Smith's Super Science

The real process of living....

2012-02-08T04:54:00.001-08:00

...is controlled by the Parasympathetic Nervous System efferent autonomic responses.
Rest.
Digest.
Build cells and tissues.
Urinate.
Defecate.
Sex.
Each in its own way so much more pleasant than running and fighting.
Give me the PNS any day!

The real process of living....

2012-02-08T04:26:00.000-08:00

...is controlled by the Parasympathetic Nervous System efferent responses.

Rest.
Digest.
Defecate.
Urinate.
Have sex.
So much better than running or fighting!

If interested....

2010-06-25T12:07:00.001-07:00

...I will be continuing to blog about science on Smith's Science,
spsscience.blogspot.com

Moving on....

2010-06-11T07:10:00.001-07:00

This is one of my all-time favorite movies!
I have always had a secret longing to be a college professor. Well, it's never too late! I have moved on to a position as assistant professor of biology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at DeVry University in Chicago. My duties include teaching basic sciences--anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, microbiology, chemistry, and nutrition--in the nursing (BSN) program offered by Chamberlain College of Nursing, as well as in the University's other health sciences programs.
I will also be teaching "regular" undergraduate biology courses.
I am excited about this third career!

So long, farewell...

2010-06-03T06:16:00.000-07:00

...auf wiedersehen, adieu,
To you, and you, and you, and you, and yo--oou!
Best wishes to students and parents/guardians.
It's been great!
~Dr. Smith~

One day more!

2010-06-02T04:55:00.001-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS
to all TEAM 6-1
Honor Roll-ees!
Nice work!

Learning never ends!

2010-06-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

During these last two days I will be showing material to the students that is relevant to their own futures.
Please encourage them to observe and reflect.
Thanks!

Final week--science is still important!

2010-06-01T05:59:00.000-07:00

Science
Planet Earth: Saving Species
or
Dirt: The Movie

Literacy Skills
The Bridge to Terabithia

Enjoy the day!

2010-05-28T06:10:00.001-07:00

Congratulations!

2010-05-27T05:50:00.001-07:00

TRIBUTE to EXCELLENCE

Science
DIRT: The Movie or
The Botany of Desire: POTATOES

Literacy Skills
Final Reading Log Check
Independent Reading

Please help!

2010-05-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

School is not over until next Wednesday.
I will be devoting my class sessions to their respective subject material until then.
I would appreciate your support!

Career Day

2010-05-26T06:25:00.000-07:00

<--- Practicing my first career in Zambia
Career Day!
4 Sessions,
Periods 1-3
SCIENCE:
Class choice: Ocean, Planet Earth: Saving Species, Blue Earth: Drifters, or The Botany of Desire: Potatoes

Final Score

2010-05-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

The last assignment in Science was the ORGANISMS GAME, in Literacy Skills it was The White Mountains Assessment. For the duration of the trimester we will be READING in Lit Skills and watching films in Science for enrichment and interest. These latter topics will include material on whales, plants, and the biological challenges of the future.

Each student will have a final PARTICIPATION score based on the following RUBRIC.
30 points = attentive
20 points = inattentive
10 points = distracting
0 points = disruptive
BONUS points will be given for students who are particularly involved in discussions about the topics.

Positive Behavior By All!

2010-05-25T05:58:00.001-07:00

PBIS Celebration!

Science: Thank you notes to chaperones and teachers

Literacy Skills: Reading

Term Project Report

2010-05-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

I was proud of your students on Friday and the days leading up to it. The quality of their work was impressive; the Team teachers and chaperones remarked on that and upon their enthusiasm for science. In addition, their behavior on the trip was exemplary.
Yowzah!

The Compleat Science Teacher

2010-05-24T06:09:00.000-07:00

Since I began this second career journey five years ago, I have had the opportunity to go "back to school" on many levels. Most of my leisure time reading material now consists of science trade books. I needed to update my own knowledge base and also found the material fascinating in a way I never did when I "had" to learn it. The Compleat Science Teacher, posted on Assignments & Materials, is an annotated bibliography of all of the things I have read and listened to and watched over these years of self-study. I offer it to students and parents and other interested parties as a highly individual resource for their own use. Please contact me regarding the materials about which you desire further information. I love science!

