Life Science
Those students with time-intensive projects should start their experiments by this coming weekend. We will be working on data collection and manipulation prior to and immediately following fall break. In addition, students are not collecting much information from their research. By reading books and magazine articles, students gather background information about their projects. I am needing parents to allow students to gain access to various resources by making visits to the library. Wikipedia and ask.com are NOT reliable sources. The internet should be used with caution.
We are working on a lab in class. Students are to type their lab reports with the information that they currently have - Title, Purpose, Research, Hypothesis, Materials and Equipment, and Procedure. We will make observations tomorrow and complete the lab report.
Earth Science
Four States of Matter - Students are to read section 3.3 in the Chemistry packet, define the bold words, and answer questions 1 - 5 in section 3.3 assessment.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Chemistry Continued!
Life Science
Students are working on their pre-lab for the Passive Transport experiment. Students need to complete the definitions in the research section of the lab report for homework.
Earth Science
Students need to complete the "Combining Matter" handout. It is due tomorrow. Also, students need to review the vocabulary for chemistry, sub-atomic particles for an element, and the atomic mass of an element. We will be having a QUIZ!
Students are working on their pre-lab for the Passive Transport experiment. Students need to complete the definitions in the research section of the lab report for homework.
Earth Science
Students need to complete the "Combining Matter" handout. It is due tomorrow. Also, students need to review the vocabulary for chemistry, sub-atomic particles for an element, and the atomic mass of an element. We will be having a QUIZ!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Protons are (+), electrons are (-), and neutrons are neutral!
Life Science
We are continuing our discussion of introductory chemistry. Homework tonight is for students to create a blank data table using MS Word or Excel (or something similar) and to bring a printed copy to class tomorrow. This will be the data table that they will use to record their data during their experiment.
Earth Science
We have taken an in-depth look at the parts of the atom. Students are to read Section 3.2 of the handout regarding chemical bonding and defining all of the bold words within the section.
We are continuing our discussion of introductory chemistry. Homework tonight is for students to create a blank data table using MS Word or Excel (or something similar) and to bring a printed copy to class tomorrow. This will be the data table that they will use to record their data during their experiment.
Earth Science
We have taken an in-depth look at the parts of the atom. Students are to read Section 3.2 of the handout regarding chemical bonding and defining all of the bold words within the section.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Chemistry Continued!
Life Science
Students are learning about the four types of macromolecules associated with living things: proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. We are looking at nutrition labels and the information they provide about these compounds.
For homework, students are to complete answering the 10 questions for their science fair project and complete the bibliography notes for the sources used to obtain these answers.
Earth Science
We are diving into chemistry with an in-depth look at atomic structure of the elements. For homework, students are to complete reading section 3.1 of the handout, define the 10 bold terms in the section, and an answer questions 1-7 at the end of section 3.1. Students need to be prepared to share their answers during class discussion tomorrow.
Students are learning about the four types of macromolecules associated with living things: proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. We are looking at nutrition labels and the information they provide about these compounds.
For homework, students are to complete answering the 10 questions for their science fair project and complete the bibliography notes for the sources used to obtain these answers.
Earth Science
We are diving into chemistry with an in-depth look at atomic structure of the elements. For homework, students are to complete reading section 3.1 of the handout, define the 10 bold terms in the section, and an answer questions 1-7 at the end of section 3.1. Students need to be prepared to share their answers during class discussion tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Introduction to Chemistry!
Life Science
In Life Science, we are moving on to the next section regarding the chemistry of life. The homework tonight is for students to cut out four nutrition labels for four very different foods and bring it to school tomorrow. We will use these labels during class. Also, students are to continue working on researching the answers to the 10 science fair questions.
Reminder: Sources should include at least 2 books, 1 magazine article, 1 interview, and 1 dictionary (use to look up definitions of terms). Make sure that internet sites are reliable sources of information.
Earth Science
We are discussing the history of chemistry in Earth Science. Based upon the readings, students are to create a TIMELINE of events regarding their contributions to scientific thought and their views about the basic structure of stuff. Below is a list of individuals to include on the timeline:
- Thales
- Pythagoras
- Empedocles
- Democratus
- Lucretius
- Socrates
- Plato
- Aristotle
Also, review the following vocabulary:
Element = simplest form of matter made up of atoms (with unique atomic structure); C, S, Fe, Zn
Atom = smallest particle of an element; C - made of 6 protons, 6 electrons, and 6 neutrons
Compound = substance made of two or more atoms and contains two or more elements; H2O
Molecule = substance made of two or more atoms chemically combined (not necessarily more than one element); O2, H2O
In Life Science, we are moving on to the next section regarding the chemistry of life. The homework tonight is for students to cut out four nutrition labels for four very different foods and bring it to school tomorrow. We will use these labels during class. Also, students are to continue working on researching the answers to the 10 science fair questions.
