12/21

This week, we discussed genetic disorders and studied the characteristics of four common ones: cystic fibrosis, sickle-cell anemia, hemophilia, and Down Syndrome.  We reviewed for our genetics test on Tuesday and Wednesday, and we finished our unit with the test on Thursday. When we come back from break, we will begin our chapter on DNA, and students will be introduced to their "genetic disorder project."  Have a relaxing and enjoyable winter break!  

12/14

We began the week by doing the "Face Lab." In this lab, students had to play the role of parents and flip coins in order to determine which traits would be passed on to their "child." This lab reinforced how alleles are passed from parents to offspring and how probability (in our case, flipping a coin) plays a major role in genetics. Students had to use the results from their coin flips to draw what their "child" would look like. I must say, we had some VERY interesting looking children as a result of this lab! We began examining X-linked traits this week as well. We discussed how certain traits were located on the X chromosome and that females have XX sex chromosomes, while males have XY sex chromosomes. We used this knowledge to learn how to do X-linked Punnett squares. We spent time practicing these Punnett squares in small groups on Friday, and students are really getting the hang of it! Next week we will learn about genetic disorders and take our genetics test!

12/7

This week, students were introduced to the basic principles of heredity and genetics. We looked into Gregor Mendel's scientific investigations with pea plants and did a "pollination" activity to see if our results matched up with his. We also had the chance to observe our physical characteristics and those of our classmates in order to determine whether we had more dominant or recessive traits. Out of the 10 traits that we observed, we found that this year's 7th graders exhibit an equal number of dominant and recessive traits. We also began using Punnett squares to determine all possible outcomes of a cross between two organisms. We will continue our work with Punnett squares next week as we examine X-linked traits.

11/29

Last week, we began talking about cancer and how this disease is related to problems with cell processes. We discussed the types of tumors, treatment methods, and possible causes of cancer. We reviewed for our cell processes test on Monday and Tuesday of this week and we took our first test of the trimester on Wednesday. For students that had class on Thursday, we read a article (entitled "Toxicville") that outlined the true story of communities that have been heavily affected by cancer. This article described how environmental factors (chemicals and pollutants) may be to blame for the high incidence of cancer in some areas.

11/16

This week, we did a lab to demonstrate the processes of cellular respiration and fermentation. We set up an experiment to determine if different amounts of sugar affected the carbon dioxide production in yeast cells. We also began discussing the processes of mitosis and apoptosis. We learned the importance of each, and had the chance to see some "mitosis animation" on Friday. Next week, we will discuss cancer and determine how this disease relates to our discussions of mitosis and apoptosis.

11/9

This week, we wrapped up our chapter on cells and microscopes and took our second test of the year. In our next chapter, we will focus on the processes that allow cells to obtain resources, produce energy, and reproduce. We did a "Carrot Osmosis Lab" which showed students what happens to baby carrots when placed in fresh water and salt water solutions. We were able to explain our lab results by recalling the properties of diffusion and osmosis. We also began discussing three important cell processes: photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and fermentation. Next week we will examine these processes in more detail and discuss the important process of mitosis.

11/2

This week, we focused on completing a "Cell Analogy Project." In this project, students had to find pictures that represented analogies of important cell organelles. In doing this, the students were able to make connections about how cell organelles function like everyday items. The students presented their analogies to the class, and I was quite impressed with the result! Great work! We have finished our microscope and cell chapter, and we will be taking our second chapter test on Tuesday of next week. Students have been given a study guide in order to help them prepare.

10/26

This week, we discussed the basic properties of cells. We did a math investigation to determine how changes in cell size (surface area and volume) affect the health of a cell. We also had the chance to view cheek and onion cells in the microscope, and we discussed the similarities and differences between plant and animal cell organelles. Next week we will be doing a "cell analogy" project in order to help us review the many cell organelles that we have learned about. We will be having a cell "structure and function" quiz on Thursday, so be prepared!

10/19

This week, we learned how to use light microscopes. We discovered how the microscope changes the position of an image as we practiced using them. We observed our hair under the microscope, and we also had the chance to explore other interesting prepared slides. This week we also discussed what it meant to "be alive." After our "is fire living?" discussion, we finally agreed that fire was NOT living because it did not have cells or DNA. Next week, we will talk about cells in more depth, and we will have the opportunity to view our own cells under the microscope!

10/11

This week, we did a flower "dissection" lab in order to more clearly view the reproductive parts of an angiosperm. Students had the chance to cut open the flower and identify the main portions of the stamen and the pistil. Many were surprised to find lots of eggs inside of the flower's ovary! We spent time reviewing the chapter on Wednesday and Thursday, and we took our first test on Friday. Next week, the students will learn how to use microscopes!

10/5

This week, we studied the characteristics of seed plants. For their lab this week, students were required to design a "wind-dispersing seed structure." We tested each structure (using a fan) to see which design traveled the farthest. Congratulation to all of our class period winners, and a special congratulations to our overall winning structure, which was designed by Kalee and Ivan! Students came up with some rather impressive and unique ideas for their structures! We ended the week by discussing plant parts and reproduction. Next week, we will dissect a flower, and we will have our first test on Friday. Remember that leaf collections are due on Tuesday, October 9th!

9/28

This week, we discussed several characteristics of leaves. We learned how to determine whether a leaf was simple or compound, the venation pattern, and how to identify the name of the tree that the leaf comes from. We investigated and classified real leaves this week, and we also had the opportunity to become more familiar with the "What Tree Is It?" website. Students were also introduced to the leaf collection project this week. The projects are due on October 8th, so students need to get started soon! Please follow the requirements presented in the rubric that was handed out on Tuesday. Next week we will investigate seed plants and study the anatomy of a flower!

9/21

This week, we wrapped up our scientific method unit and began focusing on plants. We discussed how plants are classified into four main groups, and we identified the characteristics of each group. Next week, students will be introduced to the leaf collection project (the first project of the year). We will learn the basic anatomy of a leaf, go on a leaf walk (weather permitting), and do a lab that uses the computer to help us identify leaves.

9/14

We spent the entire week learning about the scientific method and how to use it. Students completed the "Ball Bounce Lab," which allowed them to work through the scientific method on their own. We will finish our lab presentations on Monday and take the Scientific Method Quiz on Tuesday. Also next week, we will finally delve into our first life science topic. We will begin exploring the wonderful world of plants!

A Great Start to the Year!

Well, we've been back at school for over a week now, and we're starting to get into the "swing" of things. We reviewed the metric system and measuring, and we had our first lab which focused on the integration of both skills. Next week we will begin discussing the scientific method, and you will write and design your own experiment based off of a question that I give you.

Welcome to 7th Grade!

I hope that you have enjoyed your summer and that you are ready to come back to school! This year you will be introduced to a wide variety of life science topics including cells, genetics, evolution, classification, and the six kingdoms of living things. I look forward to working with you this year!