Summary of daily lessons for 8th Grade Science Classes:
This is a plan, actual daily work schedule may vary due to unanticipated class discussion, school schedule changes, time needed estimation errors,....
If this is the case, I will work to correct plans in a timely manner.
Monday,Grading Period 3
Monday, January 4, 2016 Asexual vs sexual reproduction Read, discuss, and answer questions from an article on sexual and asexual reproduction. Work on vocabulary (Quizlet link) Tuesday, January 5, 2016 Asexual vs sexual reproduction Review answers to questions, watch video clips to add information to Venn diagram. Wednesday-Thursday, January 6-7, 2016 Asexual vs sexual reproduction Evaluate different organisms to determine if they display asexual, sexual or both types of reproduction. Practice on an interactive. Friday, January 8, 2016 Asexual vs sexual reproduction Formative assessment on asexual and sexual reproduction. Travelogue of trip to Middle East. (group picture day) Tuesday, Thursday-Friday, January 12, 14-15, 2016 Mitosis Review The steps of Mitosis will be learned/reviewed with video clips, notes, interactives, and microscopic id activities. knowledge of asexual and sexual reproduction will be assessed as well. Wednesday, January 13, 2016 Travelogue of trip to Middle East. Tuesday, Thursday, Monday, January 19, 20, 25, 2016 Meiosis The process of sexual reproduction and meiosis will be learned through interactives, note-taking, foldable creation, drawing, and discussion. Tuesday, January 26, 2016 Formative Assessment: Sexual/asexual reproduction, mitosis, meiosis. Achieve: Living to 100 assigned. Wednesday - Thursday, January 27-28, 2016 DNA Introduction What DNA is and its discovery will be examined through readings, discussion, and assigned questions. Friday, January 28, 2016 DNA Extraction Lab We will extract our own DNA in a lab experience. Monday, February 2, 2016 Bacteria Growth Final observations will be made. Data will then be graphed and a conclusion written. Tuesday-Wednesday, February 2-3, 2016 DNA Crime Scene DNA will be "processed" and then compared to determine the criminal in our mystery. Additional information about DNA use in forensics will be explored in interactives. Thursday, February 4, 2016 How DNA makes proteins Students will read, discuss, and answer questions about the function of DNA. Friday, February 5, 2016 DNA Fingerprinting and Cloning Students will work with interactives to explore DNA fingerprinting and cloning. Monday, February 8, 2016 Achieve, Summative Review Students will be provided a study guide for the summative assessment Tuesday. They will also have time to complete an Achieve article about panthers. Tuesday, February 9, 2016 Summative Assessment Asexual/Sexual reproduction, mitosis, meiosis, and DNA standards will be assessed. Wednesday, February 10, 2016 DNA Translation DNA translation will be discussed and explored with an interactive. Genetics 2 vocabulary will then be completed. Thursday-Tuesday, February 11-16, 2016 Inherited vs. Acquired Traits Inherited vs. acquired traits will be introduced with an individual reading and note-taking guide. Main ideas and traits will be shared and class occurrence averages will be calculated. Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Heart Disease Pedigree A simulated family pedigree for heart disease will be conducted. Big ideas about inheritance will be elicited. Thursday- Friday, February 18-19, 2016 Mendel Gregor Mendel's contribution to genetics will be read about and investigated with an interactive and worksheet. Virtual Make up assignment: Achieve 300 article, A Map to a New Sunflower. Read, answer questions, and complete thought question. Monday, February 22, 2016 Mendel and Bunny Genetics Inherited traits will be explored with a simulated bunny family genetics activity after completing discussion about Mendel's findings. Tuesday, February 23, 2016 Egg Genetics Trait expression will be explored with an activity involving plastic Easter eggs with offspring jelly beans. Wednesday, February 24, 2016 Gene Expression and Punnett Squares Class discussion and practice will focus on obtaining a basic understanding of gene expression and punnett squares. Thursday-Friday, February 25-26 Punnett sqares and genetic predictions We will practice completing and analyzing punnett squares. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate basic mastery and move on to incomplete dominance, co-dominance, and dihybrid examples. Monday, February 29, 2016 Summative Assessment Standards addressing inherited and acquired traits, basic genetics and punnett squares will be assessed. Tuesday, March 1, 2016 Adaptations Introduction We will explore our adaptation of an opposable thumb, then view brief videos of other animal adaptations and discuss them. Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Animal Adaptations 3 animals will be researched in detail to determine adaptations and the purpose of the adaptation. Thursday-Firday, March 3-4, 2016 Charles Darwin Charles Darwin and his initial work on the theory of natural selection will be introduced and explored with a brief video, discussion, an interactive, and questions. Grading Period 1
