Monday, December 15, 2014

December

Cell Processes  
Our unit has been packed full of class activities.  We completed several investigations, including:

  •  the Egg-speriment, 
  • the Salt Water on a Fresh Water Plant, Elodea anacharis
  • Photosynthesis and Respiration Modelling, and 
  • Mitosis Simulation: Discovering Cell Division.  

Hopefully, you have all your lab sheets completed and conclusions well-written.  Make sure you use the study guide to help you prepare for your Cell Unit Test. 

Please check the daily folders in class for any missing lab sheets and note taking guides.  Also, use the homework calendar to help you organize your assignments.

No late work will be accepted after January 7, 2015.

Monday, December 8, 2014

Cell Processes Unit Begins

We are setting up a new title page in our IANotebook on p.105.  Please include:

  • the title, Cell Processes
  • 3 colors, and
  • 2 pictures


In the new table of contents on p.106, please include:

  • the Osmosis and Diffusion Lab on p.107
  • the Egg-speriment With A Cell Project Rules and Hints on p.108
  • the Data Table on p.109
  • the Graphs on p.110 
  • and Conclusion (leave a blank page) on p.111


We used four white, large, chicken eggs to start and then observed them after a week in vinegar.
You'll need to record both qualitative and quatitative observations in your data table for your class period.


Friday, December 5, 2014

Cell Project Reflection

Due Today: Cell Lab Report and Cell Project Reflection

Examine the rubric and use it to complete your written reflection.  

Reflection- Use complete sentences to answer the questions, please.
1. Did you make a plant cell or animal cell?  Describe how you chose your cell type.
2. Where did you get the research information for writing your step booklet about the organelles?
3. How often did you look at the directions/project checklist while doing your project?
4. Read the Cell Model Grading Rubric to score yourself in the following areas:
appearance= ________  creativity= ________ and craftsmanship = ________
5. Estimate the amount of time and effort you put into the book  and the model.

Please put your written reflection underneath your model on the counter.  We are returning papers, getting our notebooks organized, and self-evaluating our notebooks before they are due on Tuesday.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Cell Lab Investigations

If you passed your microscope safety quiz, then you have been looking at a lot of different cells in lab. for a few weeks, not including vacation.  Hopefully, you did a great job with your microscope drawings! 

You should have colorful, detailed, and labelled diagrams of the cells you observed. 

Check your work!  Did you draw, label, and observe the following structures?

  • Red Onion Cells - a cell, cell wall, cytoplasm. cell membrane
  • White Onion Cells with stain- a cell, cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus
  • Cheek Cells- a cell, cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus
  • Elodea Cells- a cell, cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, chloroplasts


If not, use these images on high power to help you...
Red Onion high power  and Elodea anacharis













Cheek Cell





Elodea anacharis








Thursday, November 13, 2014

Levels of Organization

Due Today:  Cell Organization homework sheet

Warm-up: Put these items in order from biggest to smallest.  For extra credit add even bigger or smaller items to your list!


  • atom
  • cell
  • compound
  • DNA
  • ecosystem
  • element
  • electron
  • galaxy
  • nucleus
  • organ
  • organ system
  • organism
  • a protein
  • planet
  • solar system
  • tissue

Then, revise your list after you watch a bit of Cosmic Voyage   .

Review your cell parts and check out  www.cellsalive.com 

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

BNSG Cells

After your open note quiz today, you will log in to Google Classroom to watch a video and take notes on the video.  You may either record these directly into your notebook to save paper or type them and print them out to insert into your I.A.Notebook.

You must use your earbuds and work quietly until everyone has finished the quiz.


Monday, November 3, 2014

Introduction to the Microscope

Due Today: Completed Miscroscope Mission Possible File!  Use text p.688-689 to help you.

Classwork: Follow the directions on the back of your file to help you with the lab.  READ AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS IN  ORDER, please.

