The Other Dimension of Science Class

Trimester 1 Final Exam

2009-11-11T10:40:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-11T10:42:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-09-15T10:44:00.000-07:00

Trimester Three Review

2009-05-25T22:31:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the third trimester Jeopardy game!

Dis you get the "STD"?

2009-05-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-30T09:34:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-03-25T15:05:00.001-07:00

The StudyStack Games are here!
Enjoy!

Growing.....

2009-03-18T12:38:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-02-24T12:36:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-02-23T14:50:00.001-08:00

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

2009-02-18T10:05:00.000-08:00

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.

2009-02-03T10:47:00.000-08:00

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

Here is a StudyStack to help you prepare!

History of Life on Earth

2009-02-02T10:44:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-01-29T08:50:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-01-16T09:02:00.000-08:00

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.

Protein Synthesis/Translation

2008-12-10T15:12:00.000-08:00

We have been studying DNA for the past few days. Here are some DNA facts:

DNA is in the nucleus of most cells

DNA is made of nucleotides

A = T

G = C

DNA has a double helix shape

DNA tells the cell what kind of cell to be

DNA comes from both parents (50% from each)

What else can you tell us about DNA? Leave your answers as a comment.

Today's topic was transcription and translation- how DNA makes RNA and how the RNA makes proteins. Here are the two animations we saw in class today:

Animation # 1

Animation # 2

Trunk Monkey!

2008-12-10T14:51:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, my car was recently broken into. While a car alarm would have helped prevent this from happening, I think the Trunk Monkey security system would have been better. What do you think?

DNA Extraction Lab

2008-12-04T15:23:00.000-08:00

Here is the video showing the DNA Extraction Lab. You can substitute glassware for cups at home. Show a parent, win a prize!

Hey! Nice Genes!

2008-12-01T11:22:00.000-08:00

Trimester two is here. We are currently studying heredity and how traits are passed from parents to offspring. Organisms have the traits they do because of their parents. The new set of vocabulary words have been posted on studystack.com so that you can begin playing those oh-so-enjoyable games.

Genetics Vocabulary

photo courtesy of Scott Kinmartin on Flickr.

Trimester One Final Exam

2008-11-09T20:14:00.001-08:00

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 14th. 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.

Cell Theory Rap

2008-10-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

Here it is, the World famous Cell Theory Rap! I know you want to sing along!

A Cell is Like a Factory...

2008-10-14T10:04:00.000-07:00

Today we compared the parts of a cell to the parts of a factory. While these two objects do not seem to be alike in any way, they actually are! Think about it. A cell has a control center- the nucleus. A factory has a controller- the plant manager. A cell has a guard- the cell membrane. A factory has a guard- the security. The cell analogy project we started in class today will be due on Friday.

If you are ever looking for a fun family outing, visit the JellyBelly factory in Fairfield, Ca. It takes about 90 minutes to get there, but it is so much fun, and interesting. While you're there, be sure to explain to your tour guide how the factory floor is like the cell's cytoplasm and the workers are like ribosomes!

Study Stack Organelles!

2008-10-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

Link Updated!Click below to practice with the stack of all 28 words.

Just released: the study stack for the flashcards handed out in class 10/8/08. You can expect a quiz on Friday 10/10. Be sure to start studying early! Also, check out the link below. The cells alive website offers a really great look into cells and the functions of their organelles. Spend a few minutes looking at it!

Click Here for StudyStack!
Click Here for a cool interactive cells website!

Mr. Simpson

Homage to Van Leeuwenhoek

2008-09-27T08:15:00.000-07:00

Beat my Time!

2008-09-25T15:01:00.000-07:00

Can you beat my fastest matching time?

Living Things Vocabulary

2008-09-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

I have created some really helpful digital flashcards on a website called studystack.com. Throughout the year, I will be encouraging you to visit this site to learn new vocabulary words. The more you practice, the more you will learn them!

Click here to view the most recent stack.
Planet Earth Forever video

Week Four Update

2008-09-22T21:34:00.000-07:00

You don't get a second chance to make a good first impression. You don't need to! This year has started out fantastic! A statistical analysis of your current progress in science class has shown the mode grade is an "A" and the overall class averages are in the B+ range. I have never had students start off the school year with as much motivation, zeal, and distinguished academic performance as you have this year. Thank you so much, and lets keep the fire burning (but never unattended- that's not safe)!

