Building Roller Coasters!
Your final project in Science will be to construct a paper roller coaster with your teammates. We will be discussing all of the details of the project in class, and will have our testing runs during the last week of school. Click on the links below to see some example projects.
World's Greatest Paper Roller Coaster
Marble Madness
How to Make Paper Roller Coaster Pieces - I will provide the templates & rulers, your group will need to supply the card stock, tape, scissors & ballpoint pens. We will decide who will be responsible for what supply in class.
Gallery of Paper Roller Coaster Images
World's Greatest Paper Roller Coaster
Marble Madness
How to Make Paper Roller Coaster Pieces - I will provide the templates & rulers, your group will need to supply the card stock, tape, scissors & ballpoint pens. We will decide who will be responsible for what supply in class.
Gallery of Paper Roller Coaster Images
Racing Solar Cars!
After a lot of hard work, ingenuity and patience, our solar cars are ready to race. As long as the sun is shining, we will be testing your designs on Wednesday, May 16th on the track. Get ready to watch Physics in action!
Thrill Rides!
Our last major unit of the year involves the study of Physics - specifically forces and motion. We will be exploring the science behind amusement park rides, with each week dedicated to a new "CHALLENGE". Each week's lab will require you to design and build a different type of thrill ride, and then analyze the ride with regards to energy transformation and various forces involved. Winners of each week's CHALLENGE will be given a STUDENT OF THE WEEK STAR to be displayed proudly in the classroom. The student (or students) with the most stars at the end of the challenges will be awarded a prize! The final activity will be to design & build a working model of a roller coaster with a group.
Get ready for some fast action fun!!
1st Challenge: Brake It, But Don't Break It = Due April 20th
2nd Challenge: Roller Derby = Due May 1st
3rd Challenge: Give It A Whirl = Due May 15th
4th Challenge: Solar Car Race = Weather permitting, by May 18th.
Get ready for some fast action fun!!
1st Challenge: Brake It, But Don't Break It = Due April 20th
2nd Challenge: Roller Derby = Due May 1st
3rd Challenge: Give It A Whirl = Due May 15th
4th Challenge: Solar Car Race = Weather permitting, by May 18th.
Young Scientist Challenge
Check out this competition from Discovery Education. Looks pretty amazing and the prizes are AWESOME!! The deadline to register is April 19th. Let me know if you are interested!!
Interactive Rube Goldberg Machines
Test your skills with simple machines by making these online Rube Goldberg Machines work.
1. Machine made of Levers and Pulleys: Read the directions at each step and adjust the levers and pulleys to make the machine work.
2. Goldburger to Go!: Manipulate each step to make the machine work. This one may be tricky!!
3. Tom and Jerry's Mousetrap: Build a mousetrap device to catch Jerry!
4. Simple Machines Webquest: Click on this link to discover more information about simple machines.
1. Machine made of Levers and Pulleys: Read the directions at each step and adjust the levers and pulleys to make the machine work.
2. Goldburger to Go!: Manipulate each step to make the machine work. This one may be tricky!!
3. Tom and Jerry's Mousetrap: Build a mousetrap device to catch Jerry!
4. Simple Machines Webquest: Click on this link to discover more information about simple machines.
Creating Rube Goldberg Machines!
Now that we have refreshed your memory on types of simple and compound machines, we will begin creating our very own Rube Goldberg devices! What is a Rube Goldberg device?? Well, check out the videos below to answer your question!
Honda Commercial
OK-GO Music Video
Myth Busters Clip
Who was Rube Goldberg?
Honda Commercial
OK-GO Music Video
Myth Busters Clip
Who was Rube Goldberg?
Forces & Motion
The third trimester closes the door on Biology & opens the window to Physics! We will begin by studying forces and motion, and you will be doing QUITE a few labs to see Physics in action! Click the links below to check out some of the labs.
Domino Dash
Simple and Compound Machines
Domino Dash
Simple and Compound Machines
Genetic Disorders: Autosomal and Sex-linked Traits
We have been building pedigree charts in class to track how genes are inherited from one generation to the next. One sex-linked recessive genetic disorder we have discussed is colorblindness. Click HERE to learn more about colorblindness and take a test to see if you express this trait.
pedigree_problems.pdf | |
File Size: | 27 kb |
File Type: |
The solar powered car project is fully funded!!
Last week I applied for a grant through Donors Choose, in order to purchase solar powered cars to use in our Forces & Motion and Energy Units this Spring. I am proud to announce that my proposal has just been fully funded, thanks to Progress Energy, a fellow teacher in California and the Morehead City Middle School PTO!! Check out the link below to view the project proposal.
