Email Update Vol.4 No.2 November 2, 2009
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Email Updates Science – Vol. 4- Number 2 – November 2, 2009
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Greetings from Mr. Brewer,
You are receiving this mass email because either you are a student or the parent/guardian of a student in one my Seventh Grade Science classes at Eckstein Middle School.
In this mailing you will find:
1). What have we been doing in the last few weeks?
2). What will we be doing in the next few weeks?
3). Bodies… The Exhibition in Seattle through March
4). The Source and my Website.
5). Archived Additions of the Email Update
6). My Contact Information
————
1). What have we been doing in the last few weeks?
We began the year with an exploration of general concepts about the nature of science, an exploration of living organisms through investigations with microscopes and experiments. We have been working to enhance our skills of finding microscopic organisms in order to better differentiate characteristics that define each kingdom of life. We ended this unit with a treasure hunt, using the microscopes, to find as many of the organisms in each kingdom that we could.
————
2). What will we be doing in the next few weeks?
We will conclude the first quarter with our explorations of the importance of genetic variation among the population. We will conduct an investigation about DNA in order to build our foundational knowledge about the importance of this genetic code in our bodies.
In the second quarter we will investigate bacteria in our classroom using agar cultures in Petri dishes and learn that bacteria always reproduce exponentially. Students will write their results in a formal lab.
We will investigate the reproductive processes of plants by dissecting several flowers and learning the names of each individual part. Each student will be asked to make a pollination story cartoon (either written or on computer) to explain the role of seed dispersal and the growth cycle of plants. Following that we will focus our attention on the difference between several of the animal phylums — invertebrates, vertebrates, and insects. We will conduct a dissection of one animal from one of these phylums in order to be able to compare and contrast the similarities and differences. We will conclude the quarter addressing ecology and human interdependence of the environment by focusing on the of the importance of native and invasive species throughout our environment.
In the third and fourth quarter we will be our studies of the Human Body System by examining the circulatory system. We will have the opportunity to feel a sheep heart so that we could learn how the most important muscle in our body — the heart — looks and works.
We will focus our attention to the importance of the circulatory system and how it affects our overall health. We will examine how the field of bioengineering makes it possible to better treat heart diseases. We will simultaneously be examining the importance of how health effects the ability of the heart to function effectively.
At the end of this unit students will have the opportunity to try their own expertise at developing an alternative blood vessel in much the same way that a bioengineer would test common materials. Students will write their results in a formal lab.
—————-
3). Bodies… The Exhibition in Seattle through March
Once again, Bodies… The Exhibition has come to Seattle. I strongly encourage you to visit this exhibit between now and the end of March. While, I cannot require you to attend this event I can offer some extra credit points for attendance.
In order to receive credit for this extension assignment I will require completion of two items: (1) student activity guide and (2) attached entry ticket. All students will be given a half sheet of paper outlining this expectation. Students and/or families who are not able to attend will not be penalized. Extra credit points will be added to category (Test/Quiz, Journal/Performance, Homework, Lab/Project) of greatest need so that it is equitable for all students.
On my website home page (www.mrbrewer.org) I have placed a link to the student guide (http://www.mrbrewer.org/Classes/2009/Notes/Bodies_Student_Activity.pdf) and a page about ticket pricing and location information (http://ticketsforgroups.com/bodiesWA.html). Below is some information as provided by the teacher guide to help inform you about the exhibit:
“In BODIES…The Exhibition, you will see full bodies dissected to show various systems throughout nine galleries. You will also see individual organs or parts—some healthy, some diseased. You will observe first-hand the effect that disease and unhealthy life choices have on the body—what happens to the lungs, for example, when people smoke. You will understand how positively amazing the body is—how the pulleys, fulcrums and levers we know as muscles, joints and bones let us function continuously without even thinking about it.
“BODIES…The Exhibition celebrates the human body and its inter-related systems and functions. By learning how the body works, we believe you can better care for your body and keep it healthy. By studying the systems of the body, you will come away with a new appreciation for life.
“BODIES…The Exhibition provides an unprecedented opportunity for learning human anatomy, physiology, and chemistry. BODIES …The Exhibition enables you and your students to speak with ease about the body, dispelling some preconceived ideas and fears.
“Please be prepared for what you will be seeing—real, preserved specimens of the human body. The specimens have been dissected to specifically illustrate each body system and function. Male and female reproductive organs are visible in most of the full body specimens. The fetal room is entirely optional. All embryos and fetuses died of natural causes in utero.”
—————-
4). The Source and my Website.
As grades are posted on the source, if ever you notice a mistake in your grade, please bring these to my attention and I will respond appropriately. Either I have mistakenly entered the student’s grade in the computer while transcribing from my written grade book or there is a mistake on the computer version regarding total points. Additionally, if I have listed an assignment as “missing” and you know that you (the student) know that you have turned it in and received a score, show me the evidence and I will correct your score accordingly.
All Assignments will be posted both on my website:
http://mrbrewer.org/Pages/science7.php and the class calendar:
http://mrbrewer.org/Pages/calendarSCI7.php.
A Master copy of all assignments completed in the Science Journal is available in the classroom at all times. Students may access this Journal during homeroom and/or after school. This is the first place to check if you are absent.
You may find out if you are missing an assignment by checking your grade on the on The Source https://source.seattleschools.org.
I generally update my website every weekend. You can expect assignment for two week intervals to be available at all times. At times, however, I may need to amend the assignments that are posted with what is given in class depending, mostly, on student learning, comprehension and understanding. When in doubt, please email me and ask what the assignment is.
If you have any questions please be sure to email me for clarification.
—————-
5). Archived Additions of the Email Update
Archived additions of the Email Updates are available on my webpage. Please follow this link: http://www.mrbrewer.org/Pages/science7.php#emu
If you are in contact with other parents/guardians who have not received these updates, please direct them to the Source to locate the link above. Also please ask them to email me so that I may add them to the list.
—————-
6). My Contact Information
I can be reached/contacted several ways:
Real Mail
3003 NE 75th St.
Seattle, WA 98115
Web Page
www.mrbrewer.org/
Email (best way)
mabrewer@seattleschools.org or brewermaj@gmail.com.
Telephone/Fax
(206) 252-5010
(801) 665-5066
Thank you for attending to this email. If you have any additional questions and/or concerns, please do not hesitate to email.
I look forward to your continued correspondence throughout the year.
Warmly,
Matthew John Brewer
Eckstein Middle School
Seattle, WA 98115
tel.: 206-252-5010
fax: 801-665-5066
mabrewer@seattleschools.org
http://www.mrbrewer.org
