01/03/12 - 01/06/12

SPRING SEMESTER
Welcome back! I hope everyone had an enjoyable winter break. This semester starts with a unit on Acids & Bases in Solution followed by a unit on the Chemistry of Living Things. These two units will conclude the chemistry portion of our physical science course. The majority of this semester will then focus on an introduction to physics.

HOMEWORK
Tuesday (1/3): Finish 20 game questions
Wednesday (1/4): None 
Thursday (1/5): Acids & Bases in Solution Vocabulary
Friday (1/6): Workbook page 97

Week of 12/12/11 - 12/16/11

END OF SEMESTER
This is the last week of semester one, and grades close on Friday. Students should check the most recent posting of their science grade report in class. Students should make note of any missing assignments or work they wish to make up. All late work is due by Friday!  This includes lab reports, projects, and test retakes.  Email Ms. TenBrock with any questions or concerns.

CHEMICAL REACTIONS
Our unit test on chemical changes and chemical reactions is this Wednesday.  We will review with a video and an interactive class Jeopardy game on Monday and Tuesday. Students are encouraged to stop in during lunch or after school if they would like extra review. Students will receive a study guide on Tuesday that needs to be completed and returned to class on the day of the test. We will conclude the unit and the semester with a fun slime lab on Friday!

A mid-term exam is scheduled for this Thursday. Students should review all study guides from the units covered this semester. The test contains 45 multiple choice questions. Topics on the test include atoms, periodic table, states of matter, and chemical changes.

HOMEWORK
Monday (12/13): Chapter Review pg. 25 & 26; Study!
Tuesday (12/14): Study Guide; Unit Test tomorrow!
Wednesday (12/15): Enrichment (extra credit); Study for mid-term!
Thursday (12/16): None
Friday (12/17): None

*Happy Holidays*

Week of 12/5/11 - 12/9/11

CHEMICAL REACTIONS
We will continue our unit on chemical changes this week. Students will learn about balancing chemical equations and the differences between exothermic and endothermic reactions. There will be a quiz in class on Wednesday. Students should review all new material from last week and Monday & Tuesday of this week.  Students will review with their partner during a challenge activity in class on Tuesday. We will demonstrate conservation of mass during a lab on Friday. 

HOMEWORK
Monday (12/5): Finish Balancing Equations #1-10; Quiz Wed.
Tuesday (12/6): Study - Quiz tomorrow!
Wednesday (12/7): Quiz today; Workbook pg. 83-85
Thursday (12/8): Workbook pg. 87-89
Friday (12/9): Finish lab conclusions - due Tuesday


* Chemical Changes Unit Test - Wednesday, Dec. 14
* Semester Mid-Term Exam - Thursday, Dec. 15

Week of 11/28/11 - 12/2/11

CHEMICAL REACTIONS
We are beginning a new unit this week on chemical properties and chemical changes. This unit will last three weeks and will conclude with a unit test right before winter break. During the unit, we will create and observe several chemical reactions during class labs and demonstrations. Students will learn about chemical equations, evidence of chemical change, the law of conservation of mass, exothermic and endothermic reactions, and balancing equations. 

HOMEWORK
Monday (11/28): Retake unit test this week at lunch
Tuesday (11/29): Workbook pg. 79-82 (due Thurs.)
Wednesday (11/30): Workbook pg. 79-82 (due Thurs.)
Thursday (12/1): Finish glue lab report
Friday (12/2): Review class notes from this week

Week of 11/21/11 - 11/23/11

COMBINING ATOMS & MOLECULES
The unit test is this Tuesday. We will play a review game in class on Monday. Students may use the review notes on their test. Ms. TenBrock will be available after school on Monday for students who would like to additional review.  Good luck reaching your big goal!

HOMEWORK
Monday (11/21): Finish Vocabulary Bingo & Study for Unit Test!
Tuesday (11/22): Test today!  Enrichment (extra credit)
Wednesday (11/23): None

Week of 11/14/11 - 11/18/11

COMBINING ATOMS & MOLECULES
During class this week, students will construct molecular models and draw dot diagrams to demonstrate covalent bonding between nonmetals.  We will also learn about hydrogen bonding, monomers, polymers, and NaCl.  Students will have the opportunity to grow their own crystals during a lab at the end of this unit.


HOMEWORK
Monday (11/14): MgCl2 drawing and essay due Tuesday; Workbook pg. 50-54 due Wednesday
Tuesday (11/15): Workbook pg. 50-54 due Wednesday
Wednesday (11/16): Molecular Model lab due today
Thursday (11/17): Finish WS pg. 11 & 12
Friday (11/18): Content Vocabulary WS pg. 19 & 20

UNIT TEST
The final test for this unit will be next Tuesday, November 22. We will spend next Monday reviewing as a class. Students who did not reach the big goal on last Wednesday's quiz are encouraged to stop in during lunch this week for extra review.

