Those who didn't win!

One of the requirements for science is memorizing the six functional groups. One way is to make it a memory. So this year I asked the students to write songs about them...with all the information they need to remember for their test later and the AP exam at the end of the year. So cute...enjoy!.. IF nothing else they laughed alot. Most students said they would remember more. I hope they do. I still have anatomy kids from years ago who remember their songs.

AP Biology functional Group songs

Here is the winner of the competition....But I have decided I will post them all...so enjoy!

dating, engagement, and marriage in 8th grade?

O.k. not really what you think. Here we are...learning the bonds between atoms.

Ionic
covalent
Hydrogen

One way to remember them is to compare them to dating, engagment, and marriage.

Fun! Especially for kids who really aren't sure about what is happening?

The best form of torture...

Marshmallow molecules

O.k. so one of the things we as a class must learn is the four macromolecules of life....Proteins, Lipids, Carbohydrates, and Nucleic acids.

The students must have a concept of the structure of each (because structure = function)...

This includes ingredients and how they are put together (how many bonds between atoms etc...)

One of the funnest ways is to have them build these out of colored marshmallows. Here they are...they had done this in eight grade but really wanted to do it again and a refresher.

Enjoy!

More seventh grade fun!

YEA! Incredible how much fun this is... and yet how challenging it is. Today we used the concept of density to find the thickness of aluminum foil. They did awesome even when it came time to use MATH!.

so proud of them!

You decide

You decide...does this look like these kids are working?

Well, actually they are...Today my AP Biology Lab class were working on a lab which includes tests on someone after reclining for 5 min, exercising, and standing. They were able to use the skill of measuring blood pressure and heart rate.

So....be careful when you walk into my class room and "think" nothing is being done. You just never know!




By the way....the students said that this is by far their favorite lab thus far.

Seventh Grade reports

here they are....My adorable seventh graders....giving their reports for science.

Go kids!

The Juniors and Oh deer

It never ceases to amaze me how frequently my older students, like my juniors, enjoy the fun little games we play. Today they decided that they too wanted to play Oh deer...to better understand the concepts of carrying capacity, population growth, and predator/ prey relationships.

so...of course...any excuse to go outside....Here they are....A great class.

Head master hike

Today was our annual Headmaster's hike. It was great fun. We hope the back to school party tonight is as enjoyable. Good Luck Volley ball girls on your game.

Here are some pictures of lunch. What a beautiful way to appreciate the wonderful mountains.

Thanks to all who helped drive and coordinate the great events.

Oh Deer

In 8th grade we are studying population growth and the patterns created by them.. In order to really show the students what happens naturally we play the game "oh Deer" (another excuse to go outside!. )

Here they are.. and then of course we had to graph all the data we collected!. Great Kids!

8th grade Biology

Using the quadrant method of counting population sizes. Any excuse to go outside. Fun times. I think this is the first time we have spotlighted the eight graders. Go 8th graders.

seventh grade fun

Another day in the lab! Check us out!

Only one casuality today. We had to say good bye to one of our graduated cylinders today. It happens.

It is worth the price to learn.

AP Biology Fun-- blood pressure

Hey Look!

Today my AP biology class learned how to take blood pressure. Fun times.

Today I remembered why I teach here. I was visited by two students who graduated last year. They are both incredible students and dear friends of mine. One of them sat and we talked for 45 minutes. The only reason we stopped was because I had a class come in I needed to teach.

We talked about everything. Our eyes teared up as we remembered all the great times and how much we understood each other and how well we know each other. As she left and I turned my attention to my Juniors I realized that is why I am here. I am priviledged to teach students for multiple years. I become someone dear to their lives. Someone who is a friend and yet always and forever...Mrs. Slade.

Money can not buy something like that. So, when I think of all the money and benefits I am "missing out" on I remember...sometimes other things are worth so much more. Like family. Meridian is like family to me. I am here and plan on staying. Thanks wonderful students and family.

Today's fun!

Wow! I am not sure I am going to be able to keep up with the fun at Meridian. I hope parents begin to check this out to see what their kids are doing at school. Fun!

Today my seventh graders did their first lab. Here are some great pics.....





My anatomy students learned about the directional terminology....Of course I got to get up on the table so they could see me well. What's crazy is how shy I really am...not kidding!

Psych FUN!

O.k. if you have never had me for Psychology you are missing out.

Here are some pictures of the fun my seniors and I were having today. Each couple of students were assigned to learn about one of the perspectives in Psychology and how a person who followed this perspective would attempt to help a patient with a problem.

We set up the stage and I was the patient. It was hilarious, except for the ones which told me I was hopeless and should simply commit suicide. FYI...that is never the answer! I think they were frustrated and just gave up.

Hey, like my outfit? They have decided that we teachers can have casual Friday as long as we wear these green polos and jeans. I am o.k. with jeans! Cute?

My AP Biology lab

Hey look...we used the lab area!. I love it. I am so excited to be able to make a mess and not have it interfere with my teaching. I really scored in this new building.

Your fearless leaders

So....Mr. Watabe and I now run the school. Just kidding Rachel, and Kris, and all the seniors who probably really run the school.

But...we have a lot of ideas now that we are the supervisors. Mr. Watabe is the upper school supervisor and I am the middle school supervisor. This means we get to plan all the fun with the kids. YEA!.

So the first day of school we had an assembly. We decided to put on a little skit just to show how much fun we can be (really how much of a fool we can make of ourselves)

I was assigned to be the annoying part....why is that?

So here are some pics. My student (who I don't get to teach this year...bummer!), Ryan took the pictures...so if they are bad...blame him...... He He

O.k. all of the pics are blurry...Thanks Ryan... I think I had my camera on the wrong setting. But you get the idea.

Enjoy and do your homework if you are one of my students....See you next class period.

Welcome Back!

I am so excited for this year...so let's look at what I have going all day long. First an introduction to my classes and students.

These are my before lunch classes. IN order #1 -- first period My juniors! I have missed teaching them and am glad they have me this year. (AP biology)

#2 -- My cute adorable 7th graders! They are new to Jr. High. I have a special place in my heart for this group...probably because one of them is mine...but really I love them all (Physical science

#3 -- third period ...My wonderful ninth graders and my favorite subject...Anatomy and Physiology. they were not very excited to have the books with the "guy" on the front but this is going to be the greatest class ever!

#4 -- fourth period ....My 8th graders...welcome back...I love these guys. They even made a "tip" jar for me at "color me mine" they are so cute and adorable. One smart group (Biology)

I will have to do a second post later for my after lunch classes. I was tired and forgot to take their pictures...So they will get a post all their own. -