Monday, August 10, 2015 Pre-Assessment Students will take a pre-assessment over science process skills. This will not be graded, but will be used for instruction guidance. Students will be allowed to correct the test at the end of the unit for a summative grade. Tuesday, August 11, 2015 Classroom Procedures and Expectations/variables Class will work together to review school expectations and establish classroom expectations. Independent, dependent, and controlled variables will be reviewed. Wednesday, August 12, 2015 Variables We will continue our practice with variables in small groups. Individual homework will be assigned. Thursday, August 13, 2015 Penny Lab We will conduct a lab focusing on mass measurement and graphing skills. Hopefully, all data is collected this day. I will ask students to begin the graph on their own. Friday, August 14, 2015 Penny Lab/ interactive practice We will work together on our graphing skills and drawing conclusions based on evidence, then practice our science process skills using interactives on the class resources section of this site. Monday-Tuesday, August 17-18, 2015 Rainbow Lab Students will practice using graduated cylinders as they transfer colored liquids. Data will be graphed. Wednesday, August 19, 2015 Heat Absorption Interactive Lab An interactive lab linked in class resources will be used to practice data analysis and short response writing. Thursday-Friday, August, 2015 Hershey Lab The density of different amounts of Hershey bars will be calculated to discover that the density of an object does not change with volume changes. A skills practice worksheet will be assigned on Friday, due Monday. Monday-Tuesday, August 24-25, 2015 Metric Conversions We will see how easy it is to convert quantities between different metric units. Individual homework will be assigned on Tuesday to check and turn in on Wednesday. Wednesday-Thursday, August 26-27, 2015 Pendulum Lab Students will collect and analyze data related to changes in different independent variables on a pendulum. Friday, August 28, 2015 Science process skills summative assessment Students will be allowed to correct their pre-test as a summative assessment. Science process skills of reading equipment, graphing, supporting claims with evidence, metric conversions, variables and parts of a scientific investigation will be assessed. Monday-Friday, August 30-September 4, 2015 Atomic Theory History Students will explore the development of modern atomic theory through readings, notes taking, drawings, and activity. The need of scientists to share information and expand upon previous ideas will be stressed. Thursday, September 3, 2015 Job Shadow Presentations from Junior Achievement Tuesday, September 7, 2015 Atomic Structure We will explore basic atomic parts and structure through discussion, readings, and an assignment. Wednesday-Thursday, September 8-10, 2015 Atomic Structure and the periodic table Periodic table information will be used to determine the quantity of subatomic particles in various atoms. Practice through whole class work, interactives, worksheet problems, and the making of periodic table poster blocks will reinforce calculations. Friday, September 11, 2015 Atomic Structure Video review and formative assessment. Monday-Wednesday, September 14-16, 2015 Isotopes We will learn about isotopes and practice calculating missing information together. Then, an isotope lab will assess our understanding of isotopes. Thursday-Monday, September 17-21, 2015 Physical Properties and Changes Information will be introduced, then explored by completing 3 choice items on a Physical Properties Think-Tac-Toe. Tuesday-Wednesday, September 22-23, 2015 Chemical Properties and Changes Chemical properties and changes will be introduced through a video and note-taking guide. We will then reinforce with discussion, a