We will be making slides and learning how to do better drawings on Tuesday.  Make sure you are caught up with all your work so you can participate in lab during class.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Chemical Compounds in Cells

Due Today: Text book Reading and Notetaking Guide for p.97-101 on
Chemcial Compounds in Cells
This will be kept on p.75 in your IA Notebook.
Classwork:
You are watching the rest of the video, Bill Nye the Science Guy on Nutrients.  Take notes on IANotebook page 73.  

Make a graphic organizer to sort and connect the details about each of the major nutrients in your notebook on p.76.   When you finish this, analyze the bar graph data on p.100.  Write your answers to Math=> Analyzing Data #1-3 at the bottom of the same IAN page.

Don't forget... your homework is to finish your Microscope Operations file-- all of it...




Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Microscope Mission Possible


As the theme for Mission Impossible played, students were handed a top secret file that contained pieces of the compound microscope.    Use the text p.688-689 to completely fill out your file.  Good luck.


Sunday, October 26, 2014

Coastal Dune Scrub Investigations

Due Today: Summary of the Living(biotic) and Nonliving (abiotic) Factors in CDS Ecosystem and the Procedures for your CDS Native Seed Germination Lab

Classwork:
1. Pair and Share
After you completed the Habitat Survey of the Coastal Dune Scrub habitat in which our school is located, you wrote a summary describing it.  Please read it aloud to your table groups.  Affirm each other's work and offer gentle suggestions for improvements.  
Be kind and attentive listeners as we all work on our writing skills. ;) 

Repeat this with your Seed Investigation Procedures.  You should be able to imagine doing the experiment based on the directions given.  If not, then help them to clarify the writing.

2. Reflection
Click on the link to get to Google Classroom for your assignments, please.  This is due Monday, October 27.







Friday, October 17, 2014

Characteristics of Living Things

Due Today: Needs of Living Things

We had a great discussion yesterday about how you know if something is alive or not and the needs of living things.  Be prepared to share your ideas about the homework at the end of class.

CLASSWORK:
Today, you will need to set-up for Cornell Style notes on IA Notebook p. 63 on The Characteristics of Living Things.  The powerpoint presentation has been loaded into google classroom, which sends you to the link on my webpage!


Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Communicating Results

Due Today: Paper Airplane Test Conclusions

Classwork:
 We are sharing our conclusions.  If a partner is confused when they read your conclusion, this is your opportunity to revise or edit the final version.
We are returning papers and organizing notebooks. During class, we are filling in our Notebook Self-Evaluation Checklist.  Remeber to get your Parent Review Signed.

Monday, October 13, 2014

Paper Airplane Test: Communicating Results

Due Today:
A rough draft of your conclusion and procedures for the Paper Airplane Test

Classwork:
Have a partner read your procedures.  If they can make your paper airplane exactly by following the step-by-step directions in your procedures, then they are well-written.  If they get confused, then rewrite that part to clarify.

Use the rest of the class period to finish the final draft of your lab report-- type or write in ink.

You will also need to attach your Bibliography.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Paper Airplane Test Part 2: Take Flight

Due Today: A Statement of Hypothesis

Class work

 Warm-up: Writing Procedures…a Step-by- Step Set of Directions

How do you make your paper airplanes? 
You will write procedures for how to build your planes with a partner in class.

Record the directions in a document titled Paper Airplane Procedures.
You'll need to read about  Operational Definitions  and include a few of those in your directions so it's clear  what, when, and how to measure for your results.



We will do the experiment on Thursday.  Bring a timer if you have one for  Thursday in the Gym.  We will record our data in our IA Notebooks on p.52.
Graph your data for homework on Thursday. 

On Friday, you will have the whole class period to write your conclusion and share your discoveries about how to make a paper airplane stay aloft longer!

Monday, October 6, 2014

Paper Airplane Test Part 1.Getting Started

This week you are performing a scientific investigation to demonstrate your ability to use scientific methods appropriately.  

