BLMS: MR. Ellsworth

Reason For No New Posts

2010-05-09T20:22:00.001-07:00

I am sorry that I have not been posting homework on this blog. Unfortunately I can not secure my blog. There have also been a couple of recent incidences that made me worry about it's security, therefore I will no longer be using this blog for the remainder of the 2009-10 school year.

If you have questions about homework or class, please email me at ellsworthj@issaquah.wednet.edu

Thank you,

Mr. Ellsworth

April 19-23

2010-04-20T06:57:00.001-07:00

Last week was crazy...being sick monday and tuesday is not fun.

This week we are continueing to look at some simple animals...Hydra, Daphnia, Black worms and wow bugs.

Homework:

Monday: None

Tuesday or Wednesday: Animal #3 (All Due to when the Wow bugs break their pupae.)

Thursday: Study your Squid Disection notes.

Friday: None

Next week...test on tuesday on Animals. Then we will start an endangered animal project.

Quiz Tomorrow

2010-04-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

Students will have a quiz on the four animals from Animal #2.
They will need to properly label the animals body parts.
This is a closed book quiz.

Thanks

Mr. Ellsworth

Welcome Back KIDDOS

2010-04-05T06:40:00.000-07:00

This week we will wrap up our lessons on physical traits in animals...and start on behavioral traits.

Monday: Mystery Animal: A paragraph describing a mystery animal, that will be read to the class for people to make predictions.

Tuesday: None

Wednesday: Animal #3

Thursday: None

Friday: None

March 22-26

2010-03-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

This week we are going to start looking at animal structures.

Monday: None

Tuesday: Animal #1 Extension

Wednesday:None

Thursday: Animal #1

Friday: None

New Policies for Trimester #3:

3rd Trimester Policy: Ellsworth Science Syllabus

Folders
Students’ assignments will no longer be graded as a folder. Each individual assignment will either be graded for completion or accuracy. Therefore it will be the responsibility of the student to organize and keep track of their assignments, so they can use those assignments for the study guide and to study for tests.

Tests
Tests will not longer be open assignments. Students will not be able to use notes, class work, homework or labs on the test. As we prepare to handle the pressure of 7th grade science next year, it’s important that students learn to prepare and take science tests. There will be no re-takes.

Late Policy
Assignments will not be accepted after the due date unless the student has an excused absence. If the assignment was assigned prior to the student’s absence they are required to turn in the assignment the same day of their return. If an assignment is assigned during an excused absence, the student has three days to make up all work. If your child has a pre-arranged absence, they will get their make-up work after their return.

Gum
Students may not have gum in class. It is a school and district science safety rule that students may not have gum, food or drink in class. Up until this point students have been given warnings. Students will get one warning this trimester and after that they will receive 101’s for each incident.

Tardiness
Students have adequate time to get into class and find their seats. If a student is not in their seat by the beginning of class, they will be given a tardy. On the third tardy they will get a 101.

Printing
Students may not print assignments in class the day the assignment is due. If there is an assignment that a student can or must complete using the computer, students must print the assignment before the start of class or it will be considered late. Students can not print in the library. There are two options if your home printer is not working or you do not have a printer at home. You can email the assignment to Mr. Ellsworth the night before the assignment is due. Secondly, you can come before school to print the assignment out.

Thanks for Reading…Lets have a great Third Trimester!

Week of 3/15-3/19

2010-03-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

Sorry I am a little behind this week...swamped in grading.

Monday: WA Plant Presentations- No homework

Tuesday: WA Plant Presentations/ Reviewed Plant Life cycle Explanations- No Homework

Wednesday: Final Plant Earth Video (Deep Ocean or Seasonal Forest)- Homework: Bring in a picture of your favorite animal (may be out of magazine or off internet).

Thursday: Intoduction to Animals- No Homework

Friday: Animal Game- No Homework

Great Washington Plants

2010-03-09T13:58:00.001-08:00

Monday we took a test on Plants. Those should be coming back soon.

Tuesday, wednesday and thursday working on a project: Poster and Presentation. Students were given a partner and the name of a plant that lives in Washington...

Research 10 Interesting Facts

Create a colorful and informative poster.

