A carbon footprint is the measurement of greenhouse gases caused by an individual, event, or product. Visit the following site: http://www.nature.org/initiatives/climatechange/calculator/
to calculate your personal carbon footprint (answer the questions to the best of your knowledge). Complete the following:

*Report your carbon footprint and identify three ways you can reduce this number.

*Why is it important to be aware of your personal carbon footprint? Explain.

*Please include your name at the end of your post.

No Blog This Week! Happy Holidays!!!

Autotrophs are a very important part of an ecosystem. Deforestation has been linked to global warming. Explain the connection between these two environmental problems. Do you feel humans can and/or should control global warming? Explain!

Please include your name with your post.

Research a specific molecule that must be transported across the cell membrane. Answer the following:

1. What is the molecule needed for?
2. Which method of transport is used (simple diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion, active transport, endocytosis or exocytosis)?
3. Briefly describe exactly how the molecule is transported.

This site is a good place to start with ideas: http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/D/Diffusion.html

Your molecule must be unique. Please include your name at the end of your post.

There are two parts...be sure to complete both!

Complete the following statement:

-A(n) (insert cell part here) is like a(n) (insert comparison here) because _________.

Then, write a slogan (memorable motto or phrase) for your cell part. Example: Fed Ex: "When it Absolutely, Positively Has to Be There Overnight"

There are 16 cell parts covered in class so you will need to repeat some, BUT you may not use an analogy or slogan that has already been done. Please read all responses before submitting your own and be sure to put your name at the end.

Don't forget about your test this Tues, Dec 1!

NO BLOG QUESTION THIS WEEK:

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

There are over 200 types of cells in the human body. Choose one specific cell type and give the following information:

1. The organ system it is found in.
2. The specific function(s) the cell performs.
3. One other fact about the cell.

All responses must be unique so please review other responses before submitting your own. Please write your name at the end of your response. Always be sure to check the validity of the website you are using!

Enzymes are specific, biological catalysts needed for all of the chemical reactions that take place in your body. Research one specific enzyme used in human metabolism and identify the following:

1. Name of the enzyme and its substrate and describe the chemical reaction.
2. Optimal pH and temperature for this enzyme.
3. Identify the reaction as endothermic or exothermic AND catabolic or anabolic.
4. Describe one possible effect on the body if this enzyme was missing or denatured.

Once again, you may not repeat enzymes discussed by other students so please review responses before adding your own. Write your name at the end of your post. You can Skype with your friends later!

No blog question this week (11/2- 11/5). Be sure to finish your wiki lab report on Moodle! New question will be posted next week, 11/9!

Life is all about choices and sometimes it isn't easy to make the best choices when it comes to fast food. You can go to McDonald's and order a Big Mac and a super-size fries, but did you know there are more nutritious options?? Create a menu from your fast food restaurant of choice that includes a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All meals must come from the same restaurant and include a brief explanation as to why they would be considered healthy (the explanation is the most important part so do your research- you can play Wii Bowling later!).

Visit the USDA site: http://www.mypyramid.gov/index.html for great tips on eating healthy.

Choose a fast food establishment and visit the proper menu link (here are a few suggestions):
McDonald's: http://nutrition.mcdonalds.com/nutritionexchange/nutrition_facts.html
Burger King: http://www.bk.com/en/us/menu-nutrition/index.html
Taco Bell: http://www.tacobell.com/nutrition/calculator/
Dunkin' Donuts: https://www.dunkindonuts.com/aboutus/nutrition/
Wendy's:http://www.wendys.com/food/NutritionLanding.jsp
Sonic: http://www.sonicdrivein.com/pdfs/menu/SonicNutritionGuide.pdf
Boston Market: http://www.bostonmarket.com/restaurant?id=1&name=Make%20Your%20Meal&page=nutritionSub
Kentucky Fried Chicken: http://www.kfc.com/nutrition/pdf/kfc_nutrition_sept09.pdf

As always, you may not use the same answer as someone else so review other responses before submitting your own. Please include your name at the end of your response.

Water makes up 70-75% of your body weight. While you can survive weeks without food, you cannot survive more than a few days without water. Identify and describe one specific way water keeps your body functioning properly. Answers may not be repeated- Check classmate responses! Get to work- you can tweet about how cool biology is later!

Please include your name at the end of your comment.

According to the US Census Bureau, the human population is around 6.8 billion. How do you think we can reduce our impact on the environment despite our massive population size? Do you feel the government should enforce population control policies (such as China's "One Child Policy")? Be sure to answer BOTH questions and support your responses - you may want to take a break from facebook and do a little research here! :)

SYLLABUS UPDATE (DUE THIS FRIDAY OCT 16!!!):

At this point you should have completed the following:

-Lesson of Kaibab Graph and Analysis Questions
-Relationships in Ecosystems w/s (use your foodweb to answer 2-6)
-Symbiotic w/s
-Foodweb poster with Energy pyramid on the back
-Biome Table
-Biome DRG
-Field Guide Project (should be near completion)
-EOC Environment Packet
-"What goes up must come down" graphing w/s

REMINDERS!!!!

***See post below for this week's Blog Question...

Quiz Thurs- Succession and Biomes

Ecology Test October 16- The syllabus will also be due on this day.

Check your syllabus daily- work that should be completed after week 1:
-Lesson of Kaibab Graph and Analysis Questions
-Relationships in Ecosystems w/s (use your foodweb to answer 2-6)
-Symbiotic w/s
-Foodweb poster with Energy pyramid on the back

***It is your responsibility to keep up with your syllabus assignments. Come for extra help after school if you are having trouble!

Visit the official site for Monmouth County Parks Program's Open Space Program:
http://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.asp?agency=132&Id=2588

Scroll down the page and read about other programs to conserve land in NJ: Green Acres, Monmouth County Conservation, etc.

Why are these "ambitious" plans necessary in the garden state? What are the benefits of these programs? Be sure to address both questions.

Remember to come see me after school if you have trouble commenting/signing in!

Please write your name at the end of your comment.

Choose an endangered species listed on the Fish and Wildlife site: www.fws.gov/endangered/wildlife.html#Species

Please check other posts so you do not choose the same organism as someone else. Explain why your organism is considered endangered and give 3 facts about your organism.

Please include your name at the end of your post.

Choose an organism and give the following information: common name, scientific name, kingdom, and 5 characteristics that place the organism in that particular kingdom. You may not repeat an organism that has already been used (please review other students responses before answering the question!).

***Please write your name after your response. ***

Do you feel it is necessary to test on animals for cosmetic and/or medical purposes? Explain your answer.

Welcome to our first blog post assignment! For this week, I would like to discuss classroom policies and procedures. What rules do you feel are necessary in a successful learning environment? How do you learn best?