Life Science Mrs. Giron

May 23-27

2011-05-20T10:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Students:

In order to embrace the new, we must release the old. A trapeze artist cannot swing from one bar to another without letting go. An important part of preparing for the new school year is to review the past year—to release it—and to learn from it.…
The following questions should stimulate your thinking for this process. I hope that you take time out of your busy schedule to ponder where you are and where you've been.
Reflect upon what you did, how you felt, what you liked, what you didn’t and what you learned. Try to look at yourself and your experience with as much objectivity as you can—much like a biographer would.

Here are some suggestions to get you started in mulling over the past year—perhaps the last decade.
1. What did I learn? (skills, knowledge, awareness, etc.)
2. What did I accomplish? A list of my wins and achievements.
3. What would I have done differently? Why?
4. What did I complete or release? What still feels incomplete to me?
5. What were the most significant events of the year past?
6. What did I do right? What do I feel especially good about? What was my greatest contribution?
7. What were my biggest challenges/roadblocks/difficulties?
8. How am I different this year than last?
9. For what am I particularly grateful

This is the last week of school and we will continue to learn until the very last day. We will review important Scientific procedures and concepts. Please make sure your book is in good condition to be returned and that you search for your amazing scientific demonstration to share with the class.

Grades published in Power School

Key Terms Chapter 21

Important Dates to Keep in Mind

May 26 Books will be Collected
May 26 Science Demonstrations

May 16-20

2011-05-13T12:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Students:

This week we continue with Chapter 22. We will be focusing in the chapter content as well as the Chapter Project. Please make sure you work on your work pack in a daily basis as well as the Key Concepts, for they will better prepare you for our evaluation.

Project requirements:

• Make a BIOME Model/poster to demonstrate your topic.

• Color your components as close as possible to the images that you can find in books or the internet.

• Prepare your display with ecological information for each part or subject.

• To make your project more advanced, develop a scaled model or any other type of attractive visual.

• Review the rubric before presentation date.

Important Dates to Keep in Mind

May 18 Test Chapter 22
May 18 Key Concepts Due
May 19 Project Presentation

Grades posted in Power School
]
Chapter 21 Content Test
Chapter 21 Key Terms Quiz
Key Terms Chapter 22

May 9-13

2011-05-06T12:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Students:
This week we will begin Chapter 22. We continue with our Unit on Ecosystems. This Chapter offers us an opportunity to learm more about Biomes. Biomes are defined as "the world's major communities, classified according to the predominant vegetation and characterized by adaptations of organisms to that particular environment" (Campbell).
Biomes are classified in various ways. One can group biomes into five major types: aquatic, deserts, forests, grasslands, and tundra. Biomes may be broken down into smaller groups. The forest biomes can be further divided into tropical and temperate forest, or rain forest coniferous forest, and deciduous forest. The grasslands can be divided into the savannah and temperate grasslands. Tundras can be broken into arctic and alpine tundras.

So what do we have to do?"

Very Simply, your team is going to describe what you find out about a Biome by – making dioramas, posters, writing a descriptive page, and teaching the class about your Biome.
Start Working.............

Important Dates to Keep in Mind
May 11 Key Terms Due
May 18 Test Chapter 22
May 18 Key Concepts Due
May 20 Project Presentation

May 2-6

2011-04-29T07:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Students
Our test to Chapter 21 will be Wednesday, May 4. Please prepare for it by reading Chapter 21 from your textbook and then using your work pack to review. Study your Key Terms and Key Concepts.
Your Project for this Chapter will be presented May 5. Don't forget to review your rubric and to practice at home.

Weekly tips:
How to study Smarter, not Harder
Study the Middle
The best time to review is soon after learning has taken place. The beginning and the end of material is best remembered, so pay close attention to the middle which is likely to be forgotten. The peak of difficulty in remembering is just beyond the middle, toward the end. change your method of review.
Connect Ideas Whenever Possible
The more association you can elicit for an idea, the more meaning it will have; the more meaningful the learning, the better one is able to retain it. Always note similarities in ideas and concepts, and put them in their proper place in a larger system of ideas, concepts and theories. A bare literal understanding is often of little valuable. Never be satisfied with a hazy idea of what you are reading. If you are not able to follow the thought, go back to where you lost the trail.

Important Dates to Keep in Mind

May 11 Key Terms Due, Chapter 22
May 18 Test Chapter 22
May 18 Key Concepts Due, Chapter 22

April 26-29

2011-04-26T07:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Students:
We are in the last part of this journey. We will continue to learn about the wonders of science through the Environmental Science Unit. This week we will get prepared for our next project presentations due May 04. Review the Oral Presentation rubric so you do not miss any of the important details that will be evaluated. Our Test for this chapter will be May 5. This will allow us to work and review, on our present chapter, all this week.Key Concepts and work packs are also due May 5.

April 11-15

2011-04-08T12:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Students:
This is our last week before Semana Santa’s break. We will begin a new Chapter full of wonderful information that will enrich our knowledge in science.
We are beginning Chapter 21: Populations and Communities. This chapter begins our Science studies in Ecosystems. It will open up a new door of another very interesting branch of science....Ecology.

Some of the topics covered in this Chapter are:

Living Things and the Environment
Studying Populations
Interactions Among Living Things
Changes in Communities

As we approach the end of this school year, I encourage you to practice your skills of organization and discipline:

1. Listening
2. Following Instructions
3. Questioning
4. Exhibiting Leadership
5. Communicating Effectively
6. Organizing: Time, Things

Important Dates to keep in mind

April 13 Key Terms Chapter 21
April 13 Chapter Project will be assigned
April 16-25 Semana Santa
May 4 Test Chapter 21

Coming Soon

2011-04-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

April 4-8

2011-04-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Students:

I have decided to postpone your test to Chapter 19. The new date will be this coming Wednesday, April 6. The content of this Chapter, as well as the fact that we have reviewed the Scientific Method thoroughly, has not allowed us to complete the content. Please make good use of this opportunity as we approach our mid –term reports, April 15.

Your Chapter projects will be assigned this week and will be presented April 13. This time a creative surprise will be required. Look for one that will make your presentation memorable. Review the rubric and practice with your group.
We have reviewed the Scientific Method and have learned important terminology related to it. Please keep these terms in mind for they will be applied often in the course of Science.

Some of the goals we want to achieve through our presentations are:
1.Being able to communicate scientific ideas and activities clearly.
2.Students will be familiar with the character of scientific knowledge and inquiry and how it is achieved.
3.Practice sequencing and completing steps to accomplish specific tasks
4.Pose explanations based on evidence derived from one's own work.

