9/26

This week, we discussed several basic 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 from which a leaf comes. We investigated and classified real leaves this week and had the opportunity to become more familiar with the "What Tree Is It?" website. We also discussed the importance of seed plants and how these plants have adapted in different ways to disperse their seeds.

Students were 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 Monday. Next week, students will create a "wind-dispersing" seed and see how far it can travel. We will also study the reproductive anatomy of a flower.

9/19

This week, we wrapped up our scientific method unit and began our focus on plants. We looked at a chocolate chip cookie recipe in class and discovered that the only ingredients that didn't come from plants were salt and baking soda. We discussed how plants are classified into four main groups, and we identified the major characteristics of each group. On Friday, students had the chance to examine and identify the basic properties of 5 different leaves. We will talk much more about leaves next week, and we will do a lab to help prepare us for the first science project of the year. We will discuss the leaf collection in more detail on Monday!

9/12

We spent the week reviewing the scientific method and how to use it. Students had several opportunities to apply their knowledge of this process by examining different experiments (even cartoon characters helped us out!). Students are currently completing the "Ball Bounce Lab," which allowed them to work through the 7 steps of scientific method on their own. Students will communicate their results by giving short lab presentations on Monday. The Scientific Method Quiz will be given to students on Tuesday. Also next week, we will finally delve into our first life science topic. We will begin exploring the wonderful world of plants!

9/5

We spent the second week of school reviewing some basic concepts that students learned last year. We focused on metric conversions and measuring mass, volume, and length. Our first lab of the year focused on the integration of both skills. We will be having a quiz over the metric system and measuring on Tuesday.

Next week we will begin discussing the scientific method, and students will be asked to write and design their own experiment based off of a question that I give them.