Moira's STEM Classroom

I. Concept Map Objective: Create a concept map to visualize your understanding of lipids . This activity evaluates your ability to integrate ideas from the provided reading and external knowledge, as well as your critical thinking. Instructions: Use  black ink  to include information directly from the provided reading. Use  red ink  to write any questions or uncertainties you have about the topic. Use  blue ink  to answer your question and/or add related information from other sources, experiences, or your own research. Ensure all connections are clearly labeled, logical, and reflect thoughtful analysis. Submit the concept map at the  beginning  of the the face-to-face class. Evaluation Criteria: 10 points : All three colors used correctly and appropriately. 8 points : Two colors used correctly. 6 points : One color used correctly. 5 points : One color used incorrectly. 4 points : Two colors used incorrectly and/or the concept map is lacking. 3 po...

  In the world of agriculture, the chemistry of life intersects with the chemistry of innovation, creating a powerful toolkit for feeding a growing population. Lipids, natural products, and synthetic organic compounds are not just molecules—they are the building blocks of productivity and sustainability. Lipids serve as energy reserves, signaling molecules, and protective barriers for plants and animals.  Natural products, derived from plants, microbes, and other organisms, provide eco-friendly solutions for pest management, plant growth regulation, and soil health. Synthetic organic compounds, crafted by human ingenuity, offer targeted solutions for enhancing crop yields, controlling pests, and fortifying soils.  By understanding the structures, classifications, and reactions of these compounds, as well as their critical roles in agricultural systems, students can unlock new ways to innovate, sustain, and thrive in modern farming. This journey into organic chemistry reve...

I. Concept Map Objective: Create a concept map to visualize your understanding of carbohydrates and proteins . Include the content of the  videos  posted in the reading selection. This activity evaluates your ability to integrate ideas from the provided reading and external knowledge, as well as your critical thinking. Instructions: Use  black ink  to include information directly from the provided reading. Use  red ink  to write any questions or uncertainties you have about the topic. Use  blue ink  to answer your question and/or add related information from other sources, experiences, or your own research. Ensure all connections are clearly labeled, logical, and reflect thoughtful analysis. Submit the concept map at the  beginning  of the the face-to-face class. Evaluation Criteria: 10 points : All three colors used correctly and appropriately. 8 points : Two colors used correctly. 6 points : One color used correctly. 5 points : One col...

  Carbohydrates in Agriculture Carbohydrates are essential for both human life and agriculture, serving as a critical source of energy, structural components, and key players in ecological health. In agriculture, understanding the role of carbohydrates is vital for optimizing crop productivity, improving plant resilience, and ensuring food security. One of the primary functions of carbohydrates in plants is to act as the  energy source  for growth. Through photosynthesis, plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose, which fuels metabolic processes essential for the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, and other important biomolecules. This energy is crucial for maximizing crop yield and ensuring high-quality produce. In addition, carbohydrates such as cellulose form the  structural components  of plant cell walls, providing rigidity and support. This not only helps plants maintain their shape but also increases their resistance to environmen...