Investigations in Science 7 – June 14, 2019

Announcements:
Happy last day of school!!!! This has been a wonderful school year and I am
sad to see my students move on to 8th grade. I am hoping that I will still run into
all of them next school year.
The picture below is sent with love and meant to be humorous. I am also a
parent of two children, so I know the struggle of keeping kids engaged and in a
routine that they are so used to from September to June. It is now your turn, and
their future teachers turn, to continue to help them grow. YOU’RE IT!!

Coming Up:

 Evidence of Common Ancestry

Dates:

 June 14 – Last Day of School/Early Dismissal

What we did this week:

 This week we looked at how DNA helps scientists determine
relationships. We sequenced organisms according to their DNA strands. Although
a shark and dolphin seem to have a lot physically in common, their DNA is very
different and they don’t share a common ancestor.

Tuesday, we had our Fun Day and had our 1st Annual Color Run. Check out my
blog to see pictures from the event. I think all the students loved it.

We continued with our look at evolutionary evidence. Students were given

DNA samples of 4 organisms: Whistling Duck, Platypus, North American Beaver,
and Echidna. Although the four species have similar features only 2 of them are
closely related. They first predicted which two organisms are related, then using
the same gel electrophoresis lab as earlier in the year they tested the DNA
samples. The gel ran for 20 minutes and then the students analyzed the
results. Students found that the platypus and the echidna were closely related.

Today, we will have time to sign yearbooks and say our goodbyes.

Have a great summer!