Download Life Science Projects Semester 1 Children`s book showing the

Life Science Projects
Semester 1
1. Children’s book showing the organelles in a cell
2. Design a species genetic project
3. Bacterial transfer project
Semester 2
1. Cardboard skeleton with correct measurements
2. Create a physical model of meiosis
3. Biological Rhythm tracking
Life Science Semester 1 Project
Children’s Book - Cell Organelle Analogies
Part 1 of the Project – Planning
1. Choose either a plant or animal cell and list the organelles you will be
including in the book.
a. Animal cells must include cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm,
mitochondria, golgi complex, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosome,
vesicle, lysosome, and cytoskeleton
b. Plant cells must include cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm,
mitochondria, golgi complex, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosome, cell
wall, chloroplast, central vacuole
2. Select an everyday object that has a similar function as each of the cell
organelles.
3. Write an analogy to show the similarity between each cell organelle and the
everyday object. YOU MUST INCLUDE YOUR JUSTIFICATION. (Ex. The
nucleus is like a brain because the brain controls and coordinates the
activities of the body). YOU MAY NOT USE ANY LIVING ORGANISM OR ANY
PARTS THAT COME FROM A LIVING ORGANISM (Ex. You could not use the
nucleus is like a brain analogy because a brain is part of a living organism)
4. Write a list of your organelles with a complete sentence describing the
analogy underneath it.
5. Write a sentence explaining your plan for the book. Make sure your plan
fulfills all of the requirements for the book:
a. The front page must have a colored, detailed, labeled picture of the
cell. This can be drawn or printed but the labels for the organelles
must be hand written.
b. The front page must have your name and the date on it.
c. The second page must list all the organelles and their functions.
d. Each cell analogy must have its own page. The name of the organelle,
the analogy, and two visuals – the organelle and the everyday object
must be on the page.
e. The book must be colorful and easy to read
Project Part 2 – Complete the book
Part 3 – Present the book to the class
Grading Rubric
Front Cover: Correctly Identified, labeled cell, name, date, 10 points
Second Page: List of organelles and functions 30 pts
Analogy for each organelle on its own page 50 pts
Colorful Visuals for the organelle and analogy 10 pts
Total Score: 100
Life Science Semester 1 Project
Design a Species – Genetic Project
Design your own imaginary species and create traits for the species that follows the
genetic rules we will learn in chapter 3. You will then design a pedigree (family
history) for the creature as well as create problems for the other students to solve
using your creatures genetic information and physical appearance.
Project Part 1
Design the creature and create a visual showing what the creature looks like.
The creature must have 5 genetic traits from the different types listed below. You
are free to create whatever traits you like (hair, color, size, shape, etc.) as long as
they follow the genetic rules.
Your creature must have
2 single-allele traits (this means completely dominant or recessive)
1 trait that shows incomplete dominance
1 trait that is controlled by multiple alleles
1 trait that is sex-linked
1. Describe each of the traits, listing the genotypes and phenotypes for each.
2. Make a small sketch or partial sketch of each phenotype next to the
description.
3. Sketch two examples of your creature – one male and one female. The two
examples must have different genotypes. List the genotypes underneath the
male and female.
4. Place the name of your creature, your name, and the date on a cover page.
5. Put all the pages in a folder.
Project Part 2.
This material should be added to the Project Part 1 folder. The pages should be
placed after the other material.
1. Pick one of your single allele traits and create a sample pedigree for your
creature. The pedigree should include at least 4 generations.
2. Create 2 Punnett squares showing the crosses of the single-allele traits.
3. Underneath each Punnett square list the phenotypic ratios.
4. Create 2 practice problems using any of the traits. These should be word
problems that use complete sentences.
