Dear Parents,

As we move into the month of February, we are diving deeper into science topics that explore how organisms grow, adapt, and reproduce. This month’s lessons are all aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), focusing on Science & Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas, and Crosscutting Concepts. Below is an update on what your child will be learning in the classroom.

Science & Engineering Practices

Students will be engaging in a variety of activities designed to promote scientific inquiry and understanding. These include:

• Asking Questions and Defining Problems
• Developing and Using Models
• Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
• Analyzing and Interpreting Data
• Using Mathematical and Computational Thinking
• Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
• Engaging in Argument from Evidence
• Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Key Concepts and Topics Covered This Month:

1. Genetic Variation and Natural Selection

Students will also investigate how genetic variations in populations can increase the likelihood of survival and reproduction.

• Natural selection helps certain traits become more common in a population over time.
• We will examine how adaptations that occur over generations improve an organism's ability to survive in its environment.

2. Human Impact on Inheritance

A significant part of the curriculum will focus on how humans influence genetic traits in organisms through artificial selection, including technologies like genetic modification, selective breeding, and gene therapy.

• Students will explore how artificial selection has shaped the development of new plant and animal breeds and the role of these technologies in shaping future generations.

Student Learning Objectives:

By the end of February, students will be able to:

• Make claims supported with evidence that certain behaviors and structures increase the probability of reproduction in animals and plants.
• Explain the relationship between genetic/environmental factors and the growth of organisms.
• Describe how natural selection and artificial selection influence populations over time.
• Gather and synthesize information about technologies that impact genetic inheritance in organisms.

How You Can Support Your Child:

• Encourage curiosity: Ask your child questions about the topics they are learning, like the role of behaviors in animal reproduction or how certain traits help plants survive.
• Explore together: Consider visiting a botanical garden, zoo, or nature center to see the concepts in action.
• Discuss the impact of technology: Talk about how humans use technology to shape traits in plants and animals and the ethical implications of such practices.

We look forward to an exciting month of scientific discovery and hands-on learning!

Thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Haupt

Dear Parents,

I hope this message finds you well! I’m excited to share some engaging and hands-on learning happening in our science classes this month. As part of our exploration of genetics and biology, our students are diving into the fascinating topic of mutations and will be working in small groups to develop their own lessons to teach their classmates.

Throughout the week, each group will be tasked with researching different types of mutations—both beneficial and harmful—and creating a presentation or activity that explains the concept in an engaging and informative way. This project allows students to take ownership of their learning, practice teamwork, and improve their presentation skills while also deepening their understanding of mutations and their role in evolution and genetics.

We believe that this approach encourages critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration as students work together to break down complex scientific concepts into digestible, engaging lessons. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to not only grasp scientific content but also build important communication skills as they prepare to teach their peers.

You can help support your child’s learning by asking them about their group's progress and encouraging them to share their discoveries with you at home. 

Thank you for your continued support in nurturing your child’s curiosity and love for science. We look forward to seeing the innovative lessons they develop and share with the class!

Warm regards,

7th grade students are exploring genetic traits and how genetic information is passed down from parent to offspring.  Students will explore trait differences this week through several interactive activities.

Students are learning about Mitosis and Meiosis (cell division).  This week students will learn the difference between sexual and asexual reproduction.  We will then continue into Gregor Mendel's experiments with pea plants, how to determine heredity, and using Punnet Squares to predict heredity in offspring.  Continue to check IC for grade updates.

WEEKLY SCIENCE UPDATE

This week 7th grade students are diving deeper into body systems with a project of choice.  Students are encouraged to pursue an area of interest to further investigate.

Presentations will be shared in stations, in which students will view each students project from station to station. Students will share their feedback on their peer projects by leaving notes of positive encouragement.

 

Be on the lookout; you will receive an email at 4:00 PM Monday with conference details.

All missing work is due Wednesday.

 

Mrs. Haupt

Students are working on their project: Cells, Energy, and Caffeine's Effect on the Body.  They were given an Essential Question:  Do you think caffeine should be banned on school campus?  They are working to collect evidence about cells, energy, and how caffeine affects different body systems.  They will then present their evidence based decision in a format of their choice.  

We will then navigate body systems more in depth incorporating cells and energy into their learning.

Students will continue exploring cell organelles this week.  They will have an opportunity to use microscopes to view a variety of plant and animal cells.  Students will also complete an assessment that will measure their proficiency of understanding plant and animal cells.

 

We will begin to explore the role of photosynthesis in the cylcing of matter and flow of energy into and out of organisms.

This week in science students are reviewing the Science and Engineering Process.  In addition we are studying Cells.  Students began an interactive plant and animal cell stations lab (ppt).  I anticipate that this will take a few class days to finish.  The tentative due date is Friday (depending on MAP testing and class schedule) Check in with your student this weekend to confirm the due date.