Norton Biology Newsletter


(Last updated on Sunday Dec 8th 2002 at 4.45pm)

This no-nonsense page is primarily here to offset the problems I have in contacting you all whilst I'm away. (As you probably gather because of 'complications' I need to spend some more time off work. Also the Strike Action means that you might otherwise miss work that would have been set...) If this system works it may be a good idea to keep it as a permanent 'newsletter'. What do you think?


I will be returning tomorrow (Dec 9th); lessons back to 'normal'

Tutorial as usual. (Notices + Amy. Jenny et al in their discussion groups)

To the A2 students:


I'm not sure how far Mr Bevan has got through the work. However, by the end of Fri 6th of Dec please could you complete all work previously set AND:
1. Complete all necessary diagrams to show the various stages of meiosis.
2. To know what a 'bivalent' is
3. To understand the 2 major functions of meiosis (haploidy and genetic
variation) 4. To understand the various mechanisms (e.g. 'random assortment' and 'X-ing over" that give rise to potential variation)
(Points 2-4 I would like to think are covered well in my notes!)

I still want to 'do' Mendelism with you!
AS Students Group IB:


Please note that Mr Bevan will be taking the IB lesson this coming Monday and 1A and 1C's lesson on Friday!

In addition to the work set below, please will 'most' members of Group 1B ("my" tutorial group in the main), take the exemplar Practical Assessment material on the desk in front of my main teaching desk. It involves the determination of the water potential of potato tissue. She (the student) got a good mark for Skills A, B and C. ('D' scored 3 out of 6). You will find a pile of my mark-scheme templates (2 sheets) next to these stapled sheets. You may take these as well if you wish. eaxmine carefully!!

ALL AS Students:
1. Complete all previous set work!

2. Revise the gross and fine structure of the lungs. Ensure you can draw and label a section through the alveolus. Ensure you know the type of epithelium involved!

3. Write out the sequence of events in (a) inspiration, and, (2) expiration. These notes should include mention of the volume and pressure changes in the thorax and the type of intercostal muscles used. Please note that inspiration is active and expiration usually passive. (see my notes as well as the text!)

4. An exercise in my notes: "Why don't Whales get the Bends"?

5.Try to do a representative sample of questions from the homework booklets on the above topics.

6. New Topic " Enzymes". Use your text books (pp54 - 57). Pay particular attention to the concept of 'Activation Energy" as AQA seem keen on this!
Answer Qs1 to 6

I understand that Mr Bevan may well be taking Group 1B on Monday and the other 2 groups on Friday. If this is so I dare say an exciting experiment will be coming your way too!. Please look at this exp (and indeed all others) as potential Practical Assessment vehicles. Think about the variables and controls and possible sources of error. If unsure ... please ASK! Any problems/feedback etc please e-mail me at home

Best Wishes to you all...