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August 30, 2005
There is a science test scheduled for Thursday. You already know what to expect on this evaluation. Here are a few reminders:
-lab safety
-scientific inquiry (experimental design diagrams, observations & inferences, other vocab.)
-microscopes (label all parts and know how to use)
-characteristics of living things
-needs of organisms
-Cell Theory (history and development)
-cell parts (cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, cell wall, chloroplasts) You do not have to know the function of all of the cell organelles yet- but it is important to know how plant and animal cells compare- see your lab.
Today we checked the responses to the guided reading workbook assignment (pages 8-11). We watched a short video about the characteristics of life and used a power point progarm to review. Students are urged to complete the remaining workbook pages 1-7 to help review for the test. I will not take a homeowork grade on this assignment.
Please study WB pages 1-11 and all of the class assignments that we have done in the past few weeks.
Posted by Carroll at 06:53 PM
August 29, 2005
Friday students prepared slides of Elodea leaves and cheek cells to compare plant and animal cells. This lab activity is on p. 43 in the text and should be completed during class on Monday.
There is a test scheduled for Thursday over microscopes and their use, experimental design (scientific inquiry), characteristics of life, the development of cell theory, and some on the structure of cells. More details will follow.
Posted by Carroll at 12:29 AM
August 22, 2005
Today students worked in groups to evaluate the design qualities of several experiment scenarios. If you were absent from class today, see me for a copy of the scenarios and directions.
For homework that is due on Wednesday, 8/24, you should select one of the experiment scenarios (2-5 on the back) and complete the experiment design diagram.
We will go to the Sweat Mountain Park (adjacent to Mabry)for our lesson tomorrow. Please wear shoes on Tuesday that are suitable for a walk through the park.
Posted by Carroll at 07:37 PM
August 18, 2005
For homework tonight, write a one paragraph summary of your science article. You may write your summary on notebook paper neatly in pen or you may type it. Remember- DO NOT begin with "This article is about..."
You should reference your article on your summary. To do this, you should create a bibliography of your one reference using the format required for the source of your article. You can find this information needed to write your bibliography on the media center blog or use the "citation machine" site that I posted in general information. You should use the MLA format option. I will demonstrate this for you in class tomorrow. If you do not understand how to do it tonight, I will show you and you can add the reference/bibliography later.
Posted by Carroll at 04:02 PM
Here is a cool site to help you correctly list references. You can also get the correct form from our Mabry Media Center Blog. You will learn how to cite references in language arts classes too. We will use the MLA format.
Posted by Carroll at 03:58 PM
August 17, 2005
For homework, find an interesting science article to share. Bring a copy of the article to class. You may find interesting articles in the newspaper, in magazines and journals in your home, or online. I posted some links a few days ago. Here are a few more.
Today in class, students completed the microscope lab and planned an investigation using "gummi bears" to review and apply good scientific practices.
Posted by Carroll at 07:50 PM
August 16, 2005
Posted by Carroll at 06:37 AM
Tuesday we will learn how to use microscopes and the names and functions of the various parts. Students will set up their science journals for an introductory lab on microscope use.
As a notebook assignment, you should draw and label a diagram of a microscope. Create two column notes for the microscope parts and their functions as found in your text on pages 802-803.
Setting up your science journal:
-You should use a blue of black pen to record information and data in your journal. Take your time to write neatly. Your journal should be organized and legible. Write in complete sentences when analyzing data and recording observations. You may write on both sides of your paper, but may not want to if it is messy (sometimes the ink goes through the paper). Drawings may be done in pencil initially and outlined in pen later.
-Number your pages consistently (all the same place and size number) beginning on the first page with (1). Number from 1 to 50 just to get us started. You can finish numbering later when you have more time.
-Page (1) will be your title page for the journal. Center your name on the top line; write AC Life Science Journal below your name; Teacher- Mrs. Carroll follows; and 2005-2006 below that.
-Write "Table of Contents" on the top line of page (3). Below that, write the headings "Page" and "Activity" and "Date" across the page as column headings. I will show you in class how this should look.
-You will begin recording your first activity on page (7).
Posted by Carroll at 05:47 AM
Students are learning about the importance of following safety rules during science activities. They should have their safety contract signed by a parent and returned to me. Students are creating a cartoon or bookmark to reinforce their review and learning of the safety rules. This assignment is due on Tuesday. Criteria for grading were posted in class as follows: your cartoon must be about a specific rule (or a few); neatness; clarity of message; use of color. Be creative and think safety!
Posted by Carroll at 05:36 AM
August 09, 2005
To read my syllabus, click on the link below.
Download file
Posted by Carroll at 10:48 AM
This year, students will engage in research and inquiry activities that include experimentation, data analysis, and the investigation of real world issues relevant to science and technology. Students will study the habits of mind and methods involved in the process of inquiry to gain scientific knowledge.
Students will develop the reading and technology skills needed to utilize and process science information from a variety of sources. Advanced Content students are expected to work in flexible groups as well as independently as they engage in learning tasks throughout the year.
Life science or biology is the content focus for seventh grade science. This year we will study of the characteristics of living things and the cycles and interactions between living things and their environments.
The seventh grade science curriculum, as defined by the Cobb County School District (CCSD), includes the following Power Standards relating to content:
The learner will understand that:
• biologists name and classify organisms for the purposes of communication and study
• the cell is the basic unit of life
• genes work together to create the traits of living things
• organisms and their physical environment are interdependent
• evolution is evident in the past and current diversity of organisms
Visit the CCSD website (http://cobbk12.org) to view the complete list of curriculum standards for seventh grade science.
The curriculum and instructional strategies for this course are differentiated in content, pacing, process skills emphasis, and expectation of student outcomes from the typical seventh grade science course. Curriculum content has been designed for mastery and extension of state and district content standards. Advanced Science is appropriate for students who have high achievement and interest in science. The district has established criteria and guidelines that identify students who will be successful with the advanced curriculum offered in science. Students are placed in this class according to specified indicators of demonstrated exceptional ability and motivation. Students must meet continuation criteria to remain in the class.
Posted by Carroll at 10:30 AM
