Today we tried out the new laptops and learned how to log on properly. We then went through the worksheets for tomorrow's trip to Wawanosh. Please remember to dress properly, bring a lunch, your worksheets and be in the lobby by 8:55. It will be cool and likely raining tomorrow...

Today, students examined the case study of the zebra mussel.

Students wrote the ecology test today. Absent students are reminded that they will write the test on Monday.
Have a great long weekend!

Today students learned about how soil is formed, it's role in the water cycle, and soil pH. They drew a labelled soil profile as well. Finally, we reviewed for tomorrow's ecology test. Please remember to bring in your Wawanosh form and fee if you haven't already done so.

Today, students worked through a "Gizmo" on food chains and populations. Please remember to bring in your Wawanosh permission forms and $9 tomorrow, if you haven't already

Today students completed an assignment on populations. This was handed in and will be marked.

On Thursday and Friday, students worked through the note on populations. We also played the "Oh Dear" game outside....which was fun!

On Wednesday, students discussed homework questions and then copied the note on the nitrogen cycle. They were then given an article by David Suzuki called "Too Much of a Good Thing" and answered 5 questions related to it. This was homework if not finished.

Today, groups presented their answers to their assigned "question to ponder". We collated the class's answers. These are attached under class notes. We then examined the Carbon cycle. There is some homework related to this topic.

On Monday, students went through the note on energy in ecosystems. They learned about energy pyramids and how to label a food chain. They were then broken into groups and given a "question to ponder".

On Friday, students continued the note on extinction. They then viewed part of an episode from Planet Earth about saving species.

Today, we reviewed the species at risk classification system. We then discussed the note on Extinction in the Modern World. Students then viewed several videos on biodiversity.

On Wednesday, we discussed the concept maps students had created on the disappearance of frogs. Students then answered #1-5 on p. 13. We then discussed the species at risk classification system and students copied this table into their notebooks. For homework, they answered #2 on p. 15.

Today we took up the ecology diagnostic quiz from last Thursday. We then examined two important species: the monarch butterfly and frogs. For homework, students are to read The Silence of the Frogs and create a concept map on why frogs are disappearing.

On Thursday, we discussed learning styles for a few minutes, and then we got started into the first unit of the course....ecosystems.
We discussed the "big idea" of the unit - Why is it important that freshwater ecosystems be sustained? The class brainstormed a list of points relating this big idea to S.T.S.E. (Science, Technology, Society, and the Environment).
Students then worked on completing a review of ecology terms and concepts from earlier science courses. This sheet will be taken up on Tuesday. Students are asked to not look up the correct answers anywhere - I want to know what you know now, and what we need to review.
If you haven't brought in your emergency contact form, your student fee, or your signed policy letter for incomplete assessments, please do so on Tuesday.
Have a great long weekend!

Today students completed Felder's Learning Styles Questionnaire. They then used their learning style profile to compile a list of learning and studying strategies that should help them be more successful in school.
Absent students are asked to complete this activity for homework. The questionnaire and the description of the learning styles can be linked to from this blog (look at the side under Useful Web Sites).
If you haven't already brought in signed forms (emergency contact form, science policy on incomplete assessments, course newsletter) and your student fee, please remember to do this on Thursday.