Calvin Christian Middle School
Science Classroom Blog
Welcome to the CCMS science classroom blog. Together we will work to discover the wonders of God's creation.
The purpose of this page is to summarize the weekly labs, topics and science classroom discussions.
This blog has been moved to the parent/student portal at renweb.com. Access codes were emailed to all families. Contact the Calvin Christian School office if you are having difficulty accessing the secure site.
Week of February 6
6th grade: energy test on Wednesday. Visitor Ben Waltmann will be talking about electic cars.
7th grade science fair projects have been selected for the Twin Cities Regional Science Fair.
Earth Science: we are studying earthquakes. We wll be watching Nova's: The World's Deadliest Earthqakes. Quzzes have been graded and will be placed in student mailboxes on Monday afternoon.
Communications: debates Cats vs Dogs and Should we allow ipods in school?
Week of January 16
No school on Monday. Please take time to learn about Martin Luther King.
Concentrated Studies: We will be studying Ecuador beginning February 20.
7th grade: Science Fair projects are due by Thursday, February 19. Speeches will be practiced this week.
8th grade science students will be presenting Science in the News articles on Friday 2/20
Earth Science: We will begin studying the impact of plate movement and the creation earthquakes.
Science 6: Students are learning about the principles of electric energy and circuits. The labs this week include building an electromagnet, parallel circuits, making switches and the impact of electric current on a compass. In addition, each lab group is dissecting small electrical appliances.
Communications: Students are preparing for debates. Topics include: Are dogs better than cats? Should ipads be used in schools?
Week of January 9
Science 6: electricity, circuits and dissection of elctrical appliances
Earth Science: Plate tectonics and earthquakes
Language Arts: speeches for science fair, beginning novel Cast Two Shadows by Ann Rinaldi.
Communications: Debates
Science Fair projects are due January 17
Happy New Year!
Science 6: energy conversions and electricity
Science 7: finishing science fair
Science 8: tectonic plates
Communications: debates
Language Arts: writing and presenting speeches
December 12-22
NEEDED: old electric or broken appliances for 6th grade electricity dissection lab
Language Arts: final copies of all parts of the science fair paper are due on Friday. Science: Part 2 of the rocks and minerals science test will take place this week. Communications: speeches about the "True Meaning of Christmas" will be given in prayer groups on Wednesday 12/21. Science 6 is studying energy and will begin electricity unit in January. Small appliances will be dissected during the month of January.
Week of December 5
NEEDED: old electric or broken appliances for 6th grade electricity dissection lab
Week of November 28
NEEDED: old electric or broken appliances for 6th grade electricity dissection lab
NEEDED: pasta, various shapes(circles,lasagna,pene,shaghetti)can be open packages and glue guns for 6th grade motion lab
Science 6: motion labs and building pasta vehicles. Lab reflection questions should be answered at the end of each lab
Earth Science: mineral and rock labs. Science in the News for 8th grade only
Science Fair: Tuesday, 25 log book entries, science fair introduction rough draft due Friday
Week of November 21
Our final Monarch Butterfly died this weekend. It had broken wings and could not fly south with its relatives. Eduardo the Monarch had a very happy life in our classroom and was often hand fed by Olivia G and her classmates.
We only have two days of school this week. All seventh graders need to begin or work on their science fair project during Thanksgiving break. Science 6 will have a short quiz on Newton's Laws of Motion. No spelling this week.
Week of November 14
This week (Thursday) all middle school students will be attending an opera at Northwestern College. Students are encouraged to wear clothes appropriate for a play performance. Conferences begin on Thursday afternoon. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss student's gifts, abilities and ways we can support educational growth.
This week 6th grade is learning about Newton's 3 laws of motion. In Earth Science we will be doing 6 labs related to mineral and rock identification, In communications we are working on developing commercials using a memorized manuscript. In 7th grade language arts we are working on developing a bibliography, research skills and working on the science fair paper. This week, 10 research cards are due.
Week of November 7
There will be no class on Monday. Teachers will be working on report cards. On Tuesday evening at 5:28pm CST. asteroid 2005 YU55 will within 202,000 miles of our planet. The asteroid is the size of an aircraft carrier. On Wednesday afternoon, we will be attending the production "The Importance of Being Earnest." at Calvin Christian High School.
Communications will not meet this week. Language Arts 7 will begin the process of writing a science fair paper. The procedure and materials lists are due this week. Science 6 begins a new chapter and will discover Newton's Laws of Motion. Earth Science will be learning to classify igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.
Week of October 31
It's hard to believe that November is here. The first quarter ends on Friday November 4. 6th grade science will end the quarter with a test that covers motion, force, and gravity . A review guide will be distributed on Tuesday. The test will take place on Thursday Nov 3. 7th grade research plans for the science fair are due this week. Don't forget to write in you science fair log books. They are a record of all aspects of your project(notes,observations,problems,internet research etc). Earth science classes are beginning a unit on minerals, rocks and rock classification skills. I hope that you discover the immense beauty God placed in even the rocks that we find on Earth. Communications will be learning about a manuscript speech. We will spend the first week writing our speeches. We will present our speeches during the first week of the second quarter. Language Arts: we are concluding our journaling unit and will begin our science fair research during the second quarter. We will be taking a trip to the library in November.
Week of October 24
7th grade should have spent part of the weekend working on your science fair project. Topic selection is due on Tuesday Oct 25. Science 6 is beginning to discuss forces and gravity, A small physical science test will be given this week. Communications 8 will be preparing visual aid speeches and working on creating good speech introductions and conclusions. Science 8 is concluding a new unit designed to develop engineering and science inquiry skills.
October 15
Calvin Christian School Celebrates its 50th Anniversary. We are thankful for God's faithfulness. We have been blessed by the ministry of Calvin Christian School. Open Houses will take place at each campus on Saturday afternoon, 10/15 followed by dinner and a worship service at Calvary Christian Reformed Church.
Week of October 10
We had a wonderful experience in God's creation during our trip to Luther Crest. We were attending camp during peak the fall color days. I am thankful for the opportunity to get to know students in such a fun, relaxing environment. Students attended nine ecology classes. We visited the camp's prairie, marsh/pond, woods and even had a chance to look at the stars and had evening worship at a nightly campfire. I am continually amazed by the intricate design found in creation. His fingerprints are clear and I am glad to be part of His plan.
Week of September 26, 2011
We eagerly wait for the emergence of our monarchs. They should emerge late in the week. The Bike Marathon
will take place this weekend(October 1). Work hard to get pledges. All money collected will support our trips, sports equipment, computers etc. at our school. I would like 100% participation! You can do it.
