Ms. Vikingson’s Life Science Blog

I have great news to share with my Sutton students, families, and friends.  This April my husband and I will be expecting a new addition to our family!   I have finally made it through the agonizing first trimester and  I apologize if I was under the weather, cranky, or short :)  It’s been a rough road and I am thrilled to be nearing the end of this treacherous part of pregnancy and into a more enjoyable stage. This is the first baby for us  so any advice is more than welcome! :)

On a more educational note, our online gradebook goes public on Monday and grades will be visible 24/7!! This is a great opportunity for you to discuss grades with your child.  If you see assignments missing or low grades, now you can ask your child and get their explanation prior to talking with the teacher.  It will open up communication between all parties and make everyone feel responsbile for success in school!!   If you wish to gain access to the online gradebook, bring a picture ID to the main office and request your login and password.  Please keep in mind that teachers can only grade as quickly as they have time to do so.  If you or your child wishes to know their grade for an assignment, please give us until Tuesday night of every week to post grades (longer for more complicated assignments).

Tutorial has begun. Download and fill out the Vikingson tutorial form.  Please note that your child MUST have a signed permission slip and MUST notify the teacher they will be staying with the day before or day of tutorial.  Students must pick a teacher, notify the teacher,  and stay with them for the ENTIRE tutorial period.

This week, we are finishing our unit on the Skeletal, Muscular, and Integumentary systems and we’re entering the Digestive, Circulatory, Lymphatic, and Respiratory systems.  No dissections just yet but they will be coming in the next few weeks so keep your eyes peeled for some wonderful opportunities to visit the classroom and help out during a hectic time of teaching :)

Human Body: Skeletal, Muscular and Integumentary systems

Standards:  S7L2c, S7L2d, S7L2e, S7CS10, S7CS5

IB Connections: Human Ingenuity; Health & Social Education; Approaches to Learning

Objectives:

-          Identify the levels of organization in the body

-          Define homeostasis

-          Identify the functions of the skeletal system

-          Explain the role that joints play in the body

-          Describe the characteristics of bone and how to keep bones strong and healthy

-          Identify the types of muscles in the body

-          Explain why skeletal muscles work in pairs

-          Describe the functions and structures of the skin

-          Identify habits that can help keep skin healthy

Essential questions:

1. What are the levels of organization in the body?
2. What is homeostasis?
3. How do the systems of the body relate to one another?

Higher Level Questioning:

1. What role do joints play in the body?
2. What would your body be like if you didn’t have a skeleton?
3. Why do skeletal muscles work in pairs?
4. How does skin regulate temperature?

Websites for Digestive System:

Hands on Gastrointestinal Tract

Digestion Animation Diet and Exercise Food Pyramid Game

Food Pyramid Sorter Digestive system labeling Milk

digestive system label game

Monday- Students will take a quiz on all of the bones of the body.  Students must look at a model of the human skeleton and name the bones labeled directly on the skeleton

Homework for Monday- SW ready pages 452-456 on the Muscular system and answer questions 1(a-c) – 2(a-c) on a separate sheet of paper to be turned in tomorrow.

Tuesday- We will review our homework from last night.  Students will complete notes on the muscular system using the skeletal muscular integ ppt and will then complete a “muscle action lab” in class.

Homework for Tuesday-  Finish lab questions.   Read pages 458-463 on the Integumentary system and answer questions 1(a-c) – 2(a-c) on a separate sheet of paper to be turned in tomorrow.

Wednesday- We will review our homework from last night and our lab from yesterday.  Students will complete notes on the integumentary system using the skeletal muscular integ ppt.  They will then complete a “skin sensitivity” lab in class.

Homework for Wednesday- Study notes on Skeletal, Muscular, and Integumentary systems for a 30 ? test tomorrow (10 questions from each section).

Thursday- SW take a 30 ? test on the skeletal, Muscular, and Integumentary systems.  We will grade the tests in class if we have time.

Homework for Thursday- Read pages 486-491 and answer questions 1(a-c) – 2(a-c) on a piece of notebook paper to be turned in tomorrow.

