Good Luck With Finals

I hope you are all studying hard for you Life Science Final so you will do well and all get big A's under the christmas tree!

Have a great break and remember your science fair display boards are due my Thursday January 11th (the week we get back from break). If you need a copy of the requirements just follow the link below.

Aloha!

http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dfb8m3dw_47fw5hm5

Life Science Fall Semester Final Exam Review

For a copy of the Fall Semester Final Review go to:
http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dfb8m3dw_35p4xvzk

Tuesday December 6th

Do Now: List five organelles in the roles they play in the cell

Today in class we:
Finished discussing the organelles in the cell, compared plant and animal cells
Worked on cell labs

Homework:

SCIENCE FAIR PROJECTS DUE TOMORROW!!!!

Wednesday, November 29th

Do Now:
What roles do the cell wall and cell membrane play in the cell. What is the difference between these two organelles?

Today in class we:
Disussed the information center of the cell: The nucleus, nucleolus, and chromatin
Worked on Microscope Labs

Extra Credit
Build a cell model- assignments handed out in class today

All missing, incomplete, or extra credit assignments due Friday, December 8th

Attention Parents and Guardians!

WHAT: Informational parent meeting regarding the Rapture Marine Expedition trip; February 26^th – 28^th, 2007

WHEN: Thursday, November 30, 2006 5:00 – 5:30pm

WHERE: Biology Room 411, St. Joseph High School

WHO: Parents or Guardians of any 7^th grade student who is either ABSOLUTELY interested in the trip or POSSIBLY interested in the trip and would like more information.

RSVP: If you are unable to attend this meeting please call the school or email me directly at kcvirki@gmail.com so I can communicate important information to you.

Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving

Tueday, November 21st

Today in class we:
- Took quiz on cell theory and microscopes
- Confrenced on science fair rough drafts
- Continued to work on microscope labs

Homework over the long weekend:
Revise rough drafts to be handed in on Monday
Final papers due December 5th

Friday, November 17th

Today in class we:
- Worked on microscope ID lab
- Tested out on using a microscope
- Began making wet mounts lab

- Students turned in rough drafts for science fair projects


HOmework:
Study pages 6-13 in text book and be prepared for quiz on Tuesday
Turn in intent forms for Rapture Marine Trip (for more information check out www.rapturemarine.org)
Final science fair projects due DECEMBER 5th

Wednesday, November 15th

Today in class we:
Talked about how microscopes work
Started exploring microscopes, their parts, how they work, how to use them

Homework for Friday:
Rough drafts for science fair projects - experimental design to be handed in to me, research portion to be handed in to Mrs. Derego


Parents: Letters introducing the Rapture Marine trip in February were handed out today, ask your students if you have yet to see it.
Must be returned by Wednesday, November 22nd

Monday, November 13th

Do Now: List 3 contributors to our present knowledge of cells explain what their contribution was.

Today in class we:
Discussed rough draft requirements
Discussed statements of the cell theory
Looked at microscopes
Magnification activity

Homework: Begin working on your science fair rough draft. Due Friday to me is a rough draft of your experimental procedures that includes the following components:
Hypothesis
Material (what and how much)
Procedure (the recipe of your experiment, how, when, where, and what)
Data (organized data presented in a data table(s))
Analysis (What is your data telling you? If you are not finished,what information do you still need to collect?)
Conclusion (Did your tests support your hypothesis? What problems did you come across and how did you solve them? What did you learn from your project?)

Continue your experiment! See me if you need help.

Friday, November 3rd

Today in class we:
Discussed the discovery of cells and uses of microscopes
Began watching Life on Earth Video

Homework: Read Section 1 of Chapter 1 in new text books and complete questions 1 and 2 of the section review

All science fair forms must be completed and handed in by Monday
Go to www.sciserv.org/isef to find rules and guidelines, fill out the forms online and print.

Wednesday, November 1st

Today in class we:
Handed back Scientific Method Tests and reviewed the tests
Turned in old text books and handed out new text books
Collected science fair check points.


