Medea Creek

Week 2 of Distance Learning: March 30 to April 3

Week 1 of Distance Learning: March 23 to 27

• • Students need to log into their Google Classroom accounts to access all assignments for the week
  • On the announcements page is information and a screen cast that explains how this online learning will work
  • Once you have looked at the intro materials, click into the "classwork" section of Google Classroom to find the assignments for the week. 
  • The Assignment titled "Week 1 Assignments" will have the directions for everything that is expected of you this week
    • There are 2 sets of assignments in this assignment: Photosynthesis & Energy Flow in Organisms
    • Complete the 3 tasks in Photosynthesis first as they are all due by Wednesday, March 25.
    • Complete the tasks in Energy Flow next. The assignments in this section are due at different times: some by Wednesday, some by Thursday, and the last few by Friday, March 27 at pm. 
    • Each task/activity in these assignments will be graded for points. Just follow the directions for each task and you will do great!
  • Email me if you have any questions! maohagan@opusd.org

Science Class will go on-line Monday, March 23!

Howdy everyone! I know you all have a lot of questions about how things are going to work online. So do I! Remember that I'm learning how to do this right along with you, so please be patient with me. I'll be sending out requests for feedback as we go through the process so I can find out what is helpful for you and what isn't. This is as weird for me as it is for you!

I just want to let you know that I'll be posting all you need to know about how to navigate science online on Monday morning. Students, please check your school email, google classroom and my website for updates daily. I will also be putting out info through Parent Square so everyone is informed.

On Monday, I will be posting an intro video and slides explaining how things will work moving forward. I will also use Google Classroom to post a document outlining the lessons and timeline for the week. There will be due dates for certain pieces throughout the week (which will be given in the document) that students will need to abide by, but otherwise you are free to work on your science lessons whenever you choose within the confines of your personal schedule. I will post work every Monday morning to give a plan for the week. All work would be due at some point during that week, then we will start with new assignments the following Monday.

We will NOT be meeting at our regular class time unless I schedule a Google Meet. There will not be any Google Meets next week. If/when I do schedule one in the future, you will have plenty of notice to make the arrangements necessary to participate with your class.

I hope you all are well! I miss you!

Ms. O’Hagan

Update regarding the school closure March 16 to March 20:

• • Students are expected to complete the model drawing of Photosynthesis that was assigned for HW last class. The poster will be collected at the start of class, the first day back from the break. Click here for rubric to draw an accurate model of photosynthesis 
  • Students should also continue to study for the quiz on photosynthesis. See below for details on what to study. 
  • I promise that I will NOT give the quiz the first class back from the break. I will spend a little bit of time reviewing photosynthesis that first day back, then will give the quiz the second day of class upon return. 
  • If we end up having to post lessons on-line, I will post the assignments here and in Google Classroom. No new assignments will be given until after March 20th!!!! Just pay attention to the notifications coming from the school for when to start looking for possible on-line lessons. 
  • Stay Safe!
  • Wash you hands often, and don't touch your face!

Thursday, March 12 (B-Day) and Friday, March 13 (A-Day)

• • Started by correcting the review worksheet from last class, the answers to the Reading Science A assignment and the "Try Now" part of the Chapter reading.
  • We then did an Explore 1 activity where students used "legos" to make the molecules needed for reactants in photosynthesis. They then followed directions to rearrange the molecules into the products of photosynthesis. 
  • Students then revisited their rough draft model drawings of photosynthesis last class to ass how accurate they were regarding all the technical details of the reaction. (most are missing a lot!)
  • HW is to use the rubric provided to draw an accurate model of photosynthesis (click the link for the rubric). Absent students can open the rubric and draw the model on a blank piece of paper. 
  • Students were also given a final review worksheet for photosynthesis. Absent students can get worksheet here
  • QUIZ on photosynthesis next class. Know the vocab terms, be able to write out the equation in words and in molecular formulas, be able to state the purpose of photosynthesis (conversion of light energy into a usable form of chemical energy) and be able to answer general questions about the reaction. Review all notes and worksheets!

Tuesday, March 10 (B-Day) and Wednesday March 11 (A-Day)

• • Checked in the vocab HW from last class. Absent students should show me when they return
  • Went over the test from last class
  • Started and completed notes on Photosynthesis. Absent students can access the student and filled in teacher version of the notes here! You can print them out at home and fill them in. They go on page 158 of the notebook. (Absent students can skip page 157)
  • Students also did a rough draft model drawing of what happens in photosynthesis on page 159 of the notebook (absent students can do this at home...Draw from memory- I don't expect it to be 100% correct. Use labels)
  • At the end of the notes students also did one review worksheet. (Worksheet is included in the notes linked above!
  • Absent students can do the worksheet at home, tap it onto page 160. (Use notes to help!)
  • HW: Log in to Stemscopes and compete the "Reading Science A" (answer the questions and "turn in" when done)

Friday, March 6 (B-Day) and Monday, March 9 (A-Day)

• • Test on "Chem Stuff"
  • Absent students should be prepared to take the test during their next science class
  • After test, students looked up 11 of the 12 new vocab terms that go with the photosynthesis chapter. (the term Heterotroph will be given during notes, next class) Click here for the new vocab terms
  • Students then read the Stemscope chapter on Photosynthesis. There was a worksheet to go with this in class. (Absent students should read at home, but pick up the worksheet next class)
  • Absent students should complete the vocab terms on pages 153-155 of their notebooks. They should also read the Stemscopedia on Photosynthesis. Both are assigned in the online version of Stemscopes. 

Wednesday, March 4 (B-day) and Thursday, March 5 (A-Day)

• • Collected the posters that were HW from last class
  • Did a quick discussion about the vocab terms Endothermic and Exothermic. These terms will be on the quiz next class. Students need to know what they mean and how to identify which type of reaction is happening in a chemical reaction (exothermic reactions have an increase in temperature, endothermic reactions have a decrease in temperature)
  • We then did a mini lab to demonstrate both types of reactions
  • Students then read the Stemscope chapter on "Thermal Energy in Chemical Reactions" that also explains this concept. 
  • Absent students should log-in to Stemscopes and read that Stemscopedia. They can get the other work we did in class when they return. 
  • HW: finish reading the chapter if not done in class
  • HW: Study for the test next class. The test covers everything in your notebook from pages 134 to 152. There is a ton of stuff online in Stemscopes to help you review. Use the study guide to help you focus your studies. Click here for the Study Guide
  • FYI: Now is a great time to swtich over to a new science notebook. We are done with chemistry and starting new concepts after the test. It would be good to get all the new info into one notebook, instead of having to go between two when you run out of room in your current one...