Present your information in a creative way...song, dance, poem, skit, newsbroadcast.

(No Powerpoint, no reading poster in front of class.)

Due Tomorrow

2010-03-03T13:37:00.000-08:00

WFP Explanations: Typed, double spaced 12pt font.

Folders: All assignments organized and fully completed.

Since you've had two work days, you should be done with these items.

Study Guide will be reviewed tomorrow...test has moved to Monday.

March 1-5

2010-03-01T13:50:00.000-08:00

TEST FRIDAY ON PLANTS!

Tuesday will be a work day, students can work on their Explanations, Make-up assignments, or their study guide.

Monday: Finish WFP Explanations
(3 paragraphs on Germination, Pollination and Fertilization)
Double Spaced 12pt. Font
Due Thursday

Tuesday: Study Guide Due Friday

Wednesday: Study Guide and WFP Explanations

Thursday: Study For TEST

Friday: No Homework

WEEKEND WARRIORS

2010-02-26T14:34:00.000-08:00

Hello Students,

This weekend you should work on completing the rough drafts for all three explanations. Make sure that your explanations answer the following questions and give information that explains those answers. Rough Drafts can be hand written or typed.

Germination:
What is Germination?
WFP have what type of seeds?
How do WFP seeds change over time?

Pollination:
What is Pollination?
WFP have what type of flower?
WFP conduct what type of pollination?

Fertilization:
What is Fertilization?
Descibe what a WFP seed pod.
What other types of seed pods are there?

Best of Luck,

Mr. Ellsworth

Website for Plant #4

2010-02-24T08:47:00.000-08:00

For our virtual disection on plant #4 go to...

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/scienceclips/ages/9_10/life_cycles.shtml

Good Luck,

Mr. E

Week 2/22-2/26

2010-02-22T13:50:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a safe and relaxing break.

This week we are starting to write explanations for each stage of a plant's life cycle. Each paragraph will be roughly a paragraph and will need to cover some key questions that the students copied down in class. These will be turned in typed the day before the Plant Test. Our wisconsin fast plants are in the pollination stage and quickly moving into fertilization. We will be discussing flowers, asexual/ sexual reproduction, and discussing seed formation within the seed pods. There will be a test next week on Friday March 5th.

Monday: Germination Explanation Rough Draft

Tuesday: Plant #4 Extension

Wednesday: No Homework

Thursday: Pollination Explanation Rough Draft

Friday: No Homework

Note: Students with allergies are not excused from class. They spend roughly 50 minutes in the classroom, and there is more pollen in the air outside than in my classroom. If your student needs to take a break, tell them to ask to go to the restroom.

Thanks

Mr. Ellsworth

Plant #3 Extension--No Germinaton Explanation

2010-02-12T07:20:00.000-08:00

Here is the url for Plant #3 Extension...you can cut and paste it into the address of your internet page.

http://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio104/photosyn.htm

There is NO HOMEWORK over break...I've decided to hold off on the Germinaton Explanation until after break. Have a great time!

2010-02-09T07:01:00.000-08:00

Monday: Plant #2 Extension

Tuesday: No Homework

Wednesday: Plant #3 Extension

Thursday: No Homework

Friday: Germination Explanation. (Typed: 250 words: Double Spaced: 12 pt. Font)Due Monday Feb. 22

weekend homework

2010-02-05T14:16:00.000-08:00

Plant #1 Extension

All 50 term definitions are due monday...you had two class periods to get started!

Good Luck

Mr. E

Week 2/1-2/5

2010-02-02T08:53:00.000-08:00

This week we are starting to chart the growth of our wisconsin fast plants, identify the parts and functions of plants, and we will begin to discuss germination by germinating bean and corn seeds in paper towels.

No homework this week...rest up for Stanford testing.

Best Luck,

Mr. Ellsworth

Microscopes and Cell TEST

2010-01-28T07:11:00.000-08:00

There is a test tomorrow on microscopes and cells. Students should also turn in their study guides.

Best of Luck,

Mr. Ellsworth

PS- Its that time of year when 6th graders begin to morph into 7th graders, which usually causes an increase in social behavior and public displays of affection. If you get a change, please talk to your students about appropriate behavior, dress code, and the real purpose of going to school.