Speeding with Solar Cells
Speeding with Solar Cells
Harry Potter & Genetics!
We will begin exploring the topic of Genetics on Tuesday, February 14th and will use the characters of the Harry Potter series to help us! Below are some links that you will need to begin your discovery.
The Talking Glossary of Genetics
DNA From the Beginning
Gregor Mendel & Genetics Video
Using Sumo Paint, you will be creating your very own genetically engineered monster!
The Talking Glossary of Genetics
DNA From the Beginning
Gregor Mendel & Genetics Video
Using Sumo Paint, you will be creating your very own genetically engineered monster!
monstergeneticslab.pdf | |
File Size: | 110 kb |
File Type: |
geneticterms.pdf | |
File Size: | 67 kb |
File Type: |
wordmatch.pdf | |
File Size: | 160 kb |
File Type: |
haircolors.pdf | |
File Size: | 56 kb |
File Type: |
mendeliantraits.pdf | |
File Size: | 90 kb |
File Type: |
complextraits.pdf | |
File Size: | 64 kb |
File Type: |
The Immune System
On February 8th, we will begin discussing the immune system and will watch a short video about the body's defenses against disease. After the video, we'll be using the Prezi below to review the information presented. You'll definitely want to take notes!
Immune System Prezi
Immune System Prezi
Far Side of the Moon Video Clip
Check out this video clip from NASA! There is a new program that is studying the far side of the moon!
FAR SIDE OF THE MOON VIDEO CLIP
FAR SIDE OF THE MOON VIDEO CLIP
The Endocrine & Reproductive Systems
This week we are focusing on how the nervous system and endocrine system tie together, and also how the endocrine and reproductive systems partner together to make your body work. A self-paced unit study will include identifying and learning the various functions of glands in your body, as well as discussing the function of various parts of the reproductive system. The end product of this unit will be for you to research and present information on one of three topics:
1. Growth and Development of a Human
2. Two Types of Twins
3. A Disease that Affects the Endocrine System (a list is provided for you to choose from)
Classtime will be devoted to working on these projects, however you will need to put in some time outside of school as well. Presentations will be due on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH.
Here's an excellent article from National Geographic about twins. CLICK HERE TO READ IT.
1. Growth and Development of a Human
2. Two Types of Twins
3. A Disease that Affects the Endocrine System (a list is provided for you to choose from)
Classtime will be devoted to working on these projects, however you will need to put in some time outside of school as well. Presentations will be due on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH.
Here's an excellent article from National Geographic about twins. CLICK HERE TO READ IT.
Lorenzo's Oil
Lorenzo's Oil is the true story of the Odones' race against time for the survival of their little boy, Lorenzo. At age 6, Lorenzo develops a childhood case of Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). His parents work tirelessly with little assistance from the medical community to find a therapy to stop the progression of this devastating disease.
Starting on Thursday, January 26th, we will watch the story of Lorenzo and his family and discuss how the nervous system changes in a person with ALD. Make sure to bring in your signed permission slip so that you will be able to participate!
To view the questions that we will be discussing with this film, as well as the alternative assignment for students not granted permission to watch Lorenzo's Oil, see the ASSIGNMENTS TAB.
Starting on Thursday, January 26th, we will watch the story of Lorenzo and his family and discuss how the nervous system changes in a person with ALD. Make sure to bring in your signed permission slip so that you will be able to participate!
To view the questions that we will be discussing with this film, as well as the alternative assignment for students not granted permission to watch Lorenzo's Oil, see the ASSIGNMENTS TAB.
Thank you to Crystal & Dell Foster!
Today, many of you had the opportunity to listen to the fantastic presentation by Mr. & Mrs. Foster, as they walked you through what it's like to be an EMTI/Fire Fighter. From the medical equipment that you got to see and touch, to their personal accounts of 911 calls, we are very thankful to have professionals take time out of their busy schedules to come visit us at MCMS!
Thanks Again!
Thanks Again!
EXCELLENT JOB EVERYONE!!
Today was the end of our Nervous System Unit, and I want to congratulate all of you on doing such a fantastic job on your research and projects!!! Make sure to complete the NERVOUS SYSTEM REVIEW CROSSWORD PUZZLE tonight (except Core 3, you'll get yours tomorrow) and be ready to go over it in class tomorrow!
