After today's test, I realized (with some help of course), that I gave an invalid test. Everything was related to the content, but the nature of the questions was not reflective of the material. I have therefore decided to invalidate the previous test altogether and issue a new and MUCH more valid test on Wednesday. It is probably just as well due to the inordinate amount of sickness these past two weeks.
I sincerely apologize for this, and will give a brief overview to the students tomorrow. Sleep well.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Science Olympiad Practice and Paper
We will be practicing for Science Olympiad Tuesday Feb. 8 and Thursday Feb. 17 afterschool from 3:30-5:30.
Please note, those students in the classes chosen for Science Olympiad that were not chosen for a team do NOT have to complete a science fair project, but they do have to write a reasearch paper on a topic addressed in one of the events. That paper is being written under the direction of Mr. Mitchell.
Please note, those students in the classes chosen for Science Olympiad that were not chosen for a team do NOT have to complete a science fair project, but they do have to write a reasearch paper on a topic addressed in one of the events. That paper is being written under the direction of Mr. Mitchell.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Test Monday and Homework
Test on Monday, Jan 31.
We've had a lot of students out in the past several days with various illnesses. If you have been sick, here are some assignments you need to complete as well as the notes you need to study.
We've had a lot of students out in the past several days with various illnesses. If you have been sick, here are some assignments you need to complete as well as the notes you need to study.
- You should be working on or should have already completed your science fair experiment. If not, it is due by Feb 2 and you must use the week after that to complete your data collection and analysis. Don't put this off until the last minute (it is the last minute, by the way)
- Please send a loved one or one of your classmates to pick up a book for you. Read pp. 246-265
- Also complete the chapter review questions 1-23 on pp 270-271. This is a homework assignment for all students due tomorrow.
- Our class notes can be downloaded here and here. Please download both and be familiar with them when you return. You are responsible for all the material, even if sick, so make sure you come and see me as soon as you can to clarify anything with which you are having trouble.
Blessings to all and get better soon!
Coach B
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Outstanding website on cells and cell processes
Although its can get a little complicated for 7th grade, this website has to be one of the most comprehensive resources available for cell biology that I've ever seen. Enjoy!
Science Fair Information
At this point, students have prepared their topic area, performed background research, formulated a hypothesis and should have begun writing their procedures.
Parents, please note that students should only be performing the following steps of the science fair project at home:
- conducting additional background research
- gathering materials
- performing the procedures
- recording and organizing data
This is quite a bit of work to be accomplished within the next two weeks. All of these steps must be completed by Feb 7. Please keep in mind that students will be analyzing data and forming conclusions in class from that point on as well as writing in Mr. Mitchell's class. Please take the time to go over your child's planning and approval sheet in the next few days to make sure they are on pace to begin.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Science Fair Notes
You may download the science fair notes from this link. These notes should help you in constructing your project.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Grades
Grades for this quarter are tricky. Since we are preparing both for science fair and Science Olympiad, our grades for the first two weeks have consisted of participation grades as well as a homework grade for the planning and approval sheet for science fair. That grade has NOT been recorded yet as many of the students are still fine-tuning their research questions. Please keep in mind that this is an ongoing project that will require considerable work at home before students begin putting their boards together on Feb 6. Both science fair and Science Olympiad participants will receive full lab grades based on their preparation steps.
After Monday, we will be returning to our regularly scheduled curriculum. However, Science Olympiad teams will be meeting after school on Mondays and Fridays up to the date of the competition. Also, we will be working in the computer lab on Fridays for the next two weeks in order to help science fair participants write their papers and prepare their image boards.
I hope this gives you a better understanding of the next two weeks. Please contact me via email if you have further questions.
After Monday, we will be returning to our regularly scheduled curriculum. However, Science Olympiad teams will be meeting after school on Mondays and Fridays up to the date of the competition. Also, we will be working in the computer lab on Fridays for the next two weeks in order to help science fair participants write their papers and prepare their image boards.
I hope this gives you a better understanding of the next two weeks. Please contact me via email if you have further questions.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Science Fair Ideas
Below are some links that will get you started in both finding and planning a science fair project. Each of these links has been carefully selected due to both highly detailed instructions and links to other sites that will assist you.
IPL Science Fair Project Resource Guide This is problably the best site of the bunch.
Discovery Education Science Fair Central
USGS Earthquake Project
Science Buddies Sceince Fair Project Guide
Mankato Area Public Schools Science Fair Guide
IPL Science Fair Project Resource Guide This is problably the best site of the bunch.
Discovery Education Science Fair Central
USGS Earthquake Project
Science Buddies Sceince Fair Project Guide
Mankato Area Public Schools Science Fair Guide
Monday, January 3, 2011
Welcome Back
Over the next two weeks, all students will be working on one of two different assignments.
2nd period science will commence science fair preparation starting on Tuesday, Jan 4. Information about the science fair project may be downloaded here. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to open this document. You may also access other documents regarding the science fair on our school website.
6th period science will be taking part in preparations for the Science Olympiad to be held at Auburn University. This is a PCA's first time participating in this event and we will only be allowed to take a limited number of students from the class. However, each student will participate in the training and those not participating in the actual event will still be graded on their knowledge and participation. Information regarding the science fair may be downloaded from this page on the school website.
Both groups will be required to submit a written report of their project or training and will receive grades based on their knowledge and participation, although the assignments will be different for each class. Both classes will receive a quality experience in learning and applying the scientific method as well as gaining in-depth knowledge about a particular area of science. Next year, we will likely provide all interested students a chance to participate in Science Olympiad, but right now we are going to focus on the two classes that were chosen at to pioneer our participation.
2nd period science will commence science fair preparation starting on Tuesday, Jan 4. Information about the science fair project may be downloaded here. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to open this document. You may also access other documents regarding the science fair on our school website.
6th period science will be taking part in preparations for the Science Olympiad to be held at Auburn University. This is a PCA's first time participating in this event and we will only be allowed to take a limited number of students from the class. However, each student will participate in the training and those not participating in the actual event will still be graded on their knowledge and participation. Information regarding the science fair may be downloaded from this page on the school website.
Both groups will be required to submit a written report of their project or training and will receive grades based on their knowledge and participation, although the assignments will be different for each class. Both classes will receive a quality experience in learning and applying the scientific method as well as gaining in-depth knowledge about a particular area of science. Next year, we will likely provide all interested students a chance to participate in Science Olympiad, but right now we are going to focus on the two classes that were chosen at to pioneer our participation.
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