2/28 Lab - digestion

In-Class:
Students performed a laboratory that modeled the break up of fat particles in the small intestine as well as a laboratory that modeled physical digestion.
Homework:
Read and study through p. 71 in textbook.

A special thank you to the Steger PTA for providing teachers with a $50.00 coupon with which to purchase books from the book fair.

Our science browsing library now includes:

• BODY: An Amazing Tour of Human Anatomy
• Crime Files: Four Minute Forensic Mysteries
• Guinness Book: Most Extreme
• Davinci & His Times
• Marie Curie: A Brilliant Life

2/27 nutrition

In-Class:
Completed review of nutrition labels and the new food pyramid.
Homework:
WS section 1 review sheet.

for more information on the "new" USDA food pyramid go to www.MyPyramid.gov

2/26 nutrition

In-Class:
Activity - Fact or Fiction, students discussed and presented food falacies. Students took notes on Nutrition.
Homework:
Review notes and material from pp. 44-53.

Thank you to the large number of parents signing grade reports. Those students who remembered to submit signed grade reports today will receive 5 points extra credit.

2/23 TEST

In-Class:
Test - The muscular system, skeletal system and the skin. (35 points)
Homework:
Read nutrition labels on packaged food at home.

Grade reports go home with students today.
Signed science grade reports that are returned Monday will receive 5 points extra credit.

2/22 muscles, bones, skin

In-Class:
Students reviewed for the test over muscles, bones and skin.
Eighth hour students completed the Laboratory.
mini-quiz - 8 Muscles (hours 1,2 and 5)
Homework:
Study the muscular system, skeletal system and the skin for Friday test.

Friday, February 23 - TEST
Friday, February 23 - Mid quarter grade reports are sent home with students.

2/21 muscles, bones, skin

In-Class:
Reviewed Chapter material. Students completed Chapter Review pp. 39,40 (1-10); (11-17); 22.

Eighth hour students Laboratory - A look beneath the skin. Students in this section are responsible for reviewing for the Chapter test independently. Laboratory will be completed on Thursday.
Homework:
Complete Chapter review. Study for Test.

Thursday, mini-quiz - Eight muscles
Friday, Test- muscular system and skeletal system, and the skin.

2/20 skin

In-Class:
Completed ws the skin and ws burns. Students completed work in class and discussed the layers of skin.
Activity - Identifying topical structures of the skin.
Homework:
Study material for test Friday from pp.6-35 in text.

Thursday, mini-quiz - 8 muscles
Friday, Test - The muscular an skeletal systems and the skin.

2/16 muscular and skeletal systems

In-Class:
Half day for students. Science Periods 1,2,,8,9 met today. Periods 5 & 7 did not meet.
Viewed 20 minute video Muscular and Skeletal Systems. Students took notes. Students will be able to identify the location of 8 muscles by Tuesday:

Biceps
Triceps
Deltoids
Latissimus Dorsi
Quadraceps
Biceps Femoris
Rectus Abdominis
Externus Obliques

Homework:
Study the muscular and skeletal systems.

2/15 Scope Cam Lab

In-Class:
Students scketched four example of muscle tissue. The microscope magnifies images, then those images are sent through the attached camera and finally projected from the television monitor for student viewing. Pretty cool!

We also reviewed muscle functioning and opposing muscle groups.

Homework:
Students need to organize and study handouts and notes from the skeletal and muscular systems.

Friday, February 16 - Half day school for students. All periods will be shortened and science periods 5 and 7 will not meet.
Monday, February19 - No School, President's day.

REMINDER - Students must bring home their posters from presentations given last week! We have run out of counter space for labs.

2/14 Snow Day

Happy Valentine's Day

Enjoy your snow day! (Remember this moment in June when we are in school :-0

Break up the boredom with a little review of the muscular system and skeletal system.

2/13 muscular system

In-Class:
Reviewed muscular system reading and review. Completed section review on muscular system.
Homework:
Study muscular system and review skeletal system.

Mr. Lale substituted in my place.

Friday, February 16 - 1/2 day for students.

2/12 muscular system

In-Class:
Guided reading and review worksheet. Read pp. 24-28 in text.
Homework:
Complete worksheet if not done in class. Study skeletal and muscular systems.

Friday, February 16 - 1/2 day for students Hours 5 and 7 will not have class.

2/10 More genetic project photos

2/9 bones quiz

In-Class:
Took quiz over the 21 bones studied.
Genetic project scores are now posted on webgrader. www.webgrader.com

Homework:
Stay warm this weekend!

skeletal quiz Friday

Reminder:
Friday, February 9 - There will be a quiz over the 21 bones of the skeletal system studied in class.

2/8 Conferences

Thank you to all the parents who came out in the cold to support their children's education at conferences this afternoon and evening. Parents are their children's first and most important teacher in life. Thank you for allowing me to borrow your child for 40 minutes each school day to share my joy of science with them!

Susan Grumbine

Student Projects

2/6&2/7 genetics presentations

In-Class:
Students have done a wonderful job with their project presentations! The students as audience members are to be commended for their attention to each presentation.
Homework:
Students will have the whole day Thursday at home to study the skeletal system for the quiz Friday. The test specifically covers the 21 bones labeled and studied in class.

I will have more photos of student work posted soon.

Thursday, February 8 - Parent-Teacher conferences by appointment. Walk-ins welcome from 4:30 until the final opening at 6:45; first come first serve during walk-ins.

2/5 skeletal system

In-Class:
Completed ws Reading and review of pp.12-19. Q&A related to genetics project presentation.
Homework:
Practice presentation. Make sure all paperwork related to project is organized.

Tuesday, February 6 - genetic disorders poster presentation due.

Thursday, February 8 - Parent-Teacher

2/2 Frontier Physics

In-Class:
All seventh grade students were treated to a presentation by Pati Sievert, a professor at Northern Illinois University, of "Frontier Physics." Demonstrations included the use of liquid nitrogen to "freeze" and shatter roses, a "fire breathing dragon," wilted balloons, propelled balloons, the use of the scientific method to identify variables in water filled goblets and much more.

For more information about Frontier Physics or NIU summer science camps you can search
www.physics.niu.edu/frontier

Homework:
Complete genetics project for presentation Tuesday.

2/1 human body system

In-Class:
Students viewed "Eyewitness, The Human Machine" and reviewed pp. 12-19 in their texts.

Eighth and Ninth periods attended the honors assembly.
Homework:
All students should keep up with the reading through p.19.

Friday, February 2 - Students will attend "Frontier Physics" presentation in the laboratory. Guest scientist Patti Sievert from Northern Illinois University will astound students with feats achieved through physics.

Tuesday, February 6 - Genetic presentations are due. All work must be submitted on this day along with the bulletin board presentation.

Thursday, February 8 - Parent Teacher conferences are scheduled from 12:30 - 7:00. I have walk in times available from 4-6:30 on a first come, first served basis.