9/27

Now that students have their textbooks, we are continuing our learning about the characteristics of living things. Additionally students demonstrated what they already know about microscopes this week.  This second part of our short unit will emphasize the importance of the microscope, how to utilize them properly and most efficiently.  Students are completing Microscope Mania now in preparation for their first science assessment on Monday.

9/20

Students have had a busy week.  Yesterday, the 7th graders wrapped up their unit on the Scientific Method with a graded homework and their Straw Tower Lab Write Up.  Students used the steps in the scientific method in the Straw Towers Lab to make sure they were confident in their understanding of this process of inquiry.  Students did a nice job on the unit and I am eager to see them utilize this process throughout the year.  
Additionally, students received their Life Science Textbook yesterday in class.  Students can keep this book at home until May.  I have an extra set here at school for work in class.  Next week, we will be starting our unit of Living Things.

9/13

Seventh graders had a very successful week of exploring the scientific method.  The lesson started with some notes on the steps that we are going to be utilizing throughout each of our labs this year.  Afterwards students were given a purpose ( their question) to take 40 straws, 30 paper clips, and 2 ft. of masking tape to build a tower to hold up a full can of soda for 3 seconds.  They had to come up with their own procedure and hypothesis.  Throughout the week, students collaborated in their groups to come up with the best design to hold up with pop can.  Thursday was our presentation and testing day.  Seventh graders observed their tower along with other classmates' towers and how they handled the can of soda.  Today we started writing our conclusions, which will be finished up in class on Monday. This first lab will be due on Tuesday.
Overall I am very impressed with the creativity and the collaboration shared by all groups. Have a great weekend

9/6

Welcome back!!
Seventh graders are doing a nice job getting used to the science room and the expectations. Last week, we went over the science syllabus and completed a few activities where students demonstrated their readiness for 7th grade science.
We started off this week taking the MAP Math Test in science.  Tomorrow we will pick science back up again go over lab safety and the scientific method.