The Heat is On!

2008-09-05T15:17:00.001-07:00

We have just finished learning about how to be safe in the science lab. Hopefully you are getting more and more excited about being a seventh grade biology student. There are many more great days ahead of us. Keep working hard!

Mr. Simpson

Our First Experiment

2008-08-28T11:33:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, we conducted our first science experiments. We investigated the property of cohesion by predicting the maximum amount of water that would fit on a penny. There were some surprising results! Second period honors students: start thinking about your science fair projects. They will be due on September 25th.

Welcome Back!

2008-08-22T23:29:00.000-07:00

You are about to begin an educational adventure like no other. Buckle your seatbelts, it's going to be a wild year!

Summer Break...

2008-06-06T10:13:00.000-07:00

Enjoy your time off! Be sure to come visit me when you come back as 8th graders. See you August 25th.

-Simpson

Photo courtesy of LinksmanJD on flickr.

Trimester Three Final Exam

2008-05-14T22:44:00.000-07:00

The final exam is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2008. Start reviewing early. It's a doozy. A practice test can be found on the teacherweb page by clicking here.
Photo courtesy of Postcool on Flickr.

Did you get the "STD"?

2008-05-14T09:48:00.000-07:00

Today we are doing 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!

Enoch's High School Science Day!

2008-05-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

Here's another chance to learn more about light! If you go to this free event, I will give you some extra credit (15 points). Simply bring me the handout with your orginal notes on it and the points are yours!

Click here for more information on this free event!

See What We're Learning!

2008-05-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

We have learned about the ear, the eye, and are currently studying the properties of light. A take-home test was sent out today. Please bring it back competed tomorrow. As of now, the extra credit opportunity still stands. Tell me about Ole Roemer's experiments that led him to a close estimate of the speed of light. Also, a practice on light and the eye is available on the teacherweb site.

Virtual Body Tour

2008-04-15T15:08:00.000-07:00

Try this really cool virtual human body by MEDopolis. Build a skeleton, track the flow of blood through the heart, or poke around in a brain, the choices are yours! Click the picture to get started.

ASUS Eee PC Laptop Computer

2008-04-12T15:58:00.001-07:00

I have been investigating a way to offer internet access to my students directly from the science lab. I came across the ASUS EeePC Laptop. Despite its tiny hard drive, it includes Open Office productivity software. Watch the video below and tell me what you think!

Heart, Bones, and Muscles Practice Test

2008-04-09T14:38:00.000-07:00

The test is scheduled for Friday. Be sure to review your notes, the study stack, flashcards, and take the practice test by clicking here.

Bones, Muscles, the Heart and More!

2008-04-02T21:03:00.000-07:00

The studystack for the vocabulary words can be accessed by clicking here. There will be a quiz on Friday and a test next week. Start reviewing early!

Owl Pellet Dissection

2008-04-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

Can't get enough of the owl pellet activity? Click here to view the online version

Spring Break

2008-03-19T14:30:00.000-07:00

Enjoy your time off!

Click here for the latest podcast announcement!

Mmmmm..... RIBS!!!

2008-03-16T19:32:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I shared my Ultimate BBQ Ribs recipe with you. I promised to post it on the blog, so here it is! Enjoy!

Mr. Simpson's Ultimate BBQ Ribs

Ingredients:

Big ol' slab of bone in baby back or country style pork ribs

Garlic salt

Your favorite barbecue sauce

1. Preheat oven to 300*F
2. Start with a slab of bone-in or boneless pork ribs
3. Season ribs with garlic salt
4. Place whole slab in a baking dish with 1.5 cm of water
5. Cover with foil
6. Bake for 2 to 2-1/2 hours (meat thermometer should reach 165*)
7. Remove from dish and put on a hot barbecue grill.
8. Brush with your favorite barbecue sauce
9. Grill 3-5 minutes per side
10. Remove from grill, let stand 10-15 minutes
11. Enjoy the juiciest, tenderest ribs ever!

