Chromosomes and Food

I haven't done either of these activities yet, but I think the kids would like both of them!

To learn the phases of mitosis, decorate doughnuts.
http://www.kevinvanaelst.com/photo10.html#

Make DNA models from candy!
http://asurvivalguidetomiddleschool.blogspot.com/2012/01/edible-dna.html

Sheep Eyeball Dissection

This was my first time dissecting an eyeball.  Needless to say, the students loved it!

Roller Coasters

In my 8th grade science class, students designed and constructed roller coasters to enhance their understanding of kinetic and potential energy.  The lesson was fun and all we needed was foam pipe insulator, tape, marbles, and plenty of space in the classroom!

Creep Meters

The 6th grade class designed and created replicas of creep meters to measure earthquakes.  This inquiry based activity required students to work together and be creative with the materials provided (wooden blocks, clay, pulleys, nails, lunch trays, tape, and ruler).

Illinois State Standards:

12.E.3a Analyze and explain large-scale dynamic forces, events and processes that affect the Earth's land water and atmospheric systems (e.g., jetstream, hurricanes, plate tectonics).

11.B.3b Sketch, propose and compare design solutions to the problem considering available materials, tools, cost effectiveness and safety.

11.B.3d Test the prototype using available materials, instruments and technology and record the data.

11.B.3e Evaluate the test results based on established criteria, not sources of error and recommend improvements.

Objectives:

Students will:

-design a model creep meter

-explain how the model is similar to an actual creep meter

-demonstrate how a creep meter works using the model

Assessment:

Students were assessed based on their final creep meter model.  Once it was completed, they presented it to the class and explained how each part of the model corresponded with each part of a real creep meter.  Lastly, they demonstrated how their model worked.

Blog Beginnings

Sooo.....I have decided to start a blog!  While I have the time during summer, I am going to post about some engaging and successful lesson plans that I have implemented in the past two years.  My hope is to keep up with the blog once school starts.