Reminder: Sources should include at least 2 books, 1 magazine article, 1 interview, and 1 dictionary (use to look up definitions of terms). Make sure that internet sites are reliable sources of information.
Earth Science
We are discussing the history of chemistry in Earth Science. Based upon the readings, students are to create a TIMELINE of events regarding their contributions to scientific thought and their views about the basic structure of stuff. Below is a list of individuals to include on the timeline:
- Thales
- Pythagoras
- Empedocles
- Democratus
- Lucretius
- Socrates
- Plato
- Aristotle
Also, review the following vocabulary:
Element = simplest form of matter made up of atoms (with unique atomic structure); C, S, Fe, Zn
Atom = smallest particle of an element; C - made of 6 protons, 6 electrons, and 6 neutrons
Compound = substance made of two or more atoms and contains two or more elements; H2O
Molecule = substance made of two or more atoms chemically combined (not necessarily more than one element); O2, H2O
Friday, September 18, 2009
The Weekend is HERE!
Life Science
Students have two items to work on over the weekend: (1) Review study guide for Chapter 1 exam and (2) begin answering 10 questions and complete bibliography notes for science fair project.
- The Chapter 1 exam will be given on MONDAY.
- The answers to the 10 questions and bibliography notes are due THURSDAY (extension given).
(Please note that the only homework for next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday will be for students to research answers to their 10 questions and record the sources in the bibliography notes.)
Science Fair
IMPORTANT: Students need to be sure that their 10 questions can be answered by researching information in books, articles, etc.... The questions should not be based on the findings of their experiment. This research is meant to provide the students with background information about their projects.
IMPORTANT: Sources should include at least 2 books, 1 magazine article, 1 interview, and 1 dictionary (used to look up definitions). Make sure that internet sites are reliable sources of information.
Earth Science
Next week: Students will be learning about minerals over the next two weeks. In addition, I will be incorporating computer mapping and satellite imagery into the minerals and rocks unit. First, we must learn about minerals and rocks. Then, we will study how they form and how we locate them. No homework this weekend for earth science.
Students have two items to work on over the weekend: (1) Review study guide for Chapter 1 exam and (2) begin answering 10 questions and complete bibliography notes for science fair project.
- The Chapter 1 exam will be given on MONDAY.
- The answers to the 10 questions and bibliography notes are due THURSDAY (extension given).
(Please note that the only homework for next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday will be for students to research answers to their 10 questions and record the sources in the bibliography notes.)
Science Fair
IMPORTANT: Students need to be sure that their 10 questions can be answered by researching information in books, articles, etc.... The questions should not be based on the findings of their experiment. This research is meant to provide the students with background information about their projects.
IMPORTANT: Sources should include at least 2 books, 1 magazine article, 1 interview, and 1 dictionary (used to look up definitions). Make sure that internet sites are reliable sources of information.
Earth Science
Next week: Students will be learning about minerals over the next two weeks. In addition, I will be incorporating computer mapping and satellite imagery into the minerals and rocks unit. First, we must learn about minerals and rocks. Then, we will study how they form and how we locate them. No homework this weekend for earth science.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
REPEAT: CHAPTER 1 Exams are coming up!
Life Science
Students are studying for the Chapter 1 exam by creating study guides. Today, we worked on producing concept maps to organize the information and identify links connecting the material. Homework is for students to generate a series of concept maps (at least three) or outlines on paper to illustrate these connections. Students will use their study guide to study for the exam on Monday.
Below is a list of concepts that we discussed during class:
Earth Science
Students are preparing for the Chapter 1 exam by using the guided questions to assist them in making their study guide. These questions are posted in yesterday's blog. Homework is for students to study for tomorrow's exam.
Students are studying for the Chapter 1 exam by creating study guides. Today, we worked on producing concept maps to organize the information and identify links connecting the material. Homework is for students to generate a series of concept maps (at least three) or outlines on paper to illustrate these connections. Students will use their study guide to study for the exam on Monday.
Below is a list of concepts that we discussed during class:
- Life
- 6 Characteristics of Living Things
- 4 Needs of Living Things
- Earth Conditions - today; 3.6 billion years ago
- Cells
- Cell Theory
- Scientists and experiments
- Microscopes
- Prokaryote
- Eukaryote
- Bacteria cell
- Plant cell
- Animal cell
- Cell parts
- Energy
- Chemotrophs
- Autotrophs
- Heterotrophs
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration
Earth Science
Students are preparing for the Chapter 1 exam by using the guided questions to assist them in making their study guide. These questions are posted in yesterday's blog. Homework is for students to study for tomorrow's exam.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
CHAPTER 1 Exams are coming up!
