Plant and Animal Adaptations (8th Grade)

We have been studying the basic concepts of environmental science. In addition to working through two sections of the Holt Environmental Science textbooks, the class worked as small groups to do two environmental simulation labs. In the first lab, students estimated organism populations through sampling. In the second lab, students simulated the growth and decline of a wolf pack. Both simulations used pinto beans to represent organisms.

This week we will be investigating animal and plant adaptations to various conditions.

Homework due Oct 5: Living and Non-living elements of an ecosystem

Air / Radon Studies (Science Investigation)

We have been investigating the characteristics of air through a variety of experiments. Concurrently, we have been learning about the impact of radon gas in the air of our homes.

Assignment due Oct 13: Radon awareness poster (Students will have the option of entering this poster in the National Radon Poster Contest. )

Minerals (Earth Science)

Last week we studied the characteristics of minerals (chapter 5). This week we will conclude our studies, discuss how-to study for a test and assess student learning with a test. Following that we will begin studies of the rock cycle and types of rocks (chapter 6).

Homework due Oct 5 - Poster Assignment and Chapter 5 Concept Review worksheet

Classwork: Read Ch 6, complete section 1, 2, 3, 4 review questions, use this interactive tutorial to further explore concepts

Homework due Oct 15 - Chapter 6 Concept Review worksheet

Photosynthesis (Bio 2)

Students completed their study of passive and active transport with a lab investigating the impact of various solutions of salt water on potato slices. Following the completion of this unit we moved on to study the basics of photosynthesis. On Thursday the students took a test to assess their learning of passive and active transport concepts.

Unfortunately, the student test results did not reflect their commitment to their studies. As such we will be starting the week with a review of how-to study and test taking techniques followed by all students re-taking the test. The photosynthesis chapter will be assessed using a take home test.

Passive and Active Transport (Bio 1)

Last week the Biology 1 class completed its study of cells and cell organelles. Instead of a test students were assigned a project to create a model of a cell. This project is due Oct 8.

After completing the our study of cells, we moved onto passive transport and active transport concepts. We investigated the impact of osmosis on potato strips placed in salt water.

This week we will be completing our study of passive and active transport with a test. Following this we will move on to study photosynthesis.

Homework for this week (due on Monday Oct 12) is a concept map and vocabulary review. Don't forget the Cell Model assignment due on Thursday Oct 8.