1/27

Students started this week by completing the DNA strands per class.  The students were really able to visualize the nucleotides pair together and how these make up the DNA.  On Tuesday, the students were able to extract DNA from a split pea.  We discussed how this could be possible with any living thing as long as it has a cell to hold the nucleus and DNA.  I have noticed students are becoming more aware with their surroundings in the lab and showing their understanding for the concept at hand. 
We are finishing off the week with the introduction into genetics and Gregor Mendel, the father of genetics.  The students are taking a look into the experiments that he completed that have acted as a stepping stone in the history of genetic research. 
Next week the students will start off with a reenactment of Mendel's second experiment and understanding how to use Punnett Squares.
Have a great weekend!

1/20

The students started the week by completing the short lesson on cancer and completing a few more questions.  Once again, the students really did a fantastic job with this short section!
On Wednesday, all of the science classes partook in the Spelling Bee. The students did a really nice job participating.  The finalist for each class went on to competing in the second round on Thursday during study hall.
On Thursday and Friday we picked right back up with science and started our Genetics and DNA Unit.  The students are designing a strand of DNA and will be combining it, not only with their individual classes but with the whole 7th grade.  This activity is designed to visualize the nucleotide base pairs and to see the different code combinations that each class will have.

1/13

This week students completed their unit on the cell processes.  Early in the week, the students focused their learning on Mitosis and Cell Division to determine and understand how many chromosome would be in each of the daughter cells.  Students finished a Mitosis Lab on Monday which carried right into a review for the test.  The Cell Process Test was held on Thursday.  On Friday, we extending the unit just a bit by learning about what happens when there is not a lot of apoptosis ( cell death) and too much mitosis.  The students learned about cancer, how this disease is caused and what types of treatments can be used.
Just next week Lakeview Junior High will be partaking in a fantastic fundraiser for cancer called Cancer Smashers.  I was very pleased with the inquiry that the students brought to the classroom today. 
Have a nice weekend.

1/6

This week students explored the final cell process of the unit, the cell cycle.  We took an in depth view into the three parts of the cell cycle and determining the differences between them.  After watching how this process actually takes place, the students ended the week with a mitosis lab.  The goal of the lab is to find all the stages of cell division along with interphase in an onion root tip.  So far, I am very impressed with how well the students are able to identify the stages of the cell cylce! 
Students will finish the "Mitosis Lab" on Monday. We will be wrapping up the Cell Process Unit next week with a test before moving onto genetics!