Jenna Dyer

  What did you learn this week?  This week, we revisited the baby activity from last week to learn more about genetics. We learned that dominant genes have a 75% chance of being passed down, while recessive genes have a 25% chance. Dark skin color is linked to a dominant gene from the parents, which connects to genotype, the genes we have, and phenotype, the physical traits we show. We also did another activity and learned about mutations. Mutations can happen in different ways, like deletions or changes, and while they’re often seen as bad, they can sometimes be helpful. Usually, they have little to no effect. Are you able to relate what you learned to what you already knew? I can relate what I learned to what I already know by thinking about how traits like eye color or hair type run in families. This makes sense with dominant and recessive genes. I also understand mutations because I’ve heard about things like genetic disorders, where changes in genes can cause problems. It...

  What did you learn this week?  This week, I learned about how DNA is packed inside the nucleus to protect genetic information and control gene activity. The way DNA is organized helps stop it from tangling, so the genes can be accessed when needed. This is important for keeping cells healthy and making sure the right genes are turned on or off. In class, did a genetics activity to learn how traits are passed from parents to children. We saw how alleles affect a child’s genotype and phenotype, helping us understand how everything works when it comes to genes.  Are you able to relate what you learned to what you already knew?  Yes, I can relate what I learned to what I already knew. Before, I knew DNA carries genetic information, but I didn’t fully understand how it's packed and organized. Now I understand that the way DNA is packed in the nucleus helps protect it and makes sure the right genes can be used when needed. The genetics activity also helped me see how all...

  What did you learn this week? This week, we looked at our plants and learned about pollination and using bees to help. We also studied butterflies and their life cycles, and my group worked on the ocean food chain. We learned about DNA  and dominant vs. recessive traits and played a turtle game to help us understand. We checked our plants and caterpillars, which turned into chrysalises, and learned about sea turtles while practicing graphing. In the lab, we made food chains for different biomes and talked about how to handle changes in food chains 2.  Are you able to relate what you learned to what you already knew? Yes, I can connect what I learned to what I already know. For example, learning about DNA helps me understand genetics and traits, which I’ve learned before. The pollination and food chains relate to what I know about ecosystems and how animals depend on each other. The butterfly life cycle connects to what I know about how animals grow and change. Everythin...