Catalog

beakers

Poway High Science Boosters

Supporting Scientific Achievement

Biology

Mr. Toretto		Mrs. Sienicki		Mr. Mocock		Mr. Chrispeels
LAB		CONCEPT		WHAT IT COSTS

The Scientific Method Intro Lab		Students learn to apply the steps of the scientific method while working with live organisms. 2 different species of worm are purchased, Brown Planaria and common Redworms. Other materials used are micropipettes, individual desk lamps, paper towels, forceps and beakers.		$20.00/class for worms, filter paper and misc. supplies.				The McMillan Family
Intro to microscopes		Students learn to be proficient using both monocular and binocular microscopes while learning about parasitism. Each student creates their own wet mount slide as well as observes a prepared Tapeworm slide.		$20.00/class depending on breakage of slides (students aren't very skilled yet at this point)
Intro to chemistry demo		Students learn the fundamental difference between a chemical change and a physical change while also becoming familiarized with elements and reactions.		2 liter soda bottles: 15 X $1.25= $18.75 Mentos mints: 5 X $3.00= $15 Nitric acid: $10 Magnesium strips: $8 Candles: $4 Other Misc: $10 $12.00/class
Biochemistry intro demo		To learn the difference between monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides sugars, students taste small amounts of each type in the form of glucose, fructose, lactose and starch.		$8.00/class for consumable chemicals
Solution pH lab		In order to understand acids versus bases, strengths of, and how acids can interact with bases (such as in antacids), students test the pH of several common household products. Students also test several different brands of antacids to determine their performance in neutralizing the stomach acid, hydrochloric acid.		Materials needed: pH paper, phenolphalein indicator solution, milk, lemon juice, ammonia, vinegar, milk of magnesia, Coca-Cola, aspirin, baking soda, Mylanta, Generic Mylanta, Tums, Generic Tums, Rolaids, Zantac, Generic Rolaids, Hydrochloric acid, distilled H2O Cost per class: $20.00
Cell transport labs		Cells must maintain balance of fluids and molecules inside and outside of themselves. Students learn concepts such as concentration gradients, diffusion and osmosis, while also applying biochemistry concepts mastered earlier in the year. 2 labs are done simultaneously over this week long study.		Materials needed: Benedicts solution, Iodine, Biurets reagent, dialysis tubing, distilled H2O, Hot H2O baths, Digital weight scales, test tubes, pancake syrup, large eggs for each student, protein powder, glucose, starch, vinegar, air freshener $20.00/class
Cell transport and plant turgor pressure lab		Carrots immersed in saltwater, distilled water and a control group left in a sealed bag, demonstrate further concentration gradients, osmosis and turgor pressure in plants. Students measure the stiffness and flexibility as well as the beginning and final weights of the carrots to observe how things move into and out of living cells.		Materials needed: 3 X 5 pound bags of carrots, distilled H2O, salt, digital scales, Ziploc bags $10.00/class
Cell Division lab		Students view prepared slides of an onion root tip under the class microscope to observe all stages of cell growth and division. The movement and equal division of chromosomes is highlighted in this activity while demonstrating advanced microscope skills.		Cost relates to the number of slides broken each year. We buy about 1/2 a box each year. Cost per year $40.00 / all classes
Enzyme activity lab		How well an enzyme functions is determined by the pH and temperature it is subjected to. Students isolate an enzyme found in potatoes. This enzyme is tested in its ability to breakdown Hydrogen Peroxide in a chemical reaction while placed in several different conditions. Conditions include different temperatures and pH.		Colored pencils, 2- 10 pound bags of fresh potatoes, 20-1 quart containers of Hydrogen Peroxide, 4 liters of Coke, 4 liters of ammonia, 4 liters of vinegar, distilled H2O, thermometers, hot water bath, test tubes, digital handheld timers, red pens, party cups, 2 large coolers of shaved ice, 1 bag of coffee filters, blenders, strainers, masking tape. Cost per class $40.00
CSI DNA Fingerprinting with Gel Electrophoresis		MR. Mocock only Over the course of a week students face the initial covering of a crime scene followed by analyzing suspects DNA to determine a killer. Students learn to extract DNA from a person’s cell, in order to use that DNA to identify the individual. Then several suspects DNA are compared to DNA found at the crime scene through a DNA fingerprinting process called Gel Electrophoresis. The original Gel Electrophoresis equipment was purchased through a generous parent donation.		Materials needed: liquid detergent, fresh wheat germ toasted, isopropyl alcohol, shaved ice, test tubes, digital scales, crime scene tape, pipette tips, masking tape, microcentrifuge tubes, micropipette, Gel running buffer, agarose, replacement dams for gel boxes due to easy breakage Cost per class $40.00
Bullfrog dissection		Often viewed by most students as the highlight of the course the bullfrog dissection is an end of the year treat. Students use various instruments to observe and remove every body system and its corresponding organs of a large bullfrog. While some students initially cringe at the idea, it is surprising to see how quickly they enthusiastically jump into the activity with others. It is an exciting 2 day series of lab that leaves a lasting impression on everyone and is only possible through donation funding due to its costs.		Materials needed: Each team of 2 works with 1 bullfrog at $9 each team, classes are 36-38 students, each teacher has 5 -6 periods taught a day, scalpels and scalpel blades, forceps, large bags, masking tape, dissection pans Approximate cost: Bullfrogs only- $180.00/class Scalpel blades- $10 Measuring a bullfrogs digestive system….priceless!
Misc. supplies				Staplers, Tape, Colored Pencils, White board markers,