Important Dates to keep in mind

April 6 Chapter 19 TEST
April 6 Chapter 19 Key Terms TEST
April 13 Project
April 15 Mid Term Reports

Family Day 3

2011-03-28T12:31:00.001-07:00

March 28- April 1

2011-03-25T11:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Students:

This week we continue to work in Chapter 19: Endocrine System. We will continue to work in our Chapter Projects in class, as well as completing our learning process through lectures, videos and class discussions. We will also be solving concept Maps, Key concepts and the rest of the Work Pack.

This week I would like you to focus on how to use your time. Time is the most valuable resource a student has. It is also one of the most wasted of resources. The schedule you develop should guide you in how to allocate the available time in the most productive manner. Sticking to your schedule can be tough. It is only up to you to have the discipline to follow the schedule you prepared. A good deal of your success in high school depends on this simple truth. I would really like you to succeed in the future, so let’s make the best out of the time we have.
Second of all I would like you to implement these skills:
Organizing skills are skills necessary to arrange information so it can be understood or presented more effectively. Organizing skills include (1) comparing (identifying similarities and differences), (2) classifying -- or categorizing (grouping items into categories based on similar attributes),(3) ordering (sequencing in some logical manner), and representing (changing the form of information to show how critical elements are related. These changes could be visual, verbal, or symbolic).

Grades Published Power School
Chapter 18 Content Test
Chapter 18 Key Terms Test
Chapter 19 Key Terms

Important dates to keep in mind
March 23 Key Concepts Chapter 19
March 30 Key Terms Test Chapter 19
March 30 Content Test Chapter 19

Earth Hour

2011-03-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

EARTH HOUR is near! On Saturday March 26th from 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM everybody around the world will be voluntarily turning off the lights and unplugging electronic devices to SAVE THE EARTH. We invite you to do the same.

March 21-25

2011-03-18T10:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Students;
This week we will begin a whole new Chapter: Endocrine System. We continue through our trip of the Human body. Our journey will soon come to an end and we will have new topics to explore.
This is your last quarter in Seventh grade and a good opportunity to review certain aspects of maturity and your organizational skills. Success in life many times depends on how these skills are applied to our current situation. Look into your flaws and make your strengths become your pillars for improvement. By now your work habits, time management and organizational skills should handle the middle school workload easily in preparation for your High school demands.
These skills may not make you more popular, but they can sure help you get better grades, reduce stress and improve your self-confidence. So, get going! You still have one quarter to practice these skills and hopefully Master them by the end of this school year!

Important dates to keep in mind
March 23 Key Concepts Chapter 19
March 25 Parent Teacher Conference
March 30 Key Terms Test Chapter 19
March 30 Content Test Chapter 19

Auto Confianza

2011-03-18T10:45:00.000-07:00

March 14-18

2011-03-14T06:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Students:
This week we begin the 4th quarter. We will begin this quarter with Chapter 19: Nervous System. This Chapter is a continuation of our studies of human anatomy and physiology. We will be covering important topics such as:

What are the functions of the nervous sysyem?
What is the structure of a neuron?
How do nerve impulses travel?
What are the structures and functions of the Central Nervous System?
What is a Reflex?
What are two ways in which nerves can be injured?
How do you eyes enable you to see?
how do you hear?
How do your sense of smell and taste work together?
How is your skinrelated to your sense of touch?

Important dates to keep in mind
March 16 Key Concepts Chapter 19
March 16 Key Terms Test Chapter 19
March 16 Content Test Chapter 19

Family Day T-Shirts

2011-03-14T06:43:00.000-07:00

FAMILY DAY # 3 is SATURDAY, APRIL 2nd, 2011

Family Day T-Shirt Order Form
Please return this form with Lps. 150.00 per t-shirt ordered by Friday, March 18th and circle the size of shirt you want. The numbers are children’s sizes; the letters are adult sizes. Sizes are similar to those as in last year’s Family Day.
Size(s) Amount Size Amount Size Amount Size Amount
2 _____
4 _____ 10 _____ 16 ____ L ______
6 _____ 12 _____ S ____ XL ______
8 _____ 14 _____ M ____ XXL ______

Size(s) Amount Size Amount Size Amount Size Amount
2 _____
4 _____ 10 _____ 16 ____ L ______
6 _____ 12 _____ S ____ XL ______
8 _____ 14 _____ M ____ XXL ______
Size(s) Amount Size Amount Size Amount Size Amount
2 _____
4 _____ 10 _____ 16 ____ L ______
6 _____ 12 _____ S ____ XL ______
8 _____ 14 _____ M ____ XXL ______

FAMILY NAME: __________________________________
Please deliver t-shirts to: _____________________________________________
Grade and Section ________
*Pre- School and Elementary: Return to homeroom teacher. *Middle and High School: Return to grade level advisors. NO LATE ORDERS WILL BE TAKEN. T-Shirt will be white with colored logo
ALL FUNDS COLLECTED WILL GO TO THE AMERICAN SCHOOL. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS CONTACT: devo@amschool.org

FAMILY DAY #3 Sábado 2 de Abril, 2011

Orden de Compra Camiseta Family Day
Favor regresar esta orden impresa con Lps. 150.00 por camiseta antes de el próximo Viernes 18 de Marzo, circulando el tamaño que usted desea. Los números son tallas de niños; las letras tallas de adultos. Las tallas de las camisas son iguales a las del Family Day pasado.

Tamaño Cantidad Tamaño Cantidad Tamaño Cantidad Tamaño Cantidad
2 _____
4 _____ 10 _____ 16 ____ L ______
6 _____ 12 _____ S ____ XL ______
8 _____ 14 _____ M ____ XXL ______

Tamaño Cantidad Tamaño Cantidad Tamaño Cantidad Tamaño Cantidad
2 _____
4 _____ 10 _____ 16 ____ L ______
6 _____ 12 _____ S ____ XL ______
8 _____ 14 _____ M ____ XXL ______
Tamaño Cantidad Tamaño Cantidad Tamaño Cantidad Tamaño Cantidad
2 _____
4 _____ 10 _____ 16 ____ L ______
6 _____ 12 _____ S ____ XL ______
8 _____ 14 _____ M ____ XXL ______

FAMILIA: __________________________________
Favor entregar camiseta(s) a: _____________________________________________
Grado y Sección: ________
*Pre School and Elementary: regresar formato al maestro de aula. *Middle y High School: Regresar al maestro asesor de grado. No se aceptaran órdenes tarde. * La camiseta es blanca, con el logo a color.
TODOS LOS FONDOS RECOLECTADOS SON PARA LA ESCUELA AMERICANA. PARA MAYOR INFORMACION O CONSULTAS ESCRIBIR A: devo@amschool.org

March 7-10

2011-03-04T11:43:00.000-08:00

Dear Students:

This quarter ends March 11. As the marking period is coming to an end, I would like you to reflect on everything you have accomplished in my class and what you feel you need improvement in. It is a good time to look back at your progress.
Take a few minutes to look at your first quarter mistakes and strength’s and compare that to the work you are doing today. Identify areas of improvement and areas you need to work on throughout the rest of the year. Then use the questions below to guide your thoughts and record them on the lines provided.

