7th Grade Life Science
Mrs. Terra Brown's Class - Team 7 Alpha
A Great Start to the 2014-2015 School Year
Team 7 Alpha has had a great start to the school year in Life Science!
The first week we got to know a little about each other, reviewed appropriate behaviors and started to establish classroom norms. At Davis Middle, we have centered this year around the acronym - SOAR... S=safe, O=organized, A=accountable, and R=respectful. The students did a great job at reflecting how each aspect could/would apply to their academic success.
The second week we dove into the safety rules of the science lab. Many of the students created colorful and informative flipbooks to remind them of the ways to keep everyone safe in the lab. We also had some creative skits, posters, poems, and raps to reiterate the safety rules. Everyone was encouraged to present!
The third week involved microscopes and a safety rule assessment. A BrainPop video started off the introduction to microscopes that led to a hands-on demonstration of how to use a compound microscope on Friday. The students' appropriate behavior, ability to follow directions, and proper use of the microscopes have given me confidence that our science year will be full of hands-on experiences!
Homework?!
Homework is required in Life Science but not in the traditional sense. Rarely will a worksheet or assignment come home to be completed independently - unless the assignment was started in class and needs to be finished before the next class period.
Homework is to... Practice! Practice! Practice! STUDYING the vocabulary will be key! The students will create foldables, flashcards, graphic organizers, and other study guides in class to aid with their learning of the vocabulary. If the science information is reviewed nightly for at least a concentrated 10 minutes, your child will have success!
Most science classes boil down to a vocabulary class with scientific concepts that apply this vocabulary. If a student doesn't understand the vocabulary, the scientific concept is more difficult to grasp.
I am available to help with an assignment, tutor, provide extra time with the teacher, etc. each morning, Monday through Thursday, starting at 7:45 AM. I love science and I love helping students! . I may not realize you need help until a formal assessment is given. If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
1st Quarter Unit: Cells
We will begin learning about the characteristics of living things and the organization of living organisms during the 4th week.
Look forward to a flipbook containing LOTS of information to occupy space in your child's science binder. The understanding of this information will be vital in establishing a foundation for the 1st quarter unit on cells.