Homework for Friday:
- Any missing science fair components need to come in ASAP!
- Cover text books
- Finish corrections on test

Tuesday, October 24th

Today in class we:
6th period:
- Reviewed and discussed designing an experiment, collecting and analyzing data
- Worked on analyzing M&M distribution data and writing lab report
- Conferenced on science fair proposals
8th period:
- Reviewed and discussed designing an experiment, collecting and analyzing data
- Discussed M&M distrubution analysis
- Discussed lab report write up
- Worked on Sponge BOB experiment worksheet
-Conferenced on science fair proposals

ALL STUDENTS-
-Revised Science Fair proposals due Thursday
- Test review due Thursday
- Test on scientific method on Monday
- Thursday: Field trip to Hilo Library, bring bag lunch, raincoat, library card, and permission slip.

If you need another copy of the test review, clip on the following link

Scientific Method Test Review

Tuesday, October 17th

Do Now: Evaluate the following questions and determine which questions could be considered scientific;
- Does my dog eat more than my cat?
- Do dogs or cats make better pets?
Which questions are scientific? Why? Write a hypothesis for the question(s) that are scientific.

Today in class we:
- Discussed proposal assignment
- Talked about designing an experiment
- Worked in groups on hypothesis writing activity, part II: designing experiment

Homework:
Science Fair proposals due Friday: refer to science fair assignment for checklist
http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dfb8m3dw_3f5hc94

Wednesday, October 11th

Do Now: Brainstorm and list 10 characteristics or qualities that you think make a good scientist

Today in class we:
- Discussed upcoming science fair components
- Talked about and practiced writing hypothesis


Due for Friday:
Binders are to be turned in, the following items will be graded:
pg 24 #3a-b, How many species are there worksheet?, pt 29 #1-2 all, Test review pg 35-36, Test corrections, Science Fair topics and hypothesis

Friday will be in the computer lab working on science fair components
Proposal due Tuesday October 16th

Tuesday, October 3rd

Do Now: In what ways do you go about answering questions and solving problems.
Write the steps you might take to solve a situation where you went to turn on the lights and nothing happens.

Today in class we:
Discussed science fair project
Talked about the scientific method and how scientists start by asking questions
Worked on M&M activity

Homework due Thursday
Signed science fair letter by student and parent/guardian
Come to class with some ideas of projects for science fair

Wednesday, September 20th

Do Now:
How are cells and cell type used to classify organisms?
What is the difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?
Give an example of each.

Today in class we:
Reviewed classification system
Worked on taxonomic project

Homework due Tuesday 9/26
Pages 35 and 36
2-4,6-15, 17,19,20

Reminder:
Test on Chapter 1 Tuesday September 26th
Optional study session with Ms Virkus Tuesday morning from 7:15 to 7:45

Thursday September 14th

Do Now: Create a flow chart classifying the following items: orange, lime, blueberry, strawberry, lemon, raspberry, grapefruit

Today in class:
-Discussed taxonomic keys
- Worked on classification activity

Homework: Pg 24 question 3 a and b

Friday, September 8th

Do Now: Although fish and dolphins both live in the ocean scientists have grouped them into different families of organisms. Make a list of the similarities and differences between fish and dolphins.

Today in class we:
- Discussed Carolus Linnaeus and his system of binomial nomenclature
- Discussed the use of organisms genus and species classification in terms of scientific naming
- Finished metric system lab
- Turned in binders for grading

Homework:
- How many species are there? Worksheet. Questions to be answered on binder paper
- If you havent finished the metric lab it is your responsibility to come in during break or lunch to finish.

Wednesday, September 6th

DO NOW:Make the following conversions:
1.5 L = ____ ml
30 g = _____kg
_____ m= 150 cm
250 kg = ____ g= ____mg

Today in class we:
- Reviewed homework
- Discussed lab techniques for measuring volume
- Worked on metric system lab

Tuesday, August 29th

Do Now: How do you categorize items in your life? How about in your kitchen or bedroom? What categories do you use to group these items?