Week 1/25-1/30

2010-01-25T09:32:00.000-08:00

This week we are finishing our discussions about cells and microscopes.
Monday we will discuss Cell #3: protozoa and I will hand out the study guide. We have a test on microscopes and cells Friday January 29. Tuesday will be a work day...students that need to complete assignments, work on study guide or need to study for the test will have the class period. Wednesday we are going to plant seeds for our next unit starting next week on plants. Thursday we will review and play a review game for the test. Friday we will take our Microscope and Cell test.

HOMEWORK:
Monday: Work On study Guide
Tuesday: Work On Study Guide
Wednesday: Review Study Guide
Thursday: Prepare for test

2010-01-22T11:55:00.000-08:00

Homework has changed.

Over the weekend complete Cell #3.

UPDATE

2010-01-19T13:14:00.000-08:00

There is no homework today...except for 2nd Period.

If you are in 2nd Period, expect your cell #2 to be graded immediately after class starts.

Thanks.

Cells!

2010-01-19T06:50:00.000-08:00

This week we are going to learn about cells...the parts of cells, basic cell functions (photosynthesis and cellular respiration), and one celled organisms. This should be a busy but exciting week in science.

Monday: NO HOMEWORK

Tuesday: Cell #2- Finish the assignment.

Wednesday: Cell #3- Micro-Organisms' pictures

Thursday: Collect a water sample from a pond, puddle, lake or stream, etc.

Friday: Study for Test (TBD) most likely thursday Jan. 28.

Homework Correction

2010-01-14T11:57:00.000-08:00

I moved Cell #1 to friday...due monday.

No Homework tonight.

Homework Clarification 1/13

2010-01-13T12:26:00.001-08:00

Tonight students should complete Micrscope #3 extension...the reading assignment on the backside of micrscope #3.

Microscopes

2010-01-12T07:04:00.000-08:00

This week we are focusing understanding the microscope and developing the skills to use a microscope effectively. Later this week we will begin to research cells, organelles and singled celled organisms.

Homework this Week

Monday: Micrscope #2 Extension

Tuesday: No Homework

Wednesday: Microscope #3

Thursday: Cell #1

Friday: No Homework.

PS- This week BLEEPO, our environmental action club is starting a recyling and composting program at our school. The goal is to make our school as GREEN as possible.

Organisms

2010-01-04T20:48:00.000-08:00

Hope you had a great break! Grades should be updated by the end of the week...

We are starting a HUGE Unit on Organisms...don't worry I have broken it down into smaller units...

Microscopes
Cells
Plants/ Animals/ Life Cycles
Classification/ Taxonomy

Homework this week

Monday: Finish Kitchen Explosion Conclusion (Will be graded tomorrow!)

Tuesday: Finish Organisms KWL! Just what you know and what you want to learn.

Wednesday: None

Thursday: Microscope Picture

Fridany: None

Music

2009-12-14T13:02:00.000-08:00

Wow...its been a really long time since my last post!

We just finished a short mini unit on sound...the kids took their quiz today, and they did okay. The should get their quizes back on wednesday.

Today I handed out an EXPERIMENTAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT project. Its a fun simple project for students to use their new sound knowledge. This project is worth 20 points or two labs.

Monday: Design your instrument and collect recycled materials.
Tuesday: Work on building your instrument in class.
Wednesday: Practice using your instrument
Thursday: Present Instruments
Friday: Demonstration Day

Be safe!

Mr. E

Three days to Turkey!!!

2009-11-23T06:42:00.000-08:00

Students did a great job getting their assignments together, and taking their test last week. This week we are getting ready for Thanksgiving and the end of the trimester.

Monday: Discuss Light and the value of what we have learned. Turn in Light Books.

Tuesday: Planet Earth- Looking at a new Ecosystem.

Wednesday: A Local Thanksgiving- The value of purchasing locally grown food for thanksgiving.

THURSDAY: TURKEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FRIDAY: TURKEY Remix!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a great holiday...Mr. Ellsworth

The end of Light

2009-11-17T08:21:00.000-08:00

This week we have a lot of things to accomplish. Since we have moved quickly and there will be several students absent next week, I decided to give our final light test Friday.

