Mr. Blacher

Thursday 11/12

The cell test is tomorrow...and you are ready : )  Not a whole lot more to say on that topic (check yesterday's post for review materials and study strategies).

On another note...projects are due on Monday.  Please don't lose points for not having it turned in (ten per day).  I am really excited to see what you have come up with!

Wednesday 11/11 Study Guide & Jeopardy Review

Here ya go ladies and gentlemen...for your studying pleasure...

Study Guide:Download My Study Guide For Cells

Cells & Organelles Jeopardy:Download Cells and Organelles Jeopardy 0910

Try not to have too much fun : )

Here is your recipe for success on this test...

1. Know the terms on the study guide
2. Study the bacterial, plant, and animal cell diagrams.
3. Be knowledgable regarding the discussion that we had in class today.  Just in case you weren't there...or need a reminder...here it is:Download UnicellMulticellWarm-Up
4. Oh yeah...listen to the cell song that I mentioned two posts ago (you have to copy the complete web address into your browser window).  Ignore the music...listen to the words.  Unless you like the music...then feel free to dance or whatever.
   

Thursday 11/10

Hi There Everyone,

  Our test is coming up on Friday and you are ready!  I'm pretty confident of that based upon the discussions that we had today in class. 

Study the animal, plant, and bacterial cell diagrams in your cell packet carefully!  Additionally remember to check out the cell song that I referred to in yesterday's post.  If you do that and be sure that you know and understand the material on the study guide...you'll be just fine.  Here comes the aforementioned study guide now...if you'd care to avail yourself...Download My Study Guide For Cells

Monday 11/9

Please continue preparing for Friday's test.  We will begin preparing together on Wednesday, but you should be going over your cell packet material and the chapter surveys that we did for chapter three (3).

Please check out this "cell song" on Mrs. Sangster's Typepad page...http://hightowertrail.typepad.com/ms_sangster/2007/10/index.html
I didn't write...I'm just making it available for listening "enjoyment."

Remember...Cell Analogy Projects are due on Monday 11/6...do you have any questions?  Here I am...ask me : )

Friday 11/6 Cell Analogy Project DIrections & Rubrics

Happy Friday Everyone!

There is no assigned homework, but we have a lot going on in general.  You have your cell analogy project to work on and a test coming up next Friday.  Since we've been checking the analogies together, you really should be in good shape to begin construction of your model (if you want to get a jump on things).  Who says you have to wait until the last couple of days to get it done? 

Here are you directions and rubrics...for your viewing pleasure : )
Model Directions:Download Directions for 3D Model
Model Rubric:Download Model Rubric
Poster Directions:Download Directions for 2D Poster
Poster Rubric:Download Poster Rubric

Have a great weekend...be safe!

Thursday 11/5 Project Info. & Cell Test Next Friday

Quick Calender:
Cell Test: Friday 11/13
Cell Analogy Project due Mon. 11/16

Hey There All of You Folks,

  Been reading your cell analogies, and I'll get them back to you as soon as I can.  If you take care of the items that we discuss (I met with some of you today...we will continue with that process tomorrow), you should be on target to do very well with this project.  Rubrics available tomorrow!

  Let's work together on this to make this project:
1-As stress-free as possible...that means DON'T PROCRASTINATE!  It's not going away and it's not a dream...you really have to get it done so just do it!
2-A truly authentic learning experience...that means don't just sleepwalk through it...sink your mind into what you're doing.  Be creative, imaginative, and make it uniquely YOU!  It's more fun if you let yourself enjoy it.
3- Consistently high quality.  Don't just do it...do it well!

Come and see me as soon as you encounter a problem.  I will help you, but I can't do that if I don't know that you need help.  I don't read minds...at least not fluently : )

Cell Test coming up a week from tomorrow...Friday 11/13.
  You know this stuff and you could probably take it tomorrow and do a great job.  You don't have to do that...you have a week to get ready.  Know the cells and their organelles along with organelle functions.  We will prepare together toward the middle of next week.  Meanwhile...you're already studying if you're working on your project...cool how that works out!

Wed. 11/4

Tonight you need to get your rough draft analogies done, so that you can turn them in tomorrow.     I will spend a few minutes with each of you individually over the course of Thursday and Friday.  This is so that we can decide together if your analogies are strong and realistic, as far as your projects are concerned.  

Tomorrow we will continue working with the microscopes.  Today was all about getting familiar with the procedures and techniques for using them.  You did a great job!

Keep in mind as we go forward that when you are sketching the things that you are observing...attention to detail is the goal.  Today we looked at the letter "e" and measured the field of view at each magnification.  Not the most exciting thing to view...I understand.  Once you are competent you will be able to look at all kinds of things...sans the frustration of not being able to find then.  You'll see!  (no pun intended).

Monday 11/1

Hey There,
  I hope your weekend was enjoyable...rainy Halloween, but...whadayagonna do?

  Ok...lots going on here now.  The following is applicable to all classes.

1. Microscope quizzes were today and grades are posted. 
   
2. Cell Packets were collected, and I will get those back to you as soon as possible.  There were four (4) classwork grades in there and two (2) homework grades, but you had a week to complete them in class (and a week to finish any leftovers at home).  Ample time indeed.
3. Instructions were given out today for our first project...Cell Analogy.  We went over the basics and the requirements in class today, and your rough draft analogies are due on Thursday.  Remember that the rough draft is your insurance that you will do well (assuming that you follow the directions and put forth a good effort).  I will be sitting down with each of you individually to go over your analogies.  This will ensure that you are starting out strong!  Rubrics will be available on Wednesday.  The directions will be online at that time as well.  If you're brainstorming tonight or tomorrow and need some feedback...give me a shout.
   
4. We start working with microscopes on Wednesday!  Yippee (at least that's how I feel about it)!

Have a fun and safe day off...go check out the leaves changing...it's awesome...and now you know why!

Friday 10/30

Happy Halloween Everyone : )

Week-in-the-Woods has come to an end...a somewhat rainy end.  I hope that you had as much fun as I did...cuz I had lots!  I really love how you all get so into learning stuff because I am exactly the same way...I LOVE LEARNING!  It's so cool to be out there in the woods because we learn just by sitting there and watching.  If you're ever out hiking, try this...just sit still quietly and look around.  After a little while the critters will start to come out and you'll see some neat things.  Anyway...something to try.  A huge thank you to our awesome parents who were so generous in donating their time to spend the day learning with us.  We could not have done it without you!

Please be sure to remember that your CELL PACKET is due on Monday!  See previous posts to review just what that means.  There are several grades for this assignment, and you had an entire week in class to complete it so don't forget...you'll be sad!  We do not want that do we?

Also coming this Monday...MICROSCOPE QUIZ!  You must score 80% or higher in order to work with the microscopes.  Believe me...you want to work with microscopes!  If there is anything that's as cool as being outside learning, it's exploring the "microworld!"  Know the parts and what they do and you'll be fine.

Anyway...have a safe and happy Halloween...did I mention safe?  Maybe I'll see ya out there : )

Tuesday 10/27

Well...I guess you know that it was raining today...ipso facto...we didn't go outside for Week-in-the-Woods.  Not to worry, we will pick up tomorrow with the photosynthesis lab..  We had an opportunity to review the process today...tomorrow you'll get to apply the information...best way to learn : )

No homework this week, but keep in mind that cell packets are due next Monday.  If you have any of that left to do...take care of it please.