Activity #12: What's happening inside?

Today we started Unit B: Human Body where students participated in activity #12. Students first defined their new vocabulary words which were organs and organ system. After our class defined the words, student made a 3-column chart that had organ/ organ system/ and organ function in each column. After we created the chart, we filled in the chart with 16 of our major organs. We discussed what system each organ belongs to and then talked about its function. At the end of class student reflected about what they learned today about the human body.

4-Corners Vocabulary and Picture Day

Today in science class students are taking their pictures for the yearbook and to buy. If students forgot to bring their money they can turn it into the office by Wednesday. After the students took their pictures they worked on an Activity called 4-corners vocabulary. Students picked five vocab words from unit A. They first wrote down the vocab words in the first box. In the next box the students wrote the definition of that vocab word. Next students drew an illustration or example of that vocab word. Finally students had to put that vocab word into a complete sentence which was not the same as the definition. This activity was due at the end of class.

Tomorrow we start Unit B: The Human Body

Homework: Students one page essay/ reflection on Unit A is due on their block day this week either Wednesday or Thursday!

Activity #10: Evaluating Clinical Trials

Today students watched a movie on Diabetes and Insulin. During the movie, students took Cornell notes about the main topics in the movie which included what Diabetes is, how insulin plays a role, how the Pancreas is involved, and how it was tested or studied. After the Movie students had to write a reflection or summary about what they learned, how scientists study Diabetes, and any questions they have. Students examined the ethics of testing dogs with insulin before humans and discussed how it is different today then back then.

Homework: Students were assigned the following homework today: Students must write a one page essay the answers the following question: How do scientists study people and medicine? The paper is due during the science block day next week, either Wednesday or Thursday!

Have a great weekend!

Activity #9: Data Toss

During block days this week students will be participating in activity #9: Data Toss. Students will be using the scientific method while carrying out this activity. The question is : Is it easier to catch a ball with two hands or one hand? Next students had to make a hypothesis about what they thought was going to happen. Then students wrote out the steps for the experiment. When that was finished, students went outside with their partner and tested their hypothesis by catching the ball with one hand 15 times and then with two hands 15 times. They then had to record their data and explain whether is what easy, medium, or hard to catch the ball with one hand or two hands. Finally students wrote conclusions about their experiment.

Homework due today: PB and J re-written procedures

PB and J

Today students participated in a couple of activities. They took their first quiz of the year which covered what they have learned so far in life science. Most of the questions were related to vocab words that they have focused on in unit A. Students were allowed to use their science notebook as a resource for the quiz. Next, students wrote procedures for making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. After the students were finished writing procedures, volunteers came up to read their procedures to the rest of the class. As they read procedures, I tried to make the sandwich. The students recognized that I was not able to make the PB and J because their procedures were not clear enough.

Homework: Students need to rewrite their procedures for making a PB and J making sure they have details and are clear and precise. This is due next week on their block day, either Wednesday or Thursday!

Hint: Do not come to school Monday!!! Happy Labor Day!

Activity # 6-7: Human Variation

During block days this week students are doing activities 6 and 7. First students will read activity 6 which explains the nervous system and touch receptors. While they read, the will take Cornell notes about the information that they are reading. The four main ideas in the reading are nervous system, nerves, eating food, and touch receptors. Next, students do activity 7 which is a touch test. The students test each other on their sensitivity to touch where they have to distinguish the difference between two points and one point. Students then analyze how human variation makes it difficult to study people.

Activity #4: How scientists test medicine

Today students did activity #4 which was a reading about how scientists test medicine. The reading focused on the steps we take to test medicine. Before scientists test medicine, the volunteers have to sign a informed consent form to waive liability to the doctors and scientist. Then when the tests begin, only a few volunteers actually get the medicine. Most of the volunteers get the placebo which is a fake or inactive pill. This is to make sure that no one is faking and to make sure the medicine is actually effective. This also controls the experiment.

The students answered stopping to think questions 1-3 and analysis question #3 on pages A-16 through A-19.

They finished the day by reflecting on whether testing medicine is important or not!