• What areas did you focus on this quarter?
• Did you show improvement in these areas?
• What can you do to continue to improve your science skills?
• What is your strength n science class?
• How can you use your science strength to help you in other areas?

Important Dates to keep in mind:

Chapter 19 key Terms March 9
Chapter 19 Work Pack March 16
Chapter 19 Key Concepts March 16
Chapter 19 Content Test March 16

February 28- March 4

2011-02-25T11:43:00.000-08:00

Dear Students:
This week we continue with Chapter 18: Fighting Disease. For our evaluation this week it is important that the regulars are reviewed closely:
• Key Terms
• Key Concepts
• Diagrams
• Work Pack

It is mandatory that the Chapter be read so a complete picture of the content is perceived. To read effectively in the Sciences you need to:
1. Explore Your Science Textbook
2. Check The Vocabulary
3. Analyze For Comprehension
4. Synthesize For Understanding

Important grades posted in Power School

Chapter 17 Content Test
Chapter 17 Key Terms Quiz

Important Dates to keep in mind:

Chapter 18 Test March 2
Chapter 18 Work Pack March 2
Chapter 18 Key Concepts March 2
End of the Second Quarter March 11

Self Confidence

2011-02-22T08:02:00.001-08:00

February 21-25

2011-02-18T11:48:00.000-08:00

Important Dates to keep in mind:
Key Terms Chapter 18 February 23
Chapter 18 Test March 2
Chapter 18 Work Pack March 2

Dear Students:

This week we will begin Chapter 18: Fighting Disease. We will be exploring the following topics:
• Infectious Disease
• The Body’s Defense
• Preventing Infectious Disease
• Noninfectious Disease

Objectives/ I can ...Day 1
Explain the relationship between pathogens and infectious disease.
List the kinds of pathogens that cause infectious diseases in humans.
Identify four sources of pathogens
Objectives/ I can ... Day 2
Explain how the body's first line of defense guards against pathogens.
Describe what happens during the inflammatory response.
State how the immune system responds to pathogens.
Identify how HIV affects the immune system and how it spreads
Objectives/ I can ... Day 3
Define immunity.
Explain the difference between natural immunity and acquired immunity.
Objectives/ I can ... Day 4
Learn the concepts involved in epidemiology.
Trace the spread of a pathogen through a population
Objectives/ I can ... Day 5
Identify the causes of allergies.
Explain how diabetes affects the body.
Describe the effects of cancer on the body.
Identify causes of cancer.

Use the following link to learn more about the anatomy of the Immune system

http://www.sciencemaster.com/jump/life/immune.php

February 14-18

2011-02-10T10:29:00.000-08:00

Dear Students:
This week we continue to discuss Chapter 17: Respiration and Excretion. We will add to our knowledge of the Respiratory system through our project: A Breathe of Fresh Air. We have been working in this project during class and continue to learn important details about the lungs, diaphragm and how the process of breathing takes place. In preparation for our test on this chapter, videos, class lectures and solving the work pack will continue.

Study Tips – Preparing for a Test

Tests are normally given to measure a student’s understanding of class material. Taking a test can be a stressful event for any student. When it comes to taking tests, there is no real substitute for preparation.

Now, you may be thinking that the only way to make sure that you are fully prepared is to study hard and know your subject. However, there are a few other things that you can do that will help you prepare for a test and ensure your success.
• Complete your regular schoolwork. Attending class every day and completing all of your class assignments on a regular basis can be very important when it comes to retaining information. Do the work and you will do better on your tests. Guaranteed.
• Study regularly. Don’t wait until the last minute to cram for a test. Use the night before a test wisely. Instead of cramming, prepare for a test by taking time to review what you have already studied.
• Understand how the test content is organized. Is the test multiple choice, true or false, and/or essay-style? Ask the teacher to find out. Just knowing how the questions are organized will help you prepare for a test.
• Find out how the test is scored. Again, ask your teacher for more information. Are certain portions of the test more important than others? Are there penalty points for skipping questions? Once you understand how the test will be scored, you will know what you need to work on most.
• Eat and sleep. Eating properly can have an amazing impact on your body and mind. A good night’s sleep will affect you similarly. Make sure you take time to sleep well the night before a test and when you wake up, eat a hearty and nutritious breakfast.
• Relax. This is the most common advice given to test-taking students. It’s also the best advice you will ever get. The more agitated you are, the worse you will do. If you are feeling nervous, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Better yet, take five deep breaths. Continue to breathe slowly and deeply until you feel calm.
Source:
Karen Schweitzer
Business School Guide

Important Dates to keep in mind:

Mid Quarter Grades Posted in Power School February 14
Chapter 17 Test February 16
Chapter 17 Work Pack February 16
President’s Day Picnic February 22

Feb 7-11

2011-02-04T11:51:00.000-08:00

Dear Students:

This week we will begin Chapter 17: Respiration and Excretion. We will be covering important details about the respiratory system, smoking and your health and the excretory system. This important topic will allow us to learn about the functions of the respiratory system, identify the structures that air passes through as it travels to the lungs and describe what happens during gas exchange and breathing. We will also carry out the experiment in page 573 which will allow us to make a model of a lung and demonstrate what happens during inhalation and exhalation.

This week I would like to focus on thinking skills. Everybody has thinking skills, but few use them effectively. Effective thinking skills cannot be studied; but must be built-up over a period of time. Good thinkers see possibilities where others see only dead-ends. If you are not a good thinker, start now by developing habits that make you ask yourself questions as you read. Good thinkers (or skillful thinkers) are good problem solvers, they can withhold making decisions before they have all (or most of) the relevant information, they are not afraid of the unknown. Also, good thinkers have strong metacognitive skills. They are able to "think about their thinking”. This week I want you to remember these three words: knowledge, comprehension, and application.

Some of the Grades you can find posted in Power school this week are:

Chapter Content Test (16)
Key Terms Test (Chapter 16)
Quiz Diagram of the Heart
Project the Heart

Important Dates to keep in mind:

Key Terms Chapter 17 February 9
Chapter 17 Test February 16
Chapter 17 Work Pack February 16

Family Day

2011-02-03T09:08:00.000-08:00

Coming Up Soon!

2011-01-31T09:20:00.000-08:00

January 31- February 4

2011-01-28T11:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Students:

This week we continue to work in Chapter 16: the Circulatory System. We will continue to work in our Chapter Projects in class, as well as completing our learning process through lectures, videos and class discussions We will also be solving concept Maps and the rest of the Work Pack.

