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~If Music Soothes the Savage Beast
Imagine How it Can Help You LEARN!~
“Songs to Learn Biology
by…”
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If you want to learn with
me,
Here’s the place to
start…
It’s not how smart I
think you are,
It’s how you are smart!
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If Singing Songs is your Thing,
You are “Music Smart”.
And people who are “Body Smart”
Can Flip like Wheels on Carts!
If memorizing is your Thing,
You’re what we call “Word Smart”,
And if Numbers make you Dance
and Sing,
“Math Smart” is what you Art!
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by J. D. DeGiorgis©2010
We’ve been workin’ on a-living,
All our cells everyday!
We’ve been workin’ on a-living,
Keeping a balance all the way (That’s homeostasis!)
We have GROWN and we’ve DEVELOPED,
We USE FOOD FOR ENERGY (A.T.P.!)
We MOVE, RESPOND, and are ADAPTED,
And when we’re older we can BREED!
We’ve been workin’ on a-living
with these 7 functions that we do.
We’ve been workin’ on a-living,
And golly so are you!
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A Biological Poem
by J.D. DeGiorgis
Living things are diff’rent
They don’t even look the same.
They have diff’rent ways of getting food,
And even diff’rent names.
Living things are diff’rent
But if you look inside you’ll see
That elephant, that flower,
Have cells like you and me.
Some people are surprised that
Bitsy bacteria cause decay.
Birdies talk and mushrooms eat,
Except in diff’rent ways.
Plant or animal, animal or plant,
There’s nothing they can’t do Without them both there’d be no life
On Earth for me or you!
Because…
Living things are diff’rent
They don’t even look the same.
They have diff’rent ways of getting food,
And even diff’rent names.
Living things are diff’rent
But if you look inside you’ll see
That elephant, that flower, that bacteria, that birdy
Have cells like you and me!
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by J.D.DeGiorgis©2010
Sung to the tune of “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”
We put the whole world into three domains,
We put the whole wide world into three domains,
We put the whole world into three domains,
We put the world into three domains.
We got Archeabacteria in one domain
Found in harsh habitats are that domain,
They’re prokaryotic in that domain,
We’ve got the Archeabacteria domain.
We got Eubacteria in the next domain,
Disease-causing bacteria are that domain,
They’re prokaryotic, too, in that domain,
We’ve got the Eubacteria domain.
We got Eukaryotes in the last domain,
single-celled or multi-celled in that domain,
They’re cells have nuclei in that domain,
We got the Eukaryota domain.
We put the whole world into three domains,
We put the whole wife world into three domains,
We put the whole world into three domains,
We put the world into three domains.
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KINGDOM!
PHYLUM!
CLASS!
ORDER!
FAMILY!
GENUS!
SPECIES!
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(pronounced Mape-FUP-pah)
by J.D. DeGiorgis©2010
Sung to the tune of “B-I-N-G-O”
There are six kingdoms of living things and MaePFuPa are their
names-O:
M-P-F-P-A, M-P-F-P-A, M-P-F-P-A,
MaePFuPA are their names-O.
Both Archea and Eubacteria are Prokaryotic Monerans M-P-F-P-A, M-P-F-P-A, M-P-F-P-A,
MaePFuPA are their names-O.
Protista are eukaryotes, like single-celled amoebas M-P-F-P-A, M-P-F-P-A, M-P-F-P-A,
MaePFuPA are their names-O.
Fungi are heterotrophs, decomposing what they grow on M-P-F-P-A, M-P-F-P-A, M-P-F-P-A,
MaePFuPA are their names-O.
Plants are multicellular autotrophs, they’re green and nonmotile M-P-F-P-A, M-P-F-P-A, M-P-F-P-A,
MaePFuPA are their names-O.
Animals are heterotrophs, they’re multicellular and motile M-P-F-P-A, M-P-F-P-A, M-P-F-P-A,
MaePFuPA are their names-O.
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by J.D. DeGiorgis©2010
Sung to the tune of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”.
The first phylum of animals Mrs. D. discussed was a sponge called
PORIFERA!
The second phylum of animals Mrs, D. discussed
were 2 stinging-celled CNIDARIANS,
and a sponge called porifera.
The third phylum of animals Mrs. D. discussed
were 3 flattened PLATYHELMINTHES,
two stinging-celled cnidarians, and a sponge called porifera.
The fourth phylum of animals Mrs. D. discussed
were 4 rounded NEMATODES,
three flattened platyhelminthes, two stinging-celled
cnidariarians, and a sponge called porifera.
The fifth phylum of animals Mrs. D. discussed
were 5 segmented ANNELIDS (the earthworm!)
four rounded nematodes, three flattened platyhelminthes, two
stinging-celled cnidarians, and a sponge called porifera.
