Monday – 1st & 2nd Period - TTW lead students in a discussion of the importance of Mendel’s contributions to the study of genetics. TSW compare the generations of Mendel’s pea plants and differentiate genotype and phenotype. (Spi’s 8.4.3 & 8.4.3.4)

3rd & 4th Period – TSW write reflections to the measurement lab, add the metric conversions chart to the composition book appendix and create a study guide for the measurement test.

Homework: Do not forget that your measurement test has been rescheduled for this Wednesday due to the extended activity schedule last Friday. Study your measurement notes.

Tuesday – TTW review concepts for tomorrow’s test, take notes on chapter 2 section 1 and apply his or her understanding of Punnet squares. TSW complete a genotype and phenotype classwork assignment.

Homework: Please review your notes for tomorrow’s measurement test and complete the quicklab on textbook page 42.

There will be a chapter 2 section 1 vocabulary quiz this Friday over the following terms: heredity, dominant trait, recessive trait, genes, alleles, genotype, phenotype, probability. Each term should be defined in your blue folder.

Wednesday – TSW demonstrate mastery of the metric system through a measurement test. TSW contrast heterozygous and homozygous dominance and complete a classwork assignment on codominance in inherited traits.

Homework: None

Thursday – TSW complete the directed reading workbook pages for chapter 2 section 2. TTW review the codominance exercise and TSW differntiate homozygous and heretozygous crosses.

Homework: Review your notes for chapter 2 section 1. There will be a quiz over chapter 2 section 1 next Wednesday.

Friday – TSW demonstrate mastery of basic Mendelian genetic terminology through a short quiz. TSW create family tree beginning that begins with either their maternal or paternal grandparents.

Homework: Review your notes for chapter 2 section 1 in preparation for next Wednesday’s quiz.

1st Period - The Tracing Traits Investigation is due next Tuesday.

2nd, 3rd, 5th Period - The Tracing Traits Invesigation is due next Thursday.

Monday – TSW make metric conversions and TTW conduct a review of major (7th grade) concepts related to heredity.

Tuesday – TSW investigate the relationship between DNA, genes, chromosomes, and the genetic code of life. (Introductory activity – TSW sketch and label the reproductive organs of a flower (by memory) then complete the heredity activity on Textbook page 36.)

Homework: Complete chapter 2 section 1 in your science workbook. Please read the section, do not guess at answers.

Wednesday – TSW begin an 8 station measurement lab activity.

Homework: Review your notes on measurement. There will be a measurement test this Monday.

Thursday – TSW complete the measurement lab and write reflections in his or her science notebook.

Homework: Review your notes on measurement. There will be a measurement test this Monday.

Friday – Activity Schedule (School Assembly) TTW lead students in a discussion of the importance of Mendel’s contributions to the study of genetics. TSW compare the generations of Mendel’s pea plants and differentiate genotype and phenotype.

Homework: Do not forget about Monday’s test.

Monday – HOLIDAY

Tuesday – TTW review lab safety quizzes and verify lab safety contracts. TTW help students to organize thoughts and information by guiding them through a personal concept map project. This assignment is due tomorrow.

Homework: Complete your personal concept map project.

Wednesday – TTW guide students through creating a science concept map and provide them with a rubric for the project. This assignment is due Friday.

Homework: None

Thursday – TTW review the steps of the scientific method and facilitate a discussion on the metric system.

Homework: Do not forget that your science concept map is due tomorrow.

Friday – TSW complete a metric conversions activity that TTW review with the class.

Homework: None

Monday – TTW guide students through setting up their composition notebooks for logging scientific explorations. TSW complete his or her measurement foldable and TTW demonstrate each of the measurements in preparation for the measurement lab.

Homework: If you have not returned your lab safety contract, please do so immediately. Without the contract and a grade of A on your lab safety test, you will not be permitted to enter the lab with the rest of the class.

Don’t forget that your one page typed report on the scientist of your choice is due Wednesday.

Tuesday – TSW begin the first entry in his or her science log. (How many drops of water will fit on a penny?)

Homework: Bring your parent to curriculum night.

Wednesday – TSW submit and share his or her one page typed report on the scientist that he or she chose.

Homework: None

Thursday – TSW complete the first entry in his or her science log.

Friday – TSW record the second entry in his or her science log.

Homework: None

Monday – TSW work in cooperative learning groups to apply the scientific method to two Bikini Bottom scenarios featuring Spongebob and his friends.

Homework: 100 page composition books are due this Friday. Lab safety procedures quiz this Friday.

Tuesday – TSW complete section 2 in the science workbook (pages 3-4). TSW research his or her chosen scientist via Internet in preparation for a one page typed report. This report is due Wednesday, August 29th.

Homework: Review the steps of the scientific method that I asked you to place in your folder in preparation for tomorrow’s independent assignment. Study the lab safety procedures for this Friday’s quiz.

Wednesday – TSW complete an independent scientific method assignment. The student will use his or her understanding of the scientific method to develop testable and non-testable hypotheses about observations they have made in nature.

Homework: None

Thursday – TTW review yesterday’s hypotheses chart and begin constructing a measurement foldable.

Friday – TSW demonstrate mastery of lab safety procedures through a short quiz. TSW complete his or her measurement log.

Homework: Don’t forget about your one page typed report on the scientist of your choice. Remember the report is due next Wednesday.