Monday, March 2 (B-Day) and Tuesday, March 3 (A-Day)

• • Passed out the Study Guide for this unit: Click here for the Study Guide
  • Did a quick review of how the parts of Chemical Equations, how to count atoms in equations, and how to balance chemical equations. 
  • Corrected the HW worksheets from last class. 
  • Students then did an on-line simulation to help them get the visual of what happens when balancing equations. If absent, please go to the website and complete the introduction and play all 3 games: Click here to get to simulation Tip: go to the Toolbox in the upper right corner and click the "balance scales" this way you can see what the atoms are doing when you change the coefficients. 
  • We then played a Khoot to review chemical equations.
  • Students then have the assignment of drawing a poster to show what they know regarding The Law of Conservation of Matter. Directions are on this slide  Click here to see the grading Rubric
  • HW is to finish the poster if not done in class and to start studying for the test that will be on Friday, March 6 for B-Day and Monday, March 9 for A-Day

Thursday, February 27 (B-Day) and Friday, February 28 (A-Day)

• • Checked in the Sketchnote from last class
  • Took notes on the Law of Conservation of Matter/Mass and in how to balance chemical equations. Absent students can get the student version and filled in teacher version of the notes here. 
  • Students then had class time to complete 2 practice worksheets. One on balancing equations link to worksheet and one on counting the number of atoms in a molecule (sorry, I don't have this one digitized). Absent students can print out the first worksheet and give it a try, then get the other one when you get back to class. (If absent and are confused you can try to hit up YouTube to find a quick video on how to count atoms and balance equations...or you can wait till you get back)
  • HW is to finish both worksheets if not done in class. 

Tuesday, February 25 (B-Day) and Wednesday, February 26 (A-Day)

• • Checked in the Lab, Tuva (Explore 4) and Stemscopedia from last class
  • There was a warm-up worksheet. Absent students can get it when they return. (it's quick)
  • Watched a Brainpop video on "Property Changes" and did the quiz after it (as a class, not for points) absent students can log into Brainpop via Clever and watch the video from home. 
  • Then we corrected all the work from yesterday (lab, tuva, stemscopediea)
  • We then did a Kahoot on physical and chemical properties (Absent students to do need to do it)
  • On page 144 students made a Sketchnote about Mass vs Weight. The page must include: a definition of each term; An explanation as to why scientists use Mass instead of weight; your personal weight and mass (use google to convert from lbs to kg); your weight and mass on at least 4 different planets/stars/moons. use this website for that: https://www.exploratorium.edu/ronh/weight/
  • HW- finish the sketchnote on 144 if not done in class. 

Friday, February 21 (B-Day) and Monday, February 24 (A-Day)

• • Checked in the vocab HW
  • Went over the answers to the Two Ways to Change worksheet
  • Students then completed a 3-station Lab (Density, Solubility and Flammability)
  • When not at a lab station students were to complete the following two assignments in Stemscopes: Explore 4 and the Stemscopedia. 
  • HW is to finish the two Stemscopes activities if not done in class. 
  • Absent students can do the two HW assignments at home and get the notes for the lab when you get back. 

Wednesday, February 19 (B-Day) and Thursday, February 20 (A-day)

• • Started class by doing a Headspace activity
  • Began new chapter on Physical and Chemical Proprieties of Matter
  • Did some intro activities on pages 134-136. Absent students should just copy from their lab partner when they return.
  • Vocab for the new chapter goes on pages 137-138. Absent students can complete the vocab at home! Click here for the vocab assignment
  • We also finished notes on Physical and Chemical proprieties. Absent students can download the student version and filled in version of the notes here. Please complete the notes at home. Click here for notes
  • At the end of the notes there was a practice worksheet. Absent students should also do this at home: Click here for the worksheet
  • HW is to finish the vocab and worksheet if not done in class. 

Thursday, February 13 (B-Day) and Tuesday, February 18 (A-Day)

• • Introduced the students to the concept and benefits of Mindfulness. We will be using a program called Headspace for the rest of the year to help them develop the practice. 
  • Went over the last test
  • Took a practice test in the style of the State Tests for Science. Test covered concepts already learned in class this year. It is just for practice, not for points. 
  • No HW
  • If you are running low on pages in your science notebooks, please consider getting a new on over the holiday weekend. 

Tuesday, February 11 (B-Day) and Wednesday, February 12 (A-Day)

• Checked in the HW from last class: worksheet that went with the chapter on Chemical Reactions
• Test on Chemical Reactions
• After the test we finished watching the movie Hunting the Elements that was started before Winter Break. 
• No HW

Friday, February 7 (B-Day) and Monday, February 10 (A-Day)

• Students took notes on Chemical Reactions. This was to summarize what they need to know for the chapter. Absent students can open this link to download the blank student version AND the filled in Teacher version of the notes. Click here for the notes
• We then did an activity calculating the density of some compound rocks and looking at the properties of those compounds. Students then compared the densities and properties of the individual elements that the compound rocks are composed of. Take home message- the properties of compounds are VERY different than the individual elements they are comprised of. Absent students will not need to make this up, but should get the lab sheets when they return to class.
• HW: complete the Linking Literacy worksheet that goes along with the Stemscopedia chapter reading on Chemical Reactions. Students need to log into Stemscopes and read the chapter! Fill out the worksheet as you go! Absent students can do this from home. Click here for the HW worksheet
• QUIZ NEXT CLASS! Study all that you have done, including the notes! Make sure you read the chapter for HW. Click here for the study guide

Wednesday, February 5 (B-Day) and Thursday, February 6 (A-Day)

• • Quiz on the Chemical Reaction vocab terms
  • New lab: Chemistry Clues. Students had 4 attempts to mix chemicals to recreate a chemical reaction I demonstrated for them. 
  • Absent students will need to check in with me for the date of the make-up lab.
  • No HW expect for the students that did not pass the vocab quiz. They need to study the terms!!!! (FYI- the quiz was literally asking them to match the word-for-word definitions from StemScopes. It was not tricky, they just didn't study if they didn't pass!)
  • Test on this chapter will be sometime next week...

