The snow days were certainly a welcome surprise, but they wreaked havoc on my lesson plans! Seventh grade was given a take home test yesterday. They will receive class time to get started on it, and it will be due on Friday, Dec. 17.
Eighth grade is starting a new chapter - chemical bonding. Hopefully some hands-on activities will make this very abstract concept more concrete for them.
Have a blessed Christmas! Celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Week of 12/6
Eighth grade is finishing up their periodic table chapter. There is a test this week. Also, by the end of the week, they should be able to identify the main elements in most everyday objects. Element projects are due Friday.
Seventh grade is working on the creation unit. This is a lot of discussion and debate. The unit will end next week sometime with a take home essay test. The Answers in Genesis website is a great resource for this topic. There is a link on the right side of this page.
Seventh grade is working on the creation unit. This is a lot of discussion and debate. The unit will end next week sometime with a take home essay test. The Answers in Genesis website is a great resource for this topic. There is a link on the right side of this page.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Week of 11/29
Seventh grade will be finishing Ch. 6 this week. There are a couple of links on this page to practice some of the things we have been talking about in class.
Eighth grade is starting the periodic table. This chapter includes a project which involves researching two assigned elements. As a grade, we will be constructing a huge periodic table on the back of the science classroom. There are links to help with researching this project and for practicing memorizing the symbols of the 40 most common elements.
Eighth grade is starting the periodic table. This chapter includes a project which involves researching two assigned elements. As a grade, we will be constructing a huge periodic table on the back of the science classroom. There are links to help with researching this project and for practicing memorizing the symbols of the 40 most common elements.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Week of 11/.22
We have so many things for which to be thankful! At the start of a busier time than usual for many of us (holiday preparations), may we all remember to slow down now and then and praise God for all he has given us.
Seventh grade is studying the structure and function of DNA. They will be building candy models of DNA on Wednesday. Eighth grade is studying the structure and function of atoms. They built models of an atom on Monday. Eighth grade will also habe a test before the Thanksgiving break. There are helpful links for both grades to practice some of the skills that we have been learning in class.
Seventh grade is studying the structure and function of DNA. They will be building candy models of DNA on Wednesday. Eighth grade is studying the structure and function of atoms. They built models of an atom on Monday. Eighth grade will also habe a test before the Thanksgiving break. There are helpful links for both grades to practice some of the skills that we have been learning in class.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Week of 11/15
Wow! We have a full five days of learning this week. I hope to take advantage of that and get a lot covered before our Thanksgiving break. Seventh grade will be wrapping up their heredity chapter and will have a test on Thursday. They have shown a lot of enthusiasm about Punnett squares. Eighth grade is beginning the study of the atom. Chemistry - here we come!! - one of my favorite areas of science. Watch the links list to the right for websites that offer practice in different skills we will be learning.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Week of 11/8
2nd quarter has begun. A clean slate for all students can be a great comfort. Let's start the quarter strong! 7th grade is studying heredity and will be learning how to create Punnett squares. Eighth grade is finishing up their study of elements, compounds, and mixtures. Thursday is a special morning for all 7th and 8th graders. We will spend the morning discussing the topic of bullying, and Friday we have NO SCHOOL! The week will pass quickly. :)
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Week of 11/2
The 8th graders and I are back from a busy and successful trip to Washigton DC! Now it's time to get back to a normal schedule. With the first quarter ending on Friday we have lots to do. 7th grade will be finishing up their chapter on cell activities. Ask them about their egg lab - they saw lots of interesting things happen! They will have a test on Ch. 4 on Friday. Eighth grade will need to spend some time reviewing to get back into our science mode. We are working on mixtures, but will not be able to wrap the chapter up in time for the end of the qtr.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Week of 10/18
Both 7th and 8th grade will begin new chapters this week. 8th grade will start investigating elements, compounds, and mixtures. Hopefully, many activities will help these abstract concepts become more concrete. 7th grade will continue learning about cells and their processes. A great lab will show how a cell can regulate the materials that go in and out of it. Lots of fun and, hopefully, lots of learning!
