Howell High Science Newsletter
Semester 1
Course Highlights
Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies participated in the 10th Missouri River Clean up with Missouri River Relief. Students hauled 35 trash bags full of water bottles, basketballs, gas grill tanks and more. Their mascot, a frog statute, won the prize for the most unusual animal and their Sponge Bob discovery (who lacked his pants) earned them a prize for the most unusual trash object found. The prize items are on display in Mr. Berendzen's room.
Clockwise from the top left Megan Swoboda, Jeremiah Wall, Peter O’Brien, Emma O’Brien, and Mr. Berendzen.PLTW Biomedical Science
The PLTW Biomedical Sciences classes had a great start to the year! We jumped right into the mysterious death of Anna Garcia. During the forensics unit, students worked hard to process the crime scene and collect multiple forms of evidence. Students performed DNA analysis to narrow down a list of potential suspects. Anna was sent to the morgue and students learned how medical examiners process the deceased. After thorough analysis and debate, students came to the conclusion that Anna’s death was from a natural cause. First quarter ended with students analyzing Anna’s past medical documents and determining, through glucose tolerance and insulin testing, that she was a diabetic. During quarter two, students continued to analyze Anna’s past lifestyle while learning about the disease of diabetes. They will ultimately debate if diabetes could have been a contributing factor to Anna’s death.
The PLTW Biomedical program expanded this year with the addition of the second year of the program, Human Body Systems. Students started the year by identifying characteristics within the human body that make individuals unique. They used these characteristics to perform a skeletal analysis of bones to determine the age, race, sex, and height of an unknown individual. Students were able to take this information a step further by analyzing missing persons reports that matched their determined characteristics and performing DNA analysis through a gel electrophoresis to solve a cold case. Unit two allowed students to identify the multiple ways the body communicates with itself and the outside world. Students worked together to build neuron models and to demonstrate the pathway of electrical signals. In addition, throughout the year students work with a partner to build anatomical features on to a manikin. They will continue to learn about ways the body communicates throughout second quarter as well as start their next unit on power. Pictured below are Kyle Grantham and Breanna Holland.
Earth Science
Earth Science students visited Thomas Howell Cemetery in order to gain practice in recognizing different rock types, observe weathering processes and patterns, and determine which rock types are more prone to weathering. It was a little chilly but we enjoyed the outdoors.
Physics
The AP Physics 1 classes were encouraged to get their creative juices flowing by making a video based on the question ‘How can physics save my life while I am driving my car’? The classes brainstormed different scenarios they might be interested in and the different groups were allowed to pick a topic from this list and create a two minute video. The video must include the physics principle behind the issue, and the mathematical equations worked out to prove the safety or folly of their actions. No cars or people were injured in this process. The videos turned out really well and were very creative. It was a fun way to end the year.
Genetics
Dane Galloway
Abbie Schellert, Josie Volk, Jenna Rygelski
Shannon Ford
Pre-AP Biology and Biology
Ashley Foster, Melanie Clawson, Alex Chinigo, Olivia Stephens
Sarah Wilson and Brad Beckmann
Chemistry
Pre-AP Chemistry field trip to Busch to gather picture and research active chemical ingredients was awesome! Kids engaged and excited about chemistry!
Pre- AP Chemistry students are rocking the Blog-a-sphere! Students are creating an on line portfolio full of reflections about their growth in chemistry. They are also going out and posting comments on each other’s blogs as another form of reflection. We are also completing a Star Gazing Project identifying the elements in stars and how we can look at the classification to help determine temperature and age. We are also logging emission spectra for the most abundant elements present in the star!
We also celebrated Mole day!
Claire Frank
Derek Reed, Jamesia Henderson
Tyler Kreith
Zo-Bot
ZoBot students have completed their study of Plants and have begun their voyage into the world of Animals! Students have learned the language of Plants and have worked hard to learn so many new terms and structures. We have germinated corn in order to observe the influence of hormones on plant growth, and completed a cooperative group project on Plant Reproduction. We have been in the Lab … a lot!
In Zoology, students will use their well-practiced microscope skills to investigate animal tissues and structures. Zoology will also include many labs and dissections, and will introduce students to the basic information that they will need to discuss and compare the many animal Phyla we will study throughout the rest of the course. Stay tuned! More fun times are ahead! What a great group of kids!
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Physical Science
Chemistry Club
With over 20 active members, we are a force to be reckoned with! In the upcoming months we are making biodiesel and using the fuel for boat races, making ice cream and tie dying our club shirts!