Heredity and DNA test

On Thursday, you will be taking a Heredity and DNA test. Start reviewing early. Practice your vocabulary words with the flashcards or study stack. Click here for a practice test. When you come in Thursday to take the test, leave nothing. Video Courtesy of NIKE USA.

Genes, Heredity, and DNA... Oh my!

I have released the flashcards for chapters six and seven. Please start to review them. I will be giving you a hard copy of them on Monday. Remember: Flashcards are useless if you don't practice them! They're small enough to keep in your pocket. I recommend bringing them with you wherever you go- to the mall, the grocery store, or wherever! You can spend a few short moments reviewing as you are driving around or waiting in line at the stores! Enjoy!

For the StudyStack Games using these words, click here!

Photo courtesy of Steven2005 on flickr.

DNA Extraction Lab

Needless to say, the DNA extraction lab was hugely successful. I recevied so many e-mails from families requesting the procedure so that it could be done at home. Here's a video that should help you get started. Try using something else instead of strawberries. Will apples, bananas, or meat work? Be sure to practice careful sanitation and lab safety when working with chemicals and raw foods.

Science Class Part Duex

Trimester two is here! I'm not going to lecture about new beginnings or second chances. You all know the opportunity for change is upon us. Instead, I am going to congratulate those of you who earned the grade you set out for. Continue working hard and the things of life will come to you. (A little philosophy for you!)
Now that you have been seventh graders for a whole trimester already, you know what to expect from your science class, and from me, your teacher. There are so many cool activities and lessons coming your way! In the words of Rick Countryman, "Buckle your seatbelts"!

Photo courtesy of Kev Bailey on Flickr.

Trimester One Final Exam

The final is scheduled for Friday, November 16.

Every topic we covered this year will be revisited on the final. From the scientific method and metrics to cell processes like respiration. Its never too early to start reviewing! Be sure to check here often for study tips and resources.

Click here for the Big 50 answers!

Cell Test

The first big test of the year will be on Friday. Be sure to review your cell introduction notes, organelle notes, and the cell energy information. The StudyStack is an excellent option as well. The test is 50 questions, a combination of essay, true/false, fill in, and multiple choice.

Click here to take a practice version.

Click here for the big 30 answers.

Click here for the big 30 answers (pdf format).

Click here to revisit the StudyStack for this test.

The Cell Theory Rap

Here it is! The Beta version of the Cell Theory Rap! You may need to right click and "Save As". Download now!

Cell Organelles Study Stack

The new study stack for cell organelles is completed. Click here for immediate access to learning fun! Also, please enjoy the Inside a Cell movie created by BioVisions at Harvard University.

Click here for a detailed explanation of what you are seeing in the video.

Virtual Microscope

Many of you asked about the ITG Virtual Microscope that I showed you in class. Here is the link if you would like to download it yourselves. Please ask your parents before you download anything to your computer!

Virtual Microscope

Living Things "Rap"-Up

We have studied the six characteristics all living things have in common. Once more, they are:

All living things have cells.

All living things have DNA.

All living things sense and respond to change.

All living things reproduce.

All living things grow and develop.

All living things use energy.

Additionally, we have learned that living things have four basic needs for survival. These needs are:

Food

Water

Air

A place to live

Next week begins "Cell Month" as we discover the many amazing features of the building blocks of life.

Life in a Drop of Pond Water Lab

     We have been studying living things. Hopefully you are able to think of at least six characteristics that all living things have in common. Shortly, you will learn about four basic needs imperative for survival. Please enjoy the slide show powered by animoto.

StudyStack.com: Vocabulary Learning Games

I have recently created the first set of flashcards for your life science course. In addition to the regular flashcard format, you can also practice with hangman, studystack, scrambler, and matching.

You can even download the stack to your cellphone! I have not tried this yet, and therefore assume no responsibility for adverse effects. Always obtain your parents' permission before downloading media to your phone.

Students who use StudyStack will quickly learn the vocabulary words. Give it a try by clicking here! Be sure to leave a comment if you visit. Remember, first name and class period only, no last names!

The Benefits of Practice Tests

I have posted a practice quiz on the teacherweb site. I strongly suggest taking it, as it closely mirrors tomorrow's. Click here to take the quiz.

Extra Credit!

Here is your first opportunity to earn extra credit! Simply watch the Guinness World Record video clip, and post a comment! It's that simple! You can pause the video at any moment. Remember, 100 centimeters is about the height of a doorknob. Please note: you must have quicktime installed to watch clip. You can download it for free here.
Guinness World Records PowerPoint video

Due to technical difficulties, this posting was delayed. I will accept comments posted before 8:30pm Friday evening (9-14-07).

Week in Review 8/31/07

Well, we made it. We survived the first week of school. Hopefully by now you are finding your way around the school campus. Do you know what to expect from your science class? If not, click here to download the course syllabus.

This week we spend some time learning about the scientific method. Be sure to save the notes because we will be using the same write-up format for the rest of the year. Click here to review the scientific method notes.

Your first quiz on Thursday was pretty typical of a quiz in this class. Short, and to the point. Remember, there will be a quiz every Thursday.

Enjoy your four-day weekend. Do something fun, relax. We'll start strong again on Wednesday.

New School Year!

How exciting! The new school year has begun. Already we are meeting new people, setting goals, and learning new ideas. I am particularly excited to be at this awesome new campus. How fortunate we are to have a place like this to be a part of. There is so much to look forward to. Stay tuned...

Welcome!

Welcome to my science class blog! In the near future, you will be able to receive information regarding class news, activities, and even study tips for quizzes and exams. Check back often!

Mr. Simpson