Yesterday we finished up the second generation of our "Design a Kid" exploration of patterns of inheritance. Today, we began looking at Watson and Crick's contributions to our understanding of how genes are packaged in the cell. Then we took it to the next level. We are extracting DNA from plant cells and looking at it through the microscopes. We will finish it up tomorrow and, time permitting, beginning our exploration of Life Over Time.
The learning target is the same: I can explain how organisms grow, reproduce, and maintain themselves through cell division. As we went over the chapter 3 review packet today, the story of Henrietta Lacks was mentioned. To read more about the controversy, you can visit http://www.jhu.edu/jhumag/0400web/01.html or google her name. We also watched a video about cell division, focusing on mitosis. I will have the video available on the side computer for anyone that missed it
While I was out for the CAGT conference, Mr. Braunlich covered for 7th grade science today. Students worked on a review for chapter 3. We may be working on it tomorrow as I am not sure if students finished or not. The learning target for today was: I can explain how organisms grow, reproduce, and maintain themselves through cell division.
The Science Resource Pack is available now. Email me for the password and be sure to follow directions. Thank you, Colton, for making it possible! With a fast connection, it can download in about 9 minutes. If you have a slow connection like mine, it may take up to 35 minutes
As we are finishing up the quarter. I will be posting again next week, at the beginning of the second quarter.
It's not ideal timing, but I just wanted to let everyone know that I will be attending the Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented Education (http://www.coloradogifted.org/on Tuesday...the first day of second quarter. Also, don't forget that scheduled conferences are on Wednesday 10/13, and open house conferences will be in the commons on Wednesday 10/20. We are still working on the posters today. Same learning targets of course.
Students, if you are at all unsure about your grade on the cell project, please see me after you get your grade sheet back. There have been a few questions already, most brought to me by parents. Remember that I expect you to be a self-advocate and I am always open to discussions about your grades. I may not be able to speak with you when you first bring up the subject, so be sure to find a time that works for us both. (Parents, please don't hesitate to contact me with any concerns, but also encourage your children to advocate for themselves. It is an important skill in life and I am here to help them.) Often, we can figure out what went wrong and fix it sooner if you speak with me right away. Also, look for pictures of cell projects coming to the website soon. Furthermore, many of the non-edible projects are on display in MY-pod. Check them out! Maybe you'll get some ideas for how to do the next project (which is yet to be determined). Final thoughts: Any project we do is meant to be a summative assessment (unless otherwise noted). As such, you need to demonstrate proficiency of content on all projects. For the cell projects, you were to demonstrate an understanding of the differences between plant and animal cells as well as an understanding of the functions of each of the organelles in the cells. Most of the cell projects that recieved a U or a PP did poorly because they did not include knowledge you have acquired. Remember, the more you can show me you know, the better your chances of getting a good grade. We don't just do projects because they are fun. If you are ever in doubt about wheth Today is a big day. Classes will be getting new assigned seats today (science 3 and 4 already know where their new seats are.)
LEARNING TARGET: I can describe how materials move into and out of the cell through the cell membrane. LEARNING TARGET: I can describe why cells need energy and how it is captured and stored. LEARNING TARGET: I can explain how plants and animals get energy. As Mr. D is grading the last of the cell models, students will be working on a research project showing the Flow of Energy in the Biosphere. After the models are graded, students that have completed and turned in their projects will have an opportunity to eat any of the edible cell models from their class, if the creator is willing to share... It is expected that Active Reading notes for 2.2 and 2.3 will be finished by the end of today. The Flow of Energy in the Biosphere posters will be due on Monday (9/26), with Thursday and Friday being the only full days in class to work on them. There may be some time on Monday, but Monday is set aside to review for the Chapter 2 Summative Assessment that we are having on Tuesday. Learning Target: I can describe why cells need energy and how it is captured and stored.
Learning Target: I can explain how plants and animals get energy. Science Starter: Section Review 2.1, Finish Brain Pop (Fats, Carbohydrates, Nitrogen Cycle) "Polar and nonpolar molecules just don't mix." Begin active reading for 2.2 AND 2.3. Don't forget: Edible cells are due tomorrow (and they won't be accepted late). HEADS-UP! It looks like we will have the Chapter 2 Summative Assessment on Tuesday (9/27). We have an Interim Test scheduled for Tuesday (10/4) and we will try to have the Chapter 3 Summative Assessment on that Monday. Ms. Slocum will be meeting with our classes on Wednesday (10/5) and that Friday is the last day of the first quarter. ALTERNATIVE ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE BY 10/5 at the absolute latest! We are beginning Chapter two officially today. As well as working on the learning target posted for 9/16 (Power Point Presentation), we will also begin working on the new LEARNING TARGET: I can explain why water is important to the activities of cells.
Artisitic cell models are due today. Don't forget to turn in Edible cells on THURSDAY only. I will be checking to see if tests have been signed. If required tests are not signed, you will be making a phone call home on Wednesday during class, so get them signed. Oh, I almost forgot...I was attacked by a T-Rex Monday night, but don't worry. I'm alright... 7:45-9:10 Science 3
9:10-10:30 Science 4 Since the first two classes are not meeting today, we will be using this extra time to get caught up and to work on revisions of the Egg-speriment and/or alternative assignments as needed. Learning Target: I can describe the functions and types of large molecules found in all cells.
Today is an Assembly Schedule Day. We will be going over how to raise grades on the Egg-Speriment summative assessment. in most cases, students will need to complete a report following the guidelines in the "Science Lab Write Up" document. We will also be going over Alternative Assignments and how they are required for students recieving an Unsatisfactory on Chapter Summative Assessments before going over the previous test. Students that scored 40/60 or below are also required to have a parent/guardian sign the test and return it to Mr. D. "Going Green" cell projects are due today. Time permitting, we will begin working on the learning target with some notes on a power point presentation. |
Welcome!Students and Parents, Archives
September 2015
Categories |