New Year - - New Notebook!

Over the break, please obtain a new composition notebook for science.  Keep your notebook for the 1st semester in your locker or at home in a safe place that you will be able to remember and find.  You will need to bring this notebook back to class in April. 

Protist Cartoon

Due Monday for 2 daily grades! 
Will work on in class Friday, 12/16.

Reminders:  Must feature at least one amoeba, euglena or paramecium and at least 4 structures drawn correctly within the protist.
Example:  Do Not Copy!

New Unit

The next test is scheduled for Wednesday, December 21st.  This will cover Ch. 11 Sections 1 & 2 (Protists).  It is a small unit and we want to test while it is still fresh on your mind!

Plants Unit Schedule

Thursday 12/1 - Flower Lab
Friday 12/2 - Parts of the Flower Quiz
Tuesday 12/6 - Stomatal Unit Lab
Wednesday 12/7 - Leaf Rubbings
Thursday 12/8 - Transpiration Lab
Friday 12/9 - Study Guide
Monday 12/12 - Review for Test
Tuesday 12/13  Plants Test (Covers selected portions of Ch. 12 & 13 of textbook and OMM-AMSTI material covered in class) - - Study Guide Due

Schedule

Tuesday - Cell Cycle Quiz (Vocabulary and identifying each step of the cell cycle from photos)  Ch. 4 Section 3

Wednesday - Notebook Check

Thursday - Buck Byte Quiz

Friday - Veteran's Day (no school)

Tuesday (11/15)  - Progress Reports

Mitosis Booklet

The mitosis booklet will be worked on in class Monday, 10/31 and Tuesday, 11/1.  It is due at the beginning of class on Wednesday!  Please do not glue it into your notebook until AFTER it has been graded.

Happy Halloween!

Ch. 3 - Cells - Test Thursday 10/27!

Animal Cell Lab - Monday
Study Guide - Tuesday
Review - Wednesday
Test - Thursday
Buck Byte Quiz - Friday

Don't forget to study your organelles and their functions!  Some questions from the quiz will also be on the test.  Also, you will be responsible for labeling the parts of an animal & plant cell, and any other information from Chapter 3!

Onion Cell Lab

This is what the onion cell looked like under the microscope at about 400x. 

End of 9 weeks

The end of the 9 weeks is Friday, October 14th!
The following are some of the things we will be doing next week:


Monday - Ch. 3 Sec. 2 Directed Reading
Tuesday - Onion Cell Lab
Wednesday - Review & Notebook Check   **Candy Dance during 6th period
Thursday - Organelle Quiz (match the organelle with its function)
Friday - Buck Byte Quiz

Bring your textbook every day!

Textbook Check Friday!

Make sure you bring your textbook to class on Thursday and Friday!  You will be using them to complete your cell coloring activity and there will be a textbook check on Friday  (just make sure you have your book in class and you will get a 100 daily grade!)

Weekly Update

Monday, 9/26 - Project Signature Form Due - 5 points off each day late

Thursday, 9/29 - Study Guide Due   &  6 Characteristics of Living Things/Classification TEST

Friday, 9/30 - Taxonomy/Classification Project Due - TEST GRADE!

Homecoming Spirit Week!

Monday- College Day

Tuesday- Hat Day

Wednesday- Decade Day

Thursday- BMS/School Spirit Day

*Make sure you stay within the dress code!

Weekly Update!

Thursday:  Conclusion from Inquiry 1.1 due!  Remember to write in complete sentences and use the 4 vocabulary terms (characteristics, binomial nomenclature, genus, & species).  Make sure you answer the original question!

Friday:  Buck Byte Quiz & Scientific Method & Microscopes Test - be able to identify the steps and describe them.  Be able to identify the parts of the microscope and their functions.

Supply Needs!!!

Scotch Tape with disposable dispensers

Large Erasers

3 x 5 Index Cards

Kleenex

Paper Towels

Thank you for supporting our classroom!

Red Ribbon Week Poster Contest

Red Ribbon Week Poster Contest

Rules

·         Grades K – 8^th

·         Use a half piece of poster board ( 14 ¼  by 21 ¾ inches)

·         Poster should include a message that promotes a drug-free lifestyle.

·         They will be judged on color, artistic presentation & strength of message.

·         Student’s name, grade, school and school phone number must be on the back of the poster.

·         Deadline must be turned into Mrs. Pearsall by September 20^th, 2011.