This week I would like you to focus on how to use your time. Time is the most valuable resource a student has. It is also one of the most wasted of resources. The schedule you develop should guide you in how to allocate the available time in the most productive manner. Sticking to your schedule can be tough. It is only up to you to have the discipline to follow the schedule you prepared. A good deal of your success in high school depends on this simple truth. I would really like you to succeed in the future, so let’s make the best out of the time we have.

Some grades you can find posted in Power School are:

• Chapter 15 Content Test
• Chapter 15 Key Terms Test
• Work Pack chapter 15
• Vitamins and Minerals chart
• Key Terms Chapter 16

Important Dates to keep in mind:

Chapter 16 Test February 2
Chapter 16 Work Pack February 2
Chapter Project February 2

Cardiovascular Video

2011-01-21T12:05:00.000-08:00

January 24-28

2011-01-21T12:01:00.000-08:00

Dear Students:

This week we will begin Chapter 16, right after the evaluation for Chapter 15. This chapter is a continuation of the same topic: Human Anatomy, but this time we will be focusing in the Cardiovascular System.

We will be covering important details about The Heart, such as:

• The Body’s Transport System
• Blood and Lymph
• Cardiovascular Health

We will also be choosing our next project. For this chapter you will create a model of the heart using creative materials. All projects will then be shared with the class so we learn from other peoples work.

Recommendation:

I would like you to focus on critical reading through our science content. Critical reading is the ability to draw useful information from a book or other source of material important for the course. You should be applying two very important steps:
The first part —what to look for— involves recognizing those aspects that control the meaning.
The second part —how to think about what you find— involves the processes of inference, the interpretation of data from within the text.

Important Dates to keep in mind:

Key Terms Chapter 16 January 26
Chapter 16 Test February 2
Chapter 16 Work Pack February 2

January 17-21

2011-01-14T12:10:00.001-08:00

Dear Students:

This week we continue to cover Chapter 15: Nutrition and Digestion. We have been seeing videos, listening to lectures, e beam games, doing Key Terms and working on our Work Packs. The test for this Chapter will be Wednesday, January 19. You need to focus on important facts and terms as well as reading the Chapter completely to get a clear view of the content for the test. Don’t forget to review your Concept Map for this chapter!!!
Thursday, we will begin chapter 16: Circulation. We will continue our Journey through Human Biology, learning important details about our transport system, blood, lymph and cardiovascular health.

Important Dates to keep in mind:

Chapter 15 Test January 19
Chapter 15 Work Pack January 19
Vitamins and Minerals Project January 19

Presentation for Middle School Parents

2011-01-05T10:45:00.001-08:00

Welcome Back!!! 2011

2011-01-05T06:15:00.001-08:00

Dear Students:
Welcome back!!! I hope you enjoyed this Christmas break and that you are ready to begin the Third Quarter.
As we continue through our Anatomy journey, we will now move to Chapter 15: Food and Digestion. In this chapter we will cover topics associated with nutrition and digestion. You will learn about the food groups and food pyramid as well as digestive processes.
Important Dates to keep in mind:
Key Terms Chapter 15 January 7
Test Chapter 15 January 19
Work pack Chapter 15 January 19

December 13-17

2010-12-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Students:
This is the last week before the Second Quarter ends. It has been a quarter with a lot of work, marvelous projects and infinite activities.
Now that we have come to the end of the second quarter, it is a good time to look back at your progress. An ongoing goal for teachers should be to develop a constant process of evaluation to improve student skills. I am asking you to identify areas of improvement and areas you need to work on throughout the rest of the year. Then use the questions below to guide your thoughts.

• What areas/ skills did you focus on this quarter?
• Did you show improvement in these areas/ skills?
• What can you do to continue to improve in Science?
• What is your strength in Science class?
• How can you use your strength to help you in other areas?

We've worked tirelessly to not only teach skills and objectives, but establish relationships. Reflection is the mirror into which we can be honest with ourselves, with our triumphs and defeats and continually strive to be truly outstanding.

This week will still be full of activities and deadlines.

December 13 Work pack Chapter 14 Due
December 15 Test Chapter 14
December 16 Project Hand Prosthesis Due

It has been a pleasure working with you, a group of talented and energized individuals. I look forward to continue in this learning journey in our Second Semester.

Enjoy the Holidays!!!!

2010-12-10T06:31:00.001-08:00

December 6-10

2010-12-03T11:29:00.000-08:00

December 6-10

Dear students:
This week we will continue to learn fascinating facts about bones, muscles and skin. Although you have already become knowledgeable in many aspects of this topic, there is still much more to learn.
Don’t forget to continue to work on your project: Hand Prosthesis. Analyze the rubric and do your best!

Important Dates to keep in mind:
December 13 Work pack Chapter 14 Due
December 15 Test Chapter 14
December 16 Project hand Prosthesis Due

Skeletal System Review

2010-12-01T07:15:00.000-08:00

Skeletal System Song

2010-12-01T07:07:00.000-08:00

November 29- December 03

2010-11-30T09:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Students:
We are beginning a new chapter and it will be the first of several that make up our Unit of Human Biology.
Chapter 14: Bones, Muscles and Skin sets the beginning of our study of the Human body. It is divided into four main sections, described below.
Body Organization and Homeostasis

Reading Preview
Key Concepts
• What are the levels of organization in the body?
• What is homeostasis?
Key Terms
• cell
• cell membrane
• nucleus
• cytoplasm
• tissue
• muscle tissue
• nervous tissue
• connective tissue
• epithelial tissue
• organ
• organ system
• homeostasis
• stress

Section 2 The Skeletal System

Reading Preview
Key Concepts
• What are the functions of the skeleton?
• What role do joints play in the body?
• What are the characteristics of bone, and how can you keep your bones strong and healthy?
Key Terms
• skeleton
• vertebrae
• joint
• ligament
• cartilage
• compact bone
• spongy bone
• marrow
• osteoporosis

Section 3 The Muscular System

Reading Preview
Key Concepts
• What types of muscles are found in the body?
• Why do skeletal muscles work in pairs?
Key Terms
• involuntary muscle
• voluntary muscle
• skeletal muscle
• tendon
• striated muscle
• smooth muscle
• cardiac muscle

Section 4 The Skin

Reading Preview
Key Concepts
• What are the functions and the structures of skin?
• What habits can help keep your skin healthy?
Key Terms
• epidermis
• melanin
• dermis
• pore
• follicle
• cancer

Important Dates to Keep in Mind
December 1 Key Terms
December 13 Work pack
December 15 Test Ch 14

Chapter Project
Design and Build a Hand Prosthesis
A prosthesis is an artificial device that replaces a human body part. Designing artificial replacements, such as prosthetic hands, can be a challenging task. This is because even a simple act, such as picking up a pen, involves a complex interaction of body parts.
Your Goal
To design, build, and test a replacement for a human hand
Your prosthesis must
• grasp and lift a variety of objects
• be activated by pulling a cord or string
• spring back when the cord is released
• be built following the safety guidelines in Appendix A
•
Project Directions
Plan It Before you design your prosthetic hand, study the human hand. Watch how the fingers move to pick up objects. Make a list of devices that mimic the ability of the hand to pick up objects. Examples include tongs, tweezers, pliers, and chopsticks. Then, choose materials for your hand and sketch your design. When your teacher has approved your design, build and test your prosthetic hand.