Monday, October 11, 2010
8th grade change
Due to lots of things affecting our 8th grade schedule today, we completed Tuesday's lesson today and will finish our boiling pt. project tomorrow. Quiz is still on Wednesday.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Week of 10/11
Midquarter reports went home on Friday. Most teachers are asking that these be signed and returned. 8th grade will finish their boiling point project Monday and will start preparing their data to submit to the online project site. If timing goes as expected, 8th grade will have a Chapter 3 Test on Thursday. Seventh graders have begun work on their organelle advertisement ad. They will get a workday on the computers on Monday and presentations of their ad will begin on Wednesday. Only a four day week this week and lots to accomplish. It will be a busy week!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Week of 10/4
Lots of exciting things happening in science this week. Parents - keep an eye on your child's grade. It is midqtr. already this Friday! 8th grade will continue its work on states of matter and changing states. We will begin an experiment where we will share data with students from all over the world. Check out the International Boiling Point project in the link section of the blog.
7th grade is investigating cells and will actually prepare slides of their own cells this week. Later in the week we will begin a creative writing project that will tie in with our learning of the organelles that help make a cell work.
7th grade is investigating cells and will actually prepare slides of their own cells this week. Later in the week we will begin a creative writing project that will tie in with our learning of the organelles that help make a cell work.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Week of 9/27
Both 7th and 8th grade will have tests this week. 7th grade will have theirs on Wednesday, and 8th grade will be on Thursday. 7th graders will continue learning about life by getting in depth studying of the cell beginning Thursday. 8th grade is still learning about matter and how to describe it. They will continue investigating the property of density with a fun layering lab on Tuesday! Don't forget to study!!!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Week of 9/20
Ooops! A little late this week. Sometimes it's kind of hard to get back into routine.
So... we had a busy science week. 7th grade is learning what it means to be "alive". Ask them to do our little chant for you. It would be a good way to see if they know what we're learning in class. 8th grade is getting lots of practice with measuring. We are now investigating the concept of density and will be moving onto physical & chemical properties.
So... we had a busy science week. 7th grade is learning what it means to be "alive". Ask them to do our little chant for you. It would be a good way to see if they know what we're learning in class. 8th grade is getting lots of practice with measuring. We are now investigating the concept of density and will be moving onto physical & chemical properties.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Week of 9/13
Hello all! Welcome back to school. Time to get into a new routine and that can take a little time. I hope this blog will help you and your student to stay on top of things (at least in science!).
Both 7th and 8th graders are getting a general introduction to their science topics this year. We are reviewing basic tools and measurement techniques and also looking at the scientific method, variables, and constants.
On the right side of this blog, please find the listing of homework assignments by grade level for the week ahead. Helpful websites are also listed on the top right hand side.
Both 7th and 8th graders are getting a general introduction to their science topics this year. We are reviewing basic tools and measurement techniques and also looking at the scientific method, variables, and constants.
On the right side of this blog, please find the listing of homework assignments by grade level for the week ahead. Helpful websites are also listed on the top right hand side.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Week of 5/24
7th grade has finished their human body project. Grades will be posted soon. We will now finish the year with our plant unit. We hope to be able to explore some of the beautiful flowers and trees that are part of our St. Lorenz property.
8th grade will finish up the year with a unit on heat and temperature. Thursday we will attempt to create solar cookers and heat up some simple foods.
8th grade will finish up the year with a unit on heat and temperature. Thursday we will attempt to create solar cookers and heat up some simple foods.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Week of 5/17
It was nice to finally enjoy spring weather again this weekend. However, the cooler May days have been helpful to us teachers!
Seventh grade will be finishing up their sex ed unit this week. Mr. Bender will have a class with the boys, while Mrs. Baarck will be with the girls. We will also be finishing our human body project presentations. The class will also begin writing their chastity essays.
8th grade is finishing their chapter on enery. There will be a test on Thursday, and our annual Egg Drop is on Friday. Get those creative juices flowing and save your egg!! :)
Seventh grade will be finishing up their sex ed unit this week. Mr. Bender will have a class with the boys, while Mrs. Baarck will be with the girls. We will also be finishing our human body project presentations. The class will also begin writing their chastity essays.
