Honors Biology QCCQ's (Quote, Comment, Connection & Comment)
The Omnivore's Dilemma QCCQ #1
Q - Quote: Select a quote from the pages you have read that you feel is significant. Place the quote at the top of the page in the following format: “Plants are nature’s alchemists, expert at transforming water, soil and sunlight into an array of precious substances, many of them beyond the ability of human beings to conceive, much less manufacture.” Michael Pollan from The Botany of Desire. p xix
“It appears to perfect media storm of diet books, scientific studies, and one timely magazine article.” Michael Pollan from The Omnivore’s Dilemma. p 2
C - Comment: Comment on the meaning of quote. Explain the science/biology content that is related to the quote. Explain why it is significant in the reading and explain why you chose it.
This quote was very creatively written and shows that a bad sequence of events that quickly created a national eating disorder. It does not particularly have biology content however it later discusses the importance of carbohydrates. This quote shows meaning because it puts the question “ What should we have for dinner?” into perspective and shows the reader that the simple question has become so complicated. I chose this quote because it shows that we are so focused on being physically healthy but can negatively affect us mentally.
C - Connection: Discuss connections related to the quote. For example...How can you connect the quote with current science in the news or with current content in biology class? Does the quote have any personal meaning to you?
This quote connects with the current content in the news and in biology class. In the news we see a new diet almost once a week and more recently convenience stores on the east coast are trying to ban large soda cups. Sometimes I feel like we are heading in the right direction and are trying to stop child obesity however at the del mar far we have sloppy joes on Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Health is a very common topic you see everyday, everywhere.
Q - Questions: What questions do you now have about the topic? What does this make you want to know or learn more about?
After reading the first chapter, I want to learn more about how we can make sure that we are getting all of the nutrients in every meal. The following are questions:
1. What is a lacto-vegetarian?
2. Will the author eventually give answers about what to eat? Will he provide recipes or just tips?
3. What does omnivorousness mean?
4. Where do calories come from?
5. Do people change their minds after reading this book? This might persuade me to become a vegetarian.
The Omnivore's Dilemma QCCQ #2
Q - Quote: Select a quote from the pages you have read that you feel is significant. Place the quote at the top of the page in the following format: “Plants are nature’s alchemists, expert at transforming water, soil and sunlight into an array of precious substances, many of them beyond the ability of human beings to conceive, much less manufacture.” Michael Pollan from The Botany of Desire. p xix
“The notion began to occupy me a few years ago, after I realized that the straightforward question “What should I eat?” could no longer be answered without first addressing two other even more straightforward questions: “What am I eating? And where in the world did it come from?” Michael Pollan from The Omnivore’s Dilemma. p 17
C - Comment: Comment on the meaning of quote. Explain the science/biology content that is related to the quote. Explain why it is significant in the reading and explain why you chose it.
I chose this quote because I believe that this is the thesis of the story. Michael Pollan is explaining his motivation for writing this book. This quote means that he needs to answer the questions “What am I eating? And where in the world did it come from? in order to answer “What should I eat?” This has always been something that interests me and I appreciate that Pollan is thoroughly explaining his reasoning might change my eating habits.
C - Connection: Discuss connections related to the quote. For example...How can you connect the quote with current science in the news or with current content in biology class? Does the quote have any personal meaning to you?
In the news I have not seen anything related on this topic recently but it is related to what I am learning in biology at the moment. We are learning about the organelles of cells. I learned that plants cells, meaning the vegetables that Pollan is discussing in the Omnivore’s Dilemma, have a cell membrane and a cell wall. Animal cells including human cells do not have a cell wall but they all have a cell membrane. The quote does not have any personal meaning to me except that I am now paying more attention to what I am putting into my body everyday.
Q - Questions: What questions do you now have about the topic? What does this make you want to know or learn more about?
1. Are there safety regulations on expiration dates across the country? The coating on the cardboard the food was shipped in coats the vegetable and if we know this, are there any laws about preventing the exposure?