Friday- SW review homework from last night and we will do a digestive system activity where students will be broken into groups and will be assigned a certain part of the digestive tract.  Students must then measure out ticker tape to the actual length of that part of the digestive tract, include the job of that part and a picture must span the length of their ticker tape.   Kids will present their part of the digestive tract and then we will then tape it all together and hang it from the room so students can see how loooong the digestive tract is!

Homework for Friday- none

This week we are venturing up a level of organization from Cells to Tissues/Organs during our unit studying the human body!  Students will be involved in lots of labs, activities, and we even begin our dissections for this unit!  Parents, please keep track of what we have going on week to week to see if you might be interested in coming to class to help out with a lab or especially dissections!

Human Body: Skeletal, Muscular and Integumentary systems

Standards:  S7L2c, S7L2d, S7L2e, S7CS10, S7CS5

IB Connections: Human Ingenuity; Health & Social Education; Approaches to Learning

Objectives:

-          Identify the levels of organization in the body

-          Define homeostasis

-          Identify the functions of the skeletal system

-          Explain the role that joints play in the body

-          Describe the characteristics of bone and how to keep bones strong and healthy

-          Identify the types of muscles in the body

-          Explain why skeletal muscles work in pairs

-          Describe the functions and structures of the skin

-          Identify habits that can help keep skin healthy

Essential questions:

1. What are the levels of organization in the body?
2. What is homeostasis?
3. How do the systems of the body relate to one another?

Higher Level Questioning:

1. What role do joints play in the body?
2. What would your body be like if you didn’t have a skeleton?
3. Why do skeletal muscles work in pairs?
4. How does skin regulate temperature?

Websites for the Skeleton/Muscular/Integumentary Unit:

Hip Resurfacing Joints of the body Human Bone Poem

Bones of the Body Song Coloring Skeleton Hip Replacement

Virtual Knee Replacement Labeling Bones of the body

Bones of the Skeleton Bone Games

Monday- SW take a test on Cell organelles, moving cellular materials, and cellular processes.  Students who completed the extra credit homework assignment MUST staple their work to their test answer sheet to get credit! SW turn in Invaded by Chloroplasts story and picture.  Students will also have an INB check on pages 35-46.

Homework for Monday- None

Tuesday- Students will begin the unit on Human body.  They will complete a unit page on the human body: Title and 3 colored pictures.  Students will also work on a Medical Jargon worksheet which will act as their vocabulary dissection for the unit.

Homework for Tuesday- SW finish their medical jargon worksheet and unit page with a title and 3 colored pictures if not completed in class.  SW read pages 438-443 and complete questions 1-2 on 443.

Wednesday- Students will learn the bones of the skeleton and will take notes on the skeletal system using the skeleton note sheet and the skeletal muscular integ ppt.  SW have a quiz on the bones of the skeleton on Monday.
Homework for Wednesday- Students will read pages444-451 and answer questions 1-3 on pages 451.

Thursday- Students will receive the dem bones template and Dem Bones directions for the “Dem Bones” project

Homework for Thursday- SW work on dem bones and study bones of the skeleton for Monday.

Friday- I will not be here for 1/2 of the day.  Ms. Sumner, a retired Science teacher from Sutton, will be helping students with project today. SW work on Dem Bones in class.

Homework for Friday- Study bones of the skeleton for quiz on Monday and finish Dem Bones for Monday

A HUGE shout out to my Incredible Edible Cell parent helpers! This was the smoothest and most well-organized IEC days I’ve had in my six years of doing this!!  Thank you all so much and PLEASE come visit again whenever we do a big project or even a small lab that interests you!

IEC pictures. I took two pictures of each project: one of the child with the project and one of the project by itself.  If you wish to have any of these pictures, please email me: gvikingson@atlantapublicschools.us (don’t post to my blog as I will not respond!!!) and I will gladly email you back with the pictures attached in the email! :)

Week 7: Cellular processes

Standards:  S7L2a, S7L2b, S7CS5, S7CS10

IB Connections: Human Ingenuity; Health & Social Education; Approaches to Learning

Objectives:

-          Describe how most small molecules cross the cell membrane

-          Explain why osmosis is important to cells

-          Tell the difference between passive transport and active transport

-          Explain how the sun supplies living things with the energy they need

-          Describe what happens during the process of photosynthesis

-          Describe the events that occur during cellular respiration

-          Tell what fermentation is

-          Identify the events that take place during the three stages of the cell cycle

Essential questions

1. Why and how do cells get the energy and nutrients they need?
2. How is water essential to the function of cells?
3. How do cells get rid of waste?
4. What is mitosis and what is the importance of this process?

