Apologia Biology: Module 7, Cellular Reproduction and DNA

Posted by jlsgrant in Apologia Biology on November 13, 2010

It’s hard to believe that we’re almost halfway through this course!   Hang in there, it won’t be long until we get to the dissections.  I’m sure you’re all looking forward to the pictures!

In doing research online for some outside educational sources, I found this video that creatively explains Mitosis:

The following links may help with understanding the difference between Mitosis and Meiosis:

Animal Cell Mitosis Interactive at Cells Alive

Animal Cell Meiosis Interactive at Cells Alive

A big thanks to Applie’s Place for finding that excellent video.  You can also find a fun project for making Play Dough Mitosis over at Applie’s Place.  If you have extra time, why not try extracting your own DNA using this technic:  Extract Your Own DNA!

Just one more thing…Here’s a video on how Vaccinations work to prevent illness.

Module 7:  Co-Op and Experiments (Microscopic Images)

Study Link:  Flashcards & Games at Quizlet.com

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The Write Foundation: Essay Writing

Posted by jlsgrant in Curriculum Reviews on November 10, 2010

   

Here is how the fine folks at The Write Foundation describe this product:

“The Write Foundation is a teaching system designed to equip students with writing tools which they will use repeatedly as they learn to use them effectively. Writing is fun when students are silly or write on topics where they have a high interest level and the more they enjoy writing the easier the task.  This is not a literature course and the example brainstorms, outlines and paragraphs are written on the student’s level.  Students will learn the writing process, organizational structure, as well as various grammar and descriptive tools.”  
 
 “Many writing curricula focus on the different types of writing, such as creative writing, story writing, poetry writing, persuasive writing, argumentative writing, informative writing, descriptive writing, book writing, fiction writing, novel writing, but the basic foundation of writing is assumed. The Write Foundation begins with the writing process, how a student formulates a topic, then a thesis, then supporting points, and by incremental teaching drills in the basics. In most grammatical subjects, we have found that failure is almost totally because the basics have not been learned.”
 
For more information on how it works, visit the Information page on The Write Foundation website.   You can also download samples of their lesson plans and worksheets.  

 

The teacher’s manual includes sample lesson plans to complete each lesson with either a five day schedule or ten day schedule.  A sample five-day schedule would look like this: 

Day 1: Sentence Structure & Practice (For example, practicing 3rd person, transitions, using adjectives, clauses, etc.)

Day 2:  Teacher Writing Instructions

Day 3:  Student works on Paragraph Writing Assignment

Day 4:  Student completes Paragraph Assignment

Day 5:  Poetry & Literary Concepts (similes, alliteration, hyperpole, etc.) and MindBenders, by The Critical Thinking Company

We found this curriculum to be very thorough in its content, but a little difficult to follow in the beginning.  As a visual learner, I love the idea of using colored highlighters in reviewing literary samples.   For example, in the first lesson the story of the Prodigal Son is used.  The introductory paragraph is highlighted in pink, situation encountered is highlighted in blue, rising action is colored yellow, solution is green, results are colored orange, and finally the conclusion is colored pink again.   The student then uses that as part of their brainstorming to come up with their own original story. 

This curriculum goes beyond just writing instruction.  It also incorporates grammar, critical thinking, and includes a list of required reading which will give the students great examples of many of the concepts they are learning.

  

  

  

Product Classification:  Writing Curriculum (Christian Based)

Where it can be found:  The Write Foundation

How Much?:  $65 – $100 plus shipping and tax**

Who would benefit:  14 – 17 year olds

Other Products Available for younger students:

Level 1:  The Sentence to Paragraph 

Level 2:  The Paragraph

**Uses Mind Benders, a product of The Critical Thinking Company, sold separately

 

 

 

Disclaimer:  Members of the TOS Homeschool Crew were given copies of The Write Foundation:  Essay Writing, Lessons 1 – 15  in exchange for their honest review of this product.  No other compensation has been received.

For more reviews on this product, please visit:

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