Math 7 (Swamp) - Lesson 8 Notes and HW - due Monday, Dec 21
TEST - Friday, December 18
Social 7 (Lepage) - Chapter 10, Activity 43 Due Friday Dec. 18th
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Monday, December 14, 2015
Friday, December 11, 2015
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Monday, December 7, 2015
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Tuesday, December 1
Math 7 (Swamp) - Adding Integers Worksheet
Test on Friday, December 4 - Proportional Relationships (Module 1)
Scale Area and Adding Integers using the number line
Test on Friday, December 4 - Proportional Relationships (Module 1)
Scale Area and Adding Integers using the number line
Monday, November 30, 2015
Monday, November 30
Math 7 (Swamp) - Lesson 4 Notes and HW
Test on Friday, December 4 - Proportional Relationships (Module 1)
Scale Area and Adding Integers using the number line
Test on Friday, December 4 - Proportional Relationships (Module 1)
Scale Area and Adding Integers using the number line
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Monday, November 16, 2015
Friday, November 13, 2015
Science 7 Cell Models
Students spent the day (Friday Nov. 13) discussing what type of cell model they plan to construct. This weekend, they should start gathering whatever materials they'll need to begin assembling the model on Monday.
Models will be graded on appearance, the number of cell organelles properly placed, and the number of organelles successfully labelled.
Models will be graded on appearance, the number of cell organelles properly placed, and the number of organelles successfully labelled.
Mr. Aldrich's STEM (VR Viewers)
Ever heard of "virtual reality"? Well, my students have! Imagine exploring a coral reef, on your own, without needing to get wet. Or, walking over the surface of Mars without even leaving your living room.
"Virtual reality", in it's current state of development, uses special cameras to shoot videos in all directions at once. Any way a user turns, they're met with a seamless change of view. Just like they were turning their heads or looking around.
Even though this technology will be turned out for use by the general public next year, it's bound to be expensive. The most developed version of the consumer version is called the "Occulus Rift". Including the computer required to process the image and the headset to view it, the projected cost is estimated to be $1500. Several other companies, such as Sony and Microsoft, are working on competitive versions of their own for their gaming consoles.
However, there's no need to wait until next year OR spend over $1000 to experience it. If you have a smartphone and a few household items, you can build a VR device of your own for just a few dollars!
Of course, there are kits available for purchase that include all the parts and only require assembly. We won't be that lazy. We can find the materials list with detailed instructions for making the parts and assembling the devices for ourselves!
That's what we're doing. We're going to build GoogleCardboard VR viewers!
The students will research GoogleCardboard for themselves, generate a materials list, research sources and costs for the materials, download the plans, and build (and use) the device.
Our work on the GoogleCardboard viewers will be interrupted to accommodate preparations for the SRC Science Fair. Starting Monday, Nov. 16, much of our STEM time will be devoted to the Science Fair. However, that should give our teams more time to do more research and gather all their materials. Once the Science Fair is done, we should be ready to jump right into assembling and testing our VR viewers.
"Virtual reality", in it's current state of development, uses special cameras to shoot videos in all directions at once. Any way a user turns, they're met with a seamless change of view. Just like they were turning their heads or looking around.
Even though this technology will be turned out for use by the general public next year, it's bound to be expensive. The most developed version of the consumer version is called the "Occulus Rift". Including the computer required to process the image and the headset to view it, the projected cost is estimated to be $1500. Several other companies, such as Sony and Microsoft, are working on competitive versions of their own for their gaming consoles.
However, there's no need to wait until next year OR spend over $1000 to experience it. If you have a smartphone and a few household items, you can build a VR device of your own for just a few dollars!
Of course, there are kits available for purchase that include all the parts and only require assembly. We won't be that lazy. We can find the materials list with detailed instructions for making the parts and assembling the devices for ourselves!
That's what we're doing. We're going to build GoogleCardboard VR viewers!
The students will research GoogleCardboard for themselves, generate a materials list, research sources and costs for the materials, download the plans, and build (and use) the device.
