Virtual Frog Dissection Lab

Hello 8th graders,

Because we are human and humane, we will be doing a virtual frog dissection today. If you would like to read about the plight of frogs in the world and some discussion of why it is best to go with virtual dissection, try here: http://pcrm.org/research/edtraining/dissectionalt
There are many more, but this is concise and factual.

YOU WILL NEED YOUR HEADPHONES.
To begin today's lab, you will visit the following link and work your way through the exercise, one video and page at a time. Some of the information is probably known to you. When you get to the virtual exercise, do it! http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/virtual_labs/BL_16/BL_16.html

If you want to feel like you've really poked around inside a dead frog, try this link:
http://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/frog_alternative.html
It uses a real frog for the demonstrations.

There will be a frog quiz tomorrow, so be sure to take notes on structures and procedures.

Have fun!

First Step Toward Science Fair!

Hello Seventh Grade Science Class,

We discussed today's task yesterday in class: by Monday you will have three possible science fair project ideas, with one online reference for each. The online reference should provide information you will want to study to learn more about your topic.

If you already have ideas, Great! Get right to researching and see what you can find.

If you want to get some ideas, go to any of these websites and start browsing:

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas.shtml

http://www.education.com/science-fair/eighth-grade/

http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/

http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/projects.html

Use the online research skills you developed this year for the Water Crisis project to help you navigate the websites.

Remember, you can type up a document right now and save it to your school account or a flash drive (preferably both...so you don't leave your document at home on Monday). We can print them out upstairs on Monday. Have fun! See you on Monday.

Dr. H.

Water Water Water Water!

To 8th graders in Computer Lab: Welcome back, Minions.

We can't change the world, but we can certainly imagine doing so. Someday you will have the opportunity to make an impact on the world's problems, so you want to practice the skills that will create solutions.

The last group section of our Water Crisis Unit sets a challenging goal: come up with and research the viability of some course of action that will IMPROVE water conditions in your assigned country. No solution is too crazy - until you research the practical aspects of it and determine that it's crazy. Brainstorm some ideas, then each of you research costs, actual construction/implementation difficulties that your country may have, social and geographic implications of your solution, and how you would actually go about doing it (Step 1, step 2, etc.).

Your group will present your country's water improvement solution AND SUPPORTING FACTS and discuss them with the rest of the class on Earth Day, April 22.

The future is in our hands.