Still not...but close!

2010-05-24T06:05:00.001-07:00

SCIENCE
ORGANISMS Final Game

Literacy Skills
INDEPENDENT READING

ORGANISMS:Macro to Micro FIELD TRIP TODAY!

2010-05-21T05:53:00.000-07:00

Meerkats rule!

2010-05-20T05:51:00.001-07:00

Science
ORGANISMS Presentations
THE GREAT WHALES

Literacy Skills
Independent Reading
Reading Log Check

Field Trip Friday!

2010-05-19T05:32:00.000-07:00

SCIENCE
ORGANISMS Presentations
The Great Whales

Literacy Skills
Read-aloud: GREEK MYTHS

Present EARLY!

2010-05-18T05:45:00.001-07:00

SCIENCE

OCEAN DEEP
ORGANISMS Presentations

Literacy Skills
The White Mountains
Reading Circles
or
Independent Reading

Participation IV

2010-05-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

This week will be somewhat unusual, but it is my policy to NOT end the trimester until it ends! Therefore, students will continue to receive scores until Friday, May 21. Their final grade for the trimester will be on the project, but in the meantime they will be graded daily on Participation. Science is unique in its focus on groupwork and I have emphasized this daily to the students.
Each day will involve either hearing oral presentations or participating in discussions based on videos, the latter focusing on our final biome, the deep ocean. Students are expected to maintain proper classroom behavior for these activities and will be scored each day based on their participation.
Rubric
10 points = attentive and respectful
5 points = inattentive or disrespectful
0 points = disruptive
If you have questions please contact me.

Still not vacation!

2010-05-17T05:33:00.001-07:00

Science
ORGANISMS Presentations
OCEAN DEEP

Literacy Skills
Independent Reading

Advisory
Career Day Sign-up

Science Word-A-Day

2010-05-14T06:43:00.000-07:00

I am very proud of the Word-A-Day program.
The data shows vocabulary building contributes independently to scientific literacy.
This year students have learned 130 new science words or scientific terms.
Although I don't expect students to know the definitions of all these words in detail,
I do know that learning them has enhanced their knowledge and thinking skills.
Thanks for helping them do so well--the average score for WAD quizzes generally
was in the MASTERY range!

Final WAD Quiz Today!

2010-05-14T05:45:00.001-07:00

SCIENCE

WAD QUIZ #16
The Shallow Seas: Adaptation 8 DUE
Weekend Bonus Available
LITERACY SKILLS
Independent Reading
Reading Log Check

Thursday the 13th / WAD QUIZ TOMORROW

2010-05-13T06:14:00.000-07:00

SCIENCE
Shallow Seas:
ADAPTATION 8: Due Friday

Literacy Skills
The White Mountains
Reading Circles /
Vocabulary #4 DUE

FINAL WEEKEND BONUS

2010-05-12T07:23:00.000-07:00

GENETICS & EVOLUTION
KEY TERMS
Due Monday
80 BONUS POINTS!!

Not yet!

2010-05-12T05:40:00.001-07:00

Science
Zygote = fertilized egg at the one-cell stage
Research / MEDIA CENTER

Literacy Skills
Vocabulary and other items

Ten-Hut! Still learning!

2010-05-11T05:54:00.001-07:00

Science
Germ calls = cells that are involved in sexual reproduction (progenitors, sperm, eggs)
What Darwin Didn't Know
Literacy Skills
The White Mountains
Reading Circles / Assessment
Vocabulary #4 DUE THURSDAY

Class Participation III

2010-05-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

One of the great things about teaching science today is the wealth of resources that can "show" things otherwise not accessible, primarily through digital technology. I try to keep video sessions short and focused, and always require some sort of response or reflection. Students need to learn how to engage with this material effectively, as they do during class discussions and group work.
RUBRIC
30 points = attentive, does not "talk to the screen" or make inappropriate noises that interfere with colleagues
20 points = usually attentive, has to be reminded on occasion to respect others
10 points = routinely requires redirection, inattentive, often rude to classmates

Still not....