·         The winning poster from each grade at Buckhorn Middle will be submitted for area judging at the Partnership for a Drug Free Community.  The 1^st place prizes there will win a cash prize, 2^nd and 3^rd place winners will receive an awards certificate.

Buck Byte Quiz

Don't forget...tomorrow is Friday, so there will be a BUCK BYTE QUIZ!

Microscope Mania - Labeling the Microscope

The following is the word bank for today's classwork.  Remember to finish for homework if not finished in class!

*Use the terms to label A – K

Eyepiece

Coarse Adjustment Knob

Arm

Base

Diaphragm

Nosepiece

Stage

Objective Lenses

Stage Clips

Fine Adjustment Knob

Light Source

*Highlight each term!

Use the terms to fill in the descriptions

Support            Ocular

Microscope       Hold

Slide                Specimen

10x   40x          Lenses

Light                Sharpen

High                 Lenses

Low                   Upwards

Magnification     Focusing

 

Email Distribution List

The first distribution list email was sent yesterday, 8/25.  If you did not receive this email, but would like to receive emails in the future, please email ssmith@madison.k12.al.us with your name, your child's name & class period.

Lab Equipment & Safety Test

The 1st test of the year will be Monday, August 29th!  It will cover lab safety and equipment (identify and describe function).

Work in Progress

I am currently re-working the blog for the new school year!  Please check back soon for the 2011-2012 blog!  In the mean time, click around and check out what we will be learning about this year!

2011-2012 Buckhorn Spirit Packs!

The spirit pack includes:

1) Buckhorn Lunchbox/Cooler--listed as holding 12 can drinks

2) Buckhorn Sunglasses

3) Navy Sunglass Strap with "Buckhorn" printed on the back

4) Hand sanitizer in a Buckhorn case with a clip

5) BMS ink pen

6) $2 off coupon for a 2011-2012 Buckhorn T-shirt  --

7) A FREE LOCKER (a $15 value--remember our lockers rent for $15)

The first 300 are selling for $20 and after that, the price will increase to $27.

Get yours now!!!

End-of-Year Information!

Wednesday, May 18^th   Absolute deadline for any late or missing assignments for my class.  Students who are missing work have been notified and reminded daily.

Thursday, May 19^th   Ch. 27 & 28 Test – Students will be allowed to use the study guide worked on in class today for half of the testing time.  Textbook Turn In

Friday, May 20^th   Homeroom - Please bring 50 cents by this date (will be used to purchase stamps & envelopes for end-of-year mailings)

Monday, May 23^rd    Student Council Fundraiser “Ugly Walk”.  $5 per couple to enter.  $2 per student to attend.

Tuesday, May 24^th   Behavior Incentive Field Trip – Roller Coasters Skating in Hampton Cove  (for those who originally qualified and signed up for Stars Game)

Wednesday, May 25^th    7^th Grade Awards Day @ 8:30 am               BMS Gymnasium

Thursday, May 26^th  Last Student Day

Checking In

 I just wanted to check in and let you all know that I am thinking of you and hoping that you and your families are doing well today.  I know many of you will not see this until power is restored, but my thoughts are still with you and your families! 


About me --  I am now in Florence where I will be staying with family for a few days.  My house had some roof and fence damage, but I am thankful that was all!  Just about 2 miles down the road from my house was complete devestation.  I am definitely thankful today!

Updates & Changes

·         Wednesday, April 27^th  RESCHEDULED for Wednesday, May 4^th (due to weather) – Huntsville Stars Behavior Incentive Field Trip

o   Those who are going have already paid and turned in permission slips

·         Thursday, April 28^th – Progress Reports & Take Your Child to Work Day

·         Friday, April 29^th – ARMT/SAT 10 Incentive

o   For those meeting the criteria (present each day, engaged during testing, not behavior problems during testing, etc.)

o   Will include a dance party, kickball tournament, lunch and movie in classroom and Blue & Gold spring football game!  Concessions will be sold at the dance party and game.  Admission to the Blue & Gold game will be $2 at the gate.

o   For lunch, students may choose pizza and soft drinks or a sack lunch from the cafeteria.  Pizza is $1 per slice and drinks are $1 each.  Sack lunches will be at the normal lunch price.  Pizza and sack lunches MUST be pre-ordered in homeroom by TOMORROW!.  Pizza money must be turned into the homeroom teacher. Sack lunches will be deducted from the lunch account.

