Science Newsletter
12/01/15
Dear Families,
This week, our class will investigate bacteria structures and how these organisms move,
feed, and reproduce. Then, we will compare plant and animal cells examining closely each of
the cell’s organelles, as well as, the functions of those organelles. We will use this information
to begin our cell analogy project. In this project, students will compare an animal cell to
another system. We will have a vocabulary quiz this Friday on these topics (See vocabulary list,
below). The content will include the following topics/objectives:
Living Things and Cells
GA Performance Standards:
S7L1. Students will investigate the diversity of living organisms and how they can be
compared scientifically.
b. Classify organisms based on physical characteristics using a dichotomous key of the
six kingdom system (archaebacteria, eubacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals).
S7L2. Students will describe the structure and function of cells, tissues, organs, and organ
systems.
a. Explain that cells take in nutrients in order to grow and divide and to make
needed materials.
b. Relate cell structures (cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplasts,
mitochondria) to basic cell functions.
 Name and describe structures, sizes, and shapes of a bacterial cell.
 What role do the cell wall and cell membrane play in the cell?
 What are the functions of cell organelles?
 How are cells organized in many celled organisms?
Special Announcement: Thursday: Dress like you favorite scientists during the day, and
Thursday Evening is Science Night! Our theme for seventh grade is, “The Invisible Microscopic
World Around Us”. We will feature microscopes with live slides of plant cells
photosynthesizing, protists & plankton in pond water, and a human cheek cell. In addition,
parents and students will get a rare glimpse of microscopic invertebrates, animal tissues, and
disease causing protists (safely mounted in prepared slides). Visitors will also investigate
various inactive computer models such as bacteria multiplying. Students ambassadors will be
on hand to assist all visitors.
Next Assessment Dates:
Type/Content: Bacteria and Cell Organelle Vocabulary Quiz
Formative: (40%):
Date: Friday, 12/04/15: Students should use Powerpoint Notes, handouts, and our textbook for
preparation. We will also have a Quizlet link available this week for practice.
Vocabulary List: aerobic, bacteria, binary fission, conjugation, cocci, bacilli, spirilla, organelle,
cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplasts, and mitochondria.
Type/Content:
Summative: (60%):
Date: TBA
My website contains weekly updates and a variety of resources to support your child’s learning.
Please visit my website at: http://www.paulding.k12.ga.us/Domain/2121
Thank you for your support.
V. Russell