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The sixth phylum of animals Mrs. D. discussed
were 6 mantelled MOLLUSKS,
five segmented annelids - four rounded nematodes, three
flattened platyhelminthes, two stinging-celled cnidarians, and a
sponge called porifera.
The seventh phylum of animals Mrs. D. discussed
were 7 spiny ECHINODERMS,
six mantled mollusks, five segmented annelids - four rounded
nematodes, three flattened platyhelminthes, two stinging-celled
cnidarians, and a sponge called porifera.
The eighth phylum of animals Mrs. D. discussed
were 8crunchy ARTHROPODS,
seven spiny echinoderms, six mantled mollusks, five segmented
annelids - four rounded nematodes, three flattened
platyhelminthes, two stinging-celled cnidarians, and a sponge
called porifera.
The ninth phylum of animals Mrs. D. discussed
were 9 nervous CHORDATES,
eight crunchy arthropods, seven spiny echinoderms, six mantled
mollusks, five segmented annelids - four rounded nematodes,
three flattened platyhelminthes, two stinging-celled cnidarians,
and a sponge called porifera.
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by J.D. DeGiorgis©2010
Sung to the tune of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by The Nylons
In the food chain
The mighty food chain,
The lion is the last.
In the food chain
The mighty food chain,
The zebra must run fast.
Pass energy, pass energy
With food we eat, with food we eat…
Pass energy, pass energy
With food we eat, with food we eat…
In the food chain
The mighty food chain,
Producers are the start.
In the food chain
The mighty food chain,
The sun is at the heart.
Pass energy, pass energy
With food we eat, with food we eat…
Pass energy, pass energy
With food we eat, with food we eat…
In the food chain
The mighty food chain,
Some energy is rid.
In the food chain,
The might food chain,
This loss forms a pyramid.
Pass energy, pass energy
With food we eat, with food we eat…
Pass energy, pass energy
With food we eat, with food we eat.
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by J.D. DeGiorgis©2010
sung to the tune of “Spinning Wheel” by Blood, Sweat & Tears
What goes up, must come down.
Populations - got to go ‘round.
Talkin’ ‘bout growth and factors limitin’ Population’s steady at capacity carryin’.
If you get more births,
And fewer die,
More movin’ in and fewer leavin’ by…
Talkin’ ‘bout growth and factors limitin’ Population rises ‘til capacity carryin’!
What goes up, must come down.
Populations - got to go ‘round.
Talkin’ ‘bout growth and factors limitin’ Population’s steady at capacity carryin’.
If you get fewer births,
And more die,
Fewer movin’ in and more leavin’ by…
Talkin’ ‘bout growth and factors limitin’ Population falls until capacity carryin’!
What goes up, must come down.
Populations - got to go ‘round.
Talkin’ ‘bout growth and factors limitin’ Population’s steady at capacity carryin’.
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by J.D. DeGiorgis©2010
sung to the tune of “Under the Boardwalk” by the Drifters
When elements bond
To form other molecules,
It’s their outer shell
Whose electrons they gain or
lose.
Chemical bonding
Forms molecules,
To complete with 2 or 8
electrons
Is the general rule.
(Chemical bonding)
Covalent is one (Chemical bonding)
To share electrons is fun (Chemical bonding)
Ionic bonds are weak (Chemical bonding)
Opposite charges they seek (Chemical bonding, bonding)
(Chemical bonding)
Covalent is one (Chemical bonding)
To share electrons is fun (Chemical bonding)
Ionic bonds are weak (Chemical bonding)
Opposite charges they seek (Chemical bonding, bonding)
Other atoms react
According to their outer
shells.
Covalent bonds may result
Or ionic for a gas and metal.
Chemical bonding
Forms molecules,
To complete with 2 or 8
electrons
Is the general rule
The Noble Gases alone
Won’t react to form
molecules.
Their out shells are filled
So they don’t need to gain or
lose.
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by J.D. DeGiorgis©2010
sung to the tune of “Barbara Ann” by The Beach Boys
Mon, mon, mon, mon, monomers.
Mon, mon, mon, mon, monomers.
Mon, mon, mon, mon, monomers.
Oh monomers, are organic
compound parts.
Oh monomers, we got ‘em for fats,
proteins, carbohydrates, monomers
Mon, mon, mon, mon, monomers.
Went to the mall,
My car up and stalled,
So I had some greasy cheese
For fatty acids and glycerol.
A monomer, monomer,
We got ‘em for fats, proteins,
carbohydrates, monomers
Mon, mon, mon, mon, monomers.
Saw Uncle Sid,
He nearly flipped his lid,
He said I needed meat
To get amino acids.
A monomer, monomer,
We got ‘em for fats, proteins,
carbohydrates, monomers
Mon, mon, mon, mon, monomers.