Our work on the GoogleCardboard viewers will be interrupted to accommodate preparations for the SRC Science Fair. Starting Monday, Nov. 16, much of our STEM time will be devoted to the Science Fair. However, that should give our teams more time to do more research and gather all their materials. Once the Science Fair is done, we should be ready to jump right into assembling and testing our VR viewers.
Science 7 (BAD Mr. Aldrich!)
I'll be honest with you. I've been bad. I started this year saying that I'd use the blog on a regular basis to keep you all appraised of what we've been doing. I'm so disgusted with myself that I don't even want to look back to see when my last blog entry was. Well, mea culpa.
A lot has happened in the not-so-distant past. We had our first Unit Test to round out the first marking period. Results were mixed, of course. While no one scored a 100, we did have several students in the 90's. The highest grade for Team Awesome was a 98. Nice job! Despite taking place so close to the end of the marking period, students seeking to retake the test to improve their grade will be given the opportunity to do so after school on Nov. 16-18 (keep in mind that 3:15 buses will only run on Nov. 17 & 18). On Thursday Nov. 19th, I'll update student grades in SchoolTool so I'll have updated MP1 grades for the afternoon's Parent Conferences (12-3:15 and 4-6).
By the way, my classes have discussed, and agreed upon, a reward program for our tests. Any class in which everyone passes a Unit Test on the first attempt will earn a pizza party lunch in my room!
Okay. Enough with the update, on with current events.
On Monday, we began a new Unit about Cells. The students began with an introductory activity about how factories operate. How does this relate to cells, you ask? Well, in fact, each cell of an organism functions in a way similar to a factory. Factories are organized so that different areas are in charge of different parts of the manufacturing process. Even fast-food restaurants are organized that way! The students were presented with cut-outs of factory parts (Main office, Assembly line, Storage, etc.) and their functions within the factory were discussed. The students were then asked to use their tables as a factory floor and place their factory parts on that floor in a way that seemed the most efficient.
On Tuesday, we used a website (www.cellsalive.com) to explore different cell organelles (parts). As they read through the information about the various cell organelles, the students were asked to relate them to the factory parts they'd studied. Each group was given a work packet in which they were presented with the factory part and required to write in the cell organelle which is most similar in function and what it's actual function is within the cell.
On Thursday, we completed the CellsAlive activity.
Today, Friday, we began the process of designing a cell model to illustrate how the organelles of a typical cell are organized within the cell. Each group will collaborate to produce a detailed cell model. We went over the rubric by which their project will be judged and discussed different types of models the students could use to demonstrate their understanding. the students were given time to discuss, plan, and research their ideas. We also briefly discussed the written component of their project and how their individual cooperation in their team will be judged.
The designing and building of their models should take 2-3 days, based on my observations thus far. The written narrative describing the route raw materials would take through a cell should take 1-2 days.
A lot has happened in the not-so-distant past. We had our first Unit Test to round out the first marking period. Results were mixed, of course. While no one scored a 100, we did have several students in the 90's. The highest grade for Team Awesome was a 98. Nice job! Despite taking place so close to the end of the marking period, students seeking to retake the test to improve their grade will be given the opportunity to do so after school on Nov. 16-18 (keep in mind that 3:15 buses will only run on Nov. 17 & 18). On Thursday Nov. 19th, I'll update student grades in SchoolTool so I'll have updated MP1 grades for the afternoon's Parent Conferences (12-3:15 and 4-6).
By the way, my classes have discussed, and agreed upon, a reward program for our tests. Any class in which everyone passes a Unit Test on the first attempt will earn a pizza party lunch in my room!
Okay. Enough with the update, on with current events.
On Monday, we began a new Unit about Cells. The students began with an introductory activity about how factories operate. How does this relate to cells, you ask? Well, in fact, each cell of an organism functions in a way similar to a factory. Factories are organized so that different areas are in charge of different parts of the manufacturing process. Even fast-food restaurants are organized that way! The students were presented with cut-outs of factory parts (Main office, Assembly line, Storage, etc.) and their functions within the factory were discussed. The students were then asked to use their tables as a factory floor and place their factory parts on that floor in a way that seemed the most efficient.
