December 17
Any students interested in helping to make meals
for Luke's family, please visit
http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/611944/
There will no update tomorrow. Have a very
Merry Christmas and enjoy the time with
family and friends
6th Grade
Students played Christmas Jeopardy to get in
the holiday spirit. I will not see 6th grade science
classes due to a presentation by 'Sir Scott,' which
ties into the language arts curriculum.
7th Grade
Students prepared for their test tomorrow. If
there are any questions about science fair over break,
please feel free to email. You will get a response within
24 hours. The science fair form is due January 8.
December 16
GIRLS IN SCIENCE
The next Girls in Science presentation, which is
open to 6th and 7th grade girls, will be
Thursday, December 17th. The topic is Cookie
Mining. Sign up sheets and permission slips are in
Room 316.
6th Grade
Students wrote and told stories about the some
of the class pets. They will play Christmas Jeopardy
tomorrow to help get in that Yuletide Spirit! Stories
are due tomorrow.
7th Grade
IMPORTANT CHANGE - The test originally scheduled
for tomorrow has been moved to Friday to better
accommodate the students. We will play Jeopardy
tomorrow to review for the test.
December 15
GIRLS IN SCIENCE
The next Girls in Science presentation, which is
open to 6th and 7th grade girls, will be next
Thursday, December 17th. The topic is Cookie
Mining. Sign up sheets and permission slips are in
Room 316.
6th Grade
Students worked with their partners to predict the
allele combination on the parents by using the physical
traits of the parents and children. THe story
associated with this activity is due Thursday.
7th Grade
Students reviewed the Ocean Floor by comparing their
notes to clips from Finding Nemo. They have a test
on Thursday.
December 14
GIRLS IN SCIENCE
The next Girls in Science presentation, which is
open to 6th and 7th grade girls, will be next
Thursday, December 17th. The topic is Cookie
Mining. Sign up sheets and permission slips are in
Room 316.
6th Grade
Students used Santa's reindeer to Xperience a new
level of genetics. I am hoping this will allow them to
Xcell in this topic. Students should complete their
reindeer assignment for homework.
7th Grade
Students worked on notes concerning the ocean floor.
We used the football field to Xplain how the ocean floor was Xplored. Notes on the ocean floor are
due tomorrow,
and test on Oceanography is Thursday.
December 10
GIRLS IN SCIENCE
The next Girls in Science presentation, which is
open to 6th and 7th grade girls, will be next
Thursday, December 17th. The topic is Cookie
Mining. Sign up sheets and permission slips are in
Room 316.
6th Grade
Students worked with partners to cross their 'class
pets' that they created for our study of genetics.
Students are going to create a pet family and make
a family portrait to demonstrate how traits are passed
on from one generation to the next. There is no
homework tonight.
7th Grade
Students discussed how currents impact climate and
were introduced to El Nino. Students should review
their notes and work on finding a science fair project.
Students received Science Fair forms Monday. I am
coordinating my classes to maximize their science fair
time at home. Please let me know if you have any questions.
December 9
Students were inoculated for H1N1 today, so the 3rd
and 4th period classes were cut short. Everything
seemed to work well.
6th Grade
Students reviewed their tests and began crossing
their pets.
Please review note taking procedures and study habits
with your child. Some students are becoming lax in their
work ethic, and its beginning to impact their grade.
7th Grade
Students worked on their notes for Current and Climate.
Notes are due tomorrow.
Students received Science Fair forms Monday. I am
coordinating my classes to maximize their science fair
time at home. Please let me know if you have any questions.
December 7
6th Grade
Students played Jeopardy to review for their test
tomorrow on Mendel and Probability. I am holding
back on progress reports until AFTER the test so
it can be included.
7th Grade
Students were given the intro to the Science Fair
packet. I had VERY little time today, so I didn't
get a chance to hand out progress reports. I will
do that tomorrow.
December 3
6th Grade
Students practiced using genotyping and pheno-
types by characterizing their pets. Students should
review their probability notes for tomorrow. Students
have a test on Sections 1 & 2 on Tuesday.
7th Grade
Students caught up on Wave Action and Ocean
Water Chemistry. Students have a freezing activity
to complete tonight and should review their notes on
Ocean Water Chemistry.