Life Science
Following the presentation of projects, students will begin to work on the study guide for Exam #1. We will be working on this together in class. This will assist students in developing study strategies for test preparation. The exam will be given on Monday, September 21st covering Chapter 1.
Earth Science
Students should be reviewing the notes and materials covered for Chapter 1 regarding maps. Below is a study guide which students can use to prepare for the exam.
Earth Science Exam #1 Study Guide
Following the presentation of projects, students will begin to work on the study guide for Exam #1. We will be working on this together in class. This will assist students in developing study strategies for test preparation. The exam will be given on Monday, September 21st covering Chapter 1.
Earth Science
Students should be reviewing the notes and materials covered for Chapter 1 regarding maps. Below is a study guide which students can use to prepare for the exam.
Earth Science Exam #1 Study Guide
- What are the four major spheres of the Earth? Describe each.
- What are the two minor spheres that we discussed in class? Describe each.
- What are some uses of maps?
- What are the parts of a map? DOGS TAILS
- 50 States; Rocky Mountains, Appalachian Mountains,
- What are the three major map projections and how are they made?
- How are latitude and longitude used to locate a position on the Earth? What is the base of each?
- What is the difference between elevation and relief?
- If something has low relief, what does this mean?
- Can something with “low relief” be at high elevation? Why or why not?
- Interpret contour lines from a series of small map diagrams. Match profile with set of contour lines.
- Determine the contour interval on a topographic map.
- Calculate distance between two points using the scale.
- Draw a topographic profile from a map.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
What on Earth? Where on Earth?
Life Science
Today, we discussed the possible origins of single-celled organisms. Urey and Miller conducted an important experiment which replicated the conditions of the early Earth. Their results yielded small chemical components which can combine to form proteins. Other similar experiments produced carbohydrates and nucleic acids (DNA). We covered the parts of prokaryotic cells as well as how eukaryotic cells may have developed. Homework is for students to complete their poster and paper for "The Cell is like... " project. All students will be presenting their projects to the class.
Science Fair - I have adjusted due dates for three parts of the science fair:
Answers to questions due 9/23/09
Bibliography notes due 9/23/09
Blank Data Table due 9/25/09
Earth Science
We are continuing to study topographic maps. The homework is for students to complete the last page of the topographic map packet - find the easiest path from one hill top to another. We will be having a test on Friday covering Chapter 1 - Maps, DOGS TAILS, and topographic maps.
Today, we discussed the possible origins of single-celled organisms. Urey and Miller conducted an important experiment which replicated the conditions of the early Earth. Their results yielded small chemical components which can combine to form proteins. Other similar experiments produced carbohydrates and nucleic acids (DNA). We covered the parts of prokaryotic cells as well as how eukaryotic cells may have developed. Homework is for students to complete their poster and paper for "The Cell is like... " project. All students will be presenting their projects to the class.
Science Fair - I have adjusted due dates for three parts of the science fair:
Answers to questions due 9/23/09
Bibliography notes due 9/23/09
Blank Data Table due 9/25/09
Earth Science
We are continuing to study topographic maps. The homework is for students to complete the last page of the topographic map packet - find the easiest path from one hill top to another. We will be having a test on Friday covering Chapter 1 - Maps, DOGS TAILS, and topographic maps.
Monday, September 14, 2009
This Week: Cells and Topo Maps!
Life Science
Students worked on their posters in class today. This is the only classtime provided to work on "The Cell is like..." project. The homework for tonight and tomorrow night will be to complete the poster and paper. Both the poster and paper are due on Wednesday. Students will present their posters to the class on Wednesday.
Earth Science
Is it a hill or a canyon? What is the slope? Students are working on creating topographic profiles using the contour lines on topographic maps. Practice, practice, practice is the best way to learn. It is a challenge to analyze spatial features, so students will have many opportunities to practice. Tonight, the homework is for students to create a topographic profile using the map in the packet (next to the last page). We will have a test on Friday covering topographic maps.
Students worked on their posters in class today. This is the only classtime provided to work on "The Cell is like..." project. The homework for tonight and tomorrow night will be to complete the poster and paper. Both the poster and paper are due on Wednesday. Students will present their posters to the class on Wednesday.
Earth Science
Is it a hill or a canyon? What is the slope? Students are working on creating topographic profiles using the contour lines on topographic maps. Practice, practice, practice is the best way to learn. It is a challenge to analyze spatial features, so students will have many opportunities to practice. Tonight, the homework is for students to create a topographic profile using the map in the packet (next to the last page). We will have a test on Friday covering topographic maps.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Progress Reports are COMING SOON!
Life Science
Students have received the handout for "The Cell is like...." project. It will include a poster (of the analogy with labels), a paper, and a short presentation. The handout provides information about the requirements of the assignment as well as a grading rubric.
