Body Systems Project and Other Notes!

Today we went over the criteria for our first project together. Each student will be doing some research to become an expert on one system of the human body. They will use this expertise to help diagnose a patient! First, they will take notes while recording the resources they use to find information. Second, they will write a two-page report and provide a diagram of their system. Then, after they have this information, students will be placed in groups and given a case study of a patient with a medical problem, complete with notes about their condition and symptoms.

While notes on marked projects can be done in class and at home, the written report is only to be worked on at school. I should be able to see it in progress. Also, there should be significant notes, as the student is becoming an expert, not just providing superficial information on the body parts of the system. The criteria sheet along with a rubric is in their blue binder.

We also had an opportunity today to visit the school library. As a reminder, ALL books checked out need to return to school for Tuesday mornings to be either returned or renewed. Unfortunately, if students are missing a book, they may not check out new ones until it is brought in. In addition to our regular library time, there is an open check out time after lunch from 12:55-1:15 PM. Students should return to class after lunch break, check in with me, and I can give them permission to visit Ms. Ho and check out books.

We had another class meeting, this time led by one of the students, and with Ms. D as a guide. We agreed as a class to have a Halloween Party and to chip in together to provide decorations, food, and drinks. Students will be welcome to wear costumes. This party will likely take place on October 30th, Friday. Please stay tuned for more information as the student Halloween committee will be drafting a letter to send home about the event. We also discussed having a card club (for Pokemon lovers), a cookie-making day later in December, and a class movie of some sort. Committees were formed to discuss and propose ideas on these things at next class meeting.

In the afternoon, we did javelin throws using straws! This was for a math discussion on MEAN and also allowed for review of measurement skills. Students threw clear plastic straws from a given point in the room as hard as they could, and we recorded each person’s distance. Each team of eight found the mean of their distances, and then I asked the class to find the whole class’s mean distance. For homework they were asked to come up with an activity involving “mean” that we could do with other students in the class. They should have it written down briefly so they can share it with us tomorrow.

TOMORROW: Welcoming assembly and Terry Fox Run! Busy day tomorrow. Please wear comfy clothes! Bring donations for Terry, if you can. Also, there were three notices sent home for your review. Anyone who still has not turned in agenda money, the body packet, or the probability games packet, please get them in ASAP.

Have a great night!