Thursday, September 12, 2013

Thursday/Friday, 12/13 September, 2013


ESSENTIAL QUESTION:  How do scientists develop scientific knowledge?
Why are good scientists often skeptical about claims made from experiments and how can they become more confident?

TOPIC: Other Scientific Investigations and Methods/Replication and Repetition

NGSSS: SC.8.N.1.1; SC.7.N.1.2

BENCHMARKS:
-Define a problem from the 8th grade curriculum using appropriate reference materials to support scientific understanding, plan and carry out scientific investigations of various types: systematic observations, or experiments, identify variables.  
-Differentiate replication (by others) from repetition (multiple trials).

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  Students will be able to:
-distinguish between an experiment and other types of scientific investigations where variables cannot 
be controlled.
-describe the common methods and models used in different fields of science and analyze the benefits 
and limitations of them.
-differentiate between replication and repetition and evaluate the use and need of each in a scientific 
investigation.

BELL RINGER- Topic 1 Assessment

Students took the topic one assessment.

Some classes began the lesson on other scientific investigations, doing the listening skills and completing the handouts mentioned in the previous blog.

Other classes began the repetition and replication power point lesson, completing the notes from the Alka-Seltzer lab and doing the independent practice handout as their exit slip.

There was no separate home learning assigned.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Tuesday/Wednesday, 10/11 September, 2013


ESSENTIAL QUESTION:  How do scientists develop scientific knowledge?
Why are good scientists often skeptical about claims made from experiments   and how can they become more confident?

TOPIC: Other Scientific Investigations and Methods/Replication and Repetition

NGSSS: SC.8.N.1.1; SC.7.N.1.2

BENCHMARKS:
-Define a problem from the 8th grade curriculum using appropriate reference materials to support scientific understanding, plan and carry out scientific investigations of various types: systematic observations, or experiments, identify variables.  
-Differentiate replication (by others) from repetition (multiple trials).

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  Students will be able to:
-distinguish between an experiment and other types of scientific investigations where variables cannot 
be controlled.
-describe the common methods and models used in different fields of science and analyze the benefits 
and limitations of them.
-differentiate between replication and repetition and evaluate the use and need of each in a scientific 
investigation.

BELL RINGER- Probe Doing Science

Home learning 3 was collected.

Students viewed a power point on other scientific investigations and methods. They received the notes in handout form.

Students used listening skills to classify studies as either a controlled experiment, an investigation, or as a model.

Students also viewed a power point presentation on replication and repetition, sharing the Alka-Seltzer data to discover which data were believable and which were not. THe data was also used to demonstrate the difference between repetition and replication.

Students completed the independent practice handout on replication and repetition. The do no probe was redoing and submitted as an exit slip.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Tuesday/Wednesday, 3/4 September, 2013


ESSENTIAL QUESTION:  How do scientists develop scientific knowledge?

TOPIC: How Scientists Work

NGSSS: SC.8.N.1.1

BENCHMARKS:
-Define a problem from the 8th grade curriculum using appropriate reference materials to support scientific understanding, plan and carry out scientific investigations of various types: systematic observations, or experiments, identify variables.  

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  Students will be able to:
-design and conduct a scientific investigation to demonstrate evidence of scientific thinking and/or 
problem solving.
-interpret and analyze data to make predictions and defend conclusions.
-explain the value of hypotheses, even if they turn out not to be supported by the data.

BELL RINGER- Scientific Method handout

Once again, students worked on completing the lab. Classes that finished began the lab write-up. Due to testing, some classes have not completed the activity.

Friday, September 6, 2013

Friday/Monday, 6/9 September, 2013


ESSENTIAL QUESTION:  How do scientists develop scientific knowledge?

TOPIC: How Scientists Work

NGSSS: SC.8.N.1.1

BENCHMARKS:
-Define a problem from the 8th grade curriculum using appropriate reference materials to support scientific understanding, plan and carry out scientific investigations of various types: systematic observations, or experiments, identify variables.  

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  Students will be able to:
-design and conduct a scientific investigation to demonstrate evidence of scientific thinking and/or 
problem solving.
-interpret and analyze data to make predictions and defend conclusions.
-explain the value of hypotheses, even if they turn out not to be supported by the data.

