Wednesday, December 14, 2011
SPA review
the SPA review (73) with the topics for the SPA tomorrow have been put into our assignments page.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Frogs are funded!
We will be dissecting frogs this year thanks to some donor's at Donor's Choose! Thank you!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Grades are up
10 week grades have been updated.
Tomorrow is the last day to turn in any work for regrading or doing the extra credit.
Tomorrow is the last day to turn in any work for regrading or doing the extra credit.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Late update - Vocab. Challenge words
Since some classes did not finish the Vocab Challenge in class you may finish for homework and have 5 minutes on monday to combine your team's words into your final draft.
Here is the vocab list:
Here is the vocab list:
- Genetics
- Gene
- DNA
- Chromosome
- Heredity/ Inherit
- Nucleus
- Phenotype
- Genotype
- Homozygous
- Heterozygous
- Punnett Squares
- Allele
- Dominant
- Recessive
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Wednesday - New Unit! - Genetics
Today we begin our new unit on Genetics.
We have new seats for the new unit...
Our new Table of Contents is on page (41)
We began this unit by getting an overview of genetics by watching Bill Nye the Science Guy - Genes - and taking notes on (43) Genetics Video Notes.
Important Vocabulary:
Genes, DNA, Chromosomes, Nucleus
** Found a couple of the clips available on youtube with these links
part 2
We have new seats for the new unit...
Our new Table of Contents is on page (41)
We began this unit by getting an overview of genetics by watching Bill Nye the Science Guy - Genes - and taking notes on (43) Genetics Video Notes.
Important Vocabulary:
Genes, DNA, Chromosomes, Nucleus
** Found a couple of the clips available on youtube with these links
part 2
Monday, October 24, 2011
End of Unit 2 - Cell Structures
Sorry for the lack of updates, LAUSD seems to be blocking blogger/ google logins now and I can't update from school.
We have been finishing up our unit and the interactive notebook is being checked this week. Parents, please fill out the parent review (39) as you review your student's work for this unit.
Today we took the quiz for the unit.
Tomorrow the individual project paper is due (500 points)
Team projects grading is just about done.
We have been finishing up our unit and the interactive notebook is being checked this week. Parents, please fill out the parent review (39) as you review your student's work for this unit.
Today we took the quiz for the unit.
Tomorrow the individual project paper is due (500 points)
Team projects grading is just about done.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
CSI:BMS video
A little video summary of the CSI:BMS lesson that we did for our scientific thinking unit.
password is the mascot of our school...
password is the mascot of our school...
Friday, October 14, 2011
Day 26 - More project work
Project is due on Friday!
Today in class we looked at the grading rubric then spent the rest of the day on the project.
Today in class we looked at the grading rubric then spent the rest of the day on the project.
Day 25 - Germs Affect on Cells
[Another Late update, sorry!]
Warmup: How would you attack a castle?
(35) How Germs Attack Cells - We created a drawing that is an analogy for a cell of a castle, labeling each part to its analogy in the cell. Then we created analogies for viruses and bacteria and how they can harm a cell.
(34) Project Work #3 - page reserved for any more project work.
Warmup: How would you attack a castle?
(35) How Germs Attack Cells - We created a drawing that is an analogy for a cell of a castle, labeling each part to its analogy in the cell. Then we created analogies for viruses and bacteria and how they can harm a cell.
(34) Project Work #3 - page reserved for any more project work.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Day 24 - Project Planning and Raffle!
No Warmup
Today students began with 15 minutes of discussion over how to complete their project. Then students had to continue their research and work for their infectious disease projects.
Homework is to complete any research necessary to begin constructing their projects, and to get any materials they need and bring them to class tomorrow!
Raffle prizes were handed out based upon (3) Achievements where each sticker was traded for a raffle ticket. Many smaller prizes were given away and one large prize was awarded (every student chose the iTunes gift card... guess that wasn't much of a surprise!)
Today students began with 15 minutes of discussion over how to complete their project. Then students had to continue their research and work for their infectious disease projects.
Homework is to complete any research necessary to begin constructing their projects, and to get any materials they need and bring them to class tomorrow!
