7th Grade Life Science Extensions 2014-2015

SCROLL to BOTTOM for resources and links

Due Dates:
To encourage students to plan ahead and complete high quality extension activities we will have three due dates spread over the trimester. Although we will accept assignments after the first three due dates, they will show up as missing in the grade book after the due date.

• Friday October 3rd
• Friday October 31st
• Friday November 21st

Extensions Assignment Description
The purpose of the extension assignments is to allow students to learn more about a Science topic they are interested in.  These assignments are completed outside of class for a total of 12 points, and are weighted as 5% of your overall Science grade.  They are not extra credit assignments.

Scoring
This trimester there are 12 points worth of extension activities that will be worth 5% of your grade. All extensions must have correct grammar and punctuation or they will be returned so you can make corrections and resubmit. Each assignment will be given a proficiency score:
4            Assignment is complete, clear, detailed and thorough.
3            Assignment is complete, clear
2/1         Redo and resubmit--not complete and clear (if time before cutoff date)

Variety:
This term we expect you to explore a variety of opportunities from four categories. You may do up to 2 in each of the following:

• Media Reviews: These need to be related to life science topics. If you are unsure if an article or video is appropriate check with your teacher. The front of the media review form has useful information about the requirements. (4 points) Word Format PDF Format
• Observations/Investigations: Observations should be of a living organism that will change over the time period you’re observing. The front of the observation form contains important details that should be included with your write-up, please read it carefully. (4 points). Investigations are similar to observations, but are designed to answer a specific question. These can include virtual labs (4 or 8 points).Word Format PDF Format
• Lesson Specific Extensions: Extensions related to specific lessons can be found in the binder in the front of the classroom. In addition, Mr. Baker and Ms. Ruzicka will offer several opportunities over the course of the trimester (4 or 8 points).
• Special Projects/Events: These include activities like birdhouses, models, making movies or attending a local event related to life science. Check with your teacher before doing a special project so you are clear about the expectations and the point values. (4 or 8 points)

My Plan:

• Friday October 3rd    _____________________________
• Friday October 31st   _____________________________
• Friday November 21st     _____________________________

 

 Resources:

Media Review Links - internet links to help you find articles for your media review. Note: YouTube (unless it’s a full length show (25 minute minimum),Wikipedia, blogs, and forums are not valid sources for this assignment  Science Daily Discovery News Science News National Geographic

Specific Topics: 1) Moth Comparison.doc, pdf format (you need both pages) - moth pdf page 1, moth pdf page 2 2) Plant Growth.pdf 3) Flower Dye - pdf, .doc 4) DNA Extraction (worth 2) - from the video we watched in class. Download or print the form and choose one of the links below for the procedures. I can also print the form at school for you. The procedures are all similar but use slightly different ingredients. Read several of them and choose the one that is the easiest to follow and you have most of the materials. DNA Extraction form (word format)- this is what you fill out as you complete this assignment. Banana.pdf , Human Cheek.pdf , Kiwi.pdf , Onion.pdf , Peas.ppt (really well explained, but long) 5) Build & Hang a Birdhouse (worth 2) - pdf 6) Virtual Labs--These must be submitted electronically by saving as a PDF and sending to me at ruzicka@4j.lane.edu. We will do a practice one in class on Friday 1/10/14