December 1
6th Grade
Students connected the concept of probability
to genetics and worked on their notes. Notes
are due tomorrow and WS 3-2 is due Thursday.
7th Grade
Students corrected their notes. WS 4-1 and 4-3 are
due Thursday. I apologize for my absence in 7th grade
the past few days. An odd sequence of events has kept
me from their classes. I WILL be back tomorrow!
November 30
I needed to leave school early to pick up my daughter
from day care (I guess she's allergic to penicillin just
like her mother), so I hope the students were able to
get what is needed. Here is their homework:
6th Grade
Students practiced the concept of probability by
coins. We will connect probability to genetics. Students
should complete their notes for homework by Wednesday.
7th Grade
I had an activity planned, but it probably won't
happen today. Notes on Ocean Water Chemistry are
due tomorrow.
GIRLS IN SCIENCE
The next girls on science is open to both 6th and 7th
grade. It is this Thursday, December 3rd. The sign up
paper and car rider notes are available in my room.
November 25
Sorry for the lack of updates this week. We had
conferences Monday and I had a half day Tuesday.
Conferences went well. Its always good to meet and
discuss your child's progress. Feel free to contact me
anytime by email or phone.
There is no homework over break. Enjoy the time
off! Happy Thanksgiving!
November 19
Tomorrow is a Spirit Day
HOMEROOM STUDENTS (316)
Our shut-in, Rosemary Moorbrink, passed away this
week and will be laid to rest tomorrow. Room 316
will attend the funeral at 10:30. Students should
come dressed in regular uniform and may change in
to Spirit Wear after the funeral. If you wish for your
student NOT to attend, please send a note. Thank you
for your support and cooperation.
6th Grade
Today we reviewed our notes on Gregor Mendel.
Students should review notes for homework and
complete their worksheet for Friday.
7th Grade
Today we reviewed our notes on Wave Action.
Students should complete their Wave Drawing for
Friday and begin reviewing their notes.
November 18
6th Grade
Today we reviewed our notes on Gregor Mendel.
Students should review notes for homework and
complete their worksheet for Friday.
7th Grade
Today we reviewed our notes on Wave Action.
Students should complete their Wave Drawing for
Friday and begin reviewing their notes.
November 17
6th Grade
Today we discussed heredity. We used a picture
of the Kennedys along with family discussion to
describe different and similar traits within families.
Students should continue notes on Section 3-1:
The Work of Gregor Mendel. They are due Wednesday.
7th Grade
Today we discussed tsunamis and watched their
devastating effects. Notes on
Wave Action are due Wednesday. Students should be
learning how take notes in outline form.
November 16
6th Grade
Today we began genetics. Students made 'pets' that
we will use to demonstrate traits and genes. Students
should begin notice on Section 3-1: The Work of
Gregor Mendel. It is due Wednesday.
7th Grade
Today we turned in books and introduced. Oceanography.
We used Slinkies to demonstrate wave action. Notes on
Wave Action are due Wednesday. Students should be
learning how take notes in outline form.
ovember 13
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
6th Grade
Today was project day. THEY WERE EXCELLENT!!
I am amazed every year by the creativity your
children have. Most students benefited with a good
test grade. If your child missed some points because
they forgot to include some items, please remind them
that it is very important to follow guidelines and directions.
The grades are online and I will send pictures by Monday.
There is no homework.
7th Grade
Today we completed going over our practice notes.
I hope students will benefit from learning an outline
format. We also discussed the news from NASA today
that water was found on the moon.
November 11
Report cards were due today. Students also are
receiving Conference forms from the office.
6th Grade
Today we used beads to create and replicate DNA
molecules. The Cell Cycle Project is due FRIDAY.
Students need to take home the project that day,
as well.
7th Grade
Today we went over our test (which I was very
impressed with, by the way!). We also began 'note
taking' class. Students in my class will begin taking
their own notes, but I am going to work with them first
on note taking strategies. We will use a 'dumby' section
for this; it will not be used for a grade.
November 6
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND
6th Grade
Today we corrected our homework assignment on
the Cell Cycle, turned in out lab reports, and observed
mitosis under a microscope. The students should
be working on their Cell Cycle Presentation, which is
due NEXT Friday.