Your question to investigate must be a good scientific question related to making your paper airplane stay aloft longer.

Read and attach the project introduction on p. 47 in your IANotebook.  Then log in to Google Classroom to take off on your research.  

Remember to document your sources and take notes on the major ideas related to flight and paper airplanes.  



Tuesday, in class we will begin writing our research summaries and putting together our bibliographies.

Whatever you don't finish in class will become homework.
The Statement of Hypothesis is due on Wednesday.



Drawing Conclusions

Thursday, we discussed drawing logical conclusions from our data. 

Remember, the dependent variable is what is measured as a result of changing the independent variable (what you're testing).  For example, the air temperature depends on the time of day, so the air temperature is the dependent variable and plotted on the y-axis.
The time of day is changing so this is an independent variable on the x-axis.

When there is a cause and effect relationship between the two variables a line graph will result from plotting the data.  

IF there is a directly proportional connection between the dependent and independent variable, what kind of line does your graph make?

What can you logically conclude by looking at the graphs?

Your notes on conclusion writing should be on p.47 in your notebook and the practice sheet Cause and Effect/Drawing Conclsuions  will go next to it on page 46 in your IAN.

The Friday Quiz will be on graphing and the vocabulary in scientific inquiry.




Graphing & Data Analysis: 9/30-10/2



Graphs can be misused in advertisements, implying that the claim is based on research! Beware  of the Tricks of the Trade!  Test your knowledge, wit, and skill to determine what's wrong with the graphs in the handout. This will be kept on p. 42 in our notebooks.

We started out with a lesson on bar graphs and progressed into line graphs. We graphed the Temperatures in September on a color -coded line graph in our notebook on p. 43

If you are still having a hard time with graphing, try these graphing tools and tutorials on the science home page.

The Friday Quiz will be on graphing and the vocabulary in scientific inquiry.


Thursday, October 2, 2014

How to Make Graphs

We are taking notes on IA Notebook p.41 on making graphs.  
Redo the bar graph for your Water Drop Lab.  
Use the notes from today's class to help you.

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Quick-Changing Chemicals Lab

Thursday, September 25
"Mystery Chemicals" were tested for their pH in cabbage juice indicator solution.
Students were practicing safe lab. behavior, data collection, and using evidence to support their conclusions.
Friday, September 26
We reviewed the lab conclusion, shared our reflections, returned papers, and organized notebooks.

The Water Drop Lab/ controlling variables

Thursday, September 17
We performed a quick experiment that put our research on the properties of water to the test. This lab is an introduction to the methods scientists use to answer their own questions.  After performing the experiment, students made a colored bar graph and wrote a conclusion.

Friday, September 18
Since we didn't get exactly the same answers for our lab. results, we discussed the conditions that could have been different in our methods.  This led to our lesson on variables and controls.

Monday, September 22 - Wednesday, September 24
The guest teacher was able to help students review the methods of scientific inquiry in the textbook.
Variables and Controls were identified with Sponge Bob and pals in their experiments.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Review and Reflect on MT

Due Today: Lab Review of Mystery Tube Investigation

Classwork:
Share your lab review with your group members. Grade it using the Five-Point Scoring Rubric on p.4 of the IA Notebook.

After you complete your Gallery Walk of everyone's posters, write your Reflection on p.28.  Describe how your design ideas changed from the very first time you saw the Mystery Tube to the the point of viewing all the ideas in Stoneman Science 7.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Mystery Tubes: Making Models to Test Ideas

Due Today: Hypothesis Practice Sheet/Your Prediction

Classwork:
On IA Notebook p.27, set up your notes on Mystery Tubes.

1. Define the problem.  What are we trying to figure out about the Mystery Tubes?
2. Make some observations. Describe what you are doing to test your ideas and list your observations.
3. Make your claim. This is where you write your hypothesis, using the correct format.