Raffle prizes were handed out based upon (3) Achievements where each sticker was traded for a raffle ticket. Many smaller prizes were given away and one large prize was awarded (every student chose the iTunes gift card... guess that wasn't much of a surprise!)
Day 23 - Tuesday - Project Research
Warmup: What is the difference between plant cells and animal cells?
33 - Project Research: Students answered their "Need to Know" questions by using computers and the internet to conduct research for their disease. Honors classes were expected to complete this research with no handout, while other classes received a handout with 10 questions to guide their research. Honors classes are also expected to keep a source log of all the websites they use for info.
32 - Project Plan - students plan what kind of project they will create to communicate the information to other students at this school
(late update, for Tuesday October 11)
33 - Project Research: Students answered their "Need to Know" questions by using computers and the internet to conduct research for their disease. Honors classes were expected to complete this research with no handout, while other classes received a handout with 10 questions to guide their research. Honors classes are also expected to keep a source log of all the websites they use for info.
32 - Project Plan - students plan what kind of project they will create to communicate the information to other students at this school
(late update, for Tuesday October 11)
Day 22 - Monday - Cheek Cell Lab
[Sorry for the late updates!]
Today students looked at their own cheek cells by first preparing slides, staining the cheek cells and looking at them under a microscope
Also, we saw a video on how the cell is like a factory.
Another video showed how the flu virus affects cells, this is really important for your infectious disease projects, as you must demonstrate how a disease affects human cells!
Today students looked at their own cheek cells by first preparing slides, staining the cheek cells and looking at them under a microscope
Also, we saw a video on how the cell is like a factory.
Another video showed how the flu virus affects cells, this is really important for your infectious disease projects, as you must demonstrate how a disease affects human cells!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Day 21 - Real Cell Drawings
Today is a shortened day!
While I thought we could look at our own cells today only period 7 was able to create their slides, and most did not get to look at them.
In every other period we completed (30) Real Cell Drawings by using the projector microscope to analyze part of a plant stem and Mr. Hauser's cheek cells to draw and label the visible structures.
We will see our own cells on monday!
While I thought we could look at our own cells today only period 7 was able to create their slides, and most did not get to look at them.
In every other period we completed (30) Real Cell Drawings by using the projector microscope to analyze part of a plant stem and Mr. Hauser's cheek cells to draw and label the visible structures.
We will see our own cells on monday!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Day 20 - Microscope introduction
Warmup: What are microscopes used for? What would you like to see using one?
(28) Project work #2 - Today we reviewed what we parts eukaryotic cells have by sharing our analogies.
(31) Microscope Introduction - Students took some notes on how to prepare a slide and how to use a microscope.
(30) Real Cell Drawing - Students will be using this page tomorrow when we observe some of our own cells!
(28) Project work #2 - Today we reviewed what we parts eukaryotic cells have by sharing our analogies.
(31) Microscope Introduction - Students took some notes on how to prepare a slide and how to use a microscope.
(30) Real Cell Drawing - Students will be using this page tomorrow when we observe some of our own cells!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Day 19 - Cell Parts Analogies
No Warmup
Homework was checked today (29) Cell notes. Afterwards we reviewed the notes and discussed them.
(28) Project Work #2 - Students took the ideas of what parts make up a cell and created a drawing of an analogy of the cell as a factory, city, or school. The structures of the factory had to be labeled and equated with structures of the cell. This shows if students understand the function of each structure. This also is an excellent way to communicate a complex idea to other people, something the disease project asks students to do.
Homework was checked today (29) Cell notes. Afterwards we reviewed the notes and discussed them.
(28) Project Work #2 - Students took the ideas of what parts make up a cell and created a drawing of an analogy of the cell as a factory, city, or school. The structures of the factory had to be labeled and equated with structures of the cell. This shows if students understand the function of each structure. This also is an excellent way to communicate a complex idea to other people, something the disease project asks students to do.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Day 18 - Cell Notes Homework, Final Day of Bacteria Experiment
Warmup: Why do you get shots at the doctor?
(29) Cell Notes - Students were assigned some notes with the focus question: What are cells? What parts and structures do they have?