reading and questions. Thursday-Friday, September 24-25, 2015 Mystery Powders Lab A two-day investigation aimed at identifying mystery powders based on physical and chemical properties will be conducted. Monday-Tuesday, September 28-29, 2015 Physical and Chemical Properties and Changes A practice in identifying the types of properties and changes will be conducted through discussion, demonstrations, sorting, worksheet, and interactives. Wednesday, September 30, 2015 Summative Assessment Review A review for the summative assessment will be conducted. The parts of an atom, charges, mass, and location will be tested. As will isotopes and physical and chemical properties and changes. Thursday, October 1, 2015 Summative Assessment |
Grading Period 4
Monday, March 7, 2016 Natural Selection We will watch a brief video showing how rock mice have naturally selected, answer questions, and discuss. A reading about natural selection will follow. Tuesday, March 8, 2016 Peppered Moth Natural selection will be explored with an interactive about the changes that the peppered moth has undergone during history. Wednesday, March 9, 2016 Bye Bye Birdie Natural selection will continue to be investigated with the case of disappearing birds and when whales walked. Readings, discussions, and questions. Thursday, March 10, 2016 Bunny Natural Selection We will follow alleles throughout time with a bunny activity depicting natural section. - lab sheet Friday, March 11, 2016 Rabbit Wolf Simulation Rabbit and wolf populations with be manipulated with an interactive to continue to explore natural selection. Monday-Tuesday, March 14-15, 2016 Selective Breeding Intentional selective breeding that has been used with farm animals and dogs will be explored with readings, discussions, and activities. A review sheet for the assessment will be given. Wednesday, March 16, 2016 Summative Assessment An assessment addressing natural selection and selective breeding standards will be given. Thursday-Friday, March 17-18, 2016 Hybrid Animals Students will either research hybrid animals or create their own to promote in an advertisement. Monday, March 28, 2016 Ocean Currents Students will read and answer questions about ocean currents. Work is shared on Google. Tuesday-Wednesday, March 29-30, 2016 Density and Temperature Investigation Students will complete 3 set-ups that will allow them to discover how temperature affects density and currents. An Achieve: Mess at Sea, will be assigned as well. Thursday, March 31, 2016 Ocean Currents Notes Ocean currents will be investigated with a flip chart, discussion, notes, and an interactive. Friday, April 1, 2016 Density and Salinity An investigation exploring how density affects salinity will be performed. Monday, April 4, 2016 Ocean Currents Review causes of ocean currents and draw on a world map. Tuesday-Wednesday, April 5-6, 2016 Using Ocean Currents Students will use graphing and ocean current knowledge to locate lost people in the ocean. Thursday-Friday, April 7-8, 2016 Atmosphere A reading will guide students as they create a graphic diagram of the layers of the earth and the objects within. Monday-Tuesday, April 11-12, 2016 Wind Students will work together with reading, flipchart, video clips and discussion to complete an understanding and notes page about the causes and patterns of wind. Wednesday, April 13, 2016 Atmosphere and Wind formative Thursday, April 14, 2016 LDA Students will take the LDA, then watch an introduction to the water cycle. Friday, April 15, 2106 Water Cycle Students will use an interactive and question page to explore the water cycle. Grading Period 2
Friday - Tuesday, October 2-6, 2015 Periodic Table Trends Information will be gathered from an article, then a slideshow will be made identifying each group of the periodic table. Wednesday, October 7, 2015 Freezing Point Lab The physical property of freezing point will be explored as will the effects of adding salt on the freezing point. Thursday, October 8, 2015 Ice Cream We will use the concept of freezing point depression to make ice cream and have a treat. Tuesday, October 13, 2015 Arranging elements An article will be read and questions answered to address the development of the periodic table. We will also color the groups on our periodic table. Wednesday-Monday, October 14-19, 2015 Periodic Table Poster Previously learned information will be used as well as the introduction of Bohr Models and Lewis Structures to complete a partial periodic table. Questions will be answered to elicit