On Tuesday, we used a website (www.cellsalive.com) to explore different cell organelles (parts). As they read through the information about the various cell organelles, the students were asked to relate them to the factory parts they'd studied. Each group was given a work packet in which they were presented with the factory part and required to write in the cell organelle which is most similar in function and what it's actual function is within the cell.
On Thursday, we completed the CellsAlive activity.
Today, Friday, we began the process of designing a cell model to illustrate how the organelles of a typical cell are organized within the cell. Each group will collaborate to produce a detailed cell model. We went over the rubric by which their project will be judged and discussed different types of models the students could use to demonstrate their understanding. the students were given time to discuss, plan, and research their ideas. We also briefly discussed the written component of their project and how their individual cooperation in their team will be judged.
The designing and building of their models should take 2-3 days, based on my observations thus far. The written narrative describing the route raw materials would take through a cell should take 1-2 days.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Monday, November 9, 2015
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Thursday, November 5
Math 7 (Swamp) - Corrections and Problem Set 17 #1 and 2 are due Monday, Nov. 9th
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Monday, November 2, 2015
Monday, November 2
Math 7 (Swamp) - Ratios Unit Rate Unit Pricing Review WS
Test Lessons 1 through 16 - Thursday, November 5
End of the 1st Marking Period is Friday, November 6
Test Lessons 1 through 16 - Thursday, November 5
End of the 1st Marking Period is Friday, November 6
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Monday, October 26, 2015
Science 7- Volume Lab
Sorry about the lapse in coverage, folks! Last week was pretty crazy and I had to shuffle things around, so this blog will bring us all up-to-date.
Last week, we focused on measuring mass and introduced volume. The Mix And Match Mass Lab was due last Wednesday. We took notes about measuring volume on Wednesday and Thursday. The notes were followed by a homework assignment (Metric Mania Volume), which should have been turned in on Thursday.
Today (Monday, Oct. 26) and tomorrow will be dedicated to the Volume Measurement Lab. It should be finished and handed in tomorrow.
Wednesday and Thursday will be used to learn about conversions in the SI system.
There will be a quiz about measurement on Friday and our first big test will be next week.
Last week, we focused on measuring mass and introduced volume. The Mix And Match Mass Lab was due last Wednesday. We took notes about measuring volume on Wednesday and Thursday. The notes were followed by a homework assignment (Metric Mania Volume), which should have been turned in on Thursday.
Today (Monday, Oct. 26) and tomorrow will be dedicated to the Volume Measurement Lab. It should be finished and handed in tomorrow.
Wednesday and Thursday will be used to learn about conversions in the SI system.
There will be a quiz about measurement on Friday and our first big test will be next week.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Tuesday, October 20
Math 7 (Swamp) - Lesson 14 Notes and HW - due Thursday, Oct. 22
Mid-Module Assessment (Lesson 1-10) TOMORROW - Review your notes
Mid-Module Assessment (Lesson 1-10) TOMORROW - Review your notes
Monday, October 19
Math 7 (Swamp) - Lesson 13 Notes and Homework (con't) - HW due Wednesday, 10/21
Mid-Module Assessment (Lessons 1-10) - Wednesday, October 21
Mid-Module Assessment (Lessons 1-10) - Wednesday, October 21
Friday, October 16, 2015
Friday, October 16th
Math 7 (Swamp) Lesson 13 Notes
Problem Set 9 and 10 Corrections due TODAY to improve your grade
ELA (Cole) - 1.5"-2.0" Binder by Monday 10/19/15 for Reading Log
Problem Set 9 and 10 Corrections due TODAY to improve your grade
ELA (Cole) - 1.5"-2.0" Binder by Monday 10/19/15 for Reading Log
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Thursday, October 15th
Math 7 (Swamp) Practice Worksheet #1-8
Problem Set 9 and 10 Corrections due Friday, October 16th
ELA (Cole) - 1.5"-2.0" Binder by Monday 10/19/15 for Reading Log
Problem Set 9 and 10 Corrections due Friday, October 16th
ELA (Cole) - 1.5"-2.0" Binder by Monday 10/19/15 for Reading Log
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Wednesday, October 14th...