W eek of September 19, 2011
Half of our Monarchs are now in a chrysalis. Science 6 is learning to makequantitative and qualitative observations. In Earth Sciecne we will be p.racticing the scientific method using warblettes. Communications is learning to share and write about personal experiences. In Language Arts, 7b is learning the art of journaling and reflecting on journal entries.
Week of September 12, 2011
We are raising Monarch butterflies. All Monarchs have hatched from eggs and are now eating Milkweed and growing exponentially. We are learning to be good observersers and caretakers of God's creation.
Earth Science:
Due Tuesday 9/13: Bring a list of five earth science professions and description of the work they do.
7th Grade Earth Science: Due Friday 9/16 "I am a Scientist"Poster
8th Grade Earth Science:: Due Friday 9/16 Earth Science Professions Project
Language Arts: Spelling tests will take place every other week on Friday. We will be working on a journaling Unit this month. Bag Project is due this week. Mystery/Science Fiction novel book should be chosen by 9/13
8th grade Communications: Due Wed. 9/14 Write a half page descripton of yourself.
Week of September 5, 2011
Welcome to the 2011-12 academic year. This year we will be studying Earth Science in 7th and 8th grade. 6th grade will be using a new physical science curriculum.
Week of February 14, 2011
This will be my last blog entry. We are now posting on the new academic site. www.edline.net. You will need a code to enter the site. The new site will have a calendar and you will be able to access your grades on line. Bear with us as we learn this system. This is a new process for us as well. Blessings, Mrs. S. Koppendrayer
Week of February 7, 2011
It is my birthday on Wednesday, February 9. If you read my blog this week, I will give you a treat. To get the treat you must be able to answer the following question: What is my favorite candy? good and plenty(I love black licorice:)
Life Science: test on heredity and genetics on Friday.
8th grade heredity projects are due on Tuesday.
6th grade immune system test on Friday. We will begin our new unit on energy on Monday! Start bringing in your appliances.
Spelling unit 4-6 review pages 72-77.
Communications: writing a memorized speech. topic birthday memories or things that make a birthday special.
Week of January 31, 2011
This Friday afternoon 6th grade will have their annual day of skiing at Highland. 8th grade will go cross country skiing at Highland and 7th grade will go bowling.
Science 6: topic of the week: the immune system. We will be sharing our stories concerning our own immune system, we will watch a health video about blood borne pathogens and end the week with the movie Osmosis Jones. The movie depicts our body as a city and our blood vessels as a highway within our body. Osmosis Jones is a white blood cell who functions as a policeman chasing pathogens and working to keep our body healthy.
Science 7: We are studying genetics and the relationship between our DNA and our inherited traits. Regional science fair students need to turn in paper work by Wednesday this week.
Science 8: A science in the news is due this week Thursday. We are also creating sketches of faces using recessive and dominant traits. The results of this lab will be displayed in the hall.
6th grade Spelling will have unit 6 tests next week. 6A will have unit 6 spelling test on Monday, February 7 and 6B will have the unit 6 test on Wednesday, February 9.
Communications will begin a memorized speech on Wednesday, February 9. The topic will be the 6 things that make a birthday special or 6 things you like to do on your birthday.
Week of January 25, 2011
The science fair is complete and students did exceptionally well. The projects will be in the lobby of the elementary school until Thursday of this week. Please stop by to see their interesting research. Paper work for the regional science fair is due next Friday, February 4. The regional science fair takes place on February 25-26 at the University of MN.
Life Science topics include genetics, heredity and the uniqueness of our DNA, We were in awe as we discussed the intricate detail God placed in our cells and the alleles that came together from each of our parents. Our genetic makeup is a remarkable intricate glimpse into the intricate plan of God's image bearers.
Science 6 is studying the immune system. This amazing system keeps us healthy and allows us to function in a world filled with bacteria and viruses. Without our immune system we could not serve our God as we do. We are thankful for the gift of our immune system.
Week of January 10, 2011
An eagle visited our campus late last week.. Students observed "brown stuff floating from the trees." When looking up students saw a bald eagle by the tree in front of the middle school. "It's eating a crow!" some said. "No that's fir floating down from the tree." "It must be a squirrel." It was actually a rabbit. Wild kingdom in Edina. An eagle visiting the home of the eagles.
Week of January 3, 2011
Welcome back and Happy New Year! This week you will have the opportunity to meet our new student teacher Miss Koppendrayer! She is a Dordt College student and my niece. She will be working with Miss Punt and will be observing and teaching some of her classes. I know you will enjoy meeting her.
Science 6: Life in a Jar. We will be finishing our microscopic water organism labs. A creative story about life as a water organism will be due on Friday. A rubric will be given to you on Monday 1/3.
Science 7: The science fair is in just a few weeks. The project is due on Tuesday, January 18. Thursday will be our last log book checkin. Please make every effort to turn in your best work. A sketch of your tri-fold board is also do on Thursday.
Science 8: Cells in Action test on Friday, January 7. Review guide will be distributed on Tuesday 1/4. Vocabulary word definitions are due on Wednesday 1/5. Review guide is due on Thursday but will be collected on Friday.
Communications: Extemporaneous speeches will be completed on Wednesday 1/5. We will begin learning about debates this week.
Spelling: Unit 4 tests this week. Next week homework will include pages 61-63.
Week of December 13
It's the last week before the Christmas Break.
Science Fair Students: On Thursday, December 16, 7th grade students need to work to turn in all language arts science fair project writing so that Mrs. Pickard has enough time to edit and grade your work. Science Fair project are due on Tuesday, January 18. Extra credit will be given to anyone who turns in their project early. Your fourth log book checkin and a layout of your trifold board is due on Thursday, January 6. A written copy of your oral presentation is due on Thursday, January 13. The science fair will take place on Thursday, January 20 from 9-1pm.
8th grade students: we are learning about mitosis. Cell division is intricate and involved. This week we will watch parts of movie describing God's design.
Science 6 students are finishing their unit on living organisms. This week we will be reading about microscopic water organisms. Reminder: your soil booklet(worked on in class) will be graded during the Christmas break. It is worth 100 points (a test grade). A grading rubric was distributed last week. If you need an additional copy of the grading rubric, ask Mrs. K.
Week of December 6
Science 6: We are learning about Minnesota forest ecosystems and the impact of worms on our forests. Will be completing our plant experiments and working on soil booklets.
Science 7: Continue to make science fair observations. Remember to list quantitative and qualitative data. You will need to graph your results.
