Duran- November Science Newsletter Info
7th Grade: Plants/Cellular Respiration
Often called producers and autotrophs, these organisms are the basis of the energy cycle of life. Without plants, consumers/heterotrophs would not have the energy required to sustain life. Students will be investigating how plants get their nutrients through their structural design- plants are not just a stem and leaves. In addition, we will learn that consumers and producers utilize energy in a process known as Cellular Respiration.
8th Grade: Seasons
In science there are many misconceptions about why we experience seasons on Earth. One of those is that our distance from the sun determines Winter and Summer. Students will discover that it is the tilt of the Earth, 23.5⁰, toward or away from the Sun is the main determining factor. In addition, we will learn that the tilt and position of the Earth in its revolution around the sun determines Fall and Spring Equinox, and the Summer and Winter Solstice.
Biology: Cells
Cells are the basic unit of life. As students will discover, it was the work of many scientist such as Schleiden, Schwann, Hooke, Van Leuwenhoek and Virchow, who were prominent figures in the discovery of what is a cell, the components of cells, and how cells specialize. Their work was the driving force of the Cell Theory. Students will learn that cells are either prokaryotic or eukaryotic and contain small organ called organelles that are responsible for the maintenance and function of the cell.
Chemistry: Predicting Products
Students have learned that all matter is a product of one of 6 types of chemical reactions. Students have learned to identify the types of bonds that can form between elements which will be their guide to predicting products of various reactions. In addition, we will continue to use our knowledge and skills to balance those equations, as well.
Earth Science: Glaciers, Deserts and Wind
The Ice Age was a period of time when much of the Earth was covered in glaciers. These ice masses have slowly moved over the Earth, down mountain valleys, and steep rock walls leaving behind a changed landscape. Students will discover that these resultant changes can be seen in the form of glacial troughs, hanging valleys, cirques, arêtes, and horns. We will also differentiate between a glacier and an ice sheet. Ice sheets are much larger, land bound, and are found covering Greenland and Antarctica.
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