Today in class we:
Handed back Chapter 1 quizzes.
Started Section 2: Why scientists classify?
Worked on metric lab: Length and Mass

Homework: Make all corrections to quiz on binder paper and put it with your quiz in the test/quiz section of your notebook

Friday, August 25th

Today in class we:
Took Chapter 1 Quiz 1

Good job everyone!

Wednesday, August 23rd

Do Now:
What metric units will you use to measure the following things:
Your height, A glass of lemonade, The weight of an ant, A trip to New York, Water in a catchment tank, The weight of a car

In class today we:
Reviewed using and converting in the metric system
Introduced some tools for measuring metric system in science lab
Worked with partners on metric system lab

Homework for Friday
- Complete metric system conversion practice sheet
- Study for Friday's quiz: Characteristics of organisms, needs of organisms, lab safety, lab tools and procedures, using and converting the metric system.

* Stop in and see me if you need help on the metric system or if you want to review material for the quiz

Monday, August 21st

Do Now: List 4 basic needs all living things need to survive and give an explanation or example of each.

Today in class we:
Handed back binders
Finished discussion on organism needs
Reviewed lab safety procedures
Began discussion of metric system in preparation for metric lab

Homework:
pg 14 question 3a-c

Thursday, August 10th

Do Now:
What does it mean to be living? How do you know something is alive? What do humans and beetles have in common?

Today in class we:
Discussed note taking techniques
Talked about characteristics that all living things share.

Homework due Monday:
Read pg 6-14
Answer question 1 a-c on binder paper

*Reminder that all homework must be labeled and dated and stored in the homework section of your science binder

Tuesday, August 8th

Do Now: Make two lists labeled Safe and Unsafe. Brainstorm at least three actions for each column of both safe and unsafe behaviors in science class

Today in class we:
Discussed binder set up
Discussed class procedures and policies
Played 20 Question introduction game and assigned seats
Handed out textbooks
Discussed safe and unsafe class behavior

Homework due Thursday
Cover your textbook

Thursday, August 3rd

Congratulations on a successful first day of class. Today in class we completed a student survey, handed out and briefly discussed the class syllabus, and handed out parent-student letter.

Homework due Tuesday:
- All required class materials present in class on Tuesday
- Signed and completed parent-student letter

Welcome Back

Welcome 7th graders to the 2006-2007 school year. Check this site for daily updates on homework assignments, class happenings, and science trivia. More to come as the year begins.

Here is some trivia to get your brain working:
What are animals without backbones called?

wednesday 5/17 and Friday 5/19

In class this week we have been viewing student presentations of various native Hawaiian animals.
Please read below for important dates as the semester comes to an end

Friday 5/19: Notebooks collected for last grade check
Monday 5/22: Dry run day, students should pick up their notebooks for study
Wednesday 5/24: Review for final exams, turn in textbooks, meal worm population study due, all missing work due
Friday 5/26: Period 8 final exam, turn in exam review packet
Thrusday 6/1: Period 5 final exam, turn in exam review packet

Note about final exams: Students are to come to the final exams with a pen and their final exam review packet. Nothing else should accompany the student to the test.
No backpacks, binders, cell phones, whiteout,etc will be allowed in the room.

Monday, May 15th

Today in class we:
- Turned in populations and communities worksheet
- Began presentations for hawaiian animal habitat project

Homework:
Finishing meal worm population study
Work on review for final exam

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24TH LAST DAY TO TURN IN MISSING ASSIGNMENTS! ABSOLUTELY NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR CREDIT AFTER THIS DATE.

Thursday, May 12th

Today in class we:
Worked in the library on final write up for mealworm population study
Handed out checklist for final project
Handed out and discussed requirements for final exam review

Homework:
Final exam review: required 20 vocab words and 10 concept questions from review guide, extra credit opportunity for additional high quality review study

Population worksheet due Monday

Animal habitat project due Monday

Tuesday, May 9th

Today in class we:
Finished collecting data and observations for meal worm project
Discussed calendar for the remainder of the year including final exams
Deveoled graph requirments for mealworm population study and began working on graph drafts

Homework:
Each meal worm groupd should have assigned each member with a certain section of the write up to be prepared with on Thursday so students can us library computer time effectively for final write up assignment.