Higher Level Questioning

1. Can plant and animal cells function without sunlight?
2. What happens when cells cease to function properly?
3. What do cells tell us about basic processes of life…life, death, reproduction, etc?

Monday- Students will take notes on Photosynthesis, Respiration, and Fermentation using the Cellular Processes Photosythesis Cell Respiration Fermentation Mitosis ppt and Cellular Processes Photosynthesis, Ferm, Cell Resp, Mitosis Blank Notes.  Here are some websites that may be helpful in better understanding this material:

Photosynthesis Demo Photosynthesis diagram Photosynthesis interactive

Wonderville Photosynthesis

Homework for Monday- Read pages 86-90 in your textbook and answer questions 1-2 AND read pages 91-94 and answer questions 1-2 on left hand side under today’s bellwork.  Study notes on cell organelles, moving cellular materials and photosynthesis/resp/ferm for a test on Friday.  Work on INB for Friday’s check.

Tuesday-  No school due to flooding

Wednesday- Today students will be applying their knowledge of photosynthesis by creating a story about an animal or animal cell that is Invaded by Chloroplasts.  Use the Cellular Processes Photosythesis Cell Respiration Fermentation Mitosis ppt for directions after notes on Fermentation.  Students will have all class period to work on the assignment and will turn it in on Monday: Story and one picture.

Homework for Wednesday- SW complete their “Invaded by Chloroplasts” story.  Work on INB for Monday’s check.

Thursday- SW take notes on mitosis using the Cellular Processes Photosythesis Cell Respiration Fermentation and Mitosis ppt.    The following websites may help you better understand the material:

The Cell Cycle Mitosis Up Close Mitosis Rap Mitosis Interactive

Mitosis: One cell becomes two Mitosis animation and quiz Mitosis game

Homework for Thursday- Study all notes on cell structures, moving cell materials, and cell processes for a test on Monday.  Work on INB for Monday’s check.

Friday- SW work on a study guide during class and should finish it before their test on Monday.  Here are some Cell Organelle Websites to help you study for your test: 3-d cell Plant vs. Animal cell Cell Labeling Cell Structures

Compare plant animal cells Inside a Cell Plant Cell Compare cell types

The Cell and its Organelles Tour of the Cell Parts of a cell

Homework for Friday- Finish study guide.  Also, for extra credit, complete the chapter reviews on pages 69-70 on Cell Structures and 105-106 on Cell processes for 10 extra test points (this can boost you up one letter grade on the test!).  Work on INB for Monday’s check.

Parents, I am in desperate need of some classroom helpers during the Incredible Edible Cell assembly day!  I just received notice that benchmark testing will take place during the assembly of our projects and our class periods will be shortened to only 45 minutes.  This is a major road block in this project and the only solution is parental help so that things will go smoothly during our shortened classes.  Please see the schedule below so you can arrive for your child’s class period, but please feel free to stay for the whole day!  :)

1st Period- 10:03- 10:48 (45)

2nd Period- 10:51 – 11:36 (45)

3rd Period-  11:39-12:51 (lunch period included)

4th Period- 12:54-1:38 (45)

5th Period- 1:42 – 2:27 (45)

I have made a change to project construction in that students who are working alone may assemble at home and bring a completed IEC to class on Tuesday (minus labels).  They will only have to place labels into their IEC in class (to ensure that the labels are not ruined during transport).

Students must bring their own utensils for eating their IEC: plastic serving utensils, forks, spoons, napkins, plates, etc.  They may also bring drinks and cups if they wish!

Week 4: Cells

Standards:  S7CS4, S7L2a, S7L2b, S7L2c

IB Connections: Human Ingenuity; Health & Social Education; Approaches to Learning

Objectives:

-          Tell what cells are

-          Explain how the invention of the microscope contributed to scientists understanding of living things

-          State the cell theory

-          Describe how microscopes produce magnified images

-          Identify the role of the cell wall and membrane in the cell

-          Describe the functions of cell organelles

-          Explain how cells are organized in many celled organisms

Higher Level Questioning:

1. How does scientific development rely on our knowledge of cells?
2. How are cells like building blocks?

Essential Questions:

1. How do you explain the relationship between the structures and functions of cell organelles?
2. Why is each part of the cell essential to survival?