Christmas Baskets

2010-11-23T11:35:00.001-08:00

November 23, 2009

Dear Parents (Nursery – 12th):

As another holiday season nears, many of us will enjoy our time with loved ones and celebrate the joyous memories of the past year. As we give thanks for the blessings and gifts in our lives, we also have an opportunity to appreciate those people who make the American School outstanding, but who rarely get the recognition they deserve.

On behalf of all American Schools students, we would like to extend our gratitude to the maintenance workers, the bus drivers, the nannies and their families by preparing food baskets for them as gifts at Christmas. Students in each grade level are asked to contribute the following items:

Nursery Bar Soap
7th grade Ketchup
Pre-Kinder Detergent
8th grade Beans
Kinder Toilet paper
9th grade Cooking Oil
1st grade Rice
10th grade Maseca
2nd grade Pasta
11th grade Soup
3rd grade Sugar
12th grade Oatmeal
4th grade Tomato Paste
5th grade Cereal
6th grade Flour

Thank you for participating in this event, and for involving your children in the charitable activities of the American School. Please send the item with your child to his homeroom teacher (Pre School and Elementary School) and to their Class Advisors (MS / HS) before Friday, December 10. We hope that we can foster in all students a spirit of generosity and compassion which will, in the end, make our world a better place.

Sincerely,

Claudia Pereira

Elcenora Martínez

Ricardo Belgrave

Maria Francisca Motz

November 22-24

2010-11-19T09:17:00.000-08:00

Dear Students:
We will be attending school for three days this week; nevertheless, these will be some very busy days. Our test is scheduled for Wednesday. Your work pack to Chapter 6should be finished by that same day. Your project is due Wednesday as well. Don’t forget to turn in your rubric with your project and be creative!!!!!

Please refer to the following web site to help you clarify concepts about Natural selection or Darwin:
http://www.allaboutscience.org/theory-of-natural-selection-faq.htm

Follow the link to the following sites to review with the games we played in class:

Peppered Moth Game:
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/interactives/Evolution.swf
Caveman Challenge Game:
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/interactives/Evolution.swf

Enjoy your Thanksgiving break and remember, like Bryan Tracy once said:
“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.”

Examples of Geologic Timelines

2010-11-12T12:10:00.001-08:00

November 15-19

2010-11-12T10:56:00.000-08:00

November 15-19
Important Dates to keep in mind.

November 17 Early Dismissal 1:00 pm
November 24 Test Chapter 6
November 24 Work Pack Due
November 24 Project Due

Check these web sites for support:

Earthtrips - A Virtual Journey into Earth's History
http://www.priweb.org/ed/earthtrips/earthtrips.html

Geological Time Online Edition
http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/geotime/contents.html

Tour of Geologic Time
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/geologictime.php

Timeform
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/help/timeform.html

Dear Students:

This week we will continue to learn about the Geologic Time, Fossils and changes over time. We will start to work on our project: “Geologic Timescale”. Make sure you work on your work pack on a daily basis and review the material covered in class.
I am going to give you the rubric Monday, November 15 so you analyze it before beginning your project. Make sure you read through it and plan your project based on the requirements listed. BE CREATIVE!!!!

November 8-12

2010-11-05T11:58:00.000-07:00

November 8-12
Dear Students:
Our test on Chapter 5 is Wednesday, November 10. Please don’t forget to study the Chapter content as well as the Key Terms. There might be a problem or two as well, just like the ones that were in your test last week, so it won’t hurt to review that as well.
We will also begin Chapter 6: Change in Time. As we leave genetics behind for a while, you will now be taken through a journey through Evolution, explaining natural selection and Darwin’s voyages.
Please get familiarized with some of the concepts we will be covering this week.
Section 1 Darwin’s Theory

Reading Preview
Key Concepts
• What important observations did Darwin make on his voyage?
• What hypothesis did Darwin make to explain the differences between similar species?
• How does natural selection lead to evolution?
Key Terms
• species
• fossil
• adaptation
• evolution
• scientific theory
• natural selection
• variation

Evidence of Evolution

Reading Preview
Key Concepts
• What evidence supports the theory of evolution?
• How do scientists infer evolutionary relationships among organisms?
• How do new species form?
Key Terms
• homologous structures
• branching tree

Important dates to keep in mind
November 10 Key Terms Due.
November 17 Project Due. Geologic Timeline
November 24 Chapter Test.

Online Safety

2010-11-04T12:41:00.000-07:00

November 1-5

2010-10-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

November 1-5
Dear Students:
This week we will have a test Wednesday, November 03. Remember this test will only include Problems involving:
• Sex-linked traits
• Pedigree charts
• Dihybrid crosses
Your chapter content test will be until next week. For that one you will study the entire chapter content as well as Key Terms.

Helpful Review on Pedigree Analysis
A pedigree is a diagram of family relationships that uses symbols to represent people and lines to represent genetic relationships. These diagrams make it easier to visualize relationships within families, particularly large extended families. Pedigrees are often used to determine the mode of inheritance (dominant, recessive, etc.) of genetic diseases. A sample pedigree is below.

In a pedigree, squares represent males and circles represent females. Horizontal lines connecting a male and female represent mating. Vertical lines extending downward from a couple represent their children. Subsequent generations are therefore written underneath the parental generations and the oldest individuals are found at the top of the pedigree.
If the purpose of a pedigree is to analyze the pattern of inheritance of a particular trait, it is customary to shade in the symbol of all individuals that possess this trait.
In the pedigree above, the grandparents had two children, a son and a daughter. The son had the trait in question. One of his four children also had the trait.

Use the following link to practice:
GENETICS websites
http://www.svusd.k12.ca.us/schools/lhhs/mccormacks/apbiowebpage/Assignments/genetics%20wkst.pdf
http://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio105/geneprob.htm

1. Punnett Square examples: Complete MONOHYBRID crosses (That means tracking one trait at a time). We will not be doing Dihybrid crosses in class (that means tracking 2 traits on one large punnett square.)

