What does capillary action mean to me?

In class we discussed properties of water such as cohesion and adhesion and how these properties are responsible for water traveling upwards and against gravity in plants.  Would you like a visual?  See how capillary actions works with the following hands-on activity.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=bring-science-home-capillary-action-plant

What do pancakes mean to me?

There is nothing better than a pancake breakfast on Sunday mornings!  Wondering how a pancake breakfast may enhance your study of biology? Check out this article!  (If parents are willing to help out, you can practice this science at home!)

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=bring-science-home-gluten-pancakes

What do enzymes mean to me?

Do you ever spend time in the kitchen when mom or grandma are baking bread?  Well..there are actually chemical reactions taking place throughout this process!  Our ingredients (the reactants) undergo chemical reactions with the help of enzymes (catalysts) to form products.  The following link will bring you to the site blogs.scientificamerican.com which has an awesome post about what is really going on when you bake bread.  Share this with your family next time you see them baking in the kitchen!

http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/2012/09/28/enzymes-the-little-molecules-that-bake-bread/

What do Nutrition Labels mean to me?

Now that we have discussed Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Fats and how they are important components of our diet... Let's take a look at how we can read Nutrition Labels to make healthy choices about the foods we consume.

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/HeartSmartShopping/Reading-Food-Nutrition-Labels_UCM_300132_Article.jsp

What does the Periodic Table of Elements mean to me?

Wondering how the periodic table of elements pertain to living things?  Take a look at the following article from www.livescience.com that lists important elements to the Human Body.  See- chemistry is important!!

http://www.livescience.com/3505-chemistry-life-human-body.html

What does cellulose mean to me?

As we talked about in class, cellulose is a polysaccharide (or carbohydrate).  Cellulose is a component of many foods that you likely consume on a daily basis.  Are you aware of the many forms and uses of cellulose?  Take a look at the following article from the Wall Street Journal.

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052748703834804576300991196803916

What do organic molecules mean to me?

http://www.marathonguide.com/training/articles/nutrition.cfm

Wondering how the organic molecules we talk about in class play a role in our every day lives?  It is important to properly fuel our bodies, especially when preparing for strenuous physical activity.  Take a look at a Nutrition Guide for athletes.