Math (Swamp) Lesson 12 Notes and HW
Problem Set 9 and 10 Corrections due Friday, October 16th
ELA (Cole) - 1.5"-2.0" Binder by Monday 10/19/15 for Reading Log
Problem Set 9 and 10 Corrections due Friday, October 16th
ELA (Cole) - 1.5"-2.0" Binder by Monday 10/19/15 for Reading Log
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Friday, October 9, 2015
Science 7
Happy Long Weekend!
If you received your progress report this past Tuesday Oct.6, then today is your last chance to earn credit for it. I'm sorry if you missed the boat, but you were given reminders every day.
The Metric Mania-Length worksheet is due today, and we'll be doing a metric Length Lab during class.
If you received your progress report this past Tuesday Oct.6, then today is your last chance to earn credit for it. I'm sorry if you missed the boat, but you were given reminders every day.
The Metric Mania-Length worksheet is due today, and we'll be doing a metric Length Lab during class.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Science 7- HOMEWORK!
(Reminder) Progress Report?
YIKES! Science homework?!
Yup. Science homework.
Today, we'll be starting measurement activities. This will include taking notes during a powerpoint presentation and, yes, an actual homework assignment. This will be followed by a lab activity to build measurement skill.
We'll cover Length Measurement today. The Length Lab will be Friday.
We'll cover Mass Measurement Tuesday (Oct.13) with a lab on Wednesday.
We'll cover Volume Measurement Thursday (Oct.15) with a lab on Friday.
We'll cover Metric Conversions Monday (Oct.19).
Major Announcement!
You can't claim that you didn't have plenty of notice. Our first unit of study will be done after the Metric Conversion lesson. That means we'll be due for our first UNIT TEST on, or around Friday Oct.23!
YIKES! Science homework?!
Yup. Science homework.
Today, we'll be starting measurement activities. This will include taking notes during a powerpoint presentation and, yes, an actual homework assignment. This will be followed by a lab activity to build measurement skill.
We'll cover Length Measurement today. The Length Lab will be Friday.
We'll cover Mass Measurement Tuesday (Oct.13) with a lab on Wednesday.
We'll cover Volume Measurement Thursday (Oct.15) with a lab on Friday.
We'll cover Metric Conversions Monday (Oct.19).
Major Announcement!
You can't claim that you didn't have plenty of notice. Our first unit of study will be done after the Metric Conversion lesson. That means we'll be due for our first UNIT TEST on, or around Friday Oct.23!
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Science 7- Measurement
Progress Reports!
Any student who was given a progress report yesterday, Oct.6, should have gone over it with their parents, had it signed, and returned it to us today. If they did so, they will receive a 100 for the first quiz grade of the second 5 weeks. Tomorrow, it'll be worth a 75. Friday, it'll only be worth a 65. After that, the grade will be a 0.
Measurement
Yesterday, we began talking about the importance of observations in science and how hard it can be to communicate some of those observations to someone else. We discussed early attempts to do so, some more recent efforts, and the stubborn unwillingness of the United States to conform to those efforts.
Today, we examine the difference between Qualitative and Quantitative measurements. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both types as well as which type is easier to communicate to others and, therefore, more useful in science.
Any student who was given a progress report yesterday, Oct.6, should have gone over it with their parents, had it signed, and returned it to us today. If they did so, they will receive a 100 for the first quiz grade of the second 5 weeks. Tomorrow, it'll be worth a 75. Friday, it'll only be worth a 65. After that, the grade will be a 0.
Measurement
Yesterday, we began talking about the importance of observations in science and how hard it can be to communicate some of those observations to someone else. We discussed early attempts to do so, some more recent efforts, and the stubborn unwillingness of the United States to conform to those efforts.