2010-05-10T04:09:00.000-07:00

Science
Alleles = various forms of the same gene
What Darwin Didn't Know

Literacy Skills
Independent Reading

Not vacation yet!

2010-05-07T05:52:00.001-07:00

Science
Meiosis = the process by which a germ cell produces eggs or sperm, each having a single set of chromosomes (in humans, 23) for reproductive purposes
GENETIC DIVERSITY

Literacy Skills
Independent Reading
Reading Log Check

Scientific Literacy Alert #2

2010-05-06T06:02:00.000-07:00

SCIENCE
Mitosis = the process by which a parent cell
divides into two identical daughter cells
CELL DIVISION: Inquiry
LITERACY SKILLS
The White Mountains
Reading Circles
Vocabulary #3 DUE

Scientific Literacy Alert!

2010-05-05T09:27:00.000-07:00

Today we start a short and very basic unit on cell biology and genetics. I have told students that if they do not understand these topics they will be left out, left behind, and helpless when it comes to dealing with the biological issues of their future. I am not exaggerating! I have placed several items on ASSIGNMENTS and recommend you peruse them as well.
I cannot overemphasize how important scientific
literacy in these areas is!

2010-05-05T07:26:00.000-07:00

Science
Chromosome = threadlike bodies that carry genes;
humans have 23 pairs; one of each pair comes from each parent
ORGANISMS: Chapter 8
Cell Division: Multiplying by Dividing

Literacy Skills
Read-aloud: Greek Myths

A FEW BOLD MEN AND WOMEN NEEDED!

2010-05-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

Free bus ride!
Free admission!
A chance to see your student "in action"!
Beautiful weather (we hope)!
Fantastic food!
Education!
Shopping!
A chance to socialize with other parents and teachers!
PLEASE VOLUNTEER TO CHAPERONE
THE FABULOUS FIELD TRIP
to BROOKFIELD ZOO
MAY 21, 2010
Contact me soon!

2010-05-04T06:26:00.000-07:00

SCIENCE
Gene = a series of DNA molecules that codes for the production of a single protein
FRESH WATER
Adaptation 7

LITERACY SKILLS
The White Mountains
Reading Circles
Vocabulary #3 DUE THURSDAY

Not vacation yet!

2010-05-03T06:13:00.001-07:00

SCIENCE
DNA = deoxyribonucleic acid
Planet Earth: Fresh Water
Adaptation 7 DUE WEDNESDAY

LITERACY SKILLS
Independent Reading

Excellence!

2010-04-30T05:24:00.000-07:00

SCIENCE
Research
Grading Rubric for Term Project

LITERACY SKILLS
Hoot
Reading Log Check

WAD QUIZ & ORGANISMS TEST TODAY

2010-04-29T06:04:00.000-07:00

Science: EXAM
UPDATE: All students FINISHED the test within the time allotted!

Literacy Skills
TWM Vocabulary #2 DUE
Reading Circles
Reading Log Check TOMORROW

The Trumpet of the Swan

2010-04-28T09:32:00.000-07:00

A great book, a wonderful place in Boston (the Swan Boats)...
a beautiful bird.
I have selected Cygnus buccinator as my term project/zoo animal.
I will be doing the project and sharing my expectations
for the students through doing so.

WAD Quiz & ORGANISMS Test TOMORROW!

2010-04-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

SCIENCE
Term Project Research

LITERACY SKILLS
Hoot

Research Scores

2010-04-27T06:04:00.000-07:00

Today, tomorrow, and Friday we will be working in the Media Center. Students are to be researching and writing up their ORGANISMS term project. Performance by each student will be scored EACH DAY according to the following rubric:

20 points = good use of time, productive, respectful to facility and colleagues
10 points = poor use of time, non-productive
0 points = disruptive, wasting time, disrespectful to facility and/or colleagues
In addition:
Unprepared (no pencil, pen, writing paper, etc.) = -2
Each violation of a known library rule (wallpaper, email, etc.) = -2

If you have questions about your student's score, please contact me.