Monday, February 3 (B-Day) and Tuesday, February 4 (A-day)

• Checked in the vocab HW
• Passed back and reviewed the quiz on heat and matter
• Handed out a study guide for this chapter on Chemical Reactions. Click here for the study guide
• Completed a Lab that looked for signs of a chemical reaction. Lab took all class, but we had time to review the results together as a class. 
• Absent students will need to check to see when the make-up lab will be held. It will be at lunch on a day later this week (Probably Thursday)
• HW is to study the vocab terms. 
• Quiz on the 10 new vocab terms will be next class. Click here for the vocab terms

Thursday, January 30 (B-Day) and Friday, January 31 (A-Day)

• Quiz on Heat and Matter. Absent students will take the quiz when they return to class.
• Start new Chapter on Chemical Reactions. 
• There were 3 intro activities that absent students should just copy from their lab partner when they return (no handouts, it went straight into the notebook)
• HW/Classwork: 10 new vocabulary terms for Chemical Reactions. Need to write the definition and draw, color and label an example onto pages 122 & 123 of notebook. (students had time in class to get this done) Click here for the vocab terms

Tuesday, January 28 (B-Day) and Wenesday, January 29 (A-Day)

• I checked in the vocab that was technically due last class.
• I also checked to see if all the lab conclusion questions from last class were answered. If students lost points on this lab in Q, it is because they did not answer the questions! (checked for completion, not correctness)
• We then went over the answers to the lab and discussed the main topics of this very short chapter. (Difference between temperature, heat, and thermal energy)
• HW: Study for the quiz next class. Quiz will have 20 questions (10 vocab, 10 content). There are 4 assignments in Stemscopes students can use to help them study. 
• Absent students should be prepared to take the quiz! No new topics were covered in class today, it was all review!

Friday, January 24 (B-Day) and Monday, January 27 (A-Day)

• We did a lab that took the entire class to complete. Absent students will not have to come in to do the lab itself, but will need to know the concepts that came out of it regarding heat transfer and thermal energy.
• HW is to finish any lab questions that you did not complete in class.
• During the lab, students also read the Chapter on Heat and Matter inside of stemscopes. There was a worksheet that went with this. If not done in class, also finish for HW. The chapter is available on-line in Stemscopes.

Wednesday, January 22 (B-Day) and Thursday, January 23 (A-Day)

• • Test on States of Matter
  • Started the next chapter on Heat and Matter. We did some intro activities on pages 109 to 112 of the science notebooks. Absent students should just wait for these items when they get back to class. (But you can open my "Notebook Table of Contents" webpage and write down the titles while you are at home)
  • HW: New vocab. It goes on pages 113 & 114 of the notebooks. Need the term, definition, a picture example. Be sure to color and label the picture example. Absent students can log into Stemscopes and do the vocab from home. Click here to see the new vocab terms

Friday, January 16 (B-day) and Tuesday, January 21 (A-Day)

• • We finished the lecture notes. If absent, or if you missed a part of the notes, you can access the information here (filled in version of the notes is at the back of the document): Click here for notes
  • Students then completed 3 practice worksheets. CLick here for the first worksheet, click here for the second worksheet, click here for the third worksheet
  • We then corrected the worksheets in class. 
  • HW is to study for the test which will be next class. Anything we have covered between pages 91 and 108 in your science notebook is fair game for a test question. 

   

  Wednesday, January 15 (B-Day) and Thursday, January 16 (A-Day)

• • Vocab quiz
  • Explore 2 activity: measuring the temperature of hot and cold water, then mixing together. Discussion revolves around the kinetic energy of the molecules when the waters mix. Absent students can just get the worksheet and notes when you return to class.
  • We then started notes on States of Matter. We will finish the notes next class. If absent, or if you missed a part of the notes, you can access the information here (filled in version of the notes is at the back of the document): Click here for notes
  • HW: Log-in to Stemscopes and complete the assignment titled: Reading Science A- Phase Changes in Matter. Yes, you have to answer the questions then "turn in" the assignment inside of Stemscopes. 
  • Test for this chapter will be on Wednesday, January 22 for B-Day students and on Thursday, January 23 for A-Day students.

Monday, January 13 (B-Day) and Tuesday, January 14 (A-Day)

• • I collected any CER's not turned in last class. 
  • Students then went into Stemscopes online and completed the "Explore 3: Changes in Pressure" activity. Absent students can complete this activity on-line!
  • Students then read the chapter for this unit. They can read it online inside Stemscopes or in the textbooks in class. The online assignment is called: STEMscopedia from Changes in Energy on the Molecular Level. Although there is a worksheet to go with this reading, absent students can just read the chapter online and answer the questions as they go. 
  • HW: study for the vocab quiz that will happen next class. 
  • Test for this chapter will be on Wednesday, January 22 for B-Day students and on Thursday, January 23 for A-Day students.

Thursday, January 9 (B-Day) and Friday, January 10 (A-Day)

• • Students used Chromebooks to complete the following assignment in Stemscopes: "Explore 1- Changes in State."  Students in class wrote answers down on printed worksheets. Absent students are welcome to complete the assignment at home and type answers into the computer, then turn it in for me to look at.
  • Students then used the answers from that on-line simulation to write a CER that answers this question: "What happens to the movement and location of molecules within a substance when heat is added." Absent students can click this link to see the detailed directions, rubric, and worksheet: Click here for CER directions
  • Then students started working on defining the 13 new vocab terms for this unit. Click here for the list of terms. Please note that terms 12 and 13 are NOT in the "slideshow" inside of stemscopes. When on that webpage, just scroll down and you will find 12 and 13 in a list below the slides. Just click on the terms to get to the definition. 
  • HW: Finish the CER and vocab. Both are due next class
  • Quiz on the vocab terms will be held on Wednesday, January 15 for B-Day students and on Thursday, January 16 for A-Day students. 
  • Test for this chapter will be on Wednesday, January 22 for B-Day students and on Thursday, January 23 for A-Day students. 

Tuesday, January 7 (B-day) and Wednesday, January 8 (A-Day)

• Happy New Year!
• The first half of class students participated in an activity that helps them develop active listening skills
• The second half of class we started a new chapter: Changes in Energy on the Molecular Level. There was a class discussion about States of Matter, a little note taking and an activity. 
• Absent students can get the notes and work from thier lab partners when they return to class. 
• No HW.