Monday- SUBSTITUTE TEACHER TODAY.  WORK RESPONSIBLY AND WORK THE ENTIRE CLASS PERIOD! Students will work on the final draft of their research paper and their labels and go over their final list of supplies, making sure that if there are any changes, changes are made to their key and blueprint as well.

Homework for Monday- Have all project items completed- final drafts: key, blueprint, research paper, labels, and all materials purchased for edible cell assembly tomorrow.

Tuesday- INCREDIBLE EDIBLE CELLS ARE DUE AND WE HAVE A 45 MINUTE CLASS PERIOD!!!!  Students will bring food items for edible cell to class, storing them in plastic bags with names written on them and place them in appropriate cabinets within our rooms.  All final copies/drafts of all items:  Key, Blueprint, Research paper, Labels, must be brought to class and placed in their folder.  Students working in pairs will follow their key/blueprint to construct their edible cell and then all labels will be placed IN or NEAR the “organelles.”  Students working alone are allowed to construct at home and will only need to place labels into their model during class.  When the cell construction is complete, call for me and I will take a picture of the cake by itself, and with the student(s).  Students will then remove and clean all labels, placing them into the ziploc bag.  They will then place the key, blueprint, research paper(s), and labels into their folder to be handed into Ms. Vikingson for grading.  Now it’s time to eat!  Students must bring their own utensils, plates, etc for eating their IEC.  The last 10 minutes of class will be clean up.

Homework for Tuesday-  Chill…relax. Take a breather

Wednesday- Today students will be working on cell processes vocabulary dissection. Because of our shortened classes, we may begin our notes on moving cellular materials (see Thursday).

Homework for Wednesday-  Read pages 80-85 and answer questions 1-3 under today’s bellwork.

Thursday- Students will be completing an inquiry lab called Grape osmosis using Grape Osmosis Lab Sheet.  Students will place a measured grape into three different solutions and will hypothesize what changes that expect to see based on their background knowledge of osmosis.  We will try and get some notes done using the Cell Processes Moving Cellular Materials ppt and Cell Processes Moving Cellular Materials Notes page. We will check our results tomorrow in class and analyze them.  Osmosis demonstration similar to our lab:  Osmosis lab demonstration Here are some other websites the kids may find helpful:

Osmosis demo Moving Cellular Materials animations Diffusion

Passive and Active Transport

Homework for Thursday- None

Friday- Students will finish their grape osmosis lab, analyze their results, and answer lab questions.  When we are done discussing our results, students will finish notes on moving cellular materials .

Homework for Friday-  None

I hope you all had a fabulous 3-day weekend!  This week we begin the most fun and time intensive project of the year, the Incredible Edible Cell!  Students may work alone or in pairs as long as their partner is within the same science class period.  Given how extensive this project is, Ms. Zaher and I have decided to make the project worth a total of 500 project points: 100 points for paper (each STUDENT), 100 points for key (each team), 100 points for blueprint (each team), 100 points for labels (each team), 100 points for model (each team).  All project materials must be kept inside of a folder of sorts (with your name written on it) and all labels must be kept in a ziploc bag.  Please make sure that folders and ziplocs are brought to class everyday.

Please keep in mind that this project is not intended to force families to spend tons of money on expensive candy, cookies, cake.  I hope that you will look at this project as a time to spend with your children in the kitchen baking a large cookie/cake, developing plans and ideas for their cell model, and searching through the cupboards for usable materials that are already at home!  In the event that this project is too costly, please let me know as there is an alternative assignment or maybe we can find a more cost effective way to complete the project!