Science 8: we are learning about mitosis.We are discussing the evidence of God's design in the intricate design of our cells. We will be watching a brief segment of the video Unlocking the Mystery of Life. "You look at the incredible complexity of life and inevitably the question arises-what brought all of this into existence?" Michael Behe, biochemist
Communications: Extemporaneous speech. 2-5 minutes. Topic: what is the true meaning of Christmas? Include a family tradition,memory, a Bible verse and a description of the true meaning of Christmas.
Speech Schedule: Boys will present on Monday, December 13**all the boys will present on Wednesday, December 8 (if you do not go to "Samaritan's Purse"**
Boy's speaking order: Joseph, Walker, Anders, Matthew, Ezra
Girls speaking order: Allison, Sarah H., Greta, Taylor, Sarah P., Emilie, Joy, Elizabeth
Week of November 29
Science 6 is learning about the Plant Kingdom. Class Labs include Which soil is best and Comparing Minnesota trees and wood.
Science 7: Students should be diligently working on science fair projects. All should be testing and recording results in log book. The next log book check-in is on Thursday(12/2). 20 entries are due.
Science 8: Cell labs are almost complete. This week we will begin learning about mitosis and meiosis.
Week of November 22
This will be a short week. A full day on Monday and a half day on Tuesday. Conferences on Monday and Tuesday. .
Week of November 16
In life science we are studying the cell. This week Thursday we will have a test on the cell organelles, their function and differences between plant and animal cells. In Science 6 we are conducting a controlled experiment to compare soil from CCS Edina and CCS Blaine.
Week of November 8
We planted our school journey north tulip garden by the CCS sign at the front of the building on Inglewood. The middle school students are participating in the journey north experiment. They had each elementary student plant a tulip bulb. We will watch for the arrival of spring. We will document and report what we see to the Journey North website.
Week of October 25
The tulips arrived this week! You will have the change to develop an experiment that answers one of your "I wonder ..."questions concerning the things that affect tulips. We will be creating a tulip test garden. I look forward to all that we will discover together.
Science 6: This week,Thursday October 28 students will have a test on unit 3, lessons 1 and 2. Pages 82-94. Review guides(goldenrod worksheet) were given on Monday, October 25. The review guides are due Wednesday, October 27. The review guides will be collected on Thursday, October 28 just before the test begins.
Science 7: Students should be working on their science fair experiment. Science Fair Log book check in on Tuesday, October 26. If parents still need science fair parent handbooks please contact Mrs. Koppendrayerz
Science 8: In life science we are learning about cells. This week we will be doing a surface to volume ration lab using potatoes, we will be comparing plant and animal cells and learning about the complexity God placed inside each cell. God is truly amazing.
Spelling 6: the spelling schedule has changed. 6A no longer meets on Monday. They now meet each Tuesday afternoon. 6B will continue to meet on Wednesdays. Each class is studying words and definitions in Unit 3. 6A: has unit 3 workbook pages 35-39 due Tuesday, November 2. 6B has a unit 3 quiz and definitions of those words due on Wednesday October 27.
Communications: Demonstration speeches are due on Wednesday, October 27. Joseph, Ezra, Greta, Elizabeth and Emily will be presenting on Wednesday, October 27.
Week of October 18
We have a shorter week.
7th grade students need to begin their experiment. A detailed explanation needs to be included in their science fair log book. Log books are due on Tuesday, October 26.
Communications is beginning demonstration speeches. Guidelines and explanations will be given in class this week. Speeches will be due on Wednesday, October 27.
6th grade spelling students are working on unit 3 vocabulary words and unit 3 vocabulary definitions.
8th grade science is learning about cells. The surface to volume ratio is used by scientists to describe the importance of cell size.
6th grade science is learning about scientific taxonomy and the varieties of species that God created.
Week of October 11
We had an amazing week at Luther Crest. The weather was incredible. We enjoyed learning about God's creation as we studied animals and plants in the forest, prairie and pond.
Week of October 4
6th will attend Luther Crest Environment Camp and 7th grade will be attending Eagle Bluff's high ropes course camp.
Week of September 27.
Over the weekend monarchs 30,15,37,17,24,29,12,32,10,33,7,8,21, and 9 emerged and were placed in the glass tanks. We released both tanks of butterflies. 21 monarchs are now headed to Mexico. It looks like they will have perfect flying conditions. We wish you well and will pray for your safe arrival!
On Monday, #34 and #19 emerged. We released them on Tuesday. They eagerly flew away. They have a great week of warm fall weather ahead. On Tuesday #26,#20 and #16 came out of their chrysalis. They will be released on Wednesday. We are still waiting to see #5, #35, #17 and #36.
Science 6: we are learning to use the microscope and are repeating an experiment done by scientist Van Levenhoek.
Science 7: we are learning about designing an experiment. Science fair dates were distributed. Science Fair log books are due on Wednesday.
Life Science: We are creating monarch journals and designing experiments using warbelettes.
Communications: We are working on voice control, expression and readers theater. Students are writing their own 2 part speeches to share in class.
Spelling: unit 2 spelling for the week after our environmental camp.
School photos on Wednesday.
Luther Crest environment camp for 6th grade from Monday -Wednesday.
Eagle Bluff camp for 7th grade from Monday to Wednesday.
Week of September 20
9/20 We eagerly await the arrival of our monarch butterflies. They should emerge any day.
9/22: 6 monarchs have emerged from the chrysalis! Welcome Farmer, #1, #4, 13, 28 and 31! We have been waiting for your transformation. Farmer, #1, and 31 emerged before school. 13 came out of its chrysalis 5 minutes before homeroom. It's wings were dragging on the ground. Thanks to Ezra, Britta, Jacob K and Joy for holding the monarch so that its wings could dry. #28 emerged during first hour and 4 arrived during 4th hour.
Graphing data
Farmer created a chrysalis on September 9 and emerged on September 22.
#1: Created a chrysalis on September 9 and emerged on 9/22
#4: chrysalis on 9/10 and emerged on 9/22
#13: chrysalis on 9/10 emerged on 9/22
#28: chrysalis on 9/10, emerged on 9/22
#31: chrysalis on 9/9 emerged on 9/22
Monarchs #25(male) emerged on 9/23
Monarch 2, 14, 22 and 3 also emerged on 9/23. We had one fatality. One monarch came out of its chrysalis 3:30pm on Thursday. It fell from its chrysalis. Its legs could not support its body. It was unable to extend its wings. It fought hard to stay alive. The instinct and desire is strong and compelling. Dexter, Jacob, Cameron, and Harrison all worked with me to give the monarch a fighting chance. Even Stuart fed it honey water on Friday morning. It is still hanging on but will probably not make it.