Grading Rubric
Papers are in a folder and cover page has creature name, students name, date
Traits follow genetic rules, pictures are drawn large and clearly and colored
Genotype follows the phenotype, genetic rules are followed correctly
Pedigree includes 4 generations and there are no mistakes
The Punnett Squares are set up correctly, neat, the percentages are correct
The problems are well written, in complete sentences, and can be solved
10 pts
20 pts
20 pts
20 pts
20 pts
10 pts
Life Science Semester 1 Project
Bacteria Transfer Testing
This project involves testing how bacteria can spread through touch and also how
hand-washing time affects the amount of bacteria on your hands. You will need to
have a black light and glo-germ powder, oil, or lotion. The glo-germ can be
purchased from numerous online companies including amazon.com for about $20.
You will need to provide your own supplies.
Project Part 1 (DO NOT do the experiment until the paperwork has been approved)
1. Obtain glo-germ powder and a black light, and show it to the teacher.
2. Create a folder with a cover page and a page for each of three experiments.
3. The cover page should have a title, your name, and the date.
4. The second page should have the lab write-up for the bacterial handwashing
experiment, including a space for photographs or table for results.
5. The third page should have the lab write-up for the bacterial transfer
experiment, including a space for photographs or a table for results.
6. The fourth page should have a lab write-up for an experiment of your own
creation, including a space for photographs or a table for results.
*See the additional pages for the lab write-up for the first two experiments. Use
these to create the correct format for the last experiment which you will design.
Project Part 2 (DO NOT do the experiment until the paperwork has been approved)
Perform all the experiments and add the photographs or results to the lab pages.
Add page five with answers for the discussion questions. Use complete sentences.
Discussion questions
1. If almost every surface we touch is inhabited by bacteria, why don't bacterial
infections occur more often?
2. Name 3 ways you might prevent the spread of bacteria each day.
3. What effect, if any, did increased washing time have on the percentage of
"germ" coverage on your hands?
4. Name 3 areas of your home that are most susceptible to bacterial
contamination.
5. Explain steps you could take to prevent the spread of bacteria to other
places in your home.
6. What surprised you about these experiments?
7. If you could do another experiment, what would you like to test next?
Grading Rubric
Front Cover: Correctly titled name, date
10 pts
Second Page: Complete lab report, complete sentences
20 pts
Third Page: Complete lab report, complete sentences
20 pts
Fourth Page: Complete lab report, complete sentences
20 pts
Fifth Page: All discussion questions answered, complete sentences 20 pts
The entire report is neat, typed, and in a folder
10 pts
Total Score: 100
Handwashing Experiment
Introduction (you may use this introduction or write your own)
Bacteria can reproduce at very rapid rates whenever conditions are favorable, as
often as every 20 minutes doubling in number. The bacterial population is kept in
check by the natural defenses of the host, such as the immune system and proper
washing habits. When these natural defenses fail, bacteria can quickly become a
problem.
The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that the best way to
prevent bacterial spread and infection is through the use of proper sanitary
techniques. Perhaps the most critical step in this prevention is the use of proper
hand washing. When improperly washed, your hands are one of the most easily
colonized areas of your body and many of our behaviors involve the use of our
hands. Proper hand washing requires the use of water as hot as you can stand, soap,
and lots of rubbing. The soap and water serve to destroy bacteria, and the rubbing
helps slough off dead skin cells along with lots of bacteria.
Objective
This lab will model the effect on hand-washing on the amount of bacteria on hands.
Materials
Glo-germ powder, oil, or lotion
Hand soap
Water
Paper Towels
Timer
Black light
Lab Sheet
Pencil
Method
1. Spread a small amount of Glo-germ over your hands making sure to get it in hard
to clean areas around and under your fingernails.
2. Examine your hands using the black light. Estimate the percentage of your hand
that is covered by Glo-germ. Record this percentage under time zero.
3. Wash your hands for 10 seconds and then recheck using the black light.
Estimate the percentage of your hand that is covered by Glo-germ and record it.
4. Wash your hands for 10 more seconds and record the results under 20 sec. Do
not apply any more Glo-germ.