New Traffic Lights

From Madison County Commission:

The traffic light at Buckhorn High School on Winchester Road in northeast Madison County will be activated at 8:30 am this Monday morning, April 25.
This will be a new stop for citizens commuting into Huntsville on Winchester Road so we wanted drivers to be aware.

We thank you for your cooperation.  If you have any questions, call 256-828-0726

This information can also be found at http://www.co.madison.al.us

Upcoming Events & Activities!

·         Earth Day – Today! 

o   Ask your student if he/she has any ideas to help your family be more environmentally friendly! 

·         Wednesday, April 27^th – Huntsville Stars Behavior Incentive Field Trip

o   Those who are going have already paid and turned in permission slips

·         Thursday, April 28^th – Progress Reports & Take Your Child to Work Day

·         Friday, April 29^th – ARMT/SAT 10 Incentive

o   For those meeting the criteria (present each day, engaged during testing, no behavior problems during testing, etc.)

o   Will include a dance party, kickball tournament, lunch and movie in classroom and Blue & Gold spring football game!  Concessions will be sold at the dance party and game.

o   For lunch, students may choose pizza and soft drinks or a sack lunch from the cafeteria.  Pizza is $1 per slice and drinks are $1 each.  Sack lunches will be at the normal lunch price.  Pizza and sack lunches MUST be pre-ordered in homeroom by Wednesday, April 27^th.  Pizza money must be turned into the homeroom teacher. Sack lunches will be deducted from the lunch account.

·         Friday, May 6^th – Disease & Health Test

o   Will cover Ch. 27 (Body Defenses & Disease) & Ch. 28 (Staying Healthy)

Earth Day @ Publix!

Today in class, students are decorating paper grocery bags from Publix on Winchester Road.

The bags are being decorated with eco-friendly messages and pictures!

Publix will be distributing these bags to customers on Friday, 4/22 and Saturday 4/23.  Please stop by and check out the students' awesome artwork!

Earth Day 2011 is Friday!

Earth Day

Watch this short video for ideas on going green!

Welcome Back!

I hope everyone had a fantastic Spring Break! 

There are only 6 weeks of this school year left.  We will be covering:

(3 weeks)  Health & Diseases
(3 weeks)  Forensics

Summer of FUN 2011 - Space Camp Scholarship Program

 

http://www.spacecamp.com/


 










Click Here for More Information!

This scholarship covers full tuition, room and board for an overnight six day SPACE CAMP or AVIATION CHALLENGE program. Scholarship winners must attend between June 1 and August 31, 2011.

Deadline: April 15, 2011 

http://www.spacecamp.com/



Comprehensive Test Tuesday!

Comprehensive Test Tuesday!  Anything in the review folder is fair game!  Don't forget to study! 

Will it be a difficult test?  yes and no

It is ALL review (no new material) but you will have to review the information or it will be difficult to remember what all we have learned about this year!!!

This will be great practice for the ASA on Wednesday! 

ASA Review Folders

 Due Thursday for a test grade!!!  More pictures will be added as we complete more!



ASA Review Folder pg. 1 & 2



Cell Organelles

6 Kingdoms Booklet

Biotic & Abiotic Factors

***More foldables and other components to be added!!!

Awards Day

The 7th Grade Awards Ceremony will be Wednesday, May 25th at 8:30 am!

Brain & Nervous System Information, Tutorials & Games!



Click Here!



This System is Just TWO Nervous!

Check the left side of the screen for today's in-class article "This System is Just TWO Nervous".  Click the link to be taken to the article.  You may also use your textbook to help you!

Remember this is due Friday!

Digestive System



Practice Labeling the structures of the digestive system.  Click to be taken to the Kids Health Website for an interactive review!



Table of Contents

I will add to this list each day to help you keep up with your table of contents for this unit!

(3/11)   1.  Your Lungs & Respiratory System (read article and answer questions on worksheet)  article link
(3/14)   2.  Bill Nye "Respiration" Video with Worksheet
(3/14)   3.  Respiratory System Diagram
(3/14)   4.   Respiratory System Cloze
(3/15)   5.  SPIES "Into the System"  (Read article & answer questions in notebook)
(3/15)   6.  Digestive System Diagram & Functions (Label and list functions of each structure)
(3/16)   7.  Bill Nye "Digestion" Video with Worksheet
(3/17)   8.  This System is Just "TWO" Nervous (read article and answer questions on worksheet)
(3/18)    9.  Neuron Labeling Worksheet
(3/18)  10.  Nervous System Concept Map

***ALL of the above work must be complete in order to participate in the activity on Friday!

Human Body Systems Continued

Now that we have learned about the skeletal, muscular & circulatory systems, we will be moving forward to the respiratory, digestive, nervous and reproductive systems!