Work on animal habitat project

Complete any missing assignments (this is a lot of you)

Calendar for remainder of the year
5/11 Work in library with meal worm groups on final write up project
Hand out final exam reviews

5/15 Animal Habitat projects due
Begin presentations

5/17 Animal Habitat project presentations

5/19 Animal Habitat project presentations

5/22 Dry run day (Scecial noon dismissal)

5/24 Review for final exams

5/26 Final exam for period 8

6/1 Final exam for period 5

Friday, May 5th

Today in class we:
Discussed factors that affect change in population size, competition, and carrying capacity of a population.
Worked on meal worm population data and data conversion

Homework:
5th period: Convert all meal worm data to min/max/average data sheet

8th period: Same as 5th period for those who did not already do so, and population worksheet sections 22-1 through 22-2

Everyone should be working on animal habitat projects

Friday, April 28th

Today in class we:
- Discussed what a habitat is and described different habitats that can exist in the same environment.
- Discussed the difference of and interaction between biotic and abiotic factors.
- Continued work on meal worm populations.
- Handed in Animal Habitat Progress Checks

Homework:
Continue to work on Animal Habitat Projects
Reminder: DUE MAY 15th

Wednesday, April 26th

Today in class we:
Finished coral reef movie
Meal worm population counts
One memeber per meal worm group turn in their data counts.

Homework:
Animal Habitat Progress check worksheet

Monday, April 24th

Today in class we:
Measured, observed, and recorded data on control and experimental meal worm populations.
Handed back Animal Diversity quiz
Began Coral Reef movie with accompanying worksheet.

Homework:
On seperate notebook paper, make all corrections to your test. Staple corrections to the test and have ready to hand in on Wednesday.

Ongoing projects:
Students should be continuing to work on Hawaii Animal Habitiat Projects due June 15th
Stuent groups continue to work on meal worm populations in class, final project due June 24th.

Tuesday, April 4th

Today in class we:
Observed and collected data on mealworm populations
Discussed reproduction of phylum porifera
Went over material that will be on Thursday's quiz
Grade check

For Thursday's quiz, here is the material you should be familiar with:
Structure of animals: cell- organism
Functions of animals: movement, reproduction, homeostasis, obtaining food and oxygen
Classification of animals: be able to give examples and explain the similarities within each group
9 Phylums
5 Arthropod classes
3 Mollusc classes
6 Chordate classes
Specialized animals
Populations
Life Cycle
Metamorphosis
Molting
Successful populations
Limiting factors
Specialized sponge cells
Reproduction of the sponge

Friday, March 31st

Do Now:
What is a population?
List factors that might prevent a population from growing and reproducing to its maximum capacity?

Today's Big Question:
What is a limiting factor

Today in class we:
- Discussed what makes a successful population and what limits the success of a population.
- Defined and brainstormed possible biological and physical limiting factors.
- Chose limiting factors to study with mealworm populations.
- Set up experimental populations of mealworms

Homework:
5th period make sure your notebooks have been turned in.
Start working on animal habitat project
* Make sure your bibliographies have been turned in and approved before you begin your project

Wedneday, March 29th

Today in class we:
Discussed the life cycle of arthropods; specifically the yellow meal worm
Defined metamorphosis, molting, and population
Introduced meal worm population study
Set up control meal worm population, made measurments and recorded data

Thursday, March 23rd

Today's Big Questions
How do porifera feed and reproduce?
What are the main differences between natural and synthetic sponges

Today in class we:
Discussed the body structure and feeding methods of the phylum porifera
Began lab comparing natural and synthetic sponges.
Collected homework: Three internet sources for animal project

* Parents: Make sure your student has communicated with you about the quarter project: Hawaiian Animal Habitat project

Homework due Wednesday
Read pgs 24-25 in textbook
Answer questions 1 and 3 on page 23

Tuesday, March 21st

Today's big questions
What animals are apart of each phylum in the animal kingdom?
What are the major classes of the phyla Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Chordata?

