Mirror and Lens Lab

Recently in science we have been learning about mirrors and lens and the images that they refract and reflect. To help us understand what we learned Ms. Miller had us do a lab on mirrors and lenses. My partner and I worked together to comlete this lab. We used differnet types of mirrors and lenses and mirrors to see the image results of different lenses and mirrors.
In this lab we took six different types of lenses and two different types of mirror and look at and through them. We record the images we see through the lenses and in the mirrors. Then we compared what we saw to what we learned and what we knew. I found it pretty interesting because most of the images came out just the way our notes said. After we finished the lab we did a lab write up on it. This was one of my favorite labs it was really cool seeing the images appear just like they were supposed to according to our notes.

Static Balloon Lab! -Claire S.

In science, we have been learning about static electricity and circuits. So to recap and have fun we did a static electricity lab. Or should I say 'labs'. Around the room there were about 15 different mini labs. My group and I traveled around the room discovering ways an electrically charged balloon can affect other materials. Some of the the labs were: bending water, salt and pepper division, rolling can and the rice krispie mini labs.
My team and I did about seven of the mini labs, until we were interrupted by a fire drill and were forced to end our testing. This was a very cool and fun experience for me to review my material and learn new things about the topic, electricity. I would do this lab again, and I would enjoy every single bit of it.

DNA Lab

     In science class, we just finished learning about biochemicals. DNA is an important biochemical in living organisms. Isolating DNA is one of the most basic, and essential techniques in the field of biology.  Extracting DNA allows scientists to detect genetic disorders, and  produce DNA fingerprints of individuals.  It also helps in the production of beneficial products such as insulin, antibiotics, and hormones.  Our fist step to perform this lab, was to gather our materials; a blender, peas, detergent,  distilled water, measuring cups, meat tenderizer, alcohol, test tubes, stirring rods, salt, and beakers. After we gathered our materials, we created two solutions.

     Our next step was to place the peas in the blender. The reason that the peas were placed in the blender was to extract DNA, and to break the cells open. A blender is a good tool for this. After they were blended well, the salt and detergent (solution one) were added. This solution breaks down the fat and protein that makes up the phospholipid bilayer of the pea cells. Then we strained the mixture, with a coffee filter and strainer.  Our next step was to measure out 25 mL of the meat tenderizer and distilled water solution (second solution) and add it to the mixture.  Finally we added the ethanol which caused the DNA to precipitate.

                                   

-Emma V.

Biochemicals

This past week in science we have learned about biochemicals and organic compounds.  We also have learned about monomers and polymers.  We have learned that protein, neucleic acids, carbohydrates, DNA, and fats are all in this group.  On Tuesday, we have a huge test on this entire section which has three pages of notes on it.  The test also talks about glycolysis and cellular respiration.  We also have to know about the different kinds of proteins, fats, acids, and carbohydrates.  I really like learning about these because it makes more sense of how your body functions.  We also have done a cool DNA extraction lab on it as well.  I have been studying a lot for this test because it is such an important test.  I hope I do well!

Haiden Burrichter

Mrs. Hartney

LA 7A

29 January 2014

Tryouts

            “Zippity-do-da,” is the name of the song that the caterpillar sings. “Alice in Wonderland,” is the play that LCC Day School is doing this year. I decided that I was going to try out for the caterpillar. It took time and perseverance to prepare for my tryout. I had to memorize the song “Very Good Advice.” I also had to memorize my lines that I had to tryout with. It didn’t take that much time considering I only had two lines, but I did practice.

            It was time for the tryouts. As I walked on the stage I was nervous but prepared. I spoke my lines perfectly. After I had finished my lines I had felt confident that I had gotten the part. On Friday, we sat in the gym bleaches and watched Mrs. Kasang as she walked out in front of us. She first started out with Alice. Sydney A. had gotten the part of Alice. She told us who got some other parts. I heard her speak the word caterpillar. “Haiden Burrichter as the part of the caterpillar,” said Mrs. Kasang. I was so happy. I am now officially the part of the caterpillar in “Alice in Wonderland.

Christmas Carol Assignment

Merry Christmas! Wait....what? It's January! Not in Language Arts class! We just read a short story called Hamadi about a group of friends from all different backgrounds who go Christmas Caroling. So, our assignment was to write Christmas carols of our own. My Christmas carol is based off of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air theme song mixed with Mercy (Lamborghini) by various rap artists including Kayne West and Big Sean. I know that rap Christmas tunes are uncommon around the holiday season so I thought I'd like to put a twist on things by incorporating modern day hip-hop with a traditional Christmas practice. I'm very excited to share my song with the 8th grade Language Arts honors class on Wednesday for three extra credit points. Students don't have to share their songs if they choose not to though. I know another girl in my class had a similar idea as mine to put a modern spin on caroling by having her carol inspired by Kendrick Lamar's M.A.A.D City. Since we sit across from each other and have similar inspirations for our music we decided to use our resources wisely by helping each other edit our songs so that we can receive full credit for them. I love fun assignments like these that let me express my creativity while learning simultaneously!