Mrs. Dainty Science

Junior High Newsletter
September
October
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Science Schedule:
Students will have science class on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday this school year. 
6S long block: Tuesday
7T/7M long block: Thursday
8W long block: Friday

What are junior high panthers currently studying in science?
6th Grade: Sixth graders have been studying photosynthesis. They have done a leaf chromatography lab with fall leaves to see the various pigments found in leaf cells, simulated photosynthesis using models of molecules, and conducted an experiment to see evidence of photosynthesis occuring. Now, we are participating in Algae Academy to extend our knoweldge about heterotrophs and producers! Students are measuring the biomass of Algae cultures to see evidence of population growth and photosynthesis, classifying algae species using microscopes and dichotomous keys, and more. 

7th Grade: Seventh graders are studying thermal energy. We are learning about heat, temperature, and modes of heat transfer. We will do a lab in which students use lab equipment to roast a marshmallow using each of the three modes of heat transfer. Students will also participate in an engineering design challenge in which they must minimize and/or maximize heat transfer to an object. 

8th Grade: Eighth graders have been learning about traits, patterns of inheritance, and the work of Gregor Mendel. We will be continuing this field of study by learning how reproductive cells are made through the process of Meiosis, and comparing this process to what we learned about cells in 7th grade. Additionally, students are developing project proposals for science and engineering fair. Developing a quality, testable question (science) or a well-defined problem (engineering) is a crucial step for a successful project. 

If you were absent the week of Thanksgiving see Stream of GC for a summary for what we did in class. 

6S

• Ecological Organization Mini-Project - due 12/5 (or 12/6 if had an absence)
• Chapter 1, Lesson 2 (pages 10-17) - due Thursday 12/12
• Quiz on 1.1 - Tuesday 12/10

7T/7M

• Christmas Story Problems (skip 3, 5, 6, 7 as we didn't do acceleration yet) - due Thursday 12/12
• Chapter 1, Lesson 2 - due Thursday 12/12
• Velocity IXL skills (see GC) - due by Friday 12/13
• Quiz on 1.1 and 1.2 - Friday 12/13

8W

• Science Fair: Background Research Papers due Tuesday, December 10th by 8:00 am. (Paper copy will be submitted with a Title Page and Bibliography.)
• Bring your reference materials to class so as to make use of work time provided.

Science Friday: Hack Your Brain
Podcast, activities, puzzles, and live expert Q&As about brain science: managing stress, increasing learning memory with the science of sleep, hack your brain to increase focus and attention, resources on brain science and mental health. Consider trying these at home with your family!

Football Saturdays at Notre Dame - Science Talks @ Jordan Hall of Science