Audrey Ward - Elementary Science Blog

           In class this week, we first looked at our fast plants. It was interesting to see how they have changed over the past week and how they need to die/dry out before the seeds can drop out.       After looking at our plants, we reviewed the differences between genotypes and phenotypes. Genotype is a person's genetic makeup, whereas phenotype is a person's observable characteristics like hair color, height, etc. We then learned about mutations and what causes them. Mutations are defined as changes in DNA sequences. These changes can be deletion, insertion, substitution, or rearrangement. For example, in class, we talked about stop codons being a mutation. We were able to see how mutations and DNA codes work through two simulations. Lastly, we completed a worksheet that helped us learn what kinds of mutations have an effect on a person, and what mutations do not affect a person. We also learned from the worksheet that mutations are...

              This week, we explored the growth and transformation of our fast-plants and butterflies. We studied DNA and genetics, learning that amino acids form DNA and that DNA resembles a twisted ladder. We also discussed the differences between DNA and RNA, such as RNA being smaller and using U instead of T. Additionally, we reviewed that DNA is located in the nucleus, chromosomes are essential because they make up DNA, and DNA wraps itself around histones for packaging. Our first activity involved building our own DNA models using gumdrops. Following this, we examined how genetics from parents are passed down, with each parent contributing 50% to their child’s genetic makeup.     Before this week, I knew DNA carried genetic information.  Learning about chromosomes and how DNA is packaged reinforced what I already knew about inheritance, mainly when we discussed how traits are passed down with a 50/50 chance from each parent. E...