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

Oct. 12 - 14

Currents, and Waves, and Tides....Oh My!

We started a new unit this month and throughout this unit we will be using the alternate text, "Ocean's Waters." This means you don't have to carry around your Science Book for a whole month! 

Here are some upcoming events for you to mark in your assignment books:

Wed. October 12 - Quiz on 3.2 & 3.3 Vocabulary Terms (Ocean current, downwelling, upwelling, crest, trough, wave height, wavelength, and longshore current). Make sure you study these terms using the study sheet you created on Friday!

Fri. October 28 - 7th Grade Incentive Party! (requirements - Less than 5 reminders and absolutely no zeros for the entire month of October)

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Name 3 animals that use sonar and explain how and why they use it! Be as specific as possible.

Sept. 12-16

This week in science....

A a gift just for you...........

Your Scientific Method Test has been moved from Monday to Tuesday!

*Please study your notes, vocabulary words, BRAIN's, and worksheets. 
*You should also get some good sleep Monday night and eat a well-rounded breakfast Tuesday morning so that you are ready to go!

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK

** Can you name one scientist and his/her contribution to modern science?  Tell me everything you know!