Projects will be assembled and all pieces are due TUESDAY as I will be absent on Monday the 14th.  I would love to have parental assistance on this day as there will be lots of fun, lots of learning, lots of food, and a whole lot of mess that day.  Your help will make the day go by much more smoothly.  Please email me and let me know if you can attend during your child’s class period: gvikingson@atlanta.k12.ga.us

Week 4: Cells

Standards:  S7CS4, S7L2a, S7L2b, S7L2c

IB Connections: Human Ingenuity; Health & Social Education; Approaches to Learning

Objectives:

-          Tell what cells are

-          Explain how the invention of the microscope contributed to scientists understanding of living things

-          State the cell theory

-          Describe how microscopes produce magnified images

-          Identify the role of the cell wall and membrane in the cell

-          Describe the functions of cell organelles

-          Explain how cells are organized in many celled organisms

Higher Level Questioning:

1. How does scientific development rely on our knowledge of cells?
2. How are cells like building blocks?

Essential Questions:

1. How do you explain the relationship between the structures and functions of cell organelles?
2. Why is each part of the cell essential to survival?

Monday- Happy Labor Day! Rest up!

Homework for Monday- None

Tuesday- Today students will be given the Incredible Edible Cell directions which goes along with the The Incredible Edible Cell ppt.  Students will get together with their partners or work independently to begin on their Key.  Items listed within the key need to be brought to school next Tuesday so make sure you split the resources up amongst yourself and your partner so everyone is responsible for bringing in some items.

Homework for Tuesday-   Finish rough draft and possibly final draft of Key for IEC project.  Make sure you have exchanged phone numbers so you can communicate about supplies that need to be attained.   Work on pages 21-34 of INB- due Thursday for 2nd notebook check!

Wednesday- Bring your IEC folder today as students will be finishing their final draft of the key.  They will then begin working on the blueprint picture for their project.  Blueprints MUST look like their cake/cookie and the organelles must look like their candies they will place on it according to their key.

Homework for Wednesday-  Finish blueprint rough draft and possibly final draft.  Work on pages 21-34 of INB- due tomorrow for 2nd notebook check!

Thursday- Bring your IEC folder today as students will begin the research paper today.  They will have the internet, textbooks (both online and the class set/at home), and class notes to complete the 11-13 paragraph paper due for their project.

Homework for Thursday- Continue working on rough draft of research paper.

Friday- Bring your folder AND ziploc bag today as students will be working on labels for their IEC.  Labels get lost easily so a ziploc bag will keep them together!  Use toothpicks or some other stick for your labels.

Homework for Friday- Finish final draft of paper and continue working on IEC labels.  Make sure you have exchanged phone numbers with your partner so you can communicate over the weekend about supplies that must be attained.

Monday- SUBSTITUTE TEACHER TODAY.  WORK RESPONSIBLY AND WORK THE ENTIRE CLASS PERIOD! Students will work on the final draft of their research paper and their labels and go over their final list of supplies, making sure that if there are any changes, changes are made to their key and blueprint as well.

Homework for Monday- Have all project items completed- final drafts: key, blueprint, research paper, labels, and all materials purchased for edible cell assembly tomorrow.

Tuesday- INCREDIBLE EDIBLE CELLS ARE DUE!!!!  Students will bring food items for edible cell to class, storing them in plastic bags with names written on them and place them in appropriate cabinets within our rooms.  All final copies/drafts of all items:  Key, Blueprint, Research paper, Labels, must be brought to class.  Students will follow their key/blueprint to construct their edible cell and then all labels will be placed IN or NEAR the “organelles.”  When the cell construction is complete, call for me and I will take a picture of the cake by itself, and with the student(s).  Students will then remove and clean all labels, placing them into the ziploc bag.  They will then place the key, blueprint, research paper(s), and labels into their folder to be handed into Ms. Vikingson for grading.

Homework for Tuesday- Just Breathe…relax :)

Students will be receiving their lockers Monday.  If your child hasn’t paid already, lockers are $5.00 and the money must be turned in to their homeroom teacher.

Also, our biggest project of the year “The Incredible Edible Cell” begins next Tuesday (due to the labor day weekend) and will be due the following Tuesday (not Monday because I will have a sub that day).  Please see the direction sheet (under Thursday’s homework) so you may preview the contents of the project with your child. The project worth has been increased to 500 project points!

