SCIENCE
This week we continued with our cell unit. We discussed the cellular process of mitosis. Mitosis is the asexual reproduction of cells. One cell divides into two identical cells. Your children were really amazed that they were able to see chromosomes so well under a microscope and easily find examples of all four stages of mitosis. We observed prepared onion slides and were able to observe prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. To continue with our mitosis comprehension, we created mitosis flip books. These were really interesting to create and share with peers. The purpose was to demonstrate the cellular mitosis was a continuous cycle with interphase as a stage for growth and cellular development. Please ask to see your child's mitosis flip book. They are really wonderful examples of the stages of mitosis! Please have your child explain the changes in the cell at each stage!
We are having a science assessment on Cells and Cell Processes on Monday, January 11th. I have given your child an outline of what they need to study to prepare for this assessment. In your child's binder you will find several lab activities. They should be reviewed and the background information should be focused on.
The labs are:
L. Pasteur's Broth Experiment
Observing Bacteria in Yogurt
Comparing animal and plant Cells
Egg-citing Egg-periment
Cello Jello
Mitosis and Onion Cells
Key points of the assessment are organelles of a cell, osmosis and diffusion, how to use a microscope/parts, understanding the difference between plant cells and animal cells, and the stages of mitosis.
Also, here is a video clip of students reviewing in class. I hope this clip helps your child in his/her studying endeavors!
If you have any questions, please call or email me at anytime!
MATH
I have no news to report this week since I spent all of last week thoroughly assessing the students understanding of all the mathematic concepts we've learned this year. This week we will begin our preparations for the upcoming Student Led Conferences; therefore, I am temporarily halting new instruction, and instead, using classtime to individually conference with students. I'm really looking forward to having the students share their newly-gained knowledge with you in a few weeks! After SLC's, I will resume instruction by delving into a Data/Statistics Unit based on the human body. It will be loads of fun and will tie in beautifully with what Mrs. Smith is doing in science. Just keep in mind that new instruction will be temporarily suspended as I will use the next couple of weeks to reteach and extend previous learning....