BELL RINGER- Scientific Method handout

All classes completed the lab activity and began the experiment write up.

Students also began the construction of their lab notebook AND their interactive science journal.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Thursday/Friday, 29/30 August, 2013


ESSENTIAL QUESTION:  How do scientists develop scientific knowledge?

TOPIC: How Scientists Work

NGSSS: SC.8.N.1.1

BENCHMARKS:
-Define a problem from the 8th grade curriculum using appropriate reference materials to support scientific understanding, plan and carry out scientific investigations of various types: systematic observations, or experiments, identify variables.  

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  Students will be able to:
-design and conduct a scientific investigation to demonstrate evidence of scientific thinking and/or 
problem solving.
-interpret and analyze data to make predictions and defend conclusions.
-explain the value of hypotheses, even if they turn out not to be supported by the data.

BELL RINGER- Scientific Method handout

Home learning 2 was collected and reviewed.

Students worked on the lab activity in their groups.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Tuesday/Wednesday, 27/28 August, 2013


ESSENTIAL QUESTION:  How do scientists develop scientific knowledge?

TOPIC: How Scientists Work

NGSSS: SC.8.N.1.1

BENCHMARKS:
-Define a problem from the 8th grade curriculum using appropriate reference materials to support scientific understanding, plan and carry out scientific investigations of various types: systematic observations, or experiments, identify variables.  

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  Students will be able to:
-design and conduct a scientific investigation to demonstrate evidence of scientific thinking and/or 
problem solving.
-interpret and analyze data to make predictions and defend conclusions.
-explain the value of hypotheses, even if they turn out not to be supported by the data.

BELL RINGER- Scientific Method handout

Home learning 2, How scientists work was assigned.

Textbooks were distributed. Students are to complete pages 6-11. They will use these pages to answer the home learning.

Students viewed the powerpoint to introduce the lab activity with the alma seltzer and forming and testing hypotheses.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Monday, 26 August, 2013



These are the lab safety handouts. Complete.

Essential Question: How do scientists develop scientific knowledge?

Topic: How Scientists Work

NGSSS Benchmarks: SC.8.N.1.1

Students will be able to:
-evaluate a scientific investigation using evidence of scientific thinking and/or problem solving.

-analyze an experimental procedure to identify a design flaw and propose a method for correcting it.
-identify test (independent) and outcome (dependent) variables in an experiment.
-review safety in the science laboratory.

Students completed the independent practice sheet on variable as their bell ringer. You can find the handout on Wednesday's blog.

Safety contracts were collected.

Students completed the gallery walk on variables.

Students completed the exit slip on variables.

Students received the handout on lab safety, but we did not review and will do so next class period. The handout can be found at the top of this blog.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Thursday, 22 August, 2013

This included the gallery walk handout and the independent practice sheet.


Essential Question: How do scientists develop scientific knowledge?

Topic: How Scientists Work

NGSSS Benchmarks: SC.8.N.1.1

Students will be able to:
-evaluate a scientific investigation sing evidence of scientific thinking and/or problem solving.

-analyze an experimental procedure to identify a design flaw and propose a method for correcting it.
-identify test (independent) and outcome (dependent) variables in an experiment.
-review safety in the science laboratory.

Student completed the laboratory safety pre-assessment quiz.

Students shared their responses from the home learning.

Students completed the notes on how a scientist thinks.

Students then participated in the Gallery Walk on variables. Those classes that did not complete the walk will do so next class period. Students completed the handout as they did the gallery walk. The handout can be found at the top of this blog.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Tuesday, 20 August, 2013


Welcome back to Campbell Drive Middle School's new school year! I hope each of you had a pleasant summer. Now, let's get back into the swing of things by jumping into The Science Zone!

Essential Question: How do scientists develop scientific knowledge?

Topic: How Scientists Work

NGSSS Benchmarks: SC.8.N.1.1

Students will be able to:
-evaluate a scientific investigation sing evidence of scientific thinking and/or problem solving.

