter at www.mysciencebox.org
Create a comic strip that is an analogy for the protein synthesis process. Below each panel of the comic strip, write down the translation of your story using the key concepts listed below. The comic strip should be illustrated, using color.
Protein synthesis-Key Concepts:
DNA is located in the nucleus of the cell
The sequence of DNA nucleotides forms the genetic code
The message of DNA must be transcribed to mRNA
The messenger RNA leaves the nucleus
The ribosome reads the sequence of codons in the messenger RNA and matches a transfer RNA molecule to each codon.
The ribosome assembles the amino acids brought by the transfer RNA into a chain.
The finished chain of amino acids is a protein
{Protein Synthesis alternative assessment.doc}
2. See you all on Monday! (On a trip tomorrow) Remember, your final is this coming Wednesday.

3. Buy the regents review book if you have not done so already.
4. Enjoy your weekend!
May 28, 2012
1. Your final exam is on Wednesday, June 6th. It will consist of both a multiple choice section and a free response section. Please note the change in date. See below for a list of topics to be covered on your exam:
Ecology an human impact on the environment
Evolution
Heredity and DNA technology
Asexual and sexual reproduction
Maintenance of homeostasis: human physiology and metabolic processes (cell respiration and photosynthesis)
Scientific method and experimental design
State mandated labs: Connections (experimental design), Beaks of Finches (evolution), Diffusion through a Membrane (diffusion and osmosis), Biodiversity
2. Homework assignments for the week are now posted:
HUMAN IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Please use this sheet to keep track of upcoming assignments in biology.
|| M 5/21
Endangered Species
HW#40-Read section 6-1. Do section 6-1 questions. Due on Tuesday, May 22.
T 5/22
Invasive species
HW#41-Read section 6-2, 6-3, and 6-4. Answer all 6-2, 6-3, and 6-4 section questions. Due on Friday, May 25.
W 5/23
To be assigned
Work on HW#41
TH 5/24
To be assigned
Finish HW#41
F 5/25
Invasive species
HW#42-Do “Making Connections” on p. 156. Due on Tuesday, May 29.
T 5/29
Invasive species cont’d
HW#43-Do questions #15-21 on p. 164. Write out QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. Due on Wednesday, May 30.
W 5/30
Pollution problems
HW#44-Do questions 22-26 on pp. 164-165. Write out QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. Due on Thursday, May 31.
TH 5/31
Overconsumption of resources
HW#45-Do questions #27-31 on p. 165. Write out QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. Due on Friday, June 1.
F 6/1
TBA
HW#46-Protein synthesis activity (TBA)
M 6/4
Climate change
REGENTS REVIEW ASSIGNMENT FROM REVIEW BOOK (TBA)
|| Dragonfly Textbook Reading
Upcoming Quizzes/Exams
Evolution:
Chapters 15, 16 (section 3), 17, 18
Ecology and the Environment
Chapters 2-6
Quiz on ecosystems: food webs, energy flow, community relationships-Friday, May 25.
Final Exam- Wednesday, June 6. It will cover the entire year’s worth of topics. Study ALL UNITS. Please note the change in date. A list of topics is posted on the wiki homepage under
NOTE: As of next week, all your homework assignments will be from the Barron’ Living Environment Regent’s review book.
3. Buy the Barron's review book. You will have homework assigned from it starting on Monday, June 4.

Quiz on ecosystems: food webs, energy flow, community relationships-Friday, May 25.
Final Exam- Thursday, June 7. It will cover the entire year’s worth of topics. Study ALL UNITS
May 25, 2012
1. Students that need to resubmit assignments can do so through next Friday, June 1.
2. Your final exam is now moved to the 6th of June.
3. Buy the regents review book if you have not done so already.
4. Enjoy your weekend!