week of 26 January

Hi all,

  Depending on the snowstorm, we'll meet either one or two days this week.  However much class time we have, it is your time to keep working on your answering your brain question.  Please remember that this research is due next Monday 2 February.

  I know I've been vague about what I'm looking for.  I was hoping to just let you have fun with finding some information and not bog you down with many requirements and a giant rubric.  Just come in with your research, prepared to talk about what you found.  Don't feel like you have to have the perfect answer, just do your best.  I will collect your notes and grade you based on those and how you present.  We can decide on a point value when we see each other.

  See you when I see you!  Ms. L

DUE DATES:

• Brain question research - Monday 2 Feb

week of 12 January

Hi everyone,
  This week is a quick one!  Monday you'll work on your brain research and I'll show you another TED talk.  Thursday is time to get ready for next week's midterm.  Please remember that we have AFT both Thursday and Friday this week if you need help.

  Also --  MISSING WORK????? If you have any missing work, I need it by Tuesday 20 Jan or I will not grade it.  Please check the gradebook to figure this out and speak to me if you are confused.

  Please note for the midterm:

1. It is entirely open note EXCEPT FOR THE FOLLOWING:
     • body orientation sheets
     • alien critter
     • first page of the first test

2. If you want to schedule your exam for another time, please CHECK with me first AND send me an e-mail!

   Thanks, Ms. Leary

Links to TED talks:

Jill Bolte Taylor's talk

VS Ramachandran's talk on mirror neurons

VS Ramachandran's talk on what brain damage reveals

DUE DATES:
Midterm exam:
     • Period 3 = Tuesday 20 January at 12:00
     • Period 4 = Wednesday 21 January at 12:00
   

week of 5 January

Hello and welcome back!

  This week we will finish the integumentary system unit with the video on skin from National Geographic.  Then we will start the brain unit.  I want to discuss what that'll look like today in class. The brain material will not be on the midterm.  The midterm is cumulative for the first semester, with an emphasis on the integumentary system as you have not been tested on that yet.

  If you have another really hard midterm the day of our midterm and wish to reschedule, that may be possible but you need to speak with me first.  Please do not just show up at another time and assume that will work out!  You know the drill on midterm week...I am here every day by 8AM and available after the PM midterm at 1:30 until 2:50.

   Here's a link to an article that Blair shared with me (from Ms. Schouveiller) about study tips. I think it's really interesting!  Enjoy.

Study tip article

  As always come to AFT if you need help!  Thanks, Ms. Leary

DUE DATES:
• Skin Disorder project by Friday 9 Jan
• "Does Race Exist?" summary, reaction, questions - Friday 9 Jan
• Midterm exam:
    - period 3 Tuesday 20 Jan 1200
    - period 4 Wednesday 21 Jan 1200

week of 15 December

Hi all,
  Update to today's class notes.

Sebum helps to block reproduction in bacteria, hence the "antibacterial properties".  There are other skin secretions that form what is called the "acid mantle" of the skin and make the pH of the skin lower than it would be otherwise.  This also helps to destroy bacteria.

Hope this helps!  Ms. L

week of 15 December

Hi everyone,
  Short week this week!  Today we will finish the notes on the integumentary system.  I will be giving you an article that you will write a summary for in class either today or Wednesday.  Wednesday is a work period for the skin disorder project or anything else that is useful for you besides totally goofing off and being loud and annoying.  :)

  As per usual, no homework due right after break.  My philosophy is that you (and I) should take the time to really recharge, have fun and relax, and enjoy time with friends and family.  When I see you in the new year, then we can get back to work.

  Come to AFT on Wednesday if you need help with anything.  I have a professional day on Thursday so won't be available for that AFT.  Thanks, Ms. Leary

DUE DATES:

• Skin disorder project + abstract -- Friday 9 January (please note amended due date, changed from                                                                                           Weds 7 Jan)

• "Does Race Exist?" summary, reaction, & questions -- Friday 9 January

week of 8 December

Hi there,
  This week we'll be continuing our discussion of the integumentary system.  You will also be getting started on a research project on an integumentary system disorder.  This is due after vacation on Wednesday 7 January.  We'll likely finish up the integumentary notes before vacation.  Next Wednesday is a work period for the project.
   Please come to AFT if confused!  Thanks, Ms. L

P.S.  If you are in p. 3 and missing class today due to field trip, please let me know your top three integumentary system disorders by p.3 if you can.  I've shared the document in your folder.  If you don't have a preference, please tell me this.  Also, if you just want to make sure you don't have to look at gross pictures tell me that!  Ms. L

DUE DATES:
• Integumentary coloring sheet - Weds 10 Dec NOT TODAY!!! my bad on last week's blog!
• nothing else before vaca...  :)

update 1 December post

Hey everyone,
  Se' found this brief TED talk on an advance in stopping bleeding quickly.  It is really amazing and presents a very interesting perspective on the extracellular matrix.  My fellow science fiction fans may also think of the Borg when you see the white cube in the animation. :)  Anyway, this is just cool, so I wanted to share with you.  Enjoy!  Ms. L

P.S.  Warning...there is a simulated wound with lots of blood.

Instantaneous blood clotting video