2. Why do the descendents of the Maya living in Mexico refer to themselves as the “corn people”?
3. How is corn found in frosting? What percent? I want to learn more about how the food pyramid has changed over time and if that affects obesity.
The Omnivore's Dilemma QCCQ #3
Q - Quote: Select a quote from the pages you have read that you feel is significant. Place the quote at the top of the page in the following format: “Plants are nature’s alchemists, expert at transforming water, soil and sunlight into an array of precious substances, many of them beyond the ability of human beings to conceive, much less manufacture.” Michael Pollan from The Botany of Desire. p xix
“By the 1970s the process of refining corn into fructose had perfected , and high fructose corn syrup-which is a blend of 55 percent fructose and 45 perfect glucose that tastes exactly as sweet as sucrose-came onto the market. Michael Pollan from The Omnivore’s Dilemma. p. 89
C - Comment: Comment on the meaning of quote. Explain the science/biology content that is related to the quote. Explain why it is significant in the reading and explain why you chose it.
This quote explains the breakthroughs in food science that took place in the 1970s. This shows that scientists and how much dedication it took to make these theories about what food we need to give to our bodies so that we are healthy. It is mind blowing that the food on my dinner plate is o complex and required so much research to find that an enzyme called glucose isomerase could transform glucose into the much sweeter sugar molecule called fructose. The Corn Refiner’s Association “broke the sweetness barrier and discovered that today, corn is one of the most valuable food products filled with nutrients. I learned that
C - Connection: Discuss connections related to the quote. For example...How can you connect the quote with current science in the news or with current content in biology class? Does the quote have any personal meaning to you?
The chapters that I last read relates to what I am learning in biology because we are learning about the genetics and the importance of timing and in these chapters I learned that timing is essential when going through the mill process. The quote has no personal meaning to me except that I am very observant of the amount of vegetables are in my diet. I have found myself more attracted to trying new foods because of this book and I really appreciate that.
Q - Questions: What questions do you now have about the topic? What does this make you want to know or learn more about?
1.) Do food cells have nuclei?
2.) What is the purpose or corn syrup?
3.) What is maltodextrin?
The Omnivore's Dilemma QCCQ #4
Q - Quote: Select a quote from the pages you have read that you feel is significant. Place the quote at the top of the page in the following format: “Plants are nature’s alchemists, expert at transforming water, soil and sunlight into an array of precious substances, many of them beyond the ability of human beings to conceive, much less manufacture.” Michael Pollan from The Botany of Desire. p xix
“Judith, Isaac, and I together consumed a total of 4,510 calories at our lunch -- more than half as many as we each should probably consume in one day.” Michael Pollan from The Omnivore’s Dilemma. p 117
C - Comment: Comment on the meaning of quote. Explain the science/biology content that is related to the quote. Explain why it is significant in the reading and explain why you chose it.
This quote insignificant but I found it interesting because the author is explaining his meal from McDonalds. He mentions that supersized portions of cheap corn-fixed carbon “solves the problem of the fixed stomach; we may not be expanding the number of eaters in America, but we’ve figured out how to expand each of their appetites, which is almost as good.” This means that humans look for fulfillment in corn but do not get as filed as they should with other foods such as fruits and vegetables. In honors biology, as I follow along in the digestion section, I am leaning how these fats are being digested from beginning to end.
C - Connection: Discuss connections related to the quote. For example...How can you connect the quote with current science in the news or with current content in biology class? Does the quote have any personal meaning to you?
In the last QCCQ I did, I mentioned that people are very calorie conscious whereas now after reading this I am learning that calories are important and we should watch our calorie intake but I think there is a huge difference of eating a 100 calorie pack of cookies and 100 calories of carrots and hummus. In biology class, I am learning about digestion in my SAT subject test book and Michael Pollan mentions this process on the same page as my quote.
Q - Questions: What questions do you now have about the topic? What does this make you want to know or learn more about?
1.) What does the author want to take away from this chapter?
2.) How can we limit our calorie intake?