-analyze an experimental procedure to identify a design flaw and propose a method for correcting it.
-identify test (independent) and outcome (dependent) variables in an experiment.

Our bell ringer was to complete a learning styles inventory.

Home learning 1 - Choose one of the following situations and write to explain how to complete the task. Use sequential words, such as first, then, next, last, etc.
-change a light bulb in a lamp
-tie the shoelace on a sneaker
-blow up and tie a balloon
-unlock a door and enter a house

Students reviewed the scientific process via a powerpoint that can be seen in the movie below.
Students used the printed notes sheet to complete as they interacted with the powerpoint presentation. This handout can be found at the top of this blog.


Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Tuesday/Wednesday, 28/29 May, 2013


Students will be able to:
-make an iMovie of their assigned body system, including organs of the system and a chronic disease that affects the system.
-demonstrate knowledge of the body systems and how drugs/alcohol affect them.

Students continued with the iMovie production. Groups made sure they had the following slides:

-(Group Name) Presents
-The (System Name) System
-Created by (with first and last names of all group members
-Important Vocabulary
-the vocabulary words should EACH be on their OWN slide.
-Chronic diseases of the system
-how illegal drugs affect the organs of the system
-how alcohol affects the organs of the system
-references

Students learned how to add music and vocals to their presentations. 

Presentations will begin on Thursday.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Thursday, 23 May through Wednesday, 29 May, 2013


Students will be able to:
-make an iMovie of their assigned body system, including organs of the system and a disease that affects the system.

All teams are preparing their iMovie presentations. Students are allowed to get music and photos from other sources to use in the videos, but I must approve them before they can be added to the presentation. The presentations should include:

-a slide with the group name
-a slide with the name and picture of the body system
-a slide with the group member's names
-a slide stating important vocabulary
-slides (one for EACH vocabulary word)
-slides with the organs of the systems OR a picture of the entire system and accompanying words to explain the job of each organ
-slides toe explain how drugs and/or alcohol affect the system
-a reference slide with at least two references

Viewing will be on May 30/31, so be ready!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Wednesday, 22 May, 2013

Today, we will determine how homeostasis is necessary in the human body by determining factors that affect blood pressure. Click the link to access the virtual lab.

Blood Pressure

Monday, May 20, 2013

Monday/Tuesday, 20/21 May, 2013


Students will be able to:
use the information from  the movie Osmosis Jones and classroom discussions to
-describe the human body systems.
-determine how the body systems work cohesively to maintain homeostasis.
-justify how one system can affect all systems if it is not working correctly.

Students watched the movie Osmosis Jones to tie in all the body systems we've recently discussed and how they all can be affected by choices we make. Students should complete the handout from the movie as home learning and turn in next class.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Thursday/Friday, 16/17 May, 2013


Students will be able to:
-identify the stages of fetal development.
-determine how fetal development is affected by drugs and alcohol.

Students completed a think/write/pair/share as their bell ringer. The question: What would you expect to happen to the fetus of a woman who takes drugs and/or alcohol during her pregnancy?

Students completed any paper labs not done.

Students then viewed the Nova film THe Miracle of Life. Students are to complete the handout that accompanied the video and hand it in next class meeting.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Wednesday, 15 May and Wednesday, 22 May, 2013




These are home learnings 7, 8, and 9. Do all three on the same sheet of loose leaf paper. Answers only. Follow all printed directions.

Students will be able to:
-identify the stages of the menstrual cycle.
-determine the stages of fetal development.

Students did a think/write/pair/share as their bell ringer. They wrote to answer: What would you expect to happen if the pituitary gland of a young girl malfunctioned.

Students completed the article on Puberty. The handout is to be placed in the folder until notebooks are returned. 

Students received Home Learnings 7, 8, and 9, which can be found at the top of this blog. 

Students worked on the paper labs on the menstrual cycle and fetal development. 

Should we be able to go to the computer room by May 22, students will also do GIZMOs on homeostasis and the menstrual cycle.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Monday/Tuesday, 13/14 May, 2013


Students will be able to:
-identify the stages of the menstrual cycle.
-determine the stages of fetal development.

Students completed a word scramble on the reproductive system as a bell ringer.

