The Cell Project!

This year I had my students complete a cell project.  I had two weeks of introducing the cell (more like 1.5 weeks with PTC one week), completing sections in our notebooks, and letting them know this project was coming up.  They also had Fall Break in there, and so there was plenty of time to do the project.

Sideways, but this shows one student's pages in her ISN of the cells and her labels. 

Upside down, but this foldable opens up to reveal the name on one side and the function on another side.

I didn't have my students complete a project last year at home, mostly because I was afraid no one would actually do one.  But I let the kids know, I told the parents about it at PTC, I sent home notices about it, and reminded the kids every single day that they had this project.  I was pleasantly surprised with how many kids actually completed one and how well they turned out!  Remember, I teach special education.  Remember, I teach in a poorer area where kids don't have resources and most parents work late into the night.  So this was awesome.

There were still some students who turned it in late, and then I still have a couple who haven't completed it all together.  But we've conferenced and they know they can bring it in at any time (for reduced credit, since it's late; still, it's much better than a 0).

And now, without further ado.... the projects!

 

This is a cake with candy on it.  The kid forgot to label the parts but quickly completed that after he completed his work that day. 

There were two cakes, and they were beautiful.  Unfortunately I didn't get pictures of the other one before it was cut up and shared with the other students (after receiving a grade, of course!).

These aren't all of the projects, just a sampling.  I'm so proud of my kids.  They did a great job.

Word Wall

It's been a looooong while!  Hopefully I can put up a few posts in the next few days, because we've all been working hard and learning a lot!  I definitely have the pictures to show for it, I just need to post it. 

First up:  Word Wall.

I haven't been totally good at updating this word wall, but what I have updated is totally beautiful (if I do say so myself).  I got this idea from another teacher, who sold her word wall words.  Unfortunately, I'm a brand new teacher who is not ready to buy funds (especially when it's unsure how long I'll actually be teaching this subject--special ed, you know... we change around some times).  Instead, I created my own.  Thus the reason why I've kind of slowed down and need to remember to make more when I go home!

Our first unit for both 7th and 8th: the Scientific Method.

The arrows are supposed to show how the words are connected.  I would cover this up with a sheet whenever we took quizzes, but the kids have been good to use it when they need it.

7th grade Cell unit.  I don't go over all of the organelles, but make sure my kids know the important ones.  By the end of the unit most know these in and out; I'm really proud of my kids.