2. Practice Quiz with answers….just for fun!

3. Practicing Punnett Squares

4. Vocabulary Practice (some of the words here we did not use, but you can ignore those and use the ones we did review.)

5. Genetics Practice Problems. Find out how 2 hearing dogs can produce a deaf dog and others. This site also shows dihybrid crosses (which will not be done in class)

6. Interactive Game with punnett Squares

Picture Authorization Letter

2010-10-29T07:00:00.001-07:00

Dear Parents/ Students:
Please print and complete this form if you do not want your child’s picture to be posted on any school publication. The form must be returned to your area Principal’s Secretary no later than Friday November 5, 2010.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Tegucigalpa D.C.
October 19, 2010

Dear Parents:

This year the school will renew the publication of newsletters, magazines, and will increase the amount of information presented on the school’s Web Page. Many of the pictures might include your children.

For example, our parent, Mr. Mark Wright currently donated a series of professional photographs he has taken over the school year of our campus, which includes students. However, we do not want to publish them in our Web’s home page without having our parents’ consent. PICTURES will NOT include students’ names.

Please print and complete this form if you do not want your child’s picture to be posted on any school publication. The form must be returned to your area Principal’s Secretary no later than Friday November 5, 2010.

For more information or any concerns don’t hesitate to contact Vicky Díaz at the Development Office, devo@amschool.org

Thank you.

Liliana F. Jenkins
Superintendent

Please refrain from including my son / daughter’s ____________________ picture in any school publication or Web page. My son / daughter is currently in Grade ________________.

_________________________________ ______________________________
Parent’s Name Signature

• The school respects completely parents’ decisions regarding the publication of pictures and will maintain this form confidential.

Tegucigalpa D.C.
19 de octubre de 2010

Estimados Padres de Familia:

Este año la Escuela renovará las publicaciones de periódicos, revistas e incrementará la cantidad de información presentada en la página Web de la Escuela. Muchas de las fotos pueda que incluyan a sus hijos.

Por ejemplo, nuestro padre de familia, el Sr. Mark Wright actualmente donó una serie de fotografías profesionales que ha tomado durante el año escolar en nuestro campus, las cuales incluyen estudiantes. Sin embargo, no queremos publicarlas en nuestra Página de inicio de nuestra Web sin tener el consentimiento de los padres. Las fotos NO incluirán el nombre de los alumnos.

Por favor imprima y complete este formato si usted no desea que la foto de su hijo(a) sea utilizada en ninguna publicación de la Escuela. El formato deberá ser regresado a la Secretaria del Principal de su área a más tardar el viernes 22 de octubre de 2010.

Para más información o cualquier pregunta no dude en contactar a Vicky Díaz en la oficina del Departamento de Desarrollo, devo@amschool.org

Muchas Gracias.

Liliana F. Jenkins
Superintendente

Por favor abstenerse de incluir la foto de mi hijo /hija ____________________ de cualquier publicación de la escuela o en la Página Web. Mi hijo /hija cursa actualmente el __________Grado.

_________________________________ ______________________________
Nombre del Padre Firma

• La escuela respeta completamente las decisiones de los padres en consideración a la publicación de fotos y mantendrá este formato en confidencialidad.

October 25-29

2010-10-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Students:
We will begin Chapter 5 and continue to learn about Genetics. In this Chapter Modern Genetics is covered and we continue to learn how people inherit alleles for traits from their parents.
Section 1

Key Concepts
What are some patterns of inheritance in humans?
What are the functions of the sex chromosomes?
What is the relationship between genes and the environment?

Key Terms
multiple alleles
sex chromosomes
sex-linked gene
carrier

Section 2

Key Concepts
What are two major causes of genetic disorders in humans?
How do geneticists trace the inheritance of traits?
How are genetic disorders diagnosed and treated?

Key Terms
genetic disorder
pedigree
karyotype

Section 3

Key Concepts
What are three ways of producing organisms with desired traits?
What is the goal of the Human Genome Project?

Key Terms
selective breeding
inbreeding
hybridization
clone
genetic engineering
gene therapy

Important Dates to keep in mind

• October 25: Holiday
• October 27: Key Terms Due
• October 29: Band Presentation
• November 3: Test Ch 5(Probelms Only) and Work Pack Due

Practicing Punnett Squares

2010-10-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

Practicing Punnett Squares

(Monohybrid Crosses)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Directions: For each of the following problems,

1. List the genotypes of the parents.

2. Diagram and complete a Punnett square

3. Give the phenotype percentages of the offspring.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. In garden peas, round seed coats (R) is dominant over wrinkled seed coats (r). What will the results be of a cross between a homozygous dominant male and a recessive female.

2. In peas, yellow color (Y) is dominant to green (y). What will be the results of a cross-pollination of a heterozygous female and a heterozygous male?

3. In humans, straight toes (S) is dominant over curled toes (s). What would be the result of a cross between a recessive male and a heterozygous female?

4. In dogs, erect ears (E) is dominate over droopy ears (e). What are the results if two heterozygous dogs have a litter of puppies.

5. The ability to roll the tongue (R) is determined by a dominant gene while the recessive gene results in the inability to roll the tongue (r). A man and his wife can both roll their tongues and are surprised to find that their son cannot. Explain this by showing the genotypes of all three persons. (Note: you do not need to do a Punnett Square for this problem).

6. In humans, wavy hair (CS) results by the co-dominant situation of curly hair (C) and straight hair (S). What are the possible results if a curly-haired man and wavy-haired woman have children.

7. In iris, purple (p) is incompletely dominant over white (w). What would be the results of a cross if both parents were pale lavender (heterozygous-pw)?

8. In crocus flowers, white (W) and purple (P) colors are co-dominant, and result in a purple and white striped flower when both genes are present. What are the possible results from the cross-pollination of a striped crocus with a white crocus?

9. In cattle, red (r) is incompletely dominant over white (w) hides. Roan in the name of the color that results from incomplete dominance. What are the possible results if a white male mates with a roan female?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sex-linked Traits practice problems

2010-10-15T11:13:00.000-07:00

http://www.zerobio.com/drag_gr11/sexlink.htm

October 18-22

2010-10-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Students:
We will continue to learn about Genetics and Heredity this week. Practice your Genetic Problems and the Pedigree Charts. Please don't forget to keep your binders organized: file papers, color code and keep important documents in plastic protectors. We are now beginning the Second Quarter and it is a good chance to improve our first Quarter Grade.
Please don't forget that our Science Test for chapter 4 will take place Wednesday, October 20. As you prepare for it, make sure you read the chapter and then study details with the help of your work pack and key terms.
Your final grade for the First Quarter is already posted in Power School. There is always a chance for improvement!!!!

Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings.
Salvador Dali

Important Dates to keep in mind:
Late Start 9:30: October 19
Chapter Test: October 20
AASCA Tournament: October 20-23

October 11-15

2010-10-08T09:18:00.001-07:00

Dear Students:
This week we will continue practicing our Genetics Problems. We are now ready to add more traits and new terms to our already rich list of key Terms. Remember you will have a Test this Wednesday only Genetic Problem solving!!! Study your Punnett squares, homozygous and heterozygous traits as well as phenotypes and genotypes. Use all the problems done in class to practice.
Important Dates to keep in mind:
October 11: Holiday
October 13: Test Genetics Problems
October 15: Work pack Due
October 14: End of the 1st Quarter

Use the following link to practice at home:
Genetics problems Quiz
http://glencoe.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0078778066/student_view0/chapter5/math_practice.html

October 4-8

2010-10-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

October 4-8
Dear Students:
This week we are beginning Chapter 4.This Chapter covers many aspects of the science of heredity. We will be learning about
• Mendel’s work
• Probability and heredity
• Inheritance
• The DNA Connection.
Some important dates to keep in mind are:
October 6: Key Terms Ch 6
October 13: Test #1 Chapter 4
October 20: Test #2 Chapter 4
You can notice this chapter is divided into two parts. As we will be taking genetics cases I decided to divide the content in two parts.
Gregor Johann MENDEL was an Austrian monk and biologist whose work on heredity became the basis of the modern theory of genetics. To learn more about him visit:
http://www.zephyrus.co.uk/gregormendel.html

September 27 – October 1

2010-09-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Students:
This week you will have a test on Chapter 4. Please read the Chapter first and then use your section summaries to review. Your class notes and work pack are also useful and available for you to review. Your test is Wednesday, September 29.
Your DNA structure project is due Friday, October 1st. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is a nucleic acid, or large molecule, that contains the genetic code or blueprint used in the creation of all living organisms and some viruses. DNA pieces are called genes. DNA comprises two long polymer strands called nucleotides, each with a backbone of sugars and phosphates. The backbone sugars are joined to rungs of two of four molecules called bases, which pair up as adenine and thymine, and guanine and cytosine. It is this sequence of four bases that actually encodes genetic information. Making DNA models is simple and can be done with household items.
Don’t forget to present your rubric with your project!!
Useful links to review:
Photosynthesis
http://www.emc.maricopa.edu/faculty/farabee/BIOBK/BioBookPS.html
DNA
http://www.emc.maricopa.edu/faculty/farabee/BIOBK/BioBookTOC.html
Identify laboratory Devices
http://www.epa.gov/region03/ee/chesapeake/labident.htm
Heredity
http://www.sonic.net/~nbs/projects/anthro201/

DNA MODEL

2010-09-20T11:47:00.000-07:00

DNA MODEL INSTRUCTIONS
Due Date ____OCT 1st___________ .
You will build a 3-D double helix (twisted) model of DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid.
Dimensions: NO TALLER than 12 inches when mounted on a base. The maximum size of the base is 8 inches by 8 inches. Smaller is better.
Use 3 dimensional objects. (No pieces of paper glued to a form) Items you may use are coat hanger wire, wire, toothpicks, pipe cleaners, beads, tinker toys, soda straws, wood, etc. NO TAPE!!!!! You may not use a purchased DNA model kit. DO NOT USE ANY FOOD PRODUCTS!!!!!!!!! No cereal, candy, pasta, rice, etc. Use of food will result in an immediate 50 point deduction in grade points. You do not have to spend a lot of money on this project. Be creative.
Your model must include a minimum of 5 rungs made up of nucleotides. Each nucleotide must have a sugar, phosphate group, and a nitrogen base represented by different colored objects. Nitrogen bases must be bonded to the appropriate complementary base on the other side of the helix. You must have each of the four bases represented. The two sides should be twisted to look like a double helix. Use Figure 23 on page 101 as a reference.
Hints for color-coding: all 10 sugars should be the same color, all 10 phosphates should be the same color, and each of the four nitrogen bases should have their own color. Together you should have 6 different colors. Again, use Figure 23 on page 101 as a reference.
Include a properly labeled, color-coded key at the base of your double helix along with an example of one complete nucleotide. List the correct names with the correct spelling of the deoxyribose sugar, each nitrogen base and the phosphates. Use NO abbreviations. Neatness AND stability of the model on its base counts. Print your name and class period on the underside of the base.

Project is due October 1.
NOTE: There are two different bases referred to in these instructions. One refers to base pairs and the other is the base of your project. Please be sure you know the difference.

September 20/ Chapter 3/ Cell Processes and Energy

2010-09-18T18:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Students:
This week we will continue to work in Chapter 3: CELL PROCESSES AND ENERGY!!!!We will explore Photosynthesis, Respiration and Cell Division. Our Chapter TEST will be Wednesday, september 29. We will carry out activities in class to get ready for it. Our Lab Activity certainly was a big success. Slowly but surely we will continue to practice our lab skills as well as our class content. Your workpack should be ready by Wednesday, september 22. We will proceed to discuss it in class and to make sure that no questions are left unanswered. I will now list some of the goals you should meet as we approach the end of the chapter:

Explain how the sun supplies living things with the energy they need
Describe what happens during the process of photosynthesis
Describe the events that occur during respitation
Tell what fermentation is
Identify the events that take place during Cell Division

Don't forget to use the links provided in this BLOG to review your material in a daily basis, as well as the class notes.

Now lets take a look at some Effective HABITS

You can prepare yourself to succeed in your studies.
Try to develop and appreciate the following habits:

Take responsibility for yourself
Recognize that in order to succeed you need to make decisions about your priorities,
your time, and your resources

Center yourself around your values and principles
Don't let friends and acquaintances dictate what you consider important

Put first things first
Follow up on the priorities you have set for yourself, and don't let others, or other interests, distract you from your goals

Discover your key productivity periods and places
Morning, afternoon, or evening?
Find spaces where you can be the most focused and productive.
Prioritize these for your most difficult study challenges

Consider yourself in a win-win situation
When you contribute your best to a class, you, your fellow students,
and even your teacher will benefit.
Your grade can then be one additional check on your performance

First understand others, then attempt to be understood
When you have an issue with an instructor (a questionable grade, an assignment deadline, etc.) put yourself in the instructor's place.
Now ask yourself how you can best make your argument given his/her situation

Look for better solutions to problems
For example, if you don't understand the course material, don't just re-read it.
Try something else! Consult with the professor, a tutor, an academic advisor, a classmate, a study group, or your school's study skills center

Look to continually challenge yourself

Check out this cool science links!!!!

2010-09-07T07:30:00.001-07:00

www.kidsbiology.com
www.cellsalive.com

Cell Processes

2010-09-06T09:05:00.000-07:00

Schoolwide Presentation coming up soon!!!

2010-09-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

The Cell Project

2010-08-31T07:42:00.000-07:00

Cell Project:
Due September 3rd

You will create a 3-D model of a plant or animal cell (your choice) using common materials. You will label the structures on the model with numbers, providing a typewritten key to identify the labels. Also on the key, you will identify the location of the structure in relation to other structures on your particular cell, as well as the function of each structure.

