Bio-Process Lab

Description:
This event is a lab-oriented competition involving the fundamental science processes of a middle school science program (Div. B) or introductory biology (Div. C). It consists of a series of biological questions or tasks which involve the use of one or more process skills such as formulating and/or evaluating hypotheses and procedures, using scientific instruments to collect data, making observations, presenting and/or interpreting data, or making inferences and conclusions.

That was straight from the rule book. To break it down a little all you have to do is look at the name of the event (Bio-Process) Bio for Biology and Process for Processes - Biology Processes. This event is one of the hardest, if not the hardest, study events there is. Bio-Process is a combination of many events put into one, that's what makes it hard but fun! Such events would be:


 * Cell Biology (Div. C)
 * Experimental Design (Div. B & C)
 * Redesigner Genes (No longer event)
 * Science of Fitness (Div. B)

What you need to learn:
I would start off by reading a High School Biology book, that will give you the basics. Then I would learn how to use/read a lot of the scientific instruments (microscope, balance, ruler, pipette, thermometer, graduated cylinder, calipers, beakers, and etc.). Then learn about acids and bases and what colors different indicators turn. Learn the scientific method (very important), you will use that to make observations of experiments given and you will use it to make your own experiments. You will need to know how to use or formulate a taxonomic key. Learn all about genetics, like DNA, RNA, Punnett squares, geno. and pheno. ratios and also chromosomal deficiencies. Like trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)etc. Get a book on anatomy cause you will need to know all the bones and some muscles in the body along with all of the different systems. You will also need to know blood types and which type can go with another type. Also all the bones in the body and it probably wouldn't hurt to know some muscles too. Let's see, you have to know the difference between monocot and dicots in plants. Different plant parts. You may have to disect a plant. Wow, there is a lot and I know I will forget somethings. You need to know independent variables, dependent variables etc. Know how to read food chains and food webs. Making graphs is a BIG thing. Can't forget my favorite thing -calculations on a food label. A lot of it is answering question based on graphs and the scientific method. Other things such as: respiration, photosynthesis, active transport, transpiration, osmosis, and diffusion. All that good stuff. A lot about cells - cell division (meiosis and mitosis), cells parts and functions, and difference between an animal and plant cell. Well I am sure there will be more to come when I think of it :)

Links
New York Coaches Conference http://newyorkscioly.org/SOPages/Events/BioProcess.html