On Friday. Monarch 6 emerged and quickly joined her friends in the glass cage. Number 27 emerged during homeroom. It also fell from its chrysalis but was able to climb back up. It could not get a proper grip on the lid so we opened the container. I put my finger in and the monarch began to climb and climb it was not satisfied with my finger so we gave the monarch a lid with an old chrysalis hanging from it. It clung to the lid, JJ held the lid steady. JJ patiently watched and held the monarch on its lid for at least 45 minutes. JJ you saved number 27. Thank you for caring enough to let the monarch drip all over you!
Stay tuned. We have 19 more to go.
Science 6 finished the rainbow lab and will begin learning about microscopes.
Science 7: willl receive science fair information this week.
Science 8 will be responsible for the monarchs and will begin designing experiments using warbelettes
Communications is making podcasts of their children's books.
Spelling is completing unit 1 and will have a unit 1 test this week
Week of September 13
Most of our monarchs are in the chrysalis stage. They should emerge later this week. We look forward to their arrival.. God's intricate design is incredible. It's amazing to think that these monarchs will glide down to Mexico!
Science 6 is learning about science apparatus and metric measurement.
Life science is discovering the meaning of the word bioindicator. We are learning the reasons that field biologists study small things like frogs and toads.
6B spelling had their class for the first time today. They meet on Monday. 6Breceived orange spelling workbooks. pages 21-25 are due on Monday for 6B and Wednesday for 6A.
Communications is learning about elocution. They are using children's books to work on voice inflection, voice control, pronunciation and voice speed.
Week of September 6
Labor Day: No school on Monday.
Our monarchs are very hungry. Many eat one milkweed leaf each week. We have been observing and journaling about the growth of our larva. Our questions include: Is the monarch a male or female? How long will it take for the monarch larva to turn into a beautiful butterfly? I wonder if monarchs will eat more than just milkweed? Why do monarchs twitch their head up and down? Which end is the front and which end is the back?
Week of August 30, 2010
Tuesday, August 31. It's the first day of school. We began our day with the 6th grade clap-in. We then brought the middle school outside for a time of sharing and prayer. Small groups of middle school students sat around the middle school building and prayed about our new building, our new year and our school community. What a great way to start our year together! We organized our binders, supplies and met for 10 minutes in each of our classes.
We have 42 monarch larva that are now living in petri dishes. We will move all larva that are larger than 2cm to a plastic container. Our monarchs eat only milkweed. Students are encouraged to bring in milkweed to feed our very hungry monarch caterpillars.We look forward to seeing them grow and eventually grow into butterflies.
August 2010
Thank you to all the families and friends of Calvin Christian School. Thank you for assisting with packing and moving. We could not have done it without you. From painting, cleaning, packing, unpacking, sorting, moving, encouraging, praying...you were there. We are deeply thankful for your willingness to create a wonderful environment for the children of CCS.
Week of June 7, 2010
Summer Break has officially begun! I will see you in August:)
Congratulations to our 8th grade graduates. You will be missed. I will continue to pray for you as you continue your educational journey. Please keep in touch and stop by. I would love to see you again.
Mrs. Koppendrayer's summer plans
I will be working with my family on our organic farm.
I will be taking 2 graduate classes at the University of MInnesota. I will be learning about inquiry based science and ecology.
I will be checking my email once a week. Feel free to contact me. I would love to hear from you.
Blessing in Christ,
Mrs. Koppendrayer
Week of June 1, 2010
It is the last week of school
Ecology class
We will eat and serve our salad this week! The lettuce looks wonderful. Congratulations Ecology class farmers. Job well done.
8th grade students: I have enjoyed teaching you and will miss seeing you. Please stop by to say hi. I would love to see you. Blessings as you leave Calvin and make you impact on the world!
Science 6
Final quiz of the year was distributed and will be due by Friday. You may use your textbook and lab folder to help with your answers.
Science 7
We will be working on scale models of the solar system.
Week of May 24, 2010
Ecology Class
Tuesday and Thursday we will be going to Minnehaha Creek. Tuesday we found a carnivore skeleton buried in the sand of the creek.
Earth Science
Do meteors hit the Earth? Can we predict if a meteorite may hit the Earth? This week we are going to discover the answer to these questions.
Science 6
What is Density? What is mass? What is volume? Our labs this week will help us learn the differences between these concepts.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Earth Science Finals
Science 8: Monday
Science 7: Friday
Science 6: No Science Final
8th grade going to Chicago this week
Week of May 17, 2010
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Monday, 8th grade will spend the morning on a Spanish field trip. They will have the opportunity to speak Spanish to market owners in Minneapolis.
Tuesday morning all middle school students will attend the Calvin Christian High School production of "Flowers for Algernon."
Wednesday morning: Student Council will be collecting clothes for the CCS Thrift store.
Science 6
We are in our 5th day of the matter unit. We will be spending this week learning about the properties of water and density.
Science 7 Final: Friday, May 28
Science 8:
The final for 8th grade will be Monday, May 24. Study guides should be finished by Friday but are due on Monday at the start of the final.
Week of May 10, 2010
SCIENCE 6
We will begin our two week Matter Unit. The Adopt-an-Element Poster is due on Friday.
EARTH SCIENCE
This week we will work with our lab groups to discover how many of craters are formed on the moon.
We are trying to answer the question: How can you know if objects in space will collide? and What factors might impact the size and shape of craters?
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Music Concert this Thursday, 7pm at Calvary Church sanctuary
Field Day this Friday!
Final Schedule: Science 8 Final: Monday, May 24
Science 7 Final: Friday, May 28
Science 6: Cumulative Test given in class on Wednesday,June 2
Week of May 3, 2010
SCIENCE 6
Electricity Unit test on Friday. The Mars Rovers are finished and will be on display in the science classroom through May 17.
EARTH SCIENCE
We are beginning our Astronomy Unit. This week we will watch the Indescribable Tour video. Leo Gigleo talks about the majesty of God as we look at the stars, plant and universe.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Alice and Wonderland will be performed this week on Thursday. There will be 2 performances: Thursday, 7pm in the sanctuary of Calvary Church(Middle School Building) and 9:30am in the sanctuary of Calvary Church(Middle School Building)
Week of April 26, 2010
EARTH SCIENCE
Unit 10: Weathering and Erosion test on Friday
Review sheets(purple) were distributed on Monday and are turned in at the start of class on Friday. All soil lab notes and worksheets are due by lunch on Tuesday. All finished lab sheets are to be put in lab folder and will be graded on Tuesday afternoon.
Week of April 19, 2010
EARTH DAY 2010
Task: Write an essay using the 30 Earth Day word search words. Vocabulary words are underlined.
