Lesson 1 - Monday, Dec 16
Today in science: After reviewing the current state of our Grade 7 Consensus Model, B & H periods were introduced to the Misha Model, which was and formulated and articulated by C period. All three periods then spent time ‘getting smarter’ about topics such as cells, cell organelles, the nucleus, chromosomes, and DNA and adding their newly gained knowledge to the topic-focused Google Documents created by Dr. M in the Google Science Classroom.
Homework: There is no science homework tonight.
Lesson 2 - Tue, Dec 17 (B, C) & Wed, Dec 18 (H)
Today in science: With a new-and-improved version of our Grade 7 Consensus Model, we were able to see that our model is now expanding in two distinct directions: an internal explanation using terms such as cells, organelles, nucleus, chromosomes, and DNA, and an external model using terms such as the environment. A C period student astutely suggested, however, that there may be a phenomenon–e.g., skin exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight–in which the internal and external models might be related!
To help improve our internal explanation–aka. the Misha Model–we watched a “What is DNA and How Does it Work?” video and began (concept/mind) mapping its key ideas. Although this new “sub-model” focused on DNA is being given in it’s own document, we hope that in the coming days we can merge it with our current Consensus Model.
Homework: There is no science homework tonight.
Lesson 3 - Wed, Dec 18 (B, C) & Thu, Dec 19 (H)
Today in science: To help improve our internal explanation–aka. the Misha Model–we continued watching the “What is DNA and How Does it Work?” video and mapping its key ideas. Although the focus of this new sub-map is on the structure and function of DNA, we are finding that we need to better understand what DNA is and how it works, we need to understand other substances as “amino acids” and “proteins” in the process. Toward theses ends, Dr. M asked each of his classes to rewatch portions of the “What is DNA and How Does it Work?” video and use the information presented within it to create a mind/concept map that accurately connects DNA with either AMINO ACIDS or PROTEINS. When finished, Dr. M asked students to present their work to their peers and/or send him their work by email.
Homework: There is no science homework tonight.
Lesson 4 - Thu, Dec 12 (B) & Fri, Dec 13 (C, H)
Today in science: In our final science lesson before the Winter Vacation, we took a step back from our recent model creation and mapping so that we could again see the big(ger) picture. Dr. M also explained a new assignment he created in the Google Science Classroom on which students will–upon their return from the Winter Vacation–begin writing a first draft of their answer to the Unit 7.3 Driving Question.
In the time remaining in the lesson, B period ended their final lesson of 2024 by sharing a special treat to say good bye to two of our wonderful classmates, Janu and Pedro! We will miss you two!! Good health and safe travels!!!
C & H periods spent their remaining class time doing a thorough mailbox clean-out, looking over their graded Human Reproduction tests, and finding out about the history of the discovery of the DNA molecule.
Homework: As is specified in the TASIS MS Homework Policy, there is no science homework to be done during the Winter Vacation.
Announcements...
The DRIVING QUESTION of our current unit is: Why are human beings different from one another?
C & H period homework collection days: Wednesday & Friday.
B period homework collection days: Tuesday & Thursday.
Including this week, there are 3 weeks of school before the end of the Fall Semester.