Where Do I Get Energy Webquest

Photosynthesis Animation

Chemistry of Life and Study Guide

Study Guide - Check out this link!!

Atoms make up everything!!  All living things are made up of atoms, compounds and molecules.

Chemistry of Life Song: CHNOPS

Heterogeneous Mixtures = Settle out over time
Homogeneous Mixtures (Solutions)

Mixtures and Solutions - Substances retain their own properties.  Watch this video link!

Endocytosis and Exocytosis video clip link

Cell-a-bration!!

On Friday, October 26th, students presented their 3-dimensional plant and animal cells.  There were so many creative and thoughtful cells!!! It was really delightful to see the creativity and artfulness of this project.  Students created cells that were made from recycled materials, foam, intricate design with clay, beautifully sewn fabrics, cake with different types of candies, pizza, a carved pumpkin, and legos with flagella that really move!  Some cells were edible and students did feast as it truly was a "Cell-a-bration"!!

Cell Project Letter

                                                                                                     October 18, 2012


Dear Parents and Guardians,

        Students have begun a unit on The Cell, chapter 2 in the Life’s Structure and Function textbook.  We have studied all about the various organelles and parts and how each has a particular function.  Students have been assigned a project called, Building a Cell.  Students will create a three-dimensional model of a plant or animal cell.  Please see the project directions sheet for details.   

Many creative ideas are available to students and some are discussed in class.  Students are encouraged to use recyclable materials and other inexpensive objects that represent by shape, size and color the various organelles that are found in the cell.  Shoe boxes work great as well as plastic containers.  In the past some cells were made out of cake decorated with various types of candies each chosen carefully to represent the parts of a cell and some were made out of pizza.  Other cells have been made out of foam or Styrofoam.

This Cell project is due Friday, October 26th.  On this day students will present and share their projects.  The classroom will be a virtual cell museum.  I call this very special day, “Cell-a-Bration”.  We celebrate remarkable and amazing cells.  Students are allowed to eat the edible cells if they wish.  This is a really fun visual and kinesthetic activity that engages student learning of the cell as well as helping to reinforce concepts.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Pratt

Cell Parts and Functions Youtube video

Watch this Youtube video (4:54) and then write a paragraph to summarize what you observed.

To watch the video click the link below:

Cell Parts and Functions

Microscope Mania Lab

Sites on the Microscope Mania Lab

• Magnification Module
• A-Z Microscope History
• Microbus
• Powers of 10
• Virtual Electron Microscope (choose 3 specimen to draw and then provide color to your drawing)

Remember----Add color to all drawings and neatness is important!

Click the link below to find each of the sites to complete the lab.

http://sciencespot.net/Pages/kdzbio.html

New York Worms

Giant Mealworms

Set up a mealworm experiment that tests this company's claim that there are GIANT Mealworms.  Outline the experiment.

• How could you test this claim?
• What would you do to test this claim?

Homeostasis of the Eye Lab

Positive and Negative Feedback Loops and Homeostasis

This is a great YouTube video, 14 min or so, that helps explain positive and negative feedback loops.  Some of the information is a bit advanced but it can provide some basic information to help understand the lab and to advance your learning :)

Features of Living Things Mini-Project

Students have been assigned this short and creative project to help reinforce learning the 8 features of living things. Students may choose either the cartoon or comic strip design and then they should research their chosen organism and plan their project to show how each of the 8 features applies to or "fits" their chosen organism. Ultimately, proving that their organism is indeed a living thing.

Living Things Day!

Students have been assigned to bring in a living thing!!  On Wednesday, September 12th students will bring in a living thing of their choosing.  This is a fun and engaging way to kick-off the school year in life science and to evaluate the features of living things.  Parameters have been set; no dogs or cats please and humans can't count for credit.  I've asked students to be creative in their ideas/choices and I've given many examples to help clarify.  Simple is fine, and free is good, I told them.

Individually, students will observe their living thing and determine the features they think make their living thing living.  They will record their responses in their science journal.  As a class, students will be asked to share responses and then we will discuss the features set in place by scientists.  We will discuss the reasons why scientists have specific criteria for determining what is living and what is not.  Students will revise their journal entry and reflect on the experience.

Extra Credit Opportunities

Scavenger Hunt List

Book List

List of Famous Biologists

Welcome Back Letter

Portfolios in Science

Classwork and Homework Grading Rubric

Welcome to 7A Life Science!!

It is going to be a wonderful year in science!  Use this blog as a reference for the happenings in science.  There is always something exciting going on in science.  Here you can find labs and activities as well as projects and other assignments.  Positive comments and posts are encouraged and welcomed.

Enjoy all the interesting creatures in the classroom!!  Life science is the study of living things.  Many living things live in the classroom including red eared sliders, painted turtles, eastern gray tree frogs, anoles lizards, various plant species, an ant farm and fungi!!