WAD Quiz & TEST THURSDAY

2010-04-27T05:51:00.000-07:00

Literacy Skills
The White Mountains:
Reading Circles
Vocab #2 DUE THURSDAY

SCIENCE
Term Project Research

WAD Quiz & ORGANISMS Test on THURSDAY

2010-04-26T06:14:00.000-07:00

SCIENCE
Review Game

LITERACY SKILLS
Hoot

Earth Day 2010: No Child Left Inside!

2010-04-22T05:41:00.000-07:00

Science
Benthos = organisms that live on the bottom of a body of water
PLANT ADAPTATIONS--OUTSIDE
Study Guide

Literacy Skills
Reading Circles

Advisory
Trash Pick-up

TEST 4-29, including WAD

2010-04-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

There will be a STUDY GUIDE sent home with students this weekend.
This GUIDE lists all materials that will be covered.
These materials are all assignments that have been or will have
been completed by tomorrow.
The test is OPEN NOTES and OPEN BOOK.
Students can use their corrected assignments, notebooks, books,
and any resources in the room.
They MAY NOT use each others materials.

TEST NEXT THURSDAY!

2010-04-21T06:22:00.000-07:00

SCIENCE
Nekton = ocean organisms that can swim on their own
DESERTS
Literacy Skills
Read-aloud: GREEK MYTHS

EARTH DAY / April 22

2010-04-20T07:20:00.001-07:00

2010-04-20T05:37:00.000-07:00

Science
Plankton = organisms that drift in the ocean
phytoplankton: producers (plants)
zooplankton: consumers (animals)
ADAPTATION: Deserts
Reflections DUE WEDNESDAY

Literacy Skills
Reading Circles

2010-04-19T06:01:00.000-07:00

SCIENCE
Marine = having to do with the ocean
VIRUSES & More Adaptations
Discussion

Literacy Skills
Independent Reading

Why No Posting Last Friday?

2010-04-19T05:54:00.001-07:00

I was off. Mr. McGee, a fine teacher, was the visiting teacher and all went well as expected.
In Science: WAD Plus Quiz; Viruses.
In Literacy Skills: Independent Reading.
Progress reports were passed out.
I hope you all had a good weekend! I did. :-)

WAD QUIZ PLUS FRIDAY

2010-04-15T05:51:00.000-07:00

SCIENCE
Macrobiology:
Inquiry: More Adaptations

Literacy Skills
TWM Vocab #1 DUE
Reading Circles

Class Participation: SPOT CHECK

2010-04-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

As the first half of the trimester ends, I am using today's activities
--Read-aloud in Lit Skills, DVD w/Reflection in Science--
as a spot check QUIZ on two very specific aspects of participation:
ATTENTION and LISTENING.
20 = active listening
10 = inattention w/o disruption of others
5 = active disruption
If you have questions about your student's score,
please contact me.

Lit Skills Update

2010-04-14T07:46:00.000-07:00

The author of DORMIA canceled his visit.
D'Aulaire's BOOK OF GREEK MYTHS is one of our required books,
and the students
voted to go back to it for our read-aloud.

WAD PLUS QUIZ FRIDAY

2010-04-14T05:40:00.001-07:00

SCIENCE
Tropical = hot & humid climate (wet & dry seasons, not hot and cold)
ADAPTATION 4: Seasonal Forests
LITERACY SKILLS
Read-aloud: Dormia

WAD QUIZ FRIDAY

2010-04-13T06:01:00.001-07:00

temperate grasslands ^
SCIENCE
temperate = moderate, not extreme (in biology, describes climate)
PLANET EARTH: Seasonal Forests
ADAPTATION 3 DUE WEDNESDAY, 4-14
Literacy Skills
Reading Circles: Hoot & The White Mountains
The White Mountains Vocab #1 DUE THURSDAY 4-15

WAD Quiz FRIDAY!

