Summer+Assignment+2013

Assignment #1: Biochemistry Introduction

This summer, you will be reviewing some basic chemistry and applying that to learn about Biochemistry! In order to truly comprehend the biological concepts presented in A.P. Biology, you need a solid foundation. Hopefully you have already completed your high school chemistry course. If not, you might need to spend some additional time studying these introductory chapters.

This year we will be experimenting with a Flipped Classroom. You will get a taste of that right now during your summer assignment! If you'd like to learn more about flipped classrooms, please check out this TEDtalk.

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 * Assignment: **
 * Read and outline Chapters 2-4 in your text. A good outline covers only the pertinent information from the chapter and is written in your own words. Your outline should sound like you (not the text) and should pose questions to remind yourself where additional explanation is needed. Most of the information you will learn in AP biology is from the text. You must understand it!
 * Go to BozemanScience.com. Mr. Andersen's videos will be used as a primary learning resource outside of the classroom. Familiarize yourself with the Four AP Biology Big Ideas. Check out a few videos!
 * You should view the following videos and complete the study guides that go along with each. You will have a test during the 1st week of classes in September. The test will include topics in chapters 2-4 in your textbook (Campbell/Reece). Use the Bozeman videos to enhance your understanding.
 * **Here are the study guide questions:**





Videos: 1. Chemical Bonds 2. Water 3. Molecules of Life


 * Answer the following essays in paragraph form. Each essay is a free response that should be completed in about 25 minutes. It does NOT have to be completed in the 5 paragraph essay (or any other) format.

1. Chemical bonds are essential to building the molecules for life. a) Describe the following bond types and tell how each is significant to life on earth: ionic, covalent (polar and nonpolar), hydrogen and Van der Wahl's forces.

2. The unique properties (characteristics) of water make life possible on Earth. Select three properties of water and: a) For each property, identify and define the property and explain it in terms of the physical/chemical nature of water. b) For each property, describe one example of how the property affects the functioning of living organisms.

3. Carbon is a very important element in living systems. Describe the various characteristics of the carbon atom that make possible the building of a variety of biological molecules.

//**The above outlines,study guide questions and essays are due the first week of school. **//
= Assignment #2: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot =




 * Read the book //**The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks**//. It is the amazing story of a young, poor African American mother of five who died of cervical cancer in 1951. Her cancer cells were subsequently harvested and went on to become one of the most important tools in modern medicine. This book will provide you with an excellent introduction to many of the issues still facing scientists and society today.

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 * Borrow it from the library, or
 * Purchase it new or used at Amazon
 * or download it as an a eBook
 * There are detailed chapter by chapter questions available on this website. You **DO NOT** have to answer all these, but might find that completing them will help you remember the story and organize your thoughts.


 * After you finish reading the book, answer the following questions. These should be typed, answered in complete sentences, and should represent your best work!

1. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is the story of an African American woman and her family that touches on many big issues: bioethics, racism, poverty, science, faith and more. Which thread stands out to you and why?

2. Using specific examples from the book as a guide, describe the process of scientific inquiry. Examine the often contradictory forces of altruism and profit as they influenced research related to HeLa. What are the risks and benefits of allowing profit to guide research? What are the obstacles involved with conducting research purely for altruistic reasons?

3. The author notes social inequities both explicitly and implicitly. What parts of Henrietta's story might have been different if she had been white? What might have been different if she had been middle or upper class?

4. In the years since the uniqueness of Henrietta Lack's cells was discovered, other people have been identified with cells that are valuable for research. Discuss two other examples that are described in the book and tell how doctors used this information. Should individuals be able to profit from their own cells? Should their doctors? Should consent be necessary? Do you think Henrietta would have provided consent for her cells to be taken and used had she been asked? Support your opinion with evidence from the book.

5. Create a timeline that begins with the removal of Henrietta's tissue sample and traces the scientific and medical breakthroughs that have been made possible as a result of Hela cells. Explain how HeLa cells were used in each situation.

6. Making health care affordable to all Americans has been a recent political focus. What does the story of Henrietta Lacks and her family add to this discussion?


 * Pick out a passage from the book that means something to you in an emotional, scientific or ethical way. In other words, find a passage that "captures your attention." Type the passage (in italics), list the chapter and page number, reflect on the passage and write a response to the passage. You might want to write what the passage means to you, to medicine, to the Lacks family, to society, etc. Explain why you picked the passage and how you feel about the passage. This assignment should be one to two pages typed, 12 point font, and double spaced.






 * Here is a powerpoint that will give you a better understanding of cell cultutre and the importance of HeLa cells.