Week 4: Cells

Standards:  S7CS4, S7L2a, S7L2b, S7L2c

IB Connections: Human Ingenuity; Health & Social Education; Approaches to Learning

Objectives:

-          Tell what cells are

-          Explain how the invention of the microscope contributed to scientists understanding of living things

-          State the cell theory

-          Describe how microscopes produce magnified images

-          Identify the role of the cell wall and membrane in the cell

-          Describe the functions of cell organelles

-          Explain how cells are organized in many celled organisms

Higher Level Questioning:

1. How does scientific development rely on our knowledge of cells?
2. How are cells like building blocks?

Essential Questions:

1. How do you explain the relationship between the structures and functions of cell organelles?
2. Why is each part of the cell essential to survival?

Monday- Today we are going to begin class by discussing the different organelles of the cell and their definition according to our vocabulary dissection.  Students will then fill out a Cell Organelle Graphic Organizer using the Cell_structure_function ppt

Homework for Monday- Study for microscope parts and function quiz

Tuesday- We will begin class by reviewing the organelles learned from yesterday.  Students will then finish their Cell Organelle Graphic Organizer using the Cell_structure_function ppt

Homework for Tuesday- Complete the organelle comic book character on the left hand side of your INB. Study for microscope parts and functions quiz

Wednesday- Today students will be taking a quiz on the parts of the microscope.  Part of the quiz will be directly on a microscope (parts will be taped and numbered and must be identified) and other questions will be paper format.

Homework for Wednesday-  Begin thinking of who you would like to work with for the Incredible Edible Cell directions (must be someone in your life science class).  However, it is highly recommended to work alone!

Thursday- Students will have their first microscope lab in which they must find a small newspaper letter “e” under the microscope.  Students must answer lab questions as they use the microscope and complete the microscope e lab worksheet.

Homework for Thursday- Begin thinking of who you would like to work with for the Incredible Edible Cell project(must be someone in your life science class).  However, it is highly recommended to work alone!

Friday- Students will complete a cheek cell and elodea lab using the microscopes along with the plant vs animal cell microscope lab worksheet.

Homework for Friday- Have your partner determined for the incredible edible cell project. Exchange phone numbers so you can be ready to work all of next week.  Directions go out Tuesday and the completed project will be due on Tuesday of the next week.

This week we begin a new unit on Cells.  We will be taking a test on Monday to assess how much you have learned from the first two weeks of school.  Wednesday is an early release day for students so class time is only 28 min!  Expect to participate in microscope labs and one of the BEST projects of the year: the Incredible Edible Cell!

Week 4: Cells

Standards:  S7CS4, S7L2a, S7L2b, S7L2c

IB Connections: Human Ingenuity; Health & Social Education; Approaches to Learning

Objectives:

-          Tell what cells are

-          Explain how the invention of the microscope contributed to scientists understanding of living things

-          State the cell theory

-          Describe how microscopes produce magnified images

-          Identify the role of the cell wall and membrane in the cell

-          Describe the functions of cell organelles

-          Explain how cells are organized in many celled organisms

Higher Level Questioning:

1. How does scientific development rely on our knowledge of cells?
2. How are cells like building blocks?

Essential Questions:

1. How do you explain the relationship between the structures and functions of cell organelles?
2. Why is each part of the cell essential to survival?

Monday- Today, students will take a 35 question multiple choice test covering the scientific method, observation/inference, qualitative/quantitative observations, the different types of variables, characteristics of living things, needs of living things, and chemistry of life.  All of this is covered on pages 1-20 in the INB

Homework for Monday- None

Tuesday- Students are going to work on their first “Vocabulary Dissection” for the new unit on Cells using the Basic Science Root Words worksheet, Unit Cells Root Words worksheet, and Unit Cells vocab and title page ppt.  They will also create a unit page that explains the content and has pictures in regards to the new unit on Cells.

Homework for Tuesday- Finish vocabulary dissection & unit page

Wednesday- Students will complete a bellwork on the smallest unit of life.  They will then work on a squirrel worksheet and notes on the Levels of Organization from cell to organism using a Levels of Organization Ppt.  Remember, today is an early release day! 28 minute long classes!

Homework for Wednesday- finish squirrel organization worksheet

Thursday- Students will watch a brainpop on microscopes.  They will then learn the function of each part of the microscope using the The Microscope worksheet and microscope parts ppt.  At the end of class, they will take a group quiz on the brainpop microscope movie.

