1st blog post 2014!

We have been discussing genetics and looking at processes such as DNA replication, transcription, and translation. We have learned "how" genes work. Coming up, we will apply what we have learned to examine how populations change over time. Scientifically, this change is called evolution. This topic is controversial, but that is ok. We will look at how populations can change over time, examine how humans have "carried out" natural selection, and look at how religion views this concept for conversation. In your post, you will research how the concepts of genetics and population change have been used in today's society. For example, a researcher several years ago discovered a new salamander species in north Georgia. The salamander that was discovered had different traits compared to the other species in the area. How might that salamander (the one that was discovered) affect the other salamander populations? Hunters, fishermen, and farmers carry out concepts of natural selection and population change all the time. Another example could be researching how religious views these concepts. Your post should be a grammatically correct paragraph or two explaining your topic, evidence, and conclusions. Please check the rubric on net classroom. This will count as a 20 point quiz grade. It is due by Midnight the day after we take the test. You will have about 2 weeks to complete the assignment. If you have any questions, please let me know. Have Fun!

Fall 2013: Blog Setup

Welcome to Coach Funt's Biology blog. We will research and post to this blog several times this Fall, Winter, and Spring. For setup, to post on my blog, follow these simple instructions: 1) Generate an e-mail if you do not have one. 2) Go to blogger.com and setup an account. This will allow you to follow various blogs and post on my blog. 3) Go to my blog: http://funtbiology.blogspot.com 4) See fall post 2013 and post a comment as a test. Just say hey or something We will use this blog to conduct current research in biological fields we discuss in class. We will share our research on this blog, and during classroom discussions. Coach Funt

Animal Diversity Spring 2013

For the final post, you will learn about a recently discovered animal.  In class, we have been discussing the various invertebrate phyla and characteristics for each phylum. 

What you are to do?  You will research a recently discovered animal.  The animal you choose must have been discovered in the past 5 years.   Describe the animal in detail.  The information you need to explain includes the following:  Linnaeus Classification Name (Kingdom, phylum, class, order, ...), type of symmetry, body plan, cephalization, deuterstome or protostome, how it carries out essential function like feeding, movement, respiration, excretion, reproduction, etc., where was the animal found, and other interesting pieces of information.

Again, use complete sentences in your post.  This post is due by Thursday, May 16th @ Midnight.  We will discuss the posting the next day in class.

Good Luck!

Genetics Winter 2013

In class, we have been studying genetics and how DNA is used to determine inheritable characteristics.  You will research a study pertaining to genetics and answer the following questions about the research:  1)  What is the study about and/or trying to prove?  2) What specimens are being used in your study?  3)  How does this study apply to genetics or DNA replication or transcription?  4)  Include other information that is important the reader in your post.  5)  What are the conclusions within the study?  6)  What are your conclusions about the study?

This post is due by Midnight, Thursday, February 28th.  We will share our findings in class on Friday, March 1st.  The post needs to be in complete sentences, contain proper grammar, and the links need to be included.  Refer to the blog rubric on edline.

If you have any questions, please let me know.  Have Fun!

Ecology Fall 2012

For the past several weeks we have been studying ecology.  Ecology is the study of living organisms interactions with other organisms and their environment in which they live. 

For this post, you will investigate a study being conducted or one that has been been done recently (within the last couple of years).  The study you choose needs to be related to ecology.  You will answer the following questions:  What level or levels of organization does this involve?   What is the purpose of the study?  How does this study relate to ecology?  What type of environment (or biome) do these organisms live in?  Why was this study interesting to you? 

The post is due by Monday, October 15th @ Midnight.  Do not wait until the last minute to complete the post.  If you have any questions, please let me know. 

Have Fun!

Fall 2012 First Posting (Setup)

Setting up the blog: 
Setup an e-mail
Go to blogger.com to setup account
follow the biology blog - http://www.funtbiology.blogspot.com

Post a comment to make sure you know how it works!

Blog Post #4 (Final Posting)

In our invertebrate unit, we have reviewed and discussed all the different phyla.  We have learned about how the organisms function, their body plans, and their definining characteristics for the phyla that they represent.

In this posting, research a specific invertebrate organism that scientists are studying currently.  Answer the following questions:  How is the organism classified (Linnaeus Classification System)?  How does the organism function and what is its body form?  Why are scientists studying the organism?  Why is this organism interesting to you?

Your response should be a paragraph in length, and include the link (s) to validate your response.  This posting is due by next Friday, April 27th @ midnight.

Have Fun!