(28) Project Work #2 - Students will have a page for tomorrow to add ideas to their project work.
(22) Bacteria Lab - We analyzed the final results of the bacteria lab.
We also learned today how to use the online grade system. The grades are updated for all parents and students to check.
(29) Cell Notes - Students were assigned some notes with the focus question: What are cells? What parts and structures do they have?
(28) Project Work #2 - Students will have a page for tomorrow to add ideas to their project work.
(22) Bacteria Lab - We analyzed the final results of the bacteria lab.
We also learned today how to use the online grade system. The grades are updated for all parents and students to check.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Day 17 - Louis Pasteur Video
No Warmup
Students today watched an animated video on some of the work of Louis Pasteur. It showed some of his experience in creating vaccines and providing evidence for the Germ Theory of Disease.
(many students were on a field trip, so this will not be covered in the next test, consider it a bonus to help understanding)
(Thanks to Mr. Wee for covering my classes today!)
Students today watched an animated video on some of the work of Louis Pasteur. It showed some of his experience in creating vaccines and providing evidence for the Germ Theory of Disease.
(many students were on a field trip, so this will not be covered in the next test, consider it a bonus to help understanding)
(Thanks to Mr. Wee for covering my classes today!)
Day 16 - Germ Types
Warmup - Create a list of all the germs and diseases caused by germs you can think of.
(27) Germ Types Notes - we took notes about 3 types of germ causing agents - Bacteria, Eukaryotes, and Viruses. While the first two are cell based living organisms, viruses are incredibly small things that are NOT considered living organisms, because they do not have all the characteristics that living things have.
(26) Project Work #1 - We took our germ types and created personified characters for each - these personifications can be used in our infectious disease project as a spokesperson, character, etc.
(27) Germ Types Notes - we took notes about 3 types of germ causing agents - Bacteria, Eukaryotes, and Viruses. While the first two are cell based living organisms, viruses are incredibly small things that are NOT considered living organisms, because they do not have all the characteristics that living things have.
(26) Project Work #1 - We took our germ types and created personified characters for each - these personifications can be used in our infectious disease project as a spokesperson, character, etc.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Day 15 - Infectious Disease Project
Warmup - What is an effective way to communicate an idea to a large number of people?
(25) Infectious Disease Project - We reviewed the handout for the new infectious disease handout, highlighting important info and marking the page with notes. Students must address THE PROBLEM - How can we stop the spread of infectious disease?"
(24) Disease Project Planning - Students chose roles, listed their responsibilities, and as a class we began to create a "NEED TO KNOW" list of questions that will guide our projects.
Finally with the time left in class we looked at the bacteria again and recorded results for day 2 or 3
(25) Infectious Disease Project - We reviewed the handout for the new infectious disease handout, highlighting important info and marking the page with notes. Students must address THE PROBLEM - How can we stop the spread of infectious disease?"
(24) Disease Project Planning - Students chose roles, listed their responsibilities, and as a class we began to create a "NEED TO KNOW" list of questions that will guide our projects.
Finally with the time left in class we looked at the bacteria again and recorded results for day 2 or 3
Monday, September 26, 2011
Day 14 - Germ Theory and Bacteria Experiment
Warmup: What do you know about bacteria? What do you want to learn?
(23) Germ Theory Notes - Focus Question - What is germ theory? What are bacteria?
Students took notes about how in the past diseases were very misunderstood until a couple of scientists - Robert Kock and Louis Pasteur conducted a series of experiments and investigations to show that living things and diseases don't "spontaneously generate" (appear out of nowhere) they must be causes by living, microscopic organisms. This revolutionized our understanding of health and diseases, and led to the creation of vaccines and antibiotics.
Bacteria are often called "germs" and they are sometimes given a bad rap. Bacteria are simple single celled organisms that live just about everywhere on the planet, and even inside of us. They are extremely small, and while some are harmful, most are pretty harmless or even helpful (what do you think makes cheese and yogurt?.... Bacteria!)
(22) Bacteria Lab - Students then created a foldable to organize an experiment they are conducting comparing 2 sources of bacteria. They then used agar plates and cotton swabs to take samples from their subjects and then incubated their petri dishes.