Homework for Thursday- study microscope parts and functions for quiz next Wednesday. Use microscope mania worksheet to help you study!

Friday- Students will be introduced to the cell by reviewing any organelles they think they may know inside of a cell.  We will then color a plant and animal cell using a ANIMAL & PLANT CELL coloring key for our INBs and paste them inside when done.

Homework for Friday- Finish coloring cells using key and study microscope parts and functions for quiz next Wednesday.

Congratulations on finishing your first week of life science!  This week we will be finishing up our intro to science, so study up on a daily basis so you can be prepared for an upcoming test on Monday the 24th.  I am unsure when our textbooks can be distributed because students’ schedules are still changing, so in the meantime, please go to the online textbook if you want to use it as a resource.

Week 2:  Scientific Method & Living Things

Standards:  S7CS1, S7CS2, S7CS3, S7CS4, S7CS5, S7CS6, S7CS7, S7CS8, S7CS9, S7CS10

IB Connections:   Human Ingenuity; Approaches to Learning

Objectives: 

-Identify the qualities of a safe laboratory

-Identify independent, dependent, and control variables

-List the characteristics that all living things have

-Explain where living things come from

-Identify what all living things need to survive

Essential Questions:

1. What is the scientific method?
2. What are the types of variables used when planning experiment?
3. What are the characteristics of living things?
4. What are the four needs of living things?

Higher Level Questioning:

1.  Why is it important that only one variable is changed at a time during an investigation?

2.  How do the characteristics determine what is living and non-living?

Monday- Today’s lesson on lab safety will be introduced using a lab safety mishap worksheet.  When we are finished identifying all of the wrong-doings withing the worksheet, students will review the lab safety contract, sign it, and then we will go over life science lab equipment.  Finally, we will use a Lab Safety Website: Get Clobbered. 

Homework for Monday- SW get lab safety contract signed.  These contracts go on file and by signing it, you state that you will adhere to all rules of the laboratory and breaking any said rules will remove you for some or all labs in the future.

Tuesday- Today we will review the scientific method.  We will first begin by putting an experiment order according to the steps of the scientific method.  Following that, we will take notes using the Scientific Method Worksheet(right side of INB) then we will apply what we learned by creating our own experiment (left side of INB).  We will end class with one of the most addictive website games I know of, Launchball.  It integrates the scientific method and problem solving and you will find yourself playing it until you beat all levels!

Homework for Tuesday- NONE!!!!  Lucky you!

Wednesday- Today we will be going further into the scientific method by discussing the different types of variables: control, dependent, and independent.  We will take a few quick lines of notes (right side of INB) and then work on two worksheets for practice: Spongebob Scientific Method and Simpson variables and controls.  Any questions not answered must be done for homework and will be checked tomorrow for a classwork grade.  The sheet must be pasted into the INB.

Homework for Wednesday- SW finish Spongebob and Simpson’s scientific method worksheet and paste it into the INB.  Study for test on Monday!

Thursday- We will begin class by reviewing what we have learned about variables.  Then we will begin a very quick chapter on the Characteristics of Living Things.  Students will take notes using the Characteristics of Living Things ppt.  Students will then make a foldable of the characteristics on the left side of you INB for a classwork grade

Homework for Thursday-  Finish foldable; Study for test on Monday!

Friday- For bellwork, students will think of the Four necessities of life using  The Needs of Living Things ppt .  Then, students will work on a Scientific Method & Living Things Study Guide for a classwork grade. 

Homework for Friday- Finish study guide for classwork grade and study for test on Monday.

As I stated in class today, the online access code for the textbook was not correct.  I have now remedied this problem and you can all now sign up using the access code CEC5681BB803A22AAE9A (please make sure there is not a space AFTER the “A” at the end. Hit backspace to make sure). Once the actual books are distributed, they will go home with the students and are to remain there until the end of the school year.  The texts are brand new and are a great resource for our class.  Students may use just the textbook, a combination of the text and online text, or just the online version of the text.  We are asking that if a student would like to use the online access only, they must have permission from their parent stating this.  You can simply write a quick line of permission and signature at the bottom of the online access sheet I gave your child today.  Please take advantage of all the book has to offer by going online and using the access codes provided within the text to gain access to games, vocabulary, crosswords, etc.  They are very useful tools to make studying tests easier and more interactive!  Plus, by using solely using the online texts, we may have enough books remaining to create a classroom set that everyone may use for projects, to do homework during downtime, etc.

