Hope everyone is enjoying the snow. Sorry that the Blog was not updated last week, but it slipped my mind. I will earnestly work to not allow that to happen again. On Friday, January 12th your child took the microscope parts quiz and the last of our cell vocabulary quiz. All quizzes have been returned to them.

Our school is hosting the Amazing Reading Race right now. Students can sign up in the library and begin reading different genres of books. There are medals for students who read any two, five and 7 book genres. I am giving students EXTRA CREDIT FOR SIGNING UP FOR THE RACE AND READING ONE OR MORE BOOKS IN THE SCIENCE GENRE!!!!!

On Thursdays after school, Mr. Griffioen is beginning an after school club for students to look at different global warming issues and to find ways that they can help. Many students have had conversations with me about concern for their world and the effects of rising CO2 emissions. This may be a great way for students to be empowered and to really make changes in our world. I believe the program would run from 2:30 to 3:15.

Also, for the next 2 Thursdays, for the students who are applying to KAMSC and took the OLSAT test, we are offering writing workshops to help them to be able to write their best application. The next class is February 1st and runs from 2:30 to 3:15.

Here's what our week looks like:

Monday, January 29th

Science

Students have their quiz on the phases of Mitosis. They created flip books on Friday to help them study and were asked to take them home over the weekend. They were also told to bring back the books on Monday to turn them in for the grade. We also had a skit on Friday to help us remember the phases of Mitosis. Ask your child about it. Students will also go over the phases of Meiosis with some short notes and a fun, quick video called, The Meiosis Square Dance.

Creation Station

Students will learn about how to create borders around their different writing projects. They will then be given time to work on their big project. Talk to your child about what the project is that they are doing for class and keep tabs on where they are. We are making a chart in class for them to keep track of what they have completed toward their book. They have an outline in their portfolio/green folder that explains what projects they must have done for the final class. On the last day of this class, we will be celebrating our accomplishments and inviting others to come and view our books. We will keep you posted!

Tuesday, January 30th

Science

Ms. Oudesma will be teaching a lesson on writing a song to help students remember the phases of Meiosis. Students will then be able to perform their song or rap for the class. The performance will be for extra credit points.

Wednesday, January 31st

Science

LAB DAY. Students will be in the lab and taking a swab of their own cheek cells. They will then prepare their slide and view it under the microscope. They will draw and diagram their view in their science journal.

Creation Station

Students will have a mini-lesson on editing marks. Then they will have the rest of the hour to work on their project.

Thursday, February 1st

Science

Students will begin using the Internet to research different cell diseases. They will be given most of the period to work on gathering their research.

Friday, February 2nd

Science

Students will finish their research and create either a poster or a brochure to show others by Monday about their cell disease. All research should be completed today and the visual product must be ready to go on Monday to present to the class.

Creation Station

Students will have the entire period to work on their project.