7th Grade
Today we returned our homework on Mineral Resources
and took a random check of knowledge (created by the
students) on the same topic. Students should reviewing
for their test next Tuesday on Minerals (Sections 1, 2, 3)
November 3
6th Grade
Today changed seats for the new quarter and
continued our discussion on the cell cycle. Cell
cycle notes are due tomorrow, and the lab report
for our Plant Lab is due Friday.
7th Grade
Today had a random check of knowledge on the
FOrmation of Minerals. We also began working
on a letter for Jeffrey Wolber, who has been
out of school the past few weeks. Notes on
Mineral Resources, as well as Jeffrey's letter, are
due tomorrow.
November 2
6th Grade
Today completed the observations on our plants. The lab
report for the plants is due Friday. We also began discussing
our next section, The Cell Cycle. We will perform a project with
this section, but we cannot begin the project until we review the
section. Notes for the section are due Wednesday.
7th Grade
Today we used chocolate chip cookies to demonstrate
mining techniques. Students should review section 2 (mineral
formation) for tomorrow. Notes on Mineral resources are due
Wednesday.
October 28
6th Grade
Today we played Jeopardy to review for our
test tomorrow.
7th Grade
Today we reviewed how minerals are formed.
Students have a hands-on test on minerals
tomorrow. They can review Mineral Properties
to help.
October 27
6th Grade
Today we had 2nd grade science buddies. We showed
them how to perform our experiment. We will play
Jeopardy to review tomorrow and our test on
Respiration and Photosynthesis is Thursday.
7th Grade
Today we had 2nd grade science buddies. We showed
them how to perform our experiment. Students should
complete notes on Section 2 tomorrow. We have a hands-
on mineral test on Thursday.
October 23
Have a Great (and Healthy) Weekend!
6th Grade
Students observed their plants and changed their
variables in the Plant. They also had a few minutes
to work on notes. Notes are due Monday and the test
on photosynthesis and respiration is next Thursday.
7th Grade
Students took a random check of knowledge and
continued their mineral investigation.
October 22
Girls in Science is after school today.
6th Grade
We are back to a normal schedule! Today, students
observed their growing grass and prepared to change
their variable. Their variable is due in tomorrow.
Students also began discussing respiration. Notes on
respiration are due Monday. We plan to have our test
on photosynthesis and respiration next Thursday.
7th Grade
Students turned in their homework assignment and
continued their mineral investigation. Students
should review their notes on Mineral Properties for
homework.
October 19
6th Grade
Due to Terra Nova testing, I only see Rooms 308 and
316 today and tomorrow. Students reviewed notes and
graded their homework assignments today, and should
review notes for tomorrow.
7th Grade
Students are completing their investigation on density.
We will return to minerals tomorrow.
October 14/15
6th Grade
Due to Terra Nova testing, I see rooms 313 and 314
today, and rooms 308 and 316 tomorrow. In those
classes, we will complete our notes on photosynthesis.
Students should complete a worksheet and review their
notes. This will be due their NEXT class period (Friday
for 313 and 314, Monday for 308 and 316).
7th Grade
Today and tomorrow, students are investigating density
to better understand the property for minerals. They
will be using known masses, scales, and graduated cylinders
to determine the density of solids and liquids. Notes on
Minerals are due tomorrow.
October 12th
6th Grade
6th grade classes were cut very short due to an
author visit. We discussed what a vaccination does.
7th Grade
We discussed how vaccinations work and introduced
minerals. Notes are due Thursday.
October 7th
Parents,
I have a favor to ask. Over the course of the past
few days, we have had some struggles moving around the school in a respectful manner. It is not
sinking in for some of
the students that being quiet is respectful to the
other classes. Please reinforce at home what proper
behavior should be. Thank you, we will try on our end, too!
6th Grade
Students reviewed notes on Photosynthesis. There
is no homework this weekend.
7th Grade
Students reviewed their test. There is no homework
this weekend.
October 5th
All students, don't forget your pet picture for
tomorrow's mass and a rosary for Wednesday's
service.
6th Grade
Students used calculators (in the dark) to introduce
photosynthesis. Students should complete their
notes for section 2-1 Wednesday (they had some class
time today).
7th Grade
Students played Jeopardy to review for their test
tomorrow.
October 2nd
Have a great weekend!