Today, we examine the difference between Qualitative and Quantitative measurements. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both types as well as which type is easier to communicate to others and, therefore, more useful in science.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Monday, October 5, 2015
Science 7- Quiz Results
Friday's Microscope Quiz wasn't quite as easy as I'd originally thought. Or was it? Although we did have some good grades on it, I'm convinced that many students still aren't taking these things seriously and preparing as they should.
My first clue? On a day when we're having a test or quiz, when I walk into the room, I should see students reviewing their notes or quizzing each other. I didn't see that on Friday. I'm sure that there may have been one or two students who were doing what they needed to, but they were easily overlooked in the confusion in which the rest of the class was engaged. Even after attendance had been taken, the conversations persisted until I called class to order, reminded everyone of the quiz, and gave everyone 5 minutes to study.
ANYWAY, the quiz is done. It's time to refocus on the future. If your quiz grade wasn't what it should have been, you have until THIS THURSDAY at 3:15 to retake it. Which brings me to my next topic.
Many students have chosen not to retake quiz 1 and/or quiz 2, even though there have been consistent reminders. I told everyone that if this is the choice that you've made, then these are the consequences you've chosen, as well:
1) The failing/inadequate grade will remain, and
2) Parents will be notified of your choice.
Parents, Progress Reports will be sent home with the students tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 6). Please review them with your student, sign and date them, have the student sign them, and return them to school with the student on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Turning in the completed Progress Reports on time will earn the student an "easy" 100 as a quiz grade. If the Progress Report is turned in after two days, the grade drops to a 75. On Friday, Oct. 9, the grade will be 65. After that, the grade will be 0.
Today, we'll be going over and correcting the quiz. After that, I'll demonstrate the technique for staining a wet mount slide without removing the cover slip.
My first clue? On a day when we're having a test or quiz, when I walk into the room, I should see students reviewing their notes or quizzing each other. I didn't see that on Friday. I'm sure that there may have been one or two students who were doing what they needed to, but they were easily overlooked in the confusion in which the rest of the class was engaged. Even after attendance had been taken, the conversations persisted until I called class to order, reminded everyone of the quiz, and gave everyone 5 minutes to study.
ANYWAY, the quiz is done. It's time to refocus on the future. If your quiz grade wasn't what it should have been, you have until THIS THURSDAY at 3:15 to retake it. Which brings me to my next topic.
Many students have chosen not to retake quiz 1 and/or quiz 2, even though there have been consistent reminders. I told everyone that if this is the choice that you've made, then these are the consequences you've chosen, as well:
1) The failing/inadequate grade will remain, and
2) Parents will be notified of your choice.
Parents, Progress Reports will be sent home with the students tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 6). Please review them with your student, sign and date them, have the student sign them, and return them to school with the student on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Turning in the completed Progress Reports on time will earn the student an "easy" 100 as a quiz grade. If the Progress Report is turned in after two days, the grade drops to a 75. On Friday, Oct. 9, the grade will be 65. After that, the grade will be 0.
Today, we'll be going over and correcting the quiz. After that, I'll demonstrate the technique for staining a wet mount slide without removing the cover slip.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Science 7- Lab(s)
First, reminders! We have a Microscope Parts and Use Quiz tomorrow (Friday, Oct.2)! Study up for that bad boy! Also, anyone needing to retake Quiz 2 has until 3:15 this afternoon to do so. As promised, I will include a note on the progress reports for anyone who chooses not to take advantage of the opportunity to retake quizzes.
Today, we'll begin with a brief review of microscope skills followed by a Human Cheek Cell Lab. Students will be introduced to the basics of the Cell Theory and the use of staining technique in viewing hard-to-see cheek cells harvested from their own bodies!
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Monday, September 28, 2015
Science 7- UPCOMING QUIZ!
Who: YOU!
What: Microscope Parts and Usage Quiz
When: Friday, Oct.2
Where: Room 113
Why: If you've learned it, you should be able to show it.
