Investigations in Science 7 April 6, 2017

What we did this week:

We began the week learning about mutations. Changes (mutations) to genes

can result in changes to proteins, which can affect the structures and functions of
the organism and thereby change traits. Some changes are beneficial, others
harmful, and some neutral to the organism. We were focusing on how a mutation
and natural selection work together. Groups were assigned a mutation. With their
mutation they had to get a piece of candy from their home to a container and
back. Below is a list of the mutations. There was a lot of laughing going on as we
watched two groups go and timed them. We found that some mutations didnt slow
students down that much, but others were very difficult. If they had to get to
that food to survive every day they may not survive. This connected to natural
selection, the animal best suited for their environment will survive and pass on
their traits. You can look at some pictures on my blog and ask your child about
which mutation they had.

Letter Characteristic produced by mutation

drawn by
groups

A Long fingernails (produced by plastic knives or spoons taped to

fingers)

B No fingers (taping hand)

 C Lack of peripheral vision (produced by putting on goggles and
stuffing cotton on the sides to prevent viewing from the side)

D Hands fused together in front of body (produced by placing

hands together in front of body and taping/tying them together)

E Feet and ankles fused together (produced by taping the ankles

tightly together with duct tape/cravats)

F No arms (produced by securing arms down to the side of the

body)

G Arms fused together behind the back at the wrists (produced by

placing arms behind the back and securing at the wrists)

H Use of opposable thumbs (you can use your thumbs to open the
candy)

Tuesday, we read about 4 different mutations that animals have. They filled
out a graphic organizer on the mutations and then created a Google slideshow of
one of the mutations. Then, they explained how sexual production increases
variation in offspring and how this variation may be beneficial, harmful, or neutral
for the organism.

Wednesday, we looked to see how our genes can influence some choices we
make. For example, some of us avoid bitter foods, like broccoli, coffee, or dark
chocolate. This could be because you have the variation of a gene that makes you
extra sensitive to bitter foods. We completed an activity, where we investigated
the role of genetics in taste by testing your own ability to taste. Ask your child if
they were able to taste the PTC paper or not. We also took a look at artificial
selection by taking a few notes and watching a short video clip. We created a
genetic traits tree in the hallway based on whether students had attached or free
earlobes, roll their tongue, and could taste PTC paper (which if you can taste it, it
is very bitter and unpleasant). I have a picture of our tree on my class blog.

Today, we will be reviewing the concepts that we learned about this week.
During period 3 we also will see a speaker that experienced living through the
Holocaust. There are 3 different speakers and your child is assigned one of the
speakers to hear. Ask them who their speaker was and about their experience.

In addition, during period 6, we will have a practice PARCC test in our

homeroom classes instead of going to period 6. This will let us work out any kinks
and to get the students prepared, prior to taking the real assessment in May.

Announcements:

Today is the end of quarter 3. Have a wonderful spring break and take time
to relax and enjoy it.

Coming Up:

Topics:

RFP

Dates:

April 6 - 7th Grade Holocaust Speakers during 3rd period

April 6 Last Day of Quarter 3
April 7-17 Spring Break
April 18 First Day of Quarter 4
April 19 Town Hall Meetings
Period 1 Grade 6
Period 2 Grade 7
Period 3 Grade 8
April 20 Spanish Classes Field Trip
April 24-28 Roadrunner Week
 April 26 Spanish Classes Field Trip
April 27 Take Your Child to Work Day
April 28 Roadrunner Night 6:30-9:00 pm