Today in class we:
Discussed the nine major phylums in the animal kingdom
Discussed the major classes within the phlya Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Chordata
Introduced quarter project: Native Hawaii Animal Habitat Project

Homework:
Pick a native Hawaiian animal you would like to research for your project
Go on line and find three good internet sources that give you information about the different aspects of your animal species
Remember .com websites will not be accepted, find websites that end in .org, .gov, or .edu

Wednesday, March 15th

Today's Big Questions:
How are animals classified?
WHat animals are found in each class?

Do Now: Self-test
1. What are the levels of classification from largest to smallest?
2. What phylum are humans apart of?
3. List as many animal phyla as you can think of.

Today in class we:
- Finished animal web quest in the library
- Started thinking about and choosing Hawaiian animals that students want to research for quarter project TO BE INTRODUCED ON TUESDAY

Monday, March 13th

Today's Big Questions:
How are animals classified (put into groups?
What animal species are found in each classification group?

Do Now
Put the following in order from simple to complex
Human, stomach, smooth muscle tissue, digestive system, muscle cell
Explain your reasoning for your order

Today in class we
Worked on animal kingdom webquest in the library

Homework due Wednesday:
Read pg 10-11 and answer question #3

Thursday, March 9th

Today's big questions:
What are the four main functions of animals?
How is animal structure organized?

Today in class we:
Finished Eyewitness: Life video
Group work on video assessment
Discuss ideas of main functions of animals and animal organization

Tuesday, March 7th

Today in class we:
Handed back and corrected Cell tests
Turned in old text books and received new text books
Watched video on life on Earth and took notes

Homework:
Cover new text book by class time on Thursday
Read pgs 6-9 in Animal textbook and answer questions 1 and 2 on page 11

Retake for cell test available to students who scored 85% or lower on their test. Students must come and study with me before the end of the day on Friday and retake is scheduled for Monday after school. If Monday afterschool does not work for any students planning on taking retake, they must communicate with me before Friday.

Friday, March 4th

Today in class we:
Took Test on Cells

Wednesday, March 1st

Today in class we:
Reviewed for Friday's test
Played review game
Discussed study strategies

The test will cover:
Chapter 1 sections 1 and 2; Chapter 2 section 3; Microscope Labs

Study:
Old quizzes
Notes
Homework problems
Vocabulary

Study session in Ms Virkus's room Friday morning from 7:15 until the bell. All are welcome.

Monday, February 27th

Today's Big Questions
What are the stages of mitosis?
What is the product of mitosis?

Today in class we:
Checked homework
Discussed and illistrated the stages of mitosis
Watched animation on mitosis
Reviewed Wet Mount Lab

Homework due Wednesday
pg 39-40
problems 1-4, 6-8, 11, 12, 19, 20
Pg 71
problems 1,4,6,14,15

Upcoming: Test on Chapter 1 Sections 1 and 2, Chapter 2 Section 3 and Microscope Labs on Friday

Thursday, February 23rd

Today's big questions
What is the cell cycle?
How do cell's grow and reproduce?
What is the difference between plant and animal cells under a microscope?

Today in class we:
Discussed the cell cycle and the first stage in cell division: Interphase
Worked on microscope labs

Wet mount lab due! Turn in asap

Homework:
Read pgs 56-62
Chapter 2 Section 3 Review question 1 a-c on pg 62

Tuesday, February 21st

Today's big questions:
How do you prepare a wet mount slide?
WHat is the difference between plant and animal cells as seen under a microscope?

Today in class we:
Handed back quizzes and notebooks
Corrected quizzes
Worked on wet mount labs and additional microscope labs

Thursday, February 16th

Today in class we:
- Took cell anatomy quiz
- Turned in notebooks

Tuesday, February 14th

Happy Valentine's Day
Do Now:
How are the functions of the Golgi Apparatus, Ribosomes, and Endoplasmic Reticulum related to each other?

Today’s Big Questions:
1. What are the structure and function of the cell’s organelles?. How do you prepare a met mount?