Friday, December 13 (B-Day) and Monday, December 16 (A-Day)

• Passed back the graded CERs. They get taped onto page 88
• Test on Structure of Matter Chapter
• Filled in the Investigate Phenomena on page 74 and added to the Mission Log on Page 43. 
• Then we started watching the Nova video: Hunting the Elements.
• HW: Organize your science notebook for a notebook check/quiz next class.

Wednesday, December 11 (B-Day) and Thursday, December 12 (A-Day)

• • We started with a warm up worksheet to practice writing chemical formulas from pictures of molecules. Absent students can download the worksheet here and complete it before next class. Great Combinations worksheet
  • Periods B1/2, B3/4, and A1/2 went over the CER requirements before turning it in for grading. Students should have given themselves their own grade to judge how well they met the rubric. 
  • B6/7 and A6/7 finished notes on Molecules and was introduced to the CER assignment. Both classes were given time in class to get started on this assignment. It is due next class.
  • All classes except B6/7 completed a graphing activity in Stemscopes. The assignment was called "Explore 4 Tuva." Absent students can log into Stemscopes and complete this on-line. 
  • HW is to study for the test next class. Please review ALL worksheets and notes from the chapter. If we practiced it in class, it is fair game for the test. 
  • FYI- there will be a notebook check/quiz before the end of the quarter. Make sure your science notebook is prganized and that you corrected all of your answers along the way!

Monday, December 9 (B-Day) and Tuesday, December 10 (A-Day)

• • Quiz on Atoms and Molecules. Graded in class. Absent students will take the quiz next class.
  • Reviewed the concept of matter, solids, and substances. Showed students how to use a microscope. Then completed "Explore 3: Atoms, Molecules, Extended Structures and Substances" activity. Students looked at salt, sugar, and sand under a microscope then went through a few worksheets that showed how atoms form molecules, and that molecules join together to make extended structures that form all substances. Absent students can log-in to Stemscopes and open this Explore 3 activity. You can do all of it online, except for looking in a microscope. 
  • Most classes finished early enough to get the CER about this topic for HW. Period B6/7 did not get the CER for HW. 
  • HW for all classes: start using that study guide to review for the TEST on the chapter. Test is this Friday, December 13 for B-day classes and Monday, December 16 for A-Day classes. Click here to get the study guide
  • Classes that got the CER- you also have to use the rubric on your worksheet to help guide your writing of a claim that describes how substances are formed from atoms, etc.

Thursday, December 5 (B-Day) and Friday, December 6 (A-Day)

• • Checked in all of the worksheets done in last class.
  • Showed a BrainPop video on Atoms
  • Corrected all 3 worksheets from last class
  • Lecture/take notes on Atoms and Molecules. This lecture was a summary of all that you should have already learned, as well as it showing you lots of examples of molecules. Click here for Notes on Molecules These notes have both the student (blanked out) version as well as the teacher (filled in) version. If you were absent or missed a part of the notes, please open that link to view the filled in Teacher version (scroll to the end of the document).
  • QUIZ next class on atoms and molecules. The quiz will cover everything on the notes as well as a few questions from the worksheets we corrected during this class. You have to be able to identify the following vocab terms from memory as there will be no word bank: atom, element, molecule, compound. (Definitions are given, you need to write the correct vocab term from memory) 
  • HW= study for quiz

Tuesday, December 3 (B-Day) and Wednesday, December 4 (A-Day)

• Finished watching the movie. Movie worksheets were collected.
• Students then read the stemscopedia chapter on the Structure of Molecules. There is a worksheet to do as you read. click here for the worksheet. Absent students can access the reading inside of Stemscopes, and download this worksheet. 
• After the reading, there are a few other practice worksheets to complete. Absent students can access three of the four worksheets here: worksheet 1 worksheet 2 
• HW is to finish the worksheets if not done in class. 

Friday, November 22 (B-Day) and Monday, December 2 (A-Day)

• Spent the first part of class reviewing 5 vocab terms: Matter, atom, element, molecule, and compound. I showed a video, and held a class discussion.
• Students were then introduced to the concept of "sketch-noting" where they use a combo of art, writing and color to take notes on content in a way that makes sense to them. 
• Students then had 30+ minutes in class to sketch-note the 5 terms above onto pages 78 & 79 in their notebooks. They have to include the 5 terms, and some way to define them, but how they do it is up to each individual student. 
• The last 30 minutes of class was spent watching a NOVA movie about the chemistry of food and human digestion called "Can I Eat That"  Students had to complete a worksheet as they watched. 
• No HW. Don't loose the video worksheet- we will finish the video and turn in the worksheet next class. 

Wednesday, November 20 (B-Day) and Thursday, November 21 (A-Day)

• • Quiz on the vocab terms!
  • Lab activity on making molecules. Worksheet is called "Combining Atoms" and goes on page 77 of the notebook. Students used different colored blocks to model atoms combining together to make molecules. During the activity, students took some notes on the difference between atoms, molecules, compound molecules, substances and pure substances. Absent students will have to copy these notes from a classmate when you return. 
  • We went over the answers to the lab questions at the end of class, so students should have correct and complete worksheets to use for studying for tests and quizzes. 
  • No official homework as next week is the holiday break. HOWEVER- students are encouraged to review all the vocab terms and the notes they took today on page 77 so they don't forget the information over break. 

Monday, November 18 (B-day) and Tuesday, November 19 (A-Day)

• Checked in the vocab HW that was due today.
• Passed back and went over the last test
• Started new chapter on the Structure of Matter.  
  • Introduced the concept of matter, atoms and elements
  • Passed out the study guide for the chapter. Click here to get the study guide
  • Class discussions and partner shares about these topics
  • Page 74- Students started an Investigate Phenomena asking the question: "If graphite and diamonds are both made of pure carbon, why are their proprieties so different?"
  • Page 75- taped in a Periodic Table of the Elements Click here for a reference Periodic Table
  • Page 76- students used the Periodic table to write words using the elemental symbols. They also cut out and matched the 11 Elements whose symbols do not match their English Name to their Latin names. These 11 elements and their Latin definitions get glued/taped onto the back of the worksheet on page 76. Click here for the Using Symbols worksheet on page 76
• HW is to finish the page 76 worksheet activities if not done in class AND to study for the quiz on the new vocab terms. Quiz is next class. 