Monday: Light 12

Tuesday: Work Day and Study Guide (Due Friday)

Wednesday: Grade Folder Packets

Thursday: Review Game

Friday: Test

Next week students will be wrapping up our light by taking a look at what we have learned and turning in our books.

Our next unit is Sound. We will explore mechanical waves and vibrations.

After Winter break we will start our units on biology, ecology and environmental science.

Heres a picture of coach Miller last weekend running the 5K Winter Pineapple Classic obstacle course race! We had a lot of fun dressing up and overcoming some obstacles for a good cause! Thanks Mr. Betzler, Ms. Rice and Mrs. Greninger for rounding out our awesome team!

Color Filters

2009-11-12T14:39:00.000-08:00

Today we worked on Light #11...Filtering white light. We used a green, blue and red filter...to filter different wavelengths of light from white light. We discovered that a red filter allowed red wavelengths through easily, and absorbed or blocked the other wavelengths. That is why we see everything as red, when we look through a red filter.

homework: Finish Light #9 Extension and the 7-10 Review which was assigned tuesday.

Classroom Spectrum

Light #9

2009-11-09T14:07:00.000-08:00

Here are two videos to help students measure waves.

Wavelength...Amplitude...Frequency

2009-11-09T09:26:00.000-08:00

Today we learned how to measure a wave in Light #9.

Homework: Finish Light #9

Spectrum

2009-11-07T14:08:00.000-08:00

We are learning about the electromagnetic spectrum and the visible spectrum. We completed labs 7 and 8/10 this week.

Homework for the weekend: Reading Light lessons 8 and 10.

Mr. E

2009-11-02T13:15:00.000-08:00

Light Photons

2009-11-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

Last week was a slow week, it took nearly four days to get all of the tests taken, graded and handed back. With the festivities last weekend, the kids were super excited and it was a good time to have some science discussions and fun activities. This week we are right back on track with light. Today we took a look at light and how it travels with two models that represent light movement. The particle model and the wave model.

Homework: Finish Reading Questions on the Back of Light #7.

Study Time Excellent

2009-10-23T14:23:00.000-07:00

Today we graded our folders and assignments for light lessons 1-5...13 assignments for a total of 110 points. Most did great, as we looked at the folders a little deeper. If you are not happy with your folder grade, becuase your grader missed something or you think you deserve points...bring it in and talk with Mr. E before school tuesday morning.

Homework: Study Guide...use your folder packet and book to answer all of the questions on the study guide.

TEST Light 1-5 Tuesday.

Happy Studying!

Mr. E

Finishers

2009-10-22T07:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday students learned more about transparent, translucent and opaque. They sorted materials based on these three terms. Today students will finish this lab Light #5 extension.

After students finish this lab they will have free time to finish all of their assignments and labs.

Folders will be graded tomorrow.

Homework: Finish any unfinished work.

Students will get a study guide tomorrow for their test next tuesday!

Have a great Day!

Mr. E

Getting Healthy

2009-10-20T06:54:00.001-07:00

There has been so many kids sick the last few weeks, its hard to keep track. I myself have been battling the past few weeks. I got sick back in mid september, and last week my wife gave me something she picked up at work. We're in the high risk category since she works at Children's Hospital in Seattle and I work at Beaver Lake. If you are sick...do not worry...get better...and come back soon.

Yesterday we started Discussed Energy, Discussed Light and how it disperses as it moves away from its source. We also began Light #5...What is a shadow and how do shadow sizes change in relationship to their position to their light source. The kids are getting good out working independently. Some of us are still figuring out the variables, but for the most part we are getting much better at setting up experiments.

Thursday will be a catch up day in class...students will have time to do any experiments they have missed, finish assignments and organize their folders.

We will grade our folders on friday.

Friday students will get a study guide for our first Light test.

Monday we will have a review in class of Light Lessons 1-5.

Tuesday we will have a test on Light Lessons 1-5.

Thanks,

Mr. E

Wednesday and Thursday

2009-10-15T12:01:00.001-07:00

Wednesday's homework was Light #3 Extension...which we started in class, and went over today in class.

