This Week in 7th Grade Science by Taylor Q.

This week in Mrs. Glade's 7th grade science class, we've been learning about different science equipment and preparing to use the scientific method. The students have been working on various worksheets to get them familiar with the measurements and equipment they will be using. This Friday the kids did their first lab! They've also been taking notes and writing daily in their science journals to get them familiar with what they will be learning.

(Note from Mrs. Glade: Sorry for the lack of 7th grade pictures. The first lab with 7th graders is always a little chaotic, and I forgot to ask my student assistants to photo-document the event. We did not however complete the lab, so there will be an opportunity to photograph the lab on Monday. Have a great weekend!)

Using the Scientific Method by Jenna M.

Throughout this year, my student assistants will be helping keep everyone updated on classroom events. Here is Jenna's first blog post:

This week Mrs. Glade’s 8^th graders have been keeping pretty busy. They’ve been learning all about the scientific method and how all the steps work together to help scientists develop scientific theory. Today they are doing a lab to determine which tape is the stickiest. They are using Scotch tape, masking tape, and duct tape. The lab works by putting the different types of tape on the table after their ramp (the ruler) and rolling down the marble. The shorter the distance the marble rolls after hitting the tape; the stickier the tape is. I am looking forward to seeing what the class will be working on next week! :)

What is science?

Last week students explored the meaning of science. As they were working, one of my wonderful student assistants, Tiffany, made these observations:

First period students work together to illustrate their definition of science.

"This week my class did a project on what they thought science was. Students had to draw pictures to represent what they thought science meant to them.  They drew on posters the size of a regular sheet of paper. The students had the chance to work in a group of 5 or less. At times they got a little carried away and got a little loud, but I thought it was great to see the enthusiasm that they have.  As I went around the room, it looked like they all had a lot of fun doing this project." -Tiffany


All of the student posters have now been uploaded to Facebook. There were many different ideas about what science really is, and what scientist do. Overall the students seem to be very excited about exploring the world around them. 

Here we go!

The first day of school was definitely a success. This year I have about fifty 7th grade students, ninety 8th grade students, 12 freshman biology students, and 5 student assistants. All students are required to bring in a composition notebook by Monday August 20th.

This week all three grade levels are completing introductory activities to get acquainted with the science classroom. We are discussing general expectations and laboratory safety information. All classroom documents and handouts can be accessed by clicking on "Classroom Agenda" on Harmony.

Also a reminder to all parents and students: North Daviess Science is on both Facebook and Twitter. Connect with us for frequent updates and photos of class projects and experiments.

Student Assistants

Education is a collaborative effort. Everyone from students to parents and teachers to community members should be part of the educational process. This is why I am constantly trying to get everyone involved in the science classroom. Unfortunately science tends to get a bad rap from the general public. A lack of understanding leads to skepticism of scientific theories and practices. My goal is to counteract these negative stigmas by helping everyone realize the beauty and brilliance of science.

This year I'm hoping to get a crew of student assistants to work as ambassadors for science. Any high school student can opt out of study hall to become a student assistant. Last year I had three absolutely amazing student assistants who helped me accomplish so much more than I would have ever been able to do alone. This year I am hoping to get at least one student assistant per class period to help with daily classroom activities as well as educational outreach.

Here are my guidelines for all my student assistants: Science Student Assistants