Thursday, November 14 (B-Day) and Friday, November 15 (A-Day)

• • Passed back and went over the graded CER's on aquifers. CER's got taped onto page 69 of science notebooks
  • Updated the Mission Logs on pages 42-43 of the notebooks
  • Took test on Human Dependence on Natural Resources. (There was a multiple choice section and a short answer section)
  • Passed out the 10 new vocab terms for the next chapter: Structure of Matter Click here for the list of vocab terms
  • Students had about 25-30 minutes of class time to complete the vocab (Need to write the term, definition, then draw/label/color a picture for each). This is done on pages 70-72 of the science notebook. Due next class.
  • HW: Finish vocab if not done in class.
  • Absent students can log into Stemscopes from home and get the vocab done before you return to class. You will take the test next class. 

Tuesday, November 12 (B-Day) and Wednesday, November 13 (A-Day)

• • Students turned in the CER about human impact on aquifers assigned last class. 
  • We then reviewed the concept of fossil fuels and explored how they are used to make electricity. 
  • Students then logged in to Stemscopes and completed the "Explore 4: Tuva- Earth's Overdrawn Account" This is a graphing activity. Absent students can just log in from home and follow the directions for completing the activity on-line inside Stemscopes. 
  • We then reviewed the study guide for the test. Click here for copy of study guide handed out last week. Be sure you can do everything noted on this study guide!
  • HW is to study for the test next class. Everything between pages 59 to 68 of your notebook is fair game as well as any on-line activities/worksheets done in Stemscopes or Google classroom. 

Thursday, November 7 (B-Day) and Friday, November 8 (A-Day)

• • We reviewed the worksheets done last class. Made corrections. 
  • Saw a quick video about the Dust Bowl and reviewed the concepts of limited resources and human impacts on natural resources. 
  • We then played a game called "Use or Consequence" where students had to decide the impact of human activities on the environment. 
  • Students then sorted "aquifer cards" into negative and positive consequences. Students will use these cards as the evidence for writing a CER about human impact on aquifers. The CER is due next class. Students had time to start writing in class, if not done, please finish for HW.
  • Students that were absent can wait until the come back to class to get the handouts and information for writing the CER.

Tuesday, November 5 (B-Day) and Wednesday, November 6 (A-Day)

• I am out at a science conference for these two days.
• Pop quiz! :-) 
• Lesson plan is to read the Stemscope chapter on Human Dependence on Natural Resources. There is a note taking worksheet to go with this. When done with the reading there are two additional worksheets to help summarize the important points. 
• Once done, students are to go back into Google classroom and open up the "Graphic Organizer" document they started on October 11. Any additional notes they make to update the organizer need to be done in a different colored font. 

• Friday, November 1 (B-Day) and Monday, November 4 (A-Day)
  • Notebook check for points!
  • Taught the students how to write a thank you letter. Passed out templates for them to work on. 
  • HW is to write 2 thank you letters! If you went to Catalina, you must write one for your chaperone and your camp counselor. If you did not go to Catalina, you can pick two adults in your life to write them for (parents, teachers, etc). The letters should be 4 sentences long (minimum) 
  • Letters must include some sort of artwork: either coloring in the pictures on my templates, or drawing your own colored picture. 
  • They are due next class!
  • Click here for the How to write thank you letter slides and examples

• Thursday, October 31 (A-Day)
  • No school due to winds

• Monday to Wednesday, October 28-30: Catalina Trip!

• Thursday, October 24 (B-Day) and Friday, October 25 (A-Day)
  • Students finished the presentations. 
  • We then reviewed the important information about the formation and locations of oil, gold and groundwater. 
  • The second half of class was spent reviewing how to pack and prepare for the Catalina trip. 
  • No HW

• Tuesday, October 22 (B-Day) and Wednesday, October 23 (A-Day)

  • Groups had the first 40 minutes of class to complete the making of their slide show presentations. 
  • Students had to take notes from each group as they presented (a note sheet was provided to fill in)
  • Not all groups got to present today. We will finish presentations next class. 
  • HW is to bring your Chromebook to class CHARGED next class. The tech department is collecting ALL 7th GRADE CHROMEBOOKS so they can be serviced during the Catalina trip. Students will turn the computer in next class, and get it back at the end of next week
  . 

Friday October, 18 (B-Day) and Monday, October  21(A-Day)

• • Vocab quiz! 
  • Class discussion of the "popcorn" activity done last class.
  • Start a research project on where specific natural resources are found on Earth, why they formed there, and how humans use them. 
    • Students are in groups of 2-4 students
    • Only researching 1 specific question
    • Must make a Google slide show to teach what they learned to the rest of class. 
  • HW- students need to finish the research on their own. They will get around 30 minutes next class to finish the presentation. Presentations will be given next class.

Wednesday, October 16 (B-Day) and Thursday, October 17 (A-Day)

• • Today begins the chapter called: Human Dependence on Natural Resources
  • Students did a variety of activities, some hands-on in class, and some out of Google classroom. 
  • Absent students should go to the Notebook Table of Contents page and update their notebooks. When they get back to school they can borrow their lab partners notebook to get caught up on the things done in class. 
  • Absent students should then go into Google Classroom and complete two new assignments: 1 is a Graphic Organizer (fill in as best you can now, you will add to this document during the chapter) and 2. It's Not renewable, so what? (Read the worksheet and see if you can answer the questions based on learning about the activity we did during class.)
  • HW is to study the 13 vocab terms. Quiz on vocab next class.
  • Catalina Parent Info meeting is Thursday, October 17 in the gym at pm. The meeting is not mandatory. 

Monday, October 14 (B-Day) and Tuesday, October 15 (A-Day)

• • First half of class was spent going over the packing list and details for the upcoming Catalina trip. Click here for the packing list!
  • Parent info meeting for Catalina is this Thursday, October 17 in the gym at pm. This meeting is not mandatory, just informative for Parents. 
  • The rest of class was spent going over the test given last week, and finishing up the last parts of the chapter on Organism Interactions. 
  • No new HW. Just make sure you have the 13 new vocab terms done by next class. See Oct 10/11 for details. 