2010-04-12T05:53:00.000-07:00

SCIENCE
Coniferous = related to evergreens, or cone-bearing plants
Discussions: Adaptation Inquiry & Term Project

LITERACY SKILLS
Independent Reading

PERMISSION SLIPS

2010-04-09T07:41:00.000-07:00

ZOO Field Trip Permission Slips
DUE FRIDAY
APRIL 30

Not summer break!

2010-04-09T05:30:00.001-07:00

SCIENCE
Deciduous = shedding leaves annually
Inquiry: Animal Cells
Weekend Bonus: Biomes 1
LITERACY SKILLS
Independent Reading
Reading Log Check

Literacy Skills Update

2010-04-08T09:59:00.000-07:00

Two groups are finishing Hoot; I have scrambled the membership of the other three groups and they have started on The White Mountains.
Hoot requires a final extended-response-type Assessment before the student goes on the the next book.
Once all students have finished Hoot we will watch the video and do
an evaluation similar to that which we did for The Hound of the Baskervilles.
There will be Vocabulary and Responses for The White Mountains.
Dormia is being aloud on Wednesdays
in preparation for an author visit
at the end of April.
Mondays and Fridays are for Independent Reading; Fridays I will check Reading Logs.
We Read!

Term Project: ORGANSIMS

2010-04-08T08:04:00.000-07:00

The specs for the term project are now posted on Assignments & Materials.
The projects are be DUE on the day of the field trip, May 21.
There will be THREE in-class Media Center days for research but the project
will also require work outside of class.
There will be CHECKPOINTS at which time a certain degree of progress will be expected. After the in-class discussion I will post the
team/animal/period groupings.
THIS IS FOR THE STUDENTS TO DO ON THEIR OWN!
Aren't you glad? :-D

We won!

2010-04-08T06:57:00.000-07:00

Advisory 6-1-2 won the FOOD DRIVE!
Pizza Lunch today.
Nice work, guys!
(and families!)

2010-04-08T05:19:00.000-07:00

SSCIENCE
Biomes = geographic areas within the biosphere with specific types of plants & animal communities
INQUIRY: Cells

LITERACY SKILLS
Reading Circles: Hoot & The White Mountains

Adapt!

2010-04-07T05:50:00.001-07:00

Science
Ecological succession = a series of events in which the environment changes until the climax community is reached
Adaptation 1 & 2: Discussion

Literacy Skills
Read aloud: DORMIA

The Great Zoo Field Trip Chaperone Sweepstakes

2010-04-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

There are still at least three open seats
on the buses to the Zoo on May 21!
Winners get a free ride, free parking, free admission,
education, and the chance to spend quality time with your
student and 89 of his/her closest friends!
Plus, if you like, Zoo food! YUM!
Let me know before this fabulous opportunity is gone forever!

2010-04-06T05:54:00.000-07:00

<----Ants and acacia trees
Science
Coevolution = Two or more species that have adapted together and formed a relationship over time
Planet Earth: Pole to Pole
Adaptation 1: DUE WEDNESDAY

Literacy Skills
Reading Circles & Independent Reading

Biology Adapts!

2010-04-05T09:16:00.000-07:00

Over the next two months we will focus on both MACRO- and MICRObiology. Microbiology is the basis for macrobiological phenomena, and the latter is what we realistically experience daily and about which scientific literacy is mandatory. Our unifying concept will be ADAPTATION, the hallmark of life on Earth.
There will be video Reflections, in-class labs, ongoing WAD quizzes, the term project/zoo field trip, and at least two formal assessments (tests). Please follow the blog and syllabus closely, and refer to Illinois Learning Standard 12A.
Please contact me with questions--I plan for us to work right up until the last week of school.
We should have a great time!

Not summer break!

2010-04-05T06:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

SCIENCE
Adaptation = how organisms change to fit into their environment
PLANET EARTH, From Pole to Pole

Literacy Skills
INDEPENDENT READING

NOW it's Spring Break!

2010-03-26T11:56:00.000-07:00

Grandad, Avia ("grandmother" in Latin), Ransom
Have a good one!
I am off to visit family in
Arizona (baby sister & family)
and
Oregon (Smiths 2.0) for
Grandparents' Day @ Ransom's school
(his dad, our #1 son, teaches there as well).