Last week, the SCS Science Supervisor notified all science instructors of a mandatory addition to our student supply lists. It is a 100 page thermal bound composition notebook. (The one with the black/white marble looking hardback cover.) I have requested that my students each have the notebook by Friday, August 25th. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

Ms. Sheri Brown
8th Grade Science
Team 8B – Room 140

sbrown@scsk12.org
(901) 756-2338

Please review this important information with your child regarding the guidelines and procedures for my science class. Your child’s cooperation will help maximize instructional time for all students.

Classroom Rule:
1. Follow the GMS Code of Conduct at all times. (See your agenda book.)

SCS Grading Scale:
A 93-100
B 85-92
C 75-84
D 70-74
F below 70

Policies and Procedures:
1. Enter the classroom quietly, be seated (in your assigned seat) and prepare your work area.
2. Keep the aisles clear of any clutter.
3. Bring the following materials to science class each day: writing utensils, textbook, workbook, science log, blue folder with notebook paper and agenda book. (The blue folder should have brads and pockets.)
4. My pencil sharpener is closed during class. Pencils should be sharpened during homeroom. You may use a (non-battery operated) hand held sharpener with a container to catch the shavings.
5. Read the board for homework and special announcements; please record them in your agenda book.
6. Be in your seat working on bellwork by the time I leave my post at the classroom door.
7. Raise your hand to speak or get permission to leave your seat.
8. Refrain from disruptive behavior such as speaking out, tapping on desk, wadding up paper and talking to classmates during instruction. (Trash should be folded and disposed as you exit the classroom.)
9. Record your name, date and class period in the upper right hand corner of each assignment. The assignment description should be centered on the top line of your paper.
10. Two locker breaks are scheduled per day. Requests to retrieve forgotten items cannot be honored.
11. Two restroom breaks are scheduled per day. Requests to go at undesignated times cannot be honored. (Notes should be sent to inform me of special circumstances.)
12. In the event of absence for any reason, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed. You will have one day for each day missed to complete missing assignments (including quizzes and tests).
13. You are expected to complete all classwork, homework and projects on time. If you choose not to complete an assignment on time, I will not accept it later. No exceptions.
14. Only science materials should be on your desk during class time. Should you choose to work on assignments from other subject areas I will collect them and they will not be returned.
15. Before leaving science class, make sure that all personal items are accounted for and your work area is clean.

Homework Policy:
Due to the abstract nature of concepts covered in our science class, many homework assignments will consist of reviewing class notes and completing short readings. All written homework assignments are graded for completion and not accuracy.

Projects:
All projects will have deadlines.

Calculating Grades
TOTAL POINTS – Add the total number of points your child earned for the grading period and divide that total by the total number of points possible.

Absences:
Each student is responsible for class notes, classwork and assignments missed during any absence. All tests, quizzes and classwork assignments must be completed at school.

Monday – TSW complete frog metamorphosis illustrations. Illustrations will be converted into a dissection notebook.

Homework: Memorize the names and symbols of the first 20 elements on the periodic table by Friday. You should already know eight of the first ten. This means you only have 12 to memorize by Friday and of that 12 you are familiar with at least 6. You will have the 15 minutes during homeroom and the time between maps and 5th period to study in addition to time at home.  There is a periodic table on pages 666-667 of your science textbook.
Quiz: Elements 1-10 this THURSDAY
Quiz: Elements 1-20 this FRIDAY

Tuesday – Sex Respect

Homework: Remember to dress properly for frog dissection tomorrow. Review your virtual frog dissection notes as well.

Wednesday – Frog Dissection (Science Lab)

Homework: Study for tomorrow’s quiz.

Thursday – Quiz: Elements 1-10 & Sex Respect

Homework: Study for tomorrow’s quiz.

Friday – Quiz: Elements 1-20 & Sex Respect

Monday – TSW complete his or her life sized organ system sketch.

There will be a quiz over the four types of skin and the 12 organ systems found in humans this Friday (pages 276-279). You have notes on this information from last Tuesday’s class discussion.

Tuesday – TSW complete the chapter 11 review on pages 296 & 297.

Homework: Study for Friday’s quiz.

Your child will receive a letter today regarding the Sex Respect Curriculum that is taught annually in compliance with Tennessee Law (Public Chapter 565 dated May 25, 1989). If you do not wish that you child participate in the Sex Respect instruction, you may have your child exempted by sending a written request to Mr. Joy. There will be no grading penalty for this exemption; however, you child will be required to complete an alternate assignment.

Sex Respect Instruction Dates: April 30th – May 4th

Wednesday – TSW make take notes on chapter 9 section 3 (pages 222-226) and complete the section review on page 226 in preparation for virtual frog dissection.

Homework: E.C. assignment – Compose a song or poem that accurately describes the life of an amphibian of your choice. In order to receive credit, you must share your writing with the class this Friday.

Thursday – TSW complete a virtual frog dissection in the writing lab in preparation for laboratory frog dissection.

Homework: Don’t forget about tomorrow’s quiz.

Friday – Quiz over the four types of skin and the 12 organ systems found in humans.

For the next two weeks, our class time will be devoted to T-CAP review. The review will consist of Think Link Practice Probes, Study Island Practice Tests, T-CAP Coach Exercises and student made graphic organizers. Each lesson or activity is designed to review state assessed concepts for 7th grade science.