Review Packet KEY

Review Packet Answers by hop2star

1/25

This week students explored the cell cycle.  Students were able to visualize this process by viewing onion root cells under the microscopes, throughout the week.  While completing the observation lab, 7th graders were learning the details regarding each stage of the cell cycle.  Though a lot of information, students are using their resources ( notes, textbook, etc.) to assist them with comprehending the material. 
Students are now preparing for the Cell Process Test which will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 29th.  I handed out their study guide ( guide and review packet) and over the weekend they should be actively studying and going through their notes.  My hope is for the students to bring questions or concerns to class on Monday prior to the test.

1/18

Throughout the week, students have been learning more and more about the activities a cell goes through.  On Monday, students came back from the weekend to view their results of the "Osmosis Lab".  This was a lab that groups made their own question, procedure, data tables, and hypothesis.  Students were quite surprised at how large their gummy bears grew in the water.  Over the next few days, students completed their lab with a full explanation on how their discoveries related to osmosis and how water molecules passed through the membrane.  Students did a fine job on their labs, I was really impressed with how different the procedures ended up being.  We had very interesting results!
Next, students started to get a deeper understanding of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.  This can be a challenging section, though students are putting their own creative spin on the processes. I have essentially given each student a barren island and they need to identify the organisms ( plants and animals) that co exist on the island.  Additionally, students will be explaining how the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration are used on the island and how important they are.
The "fantasy island paper" needs to be typed and at least 3 paragraphs.  Students have the option of either printing out their paper or sharing it with me on Google.  I am really looking forward to reading these papers!

1/11

Seventh graders have had a very exciting week.  Once coming back from a break on Monday, students worked on quest corrections.  For those students who wanted to boost their grade, they were able to correct their quest using notes or their book.  This was also a little review of our past unit, The Cell. 
We quickly got right into our new chapter of Cell Processes. Students have identified various ways that molecules transport through a cell membrane and how that can be beneficial to a cell.
Starting on Wednesday students started to design their own lab in groups.  I gave them materials (our fake cell is a gummy bear) and told them that the lab had to do with osmosis.  I was very impressed with the various types of labs that students came up with.  Starting Friday students initiated the actual lab that they worked very hard to design.  On Monday students will be viewing their own results to complete the lab.
I know students are very eager to see the outcome of their labs!

Extra credit over the break!

Science in the News

12/14

This week students started to discover the various functions of the organelles of the eukaryotic cell.  Students took a look at an onion cell ( plant) and a cheek cell ( animal ), earlier in the week and compared the images and organelles in which they posses.  On Friday students started their Cell Analogy Project.  Students will be comparing each organelle to something they are more familiar with.  These familiar items will come from magazines that have been donated from students ( thank you!!).
Have a great weekend!

12/7

Over the past week, 7th graders have started to explore the microscopic world of cells.  Students have been utilizing the microscopes quite often.  These are very important tools in the science classroom and I am quite impressed with how well the students are handling them.  Early in the week, students became experts in the Cell Theory, and the various scientists who took part in creating the theory for us today.  Students continued to explore the cell by identifying the similarities and differences of all cells.  All of the students completed an observation activity where they viewed prokaryotes and eukaryotes ( the two different types of cells) under the microscope.  Afterwards we discussed the similarities and differences that were viewed.
Next week, students will be learning about the various types of organelles that are in eukaryotic cells.  Over the weekend, the students are previewing the material with reading and notes.  After we go over the notes together as a class, students will start the next in class project- the Cell Analogy Project.