Earth Science
We are continuing to work with topographic maps. Tomorrow, we will have a short quiz covering the parts of a map (DOGS TAILS) and the vocabulary from Chapter 1.
Students have received the handout for "The Cell is like...." project. It will include a poster (of the analogy with labels), a paper, and a short presentation. The handout provides information about the requirements of the assignment as well as a grading rubric.
Earth Science
We are continuing to work with topographic maps. Tomorrow, we will have a short quiz covering the parts of a map (DOGS TAILS) and the vocabulary from Chapter 1.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
It's Wednesday ALREADY!
Life Science
We are discussing the parts of the plant and animal cell during class emphasizing the function of the organelles. We are continuing to work on "The Cell is like..." project (see August 31st for more info). Students signed up for a specific analogy yesterday. Tonight, students will complete the following:
(1) Choose either the plant or animal cell to be represented by their analogy.
(2) Make a list of the parts of the cell
(3) Make a list of the parts of their analogy which will represent the parts of the cell (the part of the analogy and the part of the cell should have a very similar function).
Earth Science
We are still working with maps. This week is an adventure in exploring topographic maps - reading the elevation of the contour lines, identifying physiographic features, describing slopes (gentle or steep), and locating stream valleys. Tonight, students are to read about "Locating Yourself on a Topographic Map" and identifiy features #1 through 4 on the next topographic map in the packet.
We are discussing the parts of the plant and animal cell during class emphasizing the function of the organelles. We are continuing to work on "The Cell is like..." project (see August 31st for more info). Students signed up for a specific analogy yesterday. Tonight, students will complete the following:
(1) Choose either the plant or animal cell to be represented by their analogy.
(2) Make a list of the parts of the cell
(3) Make a list of the parts of their analogy which will represent the parts of the cell (the part of the analogy and the part of the cell should have a very similar function).
Earth Science
We are still working with maps. This week is an adventure in exploring topographic maps - reading the elevation of the contour lines, identifying physiographic features, describing slopes (gentle or steep), and locating stream valleys. Tonight, students are to read about "Locating Yourself on a Topographic Map" and identifiy features #1 through 4 on the next topographic map in the packet.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Thursday - Oh, How Time Flies!!!
REMINDER: Tomorrow - Friday, September 4th is a half-day.
Life Science
We finished the microscope lab yesterday. Students viewed plant (potato or grass, algae) and animal (pond water) cells under the microscope. Tomorrow, they will have a short quiz on proper use and parts of the microscope. This information is included in their microscope packet. Also, we are beginning our in-depth look at the parts of the cell (organelles). Students have been introduced to a project which will assist them in learning about the parts of the cell and their functions: "The Cell is like a....." Project. Students have already been brainstorming about an analogy for the project. We will continue this project after the labor day weekend.
Science Fair - I am meeting with students individually today and tomorrow regarding their proposals. It is imperative that parents sign the proposal page to communicate their approval of the project.
Earth Science
Students made globes out of beach balls using various maps. Then, they cut the globes in order to convert them to flat maps. It was quite a challenge. This will lead us into our discussion of making maps, map projections, and distortion. Students are to finish their maps of the United States for homework. It will be collected tomorrow. We will continue studying and creating maps next week as well as learning about geographic information systems (GIS) and satellite imagery.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Lab/Activity Days!
Life Science
The students began the microscope lab in class. They practiced making wet mounts and viewed the letter "e" (printed on the copier in the teacher annex) at both low (40x) and high power (400x). All students received a packet which contained instructions along with questions to answer. The homework is to complete the magnification calculations and answer the conclusion questions (1-7).
Earth Science
We are converting globes to maps. Students are drawing the land masses of the Earth onto beach balls to make a globe. Then, they must cut the globes in order to create flat and useful maps. Tomorrow, students will present their maps to the class. The homework tonight is to read pages 25-39 in the textbook, define all of the bold words, and complete pages 8-14 in the workbook. (This was assigned during class on Monday. Students began working on it during class on Monday and then had Monday and Tuesday nights to complete.)
The students began the microscope lab in class. They practiced making wet mounts and viewed the letter "e" (printed on the copier in the teacher annex) at both low (40x) and high power (400x). All students received a packet which contained instructions along with questions to answer. The homework is to complete the magnification calculations and answer the conclusion questions (1-7).
Earth Science
We are converting globes to maps. Students are drawing the land masses of the Earth onto beach balls to make a globe. Then, they must cut the globes in order to create flat and useful maps. Tomorrow, students will present their maps to the class. The homework tonight is to read pages 25-39 in the textbook, define all of the bold words, and complete pages 8-14 in the workbook. (This was assigned during class on Monday. Students began working on it during class on Monday and then had Monday and Tuesday nights to complete.)
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