6th Grade
Students reviewed their test and reflected on their
first unit. Students cleaned out their science
folders, so all of their work is in their expandable
file. They were told to show them to their parents
before disposing (or framing) them.
7th Grade
Students reviewed notes on section 1-5 (Plate Tectonics).
We will play Jeopardy to review on Monday and have a
test on Chapter 1 Tuesday.
October 1st
6th Grade
Students took their Chapter 1 Test. Scores are
online. There is no homework tomorrow.
7th Grade
Students used Milky Way bars to demonstrate
plate boundaries. Notes on section 1-5 are due
tomorrow and there is a test on Tuesday.
September 30th
6th Grade
Students played Jeopardy to help review for their
test tomorrow. There is a
test tomorrow over Chapter 1 (sections 1, 2, and 4).
7th Grade
Students reviewed homework assignments and worked
on notes for Section 5. Notes are due Friday and
there will be a test next Tuesday.
September 29th
6th Grade
Students corrected their homework assignment and
had a random check of knowledge. PLEASE go over
the importance of following directions with your child.
Many of them are missing points on assignments not
due to lack of knowledge, but rather to rushing through
work and not answering questions correctly. There is a
test on Thursday over Chapter 1 (sections 1, 2, and 4).
7th Grade
Students had a random check on knowledge on sea-floor
spreading. P. 41 is due tomorrow, notes on Plate Tectonics
are due Friday, and we will have a test on Chapter 1 next
Tuesday.
September 28th
Can I get a Who-Dey?
6th Grade
Students reviewed notes on Section 4 (The Cell
in its Environment). Students should review notes,
complete worksheet 1-4, and be prepared for their
test Thursday.
7th Grade
Students created a model to help demonstrate sea-
floor spreading. Students should complete p.41 #1-6
for Wednesday and review section 4. THe first test
will be next week.
September 25th
Have a Great Weekend!
6th Grade
Students took the 'Fun Test' to show the
importance of following directions. Notes are due
Monday, worksheet is due Tuesday, and the first
science test is next Thursday.
7th Grade
Students reviewed notes on the SMartBoard concerning
sea-floor spreading. There is no homework this weekend.
September 24th
Congratulations to Room 316, winners of the Magazine
Drive!
6th Grade
Students used air fresheners and acting to help understand
cellular diffusion. The lab report is due tomorrow and notes
on section 1-4 (The Cell in its ENvironment) are due
Monday.
7th Grade
Students used iron and magnets to demonstrate the magnetic
stripes on the ocean floor. Notes on section 4 (sea-floor
spreading) is due tomorrow.
September 23rd
LAST TURN IN DAY TOMORROW
6th Grade
Students had a random check of knowledge on the section
'Looking Inside Cells.' We also began discussing diffusion.
Students have notes on be completed by Monday, and the
lab report is due Monday.
7th Grade
Students had a random check of knowledge on the section
'Drifting Continents.' Students began discussing the mid-
ocean ridge. Students have notes due on
Friday.September 22nd
6th Grade
Students concluded their egg-speriment by dropping
their eggs. This activity helps kids visualize the
importance of the cell membrane. Students should
review Inside Cells (section 2) for tomorrow.
7th Grade
Students debated different theories of continental
movement. Students should review Section 3 - Drifting
Continents for homework.
September 21st
MAGAZINE TURN IN DAY TOMORROW
6th Grade
Students continued their egg-speriment in class and
acted out the function of organelles. Students should
review their notes for homework.
7th Grade
Students discussed Wegener's theory of continental
drift and compared it to the Growing Earth theory.
Students should come to class with evidence supporting
one of the theories for a class debate. The growing
earth video is found here:
http://video.google.com/videosearch?
q=pangaea&hl=en&emb=1&aq=0&oq=pangae%23hl=en&emb=1&aq=0&oq=pangae&safe=active&q
=pangaea+animation&src=3#
September 18th
6th Grade
Students continued their egg-speriment in class and
went over their homework assignments. There is no
homework this weekend.
7th Grade
Students used puzzles to display Wegener's theory of
continental drift. Notes are due Monday.
September 16th
Tomorrow is a Magazine Turn-in Day.
