Mrs. Burd's Warrior Webpage

The year is going by so quickly and it's almost time for me to leave you for a few weeks. This will be the last blog we complete together. Ms. Burian may or may not continue the blogs, but if she decides to continue them, I thought it would be nice for her to have some blog suggestions. So, for this week's blog here's what I would like you to do...

Think about a controversial issue in science. Be creative! Think outside the box! Pretend you are the teacher and write your own blog prompt. Perhaps if Ms. Burian is planning to continue blogging, she can use some of your prompts for future blogs. After you write your prompt, skip a line and give your own opinion on your blog issue. You do not have to respond to anyone else's prompts. Make sure your blog question goes beyond "yes" or "no" answers. Ask students to give examples, provide details, explain why, etc.  As always, I look forward to reading your blogs and while I am excited to meet our new little bundle, I'll miss you in my absence. Happy blogging!

I'm sure by now you have all noticed that political campaigning for elections is underway.  Many issues are discussed and debated, some scientific in nature. Most recently, there has been discussion about The Keystone Pipeline, a controversial oil pipeline that, if approved, would run from Canada to the Gulf Coast. President Obama recently rejected the continued development of this pipeline. Some agree that this was a good idea with regard to environmental protection, while others feel we should view the economic advantages of the pipeline as a priority. Please read the two editorials I have provided for you in class and take a stance. Which editorial do you agree with and why? Give specific examples from the editorials in your response.

Happy Blogging!

Well, our midterms are right around the corner now, so let's review - blogging style.

This blog is going to be set up a little differently from most of our blogs. Here's how it works... Each of you will generate 3 "quiz" questions (be sure to number your questions 1, 2, and 3). Each question must be from a different chapter of the book. The chapters you can choose from are 1,2,3,4,5, and 7.1-7.2. Once you generate your own questions, you will then choose ONE question from the blogger directly above you and answer that blogger's question. Do not answer a question that another student has already answered. I will try to update the blogs as regularly as possible to keep this going. Again, this blog is twofold. First, ask 3 questions for another blogger to answer. Then, answer one of the questions from the blogger before you. And as always, do not repeat another student's questions! There are PLENTY of questions you can ask!

So, let's get started.... here are my 3 questions:

1. List the 8 characteristics of life.

2. List the 4 macromolecules and 1 function of each.

3. Describe the difference between exponential and logistic growth. Include the terms "J" "S" and "carrying capacity" somewhere in your answer. Then give an example of an organism that demonstrates each type of growth.


Happy blogging and good luck studying for midterms!

Winter break is upon us and midterms are quickly approaching. Since we will soon be reviewing everything we've learned since the end of August, let's begin recalling some content now. Please list 3 interesting, detailed, content-oriented facts you have learned so far this year. Do not give me a book definition of a term; rather all writing should be entirely in your own words. Also, make sure that each fact is from a different chapter. Please read all of the posted blogs before you write because you may NOT repeat what another student has shared. This will be a nice review for you, too! Happy blogging!

As we discuss our chapter on Ecology, we are incorporating the importance of doing our part to maintain a healthy biosphere. For this week's blog, I'd like you to describe one thing you can do to be more environmentally-friendly. Be creative; ask your families for suggestions (maybe they are already doing things you aren't aware of). Research ideas online if you can't think of anything. Read the papers and watch the news. Environmental issues are always a hot topic. There are hundreds of little things we can all do to help the environment. That being said, you may NOT repeat what another student has suggested, so please read everyone else's blogs before writing. If you do repeat what someone else has said, you WILL NOT GET CREDIT for your blog. Happy blogging!

In our studies of chemistry, we have spent a few weeks discussing four elements that make up 96% of living things: hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon. Let's go beyond these elements for this weeks blog. Choose any element on the periodic table other than HONC and research it. In your blog, list the name of the element and 5 interesting fun facts about the element. Make sure you understand your fun facts. If there's a term you don't understand, be sure to look it up and include the definition in your blog. You may not use the same element as another student, so review other people's blogs before you begin your research. Sharing the atomic number and atomic mass do not count as fun facts.

We are currently working through our chemistry chapter. In a week or so, we will be discussing four large molecules found in the body, one of which being DNA. Let's start thinking about DNA now... With the completion of the Human Genome Project, we now have a more thorough understanding of where genes are located on a strand of DNA. Science suggests that one day we may be able to manipulate these genes. In other words, we may have an opportunity to determine the physical appearance of our own offspring. Should parents be allowed to choose the sex, eye color, etc. of their offspring or is this "taking science too far?" Why do you feel as you do? If you had the opportunity to choose your child's traits, would you? Why or why not? In what way could this technology be beneficial? In what way could it be harmful?

As you all know, the Burd family is expecting a new addition in early March. And, it's a boy! For this week's blog, my husband and I would like you to share a boy's name that you really like. In addition to giving just the name, I ask that you also provide the following information: (1) the origin of the name (2) the meaning of the name, and (3) why you picked the name. All of these things must be included in order for you to get credit for this week's blog. If my husband and I choose the name you pick, I will give you a free homework pass. My first son, Tanner, was named by a former student, Shelbi McGraw. Even if we don't choose your name, your blog response will live on forever in Burd family history, because I print out ALL of your blogs and add them to the baby book for future viewing! Happy baby naming!  :)

In class this week we discussed the scientific method and did a demonstration with organic and non-organic apples. We talked about chemicals found in non-organic foods and the genetic engineering that occurs with certain foods. Let's take a look at another type of food that may be genetically modified in a very interesting way! Read the article "Building a Better Burger" by Susan Kruglinski and respond. Would you eat petri dish meat? Why or why not? Is this something that would persuade vegetarian students to begin eating meat? What did you find to be the most interesting point of this article?