Also, Quiz 2 results weren't what they should've been for several students. Anyone who failed the quiz should be taking steps to fix that situation. Remember, anyone scoring 45 or lower needs to make a set of hand-written flash cards to raise their grade to 65. Anyone scoring 50 to 65 needs to retake the quiz by Thursday, Oct 1 at 3:15.
What: Microscope Parts and Usage Quiz
When: Friday, Oct.2
Where: Room 113
Why: If you've learned it, you should be able to show it.
Also, Quiz 2 results weren't what they should've been for several students. Anyone who failed the quiz should be taking steps to fix that situation. Remember, anyone scoring 45 or lower needs to make a set of hand-written flash cards to raise their grade to 65. Anyone scoring 50 to 65 needs to retake the quiz by Thursday, Oct 1 at 3:15.
Science 7- Micro Classwork
Intro To Pond Water (Monday-Wednesday)
The students will spend the class period exploring microscope usage while examining pond water specimens.
Working in small groups, the students will prepare a wet mount slide and examine it for anything with a cellular organization, meaning it could be a living thing.
After getting the specimen in clear focus, the students will switch to medium power and refocus in order to create a drawing of their observation.
Each group is expected to produce two drawings from this activity, and two (more detailed) drawings after discussion and critique of their first drawings.
The students will spend the class period exploring microscope usage while examining pond water specimens.
Working in small groups, the students will prepare a wet mount slide and examine it for anything with a cellular organization, meaning it could be a living thing.
After getting the specimen in clear focus, the students will switch to medium power and refocus in order to create a drawing of their observation.
Each group is expected to produce two drawings from this activity, and two (more detailed) drawings after discussion and critique of their first drawings.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Science 7- Intro to Microscope Usage
Basic Microscope Usage
The students will learn the basics of using a microscope. Setup technique will be monitored and the students will be guided in using the microscope to examine prepared slides and produce drawings of their specimen(s) under different magnifications.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Science 7- QUIZ and Pond water
QUIZ TODAY! (Sci. method, Life characteristics Vocab)
Introduction to Pond Water Survey (SmartBoard)
Introduction to Pond Water Survey (SmartBoard)
Demonstrate proper technique for creating a wet mount slide and using the microscope.
Math 7 (Swamp)
Math 7 (Swamp) - Lesson 4 Notes and HW; Quiz on Friday - Fractions and Lessons 1 and 2
Social 7 (Lepage) - Study for quiz (Cultural Groups)
Social 7 (Lepage) - Study for quiz (Cultural Groups)
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Science 7- Microscope usage
Microscope use
Hands-on Group Labeling Activity
Handling Guidelines
QUIZ TOMORROW! STUDY! (Sci. method, Life characteristics Vocab)
QUIZ FRIDAY! (MICROSCOPE PARTS and USE)
Monday, September 21, 2015
Science 7- Intro to Microscopy
Group activity (Introduction to microscopy)
Microscope parts (Powerpoint and Notes)
Guide to proper use
Microscope parts (Powerpoint and Notes)
Guide to proper use
Math 7 (Swamp)
Equivalent Fractions - Unit Rates and Ratios Worksheet
Quiz on Friday - Fractions and Lessons 1 and 2
Quiz on Friday - Fractions and Lessons 1 and 2
Friday, September 18, 2015
Science 7- Life characteristics
Finish Life Characteristics Notes
*DELAYED TO MONDAY* Introduce only
Group activity (Introduction to microscopy)
Microscope parts
Guide to proper use
QUIZ Wednesday, Sept.23 (Sci. method And Life characteristics Vocabulary)
*DELAYED TO MONDAY* Introduce only
Group activity (Introduction to microscopy)
Microscope parts
Guide to proper use
QUIZ Wednesday, Sept.23 (Sci. method And Life characteristics Vocabulary)
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Science 7- Life Characteristics
Reveal the answer to the "Is it Alive?" problem concerning The Blob and identify.