WAD QUIZ TODAY! SPRING BREAK TOMORROW!

2010-03-26T05:41:00.000-07:00

Science
WAD PLUS QUIZ #13
Evolution & Adaptation: Amphibians
SPRING BREAK BONUS DUE TODAY

Literacy Skills
Independent Reading
Reading Log Check

WAD QUIZ TOMORROW!

2010-03-25T05:38:00.001-07:00

Tree of Life - 2010

SCIENCE
Parasitism = a symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits and the other is HARMED
EVOLUTION & ADAPTATION

Literacy Skills
Hoot

WAD QUIZ + FRIDAY

2010-03-23T06:23:00.000-07:00

LAB QUIZ TODAY
50 points

* = individual
* = group

* 20 points = Safety
* 10 points = Procedures
* 10 points = Cooperation
* 10 points = Following directions

2010-03-23T05:37:00.001-07:00

SCIENCE
Commensalism = a symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits and the other is UN affected
MICROBES: Monera & Protists
Literacy Skills
HOOT Reading Circles

Middle Level Math Event Today

2010-03-22T05:55:00.001-07:00

3-way mutualism
Science
Mutualism = a symbiotic relationship in which both organisms benefit
FISH

Literacy Skills
DONUT DAY
Independent Reading

FRIDAY--Not Spring Break YET!

2010-03-19T05:35:00.001-07:00

SCIENCE
Symbiosis = two different organism species living together
INCREDIBLE INSECTS: Reflection DUE MONDAY
Literacy Skills
Reading Log Check
Independent Reading

Visiting Teacher (Substitute--Mr. Goodell) TODAY

2010-03-18T05:35:00.000-07:00

SCIENCE
Carrying capacity = the maximum number of organisms that an environment can support
SCIENCE as INQUIRY in ACTION + Class Discussion

LITERACY SKILLS
Read aloud: DORMIA

St. Patricks' Day

2010-03-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

Science
Limiting factors = those environmental elements that keep the number of organisms at a maximum
CYCLES
Literacy Skills
Hoot Reading Circles

2010-03-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

SCIENCE
Competition = when organisms "want" to fill the same niche
Term Project Choices
Ecology 2 DUE

Literacy Skills
Independent Reading

The Ides of March

2010-03-15T05:55:00.001-07:00

Science
Predator = the organism that feeds on the prey = the organism that is eaten by the predator....
Invertebrates DUE
Ecology 2 - Work In Class w/Laptops DUE TUESDAY

Literacy Skills
Independent Reading

2010-03-12T05:32:00.000-08:00

SCIENCE
Invertebrates
Reflection DUE MONDAY

Literacy Skills
Hoot Vocab 2 DUE
Independent Reading
Reading Log Check

WAD QUIZ Tomorrow

2010-03-11T05:32:00.000-08:00

<--------energy torus

Science
Energy = the ability to do work
Ecology: Lumbriculus

Literacy Skills
Hoot
*Reading Circles
*Vocabulary #2 DUE FRIDAY

Spring Biology Field Trip

2010-03-10T08:42:00.000-08:00

ORGANISMS--MACRO to MICRO
Friday, May 21
9-2:30
Details and permission forms to follow
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CHAPERONE PLEASE EMAIL ME!

WAD QUIZ FRIDAY!

2010-03-10T05:33:00.000-08:00

Science
ECOLOGY 1 / DUE FRIDAY
Xylem = tubes carrying water & nutrients UP from plant roots
Phloem = tubes carrying food & water (sap) THROUGHOUT a plant
Literacy Skills
Hoot VOCAB 2 DUE FRIDAY
Read Aloud: Greek Myths and Dormia

Close Race!

2010-03-09T12:36:00.000-08:00

ENERGY WEB GAME
#1 - Blue Period
#2 - Yellow Period
#3 - Green Period
#4 - Red Period
As usual, fabulous prizes will be awarded!

ZOO Field Trip APPROVED!