Went for a ride,
My car up and died,
So I had me some starch,
For it’s monosaccharides.
A monomer, monomer,
We got ‘em for fats, proteins,
carbohydrates, monomers
Mon, mon, mon, mon, monomers.
Went for a ride,
A new car to buy,
Wish I had its DNA
To replicate its nucleotides.
A monomer, monomer,
We got ‘em for fats, proteins,
carbohydrates, monomers
Mon, mon, mon, mon, monomers.
Mon, mon, mon, mon, monomers.
Mon, mon, mon, mon, monomers.
Mon, mon, mon, mon, monomers.
Oh, Monomers!
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A Poem
by Megan Babcock; Edited by J.D. DeGiorgis
Roses are made of cells,
Puppies are too;
Cells do the life functions
And old living cells make new!
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by J.D. DeGiorgis©2010
sung to the tune of “Over the River and Through the
Woods”
Cell mem-brane, cell wall,
cen-tri-oles, chloro-plasts,
Chro-ma-tin and cyto-plasm.
En-do-plas-mic re-tic-ulum, Gol-gi
ap-pa-ratus.
Ly-so-somes, mi-cro-fil-a-ments,
mi-cro-tu-bules, mi-to-chon-dria.
Nu-cle-o-lus, nu-clear
me-hem-brane,
Nu-cleus, ri-bo-somes, vac-uoles.
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by Alicia Bunt & J.D. DeGiorgis©2010
sung to the tune of “Yankee Doodle”
Plant cells are large and square
Animals’ are round and small.
Both have a cell membrane,
But plants also have a wall.
CHORUS
Plant and animal cells are great
They make up eukaryotes,
They have many things that are the same
And others that they don’t!
Plant cells have mitochondria,
Animals’ have them, too,
But animals have no chloroplasts,
Plants have them through and through.
CHORUS
Lysosomes are tiny parts
That help to digest food,
Animal cells have lots of them
But plant cells find them rude.
CHORUS
Animals and plants share many traits
Like they both have vacuoles.
Plants have big ones, animals’ don’t,
But animals have centrioles.
CHORUS
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by E. Makower; Edited by J.D. DeGiorgis
sung to the tune of “On Top of Old Smokey”
On top of the membrane,
Got a nice cushy seat,
On soft phospholipids
And proteins so neat.
The membrane’s a barrier,
But it can act like a door,
Stuff the cell needs
Can slip through its pores.
Most stuffs use diffusion
To get themselves by,
Moving to low concentration
And away from the high.
Some pores are like channels
And open wide like good sports.
They do not need energy
To move with Passive Transport.
Other pores are like carriers
And need expensive passports.
They use lots of energy
To move with Active
Transport.
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by J.D. DeGiorgis©2010
sung to the tune of “Old MacDonald Had a Farm”
Old photosynthesis begins here
When light’s absorbed by chlorophyll.
The energy splits H2O
Giving oxygen to the atmosphere.
With an H for sugar and an O for air,
Here an H, there an O,
Everywhere an Ohhh, aHHH…
CO2 enters and O2 leaves
By the stomata!
Old photosynthesis: Part two Is called the Calvin Cycle.
It makes glucose sugars as it turns
Using carbons from CO2.
With A.T.P. from light and H from water,
Here an A, there an H,
Everyehere an AAA, aHHH…
The Calvin Cycle makes glucose sugar
In the Stro-O-ma!
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by J.D. DeGiorgis©2010
sung to the tune of “ABC” by the Jackson Five
A.T.P
Has phosphates 1 - 2 - 3,
Gives cell’s energy
Leaves A.D.P., goes back A.T.P
With what we eat.
A.T.P.
Adenosine triphosphate
Mitochondria just can’t wait
To respirate
And burn all the glucose that we ate.
Glycolysis
Starts the whole process,
Splits glucose without mess
Or oxygen,
Makes 2 A.T.P., not generous
Mito - location
Completes cell respiration
Burns pyruvates, no hesitation,
Forms CO2
And 34 A.T.P. per glucose ration!
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by J.D. DeGiorgis©2010
sung to the tune of “Y.M.C.A.” by The Village People
Students, won’t you listen to me,
Old cells split in half not in three’s;
New cells are smaller but same,
There’s just one more thing to explain…
Mitosis happens with P.M.A.T,
Mitosis happens with P.M.A.T. -hee
Mitotic cells are the same,
Growth and repair are the game,
There’s just four ways to get to
it…
Mitosis happens with P.M.A.T,
Mitosis happens with P.M.A.T. -hee
Anaphase is third from the start,
Chromatids pull apart,
From the centromeres between
them.
