This week we tried to discover the reason for a "mysterious" illness in Fruitvale. It was a simulation that had students using information from patients, and testing water samples to determine the outbreak of the illness. We traced it down to contaminated well water from trash in a vacant lot. Students did a good job of using their resources and collaboration. Here are some pics from the week.

Maps of patients homes and the city

Elevation and substrata maps

Well location map and results of testing

Testing the samples

Science 4/13/2012

This week was a continuation on genetics. We watched a Discovery Learning video that had us discussing twins, genetic modifications, cloning, CSI using DNA, etc.  Gregor Mendel and his pea plants were in class and that led us into learning about plant reproduction. We used real plants to identify parts and see how plants vary. 

The diagram we used to learn the parts - a another Gizmo!

Looking at the parts in a real plant.

20 different plant samples. So were even edible!

Science 4/6/2012

We looked at heredity this week.

 

 We used three Gizmos from ExploreLearning.com. In two of them we bred mice. One Gizmo demonstrated one trait dominance and the second demonstrated two traits. It sure takes a lot less time to breed 100 mice using a simulation! 

Then we used the simulation for chickens. We looked at incomplete dominance. Some students were surprised to learn that speckled chickens could have pure colored offspring. I guess that is why we cover that topic - there is always something to learn. 


Here's hoping that you find all of the hidden Easter eggs.

Science 3/30/2012

HAPPY SPRING BREAK!!

Hope you are having a great time.

Bob and I went on a short trip to Oklahoma. Stopped at the Bartlett Arboretum on the way down. They have 18 acres of neat things and 10 "Blue Ribbon" trees.

I tried something new at Barefoot Joe's in Wellington - a Ripper - which is a deep fried hot dog. I usually only eat hot dogs once a year, but made an exception. I did enjoy it.

Went to the Botanical Gardens and the Museum of Art in Oklahoma City. Spent an hour and a half looking at plants, especially the orchids. Then several hours at the Art Museum. Was fascinated with the Chihuly exhibit.

Look forward to seeing everyone on Monday.

Science 3/23/2012

We've been studying cells this week. Started b y learning the organelles using a story and pegging the organelles and their function. (Thanks to Janel Walker for sharing her story on organelles!) We've moved on to mitosis and meiosis. A student shared this YouTube video on mitosis. Thought you might enjoy it also,



Buhler USD313 is on Spring Break from March 26-30. Hope you all have a great time. See you on April 2.

Science 3/16/2012

This week we started our Life Science studies. To help us understand the characteristics of living things, we did a demo lab using yeast. We discovered that not all things that look dead are and that not all things that look alike are the same. Using a live sample and two unknown samples, we watched as carbon dioxide was created or not. Here are a few pictures.

Science 3/12/2012

THIS JUST IN!!!!

I just received the information for the Kansas State University's EXCITE (EXploring sCIence Technology and Engineering) Summer Workshop.  I have had students go in the past and have a fun (and educational) experience. Click on the link below and it will take you to their site for more information. I'll post a couple of pictures from when I went several years ago. I'll have copies of the flyer and registration brochure for those girls who are interested. Here's hoping this will help boost the STEM student enrollment.


http://www.k-state.edu/excite/upcoming_events.htm

Students used some of the equipment and tools.

One group built "working" houses with lights and a furnace.

We visited an architect group in KC.

Students created their own floor plans on their CAD system.

Taking home their floor plans.

Making marble launchers.

Girls shared a dorm room and ate in the cafeteria.