10/28

This week students explored the section on flowers and the reproductive parts in the the flower.  The students examined why pollinators are attracted to different types of petals and how pollination and fertilization are different.  Later in the week the students were given an opportunity to design their own flower including all the special features that we have learned about in class.  We will wrap up this activity on Monday and start reviewing for our unit test, which will be held on Wednesday.
As a reminder, the Leaf Collection Project is due on Monday.  For those students who have already turned theirs in, I am really enjoying the creativity that has been put into these projects!!  I look forward to seeing the rest of the projects on Monday.  Have a great weekend.

10/21

We started this week off by taking our quiz on the different types of plants and their characteristics.  We started our next plant section of plants with seeds.  Students explored a little more in depth the characteristics of gymnosperms ( pine like plants) and angiosperms ( flowering plants).
We took some time to really place detail on the importance of the seed structure of the plants and how important seed dispersal is to plants as well.  Students initiated a lab later on in the week by designing their own seed structure.  On Monday we will see which seed structure is able to carried by wind the farthest.  I am eager to see how the seeds travel; I have seen some very creative ideas this week!
Have a nice weekend!

10/14

This week we completed a Leaf Classification Lab which helped the students become aware of the trees that are around them. We utilized the website, www.oplin.org to help identify the leaves. Students used characteristics and vocabulary that helped them determine what tree each leaf came from. This is one of the websites that I gave as an option to use for the Leaf Collection Project.
On Friday, we completed a lab write up. This is something that the students will be completing throughout the year for labs by conveying their findings. We were also able to sneak in a little review for the quiz on Monday. Below you will find the answers for the Review Homework that was given on Thursday. If you were not in class on Friday, please use the answer sheet below to check your work.
Have a nice weekend.


Quiz 1 Review Answers

10/7

We wrapped up our short unit on Living Organisms and the Microscope. Just like previous units, this will be one of those chapters that we will consistantly be revisiting throughout the year!
On Tuesday we initiated our unit of Plants. Not only were students able to explore the different characteristics that all plants share but also students were able to identify how the many plants around us are classified. A little later on in the week, students were given the opportunity to identify some leaves from the area. What students are starting to learn, is that leaves have many forms and variations which need to be described. Students seemed to really enjoy this activity!
The activity brought us right into the "Leaf Collection Project", which was handed out today in class. This is a possible 60 point project which I hope students will enjoy the opportunity to take science outside of the classroom!
What I have below are just a few helpful hints for pressing and preserving the leaves the students will be collecting for the project. This will ensure that the leaves will keep their color and shape by the date it is due!

Plant Pressing

10/3

Here is the Bellringer we did in class which will be very helpful for studying.

Bellringer 10-3