Continue exploration and notes of Life Characteristics and discuss details as they effect our study of The Blob.
Compare and contrast "Subjective" and "Objective" observations and measurements.
Continue exploration and notes of Life Characteristics and discuss details as they effect our study of The Blob.
Compare and contrast "Subjective" and "Objective" observations and measurements.
Math 7
Math 7 (Swamp) -
Fraction Homework Corrections (9/10 and 9/14 assignments)
are due FRIDAY, Sept. 18th - Steps to help solve the problems
Fraction Homework Corrections (9/10 and 9/14 assignments)
are due FRIDAY, Sept. 18th - Steps to help solve the problems
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Science 7- Sci. Method Notes, No Homework
Today, we revisited and revised our notes on The Scientific Method. There were just a few more details to add to our understanding of the process.
At the end of class, everyone was shown before and after pictures of The Blob to see, firsthand, the results of the experiment with water. When allowed to sit dry for several days, The Blob shriveled up as it dried, eventually looking more like a dark green crust. After adding water to its petri dish late yesterday afternoon, The Blob returned to its original state. As it took in water, the crust became rubbery and expanded in size.
BEFORE
AFTER
Based on the data collected from this experiment, would you conclude that The Blob is alive or not?
At the end of class, everyone was shown before and after pictures of The Blob to see, firsthand, the results of the experiment with water. When allowed to sit dry for several days, The Blob shriveled up as it dried, eventually looking more like a dark green crust. After adding water to its petri dish late yesterday afternoon, The Blob returned to its original state. As it took in water, the crust became rubbery and expanded in size.
BEFORE
Math 7 (Swamp)
Math 7 (Swamp) - Lesson 2 Notes and HW
Fraction Homework Corrections (9/10 and 9/14 assignments)
are due FRIDAY, Sept. 18th - Steps to help solve the problems
Fraction Homework Corrections (9/10 and 9/14 assignments)
are due FRIDAY, Sept. 18th - Steps to help solve the problems
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
No homework
Today, we began class by going over the first Science Quiz of the year, Overall, results were good. However, not everyone passed. We still have some work to do on truly preparing for quizzes and tests. Remember, there is absolutely NO reason that a failing quiz grade or test grade should remain that way. Everyone has 1 week from the day it was returned to retake them. Parents, you should be aware of that. I need your backup to get these kids where they need to be as far as personal responsibility goes. Ask them to see their quiz. Encourage them to do something about it if their grade isn't where you think it should be.
Because there are no 3:15 buses this week, students who need to retake Quiz 1 will have until 3:15 on Thursday Sept. 24 to do so.
After we went over the quiz, everyone was reintroduced to a green blob I discovered laying in my yard a few weeks ago. They saw it last week, also. It resembled green silicone at that time. We discussed why it might be important for me to know whether or not this "blob" is alive.
The blob looked quite different, today. It hasn't had access to any water since last Friday. The blob is much smaller and looks more like a green crust. Everyone took a look to see it's dessicated form. I'll give it some water, tonight, and we'll examine it again tomorrow to see what difference a few hours access to water makes in its appearance.
We learned about the basic characteristics of life, after that. We discussed how some of the students' ideas, last week, were very close to the actual characteristics scientists recognize, and look for, today. Some of the ideas needed a little refinement, but I hope the students realize that they know more, intuitively, about "life" than they thought.
Because there are no 3:15 buses this week, students who need to retake Quiz 1 will have until 3:15 on Thursday Sept. 24 to do so.
After we went over the quiz, everyone was reintroduced to a green blob I discovered laying in my yard a few weeks ago. They saw it last week, also. It resembled green silicone at that time. We discussed why it might be important for me to know whether or not this "blob" is alive.
The blob looked quite different, today. It hasn't had access to any water since last Friday. The blob is much smaller and looks more like a green crust. Everyone took a look to see it's dessicated form. I'll give it some water, tonight, and we'll examine it again tomorrow to see what difference a few hours access to water makes in its appearance.