Week of 11/7/11 - 11/9/11

IONIC & COVALENT BONDS
Students will be learning about ionic and covalent bonding this week in class.  To reinforce ionic bonds, students will complete a project that illustrates the ionic bonding of the compound magnesium chloride.  The project includes a poster and an essay.  All details for the project are explained on a handout given out on Tuesday.  The assignment is due on Tuesday, Nov. 15 and will be worked on during class this Tuesday and Wednesday. 

HOMEWORK
Monday (11/7): Review covalent bond notes
Tuesday (11/8):  MgCl2 poster and essay due Tuesday.; Quiz on Monday
Wednesday (11/9): MgCl2 poster and essay due Tuesday; Study for quiz Monday

* Just a reminder - No school Thursday or Friday!


* Canned Food Drive - Students may bring in canned food to their 1st period class this week and next week.  All items will be donated to the local food bank.

Week of 10/31/11 - 11/4/11

CONGRATULATIONS!
We recently finished the unit on States of Matter.  Below are the results of the unit test. Great work everyone!

CLASS                         BIG GOAL                TEST AVERAGE
Astronomers                       85%                                  93%
Chemists                            85%                                  85%
Engineers                           80%                                  83%
Inventors                            80%                                  82%
Physicists                           80%                                  82%
Biologists                            80%                                  87%

COMBINING ATOMS & MOLECULES
Our classes are starting a new unit called Combining Atoms & Molecules.  Students will learn to identify and count elements in a compound, compare positive and negative ions, draw ionic and covalent bonds, and construct molecular models.  Several labs and class activities will be included in this unit.


ATOM MODEL PROJECT
Just a reminder - all atom model projects are due this Tuesday, November 1st.  Atom models must include a key for that element.  All projects need to have the students' names and class already on it before it is turned in.  Students may drop off the project in Ms. TenBrock's room before school on Tuesday.  Projects may also be turned in after school on Monday.  Students who are completing the PowerPoint portion of the project may either print it out and turn it in with the project grading sheet or email it to Ms. TenBrock by Tuesday evening.


HOMEWORK
Monday (11/01): Project due tomorrow!
Tuesday (11/02): Project due today! 
Wednesday (11/03): Review ion notes
Thursday (11/04): Review bond notes
Friday (11/05): Review bond notes

* Monday - Halloween fun!

* Tuesday - School Walk-A-Thon

Week of 10/24/11 - 10/28/11

HOMEWORK
Monday (10/24): Phases of Matter WS; Study for test tomorrow!
Tuesday (10/25): Enrichment (extra credit)
Wednesday (10/26): Halloween Investigations (extra credit)
Thursday (10/27): Number of Atoms in a Formula WS
Friday (10/28): Atom Model, Atom Key, and PowerPoint due Tuesday

* Unit Test - States of Matter & Physical Changes - Tuesday, Oct. 25

* Atom Model Project - due Tuesday, Nov. 1

Week of 10/17/11 - 10/21/11

STATES OF MATTER & PHYSICAL CHANGES
We are starting a new unit this week on states of matter and physical changes.  It will be a short unit and will conclude with a unit test the following week.

HOMEWORK
Monday (10/17): Science Workbook pages 59-62
Tuesday (10/18): None
Wednesday (10/19): Chapter Review WS (front & back)
Thursday (10/20): Finish Freeze Lab Report
Friday (10/21): Review all notes from this week

• Unit Test on Tuesday 10/25
• Atom Model Project due Tuesday 11/1

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to all the students for their hard work during our unit on atoms and the periodic table of elements.  Each class reached their big goal on the unit test last week! Great job - keep it up! 

CLASS                   BIG GOAL          TEST AVERAGE

Astronomers                85%                        92%

Chemists                     85%                        86%

Engineers                    80%                        86%

Inventors                     80%                        84%

Physicists                   80%                        89%

Biologists                    80%                        87%

Week of 10/10/11 - 10/14/11

UNIT TEST - Wednesday, 10/12
This week we will finish our unit on atoms and the periodic table of elements.  We will review as a class on Monday & Tuesday, and students will finish their study guide for homework on those nights.  Ms. TenBrock will be available during lunch and after school on Monday and Tuesday for additional review.  The test is on Wednesday, 10/12 and will cover all state standards, objectives, and vocabulary listed on the objective list that students received at the beginning of the unit.  Let's work hard to reach our big goal!