4. We are making a poster about the one idea that group can agree to represent what you all think is most likely going on inside the Mystery Tube.  This means you will need to argue politely and use observable evidence as you collaborate together.

5. Build a model using the toilet paper roll kits to test your ideas.

6. How did using the model affect your ideas? Don't forget to describe your new ideas and draw it on the poster.


Monday, September 15, 2014

Mystery Tubes: Hypothesis

Due Today: Organized IA Notebooks
Did you update your Table of Contents? Are all your papers and notes in order by the date? attached?

CLASS WORK:
We are reviewing the format for making scientific hypotheses at the same time we are making models to test our ideas.
Make a note of how to format your hypothesis on p. 25 in your notebook.  

Get ready to practice making a hypothesis aloud as I introduce you to the mystery tube.
Make observations on p.26

Friday, September 12, 2014

How Science Works

Due Today: Practicing Lab Skills on Observing and Inferring.
This assignment gets attached to p.20 in your IAN when returned.

Classwork:
Glue in and complete the vocabulary pre-test in your I.A.Notebook on page 22.

Color code and attach the diagram that goes with the video, How Science Works  on p.23.
Summarize our discussion and review of the homework, Doing Science on p.24.

We will practice making hypotheses today using the  "If..., then... because..." format.  A mystery awaits... 

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Thinking Like A Scientist..again

Due Today: Doing Science
Classwork:
Let's make some observations on p.20 in your IA Notebook of the snake!

How are opinions, observations and inferences different?
There are two types of observations we make in science: Qualitative and Quantitative.
Please, define and give examples of each on p.21 in your I.A. Notebook. Using two different colors, Highlight the definition of each. Next, back to your observations and use the same two colors to highlight examples of each type of observation with corresponding colors.
We made some inferences based on our observations.  Define inference.  Draw a line to connect the the inferences we made to the observations they were based upon.

Tonight: Practice these skills with the lab sheets on Observing and Inferring.


Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Thinking Like A Scientist

Due Today: Scientific Questions worksheet
Classwork:
Share your homework with your group.  Work together to rewrite the bad scientific questions to make them more specific, testable, and measurable.  You need to discuss and come to consensus (everyone agrees to have the same) for the the rewritten question at your table. Be prepared to discuss with the whole class.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Good Questions

Due Today: My Scientific Background should be turned in through G. Classroom


Classwork: Review our Tornado in a Tube explanations. Highlight and underline the observations that support your theory.

We are going to make a list of vocabulary words that you will be using throughout your science classes on p. 18 in your notebook.


When you finish, you can start on the assignment in Google Classroom for today, Asking Scientific Questions.

Monday, September 8, 2014

Nature of Science Day 1

Due Today: Well-rested students :)

We will begin our first unit of study in your science notebook today!

Please make a new unit title page in your IA Notebook which includes:

  • the title, Nature of Science
  • 3 colors, and
  •  two related pictures.

On the the back you will make a Table of Contents for this section.

We are going to do a short assignment in Google Classroom using our computers today, My Science Background.

Class Activity: Tornado Tube
The goal is to practice asking questions until you think that you can explain how it works!


Friday, September 5, 2014

Safety Quiz

Due Today: Signed Safety Contracts






Classwork Safety Notes and Study Guides



Take some notes from the Safety Presentation on the Science Department Website
Set up page with a T-chart. List ALWAYS items on one side of the T and NEVER items on the other side as you view the Safety Presentation.

This will help you review for the quiz.


Thursday, September 4, 2014

Safety Talk

Due Today: Science Safety Skills worksheet

Classwork: 


Complete the Study Guide on Science Safety Rules
Take some notes from the Safety Presentation on the Science Department Website

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Getting to Know You

Due Today: Interest Survey
Classwork:
There are two computer - based tasks today. We are:
1.learning how to navigate the assignments and  turning in a form, titled Getting to Know You.
2. and making shared folders for turning in our on-line work on time.
Activities: People Pizza and Study Buddies


Learning Objectives:
1. to feel safe and comfortable asking others for help in the classroom 
2. to get familiar with computer resources, expectations, and routines in science 

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Tidy up Tuesday

Due Today: Supplies for class
Welcome back to science class!

