Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Slimy Slugs, Scary Squid, and Review

Today students compared and contrasted the shells and parts of a clam and a snail. Then they participated in a This or That challenge identifying molluscs. Maria with an S took the prize in first, with Megan earning the award for the most 'test yourself' questions correct. In fourth we ended with a four way tie that had to go to tie breakers. After one tie-breaker we were down to two - Brittany H and Luke, but after two more tie breakers they were both declared winners. Dale and Jacob earned the most correct in the 'test yourself' section.

Students read a historical narrative about sea monsters and how those stories of the Kraken were based on squid sightings. We have known about the giant squid for several hundred years because of dead specimens and pieces found, but the first live one was not observed until 2005. Sailors used to think that the giant squid was much bigger because of a measurement error. Sucker marks on sperm whales were used to estimate size until they relaized that those marks and scars grew bigger as the whale grew.

Students then read a fictional account about a squid attacking the Jersey Shore (article pictured at left) and had to identify what parts of the stories were accurately portraying the squid and which parts were inaccurate.

Students finished class with seat work review identifying characteristics and adaptations and then classifying molluscs into main groups and identifying them. Students will have a test on Friday and a practical on Monday.

I captured some slugs from my yard so students could see a live example of a slimy mollusc. Slugs are also great specimens because they aren't scared to move around and their tentacles are very visible. Gastropods (snails and slugs) have two sets of tentacles - a set with eyes on them which are longer and a short set called sensory tentacles. Today Kelly got slimed by a slug (but Morgan, Luke, and Brittany S had been slimed before). Albert decided he wasn't afraid of slugs and wore one as a mustache... until it started crawling towards his mouth. :) Albert is pictured above; Luke is pictured below.
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Computer Lab Etiquette

You are in the computer lab to do work for this class. If you are not doing work, then we will have problems.

Do not pack up early. Work until the bell or until MsJ says.

SAVE OFTEN. And if you save to a key, also save it to your number. If you lose it, you will have to do it again.

If MsJ asks for your attention, stop what you are doing and listen to what she has to say.

You may watch videos about your organism through reliable websites.

You may listen to music through the computer if you have your own headphones. Rule1 MsJ cannot hear it. You get one warning. Rule2 Turn it on and listen – no million clicks and constant changing. Take both ear phones out when MsJ is talking.