New Beginnings

In Biology, we find that all living things have a beginning and an ending.  The fertilized egg of a frog becomes a tadpole on its way to becoming a fully grown adult frog.  An adult frog eventually becomes food for decomposers - returning nutrients back to the soil. Or the amoeba undergoes mitosis - often referred to as asexual reproduction to give rise to new amoebas. This endless cycle of beginnings and endings is constantly around us even when we are blissfully unaware. And yet in life, we experience numerous changes that we refer to as beginnings and endings - times  or events that allow us to reflect, ponder, or sometimes to be thrust into new or different situations.  

Another school year has ended and in this ending are lots of new beginnings.  Seven years ago we began homeschooling our four children.  This spring, our oldest son graduates bringing his high school years to an end while at the same time ushering in the beginning of a new job and new directions for him.  Another son, finishes school and embarks on preparing to take a few classes at the local community college as part of his high school curriculum in the fall.  And finally, our youngest son continues to grow and learn about the world around him.  Our daughter, already married awaits more changes as she looks forward to being reunited with her husband at an army base...somewhere ...some time in September.  So changes - beginnings and endings don't just mark the school year but are rather part of life.  

As a parent, a teacher, I love the spring - wrapping up a school year, enjoying a different pace of life, planning for next year.  But this year especially has been eye opening.  As my children get older and more independent, I may have more time to begin new things as well.  But all of this change - am I ready for something new?  Am I willing to give up a few things to gain something else?  Or do I choose to become better at what I'm already doing?  And in the end, no matter what I choose or what you choose, God blesses us and we eventually face new beginnings and endings once again.  

Hello 2016-17 Biology Students

Welcome 2016-17 Biology Students! 

What is Biology?  Bio is a prefix meaning 'Life' and ology is a suffix meaning 'study of', therefore Biology is the study of life.  There are many branches of Biology and we will touch on many of them. I created this blog in order to help you learn the material we will cover this year, but I also hope that you will find additional information on the areas you find interesting. 

On the Info Page, you will find links to the student letter, the syllabus, and other information that will be useful through out the year.

On each module page, you will find links to various kinds of worksheets from each module, interesting links to youtube videos or other sites that might prove helpful in explaining various concepts that we are studying.

The following link is from your textbook and is used for Exp. 1.1. It can be printed or saved and used for Exp. 1.1.

 Biological Key for Exp 1.1 from Apologia Textbook Biological Key for Homework Assignment

Try using this interactive key to identify the Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, and maybe even family for the organism pictured  below.  Good Luck!  Interactive Classification Key  Additional pictures of this critter are on a previous post (Welcome 2015-16).

What is it?

Flowering Plants

Only 5 weeks left of Biology class. This week we will be exploring the life cycle of Angiosperms (flowering plants).  I have updated the Mod 15 page to include diagrams about the life cycle of these plants.  Check back next week to find information about our next dissection.  It's going to be fun!

 
African Violets.

I received my first African Violet plant from a special Aunt while living in St. Louis.  I set the plant on my window sill at work and was able to grow new plants by placing a leaf in water to generate a new plant. Sadly, none of these plants survived our next few moves.

Recently, I was given this African Violet and the blooms are beautiful. It's amazing because I always forget to give it water! And every time I look at it, I remember my Aunt, and all the good times we've had with extended family.  A degree in Biology may not be for everybody but it is the study of living organisms. And what a great way to be reminded that as part of God's creation, we are rooted in our heritage even though we may be planted miles apart. We will bloom where we are planted and pass on that heritage to future generations.

Great flower to observe the Carpel and the Stamen!

Welcome 2015-16!

                         

Welcome 2015-16 Biology Students! It is my hope that this page will provide useful and perhaps entertaining information that will help you learn and enjoy Biology. On each module page, you will find links to various kinds of worksheets from each module, interesting links to youtube videos or other sites that might prove helpful in explaining various concepts that we are studying. I also hope to add trivia, fun facts, polls, and fun quiz like questions. 

The following link is from  your textbook and is used for Exp. 1.1

 Biological Key from Apologia Textbook Biological Key for Homework Assignment

Try using this interactive key to identify the Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, and maybe even family for the organism pictured on the below.  Good Luck!  Interactive Classification Key 

What is it?
Use the key to classify.

Another view.

Check out those toes!