We will record the results for the whole week.
(23) Germ Theory Notes - Focus Question - What is germ theory? What are bacteria?
Students took notes about how in the past diseases were very misunderstood until a couple of scientists - Robert Kock and Louis Pasteur conducted a series of experiments and investigations to show that living things and diseases don't "spontaneously generate" (appear out of nowhere) they must be causes by living, microscopic organisms. This revolutionized our understanding of health and diseases, and led to the creation of vaccines and antibiotics.
Bacteria are often called "germs" and they are sometimes given a bad rap. Bacteria are simple single celled organisms that live just about everywhere on the planet, and even inside of us. They are extremely small, and while some are harmful, most are pretty harmless or even helpful (what do you think makes cheese and yogurt?.... Bacteria!)
(22) Bacteria Lab - Students then created a foldable to organize an experiment they are conducting comparing 2 sources of bacteria. They then used agar plates and cotton swabs to take samples from their subjects and then incubated their petri dishes.
We will record the results for the whole week.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Day 13 - Cell Theory/ Scientific Theory Review
Today we began with a homework check. In classes where the homework was completed we did a quick review and discussion of cell theory and scientific theory and began a competition.
In classes where the homework was not completed by the majority of students Mr. Hauser lectured and students took notes.
The competition was the pyramid stack challenge, reviewing concepts of scientific thinking.
In classes where the homework was not completed by the majority of students Mr. Hauser lectured and students took notes.
The competition was the pyramid stack challenge, reviewing concepts of scientific thinking.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Day 12 - Unit 3 Introduction - Cells
Warmup - What is the purpose of life?
(19) Table of Contents - Set up the new table of contents for this unit.
(20) List of Life - Create a list of as many species of living organisms that you can think of. (This was a team competition)
[Homework] (21) Cell Theory Notes - Focus Question: What does cell theory say? What is a scientific theory?
(19) Table of Contents - Set up the new table of contents for this unit.
(20) List of Life - Create a list of as many species of living organisms that you can think of. (This was a team competition)
[Homework] (21) Cell Theory Notes - Focus Question: What does cell theory say? What is a scientific theory?
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Day 11 - Quiz #1 - Scientific Thinking
Students today took a quiz testing their knowledge of scientific thinking skills.
The quiz was open note, and worth 100 points.
Paste the quiz in to page (18)
We begin our new unit tomorrow.
The quiz was open note, and worth 100 points.
Paste the quiz in to page (18)
We begin our new unit tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Day 10 - Interactive Notebook Preparation
Warmup - Exchange notebooks with a table mate and check their assignments 1-17. Look for all pages to be numbered, titled, and completed. Check for Parent Review to be completed.
Today we went over what was expected of the students in their interactive notebook and had time to work on their assignments to bring the notebooks up to as high a grade as possible, and to review for their quiz tomorrow on scientific thinking.
Notebooks will also be graded tomorrow!
Today we went over what was expected of the students in their interactive notebook and had time to work on their assignments to bring the notebooks up to as high a grade as possible, and to review for their quiz tomorrow on scientific thinking.
Notebooks will also be graded tomorrow!
Day 9 - Interactive Notebook Reflection and Parent Review
Warmup - How do scientists think?
(16) Reflection - Students refer to page 6 in their interactive notebook to answer 5 questions about their own work. This reflection is important because it lets students monitor their own strengths and weaknesses and how to improve.
(17) Parent Review - Students glue in the handout and it must be filled out and signed by a parent/ significant adult.
** There will be a quiz on Wednesday and notebooks will begin to be checked at that time.
(16) Reflection - Students refer to page 6 in their interactive notebook to answer 5 questions about their own work. This reflection is important because it lets students monitor their own strengths and weaknesses and how to improve.
(17) Parent Review - Students glue in the handout and it must be filled out and signed by a parent/ significant adult.
** There will be a quiz on Wednesday and notebooks will begin to be checked at that time.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Day 8 - CSI: BMS
*Shock*! It appears that a murder has taken place in a classroom at Barncraft Middle School. A science teacher - Mr. Casa was found dead after school- apparently killed by a blow to the skull by a computer.