As Christians we should preserve the earth. God made the world, the wetlands, the rainforests, the oceans, the plants, and the animals. Some of the animals habitats that God created are not clean because of landfill and litter. ~Jackie and Andra, 8th grade
"We should care about the earth because God created the animals, plants, oceans, wetlands, air,oxygen and all the water in th e ecosystem. In the world there are many ways to keep the world clean. We can reuse and recycle resources and preserve the ozone layer and rainforest. The conservation of our world will help God's creation from going extinct. ~Joy, Brooke and Jasmine, 7th grade
"Earth day is the day to take a day and admire the world God has given us. Ways that we can be stewards are caring about how we use materials by reducing, reusing and recycling. We need to clean the environment every day and never litter. We also need to save energy so we don't have air pollution and break the ozone layer letting our habitat be destroyerd and losing oxygen. We need to reduce what we put in our landfill and preserve nature. ~ Written by Anna, Luke and Dexter, 6th grade
"We need to care about God's world. We need to conserve water in the world and save the Earth. People need to care about the ecosystem and the plants and animals in them." ~Written by Mya, Camryn, Jeremy and Will, 6th grade
" On Earth Day, we should preserve our resources, animals, oceans .water, plants and habitats. We can do this by conserving energy, reusing and recycling. We should not pollute the world and we can also volunteer to clean and care for our wetland, rainforest, ecosystem and the soil. With the help of people, we can prevent some extinctions by not littering and throwing garbage in landfill and not polluting the air. ~Travis, Caleb H. and Caleb K., 6th grade
The tulips are blooming. They are a welcome sight in the parking lot by door 4.
Happy Earth Day! Thursday, April 22 is Earth day. We will take time to thank God for all he gave us and ask him to guide us as we care for his creation.
ECOLOGY CLASS: The 6 raised beds are made. Thanks to the help of Gerb Korthuis. The ecology class will drill drain holes and take the raised garden beds to the parking lot. Soil will be added this week and our seedlings will be replanted into the garden beds.
EARTH SCIENCE
The soil lab and lab report will be finished this week. We discovered that there is a difference between soil. We also discovered that soil is composed of sand, silt and clay. Healthy soil has something called "humus." It is decomposed animal and plant matter.
SCIENCE 6
We have finished dissecting appliances and will begin constructing our Mars rovers.
Week of April 12, 2010
The tulip leaves are now visible and are 2 inches above the ground. We do not see any red flower buds yet. The weather is amazing and spring is a welcome change.
ECOLOGY CLASS: The seedlings are doing well. We have repotted bean seedlings. We thinned the carrots and will need to thin the parsley. We will be making the boxes this week.
EARTH SCIENCE: What is dirt? We are looking at the components of healthy soil. We will be dissecting and learning about the components of good soil.
SCIENCE 6: We will begin electricity labs and continue dissecting our appliances.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Choral Festival is this Friday from 3 to 7pm at Calvary Christian Reformed Church.
Week of April 6, 2010
Most of the Red Emperor tulips we planted in November have begun to poke their leaves out of the ground. It is amazing how resilient God's creation is. Something we planted in the fall emerges with life in the spring.
ECOLOGY CLASS: We planted seedlings last week Wednesday and this week they are starting to germinate. We will be building raised beds during the next two weeks.
EARTH SCIENCE: Unit 4: Topic: The impact Chemical and Mechanical weathering on Soil Formation. We watched a history channel movie called "Black Blizzard." We watched actual footage of the "Great Dust Bowl."
SCIENCE 6: Unit 5: Electricity. Appliance dissection has begun. We will learn about series circuits and switches.
Week of March 29, 2010
Welcome back. I hope you had a restful week.
ECOLOGY CLASS: begins this week. What is ecology? Students will find out this week.
EARTH SCIENCE: Unit 4 Reshaping the Land
SCIENCE 6: Unit 5: Investigating Electricity
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Good Friday this week. No school on Friday. The tulips emerged over spring break. Spring has arrived in Minnesota! Use your phenology observation skills to observe other signs of spring.
Week of March 22, 2010
It is Spring Break for the Calvin Christian School system. Enjoy time with your family.
***If you will be missing school next week, the following science assignments are due when you return.***
Earth Science: Unit 4
A new unit will begin next week. Unit 4: Reshaping the Land. We will begin with chapter 10 (pages 244-265). Your Homework: Read chapter 10 and answer questions1-3 on page 251, questions 1-3 on page 254. questions 1-3 on page 258 and questions 1-4 on page 261. Key concepts: mechanical and chemical weathering, explain how the composition of rock and the surface area of rock impact the rate of weathering, define soil and explain the importance of healthy soil to life on Earth.
Science 6: Unit 5
We will be starting Unit 5: Electricity. Key concepts will include knowing the difference between static electricity and electric current, We will do the lab "How can one object have different charges?" on page 179. Your homework: read lesson 1, pages 173-180. Answer questions 1-5 on page 180. Read lesson 3 pages 185-193. Answer questions 1-6 on page 193. We will do the lab "What are different circuits like?" on page 190 and "How does a switch work?" on page 192
Week of March 15, 2010
It's hard to believe that we have only one more week of the quarter and one more week until spring break. I will be giving you quarter grade updates before spring break.
EARTH SCIENCE
We are studying volcanoes and their impact on the Earth. We will also discuss the important minerals and benefits to farmland after a volcanic eruption. God often replenishes the minerals we need on Earth through lava deposits. We will be spending one class period in the computer lab. We will be researching historic volcanoes and creating a volcano resume.
SCIENCE 6
We will be watching the NASA movie: fueled for flight. The movie talks about the importance of fuel for the shuttle and fuel for its astronauts. We will be doing a lab that will help you measure the calories in food.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: This week we will be visited by a MNSAA committee. They will be visiting all of Calvin's campuses. Their job is to help us to make Calvin the best school that it can be. Please say hi to our visitors when you see them in the hall.
Week of March 8, 2010
Earth Science
We are studying volcanoes. This week we are learning about the Hawaiian islands. We are trying to determine where the next Hawaiian volcano will erupt.
Science 6
This week we are completing 4 labs: thermal energy, kinetic energy, solar energy and the energy of motion. Later in the week we will be comparing the space shuttle to the energy needed to give our bodies energy. We will be using the "fueled for flight" curriculum. Next week we will be learning how to design an experiment to measure a calorie.
Announcements
Thank you to PTF for a great breakfast and awesome Starbucks Coffee! It was a great start to my week.
Thank you to Mrs. Larson. The Indian food was delicious. Thank you:)
Thank you to PTF for great personalized treats. I shared my popcorn with my homeroom. It was a treat! Thank you for your displays of appreciation.
