August 31, 2005
A Magnified View of Life!
For the rest of the week students will be engaging in a microscope lab. Students will examine chloroplasts streaming inside of elodea leaves and will even have the opportunity to check out their own cheek cells under the microscope! To learn more about what we'll be doing, download the lab from the link below.
Skills:
1. Apply knowledge of the microscope parts and their function.
2. Demonstrate ability to prepare a wet-mount slide.
3. Differentiate plant and animal cells
4. Examine and illustrate plant and animal cells under the microscope.
Assessment/Homework:
1. Analyze and Conclude questions on page 43 in student text.
2. Text and Workbook – Chapter 1, Section 2.
3. Multiple Choice and Fill-in-the-blank quiz on cell organelle parts/functions and the differences of plant and animal cells.
CCSD Standards
S7L5.1
Students will describe the structure and function of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.
S7L5.1.b
Relate cell structures (cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplasts, mitochondria) to basic cell functions.
Posted by Larkin at 03:54 PM
August 29, 2005
Dear Parents -
There has been much confusion for both teachers and parents concerning the No Homework Left Behind Policy (NHLB). I recently spoke with Dr. Tyson in an attempt to clarify the misinformation.
What is the No Homework Left Behind Policy(NHLB)?
All students are encouraged to do all of their homework, at all times. Students will be retained from Connections after arriving to school without homework. After the third offense for an individual teacher, (three for Ms. Larkin, for example), the child will serve a day in ISS Study Hall.
Is my child really in ISS and will it hurt their discipline record?
NO! Your child is not technically serving ISS, only going to a location that is quiet and will allow them to get caught up on their work, while also undergoing a study skills and work habits course with the ISS teacher. The "ISS" will not at all damage your child's conduct or disciple record in any way since they are not truly serving an ISS...think of it as a study hall with guidance.
Can my child still go to Jekyll Island if they serve a NHLB ISS Study Hall?
School policy will not allow any students who have had ISS or OSS to go to Jekyll Island. However, the only exception is for those students who have served an ISS Study Hall in relation to NHLB. Because the ISS Study Hall is not considered a true ISS and is not at all related to discipline issues, those students will be allowed to go to Jekyll Island assuming there are no other major infractions on their disciple record that have resulted in an ISS or OSS.
What are Block Parties and who can go?
Every 9-week grading period students are eligible to attend a 30-minute break or party as a reward for good behavior and hard work in the classroom. Students who may attend have not had ISS, OSS, and have not served an ISS Study Hall during the current 9 weeks. This is not a punishment, it is a reward to students who study hard and behave as young men and women are expected to behave!
Posted by Larkin at 03:33 PM
Students should complete Section 1-1 in their Guided Reading and Study Workbook. Section 1-1 can be found on pages 5-7 of their workbook.
Posted by Larkin at 03:29 PM
August 23, 2005
On Wednesday we will have a quiz over Lab Safety, Metrics, Scientifc Method, and Microscopes. There will be a review session Wednesday morning at 8:15.
Study Help
Lab Safety:
Download file
Scientific Method:
Download file
Metrics:
Download file
Microscopes:
Download file
Posted by Larkin at 09:55 AM
August 18, 2005
To download the Microscope Student Worksheet, click on the link below. The microscope functions can be found on page 802 of the text.
Posted by Larkin at 03:19 PM
August 12, 2005
Click on the link to retrieve the directions for the Lab Safety Bookmark. Bookmarks are due on Monday, August 15th. Your bookmarks will be laminated and returned to you next week.
Posted by Larkin at 03:00 PM
Parents, thank you so much for your contributions to our laboratory supplies! If you’d still like to donate, we’re always in need of Clorox wipes, hand soap, and paper towels. Other special Wish List goodies are color printer paper and hard candy, (no gum or suckers please). Thank you for your generosity!
Posted by Larkin at 02:50 PM
August 09, 2005
Welcome to my 7th grade Life Science Blog! We have many great things in store for you this year. To learn about the course expectations, keep reading, OR, you many download and print a Class Syllabus from the link below.
Posted by Larkin at 12:28 PM
To download the entire Class Syllabus, click on the following link.Download file
Posted by Larkin at 12:25 PM
This year, students will engage in research and inquiry activities that include experimentation, data analysis, and real world issues relevant to science and technology.
Seventh grade science will focus on the study of the characteristics of living things and the cycles and interactions between living things and their environments.
Academic class periods have been extended to include time to also develop reading skills in the content areas.
The seventh grade science curriculum, as defined by the Cobb County School District (CCSD), includes the following Power Standards:
The learner will be able to
• utilize science process skills to engage in scientific inquiry.
• recognize and utilize the SI System of measurement.
• recognize the cell as the basic unit of life and describe the structure and function of its major components.
• demonstrate an understanding of the structure and function of the systems of the human body.
• explain and illustrate how genes work together to create the traits of a living thing.
• explain the methods biologists use to name and classify living things for the purpose of communication and study.
• explain interactions between organisms and their physical environments.
• explain that change over time is evident in the past and current diversity of organisms found on earth.
Visit the CCSD website (http://www.cobbk12.org) to view the complete list of curriculum standards. Select the PICASSO link on the right margin of the page. Stay on the Parents tab and select science from the list, finally choose 7th grade.
Posted by Larkin at 12:15 PM
The seventh grade policies and procedures apply to all science classes.
Safety is a primary concern in the science lab and students need to be well behaved. Students will sign a safety contract as a part of our safety unit during the first few weeks of school. Students who do not follow directions and obey safety guidelines during lab activities may not be allowed to continue the activity for the day. A lowered grade should also be anticipated for the activity. During outdoor learning experiences, students are also required to obey all classroom safety rules and guidelines.
Students are expected to reserve a section of their binder for their science notebook that includes science notes, lab reports, and other activities. Your teacher will give directions for organizing your work. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain a neat science notebook. Quality work is desired and expected. Periodically during the year items from the notebook may be selected to save in a portfolio.
Posted by Larkin at 12:10 PM
Grades will be determined using the following guidelines:
o Tests, Major Projects 40%
o Classwork, Activities, Labs, Quizzes 50%
o Homework assignments 10%
Time at home will be required to preview material, complete projects, finalize lab reports, read the textbook, learn vocabulary and content, and review for tests. These items will not be included in the 10% portion of the grade even though many of these things should be done at home (outside of class time).
Posted by Larkin at 12:05 PM
Students are responsible to make up any missed class assignments or tests when absent. Make arrangements with your teacher when you return to class for a time to make up tests or lab activities. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with your teacher if you have any concerns about assignments.
Posted by Larkin at 11:00 AM
Plan for success in science class by modeling intelligent behaviors:
• Decrease impulsivity
• Listen to others
• Practice persistence
• Think flexibly
• Think about thinking
• Strive for accuracy and precision
• Question and pose problems
• Apply knowledge to new situations
• Think and communicate with clarity and precision
• Gather data using all your senses
• Demonstrate ingenuity, originality, insightfulness: creativity
• Respond with wonderment and awe
*From A.L. Costa’s Habits of Mind*
Posted by Larkin at 09:25 AM
