7th Grade Life Science by Elizabeth Farrell

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 18:52:28 UTC

Matter Cycling – Chloroplasts and Food https://www.openscied.org/simulation/matter-cycling-chloroplasts-and-food/This simulation demonstrates how matter cycles through plants during photosynthesis. Students can investigate how chloroplasts convert light energy into chemical energy and how this process supports the production of food, linking photosynthesis to broader concepts of matter cycling.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 18:56:05 UTC

Planting Bean Seeds https://www.peepandthebigwideworld.com/en/educators/curriculum/family-child-care-educators/plants/activity/guided-activity/157/planting-bean-seeds/ This guided activity involves planting bean seeds, which allows students to observe the growth process and understand the basics of photosynthesis. The activity supports learning about how plants convert light energy into chemical energy and how this process is essential for matter cycling in ecosystems.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 18:57:56 UTC

Ecosphere Sealed for Over 50 Years https://thewonderofscience.com/phenomenon/2017/10/8/ls2-ecosystemsAccording to this Daily Mail article David Latimer has had a sealed ecosphere for over fifty years that he has only watered once.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 18:58:07 UTC

Why Do Sunflowers Follow the Sun?https://thewonderofscience.com/phenomenon/2018/6/15/why-do-sunflowers-follow-the-sun This is an excellent phenomenon that can be used in many different units. According to researchers only young sunflowers will follow the Sun. These flowers are following a natural circadian rhythm to receive the most light for photosynthesis. However when they mature the flowers will mainly face east. The reason for this is fairly simple, bees like warm flowers, and the flowers facing the east are the warmest.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 18:59:23 UTC

Using the Microscope https://virtuallab.nmsu.edu/micro.php This virtual lab provides an interactive platform for students to learn about and practice using a microscope. It guides students through the basic functions and parts of a microscope, including how to prepare and view different types of specimens. The resource supports NYS standards by helping students understand the role of microscopes in exploring cell structures and functions, essential for studying cell theory and the details of cell biology. Through hands-on virtual activities, students gain skills in microscopy that are foundational for further investigations in life science.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 18:59:35 UTC

Seeing a Tree from Multiple Viewpoints https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/seeing-a-tree-from-multiple-viewpoints/ This resource helps students explore plant structure and function by examining a tree from different perspectives. It includes activities that allow students to understand how different parts of a tree contribute to its overall function and survival, aligning with the NYS standard on cell theory and the role of various plant parts.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 18:59:44 UTC

The Mystery of the Winter Twig https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kWHOum5GMqhrQ9lCBWojttpN6xINXOJP The Winter Twig Investigation resource provides a hands-on activity where students explore whether twigs are alive or dead by examining and monitoring their growth over time. Students use magnifying glasses, worksheets, and plant color guides to investigate and record their observations. By observing how twigs respond to light and water, students engage with concepts related to plant biology, including cell structure and function, and the needs of living organisms. This resource aligns with NYS standards by helping students understand how living systems interact with their environment and the processes necessary for growth and function.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 18:59:55 UTC

Inside our Bodies – Virtual Microscope https://www.openscied.org/simulation/inside-our-bodies-virtual-microscope/ The virtual microscope simulation allows students to explore the microscopic structures within different types of cells. It provides a hands-on approach to learning about cell anatomy and functions by enabling students to examine and identify various cell components.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:00:03 UTC

How Cancer Cells Grow and Divide https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/tdc02.sci.life.stru.oncogene/how-cancer-cells-grow-and-divide/ This resource provides insights into cancer cell behavior, including how they grow and divide uncontrollably. It helps students understand cellular processes and the implications of mutations on health.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:00:11 UTC

The Immortal Cells of Henrietta Lacks https://thewonderofscience.com/phenomenon/2018/7/8/the-immortal-cells-of-henrietta-lacks This TEDEd video written by Robin Bulleri details the story of Henrietta Lacks and the HeLa cell line. A more detailed account of this story can be found in Rebecca Skloot's book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. This story can be used to illustrate the role of cells in the proper functioning, growth, and reproduction of living organisms. It also can be used to explore ethics within scientific research.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:00:30 UTC

Digestion https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/metabolism/digestion/ This resource provides a detailed overview of the digestive system, including how food is broken down and absorbed. Through animations and explanations, students can learn about the processes involved in digestion and how the digestive system interacts with other body systems to sustain life, aligning with the NYS standard for understanding body systems.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:00:40 UTC

