Investigations in Science 7 March 4, 2016

What we did this week:

This week we completed our second unit. We started the week with an open
note frog dissection test. Then we finished the Chemistry of Life project. If you
recall, groups designed a menu for school lunches that fit the design requirements.
After learning about all the systems of the body, they were able to describe how
the different food items they picked helped each system of the body.
Thursday, we started the new unit, Inheritance and Variation of Traits
(Genetics). Students randomly selected a clients identity that they will be using
throughout the unit. Below are tasks they will be doing with the identity.
o Learn about several genetic disorders/traits.
o Play the role of a genetic counselor for the clients and create a
genetic counselors report for your clients.
o Learn about the probability of your clients passing on genetic
disorders to their offspring.
The four diseases we will be studying are Huntingtons disease, cystic fibrosis,
sickle cell anemia and achondroplasia. If there is anything that I should be
aware of when we are talking about these diseases or anything else that may
come up in conversation, please let me know.

Announcements:
Students were able to clean out their science section of last units materials.
I asked students to keep their work at a safe place at home and not to throw out
the work. Please ask your child if they cleaned out their science section of their
binder.
Coming Up:

Topics:
Asexual and Sexual Reproduction
Behavior and Reproduction
Dates:
March 9 PTA Meeting, 7:00-8:30, Media Center
March 18-19 Spring Play, 7:30 pm
March 20 Spring Play, 2:00 pm
March 22 & 23 No after school activities
March 23 End of Quarter 3