5. Wash your hands for 10 more seconds and record the results under 30 sec.
6. Wash your hands for 30 more seconds and record the results under 60 sec.
7. Wash your hands for 60 more seconds and record the results under 120 sec.
ResultsT
0 sec
Percent
Covered
with
Glo-germ
10 sec
20 sec
30 sec
60 sec
120 sec
Bacterial Transfer Experiment
Introduction (you may use this introduction or write your own)
Bacteria can be found on virtually every surface we touch. Most of the time our
immune system can defend us against infection. Some bacteria, however, cause
illness. An illness that can spread from one person to another is called a contagious
illness. The most common method for a contagious illness to be transferred is by
touch.
Objective
This lab will model how bacteria can transfer from one person to others.
Materials
Glo-germ powder, oil, or lotion
Pencil
Willing participants
Lab Sheet
Black light
Method
1. Obtain the permission from a group of people willing to participate in this
experiment. The event should be a regular activity like eating dinner or playing
games with friends where there is plenty of interaction. There should be a
minimum of 4 people but there does not have to be a maximum number.
2. Spread a small amount of Glo-germ over one participants hands making sure to
get it in hard to clean areas around and under the fingernails.
3. Examine the hands using the black light. Estimate the percentage of the hands
that is covered by Glo-germ. Record this percentage under Subject One
4. Have all subjects interact normally.
5. After no less than 30 minutes check all the participants hands under the black
light. You can also check items that participants handled. Record the
percentages and make notes about other observations.
Results
Subject 1
Subject 2
Subject 3
Subject 4
Subject 5
Subject 6
(infected)
Percent
Covered
with
Glo-germ
Observations
Life Science Semester 2 Project
Life-size Skeleton Model
Project Part 1 Measuring and planning
1. Using your body measure the length and width of the following bones:
Cranium, mandible, clavicle, scapula, humerus, radius, ulna, mandible,
sternum, ribs, spine from pelvis to neck, neck vertebrae, metacarpals (back of
hand), hand phalanges (fingers), pelvis, femur, tibia, fibula, tarsals,
metatarsals, foot phalanges (toes).
2. Type up a list of these parts and their measurements. Label the paper “skeletal
measurements” and make sure your name and the date are on the paper.
4. Using complete sentences, write a paragraph explaining what materials you
will use, how you will measure them, and how you will attach them to create
your life-sized skeleton model.
Part 2 (DO NOT start on this part of the project until your paperwork is approved)
1.
Create your skeleton using the measurements and procedure from
project part one.
2.
Neatly label each bone with the correct name.
3.
Neatly label the back of the skeleton with your name and the date.
4.
Grading Rubric
Bones are all correctly measured
25 pts
Bones all have the correct shape and are correctly labeled
25 pts
All required bones are included
25 pts
The skeleton is neat, colorful, and easy to read
25 pts
Total Score: 100
Life Science Semester 2 Project
Model of Meiosis
Project Part 1 Planning
Meiosis is the process by which cells divide to create eggs or sperm. You must
either create 3D models to demonstrate meiosis or create a flip book showing the
process. The models cannot be a poster or paper. Then, you must create a page to
go with the model or flip book describing the process from beginning to end.
1. List the steps in meiosis that your model or flip book will demonstrate.
2. Write out the plan for the model using complete sentences. This plan must
include the materials you will need, the colors/labels you will use, and a
description (drawings are okay) of each of the stages and how you will
portray them.
Project Part 2
(DO NOT create the model or book until the paperwork has been approved)
Create the model or flip book.
Grading Rubric
3D Model
Each stage of meiosis is accurately represented and labeled 50 pts
Colors, shapes, and sizes are consistent
20 pts
Design is creative, neat, and well-made
20 pts
The meiosis description is detailed and in complete sentences 10 pts
Flip Book
Each stage of meiosis is accurately represented and labeled 50 pts
Colors, shapes, and sizes are consistent
20 pts
Flipping the book shows the animation
20 pts
The meiosis description is detailed and in complete sentences 10 pts
Life Science Semester 2 Project
Biological Rhythm Tracking
This project involves tracking some common biorhythms and graphing the results in
order to find a pattern.
