Trimester 1 Final Exam

Is it that time already? Have we really been learning together for 12 weeks? Its been said that time flies when your having fun. Is it true? You be the judge. The final exam is scheduled for Friday, November 20th. Focus your study time on the "Big 50" learning objectives.

This week, we honor the veterans of our glorious United States of America. If you know someone who is in the military or was in the past, be sure to express your gratitude for their sacrifice.

Homage to Anton Van Leeuwenhoek

     We have been studying living things. Remember Anton van Leeuwenhoek was more than just a guy with a strange name- he was one of the pioneering scientists who studies microorganisms. Hopefully you are able to think of at least six characteristics that all living things have in common. Please enjoy the slide show powered by animoto.

Trimester Three Review

Click here to view the third trimester Jeopardy game!

Dis you get the "STD"?

Click here for Reproduction StudyStack games!

Today we did a lab that demonstrates how quickly a sexually transmitted disease can be spread through a population. While most suffer from severe symptoms (fluid discharges, pain, burning sensation when going pee), some people do not show symptoms at all which makes it hard to determine who is infected. You can't always tell who has an STD just be looking at someone. Hopefully you will spend a minute talking about STDs and pregnancy as a family. Remember, there is only one way to be 100% sure of not getting an STD or causing a pregnancy: Abstinence!

You're a STAR!

Congratulations on getting through STAR testing this week! I know you tried your hardest and soon, your efforts will pay off! Soon, we will be learning about light. Then, its reproduction, STDs and finally FROGS!!! Only 5 weeks left! lets finish the year strong!

Mr. Simpson

Optical Illusions!

Here is the link to the optical illusions page I demonstrated for you in class today. Remember, images like these are the result of your brain trying to interpret the messages your eyes are sending it. Have fun!

Optical Illusions!

Bones, Muscles, & Blood!

The StudyStack Games are here!
Enjoy!

Growing.....

Yup, they're growing. I'm talking about two different things here. Our horticulture lab is progressing well! It seems that the sunflower and pea plants are growing the fastest. Remember Gregor Mendel? He chose pea plants in his heredity experiments for many reasons, one being their growth rate.

The other growth that is occurring is our knowledge of living systems. You will have many great academic experiences over the next few weeks. I'm excited, you should be too!

Dichotomous Keys (Or Choose Your Own Adventure)

Here is a great website that lets you practice with dichotomous keys. By answering some simple questions, you can find out the name of the mystery organisms!

Click here for fun times!

Gem & Mineral Show Coming Soon!

The annual gem and mineral show is coming to Turlock Fairgrounds Saturday March 14th and Sunday the 15th. Go, bring back evidence that you went, and receive extra credit! Sufficient evidence would be a photo, information from a lecture, receipt, purchased item, or something similar.

Turlock Gem & Mineral Show

HHMI Evolution Lecture Series

Today we watched a short clip from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute holiday lecture series. Here is the first clip to lecture #3: Fossils, Genes, and Embryos.

Your test is scheduled for Friday, February 6th. Review this weekend.

Here is a StudyStack to help you prepare!

History of Life on Earth

We have been studying the rock cycle and how one rock type can change into another. Additionally, we've learned about how organisms that were on Earth in the past sometimes left clues behind as to their existence. That's right- fossils. Over the next few days we will be starting to understand how the Earth's 4.6 billion year history is organized and some of the bazaar organisms that lived on Earth before humans. There are three fascinating videos we will be watching: Before the Dinosaurs which catalogs Paleozoic life, Chased by Dinosaurs which shows Mesozoic life, and Walking with Prehistoric Beasts which portrays Cenozoic creatures.
Check out this website for interactive rock building!

Visit a prehistoric zoo here! Be sure to leave a comment!

Want to Buy a Dinosaur?

The final selling price was $942,797. An American collector purchased this specimen and wanted it displayed for the "education and enjoyment of the public." It is currently on long term loan to the Museum of Science in Boston. Read the full article here.

Welcome Lizzy!

We have a new classmate. Lizzy is a 2 year old bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) graciously donated by the Chhouk family. Bearded Dragons are native to Australia, can grow to be about 55 cm long, and have a life span of 6-10 years. Thanks Chris!

Click here for the geology study stack games.