THis is HL 7. Answers only on your own paper.

This is HL 8. Write true if the statement is true. If the statement is false, DO NOT WRITE FALSE, but think of a word that would make the statement true and record that word.

This is HL 9. Answers only. All three home learnings can be placed on the same page.

Students received HL 7, 8, and 9, which can be found at the top of this blog.

Students viewed the BrainPop movies Period and Fetal Development. They also reviewed both menstruation and fetal development via slide show presentations, similar to the ones below.
This is the menstrual cycle video.

This is the fetal development video.

Students read an article on puberty, using jig saw and reported back to the class.

Students completed paper labs on the menstrual cycle and fetal development.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Thursday/Friday, 9/10 May, 2013

This is HL 5. Answers only on your own paper.


This is HL 6. Answers only on your own paper.


These are the notes. Color accordingly.


Students will be able to:
-identify the basic components of the human reproductive system and their functions.

Students completed a crossword puzzle on the male and female reproductive system as their bell ringer.

Students watched a BrainPop on the reproductive system and then watched a BBC Bitesize REvision on reproduction.

Students participated in a reproduction chain, by taking phases of the male and female reproductive process, along with fertilization, conception, and pregnancy and forming lines demonstrating the correct sequence.

Students then read and colored the male and female reproductive tracts, before taking an exit quiz.

Home learnings 5 and 6 can be found at the top of this blog, along with the handouts for the notes.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Monday/Tuesday, 6/7 May, 2013

This is HL 3. Be sure to read and follow all directions. Answers only on your own paper.


This is HL 4. Be sure to read and follow all directions. Answers only on your own paper.
Students will be able to:
-participate in a hands-on activity that demonstrates the spread of the HIV virus.

Students completed a a bell ringer on HIV/AIDS before taking a quiz on the topic.

Students received HL 3 and HL 4, which can be found at the top of this blog.

Students viewed videos about HIV and youth perceptions. These videos were created by youths in Texas and New York City.

Finally, students participated in the hands on lab, AIDS: Am I Susceptible, in which they discovered that anyone who participated in high rick activities is likely to contract the HIV virus.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Thursday/Friday, 2/3 May, 2013


Students should be able to:
discuss the problems and difficulties of living with AIDS/HIV.

Students completed a reading/question section on HIV and Miami YOuth as their bell ringer.

Students then were placed in groups to read and report to the class about several people who are/were living with HIV/AIDS. Those reported on could include: Freddie Mercury, Arthur Ashe, Ryan White, Elizabeth Glaser, Earwin Magic Johnson, and Nkosi Johnson. Students were given a handout to complete and share with their classmates.

Some classes also had the opportunity to hear a spark deal with her first hand experience of living with HIV/AIDS.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Wednesday, 1/8 May, 2013

Students, complete each of the links below.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV/AIDS Inventory

Now, watch the video.

Answer the following:
1. What are some of the initial symptoms of the HIV infection?
2. According to the video, what is the only way to determine that a person has HIV?
3. What concerns does the patient in the video express about taking drugs for HIV?
4. In your opinion, what is the most important fact for teens to know about HIV?

Now, click the link below to complete the challenge:
Avert

How well can you identify at risk behaviors for HIV/AIDS?
At Risk Behaviors


Finally, as we begin the Human Growth and Development section, click the link below to learn more about Safe Sex.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Monday/Tuesday, 29/30 April, 2013

This is HL 1. Answers only on your own correctly headed paper. Be sure to follow printed directions.


This is HL 2. You can place the answers only on the same sheet as HL 1.

These are the directions for SS4. Be sure to complete as directed. You MUST use the definitions in the story! DO NOT write in pencil, but ONLY in blue or black ink! OR print out in black ink. The directions are included. Follow them closely! This is worth FIVE grades!


Students will be able to:
-discuss the spread of viruses such as HIV
-discuss the effects of the HIV virus.

Students answered questions on a bell ringer sheet, then reviewed the answers using a AIDS fact sheet to check their neighbor's paper.

Students received HL 1 and HL 2, as well as Short Story 4. These handouts can be found at the top of this blog. Be sure to follow all written instructions.