Project Part 1 (DO NOT do the experiments until the paperwork has been
approved)
1. Create a folder with a cover page and a page for each of three experiments.
2. The cover page should have a title, your name, and the date.
3. The second page should have the lab write-up for the temperature
biorythm experiment, including a space for photographs or table for
results.
4. The third page should have the lab write-up for the animal biorhythm
experiment, including a space for photographs or a table for results.
5. The fourth page should have a lab write-up for an experiment of your own
creation, including a space for photographs or a table for results.
*See the additional pages for the lab write-up for the first two experiments. Use
these to create the correct format for the last experiment, which you will design.
Project Part 2 (DO NOT do the experiment until the paperwork has been approved)
Perform all the experiments and add the results to the lab pages.
Add a graph for each set of data. Add a final page with answers for the discussion
questions. Use complete sentences.
Discussion questions
1. Did you discover a connection between temperature and time of day? If so,
describe it in detail.
2. Did the animal show biorhythm patterns? If so, describe them in detail.
3. What surprised you about these experiments?
4. If you could do another experiment, what would you like to test next?
Grading Rubric
Front Cover: Correctly titled name, date
10 pts
First Experiment: Complete lab report including graph
20 pts
Second Experiment: Complete lab report, including graph
20 pts
Third Experiment: Complete lab report, including graph
20 pts
Fifth Page: All discussion questions answered, complete sentences 20 pts
The entire report is neat, typed, and in a folder
10 pts
Total Score: 100
Temperature Biorythm Experiment
Introduction (you may use this introduction or write your own)
There are daily rhythms to many of our physiological functions and activities our sleep, body temperature, alertness, neurotransmitter levels, etc. Many of these
rhythms run on a cycle of about 24 hours. Rhythms that run on this 24 cycle are
called "Circadian Rhythms". "Circa" comes from the latin word meaning "around"
and "dies" comes from the word "a day". Even if you lived in a dark cave and didn't
know what time it was, the cycles would still exist and they would hold to the 24
hour rhythm. One of these biorhythms is our temperature.
Objective
This lab will study the temperature of a student over the course of three days in order to
try to find a biorhythm.
Materials
Thermometer
Pencil
Clock
Lab Sheet
Method
1. Get an oral thermometer that is sensitive to 0.1 degree and learn how to use
it properly. Do not eat or drink anything for 10 minutes before you take your
temperature.
2. Take your temperature regularly over the course of three days. Take the
temperature every two hours or as close to every two hours as possible from
the time you get up to the time you go to bed. Record the time and the
temperature.
3. Graph the times and the temperature. The X-axis should be the time and
the Y-axis is the temperature. See if you can find a pattern.
Results
Day
Time
Time Time
Time
Time
Time
Time
Time
Time
of Day of Day of Day of Day of Day of Day of Day of Day of Day
1
2
3
Analysis: Graph the results
Animal Biorythm Experiment
Introduction (you may use this introduction or write your own)
People have biorhythms and so do animals. The animals often have different
biorhythms than humans. It is possible to track and graph animal biorhythms in
order to find their patterns of behavior.
Objective
This lab will examine the behavior of animals in order to determine the biorhythms.
Materials
Pet
Pencil
Clock
Lab Sheet
Method
1. Observe your pet over the course of a week. Do not disturb the animal when
you are observing it.
2. Record the time of day the animal eats, sleeps, or does some other behavior
3. Graph the behavior against the time of the day in order to determine if there
is a pattern
Results
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Eating
Put the
times
the
animal
eats
here
Sleeping
Other
Behavior
Analysis: Graph the results