3.) About how many calories should we have a day?
The Omnivore's Dilemma #5
Q - Quote: Select a quote from the pages you have read that you feel is significant. Place the quote at the top of the page in the following format:
“Plants are nature’s alchemists, expert at transforming water, soil and sunlight into an array of precious substances, many of them beyond the ability of human beings to conceive, much less manufacture.” Michael Pollan from The Botany of Desire. p xix
"The more you concentrate on how it tastes, the less like anything it tastes...and so it goes, bite after bite, until you feel not satisfied exactly, but simply, regrettably, full." Michael Pollan from The Omnivore’s Dilemma. p 119
C - Comment: Comment on the meaning of quote. Explain the science/biology content that is related to the quote. Explain why it is significant in the reading and explain why you chose it.
This quote basically describes the human’s mind while eating. Similar to how Brandon and Randy’s visual of eating a pancake and how we continue to eat even though we do not feel fulfilled. We also heard about the demonstration done where the customers refill their soup bowls and continue to eat. This quote relates to biology because we are learning about the digestive system and how much we need to feel full”. This concept is very interesting to me. It is a physiological idea that is something we are all familiar with.
C - Connection: Discuss connections related to the quote. For example...How can you connect the quote with current science in the news or with current content in biology class? Does the quote have any personal meaning to you?
This quote connects perfectly with our current collaborative project. For the Whole Meal Project I am going to be trying a diet for about six to seven weeks and I am taking on the challenge of going vegetarian. For the diet I am trying to find ways and foods that will keep me full and will give me protein and energy. We also have been doing lots of research and finding current events in the “food world” to educate ourselves about news about topics that interest us.
Q - Questions: What questions do you now have about the topic? What does this make you want to know or learn more about?
After reading the first chapter, I want to learn more about how we can make sure that we are getting all of the nutrients in every meal. The following are questions:
1.) What does Michael Pollan suggest for vegetarians?
2.) How much food does Michael suggest we eat per meal? (one plate full size, fist size, etc.)
3.) Why do humans feel the need to keep eating when they have reached satisfaction?
The Omnivore's Dilemma #6
Q - Quote: Select a quote from the pages you have read that you feel is significant. Place the quote at the top of the page in the following format: “Plants are nature’s alchemists, expert at transforming water, soil and sunlight into an array of precious substances, many of them beyond the ability of human beings to conceive, much less manufacture.” Michael Pollan from The Botany of Desire. p xix
"Today promised not to be about the ecstasy of life on a farm. Today was the day we were “processing” broilers or, to abandon euphemism, killing chickens.” Michael Pollan from The Omnivore’s Dilemma. p 227
C - Comment: Comment on the meaning of quote. Explain the science/biology content that is related to the quote. Explain why it is significant in the reading and explain why you chose it.
This quote is the first sentence of chapter twelve called Slaughter: In a Glass Abattoir and catches the readers attention very abruptly. This quote does not have very science/biology content that is related to the quote because it sets up the scene for the process of killing the animal to how it ends up on your plate at dinner. I chose this quote because meat is a large part of many diets and is a dilemma that humans encounter daily. I also chose this quote because I was very interested in Michael Pollan’s view on animal cruelty. This chapter was the most interesting, important and disturbing to me but helped me understand the ways of a farm and direct experience of why someone would become a vegetarian or vegan.
C - Connection: Discuss connections related to the quote. For example...How can you connect the quote with current science in the news or with current content in biology class? Does the quote have any personal meaning to you?
This quote doesn’t necessarily relate to current science in the news because meat consumption and cruelty has remained basically the same in the United States over the last few years. However, this relates perfectly to what we are doing for the Whole Meal Project. I have been following the vegetarian diet strong since the first days when we all started as a class and this has only persuaded me that the consumption of animals is wrong and I can help the environment by not eating animals.
Q - Questions: What questions do you now have about the topic? What does this make you want to know or learn more about?