8th grade is finishing their chapter on enery. There will be a test on Thursday, and our annual Egg Drop is on Friday. Get those creative juices flowing and save your egg!! :)
Monday, May 10, 2010
Week of 5/10
After a busy week preparing for Ghana Festival and our human body projects, it is time to get focused on our regular curriculum and finish up human body presentations.
7th Grade will hear a different system presented each day. The following day they will have a short quiz on the presentation. We will be done with the human body at the end of the week. After each day's presentation and quiz is completed, we will use the remaining time to start covering the material in our sex ed unit.
8th grade will be finishing their unit on light and will move into the study of heat and energy.
7th Grade will hear a different system presented each day. The following day they will have a short quiz on the presentation. We will be done with the human body at the end of the week. After each day's presentation and quiz is completed, we will use the remaining time to start covering the material in our sex ed unit.
8th grade will be finishing their unit on light and will move into the study of heat and energy.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Week of 4/26
Four day week - Music Festival is on Friday at our school!
8th Grade is finishing their chapter on Simple Machines. Test will be Tuesday. Their brochures turned out really good! We will begin a chapter on light and color which will have a set of physical science challenge experiments that we will complete and submit answers to online.
7th grade is in the midst of their human body project. They will soon be finishing their individual research and then meet with their group to begin creating their presentation.
8th Grade is finishing their chapter on Simple Machines. Test will be Tuesday. Their brochures turned out really good! We will begin a chapter on light and color which will have a set of physical science challenge experiments that we will complete and submit answers to online.
7th grade is in the midst of their human body project. They will soon be finishing their individual research and then meet with their group to begin creating their presentation.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Week of 4/19
Let the craziness begin! As our step quickens with each warmer and warmer spring day, our schedules also get busier and busier. Help your child stay on task by checking grades often and keeping an eye on their schedule.
7th Grade is beginning their 3-week long unit on the Human Body. Though this is a group project, each individual has responsibilities of things to complete that affect only their own grade. We will start out with each students learning about one organ, and then moving into the system that their organ is part of.
8th grade is finishing up a chapter on work and machines. They will create a Publisher brochure showing simple machines in use around our school.
7th Grade is beginning their 3-week long unit on the Human Body. Though this is a group project, each individual has responsibilities of things to complete that affect only their own grade. We will start out with each students learning about one organ, and then moving into the system that their organ is part of.
8th grade is finishing up a chapter on work and machines. They will create a Publisher brochure showing simple machines in use around our school.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Week of 4/12
Welcome back from hopefully a restful break! May the recent celebration of our risen Savior give you renewed hope of eternal life in heaven.
7th grade will be wrapping up their study of the animal kingdom by taking a closer look at birds and mammals.
8th grade will continue learning physics by exploring simple machines.
7th grade will be wrapping up their study of the animal kingdom by taking a closer look at birds and mammals.
8th grade will continue learning physics by exploring simple machines.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Week of 3/29
Start of a new quarter! Both grades will be finishing up chapters right before spring break. Start out the quarter with a strong grade so you don't have to dig yourself out of a hole at the end of the school year.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Week of 3/8
Hello again! I got a little behind. I guess this isn't quite a habit yet. With the distractions of science fair and a student teacher teaching my 7th graders, I too easily let my new habit fall by the wayside. My apologies!
The 7th graders greatly enjoyed their first class dissection. Who knew an earthworm could have such distinct parts?! We will be finishing up our Chapter on invertebrates this week, and I'm hoping to be ready for the test on Friday.
Eighth grade is learning about Newton & motion. We will be planning and directing short videos that illustrate Newton's 3 Laws of Motion. I am also hoping to get to a Ch. 6 Test on Friday.
The 7th graders greatly enjoyed their first class dissection. Who knew an earthworm could have such distinct parts?! We will be finishing up our Chapter on invertebrates this week, and I'm hoping to be ready for the test on Friday.
