End of the Road

As Andrew (in general biology) so aptly pointed out yesterday, "Wow!  This is your last class at TASIS ever!"  This fact hadn't really dawned on my yet, so thanks Andrew for bringing it to my attention :)

You have been a wonderful and entertaining IB class.  Ms. Bloodworth is an excellent teacher who not only knows her stuff, she is also an examiner for the IB, so you'll have even more insight into what the IB is looking for with IA's and exams.

Right now you're taking your final exam, hopefully feeling confident in your answers.   I'm aiming to have these graded by 10am on Thursday, so after that time you may email me if you want to know your grade.

Have a wonderful summer!

Ms. Saxe

IA Write Up Due - Thursday May 24

On Thursday May 24th, your data collection and processing / conclusion and evaluation components of the IA are due.  You must bring a printed copy of this to class.  Be sure to look at the information on www.i-biology.net

Leaf Disk Assay

If you've been wondering what we've been doing since the last post, we've still been working on the leaf disk assay.  Below is the student progress chart.  Each "X" represents one trial and each trial can take between 15 and 25 minutes to run, depending on how long it takes the leaf disks to sink.

The 0% solution will be just the soap and water solution, without any sodium bicarbonate.  This serves as the control.  Remember to also record qualitative observations!!

Leaf Disk Assay Updates

Today H period tried using the ivy from behind DeNobili and had moderate success.  One thing we learned is that the infiltration of the leaf disks works better when there are fewer disks in the syringe.

We will no longer add baking soda to the cup, just the baking soda and water solutions.

You may choose to change the concentrations of the solutions to 0.5%, 1% etc.  Tomorrow we will make the final decision for the concentrations.

Floating Leaf Disk Assay

In addition to the procedure in the post below, here are some notes:

Add 2.5g of Sodium Bicarbonate (not 3cm)

The independent variable you decided on is to vary the concentration of sodium bicarbonate in solution:

2% (0.15g)
4%
6%
8%
1%

To ensure the 'freshness' of the leaves, we will use ivy from the wall behind the science labs.

Photosynthesis IA

Read about your next IA here.  Take notes on the procedure.  We will be starting this IA on Monday.

Photosynthesis PowerPoints

Below are the PowerPoints from i-biology.net.  On Monday we will be starting your last IA of the year (a DCP and CE).

Topic 3.8 (Core)

Photosynthesis (3.8 Core)

View more presentations from Stephen Taylor

Topic 8.2 and Option C

Photosynthesis (C4 & AHL)

View more presentations from Stephen Taylor

DBQ's - Photosynthesis

That's right, it's been a while since your last DBQ.  Today we worked through the DBQ's on page 105 and 106 as a class.

Remember that your Design IA is due on Friday!