11/21/09 Blog!

This week in Science we learned and talked about many different things.

We learned about Prokaryotic cells and Eukaryotic cells. I learned that Plant and Animal cells falls into the Eukaryotic category and that Bacterium falls into the Prokaryotic category. Prokaryotic cells are simple, their DNA floats around, they have a membrane, and no nucleus. An example of a Prokaryote is E.Coli. Eukaryotic cells onthe other hand, are complex, their DNA is in their nucleus, and they have a membrane also. An example of a Eukaryote is a frog, and an example of a eukaryotic cell are Red Blood Cells. This is important so that we know how to correctly categorize cells.

We also learned about Photosynthesis and Respiration by discussing and doing research. Photosynthesis happens in the cell's chloroplast. The equation for photosynthesis is: C6H12O6. Respiration is basically 'the breathing' of cells. This is important to know because these words will commonly be used throughout our Science careers and it is important for us to know what they mean.

Finally, we talked about what plants need to survive, and came up with CO2, H2O, and Sunlight. To test this our group conducted a CO2 experiment involving providing one spinach leaf with CO2, but depriving the other. The independant variable in the experiment was the CO2. This is important because it allows us to prove our theories and grasp a better understanding of them.

11/5/09 Blog!

This week in Science, we learned about organelles and their functions. Here are some examples of organelles and their functions:

• Nucleus- The DNA- gives cells their own unique characteristics-found in both Plant and Animal Cells
• Vacuole- helps cells digest and release waste- found in both Plant and Animal Cells
• Cell Wall- Protective barrier, helps cells maintain shape- Plant cells have them, Animal Cells do not

To learn about the cells and their functions, we drew and labeled pictures of an Animal Cell and a Plant Cell. Also, we made a chart, making one column labeled Function, one labeled Organelle, and two check-boxes- one for Plant Cell and one for Animal Cell. We also made lists of 5 different types of Animal Cells, Plant Cells, and Bacteria Cells. This is important to know because cells are all around us.

We also learned about Paramecium by doing research and trying to find them under a microscope. Since paramecium are commonly found in moist areas, we observed a slide of pond water under a microscope and saw a small oval shaped organism racing around from side to side. It is important to know about Paramecium because although they are small they are also effective. Paramecium provide as food for other organisms and provide oxygen. So Paramecium make a big environmental impact.