Mr. Manning's Life Science Class
            HOW TO RECOGNIZE A SCIENCE CLASS
If it moves, it's BIOLOGY.
If it stinks, it's CHEMISTRY.
If it doesn't work, it's PHYSICS.

If you are examining things that are dead, stinking or broken, it's
EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES.

If you are explaining why things are dead, stinking or broken, it's
INTERDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES.

If you are trying to prevent things from dying, stinking or breaking, it's
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY.

 Words of wisdom:

The Parable of the Pebbles
A man was out walking in the desert when a voice said to him, "Pick up some pebbles and put them in your pocket, and tomorrow you will be both happy and sad."

The man obeyed. He stooped down and picked up a handful of pebbles and put them in his pocket. The next morning he reached into his pocket and found diamonds and rubies and emeralds. And he was both happy and sad. Happy he had taken some - sad that he hadn't taken more.

And so it is with education.
Try out the "Picture of the Week."  Click on Picture of the Week

If you stare at this picture long enough you should be able to see a giraffe. This is weird. Give it a try.
                                       



LESSON  PLANS 

Click here   Life Science Textbook   for a direct link to your textbook website. Prentice Hall provides a wide variety of curriculum materials for students.

Unit Lesson Plan:
Quarter 3:
This quarter will focus on CH. 3 Genetics, The Science of Heredity, CH. 4 Modern Genetics and CH. 5 Changes Over Time.   

 Outline:
CH. 3 Genetics: The Science of Heredity
1. Mendel's Work :CH. 3 pp. 86 - 93
Describe Mendel's genetics experiments
Identify the factors that control the inheritance of traits in organisms
Explain how geneticists use symbols to represent alleles
2. Probability and Genetics: CH. 3 pp. 94 - 101
Describe the principles of probability and how Mendel applied them to inheritance
State how geneticists use Punnett squares
Explain the meanings of the terms phenotype, genotype, homozygous, heterozygous, and codominance
3. The Cell and Inheritance: CH. 3 pp. 102 - 106
Describe chromosomes and their role in inheritance
Identify and describe the events that occur during meiosis
4. The DNA Connection: CH. 3 pp. 107 - 112
Explain the term "genetic code"
Describe the process by which a cell produces proteins
Descibe different types of mutations and how they affect organisms
5. Study Guide / Chapter Assessment: CH. 3 pp. 113 - 115

CH. 4 Modern Genetics
1. Human Inheritance: CH. 4 pp. 118 - 124
Explain what multiple alleles are
Explain why some human traits show a large variety of phenotypes
Explain how environmental factors can alter the effects of a gene
Identify what determines sex, and explain why some sex-linked traits are more common in males than in females
Describe how geneticists use pedigrees
2. Human Genetic Disorders: CH. 4 pp. 125 - 131
Describe the causes and symptoms of five human genetic disorders
Explain how genetic disorders are diagnosed
Describe the role of a genetic counselor
3. Advances in Genetics: CH. 4 pp. 132 - 140
Describe three ways in which people have developed organisms with desired traits
Identify some uses of DNA fingerprinting
State the goal of the Human Genome Project
4. Study Guide / Chapter Assessment: CH. 4 pp. 141 - 143

CH. 5 Changes Over Time
1. Darwin's Voyage: CH. 5 pp. 146 - 156
State how Darwin explained variations among similar species
Explain how natural selection leads to evolution, and explain the role of genes in evolution
Describe how new species form
2. The Fossil Record: CH. 5 pp. 157 - 164
Describe how most fossils form
Explain how a scientist determines a fossil's age
Explain the main events of the Geological Time Scale
Distinguish between gradualism and punctuated equilibria
3. Other Evidence for Evolution: CH. 5 pp. 165 - 169
State evidence from modern-day organisms that scientists use to determine evolutionary relationships among groups
Explain what a branching tree diagram is
4. Study Guide / Chapter Assessment: CH. 5 pp. 171 - 173

 Homework:
Assignments for homework will be listed here.
1. Read CH. 4 for understanding. I suggest 20 minutes each evening if no other assignment is given for that day.
As you complete a section, check your understanding by answering the questions on page 114 - 115 that pertain to your reading.
2. Key terms: CH. 4 p113
You should begin now reading Chapter 4 and writing complete definitions for all key terms found on p. 113.
I suggest you use 3"x5" cards to develop study guides.
 Tests:
Test dates and specifics (study guides / practice tests) will be placed here.