Classwork:
There's a few things we need to take care of to get the laptops working for us.  We'll get started with that this week.

  1. I need you to add my site to your book marks, if you haven't done it yet.
  2. Remeber to subscribe to the google homework calendar, too. 
  3.  If you have finished that, please get started by reading over the characteristics and study tips for each learning style.
Thanks for getting started quietly.

Friday, August 29, 2014

Friday

Please finish our activity from yesterday. Be sure to take the learning styles inventory and reflect on it.

Use Nervous System Basics, found on the sidebar of Mrs.Stoneman's Webpage to complete your assignment.

Is your notebook organized and ready for an open-note Friday Quiz?

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Your Brain and IANs

Due Today: Familiarity with Inter-Active Notebook Expectations (p.2-5)

Classwork/ Activity
Your Brain, Your Notebook, and Your Learning Style(s)


1. Glue the diagrams, titled Nervous System Basics: How Your Brain Works onto page 8 in your notebook.
2. Set up page 9 in your notebook for Cornell Notes, titled How Your Brain Works.
3. In the margin, write these questions:
  • What is the Nervous System?
  • How do neurons communicate?
  • Describe the 4 major regions of the brain.
  • Explain why the frontal lobe is different in teens.

4. Use Nervous System Basics, found on the sidebar of Mrs.Stoneman's Webpage to complete your assignment.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Wed. 8/27- Active Listening & IANs

Due Today: Name Fish- colored and cut out with your last name and class period on the back

Classwork/ Activity: Back to Back Partner Drawing and Building our Interactive Notebooks for Science

Learning Objectives

  • to have a clear understanding of how to be an active listener in science class
  • to prepare an interactive science notebook for learning in science


Back to Back Partner Drawing:
Sit with partner facing away from each other so that your backs are touching. 
Decide who will be teh listener first and who will be the artist first. You will switch and take turns doing both activities. The artist will have 30 seconds to make a drawing with geomentric figures (basic shapes).  The listerner may not view it.   NO PEEKING!
The artist will then explain to the listener how to duplicate the drawing on their own paper. The active listener will do their best listening to complete the drawing.
We will then compare and discuss how good communication skills help us to "see" what the other person is trying to say.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Tuesday, Aug.26

Due Today: The signed bottom portion of the green "Welcome! Course Expectations" sheet.

Classwork:
We will meet the animals in the classroom and discuss the course expectations in detail.



Activity: Name Fish
(Hint: What do you call a group of fish that swims together?)  We will be writing our names in colorful block letters in the shape of a fish.  It must be colored completely and neatly. Yes, you can chose what style of fish shape you make if you don't want to use the stencils provided; but. it must be as large as a full sheet of paper (8 1/2 "  x 11"). This is classwork.  Remember, if you don't finish it then it becomes homework.

Learning Objectives:
1. to feel safe and comfortable in the classroom 
2. to get familiar with my class mates
3. to have a clear understanding of what is expected in class

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Welcome!

If you are checking out what's coming up in class, then I like you already!

SUPPLIES:
You have a choice of a 3 ring binder that's 1 inch thick, or a big spiral notebook.
q  a thin (1 inch), 3-ring science binder or a big (8 1/2" X 11") spiral notebook with at least 100 pages of binder paper ,
q  a couple (2) of pens and pencils,
q  a pencil sharpener (preferably with a shavings guard),
glue sticks
q  a highlighter and
q  4 different colored pencils or markers (no permanent markers)
earbuds so that you can listen to videos, tutorials, etc. on your own.
OPTIONAL: tape, scissors, tissues, hand sanitizer, a good attitude!