Does Water Quality Affect When Our Plants Sprout? https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OBNNSrkOn_1QDSq1ygBI-ESOEG75E4aE This Google Drive folder contains various resources and materials related to plant biology and ecosystems. The resources include interactive activities and visual aids that can help students understand the organization of matter and energy flow in different organisms. By utilizing these materials, students can explore how plants and other organisms interact within their ecosystems.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:01:14 UTC

Inside our Bodies – Digestive System https://www.openscied.org/simulation/inside-our-bodies-digestive-system/ This simulation offers an in-depth look at the human digestive system, allowing students to explore how food is processed, broken down, and absorbed. It provides visual and interactive elements to help students understand the structure and function of the digestive system.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:01:27 UTC

Junk Food and the Cycle of Overeating: The Truth About Fat https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/nvttaf-sci-overeating/junk-food-and-the-cycle-of-overeating-the-truth-about-fat/ This PBS LearningMedia resource explores the impact of junk food on the human body, specifically focusing on how excessive consumption of unhealthy foods can disrupt the body's metabolic processes and contribute to the cycle of overeating. It provides a detailed examination of how different body systems, including the digestive and endocrine systems, interact and are affected by poor dietary choices. The resource includes engaging videos and explanations that help students understand the biological mechanisms behind overeating and the importance of balanced nutrition.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:01:33 UTC

Immune System Function and Dysfunction | Decoding COVID-19 https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/nvdc19-sci-immunesystem/immune-system-function-and-dysfunction-decoding-covid-19/ This resource explores the human immune system's function and dysfunction, particularly in the context of COVID-19. It helps students understand how the immune system responds to pathogens and the impacts of diseases on body systems.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:01:47 UTC

From Seed to Flower https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/tdc02.sci.life.colt.plantsgrow/from-seed-to-flower/ This resource details the life cycle of plants, from seed germination to flowering. It illustrates plant development and reproduction, enhancing comprehension of plant biology and growth processes.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:01:55 UTC

NOVA | The Reproductive Role of Flowers https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/oer08.sci.life.stru.flowers/the-reproductive-role-of-flowers/ This resource examines the role of flowers in plant reproduction, focusing on how they contribute to the life cycle of plants. It supports learning about plant reproduction and the structures involved.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:02:04 UTC

Growth and Development of Organisms: Eagles https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/bf10.sci.lv.ls.lpbringbir/bringing-up-birdy/ This resource explores the life cycle and developmental stages of birds, providing insights into avian biology. It supports learning about growth and developmental processes in animals.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:02:12 UTC

How Do Eggs Become Chickens or Other Living Things? https://docs.google.com/document/d/17KIacJZKZdydbuUnsbXJ7TzhI8LAHa_UBYyM2zaAXRA/edit The resource "How Do Eggs Become Chickens or Other Living Things?" from NextGen Storylines is a middle school science unit that uses the phenomenon of egg development to engage students in exploring the structure and function of living organisms. Through guided inquiry, students investigate why some eggs hatch into chickens while others don't, leading to a deeper understanding of biological concepts like cell structure, growth, and reproduction. The unit emphasizes student-driven questions and real-world connections to make learning more meaningful.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:02:58 UTC

Arctic Adaptations https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/arctic-adaptations/ This resource explores how organisms have adapted to survive in the Arctic environment. By examining physical and behavioral adaptations, students can gain insights into natural selection and evolutionary processes. This resource helps address the NYS standard by providing real-world examples of how species evolve to meet environmental challenges.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:03:04 UTC

Adaptations: Changes Through Time https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/adaptations-changes-through-time/ This resource provides information on how species adapt over time through evolutionary processes. It includes interactive elements that illustrate how organisms develop traits that enhance survival in changing environments. This aligns with the NYS standard by showing how evolutionary changes occur and providing evidence for natural selection.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:03:10 UTC

They're All Ears https://sos.noaa.gov/education/phenomenon-based-learning/theyre-all-ears/ This resource explores how different animals use their ears for various functions, such as hearing and communication. It includes interactive elements and phenomena-based learning to help students understand the relationship between structure and function in living organisms. This can be tied into broader discussions about adaptations and survival strategies in different environments.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:03:16 UTC