1. What does the USDA inspection entail?
2. How much does a chicken bleed when it is killed?
3. Who disinfects the animals?
Q - Quote: Select a quote from the pages you have read that you feel is significant. Place the quote at the top of the page in the following format: “Plants are nature’s alchemists, expert at transforming water, soil and sunlight into an array of precious substances, many of them beyond the ability of human beings to conceive, much less manufacture.” Michael Pollan from The Botany of Desire. p xix
“It appears to perfect media storm of diet books, scientific studies, and one timely magazine article.” Michael Pollan from The Omnivore’s Dilemma. p 2
C - Comment: Comment on the meaning of quote. Explain the science/biology content that is related to the quote. Explain why it is significant in the reading and explain why you chose it.
This quote was very creatively written and shows that a bad sequence of events that quickly created a national eating disorder. It does not particularly have biology content however it later discusses the importance of carbohydrates. This quote shows meaning because it puts the question “ What should we have for dinner?” into perspective and shows the reader that the simple question has become so complicated. I chose this quote because it shows that we are so focused on being physically healthy but can negatively affect us mentally.
C - Connection: Discuss connections related to the quote. For example...How can you connect the quote with current science in the news or with current content in biology class? Does the quote have any personal meaning to you?
This quote connects with the current content in the news and in biology class. In the news we see a new diet almost once a week and more recently convenience stores on the east coast are trying to ban large soda cups. Sometimes I feel like we are heading in the right direction and are trying to stop child obesity however at the del mar far we have sloppy joes on Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Health is a very common topic you see everyday, everywhere.
Q - Questions: What questions do you now have about the topic? What does this make you want to know or learn more about?
After reading the first chapter, I want to learn more about how we can make sure that we are getting all of the nutrients in every meal. The following are questions:
1. What is a lacto-vegetarian?
2. Will the author eventually give answers about what to eat? Will he provide recipes or just tips?
3. What does omnivorousness mean?
4. Where do calories come from?
5. Do people change their minds after reading this book? This might persuade me to become a vegetarian.
The Omnivore's Dilemma QCCQ #2
Q - Quote: Select a quote from the pages you have read that you feel is significant. Place the quote at the top of the page in the following format: “Plants are nature’s alchemists, expert at transforming water, soil and sunlight into an array of precious substances, many of them beyond the ability of human beings to conceive, much less manufacture.” Michael Pollan from The Botany of Desire. p xix
“The notion began to occupy me a few years ago, after I realized that the straightforward question “What should I eat?” could no longer be answered without first addressing two other even more straightforward questions: “What am I eating? And where in the world did it come from?” Michael Pollan from The Omnivore’s Dilemma. p 17
C - Comment: Comment on the meaning of quote. Explain the science/biology content that is related to the quote. Explain why it is significant in the reading and explain why you chose it.
I chose this quote because I believe that this is the thesis of the story. Michael Pollan is explaining his motivation for writing this book. This quote means that he needs to answer the questions “What am I eating? And where in the world did it come from? in order to answer “What should I eat?” This has always been something that interests me and I appreciate that Pollan is thoroughly explaining his reasoning might change my eating habits.
C - Connection: Discuss connections related to the quote. For example...How can you connect the quote with current science in the news or with current content in biology class? Does the quote have any personal meaning to you?
In the news I have not seen anything related on this topic recently but it is related to what I am learning in biology at the moment. We are learning about the organelles of cells. I learned that plants cells, meaning the vegetables that Pollan is discussing in the Omnivore’s Dilemma, have a cell membrane and a cell wall. Animal cells including human cells do not have a cell wall but they all have a cell membrane. The quote does not have any personal meaning to me except that I am now paying more attention to what I am putting into my body everyday.
Q - Questions: What questions do you now have about the topic? What does this make you want to know or learn more about?
1. Are there safety regulations on expiration dates across the country? The coating on the cardboard the food was shipped in coats the vegetable and if we know this, are there any laws about preventing the exposure?