Week of March 1, 2010
Earth Science
Earthquake unit will end this week. The end of the unit questions (pages 26-127)are due on Thursday will be counted as a test grade. Work hard to give thorough answers for all questions. On Wednesday and Thursday we will begin studying volcanoes!
Science 6:
We are halfway through the energy unit. Next week students will be have a test on energy. Wanted: old small electric appliances for our electricity unit.
Science Fair: Autumn Boxum, Emilie Nordhues and Matthew Reed will be representing Calvin at the state of Minnesota Science Fair.Congratulations!
Announcements
No school on Friday. Teacher in-service on Friday.
Week of February 22, 2010
Earth Science
We are building earthquake proof buildings this week.
Science 6:
We are studying energy. A Calvin Christian High School student, Dani Nelson, will present her independent project on nuclear power to the sixth grade students on Thursday.
Middle School Announcements
Student led conferences begin on Thursday.
8th grade students will be down hill skiing all day Friday.
7th grade students are going bowling on Friday afternoon.
6th grade students will be cross country skiing on Friday afternoon.
Week of February 15, 2010
EARTH SCIENCE
We watched the movie, NOVA: "The day the Earth Shook." It compares 2 similar magnitude earthquakes in California and Japan
SCIENCE 6
We began our unit on energy. Wanted: broken, small electrical/battery operated appliances
MIDDLE SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Congratulations to our Twin Cities Regional Science Fair participants. Emily N., Matthew R, Sarah P, Elizabeth H., Autumn. B, Jacob K and Wyatt H. all received blue ribbons. Emilie N. and Matthew R. were selected to participate in the State of Minnesota science fair. Autumn B. was selected as an alternate to state. The state of Minnesota science and engineering fair will take place Friday March 26- Sunday March 28 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Saint Paul.
Week of February 8, 2010
Earth Science:
Measuring earthquakes using s and p waves
Science 6
Immune system test this Thursday. No class on Friday. You will be attending the Calvin winter Olympics. Have fun!
Middle School Announcements.
Tuesday, Mrs. K's birthday
Friday morning: Middle School breakfast. Cooked by your parents and teachers.
Friday and Saturday: Twin Cities Regional Science Fair
Friday: School Olympics, Friday afternoon
Week of February 1, 2010
EARTH SCIENCE
In Earth science we will begin talking about convergent, divergent and transform boundaries, earthquakes and volcanoes. 8th grade will have a test on chapter 7: plate tectonics. A pink review sheet is due on Friday at the start of the test.
7th grade will turn in an essay proving or disproving the theory of Pangea (all continents were originally one).
SCIENCE 6
In Science 6 we are studying the immune system. We are watching Osmosis Jones. He works with the body;s immune system to fight pathogens that enter Frank's body. We will also learn about blood borne pathogens. Our lab this week is "Its an Invasion." How many pathogens can we collect in the middle school?
MIDDLE SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
It's spirit week. Monday is sports day, Tuesday is PJ day. Wednesday is wacky tacky day.
Feed your pigs. Bring in for its weekly weighing. The homeroom with the heaviest pigs will win a class party! Go 7B, Go! As of Wednesday, Sophia and Sara P brought in their pigs. Good work girls! My challenge for 7B: I will bake cookies for you if we have 100% participation. We currently have 14% participation. Only 86% to go.
SCIENCE FAIR
The Twin Cities Regional Science Fair is next Friday, Location: Field House University of Minnesota. February 12 and Saturday February 13. We will leave at 1pm. Parent chaperones are needed to help with transportation and set-up. Judging starts at 4pm.
Week of January 25, 2010
In Earth science we will learn about plate tectonics and earthquakes during our mock 23rd annual consortium of earth scientists. All 7th and 8th grade students will be earth scientists. They will acquire evidence to prove or disprove the movement of tectonic plates. Was Alfred Wegener right? How do scientists know what is inside the aesthenosphere? How do scientists determine the movement of tectonic plates?What causes earthquakes like the one experienced in Haiti?
Science 6 is learning about the immune system. This week we will do "It;s an invasion" lab. Are there pathogens in Calvin Christian Middle School?
Week of January 18, 2010
Regional Science Fair registrations are due this week. Meet with Mrs. K to do on-line registration.
Earth Science will discuss the Haiti earthquake, tectonic plates and measuring earthquake magnitude.
Science 6 begins a short unit on the immune system and the ways the body protects itself from pathogen attacks. Our bodies are "fearfully and wonderfully made!" PTL
We finished watching Faith Like Potatoes move. The true story of Angus Buchan. Answers to reflection questions are due this week. I will also check your movie notes.
Week of January 11, 2010
Welcome to South Africa! This week in we will go on a safari, visit a diamond mine and see the movie Faith like Potatoes. Each science class will meet at least once this week. Watch the daily concentrated studies schedule for changes or updates. Safari travel brochures are due on Friday January 15.
Week of January 4, 2010
Congratulations to 6th grade students Annika N., Denae S. and Jessie O. Your presentation at the Insect Fair won the "Outstanding Display" award. The project was based on research conducted by the 6th grade science classes on goldenrod galls. Expressions cafe worked to create the poster, model and powerpoint that was presented at the insect fair. A special thank you to Mrs. Amen , the expressions cafe students and the science 6 students.
Science 8 and 7: Earth Science topics include: layers of the Earth, plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes
This week we are studying earth's layers, plate tectonics and the rock cycle
Science 6: In December we finished the plant kingdom. We are studying the animal kingdom: We will focus on birds, insects and reptiles. This week we are studying vertebrate animals. We will be studying ectothersm like fish and endotherms like birds.
Regional Science Fair: February 12 and 13.
Week of December 21
Christmas Break we will return on January 4. May you have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Week of December 14, 2009
3 6th grade students were taken to the insect fair at the University of MN. They presented 6th grade research on the goldenrod gall fly.8t 8th grade test in Science on Tuesday. Review sheets are due on Tuesday before the test.
No test for 6th grade this week.
7th grade students are presenting their science fair projects in class this week.
Week of December 7, 2009
Science fair this week. Projects will be judged on Thursday from 9:30-12:30pm.
Science 8 will have a test on chapters 4 and 5 on Friday.
Science 6 is studying kingdom plantae this week.
CCMS choir and band performed at the IDS tower on Tuesday.
Week of November 23, 2009
Conferences are on Monday and Tuesday. No school on Wednesday. 6th grade challenge students are participating in the insect fair at the University of MN on December 12, 2009.
Week of November 16, 2009
Conferences begin on Thursday. All middle school students participated in journey north tulip watch. Each student planted a tulip and will report to the journey north website when they emerge in the spring.