pattern recognition. Tuesday, October 20, 2015 Periodic Patterns The patterns created on the posters will be discovered and discussed. A formative assessment of Bohr/Lewis models and periodic patterns will be given. Wednesday-Friday, October 21-23, 2015 Ions We will explore ions and ion formation with discussion, readings, practice worksheets, inter actives and video clips. A worksheet and reading question sheet will be due. Monday, October 26, 2015 Ionic Bonds Ionic bonds will be introduced and "experimented" with by using activities. Tuesday-Wednesday, October 27-28, 2015 Ionic Bonds A puzzle activity will be used to practice ionic bonds. Thursday, October 29, 2015 Ionic Bonds Individual practice will occur to assess understanding of ionic bonds. Friday, October 30, 2015 Ionic Bonds We will review individual work, then introduce Cross-Dot models to show ionic bonds. Monday, November 2, 2015 Ionic and Covalent Bonds Covalent Bonds will be introduced and a reading with questions will be assigned. Tuesday, November 3, 2015 Covalent Bonds Information from the reading will be discussed and cross-dot models of covalent bonds introduced. Wednesday, November 4, 2015 Review for summative Ions, ionic bonds, covalent bonds, periodic table patterns, and models will be reviewed in preparation for a summative assessment on Friday. Thursday, November 5, 2015 Ionic vs Covalent lab A lab testing two different solutions will be conducted to identify the ionic compound and the covalent compound. Friday, November 6, 2015 Summative assessment Chemistry standards addressing ions, ionic bonds, covalent bonds, periodic table patterns, and models will be assessed. Monday - Tuesday, November 9-10 Cat's Meow A lab will be used to introduce chemical reactions and practice science process skills. Wednesday, November 11, 2015 No school - all missing assignments must be turned in prior to this date for credit. Thursday, November 12, 2015 Chemical Reactions Reading We will read about what a chemical reaction is and answer questions about the reading. Friday-Monday, November 13-16, 2015 Signs of a Chemical Reaction Lab We will mix various chemicals to make observations, then use discussion and our data to discover if there was a chemical reaction that took place. Tuesday, November 17, 2015 Introduction to Acids and Bases With the aid of a video, we will learn about the definition of an acid, base, and salt and their characteristics. A note taking assignment will be completed. Wednesday-Friday, November 18-20, 2015 Acids, Bases, and pH We will read an article and answer questions, discuss a flip chart, complete an investigation and two interactive investigations to learn more about acids, bases, and pH. Monday, November 23, 2015 Acids, Bases, and pH We will review assignments from 18th-20th. Then, conduct a simple titration lab to explore pH. Tuesday, November 24, 2015 Acids, Bases, and pH Formative/Counting Atoms We will assess understanding of signs of a chemical reaction and acid/base/pH with a formative on socrative. Then, practice with counting atoms with coefficients. Monday-Tuesday, November 30-December 1, 2015 Law of Conservation of Mass We will explore the Law of Conservation of mass with instruction, video, practice, and a lab. Wednesday-Tuesday, December 2-8, 2015 Balancing Chemical Equations After initial instruction in balancing chemical equations, students will practice first with partners, then individually with manipulatives, inter actives and on paper. Wednesday-Friday, December 9-11, 2015 Types of Chemical Reactions Students will explore 6 general types of chemical reactions with video introduction, discussion, notes, and practice. balancing chemical equations will continue to be practiced. Monday, December 14, 2015 Rates of Reactions A reading and questions will introduce factors that affect the rate of a chemical reaction. Demonstrations will reinforce the information. Tuesday, December 15, 2015 Rates of Reactions An interactive lab will be used to further explore rates of chemical reactions. Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Summative review A summative review will be assigned and checked during class. Thursday, December 17, 2015 Summative Assessment Friday, December 18, 2015 Stroop Test Science process skills will be used to conduct and analyze a stroop test. Monday-Tuesday, December 20-21, 2015 Rube-Goldberg Challenge Rube-Goldberg machines will be explored, then students will work to design on paper a Rube-Goldberg machine that accomplishes a Holiday task. |