8/31

Wow what a week! In Science the 7th graders really did a nice job going over what is expected in the classroom and in lab.  These expectations will be constantly a reviewed throughout the year to make sure students are upholding proper lab technique and positive behavior in class ( these are all found in the syllabus).  As an example, students seem to be very comfortable with Lab Safety, which was a large talking point this week in class.  Students ended off the day with an "E slip" to make sure they were understanding all the lab safety procedures before moving on to any labs this year. 
I did pick from the fish names, for those who had submitted a name for our fish. His name will be Chubbs.  For those of you who suggested a name, I thank you as now our 7th grade fish has a name!
Have a nice long weekend!

8/24

Happy New Year!  Happy New SCHOOL Year! Our Open House was a success, and I was able to meet lots of new 7th graders.  I am so excited to start the school year, I hope you are too!
For my homebase, if you did not come to Open House or did not bring your Kleenex, please remember to bring it next week.
Looking forward to seeing you all on Monday!

5/22

Students completed the very much anticipated Frog Dissection yesterday.  I am very impressed with the accuracy, precision, and patience I saw throughout this lab.  The students focused their time last week on understanding the anatomy of the frog and the functions of each organ. 
This week students are focusing the time on reviewing  for our final test of the year.  The test the Thursday will cover the Animal Kingdom, Vertebrates, Amphibians and Frogs. 

5/14

Last week students started the final unit of the year!  I cannot believe this year has gone by so fast.  Students are studying the Animal Kingdom now.  We completed a brief observation which included various species of invertebrates and vertebrates varying in simple to very complex organisms.  Students took very nice notes during this activity.  Now, we are primarily focusing on the vertebrates, more specifically amphibians and frogs.  Students are very excited about this unit as our lab later this week will be a dissection.  Students are preparing themselves to be ready for the 2 1/2 day lab starting this Wednesday.   

5/4

Today and over the weekend students are completing a take home assessment for science.  The 7th graders are able to use their notes (many organized packets to reference their information) and their book, though that is all.  Students are not allowed to work with one another, with parents, siblings or other family members or use online resources.  As I told the students in class, they should not have to use any of the later resources if they completed their notes and compiled their materials.  I have confidence in the 7th graders that they will do a great job on their assessments!
This week students did a really nice job wrapping up the Protist and Fungi Unit.  It seems that many are very eager for the next Kingdom....the Animal Kingdom!!  Have a great weekend.

5/1

Here are the directions to the "Quiz Corrections Homework". Quiz Corrections Homework

4/30

Wow! The students were amazed at the bacterial growth on their petri dishes last week!  Though there was a lot of bacteria growth, students did understand that not all bacteria is pathogenic.  After students viewed the various types of growth, we wrapped up our Bacteria Unit with a short quiz. 
Our next step into the various kingdoms are protist and fungi.  Last week, students did a Pond Water Observation and students were able to see all the critters, mostly protist, though some small animals too, in the water!  Students did a really nice job classifying the different organisms.
This week students will be learning more about protists and fungi!