Today we experimented with distances and how energy spreads out from its source.

Homework: None for tonight.

Thanks

MR. E

Light Travels

2009-10-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

Light Travels...finish the sentence kids. Light Travels in a straight line until it hits or goes through a substance.

Homework: Light Vocabulary #2 (Students had the last few minutes of class to work on this assignment, some really quick workers finished in class.)

It sure is windy! Stay safe!

ONIM

2009-10-12T09:12:00.001-07:00

I came up with ONIM...Oh No Its Monday...the weekend was busy, I took my weekend class on technology through Seattle University and the Issaquah School District...study for my mid-terms for my masters...and finally got all the grades updated on Skyward...and watched some football.

This week is all about the nature of light, and how it interacts with different substances. Today we started investigation Light #3...students are determining if light travels in a straight line...and when does it not travel in a straight line.

Homework: None

Note: If you want or need help, want to ask a question about a test, or need to make up a lab...TUESDAY's at 7:10 is the best time to come without an appointment. Students only!

TGIF II

2009-10-09T16:49:00.001-07:00

Skyward froze on me this afternoon, and I was unable to get all the classes grades in. I will work this weekend to get them done.

Please check the post from earlier today.

TGIF

2009-10-09T09:06:00.000-07:00

Today we reviewed the different kinds of light, and kids got a chance to show what they know with an energy transfer picture. We randomly selected five kids to share their pictures on the document camera.

We also passed back their folders and test today...those need to be saved until the end of the trimester in case an error occurs. If an error occurs and students do not have documentation, I will not change their grade.

I have updated grades on skyward. Now that I have a folder and test in the system, there could be some big changes to their grades. PLEASE take a look.

If you did not do well on the test, D or below, stop by tuesday morning to discuss with Mr. E on how to make some points up.

Homework: None (Have a great weekend, it should start raining again next week.)

Energy

2009-10-08T12:04:00.000-07:00

Light #2: Light is energy, and energy can be transformed between different forms. Today we looked at a flashlight, a simple system that transfers energy. Chemical-Electical-light. Students also identified other energy transfers and wrote them into equations.

Homework: Light Vocabulary #1- Energy Terms.

Thanks

Mr. E

Light #1 Review

2009-10-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

We discussed Light #1 today, and add somethings we learned to our KWL chart.

Homework: Light #1 extension.

If you need to make up Light #1, next tuesday 7:10.

Have a great night.

Light is under Investigation

2009-10-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

Today we started Light #1, an inclass investigation of light. Students moved through 8 different stations with activities guiding different inquires into light. Ask one about the giant hole in their hand, or the amazing science glasses.

Homework: None

PS- I am thinking about starting a once a week morning club, a set time for kids to come in and make up assignments, labs, take tests and ask questions. If you think this could be beneficial please let me know.

LIGHT ON!!!

2009-10-05T08:30:00.000-07:00

Today we are starting our light unit! The kids have started to think about light by writing down all that they know about light, and writing down questions that they have about light. We are logging those together on a large Class KWL chart to reference later.

Homework: None for tonight.

Midterms will be coming out next week. I will most likely have all grades updated by friday afternoon. Please remember, if your child is absent they need to come in before school to make up labs and assignments.

Don't Worry...Study!

2009-09-28T06:52:00.000-07:00

Today we finished our Airplane Lab...Homework is to work on the study guide.

Parents and Students,
The study guide is designed to ask questions on the content covered by the test. It is a part of the student's work folder, that is turned in after the test. Remember students can use their folders on the test. Usually I send the study guide home, give the students an opportunity to answer the questions to the best of their ability. Then we go over the study guide and discuss the correct answers.

I know that "test" is something that generates a lot of anxiety, nerveousness. Especially the first test of the year, and I understand that it must be frustrating to not have a text book. This is one of two units that does not have a text book, the other being the SOUND unit. Please know, that I would never blindly give out a test until I had completely covered all of the information thoroughly. I want to give the students the opportunity to succeed on their own, before I step in. It's all going to work out!

Note: Tuesday I will be absent, its a scheduled absence for personal reasons. There will be a substitute. Its unusual for me to take a personal day, and I will be checking my email to make sure that I keep myself open to communication.