2010-03-09T05:57:00.000-08:00

SCIENCE
Spore = a walled single- to many- celled reproductive body of an organism which can become a new organism
Energy Web Game

Literacy Skills
HOOT Reading Circles

Spring Trimester Begins

2010-03-08T05:41:00.000-08:00

SCIENCE
Mitochondria = the organelles that produce energy for the cell
FUNGI
Fabulous Fungi

Literacy Skills
The Hound of the Baskervilles

2010-03-05T07:23:00.000-08:00

In Science, we will be doing MANY
Inquiry Sessions throughout the trimester.
Students will receive weekly
LAB PROCEDURES scores.
Scores will be based on the following rubric:
SAFETY & TECHNIQUE = 10 points;
COOPERATION WITH GROUP COLLEAGUES = 10 points;
FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS = 10 points.
I will be requesting parent-student conferences
in situations where a student is persistently UNSAFE or UNCOOPERATIVE WITH COLLEAGUES.
Please contact me with questions.

Last day ISAT

2010-03-05T05:52:00.001-08:00

Math 3, Writing 2

Science
FUNGI

No Literacy Skills

Kirby goes on the road!

2010-03-04T08:50:00.000-08:00

My student teacher from Concordia
will be using Kirby as her
visual aid when she presents on Ball python
behavior in captivity in her Methods class tomorrow.
He looks forward to the
trip! I recently got him a travel
bag so he can get out and about more
as the weather warms up.
Have fun, Kirb!

ISAT Day 3

2010-03-04T05:47:00.000-08:00

Reading 3, Writing 1

SCIENCE
Lumbriculus Inquiry
Chloroplast = the organelle in plant cells that performs photosynthesis

Literacy Skills
The Hound of the Baskervilles

ISAT Day 2

2010-03-03T06:22:00.000-08:00

ISAT

Math 2, Reading 2

Science
Alien Lifeforms

No Literacy Skills
Today

ISAT Day 1

2010-03-02T06:02:00.000-08:00

ISAT Testing 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Reading 1, Math 1

Science
Cell wall = the rigid outer shell of a plant cell, made of complex sugar molecules
Lumbriculus Inquiry

Literacy Skills
The Hound of the Baskervilles

Pulaski Day

2010-03-01T04:19:00.000-08:00

Count Casimir Pulaski

2010-02-26T07:39:00.000-08:00

Literacy Skills
TODAY I am sending home a NON-permission slip regarding the film version of
The Hound of the Baskervilles. If you DO NOT want your student to see this film please indicate that on the form and send it back. If you are permitting your student to see it you do not need to return it. Thanks.
Please contact me with questions.

Long weekend! Thanks, Casimir!

2010-02-26T05:31:00.000-08:00

Science
WAD Quiz #11
Birds
Weekend Bonus: Biology in the News
Literacy Skills
Independent Reading
Reading Log Check

WAD QUIZ TOMORROW!!

2010-02-25T05:52:00.000-08:00

SCIENCE
Where are all the aliens?

Literacy Skills
The Hound of the Baskervilles

WAD Quiz Friday

2010-02-24T05:41:00.000-08:00

Science

Microscope Inquiry: Prep
Nucleolus = a dense spherical body inside the
nucleus of eukaryotic cells
Prokaryote = cells without a nuclear membrane
Eukaryote = cells with a nuclear membrane

Literacy Skills
The Hound of the Baskervilles: Conclusion!

WAD QUIZ 11 FRIDAY!

2010-02-23T06:11:00.000-08:00

SCIENCE
Microscope Inquiry Session: Monera
Membrane = a thin covering that allows selected molecules to come in and go out;
cell--all*
nuclear--eukaryotes only
*plants and fungi also have cell WALLS

Literacy Skills
Extended Response DUE
Hoot Reading Circles

2010-02-22T05:51:00.000-08:00

Science
DNA = deoxyribonucleic acid: the molecule that is the main compenent of chromosomes and genes; transfers genetic information in all life forms
Bacteria
The Monera: Reflection DUE WEDNESDAY

Literacy Skills
Independent Reading