 Project Assignments:
Genetics Pet Project
Details may be found by clicking on the following link. Assignment dates have not yet been announced.
Genetics Project: Click on this link Genetics Project for the details of your genetics project.
Your project will be DUE on TO BE ANNOUNCED!
Rubric for the genetics project:Rubric

 Additional Resources:
Click on the following links:
Genetics
CH. 3 Genetics The Science of Heredity
CH. 4 Modern Genetics
Punnett Square Practice



Lab Equipment and Safety Guidelines


Inquiry Based Interactive Programs:
Click on this link    Medical Mysteries to play MedMyst, an interactive, learning adventure. As you enter a futuristic world, you will help solve medical mysteries in infectious diseases. You will accept challenges (missions) to become a member of an elite team of Reconstructors. Your goal will be to rediscover lost medical knowledge and prevent the spread of disease. Be sure to wear your headphones to enjoy the full sound effects!

Bring your science folder to class EVERY DAY!
Check the classroom bulletin board for other specific items. Each classroom has the information for ALL your classes for that day.
Bring your AGENDA BOOK everyday. You should have this with you at all times.
Bring your materials to class (pens; pencils; paper, and anything else you will need to be successful in class.)

7th Grade IB Schedule 2007 - 2008 

Quarter

9:00  - 9:20
Homeroom
Study Time
9:20 - 10:20
Class 01
10:20 - 11:40
Class 02
Connections

11:40 - 11:45
Locker Break

11:45 - 12:40
Class 03
12:40 - 2:00
Class 04
Lunch
2:00 - 2:05
Locker Break
2:05 - 3:00
Class 05
3:00 - 4:00
Class 06
Dismissal
Lunch Schedule:
1:00 - 1:20 Hines     Table 10
1:02 - 1:22 Manning Table 11
1:04 - 1:24 Byess      Table 1
1:06 - 1:26 Massare Table 2
1:08 - 1:28 Pascale    Table 3


Preparing for the 7th Grade 

Time Management

Recognize that wise time management is a skill students learn through the combined efforts of parents and teachers.
Reserve a consistent homework time every afternoon or evening.
Insist that your child do the homework on the night that it is assigned rather than the night before it is due. Following this schedule will keep the student one day ahead.
Help the student establish a morning "drill" or checklist to be certain that all materials (binder, books, homework, assignment notebook, pencils, etc.) are in readiness according to that day's schedule.


The First 9 Weeks

Anticipate that the first nine weeks of school is an important period of adjustment for students and parents coming off the summer vacation.
Check the student's assignment notebook (agenda) daily for homework assignments and future tests, quizzes, and projects.
Reinforce a consistent homework schedule.
Review for tests and quizzes with your child.
Begin the year with a mental gameplan for establishing well-defined routines that will support academic success.

Before School Starts

Use the initial supply list to purchase school supplies.
Establish a quiet place for nightly homework and studying that is free of distractions.
Stock the desk or study area with school supplies like pens, pencils, paper, markers, and index cards.
Complete the summer reading requirements as specified in the summer reading list.

The Assignment Notebook (Agenda Book)

An agenda book is provided to every Pinckneyville Middle School student at the beginning of the school year.
The agenda book is an excellent home/school communication tool. Send a note to a teacher in the book and check the book regularly for notes from your child's teachers.
Students will write down all class assignments in every class. Check the assignment notebook after school to stay informed concerning your child's homework.
Students are expected to carry this agenda book with them during the school day because it also serves as the official school hall pass. An important barcode sticker for computer access is placed on the inside back cover.
No other agenda or day timer may be substituted for the one issued by Pinckneyville Middle School.


Parent Tips 

Parental involvement in schooling can lead to academic benefits for students. Parents are encouraged to:

Help students manage and organize daily and weekly routines.
Set a regular time and routine for doing homework and extended assignments.
Establish a regular place which is well-lit and quiet for completing homework.
Remove distractions during home study time. No television or phone calls.
Provide supplies including calculators, pencils, and paper.
Review homework for accuracy and understanding.
Review and discuss with students science labs and class assignments.
Read and discuss newspaper articles that are science related.
Visit museums, nature centers, and other places of scientific interest.
Supervise visits to sites on the Internet that extend student understanding of the life sciences.

 2007 - 2008 Student Calendar

 2007 - 2008 Testing Calendar

 Late Work Policy For Seventh Grade

ALL assignments are due on the date specified by your teacher.
Students will be allowed two days for each day of excused absence to complete missed assignments or class work.
Any work turned in past the due date will be corrected but no grade will be recorded.
Teacher discretion will apply and override in any mitigating circumstances and matters.

 The Brain Is A Wonderful Thing!
This is amazing. Try to read the paragraph below, then consider what it actually says. The brain is a wonderful thing isn't it?

Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in what oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer are in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by it slef but the wrod as a wlohe and the biran fguiers it out aynawy.