Students watched BrainPop videos on the Immune System, Viruses, and AIDS.

Classroom discussions on HIV and AIDS transmission followed a class reading of HIV/AIDS facts and figures.

Students also viewed a Discovery Channel video on making good choices when it comes to HIV and AIDS.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Monday, 22 April through Friday, 26 April, 2013

Students will be able to:
update their interactive science notebook.

Students should add all the information from the last few weeks into their interactive notebooks as follows:


After correctly entering the needed information in your Table of Contents, turn to the next available page and follow the instructions listed.

NOTE: Go to www.explorelearning.com to find any missing GIZMO sheets. Go to drgcdms8.blogspot.com to find any missing home learning assignments.

Use the following info: Date-Benchmark-Topic-Pages/Papers-Instructions on what to do


2/20 SC.6.E.7.1 Heat HL 9/HL 10, handout Heat Transfer through Earth’s Systems date, page number, and topic, tape in the Heat Transfer Through Earth’s System pages, glue in HL 9/10 on Heat and Heat Transfer
2/27 SC.8.P.8.5 Physical Properties and Changes in Matter HL 11 What is Matter HL 12 What are physical and chemical changes? handout date, page number and topic. tape in the handout on physical properties of matter. glue in Hl 11 and 12.
3/4 or 3/5 SC.8.E.5.9 Phases of the Moon HL 13, GIZMO Phases of the Moon, handout on phases of the moon, handout that says clicker quiz, bell ringer sheet Moonlight date, page number and topic. make a Cornell notes page (count 6 lines from the bottom and draw a line all the way across the page. Make a column on the left to the RIGHT of the pink/red line. in the center, paste in the bellringer probe Moonlight. on the next page, tape in the completed GIZMO phases of the moon/ on the next page, glue in HL 13 and the handout on the moon phases, and the clicker quiz
be sure to write your three leveled questions and color coordinate the questions with the answers: 1)what are the phases of the moon, 2)compare and contrast the new moon and the full moon, 3)hypothesize about what would happen if the moon’s rate of rotation on its axis were not equal to its time to revolve around the earth. Also write a summary: The changing relative positions of the moon, Earth, and sun cause the phases of the moon. As the moon revolves around Earth, the amount of the moon’s surface that is lit remains the same. The part of the lit surface that can be seen from Earth changes. These changes we see as the phases of the moon. There are 8 phases of the moon.
3/6 SC.8.E.5.9 Tides HL 14, GIZMO Ocean Tides, handout on Tides, bell ringer sheet High and Dry date, page number and topic. make a Cornell notes page and paste the bell ringer in the center. on the NEXT page, tape in the completed GIZMO on Phases of the Moon, On the NEXT page, glue in HL 14, the handout on Tides
be sure to write your three leveled questions and color coordinate the questions with the answers: 1) what causes tides? 2)compare and contrast spring and neap tides 3) hypothesize what would happen if a spring tide coincided with an earthquake. Also write a summary: Tides are caused by differences in how much gravity from the moon and the sun pulls on different parts of earth. A spring tide occurs during a new moon and a full moon. A neap tide occurs during a first and a third quarter moon.
3/7 or 3/8 SC.8.E.5.9 Solar and Lunar Eclipses HL 15 (2 pages-How does an eclipse of the moon occur? How does an eclipse of the sun occur?, handout on eclipses, bell ringer on solar and lunar eclipse, GIZMO on Eclipse date, page number and topic. make a Cornell notes page and DRAW something to remind you of eclipses. on the NEXT page, tape in the GIZMO on Eclipses, on the NEXT page, glue in HL 15, the handout on eclipses, and the bell ringer on solar and lunar eclipses
be sure to write your three leveled questions and color coordinate the questions with the answers: 1) what is an eclipse? 2) compare and contrast solar and lunar eclipses 3) explain why a total lunar eclipse is visible to more people on earth than a total lunar eclipse. Also write a summary: When an object in space comes between the sun and a third object, it casts a shadow on that object, causing an eclipse. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between earth and the sun, blocking sunlight form earth. A lunar eclipse occurs at a full moon when earth is directly between the moon and the sun.