REQUIREMENTS AND LIMITS:

1) The cell can be no smaller than 4" x 6", and no larger than 9" x 12".

2) The cell must be 3-D. Therefore it cannot be a poster or only puffy paint.

3) The model MUST be delivered in a box (shoe box, shirt box, etc...)

4) Use clear drying glue. Avoid tape, pins, and staples. Ideas for materials include: yarn, beads, toothpicks, pipe cleaners, string, straws, Styrofoam, play-doh, etc... Use many types and your imagination, but be sure it will stay together.

5) You must identify all the organelles listed below for whichever cell you choose.

6) The type of cell, your name, and period must be identified somehow on the model and on the key.

7) DO NOT label the organelles on the model. Use ID numbers. The key will identify which organelle is represented by each ID number.

8) You must turn in the scoring sheet, your key, and model together in the box.

Organelles to be included in BOTH CELLS:
cell membrane
vacuole
rough endoplasmic reticulum
smooth endoplasmic reticulum
golgi apparatus
nucleolus
nucleus
ribosomes
mitochondria

Organelles to be included in PLANT CELLS ONLY:
cell wall
chloroplast

Organelles to be included in ANIMAL CELLS ONLY:
lysosomes
centrioles

REMEMBER
Plant and animal cells have different shapes, and this should be reflected in your model.

Life Science- A Brief Introduction

2010-08-11T23:12:00.001-07:00

What Is Life Science?
Thinking Like a Scientist
Tools of the Life Scientist

How To Write An Abstract

2010-08-11T23:11:00.001-07:00

HOW TO WRITE AN ABSTRACT

Each student who does a science project must write an abstract that will be displayed with their project.
Some science project abstracts are placed on the table in a folder while others are attached to the display board. Follow the guidelines for each presentation.
What are science project abstracts?
An abstract is a brief, written discussion of your Science Project.
Each abstract consists of a brief statement of the essential, or most important, thoughts about your project. Abstracts should summarize, clearly and simply, the main points of the experiment and/or the main sections of the report. Syntax, spelling, grammar, and punctuation, neatness, and originality are important. (see details below)
What do you include when writing science fair project abstracts?
1. Project title
School
City, State

2. Purpose of your project / experiment
. An introductory statement of the reason for investigating the topic of the project.
. A statement of the problem or hypothesis being studied.
It also may include any possible research applications.
3. Procedures Used
. Summarization of the key points.
. Overview of the investigation that you conducted.
. Only include procedures that you, the student, did.
. Do not include work done by a mentor (such as surgical procedures), acknowledgements, work done by a university lab or work done prior to your involvement in your project.
. Do not give details about the materials used unless it greatly influenced the procedure or had to be developed to do the investigation.
4. Observation/Data/Results
. State the key results that lead directly to the conclusions you have drawn.
. Do not give too many details about the results nor include tables or graphs.

5. Conclusions
. Describe briefly conclusions that you derived from your investigation.
. In the summary paragraph, reflect on the process and possibly state some applications and extensions of the investigation.
. An abstract does not include a bibliography unless specifically required by your teacher.

More Tips When Writing Science Fair Project Abstracts
• The abstract is printed on one page and is usually between 100 to 250 words long for grades 4 through 12, and between 50 to 250 for grades K through 3
• Judges and the public must have an accurate idea of the project after reading the abstract.
• The abstract must focus on the current year's research and give only minimal reference to previous work. Do not include details and discussions in the abstract, but they may be put in the longer, written research paper (if required), or given on the display board.

Life Science Syllabus

2010-08-10T09:31:00.000-07:00

American School of Tegucigalpa

Dear Life Science Students/Parents:

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Science through the Life Science Course for seventh grade. This course is widely described as an in-depth study of the five kingdoms and human biology. However, since the American School now offers the unique opportunity of preparing the students for International Baccalaureate studies through the Middle Years Program, it is also the foundation of a successful career in science. Let’s work together to excel in setting the right knowledge and attitude towards study in the students. Please take a few minutes to examine this short introduction and the classroom textbook to get acquainted with this course.

Course Compliance:
The course is designed to meet and/or exceed the requirements of the Ministerio de Educación de la República de Honduras and also the American School Science Benchmarks and Standards, which are based upon those suggested by the U.S. National Science Teachers Association, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.

Course Elements:
The course is supported by a textbook: Pearson Prentice Hall’s Science Explorer; M.Padilla, I. Miaoulis and M. Cyr, and is divided into four quarters:

FIRST QUARTER

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO LIFE SCIENCE
CHAPTER 2 LIVING THINGS
CHAPTER 3 CELL PROCESSES AND ENERGY
CHAPTER 4 GENETICS: THE SCIENCE OF HEREDITY
CHAPTER 5 MODERN GENETICS

SECOND QUARTER

CHAPTER 6 CHANGES OVER TIME
CHAPTER 14 BONES, MUSCLES, AND SKIN
CHAPTER 15 FOOD AND DIGESTION
CHAPTER 16 CIRCULATION

THIRD QUARTER

CHAPTER 17 RESPIRATION AND EXCRETION
CHAPTER 18 FIGHTING DISEASE
CHAPTER 19 THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
CHAPTER 20 THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM AND REPRODUCTION

FOURTH QUARTER

CHAPTER 21 POPULATIONS AND COMMUNITIES
CHAPTER 22 ECOSYSTEMS AND BIOMES
CHAPTER 23 LIVING RESOURCES

Course Implementation:
In order to asses the student’s comprehension, the course requires a grading procedure divided as follows:
• Class Participation 10%
• Homework and Classroom Work 20%
• Tests 25%
• Projects and Lab Activities 30%
• Quizzes 15%

You might have noticed that Class Participation is graded and required. I cannot stress enough the importance of personal attributes such as being prepared, on-time, follow directions, work well with others, show good classroom manners and display a positive attitude and effort all around, as these are roughly the matters that make class participation. Homework and classroom work are obviously graded to encourage completion of the assigned task. You might also have noticed that there are quizzes and tests. In a subject like Science, learning comes predominantly through observation, just like the original discoverers of many scientific processes did; Projects and Lab Activities will be part of the tools used to reinforce lectures, and will also be graded. Tests are chapter evaluations that will be announced and expected at the end of each chapter. Since students are also expected to review the material covered in class on a daily basis, they should be ready for a Quiz at any time, be it announced or unannounced.

Miscellaneous:
It is always important to read the Student/Parent Handbook as it is a good reference as to what is expected, permitted, prohibited and otherwise. If the need arises, you can contact me by making an appointment through the secretary to the Middle School Principal, or via email to the following address: merrazuriz@amschool.org

Best regards,

Marici Errázuriz-Giron