Today in class we:
Reviewed the structure and function of organelles in the cell and identified three new organelles: Vacuoles, Lysosomes, and Chloroplast
Reviewed for quiz
Worked on Preparing a Wet Mount Lab

Homework due Thursday:
Cell Anatomy worksheet front and back
Complete notebooks turned in on Thursday
Cell Anatomy quiz on Thursday
Extra credit due on Thursday

Friday, February 10th

Do Now:
Are all cells in the body the same? Explain your answer and give an example to support your answer.
Today's big questions:How do you prepare a wet mount?
What are the organelles of the cytoplasm?

Today in class we:
- Checked and reviewed homework
- Took notes and discussed the organelles cytoplasm, endoplasmic reticulum, golgi apparatus, mitochondria.
- Began Microscope Lab part 3: How to prepare a wet mount
** All students must pass quiz on parts and care of microscope before they can move on to part 3.

Homework: Review your notes on the organelles of the cell, be ready to discuss on Tuesday

Wednesday , February 8th

Today in class we:
Reviewed microscope structure and function
Took microscope quiz
Corrected quiz
Handed in microscope lab

Homework due Friday 2/10: Pg 24 Section 2 Review, question 1a-c only

Monday, February 6th

Today in class we:
- Discussed new classroom policy: Today's big question will be posted along with the Do Nows. The student is to copy down the question(s) each day. These are the questions that will be answered through the work done in class that day and are designed to help students scaffold the information.
Today's big questions:What are the parts of the cell?
What are the parts of a microscope and how do they work?

- Discussed the structure and function of the Nucleus

- Worked on microscope lab

Homework:
- Review microscope lab: parts and functions of microscope,and rules for using microscope and be prepared to test out of quiz on Wednesday.

Thursday, Febuary 2nd

Today in class we:
- Discussed the anatomy of the cell, covering the cell wall and the cell membrane.
- Began microscope lab: identifying the function and structure of the compound light microscope.

HOmework:
Review notes
Be sure to bring microscope lab worksheet with you to class on Monday

Announcements:
- Rapture Marine pictures are available. Bring a blank CD with your name on it and I will burn a copy of the pictures I took from the trip.

Tuesday, January 24th

Today in class we:
- Completed and turned in notebooks
- Took quiz on Chapter 1 section 1

BON VOYAGE!

Friday, January 20th

Today in class we:
Finished discussion on microscopes
Finished Design and Build Microscope Lab

Homework due Tuesday:
- Finished lab in notebook, should include: Part I and II, Objective, Materials, Procedures, Observations(I), Design of Microscope(II), Conclusion, Analyze and Conclude Qusetions 1-4

- Chapter 1 Section 1 Assessment: 1-4
- Study for quiz

Rapture Marine:
Letter sent home tonight
Meeting for all students going Monday at lunch

Tuesday, January 17th

Today in class we:
- Handed back homework
- Discussed the cell theory
- Worked on Design and Build a Microscope Lab activity on page 14

Upcoming:
Rapture Marine: 01/25-01/27: Look for a letter going home on Friday, student meeting Monday at lunch
Tuesday 01/24: Quiz on Chapter 1 Section 1

Wednesday, January 11th

Today in class we:
- Watched video footage of "It's Alive" and "WHat is a Cell?"
- Discussed ideas of structure and function of a cell
- Worked on homework

HOmework due Friday:
- Read pages 7-13 in text
- Complete worksheet

REMEMBER, SCIENCE FAIR FRIDAY! COME BY THURSDAY AFTER SCHOOL FOR SET UP

Monday, January 9th

Today in class we:
Presented science fair poster boards
Critiqued group members presentations and gave constructive feedback


SCIENCE FAIR ON FRIDAY!!! Parents are invited to come see the science fair between 2:30 and 3:30 on Friday afternoon in the gymnasium

Thurday, January 5th, 2006

Today in class we:

Picked new seats
Discussed science fair posters and presentations
Reviewed Semester Exams
Handed out new books

Due Monday
Text books must be covered and brought to class
Science fair posters due and students ready to present their posters to groups