Eighth grade is learning about Newton & motion. We will be planning and directing short videos that illustrate Newton's 3 Laws of Motion. I am also hoping to get to a Ch. 6 Test on Friday.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Week of Feb. 8
Reminder - data & graphs due on Feb. 17 - the long weekend will be a good opportunity to get some experimenting done!! Boards are still available.
8th grade is learning how to calculate speed & acceleration.
7th grade will have a test this week, and then will move on to an Animal Behavior Unit. Miss Johnson, our jr. hi. student teacher will be teaching part of this unit to the 7th grade classes.
8th grade is learning how to calculate speed & acceleration.
7th grade will have a test this week, and then will move on to an Animal Behavior Unit. Miss Johnson, our jr. hi. student teacher will be teaching part of this unit to the 7th grade classes.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Week of 2/1
Science fair procedures and materials lists were due last Friday. I have reviewed them and made comments and suggestions for all students. Now is the time to carry out the experiment. Data and graphs are due on Feb. 17. I still have project boards available here at school for $3.00.
7th grade will be learning about the fungus kingdom, writing poems, and looking at some fungus under our microscopes.
8th grade is finishing their chemistry unit with a test on Wednesday and beginning their physics unit soon after that.
7th grade will be learning about the fungus kingdom, writing poems, and looking at some fungus under our microscopes.
8th grade is finishing their chemistry unit with a test on Wednesday and beginning their physics unit soon after that.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Week of 1/25
7th grade continues its study of the kingdoms of life. We will be moving into the protist and fungi kingdoms after a Ch. 10 Test on Wednesday.
8th grade is finishing their chemistry unit with a study of pH and other indicators of acids and bases including a short introduction to organic chemistry.
Both grades have materials list and procedures due for the Science Fair on Friday. After I have OK'd the procedures, there is an approximately 2 week window for the experiment itself to be completed.
8th grade is finishing their chemistry unit with a study of pH and other indicators of acids and bases including a short introduction to organic chemistry.
Both grades have materials list and procedures due for the Science Fair on Friday. After I have OK'd the procedures, there is an approximately 2 week window for the experiment itself to be completed.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Week of 1/19
Science fair is upon us! Though I know the thought of science fair strikes fear in many parents' hearts (including mine! :)), it is an important experience for students to plan, execute, and present a finished project within deadlines. That in itself is applicable to almost any job in which a student may have an interest. Additionally, the proper procedure of stating a problem and searching for a solution is a valuable process. I have outlined the steps for students to follow and assigned due dates to help them pace their progress.
8th grade will have a test this week and will then move on to the last chapter in our chemistry unit.
7th grade is beginning a unit which will take a closer look at each of the kingdoms of life. We hope to find the answer to the pressing question "What area of the school will grow the largest bacteria culture????"
8th grade will have a test this week and will then move on to the last chapter in our chemistry unit.
7th grade is beginning a unit which will take a closer look at each of the kingdoms of life. We hope to find the answer to the pressing question "What area of the school will grow the largest bacteria culture????"
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Week of 1/4
Welcome back! I pray everyone had a restful Christmas break and is refreshed and ready to jump back into school.
8th grade will be continuing its chemistry unit and begin exploring chemical equations. Get ready parents - do you remember how to balance chemical equations??? :)
7th grade begins studying classification and will learn more about the amazing diversity of life in God's creation.
Heads up!! Science fair is coming. Packets of information were handed out before Christmas break. Also, a sheet with due dates to help your child stay on task during the project was handed out. The first due date is Tuesday, Jan. 12. On this date a title for their project must be turned in!
8th grade will be continuing its chemistry unit and begin exploring chemical equations. Get ready parents - do you remember how to balance chemical equations??? :)
7th grade begins studying classification and will learn more about the amazing diversity of life in God's creation.
Heads up!! Science fair is coming. Packets of information were handed out before Christmas break. Also, a sheet with due dates to help your child stay on task during the project was handed out. The first due date is Tuesday, Jan. 12. On this date a title for their project must be turned in!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)