Sickle Cell Disease

Continuing our study of cells today we covered Sickle Cell Disease. I remember seventeen years ago I received an official looking letter in the mail from our local health department. The letter informed me that our oldest had sickle cell trait, being a new mother I was upset to get such news. My husband informed me also that he had trait at that time. Thanking God I did not have the trait. Thinking back if only I had knew to ask that question when we first started dating. Not that it would have made a big impact with my decision to date him but I think that is something that should have been discussed. Three children later they all carry the trait.

We have discussed this topic in the pass with our boys but I think our oldest is the only one who truly understood what it meant. So today we researched it again deeper because I knew they all are old enough to understand. We started out looking at the disease and after I asked the big question. What does this topic have to do with us? My younger two were clueless. Then I dropped the bomb and the room went silent and eyes popped out their head. I said all three of you have sickle cell trait. WHAT!!! is all I heard them say then we have it.... 

Now this topic had their undivided attention everyone was paying attention. HOW!!! WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? So now when I meet a girl I have to ask her this question? Jaedan suggested when they meet a potential wife that they act like they are watching a video about Sickle Cell and ask if she has seen it. That way they can ease into asking questions. Gotta love that kid.

Let's just say a 45 minute science class turned into a whole day of learning about Sickle Cell and Sickle Cell Trait. This is why I love homeschooling.

Links to some of the material we covered.

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)

Fact Sheet: Sickle Cell Trait

Sickle Cell Anemia | HHMI BioInteractive

Sickle Cell Anemia -- Hope from Gene Therapy

Discovering Cells

In this experiment, we took a thin slice of cork and looked at it under our microscope. Through the lens of our microscope, we “discovered” cells, just as Robert Hooke did over 300 years ago.

We also examined our cheek cells. Which gave the boys an opportunity to do a wet mount.

Next, we examined Human Cell Mucus, Mitosis - Onion Root and Mixed Bacteria Smear slides. This week they also had lab sheets to complete and a quiz.

Below is a slice of cork under the microscope. The first and last photo above are also cork.

Death to the Prokaryotes!

One major type of micro-organism that causes spoilage is bacteria, which are prokaryotes. The experiment we performed today dealt with the area of biology referred to as food safety. Today we canned applesauce. The process of sterilizing food in containers using heat. Using a similar method developed by Nicolas Appert.

Biology Cells Prep

The next few weeks in Biology we will be learning about cells. Here are a few models I made to help us in our studies. The above are Pinterest inspired Shrinky Dink animal and plant cells. You can find more information here. Below are definition strip cards I made using Microsoft Publisher.

Our Backyard Biology Lesson

A Hidden World