September 4 - 7

Tuesday, September 4
Objective: Create a Dichotomous Key.  Describe the broadest levels of biological classification.
We are creating dichotomous keys to organize the class.  Check out this link to see how a dichotomous key can be used to name a tree based on its characteristics.
Dichotomous Key of Trees Link
Dichotomous Key of Insects Link

Wednesday, September 5
Objective: Describe the phyla of animals. Name the levels of classification of organisms and apply them to specific animals.
Powerpoint Presentation for Today - Phyla of Animals

Thursday, September 6
Objective: Describe the phyla of animals. Name the levels of classification of organisms and apply them to specific animals.

Friday, September 7
Quiz over biological classification. Study dichotomous keys (see Tuesday above), animal classification (Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species), and the phyla of the animal kindom (see link from Wednesday).
Objective:  Quiz covers all weekly objectives.

August 27 - 30

Monday, August 27
Natural Selection and Evolution
Read the article on natural selection and write about how it plays an important role in changes to living organisms.  Read the debate over intelligent design and evolution and write the strongest persuasive points by each author.  Then, write which side you think is most clearly demonstrated in nature and give supporting details.
Natural Selection Article
Intelligent Design/Evolution Debate

Tuesday, August 28
Ecology in our world.
Chapter  6

Wednesday, August 29
Alternative Energy and its effect on Ecosystems
1st, 3rd, and 5th hours: After watching the video from TED, discuss and defend your position on alternative energy, specifically noting its effect on the environment and organisms.
Debate: Does the world need nuclear energy?
2nd and 4th hours: After watching the video from TED, discuss and defend your position on using land for agriculture, specifically noting its effect on the environment and organisms.
How do we feed the world without destroying it?

Thursday, August 30
Quiz over cells, cell division, tissues, natural selection, and ecology.

August 20 - 24

Monday, August 20
Lab Safety
Safety Exam - Must pass with an 80% or better to participate in labs.
Safety Contracts - These must be signed by students and parents before labs can be performed!

Tuesday, August 21
The cell - Write organelle functions on the back of the worksheet.
Cell Worksheet

Wednesday, August 22
Cell division
Cell Viewing Lab (Lab 5, p. 21)

Thursday, August 23
Tissues and Organs

Friday, August 24
Epitheleal Tissues Lab (Lab 8, p. 53)

Extra Credit Opportunity

Open this post and place a comment in the box below with your full name and class period, and you will receive 5 extra credit points!

August 16 - 17

This week's schedule:

Thursday, August 16
Syllabus
Class Rules and Procedures
Buy Lab Books

Friday, August 17
Class Meetings -- Seniors: 2nd Hour, Juniors: 3rd Hour, Sophomores: 6th Hour, Freshmen: 4th Hour
Check out Textbooks
Introduction to Zoology - Click here for the worksheet.

Welcome Back!

Welcome to Mr. Gossen's Biology II Class.  I'm excited to have you here!  This website is built to give you all the information you need to be up to date and succeed in my class.  Check back often for updates.  There are resources available as well, such as the syllabus and applicable websites.