Engineering Camp scheduled for June 25-29, 2012
NC State and Craven Community College are once again offering an Engineering Summer Camp. Details can be found at the following link:
Summer Engineering Camp
Click on "Explore" to find out the details of this year's camp!
Summer Engineering Camp
Click on "Explore" to find out the details of this year's camp!
Announcing National & International Science Contests!!
As we enter 2012, many organizations are sponsoring science contests for students like you to win trips and prizes!! Check out the links below to see if there are any contests that you are interested in entering. Good luck!
Third Annual Goldfish Training Contest
"Wrecks of the World" International Art Contest
Young Naturalist Award
Young Scientist Challenge
Third Annual Goldfish Training Contest
"Wrecks of the World" International Art Contest
Young Naturalist Award
Young Scientist Challenge
The Nervous System
For the next two weeks, we will be investigating the nervous system. We will start by testing the reaction time of your right versus your left hand, and continue to explore how your brain and spinal cord work together with your nerves to carry out both voluntary and involuntary actions in your body! For this unit, you will be able to choose how you investigate this fascinating system by selecting various tasks to complete. See the Assignments Tab to view the Nervous System Unit Project List to begin planning your investigation!
Take a tour of the human brain with this link.
Take a tour of the human brain with this link.
The Respiratory System
This week, we are investigating the respiratory system. We will begin a project on the effects of smoking on this system starting on Wednesday, November 30th. This project may be done with a partner or individually and will be due next Thursday, December 8th. The details of the project may be viewed below. You will have the opportunity to choose which projects you complete and will be given time in class this week and next to work. Feel free to bring supplies from home to help you complete your chosen projects; storage will be provided in my classroom!
smoking_projects.pdf | |
File Size: | 243 kb |
File Type: |
Extra Credit Opportunity!!
In class, we have watched & listened to two FABULOUS videos, one on Cell Organelles and the other on Blood Transportation. If you or a group of no more than 4 people MEMORIZE & RECITE the words to EITHER of these informational songs to the class on Friday, November 18th, you will be awarded 5 extra credit points for the grading period! Below are the links to the two videos; start practicing!!
Cell Organelles
Bloodmobile
Cell Organelles
Bloodmobile
Welcome Mr. Mayhew to class!!
On November 9th, Mr. Eric Mayhew will be visiting our class from Carteret Community College, to share his knowledge on the heart and the lungs. He will be dissecting a pig heart for us to examine, as well as demonstrating how pig lungs work. Come prepared with your science journal to take notes, as you will be required to write a two-to-three paragraph summary on what you learn from his visit.
And don't come to class on a weak stomach!!
And don't come to class on a weak stomach!!
Human Body Systems: The Muscular System
Did you know that there are 650 muscles in the human body? Luckily for you, I am only requiring you to be responsible for learning 14!! We will be studying the muscular system for the next two weeks, and your quiz on this system will be on November 17th.
Tomorrow, come to class prepared to go outside. We will be testing your knowledge of muscles by working them out with various exercises!!
There are three types of muscle:
1. Skeletal muscle (like the 14 major muscles that you've learned in class)
2. Cardiac muscle (found in the heart)
3. Smooth muscle (found in the digestive tract)
Check out this short video about our cardiac muscle, the heart:
Tomorrow, come to class prepared to go outside. We will be testing your knowledge of muscles by working them out with various exercises!!
There are three types of muscle:
1. Skeletal muscle (like the 14 major muscles that you've learned in class)
2. Cardiac muscle (found in the heart)
3. Smooth muscle (found in the digestive tract)
Check out this short video about our cardiac muscle, the heart:
Human Body Systems: The Skeletal System
As we begin to explore the various systems of the human body, what better way to start than with the skeletal system! You will be responsible for knowing the parts of the skeleton that are shown to the left. Here's a great little video to help you remember the parts of the skeletal system:
The Animaniacs Bone Song
This is a great website to check out that explores how the body works:
How the Body Works
The Animaniacs Bone Song
This is a great website to check out that explores how the body works:
How the Body Works
Welcome Dr. D'Andrea to class on Tuesday, October 18th!
Today, Dr. D'Andrea will visit with us and discuss the growth and development of an unborn child, from a few tiny cells to a healthy baby! This presentation will kick off our study of the human body. Below are two links that we will be watching and discussing with Dr. D'Andrea during her visit. Don't forget to have your questions ready for the discussion portion of her presentation!
Cell to Embryo
Human Development
Cell to Embryo
Human Development
Cell Rap!
As you are sitting at home tonight, studying for your quiz on cells, take a minute and watch this video - It'll definitely help you remember the functions of the organelles!! Thanks Jamison for sharing!!