Earth Science: comparing minerals and rocks. 8th grade is doing a mighty minerals poster. Due date: Friday, November 20
Science Fair: judges needed. Science fair project papers are due before Thanksgiving break.
Science 6: We began unit 3. This week we will discuss the characteristics of all living things and the diversity God placed in creation. Is the discovery of new species a rare occurrance? Believe it or not people are still finding new species on Earth! God is amazing.
Week Of November 9, 2009
Earth Science: Chapter 3: study of minerals, 6 labs for the next 2 weeks: Fools Gold: Density of irrigular objects, Density blocks: using D=m/v , mineral test kit, making mineral shapes, growing a mineral garden and describing minerals using the Mohs hardness scale.
Science Fair: students should be working on experiments each weekend. Begin collecting supplies needed for the science fair display board. Contact me if you have any questions. I will check my email once each weekend.
Science 6: studying galls, finding the 5 kingdoms in a pond water jar, introduction to binomial nomenclature.
Students from Mrs. Amen's 6th grade Monday morning class have been asked to attend the insect fair on Saturday, December 12 at t he University of MN. Entrance is free because of a grant available to teachers who attended a school yard ecology class at the University of MN. I attended the class this summer.
Week Of November 2, 2009
I had a great experience at the science teacher's conference. It took place at the Convention Center on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I have new things to teach and share with you. I am thankful that you had a great time with Mr. Stone. We are blessed to have him at CCS!
It is the first week of the second quarter. Students are reminded to check with teachers and turn in all missing assignments. All grades for first quarter will be due on Thursday, November 5.
Week of October 26, 2009
I will be attending the National Science Teacher Association Conference on Thursday and Friday.
8th grade finished the weather unit. This week they will begin unit 2, lesson 1: minerals. Due on Friday is Science in the News. Requirements can be found in the green science in the news handout. See homework page for additional assignments.
7th grade is designing a seed experiment. They are practicing writing hypotheses, and monitoring dependent and independent variables. Science fair research note cards and bibliography are due on Friday. This week they will begin a unit on minerals. Students are encouraged to bring in minerals to show the class.
6th grade is studying microscopic animals, plants, monera, protists and fungi. A microscope quiz will be given on Thursday. The quiz will include parts of a microscope, purpose of microscope parts and rules for using the microscope. On Friday a microscopic pond water story is due. Information for the story can be found in the microscope packet. This small essay was assigned last week.
Week of October 19, 2009
8th grade will have a weather test this Friday. All 8th grade students have been keeping a cloud journal. For seven days in a row, students must look at the clouds in the sky. Using the cloud dichotomous key they are to identify the cloud, describe the weather and temperature.
7th grade students should be working on their science fair project. Due on Wednesday is a 100 word description of all that has been done on the science fair experiment. Due Friday is the typed research plan 1A. Due Friday is 10 log book entries. Each entry should be at least 1/4 of a page. Last week we finished the paper towel lab and lab report. This week we will be designing a seed experiment.
6th grade students will be learning how to use the microscope. Together we will look at pond water samples collected from Luther Crest Environmental Camp.
Week of October 12, 2009
The 7th grade class went to Simpson homeless shelter to make sandwiches for the residents and get a tour of their facility.
All the monarchs were released last week during what turned out to be the driest, warmest day of the week. I'm glad we did not wait unitl this week. We hope they are enjoying their flight to Mexico! Wouldn't it be nice to go with them.
For 8th grade: Science in the news article reviews are due on Wednesday. The purpose of this activity is to expose students to non fiction scientific writing. Most newspapers and magazines have articles that involve an observation or discovery related to science. Extra credit will be given for those who present their summary in class. Students in 8th grade will be asked to observe the sky/clouds once each day. They will attempt to determine the type of clouds they are seeing and the weather/temperature at the time. The purpose of this activity is to see the reationship between temperature, precipitation and clouds.
For 7th grade: a written description of the procedures for their science fair experiment is due this week. Students should take the extra days off to do research and try their experiment.
For 6th grade science: Science tests were graded and put in mailboxes Monday morning before school. Pond water ecosystem observations: Pond in a Jar. The pond water came from Luther Crest environmental camp. The purpose of this lab is to identify all 5 kingdoms found in one jar of pond water. In addition, we will be looking at pond water under a microscope this week. Microscope and scientific drawing skills will be taught over the next two weeks.
Week of October 5, 2009
Science in the News packets were given to all 8th grade students on Thursday. The first science in the news is due on Wednesday, October 14.
Science 6 will take a test on Friday
Science 7: students need to write up science fair procedures for Monday. During the MEA break, Thur. Oct. 15 - Fri. Oct. 16, 7th graders are encouraged to try out their experiment, make observations, write down their procedures and make changes before they actually start the controlled experiment.
Monarch # 2 finally made its appearance at 8:40am Wednesday morning. We released the monarchs on Monday but rain and colder weather prevented 4 of them from flying away. We found them shivering in the rain and on the plants where we left them 3 hours earlier in the day. I put them back in the cage and will try letting them go again during lunch recess. The male monarch escaped its cage at 10:20am today. We observed that it is attracted to light. We turned off the lights and it flew to the window, got stuck in a spider web. This allowed us to bring the male monarch back to the safety of its cage. He is certainly eager to fly to Mexico!
6 monarchs emerged this Sunday morning. A special thanks to Ken Hedwell (building supervisor), Lydia M., Rebecca D and 2 other friends for moving the monarchs from their mason jars to the butterfly cage. We now have one male among many females. I need to look at the weather forecast to see if they should be release on Monday.
Science 6 will be learning how to use our microscopes and will be studying the pond water we brought back from our environmental camp. A unit 1 test will be given on Friday. Unit 1 review sheets were given to all students on Monday.
Earth Science (8th grade only): We are studying weather and looking at weather trends in Minnesota.We will be making weather instruments and doing weather related labs. A severe weather story is due on Tuesday.
Science Fair(7th grade only): Science Fair project topics are due on Friday. Please call or email me if you are having difficulty choosing a topic. Students are designing experiments that include testing one variable and writing anull hypothesis.
Week of September 28, 2009
The monarchs have not emerged. We eagerly await their arrival as butterflies.
Monarch #9 emerged Monday morning #15 emerged by 3pm. They were females. They were placed in a larger container and were released at 12:45pm on Tuesday.
6th grade students are learning science procedures and metric measurement. We did a rainbow lab and learned the names of lab equipment and metric measurement system.
7th grade students are designing experiments using the scientific method.
8th grade students are studying weather, chapter 16
Science Fair student handbooks were distributed this week. They are to be kept in the science section of the 3 ring binder.