Thursday, October 10, (B-Day) and Friday, October 11 (A-Day)

• • We reviewed a little before the test. 
  • Test! Absent students will have to make up the test early next week as this is the last grade that goes onto Quarter 1's final grade. (Quarter ends on 10/11) 
  • HW: Write down definiens and draw, label and color examples for the 13 vocab terms for the next chapter. Write the terms and the examples directly onto notebook pages 56-58. Use Stemscopes Picture vocab and visual glossary to get the definitions.click here to see the vocab terms

Monday, October 7 (B-Day) and Tuesday, October 8 (A-Day)

• • Students took the vocab quiz. It was graded in class. Absent students will make it up next class
  • I then checked in the Neighborhood Observations HW from last class. 
  • We then used the observations as evidence in a practice CER. Absent students can go into Google Classroom and access the CER assignment from there. Turn it in to Google classroom. 
  • I then discussed what would be on the chapter test. Test is next class (Thursday or Friday- we don't have school on Wednesday). Make sure you really understand how to read all the graphs we did in the chapter. Also make sure you really read the Stemscopedia because 3 test questions come from that reading (focus on the graphs)! Click here for the study guide
  • Students then got time in class to study and/or ask me questions. 
  • HW: Study for the test
  • Catalina update: This Friday, October 11 will be the day for my students to sign up for partners for the Catalina trip. Come at lunch on Friday, WITH THE PEOPLE YOU WANT TO BE IN A GROUP WITH. No more than 4 students to a group! 

Thursday, October 3 (B-Day) and Friday, October 4 (A-Day)

• • Students were given a study guide to help them prepare for the chapter test next week. Click here for the study guide
  • We then debriefed the Ecosystem Interactions activity from last class and went over the answers.
  • Students then watched a video about Wolves being re-introduced to Yellowstone and the changes to the ecosystem that resulted. Click here to watch the video  After the video, we had a discussion and then started a graphing activity in StemScopes that showed actual data of the wolf and elk populations in Yellowstone. Absent students should watch the video, then log into StemScopes and complete the "Explore 3: Tuva- Wolves and Elk" assignment. 
  • HW is to complete the "Stemscopedia" reading assignment (test questions come from this Reading!) and fill in the "One-word-notes" worksheet as you read. 
  • The other part of homework is to complete the "Neighborhood Observations" assignment. This HAS to be done by next class or you will not be able to write a CER next class. Click here for HW worksheet
  • Vocab quiz is next class.
  • Test on chapter is end of next week

Tuesday, October 1 (B-Day) and Wednesday, October 2 (A-Day)

• Class started by identifying the biotic and abiotic elements in a picture of a pond. Students then identified the "interactions" that happen between the bitotic and abiotic elements. Notes were taken on page 47 of your notebook. Absent students can borrow their lab partners notes when they return. 
• We then did an activity about Ecosystem Interactions. Students first sorted cards into food webs of 4 different ecosystems. After the ecosystem food web is in place, students are given scenarios about an environmental disaster effecting the different ecosystem (volcanic eruptions, droughts, floods, etc). Students must answer questions thoughtfully regarding each scenario and ecosystem. Absent student can get the worksheet when they return to class. 
• HW is to log-in to StemScopes and look up vocabulary terms. Please use both the assigned "Picture Vocabulary" as well as the "Visual Glossary" to define the terms. Use notebook pages 49 and 50 to write out the vocab. Each term needs a definintion and an example picture that is colored and labeled. Here are the 8 terms required for the chapter "Organism Interactions"
  • Abiotic
  • Biotic
  • Symbiosis
  • Food Chain
  • Prey
  • Predator
  • Organism
  • Species

Thursday, September 26 (B-Day) and Friday, September 27 (A-Day)

• • We passed back the test from last class and went over the answers. I also discussed test taking strategies to help them on future tests. 
  • We then discussed the "Mission" that all students are on for this unit: Being able to analyze soil samples from a "distant planet"
  • Students were given 3 "Mission Log" handouts. This mission log will be added to after every chapter as we build the knowledge necessary to analyze the soil samples. Today, we only answered the 2 questions that went with the Competition in Ecosystems chapter. The rest of the worksheets we will finish as we complete more chapters. Absent students should just wait to get the papers when they return to class. Your lab partner can help you answer the 2 questions based on the class discussions that were had. 
  • Next I checked in the HW sheets from last class and went over the answers. 
  • We then started our new chapter: Organism Interactions in Ecosystems. There was a questions about Venus fly traps and a worksheet on interpreting two different bar graphs. 
  • Absent students should wait till they return to class to get caught up on these. Please check the folder in the back of the room for all handouts, then check in with your lab partner for help with the answers. You can also speak to Ms. O'Hagan for help in getting caught up. It may seem like a lot, but it was really not much that you missed. 
  • No HW. Enjoy the three-day weekend!

Tuesday, September 24 (B-Day) and Wednesday, September 25 (A-Day)

• • I showed two videos that review the concept of invasive species.
  • Students then turned to page 32 of their notebooks and completed the worksheet they had started asking why invasive species might be more successful in a new environment. 
  • Then came the test/quiz on Competition in Ecosystems. Absent students should expect to take the test as soon as they return to class.
  • I then showed a YouTube video from the Amoeba Sisters about Ecological Relationships: Click here to view video. There is a 2-page worksheet to go with the video: Click here for the Amoeba Sisters worksheet. 
  • I also gave out a worksheet to practice reading predator/prey population graphs: Click here for graph worksheet
  • HW is to finish both worksheets by the start of next class.
  • Absent students should be able to use the links above to complete BOTH assignments BEFORE they return to class. Absent students should also be prepared to take the test. 
  • FYI- some classes finished early enough to watch a Bill Nye video. :-)

Friday, September 20 (B-Day) and Monday, September 23 (A-Day)

• We held a class discussion to review before the test next class. During that discussion, students added 3 vocab terms to their vocab for the chapter: Invasive Species, Intraspecies Competition and Interspecific Competition. 
• Students spent the remainder of the class playing a game called "Competition Concentration" where they competed as organisms trying to survive by getting all the resources they needed to live before they got eaten by a predator or lose to an invasive species. 
• HW is to finish the 15 conclusion questions that went with the game. 
• HW is also to study for the test next class. Students should use the study guide given out last class and the review games inside StemScopes to help them study. 

Wednesday, September 18 (B-Day) and Thursday, September 19 (A-Day)

• • Students took the vocab quiz on competition in ecosystems. Absent students should plan on taking the quiz as soon as the next class starts. 
  • I then passed out the study guide for the quiz/test "Quest" for this chapter. Click here for the study guide
  • We then graded the CER statements written last class. Absent students will need to show me tier CER's so they can get graded. 
  • Next students completed part 1 of a game about competition in ecosystems. Absent students will not need to make this up- they can just hop into the game play next class. 
  • HW is to log into StemScopes.com and complete the "StemScopepedia" assignment. (This is like "reading the chapter" for this unit)
  • The quiz/test for this chapter is next week: B-day students take the quiz on Tuesday, Sept 24 and A-Day students take the quiz on Wednesday, Sept 25. 