6th Grade
Students continued their egg-speriment in class and
reviewed their notes. We will complete the notes in
class tomorrow. WS 1-2 is due Friday.
7th Grade
Students reviewed notes on section 1-2 and had a
random check of knowledge. WS 1-2 is due tomorrow.
September 15th
6th Grade
Students began their egg-speriment in class. Notes
on section 1-2 are due tomorrow.
7th Grade
Students reviewed notes on section 1-2. THey should review for homework and complete worksheet
1-2 for Thursday.
September 12th
Tomorrow is Mystery Envelope Magazine Turn-in Day.
6th Grade
Students learned and practiced how to use microscopes. We begin our Egg-speriment
tomorrow. Notes on section 2 are due Wednesday.
7th Grade
We used heat lamps and ice cubes to show heat transfer. Notes on section 2 are due
tomorrow.
September 11th
6th Grade
Students had their first 'random check of knowledge' today. Some did well, some
have left themselves some room for improvement. Please do not worry too much
about the grade if it wasn't the best. We talked about how the students know
what to expect now, and I talked to those who really struggled and they know
what to do next time. Discovering Cells worksheet, which was assigned
Thursday, is due Monday.
7th Grade
Students took part in an activity that displayed the affects of differences in
temperature in water. Students were assigned notes on Convection Currents in
the Mantle, which are due Tuesday.
September 10th
6th Grade
Today we learned about the cell theory and early scientists who
studied cells. Students should complete worksheet 1-1 for
homework (due Monday) and review notes on section 1-1.
7th Grade
Students checked their homework and took a random check
of knowledge on Earth's Interior. Student have no homework tonight.
September 9th
6th Grade
Students worked in groups to create their notes. We worked to make sure students
understood how to complete them. We had to change our plans on our
experiment because it has to start on a Monday or Tuesday, so we will begin it next week.
Students should finish notes for tomorrow.
7th Grade
Students reviewed notes on Geology. Students have a worksheet to complete
and should review their notes.
September 8th
6th Grade
Students learned how to take notes in class, set up their folders, and received
their books. Books should be covered ASAP, and their notes are due Friday.
Students can try the first few notes tonight, but I ask that they please do not
finish the notes; maybe try a few to get used to it. We will be working on them
in class so students can better learn the procedure.
7th Grade
Students used cupcakes to learn how geologists study our planet. Notes are due
Thursday.
September 4th
6th Grade
Students went over the class rules (Respect yourself, respect others, and respect the
environment). I also spent a good amount of time trying to learn their names!
Students should return the teacher letter Tuesday.
7th Grade
Students reviewed note taking procedures. We discussed geology and what will
be learned in our first unit. Students should complete notes for Chapter 1 Section 1
"The Earth's Interior" for Thursday.
Have a great weekend!
September 3rd
6th Grade
Students participated in teambuilding activities (ship down and plane down)
that help communicate to them the importance of working well in groups.
Students will go over rules tomorrow. They received the parent letter today.
Please sign and return the slip of paper that came with it.
Also remember that the first day packet is due on the 14th.
7th Grade
Students received their text books, which should be covered for Tuesday.
They also participated in a teambuilding activity (minefield).
Students should bring their 3 prong pocketed folder to class tomorrow.
September 2nd
****FORMER STUDENTS****
If you no longer have me for a teacher, I apologize for the email. I can't get the
service to clear all the names at once! You should be able to click unsubscribe
this email or the website. I apologize for the inconvenience. Have a great
year!
6th Grade
Students learned the procedures of the classroom that will help maintain a
fun and orderly structure throughout the year. For homework, students
should complete the interest inventory for tomorrow. Students will also need
4-5 three prong pocketed folders as the year progresses (one by next week).
These are not on the supply sheet because not all middle school students have
me as a teacher, and I am the only one who requires them. Students should
already have one, but will need a few more as the year progresses.
7th Grade
Students learned the procedures of the classroom that will help maintain a
fun and orderly structure throughout the year, as well as some team building activities to help the
students learn how to work as a group. For homework, students
should complete the interest inventory for tomorrow. Students will also need
4-5 three prong pocketed folders as the year progresses (one by next week).
These are not on the supply sheet because not all middle school students have
me as a teacher, and I am the only one who requires them. Students should
already have one, but will need a few more as the year progresses.