Cell Rap
Cell Rap
Peanut Butter Taste Test!
On Friday, we are partnering up with Math to collect data on quality ratings of different types of peanut butter. If you have an allergy to peanuts, you will be given an alternate assignment. Remember to bring your water bottle, in case you get thirsty after all of the peanut butter sampling!
Multicellular Organisms: Exploring the Basics of Plant & Animal Cells
On Tuesday, we're going to start talking about multicellular organisms and how their cells are different from unicellular organisms. We'll start by watching the following two videos.
What's the big deal about cells?
A Tour of the Cell
What's the big deal about cells?
A Tour of the Cell
Current Events
Now that we have completed our first current event together, now it's YOUR TURN to choose a science topic of your choice and report on it in the same format as the sea turtle article. If you lost this original rubric, it can be found under the assignment tab above. Your article must be from 2011 and can come from a newspaper, magazine, professional journal or an online media source. Some links to check out to get you started are listed below:
The next current event summary is due on Friday, October 14th. Table A from each core will be presenting their article summary. Your article needs to be chosen by Tuesday, October 4th. Happy Reading!
The next current event summary is due on Friday, October 14th. Table A from each core will be presenting their article summary. Your article needs to be chosen by Tuesday, October 4th. Happy Reading!
What in the world is a single celled eukaryote?
We answered this question today, along with many more, and discussed some of the smallest living things on earth. Click on the link below to watch the video we used in class to start our discussion, and then check out the assignments section to get a copy of the Power Point Presentation that we used to guide our class conversation.
Single Celled Organisms
Single Celled Organisms
NASA Satellite Fell to Earth, Most Likely Plunged into the Pacific
Here's an article from the San Francisco Chronicle yesterday, that explains where the majority of the UARS pieces fell.
NASA satellite falls to Earth
NASA satellite falls to Earth
Where will the 6.5 ton satellite fall??
Friday, September 23rd is the day that NASA is predicting UARS (Upper Atmospheric Research Satellite) will fall back down to Earth in approximately 26 pieces. Check out this article from TIME Newsfeed, which may answer some of your burning questions about this massive falling piece of metal!
Satellite Falling To Earth? NASA Scientist Puts It Into Perspective.
Satellite Falling To Earth? NASA Scientist Puts It Into Perspective.
Extreme Weather!!
This week we will be discussing hurricanes, tornadoes and thunderstorms. Click on the link below to explore facts about these weather events.
Web Weather for Kids
Web Weather for Kids
Clouds
On September 15th, you will be learning about types of clouds and their characteristics, along with weather fronts. Click below to preview what we will be discussing in class!
WEB WEATHER FOR KIDS
WEB WEATHER FOR KIDS
The Water Cycle
On September 14th, you will be learning about the water cycle. Please read the follow directions before you begin.
- Click on the picture of the water cycle to begin your web quest.
- Type in WATER CYCLE in the search bar.
- Click on the first result and then sign in. The student user name for all students is rise97snow. You do not need a password.
- Be sure to answer all of the questions provided in your composition notebook.
- Happy Questing!!
Hurricane Irene
I hope that you, your family and your friends made it safely through Hurricane Irene this weekend. If you were unable to track her path twice a day, due to the power outages, DO NOT WORRY! Bring whatever data you collected to class and we will finish the assignment together. See you soon!
Welcome to 7th Grade Science!!
Hi there!! My name is Mrs. Purcell, and I will be your Starfish Science Teacher this year! I am looking forward to meeting you on August 19th at Open House and can't wait to get started with our school year on August 25th! This year in science, we will start off by learning about weather and atmosphere, followed by discovering the various systems of the human body and how they work together. Then, we'll dive into heredity and genetics & finish off the year studying forces and motion!
Try to obtain all of your school supplies by the first week of school, as we will be using them right away! In case you've forgotten what you need for 7th grade, check the list below:
Try to obtain all of your school supplies by the first week of school, as we will be using them right away! In case you've forgotten what you need for 7th grade, check the list below:
- a dozen glue sticks
- scissors
- pencils/pens
- colored pencils (we'll be using these A LOT when we study the human body)
- ream of paper for math
- flash drive that can be attached to a lanyard
- highlighters
- dry erase markers
- 4-stitch bound composition books (you will need one of these the first day of class)
- 2- 2-inch 3 ring binders
- 2 sets of dividers with pockets
- ruler with metric system units
- calculator: minimum TI-24