Three other teachers were arrested by police and questioned, but had to be released due to a lack of physical evidence tying them to the crime.
Police have provided the forensics teams at our school a case file with the evidence found at the crime scene in the hopes that we can provide them some hard evidence to arrest and charge the guilty teacher (or teachers!)
All the hope to bring the killer to justice is in your hands students...
 |
| From September 15, 2011 |
Three other teachers were arrested by police and questioned, but had to be released due to a lack of physical evidence tying them to the crime.
Police have provided the forensics teams at our school a case file with the evidence found at the crime scene in the hopes that we can provide them some hard evidence to arrest and charge the guilty teacher (or teachers!)
All the hope to bring the killer to justice is in your hands students...
Day 7 - Scientific Methods
Warmup: How could we find out what is inside a product/ food we use but don't have the label?
(13) Scientific Methods Notes - We took Cornell Notes about how scientists think and use evidence to support any explanation they create. Focus Question: How do scientists know an explanation is a good one?
(12) Chromatography Lab -
(13) Scientific Methods Notes - We took Cornell Notes about how scientists think and use evidence to support any explanation they create. Focus Question: How do scientists know an explanation is a good one?
(12) Chromatography Lab -
- Research question: Are markers made of only one color dye/ chemical?
- Hypothesis: [What do you think is the answer to the research question and why?]
- Materials:
- Filter Paper Strips
- Markers
- Cup
- Water
- Procedure:
- Draw a dot on the strip of filter paper 1 cm above the bottom
- let the bottom of the filter paper touch the water
- Allow the water to soak up the paper through capillary action until it is close to the top
- Observe the ink move up and separate
- Results: [create a data table and illustration of your results]
- Conclusion [Did the results support/ not support your hypothesis?]
Through this lab we found many markers are made with a mix of different dyes and colors.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Day 6 - Scientific Methods Notes
Students began with the Warmup: What does it mean to be "real"?
Then we reviewed assignment (8) Notes Processing to see if we understood observation and inference.
After that, we began on assignment (11) Scientific Methods Notes by watching a powerpoint (Link to google documents) and watching a music video on science. (Youtube link)
Students then completed (10) Notes Processing - repeating the same concept as last time - show your understanding of your notes!
Then we reviewed assignment (8) Notes Processing to see if we understood observation and inference.
After that, we began on assignment (11) Scientific Methods Notes by watching a powerpoint (Link to google documents) and watching a music video on science. (Youtube link)
Students then completed (10) Notes Processing - repeating the same concept as last time - show your understanding of your notes!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Day 5 - Output/ Processing Pages
We started off class with assigned seats - alphabetical for now (helps Mr. Hauser learn names)
Then we completed a warmup "What differences do you observe in your classes this year, what can you infer about how school will be this year?" Warmups go on the top of the left hand page, in the white section with no lines.
We then went over how to create a processing page utlizing our notes for assignment (9) Observation and Inference Notes by creating assignment (8) Notes Processing.
On (8) Notes Processing students were asked to take the main ideas and details from their notes and interact with the information. They could create poems, cartoons, songs, diagrams, or anything else listed on (4) Left Sides in order to demonstrate their understanding of the key concepts.
Then we completed a warmup "What differences do you observe in your classes this year, what can you infer about how school will be this year?" Warmups go on the top of the left hand page, in the white section with no lines.
We then went over how to create a processing page utlizing our notes for assignment (9) Observation and Inference Notes by creating assignment (8) Notes Processing.
On (8) Notes Processing students were asked to take the main ideas and details from their notes and interact with the information. They could create poems, cartoons, songs, diagrams, or anything else listed on (4) Left Sides in order to demonstrate their understanding of the key concepts.
Day 4- Interactive Notebook Building
Today we constructed our interactive notebooks for science, pasting in the reference material for pages 1-7.
We then discussed how to use the pages and what would be expected of the students for their work.
We then discussed how to use the pages and what would be expected of the students for their work.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Day 3 - Using Observation and Inference
Students began the day by creating a summary in their Cornell Notes on Observation and Inference (9)
Then, students created a poster demonstrating their skills at observing and making inferences by sharing their personal objects with their team mates.