2. Why do the descendents of the Maya living in Mexico refer to themselves as the “corn people”?
3. How is corn found in frosting? What percent? I want to learn more about how the food pyramid has changed over time and if that affects obesity.
The Omnivore's Dilemma QCCQ #3
Q - Quote: Select a quote from the pages you have read that you feel is significant. Place the quote at the top of the page in the following format: “Plants are nature’s alchemists, expert at transforming water, soil and sunlight into an array of precious substances, many of them beyond the ability of human beings to conceive, much less manufacture.” Michael Pollan from The Botany of Desire. p xix
“By the 1970s the process of refining corn into fructose had perfected , and high fructose corn syrup-which is a blend of 55 percent fructose and 45 perfect glucose that tastes exactly as sweet as sucrose-came onto the market. Michael Pollan from The Omnivore’s Dilemma. p. 89
C - Comment: Comment on the meaning of quote. Explain the science/biology content that is related to the quote. Explain why it is significant in the reading and explain why you chose it.
This quote explains the breakthroughs in food science that took place in the 1970s. This shows that scientists and how much dedication it took to make these theories about what food we need to give to our bodies so that we are healthy. It is mind blowing that the food on my dinner plate is o complex and required so much research to find that an enzyme called glucose isomerase could transform glucose into the much sweeter sugar molecule called fructose. The Corn Refiner’s Association “broke the sweetness barrier and discovered that today, corn is one of the most valuable food products filled with nutrients. I learned that
C - Connection: Discuss connections related to the quote. For example...How can you connect the quote with current science in the news or with current content in biology class? Does the quote have any personal meaning to you?
The chapters that I last read relates to what I am learning in biology because we are learning about the genetics and the importance of timing and in these chapters I learned that timing is essential when going through the mill process. The quote has no personal meaning to me except that I am very observant of the amount of vegetables are in my diet. I have found myself more attracted to trying new foods because of this book and I really appreciate that.
Q - Questions: What questions do you now have about the topic? What does this make you want to know or learn more about?
1.) Do food cells have nuclei?
2.) What is the purpose or corn syrup?
3.) What is maltodextrin?
The Omnivore's Dilemma QCCQ #4
Q - Quote: Select a quote from the pages you have read that you feel is significant. Place the quote at the top of the page in the following format: “Plants are nature’s alchemists, expert at transforming water, soil and sunlight into an array of precious substances, many of them beyond the ability of human beings to conceive, much less manufacture.” Michael Pollan from The Botany of Desire. p xix
“Judith, Isaac, and I together consumed a total of 4,510 calories at our lunch -- more than half as many as we each should probably consume in one day.” Michael Pollan from The Omnivore’s Dilemma. p 117
C - Comment: Comment on the meaning of quote. Explain the science/biology content that is related to the quote. Explain why it is significant in the reading and explain why you chose it.
This quote insignificant but I found it interesting because the author is explaining his meal from McDonalds. He mentions that supersized portions of cheap corn-fixed carbon “solves the problem of the fixed stomach; we may not be expanding the number of eaters in America, but we’ve figured out how to expand each of their appetites, which is almost as good.” This means that humans look for fulfillment in corn but do not get as filed as they should with other foods such as fruits and vegetables. In honors biology, as I follow along in the digestion section, I am leaning how these fats are being digested from beginning to end.
C - Connection: Discuss connections related to the quote. For example...How can you connect the quote with current science in the news or with current content in biology class? Does the quote have any personal meaning to you?
In the last QCCQ I did, I mentioned that people are very calorie conscious whereas now after reading this I am learning that calories are important and we should watch our calorie intake but I think there is a huge difference of eating a 100 calorie pack of cookies and 100 calories of carrots and hummus. In biology class, I am learning about digestion in my SAT subject test book and Michael Pollan mentions this process on the same page as my quote.
Q - Questions: What questions do you now have about the topic? What does this make you want to know or learn more about?
1.) What does the author want to take away from this chapter?
2.) How can we limit our calorie intake?
3.) About how many calories should we have a day?