Mitosis happens with P.M.A.T,
Mitosis happens with P.M.A.T. -hee
Prophase is where it begins,
Chromosomes were thin chromatin,
They’re now sister chromatids.
Mitosis happens with P.M.A.T,
Mitosis happens with P.M.A.T. -hee
Telophase is the last,
Cell’s start to split in half,
so two cells will be where one was.
Mitosis happens with P.M.A.T,
Mitosis happens with P.M.A.T. -hee
Metaphase is next in our song,
Chromatids line up along,
The center with fibers attached
Mitosis happens with P.M.A.T,
Mitosis happens with P.M.A.T. -hee
Mitotic cells are the same,
Growth and repair are the game,
There’s no other way to do it!
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by J.D. DeGiorgis©2010
sung to the tune of “Oklahoma” by Rodgers &
Hammerstein
Oh, Meiosis!
Where the chromosome number splits in half.
And the cells that form
Are eggs and sperm,
So that cows and bulls can make a calf!
Oh, Meiosis!
Turns the diploid number to the hap And the cells it makes
Are four gametes,
So that sexual reproduction is a snap!
Oh, Meiosis!
Singing, oh, Meiosis!
Homologues form tetrads that twice split Oh, Meiosis, that’s it!
M - E - I - O -S - I - S
Oh, Meiosis, that’s it!
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by J.D.DeGiorgis©2010
sung to the tune of “Mr. Sandman” by The Andrew Sisters
Father Mendel,
Give me a gene,
Make it dominant so it will be
seen.
Give it power, like a bull-dozer,
So all recessive genes it will
show over.
Father Mendel,
Give me a gene,
Make it dominant so it will be
seen.
Give it control of the trait for
beauty,
So my dates won’t think I’ll
give them
cooties!
Father Mendel.
I’m so alone.
Don’t have a phenotype to call
my own.
My phenotype makes people
scream!
Father Mendel make me a
dream.
Father Mendel,
Give me a gene,
Make it dominant so it will be
seen.
Choose it always whenever
genes segregate,
So I’ll get it, that trait so
great!
Father Mendel,
Give me a gene,
Make it dominant so it will be
seen.
Even though genes sort
independently,
Give it to me to look like Halle
Berry!
Father Mendel.
I’m so alone.
Don’t have a phenotype to call
my own.
My phenotype makes people
scream!
Father Mendel make me a
dream…
Please, please make me a
dream!
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Edited by J.D. DeGiorgis
sung to the tune of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”
We love DNA
Made of nucleotides:
Sugar, phosphate and a base
Bonded down both sides.
Adenine and thymine
Make a lovely pair.
Guanine without cytosine
Would be awfully bare!
We love DNA
It’s life’s genetic code.
Instructs each cell on how to make
Proteins by the load!
Adenine and thymine
In DNA make a pair,
But in RNA where there’s adenine,
Uracil is there!
We love DNA
And its fine base pairs.
Tells RNA to synthesize proteins with great care!
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by J.D. DeGiorgis©2010
sung to the tune of “Revolution” by The Beatles
We’re talking about evolution,
Well, you know,
Populations change over time.
It starts with over
reproduction,
Well, you know,
More are born than can survive.
But when you talk of
competition,
Don’t you know there is a
struggle to survive.
Don’t you know you’ve got to be…
The fittest…
The fittest…
We’re talking about evolution,
Well, you know,
Populations change over time.
The next step is variation,
Well, you know,
Traits come in different kinds.
Don’t you know it’s got to help
you to survive.
Don’t you know you’ve got to be…
The fittest…
The fittest…
We’re talking about evolution,
Well, you know,
Populations change over time.
The result is called natural
selection,
Well, you know,
Nature picks those that survive.
But when you say we’re only
having fun,
The environment’s going to come
undone.
Don’t you know you’re going to
be…
Extinct… Extinct…
In the gene pool you will sink…
Extinct… Extinct…
But when you call it
“adaptation”,
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by J.D. DeGiorgis©2010
sung to the tune of “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
At first it was September,
I was ‘lectrified.
Kept thinkin’ you would do
your work
And always be on time.
But then I spent so many
nights
Grading papers for so long,
And I was wrong,
On work your name was never
on.
And now it’s June.
What do you do?
I just looked into my gradebook
And I laughed at you!
You should have done the
work when
asked,
Not waited ‘til the minute
last.
If you had done that for one
moment,
You know you might have
passed!
I’m not taking late work
anymore!
Weren’t you the one who said
they’d be
here after school?
Did you think I mumbled?
Do you think I’m some kind of
fool?
Oh, no, not I.
I will survive.
As long as there are students
who still need a sixty-five.
But I’ve got no more points to
give,
Will their parents let them
live?
I will survive… Hey, hey…
I will survive!
Go on, now, go!
Walk out that door.
Just turn around now,
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