Afterwards, students looked at various animal skulls, made observations, and tried to make inferences about what kind of diet the animal had, and what animal it was.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Day 2 - Textbook Use - Observation and Inference Notes
Today students began by practicing their entering procedures.
The Letter to Parent Homework was checked and turned in.
Students were then assigned textbooks to take home for using with their research.
Mr. Hauser then led the students on how to complete a research/ note taking assignment by using the resources of the textbook including the table of contents, glossary, and index.
Students researched the focus question "How do scientists use observation and inference?" in and practiced the scientific thinking skills they read about.
Homework is to bring 2-4 objects that represent something about themselves.
The Letter to Parent Homework was checked and turned in.
Students were then assigned textbooks to take home for using with their research.
Mr. Hauser then led the students on how to complete a research/ note taking assignment by using the resources of the textbook including the table of contents, glossary, and index.
Students researched the focus question "How do scientists use observation and inference?" in and practiced the scientific thinking skills they read about.
Homework is to bring 2-4 objects that represent something about themselves.
Day 1 - Class Introduction and Marshmallow Challenge
Today students learned to line up outside of the classroom along the lockers, and avoid going next to the railing.
When they entered they read the instructions on the board and followed them "Sit down quietly, take out your program cards, put bags on the floor or on the back of your chair."
We then played the Marshmallow challenge to see what team could work together to create the highest tower with a marshmallow on top using only 20 pc. of spagetti, 1m masking tape, and 1m of string. Time limit: 20 minutes.
Afterwards, we discussed the activity and the importance of failure and teamwork in science.
Students then received their letter to parent to get signed for homework, and we reviewed the materials list.
When they entered they read the instructions on the board and followed them "Sit down quietly, take out your program cards, put bags on the floor or on the back of your chair."
We then played the Marshmallow challenge to see what team could work together to create the highest tower with a marshmallow on top using only 20 pc. of spagetti, 1m masking tape, and 1m of string. Time limit: 20 minutes.
Afterwards, we discussed the activity and the importance of failure and teamwork in science.
Students then received their letter to parent to get signed for homework, and we reviewed the materials list.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Welcome to Life Science! (2011/2012)
School is about ready to start, and the new webpage is being worked on for the 2011/2012 school year.
Welcome to my classroom.
Welcome to my classroom.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Frog Dissection Guide and other updates
Here is a video of our frog dissection procedures, which my 5th Period Health Science class will be conducting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsYqZO6jTSs
In life science we have reached the 1/2 way mark, finishing up our unit on Reproduction. Now we will move on to Evolution.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsYqZO6jTSs
In life science we have reached the 1/2 way mark, finishing up our unit on Reproduction. Now we will move on to Evolution.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Second Semester Updates
Forgive the lack of updates. Some changes have been occurring and I welcome the new Period 5 students to my classroom.
The new semester for Period 1, 2, 4, and 6 is now in Life Science.
For my new students in Period 5 we are covering our semester of Health.
I will be working to update your Interactive Notebook Pages in order to keep this a resource you can use when you need to make up assignments. Over this week and weekend you should be able to find what you need in order to stay up to date with your interactive notebook.
The new semester for Period 1, 2, 4, and 6 is now in Life Science.
For my new students in Period 5 we are covering our semester of Health.
I will be working to update your Interactive Notebook Pages in order to keep this a resource you can use when you need to make up assignments. Over this week and weekend you should be able to find what you need in order to stay up to date with your interactive notebook.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Happy New Year!
Forgive the lack of posts, it has been non stop busy for me.
Recently students were able to take part in a Frog Dissection, and we are finishing our semester on the body systems.
I am currently working on getting the assignments up to date so students can double check their work.
Notebooks will be due soon, and a Final Exam will be given before the end of the semester.
Recently students were able to take part in a Frog Dissection, and we are finishing our semester on the body systems.
I am currently working on getting the assignments up to date so students can double check their work.
Notebooks will be due soon, and a Final Exam will be given before the end of the semester.
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