The Omnivore's Dilemma #5
Q - Quote: Select a quote from the pages you have read that you feel is significant. Place the quote at the top of the page in the following format:
“Plants are nature’s alchemists, expert at transforming water, soil and sunlight into an array of precious substances, many of them beyond the ability of human beings to conceive, much less manufacture.” Michael Pollan from The Botany of Desire. p xix
"The more you concentrate on how it tastes, the less like anything it tastes...and so it goes, bite after bite, until you feel not satisfied exactly, but simply, regrettably, full." Michael Pollan from The Omnivore’s Dilemma. p 119
C - Comment: Comment on the meaning of quote. Explain the science/biology content that is related to the quote. Explain why it is significant in the reading and explain why you chose it.
This quote basically describes the human’s mind while eating. Similar to how Brandon and Randy’s visual of eating a pancake and how we continue to eat even though we do not feel fulfilled. We also heard about the demonstration done where the customers refill their soup bowls and continue to eat. This quote relates to biology because we are learning about the digestive system and how much we need to feel full”. This concept is very interesting to me. It is a physiological idea that is something we are all familiar with.
C - Connection: Discuss connections related to the quote. For example...How can you connect the quote with current science in the news or with current content in biology class? Does the quote have any personal meaning to you?
This quote connects perfectly with our current collaborative project. For the Whole Meal Project I am going to be trying a diet for about six to seven weeks and I am taking on the challenge of going vegetarian. For the diet I am trying to find ways and foods that will keep me full and will give me protein and energy. We also have been doing lots of research and finding current events in the “food world” to educate ourselves about news about topics that interest us.
Q - Questions: What questions do you now have about the topic? What does this make you want to know or learn more about?
After reading the first chapter, I want to learn more about how we can make sure that we are getting all of the nutrients in every meal. The following are questions:
1.) What does Michael Pollan suggest for vegetarians?
2.) How much food does Michael suggest we eat per meal? (one plate full size, fist size, etc.)
3.) Why do humans feel the need to keep eating when they have reached satisfaction?
The Omnivore's Dilemma #6
Q - Quote: Select a quote from the pages you have read that you feel is significant. Place the quote at the top of the page in the following format: “Plants are nature’s alchemists, expert at transforming water, soil and sunlight into an array of precious substances, many of them beyond the ability of human beings to conceive, much less manufacture.” Michael Pollan from The Botany of Desire. p xix
"Today promised not to be about the ecstasy of life on a farm. Today was the day we were “processing” broilers or, to abandon euphemism, killing chickens.” Michael Pollan from The Omnivore’s Dilemma. p 227
C - Comment: Comment on the meaning of quote. Explain the science/biology content that is related to the quote. Explain why it is significant in the reading and explain why you chose it.
This quote is the first sentence of chapter twelve called Slaughter: In a Glass Abattoir and catches the readers attention very abruptly. This quote does not have very science/biology content that is related to the quote because it sets up the scene for the process of killing the animal to how it ends up on your plate at dinner. I chose this quote because meat is a large part of many diets and is a dilemma that humans encounter daily. I also chose this quote because I was very interested in Michael Pollan’s view on animal cruelty. This chapter was the most interesting, important and disturbing to me but helped me understand the ways of a farm and direct experience of why someone would become a vegetarian or vegan.
C - Connection: Discuss connections related to the quote. For example...How can you connect the quote with current science in the news or with current content in biology class? Does the quote have any personal meaning to you?
This quote doesn’t necessarily relate to current science in the news because meat consumption and cruelty has remained basically the same in the United States over the last few years. However, this relates perfectly to what we are doing for the Whole Meal Project. I have been following the vegetarian diet strong since the first days when we all started as a class and this has only persuaded me that the consumption of animals is wrong and I can help the environment by not eating animals.
Q - Questions: What questions do you now have about the topic? What does this make you want to know or learn more about?
1. What does the USDA inspection entail?
2. How much does a chicken bleed when it is killed?
3. Who disinfects the animals?