Week 1:  4/4-4/8.  We began to work as a class team to play the role of Mayor of Alpine as we try to solve an environmental pollution problem in the fictitious town of Alpine in Decisions, Decisions:  The Environment.  Students enjoy reading the points of view of different expert advisors and then arguing with their classmates to convince "The Mayor" of the correct course of action.  We all see how Science can contribute to the solution of social and political problems, but it must be weighed against human impacts and financial costs.

We continue to read in the Population and Ecosystems book.  This week's reading, pp. 22-24 deals with Limiting Factors in ecosystems:  what keeps populations in check in nature.

Week 2:  4/11-4/15.    Spring Break   I'll be taking a closer look at tropical plants and animals through the lens of a snorkel mask.  Aloha!

Week 3:  4/18-4/22.  WASL testing begins on Tuesday.  We will have a revised bell schedule for testing days.

Week 4:  4/25-4/29. This week we will begin looking at the theory of evolution: hereditary change that occurs over many generations.  We will discuss the foundations of modern science and the difference between the common use of the term "theory" and the scientific meaning of that word. 

Students complete CD ROM activities which illustrate the role of inherited traits in survival.

      Our weekly vocabulary quiz will expand to include not only five new words for the week, and five words from the last couple of weeks,  but also, a review section of five completion questions using words from our vocabulary list for the whole year.