"Star" Students

7th grade science students are "stars"!

To cap off our unit on stars, 7th grade science students completed a 4-day project that included researching a specific star and creating it using paper mache mix, balloons, newspaper, and acrylic paints. Each student handmade their star according to the research they completed on day 1. Take a look at what they were able to accomplish!

(Day 1: Michaela works on Step # 1 - researching her star, the Sun)

 (Day 2: JJ, Talia, Sydney, & Mark work on Step #2 - paper mache)

 (Kaylan, Autumn, & Brookelyn are hard at work. Nice job ladies!)

 (Day 2 is a success! The students let their stars dry overnight)

 (Day 3: Allie, Makayla, Mariah, Madeline, & Morgan work on Step #3 - paint)

 (Mark & Ryan displaying their completed work)

 (Day 3 is also a success! Students used their research to determine the color)

(Day 4: Mrs. Adkins' homebase displays their final products)

Science Rocks!

SCIENCE ROCKS!

Check out these fun rocks and minerals games, during our Geology unit, to help you sharpen your skills!

Rock Tester

Vocab Rocks!

Rocks Jigsaw Puzzles

Rocks Slide Puzzles

Label the Rock Cycle Diagram

"Who Am I?" Rock Game

Minerals Down Under

Rocks and Minerals Concentration Game

Rocks and Soils: The Sara Jane Adventures

The Mineral Factory

Rock Identification

"Dig Into Geology" WordSearch

Rocks and Minerals Matching

Rocks and Minerals FunTrivia

Back-to-School!

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to the 2012 - 13 school year in Mrs. Adkins' 7th grade science class! I really look forward to meeting and getting to know each and every one of you in the coming weeks.  Last year was a lot of fun and I am anxious to kick-start a new and knowledge-packed year. I am sure you are excited and probably a little bit nervous for that 1st day. The first day and week can make anyone nervous.  Need any ideas for avoiding the 1st day/week jitters? Take a look at the tips I have listed below.  So, let's start the school year strong and build the best bunch of 7th grade Bulldogs in Dunbar's history!

- Mrs. Adkins

8 Tips for Starting the School Year Prepared and Avoiding 1st Day Jitters:

1. Check the school supplies list and make sure you have ALL of the necessary supplies. (Make sure you don't spend the $ on items that are NOT permitted at DMS)
2. Start going to bed a little earlier and practice getting up and getting ready for school.
3. Set out your 1st day wardrobe the night before.
4. Eat a good dinner the night before, and have a good breakfast the morning of.
5. Attend the DMS Open House on Thursday, August 16th. It is a great time to meet and greet your new teachers or visit last years teachers!
6. Take a look at the DMS school website and familiarize yourself with upcoming activities and announcements.
7. Make sure you take time to work with Edline. It is a great tool for keeping up with your grades and communicating with teachers.
8. Bring a pencil and paper to EVERY class on the 1st day. I suggest that you bring a small folder to hold your paper in and store any important 1st day items you may receive.

APRIL IS THE MONTH TO CELEBRATE EARTH!

Earth is an extremely unique and amazing planet! So, why not show how thankful we are for everything it does for us?

photo courtesy of: http://socialtimes.com/

This month's challenge:
I encourage you to make an effort to improve your community! Remember-- Always ask for permission and help from your parents/guardians before doing anything.
Here are some ideas for you to consider:
- Plant a tree or some flowers.
- Help pick up trash near your home or community.
- Create a recycling bin for your home.
- Get involved in a community service project that helps your community and the people that live there.

If you accept this challenge, take a picture of you and your family, or friends, in action!  Write a 1 page paper (front only) about your participation in this challenge. Submit the picture and your paper to me and receive bonus points!

GOOD LUCK!!

January 30 - February 3

It is time for a change!

We will be starting our new unit on Anatomy this week.  You will need to begin bringing your textbooks to class each day.  

We will be working in Chapter 5: Growth, Development, and Health

Upcoming Events:

Monday, January 30th - Anatomy Pre-Test

Tuesday, January 31st - Science book check...BRING YOUR SCIENCE BOOK! 

January 17 - 20

Rocks and Minerals Lab

Remember that this week is our rocks and minerals lab!  

Make sure that you read the following safety guidelines:

- Students with long hair must pull it back with a hair tie.

- Wear close-toed shoes. Flip flops and sandals are not allowed. 

- It is advised that you wear pants and not shorts.  This will help keep you safe in the case that you might accidentally drop anything during the lab.

- If you have a long-sleeved shirt, wear this to protect your arms.

Always remember to be safe and have fun! Keep up to date with the Edline calendar for the daily agenda and Brain activities.

December - January Bonus Points

HOLIDAY BREAK BONUS OPPORTUNITY

As a gift to you for the holiday season, I have an opportunity for everyone to earn bonus points in science.

This will be collected the first day you come back from break. Check out the instructions below and have a very relaxing and safe holiday break!

Holiday Break Bonus Opportunity Instructions

Create a poster that encourages the citizens of Dunbar to take care of our planet. (recycling, picking up litter, throwing away trash, use "green" products, etc.)

Be as creative as you can! Any artwork on your poster must be colored and any writing on your poster must be done neatly (not in pencil!).

See you in January!

- Mrs. Adkins