Tentative Schedule:
Monday, 3/14 - Respiratory System
Tuesday, 3/15 - Digestive System
Wednesday, 3/16 - Digestive System
Thursday, 3/17 - Nervous System
Friday, 3/18 - Nervous System

Monday, 3/21 - Reproductive System
Tuesday, 3/22  - (ARMT Testing)  Human Body Systems Review
Wednesday, 3/23 - (ARMT Testing)  Human Body Systems Review
Thursday, 3/24 - Finish Reproductive System & Review for Test
Friday, 3/25 - Respiratory, Digestive, Nervous & Reproductive Systems Test



Click here for a GREAT interactive site on the human body systems!



The Respiratory System

Lab Tomorrow!

Remember to wear a watch with a second hand or bring a stopwatch if you have one! 

Bones of the Body Competition tomorrow also!

Skeletal, Muscular & Cardiovascular System

Ch. 22 Section 2 & 3    and      Ch. 23 Section 1 & 2

Skeletal System            Bone Identification Game--click here! 

Muscular System          Bones & Muscle Tutorial --click here! 

Cardiovascular System & Blood  Heart Tutorial--click here!

Test Friday, 3/11!

Summer Activites Fair at Sci-Quest!

Saturday, March 5 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Sci-Quest, Hands-on Science Center

Admission is completely FREE all day!

Families can visit with over 25 local organizations to find out what their spring and summer programs are. There will be door prizes, games, special performances and activities throughout the day.

Here’s the website for more info:

http://www.sci-quest.org/home/special_events/2011_spring-into-summer.phtml

Here’s a complete list of participating organizations:

• Alabama Youth Ballet School & AYB Theatre
• Art Krewe
• Artistic Minds
• Bravo School of Fine Arts
• Burritt on the Mountain
• Dance Theatre of Huntsville
• Dance Trance
• Fantasy Playhouse Children's Theater & Academy
• Huntsville Art League
• Huntsville Ballet School
• Huntsville Botanical Gardens
• Huntsville Madison County Public Library
• Huntsville Museum of Art
• Huntsville Skating School & Training Academy
• Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
• Huntsville Youth Orchestra
• Junior League of Huntsville
• Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment
• New Song School of Fine Arts
• Riverboat John Ferguson
• Sci-Quest, Hands-on Science Center
• Space Camp & Aviation Challenge at the US Space & Rocket Center
• Tennessee Valley Ceramic Artists Guild
• Tennessee Valley Jazz Society-Youth Development
• The Arts Council
• Valley Conservatory

DNA Test Thursday!

DNA Replication Overview - - Click Here!

~Extra Credit Opportunities~

Extra Credit option #1:  Worth one test grade (100 points)           Due:  Monday, March 7^th

Students may write a two page, typed, double spaced report on a genetic disease.

Must include the following information:

a. Name of disease

b. How it is inherited

c. Symptoms

d. Prognosis

e. Who is affected (is the disease known to target certain races, genders, or ethnic groups, etc.)

d. Sources (separate page)

e. Title page (separate page)

f. Pictures are always great if they can be obtained but are not considered part of the two typed pages.  There should be an extra page designated for pictures if included.

 *Please be aware that plagiarism will not be tolerated
(no cut and paste, or copying word for word).  All sources must be cited. 

 Extra Credit Option #2:  Worth two test grades (200 points)     Due:  Monday, March 7^th

Students may construct a model of DNA.  No purchased kits may be used.

·         Sugars, phosphates, and bases should be represented consistently.
      (Meaning all sugars look alike, all phosphates look alike, all adenine bases look alike, etc.)

·         Base pairing should be accurate (A-T, G-C). 

·         Must include a key that shows what represents each part of the DNA model. 
(The key should show what is representing the sugar, the phosphate, and each base pair.)

·         The model must be a double helix.

*Information can be obtained from the textbook (chapter 6), reliable online sources, or you can contact me if you have any questions.