Fun with Predictions, airplanes and MAGAZINES!!!

2009-09-24T08:16:00.000-07:00

Today we finished our Fun with Predictions Lab!
Kids answered the question "How does coin size effect the number of water droplets that fit on the coin's surface?"

At the end of class, the students started their HOMEWORK. They began writing down step by step directions (PROCEDURE) to make a paper airplane. We will use these procedures friday for a Paper Airplane Lab.

PLEASE SELL MAGAZINES>>>TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY TO TURN IN ORDERS!!!

THE SCHOOL as a whole is really behind in orders this year...which may cause some cuts in ASB funded after school activities!!!

$0.41 of Science Fun

2009-09-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

Today we discussed and corrected our Fun with Questions Homework!

We started a new activity Fun with Predictions...predicting how many drops of water would fit on the heads side of different coins. "How does size of coin effect the number of water droplets the surface will hold?" The kids are using a penny, a nickel, a dime, and a quarter. 41 cents!

There is no homework, becuase we will finish the lab tomorrow in class, and discuss how we used our prior predictions to help us make closer predictions in the second and third trial.

By the way! I sound like a frog, so the kids might say something! Don't worry!Eventhough I sound worse, I feel better!

No Swine Flu

2009-09-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

For the record...I did not get swine flu...I have been out with a severe cold.

We have been working on our science skills measurement, and now we are starting to learn the scientific method. Today we followed Mr. Ellsworth's Scientific Notes and highlighted the important pieces.

Remember A good scientific question has a cause and effect relationship. The cause will be the manipulated variable and the effect will be the responding variable. The hypothesis is If...the cause...then effect...because reason. The notes explain this concept better.

Homework: Fun with Questions due tomorrow!

Sorry for being sick and slacking on the posts...they will be more regular now that I am feeling better.

Mr. E

Fun With Distance

2009-09-15T17:49:00.000-07:00

Today students worked on their Fun with Distances work...if they did not finish in class this is homework. We are starting to learn how to accurately use a metric ruler/ meter stick. Students are also working on adjusting predictions as they measure different objects.

Homework: Finish Fun with Distance worksheet. (If you need to measure meters, and do not have a meter stick...do not worry, move on and we will fix that in class.)

GOOD NIGHT!

Measurement Mania!

2009-09-14T06:42:00.000-07:00

Today students were introduced to their class folders. These folders will help students organize their completed assignments, and can be used as a reference during tests.

Then we introduced the power of 10...the METRIC System. We began by taking a look at a ruler and measurement of distance.

There is no homework tonight...if your student was absent last friday, please have them schedule a time to take their safety quiz before school this week.

MR. E

Science Safety Video

2009-09-09T13:39:00.000-07:00

Today I assigned the students a group safety video activity. They began working together on a 20-30 second skit demonstrating one of the eight class safety rules. Later this week we will use Movie Maker to turn their short clips into our safety video.

There is a safety quiz on friday, which we will discuss and correct for full credit. (No worries!!!)

Homework: No homework tonight...however I still need a few signed syllabi and some signed safety contracts.

Science Safety

2009-09-08T16:18:00.000-07:00

We started science safety today with a message from Fire Marshal Bill...we discussed what science safety meant, and decided that science safety was common sense.

We looked over the Issaquah School District safety guidelines, and began to discuss Mr. Ellsworth's safety rules.

Homework: Get your syllabus signed and your safety contract.

Parents it was a pleasure meeting you all, and I hope to have the best year ever!

Thanks

Mr. Ellsworth

2009-09-04T08:19:00.001-07:00

Today we learned about scientists and then we got our new syllabus. Students should keep their syllabus in their binder forever!

You taped our scientists pictures to the cabinets, and we stapled our pictures to the wall.

To have some fun, we watched a rock climbing video.

This weekends homework is to get the syllabus signed by your parents and bring it back by wednesday Sept. 9.

Have a great weekend!

MR. E

Test Blog

2009-07-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

Today I am testing out a blog for the upcoming school year. Hopefully the posts will be daily accounts of class activities and homework updates.

Thanks

JE