Read This for Friday Mr. Cosgrove's biology class, Thursday, second period. "All right . . Jamie, sit down, please. All right. Everyone, before the bell rings, let me give the assignment for tomorrow. I want you to read Chapter 17 in the textbook and answer the questions at the end of the chapter. You're gonna turn those in at the start of class to- morrow, so be sure to use our regular format - name, date, and period in the upper right- you know the drill. Now, a word to the wise. Are you listening, Kathy? I would suggest that you pay special attention to the section on photosynthesis, because we might have a quiz on that one of these days. OK? Did everyone hear that? I said, we might have a pop quiz on photosynthesis sometime very soon. Any questions? OK. See you tomorrow." Cut to Friday. The kids straggle in, and after a gentle reminder, begin hunting in their backpacks for the homework. As usual, Jamie whines, "Oooh, Mr. C, can I go to my locker? I think I left my homework in there." As Mr. Cosgrove roams the aisles, collecting papers, a few routine excuses pop up ("I had soccer last night"; "I think it's on my kitchen

**Friday Morning in Mr. Cosgrove's Biology Class, Second Period** *The classroom buzzes with the familiar clatter of students settling into their seats. Mr. Cosgrove stands at the front, clipboard in hand, observing the morning routine.* **Mr. Cosgrove:** Alright, everyone, let’s get started. Please pass your Chapter 17 homework to the front. *Students begin rummaging through their backpacks and folders. Jamie, looking anxious, raises his hand.* **Jamie:** Mr. C, can I go to my locker? I think I left my homework in there. **Mr. Cosgrove:** (nodding) Sure, Jamie, but make it quick. *Jamie hurries out of the classroom. As Mr. Cosgrove starts collecting papers, he overhears some students whispering.* **Student 1:** I had soccer practice last night, totally forgot about the homework. **Student 2:** Yeah, and I think it's on my kitchen counter. Been swamped with family stuff. **Mr. Cosgrove:** (addressing the class) I see a few of you are having trouble turning in your assignments today. Remember, turning in your work on time is important for your grade and understanding the material. *Jamie returns, slightly out of breath, holding his homework.* **Jamie:** Sorry I'm late, Mr. C. Here’s my assignment. **Mr. Cosgrove:** (smiling) Thank you, Jamie. Now, for those who didn't bring their homework, please see me after class. We can discuss any issues you're having. *The collective murmur quiets as Mr. Cosgrove continues.* **Mr. Cosgrove:** Alright, let's review a few key points from Chapter 17 before we move on. Can anyone summarize the main stages of photosynthesis? *Several hands shoot up. A student named Kathy responds confidently.* **Kathy:** Photosynthesis consists of the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle. In the light-dependent reactions, sunlight is absorbed by chlorophyll, which converts it into chemical energy. This energy is then used in the Calvin cycle to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. **Mr. Cosgrove:** Excellent, Kathy. That's a solid summary. Remember, understanding these processes is crucial, especially with that upcoming quiz I mentioned last Thursday. *Another student, Mark, looks worried.* **Mark:** Mr. C, could you clarify how the Calvin cycle uses the energy from the light-dependent reactions? **Mr. Cosgrove:** Great question, Mark. The Calvin cycle uses ATP and NADPH generated during the light-dependent reactions to fix carbon dioxide into organic molecules. Essentially, it’s the process that builds the glucose molecules using the energy captured from sunlight. *The students nod, some taking notes diligently.* **Mr. Cosgrove:** Alright, let's do a quick review activity. I’m going to pair you up, and each pair will diagram the process of photosynthesis. Be prepared to explain each step to the class. *As the students begin to work, Mr. Cosgrove walks around, offering assistance and observing their understanding.* **Mr. Cosgrove:** Remember, the key to mastering biology is not just memorizing terms, but understanding how the systems interact and function. Keep that in mind as you prepare for the quiz. *The bell rings, signaling the end of the period.* **Mr. Cosgrove:** Great work today, everyone. Don’t forget to review your notes and complete any unfinished assignments. See you next class! *Students start packing up, some discussing the morning's lesson, others still pondering the homework they need to finish. Jamie lingers by his desk, looking thoughtful.* **Mr. Cosgrove:** (approaching Jamie) Everything okay, Jamie? **Jamie:** Yeah, just thinking about the quiz. I hope I did well on the homework. **Mr. Cosgrove:** I’m sure you did. Just keep studying, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. **Jamie:** Thanks, Mr. C. *Jamie smiles and exits the classroom as Mr. Cosgrove watches him go, confident in his students' abilities and eager to see their progress.*