Monday, September 16 (B-Day) and Tuesday, September 17 (A-Day)

• Class started by going over the graded data chart presentations students made a week ago.
• I then checked in the vocab that was HW from last class. 
• Students then worked in pairs to complete an Ecosystems Event Activity. Students rolled dice for organisms and factors that could affect the organism. They had to determine if the factor was biotic or abiotic, and if the interaction between it an the organism was competitive, dependent or neither. 
• Once done with the activity worksheet, students wrote a CER to answer the following question: "What is the relationship between organisms and the factors they depend on for life"
• These CER's will be graded in class, next class. Students were given the rubric for how they will be graded when they got the assignment. 
• HW is to finish the CER if not done in class (most students finished) and to study the 13 vocab terms. 
• Quiz on the vocab will be next class. 

Thursday, September 12 (B-Day) and Friday, September 13 (A-Day)

• • Today we started our new unit on Competition in Ecosystems. 
  • Six different worksheets were handed out in class. Absent students should just wait until you get back to class to pick these up. 
  • We did several activities that looked at resources needed for an organism to survive, and started talking about the idea of competition for those resources. 
  • HW is to finish the 13 vocab terms handed out in the two vocab worksheets. Each terms needs the definition as given in Stemscopes, as well as a drawing (in color, with labels) that represents each term. Students had time in class to start the assignment. 
    • Students can access the vocabulary terms in StemScopes by going to this webpage: Click here for StemScopes Login Page
    • Username is the students full email address (ex: maoh12@opusd.us)
    • Password is the same password they use to get into all school accounts and computers
    • Once in, look for the "Picture Vocabulary" Assignment. This should take you to a slide show that shows all of the vocab terms. 
    • (The "visual glossary" is missing some of the terms you need. The assignment given to you should have all of the terms)

Tuesday, September 10 (B-Day) and Wednesday, September 11 (A-Day)

• • We passed back and went over the variables quiz from last week
  • We then discussed the Marshmallow Engineering Challenge from last week, watched a video about the challenge, and went over your graded reflection worksheets
  • We then did our first notebook check of the school year for points. ABSENT STUDENTS NEED TO SHOW THEIR NOTEBOOKS TO THE TEACHER NEXT CLASS SO THEY CAN GET GRADED
  • Students then worked in groups to do a vocabulary word sort. The directions for this assignment are in Google Classroom. Absent students will be excused. 
  • HW is to go into Google Classroom and do the HW assignment that goes with the word sort that was done in class. Absent students will not have to do this either as they do not have access to all the vocab terms. 

Friday, September 6 (B-Day) and Monday, September 9 (A-Day)

• • Students worked in pairs to practice interpreting different types of data by answering questions in a packet. 
  • The same pair of students then researched 6 different types of graphs and charts to find out what type of data is best displayed in them.
  • Once research was done, the team then made a presentation sharing the info they found while researching. The presentation could be in a Google Slide show, or done on a poster paper. The research/presentation was due at the end of class. 
  • Details on the entire assignment can be found in Google Classroom. 
  • Absent students can just check in with me next class to see what they need to make-up
  • No HW

Wednesday, September 4 (B-Day) and Thursday, September 5 (A-Day)

• • We corrected the HW worksheet from last class
  • Students then competed in an Engineering Design Challenge to see which team could build the tallest tower out of spaghetti and then place a marshmallow on top. 
  • We then watched a video on engineering called Dream Big
  • HW is to finish the write-up from the Design Challenge. Students should write in complete sentences and give me very thoughtful answers! Click here for the reflection questions

Friday, August 30 (B-Day) and Tuesday, September 3 (B-Day)

• • Students took the quiz on variables
  • They then completed a worksheet to introduce them to the Engineering Design Process. CLick here for worksheet (we only did the first 2 of the 3 pages in that document)
  • We discussed the intro worksheet, then payed a video that equated the Engineering Design Process to hosting a Taco party. Click here for Taco Party and Bangladesh worksheet
  • Students then had to identify the steps of the Engineering Design Process shown watching a video about creating a water treatment system in Bangladesh. 
  • HW is to try and answer a practice worksheet about identifying the steps of the Engineering Click here for practice HW worksheetDesign Process. Worksheet will be hard for them, they should just try. It is graded for completion, not accuracy. 

• Wednesday, August 28 (B-Day) and Thursday, August 29 (A-Day)

  • We graded the final draft of the PB & J Procedures in class.
  • We corrected SpongeBob and talked about what would be on the quiz next class
  • Then told students about the 7th grade trip to Catalina, and went over the two permission slips that need to be turned in to be able to go. Signed permission slips get turned into the student window. Donations to cover the trip expenses can be given in a check made out to MCMS-OPUSD or paid on-line via Parent Square. 
    • If your child will need to take medicine on the trip, there is a THIRD permission slip that will need to be signed my a doctor!!!! Not every student went home with this third form. Please ask for it if you want your child to take any sort of daily med. This includes allergy pills, vitamins, pro-biotics, anti-sea sickness meds, etc. 
    • Here is a link the the paperwork for Catalina: Click here to get the Catalina documents
  • HW is to give Catalina paperwork to parents and to study for the quiz on variables.

Monday, August 26 (B-Day) and Tuesday, August 27 (A-Day)

• We started class by correcting the 4 "Spongebob" variable problems that was given for HW
• Then I checked in the PB & J HW and did a live demo of following various students procedures. Most students were not detailed enough to have written proficient procedures. Students will be writing a final draft for HW tonight that will be graded next class.
• Students were given a study guide to help them prepare for the quiz on identifying experimental variables. Click here to view the study guide
• Students got more practice writing procedures in class while they did the "Lego Lab." Absent students will not have to make up this lab.
• HW Due Next Class: 
  • Write a final draft of your PB & J materials and procedures. This MUST BE DONE ON A NEW, SEPARATE PIECE OF PAPER. The new paper will get taped on to page 22 as a "flip" over the original, first draft. This will be graded next class using the following rubric:  click here to view the grading rubric
  • Finish the last 4 problems in the Spongebob packet.
  • Start studying for the quiz on variables: 
  • The quiz on identifying the types of experimental variables will be on Friday, August 30 for the B-Day students and on Tuesday, September 3 for the A-Day students.

