Heart Dissection

In Health Science we have been learning about the cardiovascular system. After studying the third and final component of the cardiovascular system---the heart, we dissected deer, buffalo, and beef hearts. Here are some pictures from our class.

Tragedy of the Goldfish...an overfishing simulation

Today in Science 10 we studied the fifth and final threat to biodiversity----Overharvesting! The students completed The Tragedy of the Goldfish activity. This activity had students go fishing using only a straw to catch the fish. Students only needed to catch two fish each round to feed their family, but most students found themselves catching as many as they could each round. It was so extreme that one group caught all of the fish out of their pond. Certainly a good example of what happens in the real world and why overharvesting is a threat to biodiversity. Here are some pictures of students fishing.

Science 10 in the News

Below is a link to the RealAgriculture webpage that has interviews from myself along with two Science 10 students who recently attended the recent Ag Career Expo in Regina. Super Cool!

www.realagriculture.com/2014/11/thinkag-career-education-expo-debuts-canadian-western-agribition

A Threat to Biodiversity!

Today in Science 10 we continued on our journey of looking at the five biggest threats to Biodiversity. Having already studies habitat loss and invasive species, today we looked at the effects of pollution on biodiversity. To study this we played, Deadly Links, a game where grasshoppers ate corn (pipe cleaner pieces), shrews ate grasshoppers, and hawks ate shrews in a given amount of time. What students did not realize was that the white corn pieces were sprayed with a chemical that was then passed along the food chain becoming most concentrated in the higher level consumers. Here are some pictures of us in action.

Think AG!

Today the Science 10 class travelled to Regina to attend the first ever Ag Career and Expo at Canadian Western Agribition. Connected to our unit on Career Exploration, student worked through seven different hands on stations to experience what it would be like to work in the agriculture industry. Agriculture areas represented included animal science, agronomy, Ag technology, food science, Ag business, etc. We had a blast and then even had time to tour the CWA before returning to Melville at the end of the day. Here are some pictures from today!

How many animals?

Today in Science 10, we did a mark recapture simulation to estimate the number of animals in a brown plastic bag habitat. The lab was timely after having guest speaker, Allison Henderson, visit our classroom on Wednesday. The students came reasonably close to estimating the actual size of their animal population. Here are some photos from today's class.

Would you like some protein with that?

Today in Health Science 20, we were so pleased to have join us, the owners of Pumphouse Athletic Club in Yorkton---Alicia and Carter. They talked at length about the importance of nutrition in their business as body builders. Alicia said that her diet accounts for 90% of her success on stage as a figure builder and only 10% of her success comes from working out. In their presentation, they emphasized the importance of protein in building muscle. In the off season half of their calories come from protein and this number increases to 75% when they are preparing for the stage! Both Carter and Alicia have won titles at the provincial level and it was awesome to hear their stories.

An Experiment on FAT!

Today in Health Science 20, we tested a variety of foods brought from home for the presence of lipids (fat). Some foods contain visible fat while others do not. In order to test for the fat, we performed a rather simple test. We placed the food to be tested on a sheet of brown paper and then placed it in the microwave for no more than 30 seconds before examining the grease spot left by the food. As it turned out, cheese left the biggest mark. The carrot muffin, chips, yogurt dipped granola bar and popcorn also left visible fat stains. Here are some pictures of our lab.

The Acidity of POP

Which brand of pop do you think is most acidic....Mountain Dew, 7-Up, or Sprite? All three varieties have a lemon-lime flavor. To determine the answer, we carefully performed a titration lab by adding drops of Sodium Hydroxide to the acidic pop and despite numerous trials on each pop the only consistent results we got was that Mountain Dew is the LEAST ACIDIC.

Raising one's Heart Rate

What effects one's heart rate? In Biology 30 we suggested factors like exercise, diet, stimulants such as caffeine, the weather, our emotions, gender, age, etc. We then performed an inquiry lab where students selected which one of the listed factors they would like to design an experiment on that would show how their chosen factor affects one's heart rate. With just two groups, one group tested the effects of cold on the heart rate and the other group tested the effects of watching/ playing a scary video game. Here are some pictures.

Ice Bucket Challenge

Today in Biology 30 we experimented with factors that influence enzyme action rate. In this test we are seen placing our hands in an ice cold bucket of water for 1 minute before attempting to break 10 toothpicks. In this activity, the toothpicks are the substrate and our hands are the enzymes. Temperature is one of the three factors we tested.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

We concluded our study of different health care philosophies today by enjoying a class of yoga. Yoga is an ancient practice that focuses on the mind and body by working with one's pranayama (or breath) while holding different asanas (or poses). Yoga is an example of complementary and alternative medicine. Here are some pictures of today's class.

Medicine Man, Hugh Lerat, Visits HS 20

It was a real pleasure to have Elder Hugh Lerat speak to our Health Science 20 class. Hugh is a Cree Indian from Cowessess First Nation who has been praticing Indigenous Medicine for many years. Taught by his Grandma, Hugh shared with our class many stories about his culture's rituals. This included the Sweat Lodge, the Sun Dance, and the Pipe Ceremony. He also packed with him many of his medicines for us to see. Here are some of the photos from today's class.

Egg Salad Anyone?

Today in Science 10 we demonstrated the scientific method. We tested whether or not it would be possible to suck a shelled hard boiled egg into a narrow neck flask without damaging it. Proving more difficult than years past, all groups were able to get the egg into the flask (some groups by pushing the egg). No groups were able to do it without damaging the egg, which forces me to ask, if anyone wants egg salad. Here are some pictures of our experiment.

We had more success expelling the contents using vinegar and baking soda!

Important Upcoming Dates

Tuesday September 2nd REGISTRATION

Wednesday September 3rd FIRST DAY OF CLASSES

Last day to submit outstanding work!

Monday June 2nd is the FINAL day to hand in all outstanding assignments! This will also be the last day to write any missed exams.

Paper ball Fight over Health Science Careers

Today in Health Science we started a Career Exploration Project. To brainstorm different HS careers we had a paper ball fight. As one student said, it was nice to be able to do this and not get in trouble.

Ready, Set, GOOOO! (The Balloon Cars are BACK!!)

Today in Science 10, we raced our balloon cars. Ranging from an A and W cup car to a frozen dinner cardboard box car to a pop bottle car, the creativity of this semester's cars was awesome! The results were fairly impressive too, with the farthest distance travelled being 5m! The fastest car to cross the 3 m line was Joel, Connor, and Tyler's popsicle car. Above is our Science 10 class and our cars.