3/11 or 3/12 SC.8.E.5.9 Seasons HL 16 What causes the seasons? bell ringer probe Summer Talk, GIZMO Summer and Winter, date, page number and topic. Make a Cornell notes page and paste in the bell ringer summer talk in the center section. on the NEXT page, tape in the GIZMO Summer and Winter.
be sure to write your three leveled questions and color coordinate the questions with the answers: 1) what causes seasons? 2) how do seasons in the northern hemisphere compare with those in the southern hemisphere? 3)hypothesize about how the seasons would change if the earth’s axis tilt were either 0 or much greater than 34 degrees. Also write a summary: earth has seasons because its axis is tilted as it revolves around the sun. When the earth’s axis is tilted towards the sun, there are more hours of daylight and the sun’s rays are concentrated, making it summer there. The sun’s energy is spread over a larger area and the sun is low in the sky, so it is winter.
3/13 SC.6.L.14.1 Organization of Living Things handout organization of living things date, page number and topic. paste in handout
3/13 SC.6.L.14.2 Cell Theory HL 17, handout scenarios for cell theory date, page number and topic. tape in handout, paste in HL 17
3/14 or 3/15 SC.6.L.14.4 Cells and Organelles HL 18 (what are the main parts/what are the other cell parts?), coloring sheet plant and animal cell, cell city analogy, how is a cell related to a school date, page number and topic. paste or tape in coloring sheet of plant and animal cell, cell city analogy, and handout how is a cell related to a school
3/18 or 3/19 SC.6.L.15.1 Classification classification notes, classification of living things handout date, page number, and topic. paste or tape in classification notes handout and classification of living things handout.
3/20 SC.6.L.14.5 Human Body Systems handouts on human body, digestive system bell ringer, clicker activity handout date, page number, and topic. paste or take in all handouts







Monday, April 15, 2013

Monday, 15 through Friday, 19 April, 2013

Due to FCAT, the school is under testing condition, and regular classes do not meet at their scheduled times. When we do meet, students will review for the FCAT in science using Study Jams, Bill Nye videos, and by playing Jeopardy!

You can watch the Study Jams by going to the following link: Study Jams Science.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Thursday/Friday, 11/12 April, 2013

Students will be able to:
review for the FCAT.

Students participated in a science mini-lab boot camp. Students completed activities from Earth and Space science, Life science, and Physical Science.

Students are urged to review ALL notes.

Read the study guide for each chapter in your book.

Do ALL the Florida Benchmark review questions from each chapter in your book.

Do your best; you're been well prepared!

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Wednesday, 10 April, 2013


Students will be able to:
-review sixth and seventh grade benchmarks in all four reporting categories.

Students combined with other 8th grade classes to play; Are You Smarter Than A Sixth Or Seventh Grader?

Students, in groups, with clickers, answered review questions from 6th and 7th grade AA benchmarks to prepare for the FCAT.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Monday/Tuesday, 8/9 April, 2013


Students will be able to:
-differentiate between weathering and erosion.
-relate weathering and erosion to the rock cycle.

Students completed the probe Mountain Age as the bell ringer.

Students then watched a Study Jam and a power point on Weathering and Erosion. 

Students also received printed notes and vocabulary on the topic.

Students also watched a Study Jam, completed a power point, and watched a Bitesize revision on The Rock Cycle.

Students completed a cloze activity on The Rock Cylcle.

Students listed to a rap song on the Rock Cycle.

You can visit all these sites by click each separate link on Dr. Gayden's Science Class site.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Thursday/Friday, 4/5 April, 2013


Students will be able to:
-describe how genetic variation and environmental factors contribute to evolution.
-give examples of fossil evidence supporting the theory of evolution.
-use reason to determine what happens to species not able to adapt to a changing environment.

Students completed an exit slip on the genetics lesson from Wednesday.

Students then completed the genetics/hereditary handout with the Spongebob powerpoint. You can find the link to the powerpoint on yesterday's blog.

Students then completed a cloze reading passage on evolution and natural selection. You can find a powerpoint presentation on the topics below.



 Students then did a hands on activity that demonstrated variation in human hand size.