4/20

Over this past week students really took a step into the two domains of Archaea and Bacteria.  We went over some various differences along with a few similarities both of these domains and their kingdoms share.  Additionally this week, students were placed on a mission to find bacteria around the school.  They designed their own lab starting with a question.  On Friday the students took their various samples and placed them into their petri dishes.  All members of the staff at Lakeview are eager to see the results the young scientists in the 7th grade will find!
At this time, I am very impressed with the questions the students came up with for the lab.  Students are beginning to realize that bacteria do in fact live all around us, whether they are harmful or helpful.  I think a lot of the students will really be surprised with the results!

4/12

This week students finished up on the Classification Unit with a longer quiz.  Next we will get right into learning about the individual kingdoms.  Students already have one kingdom completed, as it was one of our first units of the year, the plant unit.  Now students will proceed on with the rest of the kingdoms starting with Eubacteria and Archaeabacteria.   Students have done a nice job demonstrating their understanding for the core concepts throughout the year, and as we are taking steps into specific kingdoms, it will be necessary for students to retain all the knowledge they have gainedand worked so hard for. 
In class, students will be observing the different features and shapes of bacteria.  We will discuss where bacteria can be found, how they can be harmful and even helpful!

3/12

Students finished the Genetics and DNA Unit with lots of review throughout last week to show their comprehension and mastery of the chapters.  The students completed a review packet in class as a "Checkpoint" of understanding before moving on to the next unit of study.  Students did a very nice job on this unit, and should be proud of themselves of the knowledge they know posses!
We are now initiating a shorter unit on evolution, or change over time.  The students will specifically be studying the scientist, Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution and natural selection.  Students will also be learning about specific adaptations and how they are so important in the natural selection process or organisms.

3/2

Students wrapped up their Genetics Projects with the last presentations today.  I am really impressed with the outcome of the 7th grade projects.  Once again, students could choose between a disorder or an advance in genetics to research and discover.  After the time and effort that was placed into these projects, the students really became the "experts" in which the goal intended.
Next week, we will be finishing the Genetics and DNA unit with a review of the two chapters.  There will be no test since next week is ISAT week.
I hope everyone has a nice weekend.

2/22

Students completed the week with a quiz, our Chapter 5.2 and Chapter 6.2 quiz.  Afterwards, students initiated their genetic research project.  On Friday I mostly navigated the students through the information packet and the requirements of this project.  The genentics project is one of the largest projects of the year, and one where I am giving the students a lot of freedom to choose what they would like to learn about. 
Starting on Tuesday, the students took off with their research on the topics in which they have chosen (whether it is a disorder or an advance in genetics). The students have been guided by questions that I have given them only to make sure they have enough information for their final project which are due next week. 
Happy researching!

2/3

Students were able to apply their knowledge of genetics with their knew learned concept of the Punnett Square.  Students seemed to enjoy to logic behind the Punnett Squares and the variety of scenarios that they have been working with to make sure we are all understanding genetic outcomes. 
On Wednesday students took a quiz on DNA and Mendel's work and today the students a deeper look into their own genetic traits. Students surveyed their own traits and then each 7th grade class was surveyed to see whether the dominant or recessive traits are more noticeable among the students.  The results did vary among the classes.  Though we will wrap up this activity on Monday before we move on to studying. Meiosis. 
Enjoy the weekend.

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!