Thursday, August 22 (B-Day) and Friday, August 23 (A-Day)

• • I checked to see if students did the variables HW from last class, then we corrected the entire worksheet together. 
  • We then finished the "How to Design An Experiment" notes started last class. Click here for How to Design An Experiment Notes This link has the completed version of the notes in it for absent students. 
  • Students then got 20-30 minutes in class to get started on their HW. (Efficient students should have been able to complete the HW in class)
  • HW Part 1: complete questions 1-4 in the "Spongebob Packet" (this is more practice identifying variables in an experiment and recognizing good experiment design). Absent students should just wait to pick up the packet as my printed copies are formatted to fit into your notebooks, and the digital version will be hard to tape in...
  • HW Part 2: on page 22 of your science notebook write the title: "How to Make a PB & J Sandwich."  Students must then write out a materials list and step-by-step procedures instructing someone on how to make that sandwich. Please reference the tips on how to write procedures in the notes. 
• The quiz on how to design an experiment and on identifying the types of experimental variables will be on Friday, August 30 for the B-Day students and on Tuesday, September 3 for the A-Day students.

Tuesday, August 20 (B-day) and Wednesday, August 21 (A-Day)

• I checked in the SINQ Cover Pages assigned for homework last class. 
• Students were handed back their graded Graduated Cylinder Labs and the CER #3 done last class. We went over these as well as the quiz from last class. (Students are not allowed to take the quiz home. I keep them on file in the classroom)
• We then started a new set of notes: How to Design an Experiment. We made it to the bottom of the third page of notes, and will finish the rest next class. Absent students can open the following link to get a student version of the notes as well as a filled in "Teacher Version" with the answers in it. Click here for How to Design An Experiment Notes
• HW is to complete most of a worksheet handed out that has students identify experimental variables. Students need to do 1-9 on the first side, and only the first 2 problems on the side with 4 problems. Use the notes taken in class to help you! (HW will be checked for completion, not accuracy, so try your best on all of them) Click here for the variables HW worksheet

Friday, August 16 (B-Day) and Monday, August 19 (A-Day)

• Students wrote down the HW and updated their Table of Contents in the science notebooks (SINQs)
• Quiz on the Think Like a Scientist Notes. Absent students should be prepared to take the quiz as soon as they return to class. 
• We then took notes on a CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning). Students practiced identify parts of pre-written CERs, and practiced writing them together as a class. 
• Students were then given a prompt, and had to write one themselves. 
• Click here for the student version of the notes and worksheets (I did not type out a completed version of the notes. Absent students or students looking to double check their notes can view the actual slide show by clicking below. 
• Click here to view the CER Presentation Slides
• HW is to finish that third CER if not done and turned in during class. Students must also make a cover page for their science notebooks:
  • Highly recommended to make the cover page on a blank sheet of printer paper, then tape it onto page 1 of the notebook. 
  • Must have your full name, and the period you have science
  • Must include 3 drawings of a science item, in color. (rockets, chemistry equipment, volcanoes, planets, animals, as long as it is appropriate and related to science you are good)

Wednesday, August 14 (B-Day) and Thursday, August 15 (A-Day)

• • I checked the graduated cylinder HW for completion, then we corrected it together in class. 
  • We then spent time in class building our Science Notebooks for the year. From here on out, students need to bring it to class EVERY DAY!!! Absent students will need to come ask me how to set it up since they missed the in-class directions. 
  • We then finished the notes for Think Like a Scientist.  Click here for the notes  Absent students can click on the link to get the missing parts of the notes 
  • HW is to study for the quiz on the notes that will happen next class. Students must 
    • Know the Definitions the following terms: Observing, Quantitative Observation, Qualitative Observation, Scientific Question, Model, and Scale Model
    • Be able to identify examples of the vocab terms listed above. (Just like we did in class)
    • Be able to read the volume of liquid in a graduated cylinder.
    • Students do NOT need to know the "Science and Engineering Practices of All Scientists" at the start of the notes. Those 8 items are NOT on the quiz. 

Monday, August 12 (B-Day) and Tuesday, August 13 (A-Day) 

• Class started by reviewing the lab from last class, then collecting the lab write-ups. These will be graded for the quality of answers. 
• Students then took the true/false quiz on class policies. These were graded in class. Absent students will take the quiz when they return to class. 
• We then started our first notes of the year: Thinking Like a Scientist. Students are responsible for filling in the blanks as well as for writing extra examples into the notes. Absent students can download the student version, and filled in version of the notes by clicking on the link. It is possible to fill in the notes before you return to class! Click here for the notes
• HW is to complete a worksheet on reading measurements in graduated cylinders. Click here for page 1 of worksheet   Click here for second page of worksheet
• Next class we will start building and using our science composition notebooks. If you are using a notebook you purchased, you MUST bring it next class. Otherwise, I will provide one for you. It will help if you bring your own scotch tape to class this day! 

Thursday, August 8 (B-Day) and Friday, August 9 (A-Day)

• Students were assigned seats
• We then collected the signed class contracts that were HW from the last class. (Students that did not bring the contracts need to do so next class)
• There was a little discussion regarding class grading policy, participation points, etc. I then handed out the class passes for students to use if they need a one-class extension on a HW or project that is due. Students only get ONE set of class passes for the entire school year. If they loose them, I will not replace them. 
• Students then completed a lab using graduated cylinders. HW is to complete the conclusion questions from the lab. Lab write-ups are due at the beginning of next class. Click here for a copy of the lab conclusion questions
• The quiz on class policies will also be next class. (16 questions, all true/false)

Tuesday, August 6 (B-Day) and Wednesday, August 7 (A-Day)

• Students made name tags and introduced themselves to each other
• We then played a "human bingo" game so students could get to know each other better
• I then took students on a tour of the room, and started going over some class expectations.
• At the end of class, students completed a teambuilding game to work on communication and problem solving skills.
• HW: Read the class policies packet. Students and parent both need to sign the class contract after reviewing the class policies/rules/expectations. Signed contract is due next class. Students need to bring the packet to the next few classes as we will be continuing to review the expectations. There will be an (easy) quiz on the policies next week. Click here for the policies packet and contract