Migration of the Monarch https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/tdc02.sci.life.reg.monarch/migration-of-the-monarch/ This resource focuses on the migration patterns of monarch butterflies, explaining how these patterns are critical for survival. It emphasizes ecosystem dynamics and the importance of migratory behavior in species adaptation.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:03:23 UTC

Seeing Through Camouflage https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/tdc02.sci.life.reg.camouflweb/seeing-through-camouflage/ This resource explores camouflage in animals, helping students understand how evolutionary adaptations enhance survival. It provides insight into how camouflage aids in predator-prey interactions and natural selection.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:03:28 UTC

DNA Spells Evolution https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/nvev-sci-dnaevolve/dna-spells-evolution/ This resource examines the role of DNA in evolution, focusing on how genetic changes drive evolutionary processes. It helps students understand the relationship between genetics and evolutionary theory.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:03:32 UTC

Malaria and Sickle Cell Anemia https://thewonderofscience.com/phenomenon/2018/7/5/malaria-and-sickle-cell-anemia Sickle-cell anemia is caused by a single nucleotide mutation in the β-globin gene of red blood cells. This creates incorrectly structured proteins and red blood cells with a characteristic "sickle" shape. This harmful mutation does not affect carriers of the disease. However this mutation can be beneficial in certain areas because it offers protection from malarial infections. This phenomenon can be used in a unit on genetics or evolution.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:03:39 UTC

The Potential And Ethics Of CRISPR https://thewonderofscience.com/phenomenon/2018/7/8/the-potential-and-ethics-of-crispr CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. It is an immune system in bacteria that has been co-opted by scientists to create a powerful DNA editing tool. It is a powerful tool that can be used in research and may eventually eliminate certain diseases. However it also could allow humans to create designer babies and through the use of gene drives eliminate certain problem species (like mosquitoes) forever. CRISPR, as a new technology, can be used to give meaning to a unit on inheritance and variation.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:03:45 UTC

Why Do Humans Have Different Colored Skin? https://thewonderofscience.com/phenomenon/2018/5/13/why-do-humans-have-different-colored-skin Human skin color can change in response to environmental changes (i.e. getting a sunburn or a suntan). However the root cause of our skin color is genetic and comes from our ancestors. UV radiation causes damage to the DNA in our cells and can lead to various forms of cancer. If your ancestors lived in an area that received large amounts of UV radiation (i.e. closer to the equator) humans evolved darker skin for protection through the process of natural selection. However light is also important since it allows humans to synthesize vitamin D. Therefore if your ancestors lived in an area that receives little light (i.e. near the poles) they evolved lighter skin.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:05:04 UTC

NOVA Evolution Lab Gamehttps://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/labs/lab/evolution/ This interactive lab from NOVA allows students to explore the principles of evolution through virtual simulations of fossil evidence and evolutionary relationships. Students can manipulate variables and observe outcomes to understand how evolutionary processes shape the diversity of life on Earth.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:05:09 UTC

Natural Selection https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/natural-selection The PhET simulation on natural selection allows students to experiment with different traits and environmental conditions to see how natural selection drives evolutionary changes. It provides an interactive platform for understanding the mechanisms behind evolutionary adaptation and survival.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:05:27 UTC

Fossils: Rocking the Earth https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/nvev-sci-fossils/fossils-rocking-the-earth/ This resource explores fossil evidence and how it provides insights into the history of life on Earth. It supports learning about paleontology and the role of fossils in understanding evolutionary history.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:05:33 UTC

Animal Traits and Functions https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/nat36-sci-herd/naledi-two/ This resource focuses on the discovery of fossil evidence related to early human ancestors, specifically the species Homo naledi. It provides insights into the significance of these fossils in understanding human evolution and the development of early hominins. By exploring this resource, students can learn about the role of fossils in reconstructing evolutionary history and the methods used by scientists to study human ancestry.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:05:39 UTC

Megafauna Extinction: Humans or Climate? https://thewonderofscience.com/phenomenon/2018/5/13/megafauna-extinction-humans-or-climate North America (like Africa today) was once covered with large megafauna (animals weighing more than 100 pounds). This included giant mammoths, ground sloths, and beavers the size of a large bear. However most of these animals disappeared by 11,000 years ago. What was the cause of this extinction? Humans, climate, or a combination of the two? Phenomenon like this can be found around the World and can introduce the idea of human impacts on the environment.

elizabethfarrell8 — 2024-08-02 19:06:15 UTC