Pressing Leaves

Pressing Leaves

Email

I have finally changed my email to reflect my name change!  You may now email me at kgemmell@ccsd66.org.  If you have emailed me at khopkinson@cccsd66.org over the past few days, I have and will still receive your messages for some time as all messages are being forwarded to the new account.

Thank you,

Kari Gemmell

10/12

Seventh graders had a very busy week of learning over the past few days!  On Tuesday, students continued to show their understanding for the six characteristics that all living things share.  Afterwards the students jumped right into the plant unit.  In class students applied what they already knew about living things and compared it to plant, and how plants are living.  Students are demonstrating their understanding for this unit already by the discussions we have had in class.  I am quite impressed!
Over the weekend, I am asking the students to find 4 leaves ( preferably different) and place them into a ziploc bag.  These leaves will be for an activity in lab next week.  This will preview the Leaf Collection Project which we will go over in class next week.
Have a wonderful weekend.

10/6

This past week students worked on completing their Metric and Measurement Unit.  On Monday, students completed their Metric Maze.  In the. "Maze" students completed mini labs throughout the classroom. They had to apply their measurement knowledge to answer questions in the labs.  Tuesday and Wednesday, students reviewed for their test which was held on Thursday. 
At the very end of the week, 7th graders were finally introduced to their science textbooks!  Our first unit in our books will be on living things and plants.  Students demonstrated what they already knew about the differences about living versus non living things in class on Friday.  As a side note, students are able to keep their science textbook at home for the rest of the school year and utilize the books for homework and extra practice.  I have an extra set of Life Science text books here at school. 
Have a great weekend!

9/26

Students have been continuing on with the Measurement Unit and have been showing me that they are really feeling confident in this material!  Over the past few days students have been practicing metric conversions, utilizing the "King Henry Died By Drinking Chocolate Milk" mnemonic device.  Though this is not historically correct, it seems to do the trick in trying to remember all the prefixes :-)
Over the next few days students will continue on with measurement but take a step into application of their knowledge.  Seventh graders will partake in what I call "The Metric Maze".  I have stations around my room with different scenarios and activities to use their metric/ measurement knowledge.  I am eager to see how well the kids do!
As a side note, I will be out of school on Thursday, Friday and Monday.  When I return I will be Mrs. Gemmell!  As stated prior and even at Open House, I will keep you posted with email changes through my blog, though for now, all is the same!

9/21

Students have had a busy couple weeks.  A few days ago, the 7th graders wrapped up their unit on the Scientific Method.  Just prior to that students used the steps in the scientific method in a couple labs ( Straw Towers Lab and Paper Chromatography 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. 
On Thursday, students started the Measurement Unit.  This unit will be a lot of review for them.  Students are reviewing measurement and the metric system now with notes and activities to make sure they are prepared to use their knowledge in an application activity next week. 
One more note, as students know, our new fish needed a name.  "Roger" is the name picked!
Have a nice weekend!

9/7

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.  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.  Today was our presentation and testing day.  Seventh graders observed their tower along with other classmates' towers and how they handled the can of soda.  Over the weekend, students are finishing up the activity with their conclusion and explaining what they have learned from the lab.
Overall I am very impressed with the creativity and the collaboration shared by all groups. Have a great weekend!