Two monarchs larva became butterflies on Friday afternoon just before school ended on Friday. Number 10 appeared at 3pm and Bruno (number 7) arrived at 3:05pm. I placed them in the larger cage at 5pm Friday. They were both females. Bruno will now be called Brunette.
Week of September 21
Thank you to Maria, Hope,Andra and Elyse and 8th grade helpers. You carefully tended and observed our classroom monarchs. We presently have 10 monarchs in a chrysalis and 4 still in a larva stage. We found 4 eggs on a milkweed leaf and are now trying to begin the process all over again. Some monarchs should begin emerging on the 29th of September.
I went with the 6th grade classes to Luther Crest Environmental Camp in Alexandria MN. We explored the pond, prairie and woodland biomes. We learned about the dichotomous keys that helped us identify trees, birds and macroinvertebrate water animals. In the evening we played alpha wolf, talons in the twilight, had a silent hike (6th graders quiet for 60 minutes was a amazing experience!) and saw thousands of stars in the sky. Most of all we had time to worship God and thank him for all that he created.
Thank you to our chaperones : Mrs. Verdoorn, Mrs. Mac Donald, Mr. Sipprell and Mr. De Jongh, Mr. Ross and Mrs. Byers.
Week of September 14, 2009
Thursday, September 17
Parent Open House tonight at 7pm. I look forward to meeting the CCMS families. God has blessed us with an amazing extended school community. 6th grade Unit 1, lesson 4. Answer 2 questions. 7th grade: science fair log book, 3 entries due tomorrow. 8th grade Unit 1, end of section 2 questions 1-21.
4 additional monarch larvae have made the trek to the top of the lid. The monarch butterflies should make their first flight in twelve days. (9/29)! 2 larva went through the pupae stage late yesterday afternoon. They should emerge on Monday, 9/28.
Wednesday, September 16
Two monarch larvae have reached instar 5 and have attached to the top of their containers. It is amazing to watch their transformation. We had a classroom visitor: a small mole was brought in by Harrison N. He found it in his yard. 7th and 8th grade Earth Science students are learning about the various maps that Earth scientists use and studying map projections. 6th grade students are presenting their objects and describing them using quantitative and qualitative data. Three entries in Science Fair log books are due on Friday.
Tuesday, September 15
6th grade did not have science class today. 6A has a double class on Thursday. 6B has a double class on Friday. Quantitative/qualitative observations are due on Wednesday.
7th grade received science fair project dates today. Most put the dates handout in their science fair log book.
8th grade went outside and did a parking lot phenology observation.
Monday, September 14
The monarch larvae have doubled in size again. We have moved them from petri dishes to mason jars with screen lids. Most are eating one milkweed leaf a day. Most are in the early instar five stage.
Science 6 learned about quantitative and qualitative data. Students need to bring in a personal item on Wednesday that they describe using quantitative and qualitative data. The item should be kept a secret and classmates will try to guess the object using data clues. Earth science measured and took care of monarch larvae.
8th grade students were assigned the ology project. They will make a poster that describes a science profession. A project guideline handout was given in class. The ology project is due on Tuesday, September 22.
The 7th grade is beginning the science fair process. Log books are due tomorrow. Science fair packets will be given at the middle school open house.
Week of September 7, 2009
Friday, September 11
We remembered and prayed for our country and those affected by the tragedy of September 11, 2001.
The monarchs continue to grow. One monarch (#15) has begun metamorphosis process.
7th grade talked about the scientific method.
8th grade observed our Monarch caterpillars and will be doing a phenology study at home.
6th grade is learning about observation and descriptions as an important tool for scientists.
Thursday, September 10
7th grade students watched a scientific method movie from the BrainPop website. Vocabulary worksheets are due on Friday.
BRING MILKWEED TO CLASS
8th Grade: no homework
6th grade: unit 1, lesson 2 vocabulary for 6A only (6A had a double class today). This assignment will be given to 6B tomorrow, when they have a double class.
Wednesday, September 9 (09/09/09)
Most of the monarchs have finished molting are now third instar larva. We observed several monarch caterpillars "playing possum" when they were disturbed.
Science 8 began a monarch journal.
Science 7 homework: bring a science fair log book to class by Tuesday, September 15.
Science 6 covered unit 1, lesson 1: teamwork.
Tuesday, September 8
Students observed that monarch larva doubled in size. Some are molting and all have two tentacles in the front and two in the back. Science 6 did not have class today. Science 7 students need to go to a science fair website. write one paragraph summarizing what is found at the website. Then they need to list at least 3 experiments that are found at the website.
Science 8 students are reading Unit 1, lesson 1. Homework: page 11, 1-4. Remember to answer using complete sentences.
Monday, September 7
I went with my family to the state fair. We saw the butterfly booth. I amazed by the symmetry, beauty and variety of butterfly species. You will observe changes in your monarch larvae when you return on Tuesday. I changed the milk weed twice this weekend.
Week of August 31
Monday, August 31
The monarch eggs hatched this morning. They are black and about 1mm in length. Their favorite food is milkweed. I placed a few fresh milkweed leaves in the monarch egg container.
Tuesday, September 1
First day of school. We had 15 minutes classes. Students in Earth Science received a class syllabus today. 6th grade did not have science today. Bring a paper bag by Thursday. I will teach all science students how to cover textbooks with a paper bag.
The monarch larva are now 3mm long. They now have visible black bands. They are older first instar larvae. There are 4 larva sitting on my desk in a clear deli container. They are eating holes in milkweed.
Wednesday, September 2
Mrs. Angela Byers and I will teach all science students how to read a textbook.
Thursday, September 3
Mrs. Byers and I will teach students how to cover a textbook using a paper bag.
We will work in partners to apply what was learned on Wednesday.
Friday, September 4
All 7th and 8th grade students were given a monarch larva today. They were measured and observations were made. Most larva are now second instar larva. Most of the larva are now 5-6mm long. The front tentacles are now visible. The tentacles are black and short. Most of the class was able to see their monarch larva eat from a milk weed leaf.
Friday, August 28, 2009
I picked up 30 monarch eggs at the Monarch Lab at the University of Minnesota (St. Paul campus). The lab raises, tags and studies the life cycle and migration patterns of Monarch butterflies.
My son and I arrived at the Monarch lab at 3pm and were fortunate enough to be there when they were releasing 24 new Monarchs. They had never even flown! We released them from small waxy bags. To release a monarch, you carefully grasp the two largest wings with one hand and gently place the monarch on a plant. As their wings dry, they attempted their first flight. As we watched them take their first flight, we were amazed by the intricate wing pattern and the innate ability to fly. This is an experience we will never forget. These monarchs will soon join thousands of others for the long migration to Mexico. God's fingerprint is evident even in the smallest insect!
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