Following the directions below, you will be able to gain access to each and every page of the text, including an assortment of enrichment activities, quizzes and tests.  After registering, you should print off the info below to keep track of your user name and password.  I can also assign quizzes and assignments to kids who have registered so they may check their mastery of certain topics.  It is a great way of assessing your knowledge of the topics as you prepare for in-class tests!

Class/Group and Student Information

First time users:
To register in SuccessNet:

1. Go to www.pearsonsuccessnet.com
2. Click Register
3. On the first screen, type the class access code above in the access code field.
4. Follow the instructions to register.Please DO NOT use your full name as your user name.
   Write your user name on the blank line above exactly as you typed it.
5. At the end of registration process, the SuccessNet login page appears.
6. Log in by typing your user name and password.

Please note that this week your syllabus is due, parents and students are to subscribe to vikingson.edublogs.org and students will need TWO composition notebooks, colored pencils, glue, and scissors by Wednesday to begin our Interactive Student Notebook or INB.

Week 1: Scientific method

Standards:  S7CS1, S7CS2, S7CS3, S7CS4, S7CS5, S7CS6, S7CS7, S7CS8, S7CS9, S7CS10

Objectives:

- Identify the skills that scientists use to learn about the world

-  Explain what scientific inquiry involves

-  Describe how to develop a hypothesis and design an experiment

-  Describe the attitudes, or habits of mind, that re important in science

-  Describe the goal of technology

-  Explain how technology affects people in both positive and negative ways

-  Explain why preparation is important when carrying out scientific investigations

-  Describe what you should do if an accident occurs

Essential Questions:

1. What are the steps of the scientific method?
2. What is the difference between observation and inference?
3. How does science affect my life?
4. Why might your emotions affect you perception of something?
5. Why is it important to collaborate in science?

International Baccalaureate:  Human Ingenuity

Monday- SW receive the syllabus, go over classroom rules, discuss vikingson.edublogs.org

Homework for Monday- Students and parents read and fill out syllabus (100 HW points).  Parents and students also subscribe for vikingson.edublogs.org (100 extra credit homework points).  For those of you who are actually reading this homework assignment, please post a comment to my blog with your name, class period, and what you’re looking forward to most in science class.  This will be for an EXTRA 100 extra credit points!!

Tuesday- I will pick up signed syllabi to be returned no later than Friday.  SW receive the Super Scientist Quiz and Super Scientist Tips to help them with the quiz.  This is a 100 point classwork assignment and it must be shown to me when completed.

Homework for Tuesday- get all materials needed for science class by Wednesday (TWO composition notebooks, colored pencils, glue (rubber cement, glue stick, bottled glue), and scissors).  Finish super scientist worksheet.

Wednesday- SW review how to set up their Interactive Student Notebook (INB) using science interactive notebook guideline and the Interactive Student Notebooks ppt.  Students will complete their cover page and “about me” during class and may finish it for homework.

Homework for Wednesday-  Finish cover page and author page in INB (due Friday for 200 HW points).  Finish pasting in syllabus, INB guidelines, and finish working on Table of Contents

Thursday- SW complete a bellwork assignment on inference and observation.  We will then take what we have learned and pply it to our first lab about observation and inference which will be the first main entry into our INB.  We will be doing a lab using something called an obscertainer and we will use the Obscertainer Lab Template to set the lab up in our INB.

Homework for Thursday- Finish any lab questions not completed in class.  Complete INB cover page and author page due tomorrow.

Friday- SW work on a bellwork in regards to what they’ve learned about observation and inference. While doing so, I will check INB work.  They will then complete an observation and inference activity called fossil footprint ppt in which students will determine the events that occur given a limited amount of information using fossil evidence.  SW create a story from their determination and put it into their INB for Monday.

Homework for Friday-  Finish Fossil Footprint 3 paragraph story for Monday.