Photo courtesy of seanomalone on flickr.

Beautiful Bones and Marvelous Muscles

2008-03-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

I have created a new StudyStack for our skeletal system and muscular system unit. The sooner you start learning these terms, the better prepared you will be to move on to the next body system.

Click here for the StudyStack

Growth...

2008-03-11T13:45:00.000-07:00

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! Stay tuned...

Out with the Old, In with the New!

2008-03-09T08:41:00.001-07:00

Trimester Three is here! This is a perfect time to reflect back on your successes and struggles this year. Develop a plan, anticipate pitfalls, and navigate your way to 8th grade!

Trimester Two Final Exam

2008-03-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

The final exam is fast approaching! Tentitively, it will be administered on Friday Mach 7. This week we will be reviewing with Jeopardy and StudyStack. Its never too early to start reviewing!

Practice Test Version 1

Practice Test Version 2
Be sure to try both!

Earth and Life History Test

2008-02-01T11:04:00.001-08:00

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

Here is a StudyStack to help you prepare!

ROCK and ROLL!

2008-01-22T14:49:00.000-08:00

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

Heredity and DNA test

2007-12-18T11:27:00.001-08:00

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!

2007-12-09T20:51:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-04T18:45:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-27T09:19:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-07T09:11:00.000-08:00

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

2007-10-30T12:18:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-22T15:23:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-30T21:52:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-25T15:29:00.001-07:00

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

2007-09-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-09-12T20:10:00.001-07:00

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

2007-08-31T14:57:00.001-07:00

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!

2007-08-28T16:01:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-08-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

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

The Other Dimension of Science Class

Trimester 1 Final Exam

Homage to Anton Van Leeuwenhoek

Trimester Three Review

Click here to view the third trimester Jeopardy game!

Dis you get the "STD"?

Click here for Reproduction StudyStack games!

You're a STAR!

Optical Illusions!

Optical Illusions!

Bones, Muscles, & Blood!

The StudyStack Games are here! Enjoy!

Growing.....

Dichotomous Keys (Or Choose Your Own Adventure)

Gem & Mineral Show Coming Soon!

HHMI Evolution Lecture Series

History of Life on Earth

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

Want to Buy a Dinosaur?

Welcome Lizzy!

Click here for the geology study stack games.

Protein Synthesis/Translation

Trunk Monkey!

DNA Extraction Lab

Hey! Nice Genes!

Trimester One Final Exam

Cell Theory Rap

A Cell is Like a Factory...

Study Stack Organelles!

Click Here for StudyStack!Click Here for a cool interactive cells website!

Homage to Van Leeuwenhoek

Beat my Time!

Living Things Vocabulary

Week Four Update

The Heat is On!

Our First Experiment

Welcome Back!

Summer Break...

Trimester Three Final Exam

Did you get the "STD"?

Enoch's High School Science Day!

See What We're Learning!

Virtual Body Tour

ASUS Eee PC Laptop Computer

Heart, Bones, and Muscles Practice Test

Bones, Muscles, the Heart and More!

Owl Pellet Dissection

Spring Break

Mmmmm..... RIBS!!!

Mr. Simpson's Ultimate BBQ Ribs

Beautiful Bones and Marvelous Muscles

Growth...

Out with the Old, In with the New!

Trimester Two Final Exam

Practice Test Version 2Be sure to try both!

Earth and Life History Test

ROCK and ROLL!

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

Heredity and DNA test

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

DNA Extraction Lab

Science Class Part Duex

Trimester One Final Exam

The final is scheduled for Friday, November 16.

Click here for the Big 50 answers!

Cell Test

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

Cell Organelles Study Stack

Virtual Microscope

Living Things "Rap"-Up

Life in a Drop of Pond Water Lab

StudyStack.com: Vocabulary Learning Games

The Benefits of Practice Tests

Extra Credit!

Week in Review 8/31/07

New School Year!

Welcome!

The StudyStack Games are here!
Enjoy!

Click Here for StudyStack!
Click Here for a cool interactive cells website!

Practice Test Version 2
Be sure to try both!

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.