We learned about the basic characteristics of life, after that. We discussed how some of the students' ideas, last week, were very close to the actual characteristics scientists recognize, and look for, today. Some of the ideas needed a little refinement, but I hope the students realize that they know more, intuitively, about "life" than they thought.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Monday, September 14th...
Math 7 (Swamp) - Fraction Review Worksheets
Science 7 (Aldrich) - Pretests were given (all classes)
ELA 7 (Barkley) - Read chapters 7-12 of "A Long Walk to Water"
Take chapter notes (can be used on quiz) on each section
Update/revise resume using Google Drive
By Friday hand in hard copy of resume and share your document with Mr. Barkley
QUIZ Retakes are Wednesday during STEM lab for ch. 1-6 (Study!)
Science 7 (Aldrich) - Pretests were given (all classes)
ELA 7 (Barkley) - Read chapters 7-12 of "A Long Walk to Water"
Take chapter notes (can be used on quiz) on each section
Update/revise resume using Google Drive
By Friday hand in hard copy of resume and share your document with Mr. Barkley
QUIZ Retakes are Wednesday during STEM lab for ch. 1-6 (Study!)
Friday, September 11, 2015
QUIZ!
Friday, Sept. 11
Quiz #1- Classroom policies and expectations
Also, continue with "Is it alive?" activity. Specimen (blob) examination.
Remember 9/11 discussion/video.
Quiz #1- Classroom policies and expectations
Also, continue with "Is it alive?" activity. Specimen (blob) examination.
Remember 9/11 discussion/video.
General Howdy
Hello, everyone!
Sorry it's taken me so long to get my blog up and running, but here I am!
Most of the time, my blogs will be limited to basic information about my classes (i.e. Homework assignments, Quiz and Test notifications, Project information, etc.). Every once in a while, however, I'll also make some general observations about how things are going in class.
For example, we had a homework assignment this past Tuesday (Sep. 8). Each student was asked to think of 3 things someone might be able to tell whether or not an object was "alive". On Tuesday, it became a group activity in which everyone had to share their ideas, in a group of 4 students, to create a list of 7 ways.
Also, everyone was given an informal assignment to report to class with a science notebook by Tuesday. Most accomplished this easily. A few are still "working on it". They've been given until Monday, Sept. 14 before the grade will be entered as "0".
The first few days were also used to establish classroom expectations and procedures. In fact, our first quiz, which takes place today (Friday, Sept. 11), covers those topics.
The students have all been told to USE THE PLANNERS THEY'VE BEEN GIVEN to make a note for each subject about assignments, upcoming quizzes and tests, etc. PLEASE check with your student to be sure they use those planners on a daily basis.
If we work together, we can make this a successful year for all our students. Just remember...It takes a village...
Thanks for checking in.
Mr. Aldrich
Sorry it's taken me so long to get my blog up and running, but here I am!
Most of the time, my blogs will be limited to basic information about my classes (i.e. Homework assignments, Quiz and Test notifications, Project information, etc.). Every once in a while, however, I'll also make some general observations about how things are going in class.
For example, we had a homework assignment this past Tuesday (Sep. 8). Each student was asked to think of 3 things someone might be able to tell whether or not an object was "alive". On Tuesday, it became a group activity in which everyone had to share their ideas, in a group of 4 students, to create a list of 7 ways.
Also, everyone was given an informal assignment to report to class with a science notebook by Tuesday. Most accomplished this easily. A few are still "working on it". They've been given until Monday, Sept. 14 before the grade will be entered as "0".
The first few days were also used to establish classroom expectations and procedures. In fact, our first quiz, which takes place today (Friday, Sept. 11), covers those topics.
The students have all been told to USE THE PLANNERS THEY'VE BEEN GIVEN to make a note for each subject about assignments, upcoming quizzes and tests, etc. PLEASE check with your student to be sure they use those planners on a daily basis.
If we work together, we can make this a successful year for all our students. Just remember...It takes a village...
Thanks for checking in.
Mr. Aldrich
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Friday, September 4, 2015
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