HOMEWORK
Monday (10/10): Work on study guide!  Study for unit test!
Tuesday (10/11): Finish study guide!  Study for unit test!
Wednesday (10/12): TEST today! (Enrichment = extra credit)
Thursday (10/13): Atom Model Project due Tuesday, Nov. 1st
Friday (10/14): None


ATOM MODEL PROJECT
On Thursday, students will be assigned the Atom Model Project.  Students will receive a handout in class that includes all information for the project.  Here are a few key details and examples of the project:

• Due: Tuesday, November 1 (before 1st period)
• Part 1 (450 points)
• Work with a partner to create a 3D model of an atom
• Accurately include all protons, neutrons, and electrons
• Use materials from home (cotton balls, beads, foam balls, clay, wire, pipe cleaners, etc.)
• Ms. TenBrock has some supplies students may use
• Create a key to complement the model
• Part 2 (50 points) 
• This part is optional, but is required in order for students to receive an A on the project
• Independently (without their partner), students will research their element and create a PowerPoint/Keynote to turn in with their model
• Ms. TenBrock will be available to help with research and PowerPoint after school as needed

Week of 10/3/11 - 10/7/11

HOMEWORK:
Monday (10/3): Unit Test next Wed. 10/12
Tuesday (10/4): Quiz Thursday; Periodic Table Poster due Friday
Wednesday (10/5): Quiz Thursday; Periodic Table Poster due Friday
Thursday (10/6): Periodic Table Poster due Friday
Friday (10/7): Study for test on Wednesday

PERIODIC TABLE OF ELEMENTS PROJECT
Students will be assigned the Periodic Table of Elements project in class on Tuesday. The project requires students to create a poster of the periodic table and complete a worksheet about it. Students will have time to work during class on Tuesday and Wednesday, but they might need to finish it at home. The poster and worksheet are due in class on Friday, October 7.

UNIT TEST
A unit test on atoms and the periodic table is scheduled for next Wednesday, October 12. Students are expected to begin studying on their own by reviewing their notes and classwork. We will review as a class next Monday, and students will be given a study guide to complete in preparation for the test. Students may use the study guide during the test.

Week of 9/16/11 - 9/30/11

HOMEWORK
Monday (9/26): Finish Lesson 11
Tuesday (9/27): Review notes from Mon. & Tues.
Wednesday (9/28): Finish Lesson 12
Thursday (9/29): Review isotope notes
Friday (9/30): Atomic Dimensions & Drawings WS

Week of 9/19/11 - 9/23/11

ATOMS & THE PERIODIC TABLE OF ELEMENTS

This week we are starting a new unit on atoms and the periodic table of elements.  We will begin our week studying the structure of the atom and the arrangement of electrons. Students will also participate in a spectroscopy lab.  We will practice describing and determining atomic number and atomic mass.

HOMEWORK

Monday (9/20): None

Tuesday (9/21): Atom Quiz on Thursday

Wednesday (9/22): Atom Quiz tomorrow

Thursday (9/23): None

Friday (9/24): None

Week of 9/12/11 - 9/16/11

UNIT TEST

We are finishing our unit on Scientific Investigation this week, and students will take the unit test on Thursday, September 15.  The best way for students to prepare for their first test is to study all class notes, practice vocabulary words, and review homework assignments.  Students will complete a foldable (study guide) in class on Monday.  It will be due on Thursday and may be used during the test. We will practice all measuring and metric skills during the Metric Olympics in class on Tuesday. Please encourage your student to stop in during lunch or after school on Wednesday to review for the test.  I will be there to provide students with additional help and extra practice on test topics.

Skills and knowledge tested on Thursday will include:

• Using the staircase and prefixes to make metric conversions
• Measuring with a ruler in cm and mm
• Reading a graduated cylinder
• Reading a triple beam balance
• Identifying observations (qualitative and quantitative) and inferences
• Writing hypotheses
• Identifying controls, constants, and variables in an experiment
• Understanding mass, volume, temperature, and metric units

HOMEWORK

Monday (9/12): Work on foldable; Study for unit test

Tuesday (9/13): Work on foldable; Study for unit test

Wednesday (9/14): Finish foldable; Study for unit test tomorrow!

Thursday (9/15): Test today!  No homework.

Friday (9/16): None

Week of 9/6/11 - 9/9/11

It was great meeting parents and families at Back to School Night last Wednesday!  It certainly was a busy week, and I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend!

This week we will be reviewing our skills using the metric system and measuring. Students who have not turned in their signed Safety Contract by Wednesday will not be able to participate in the measuring activities later this week.  Parents - be sure to check the Parent Internet Viewer to make sure your student has turned in all required paperwork from the beginning of the year.  Students - if you need an extra copy of any of the handouts, please ask after class!

HOMEWORK
Tuesday (9/6): Metric Mania Conversion Challenge
Wednesday (9/7): Finish "Water on Coin" lab report
Thursday (9/8): Volume Lab Report (Conclusions answered in complete sentences)
Friday (9/9): Begin studying! (See note below)

*A unit test is planned for next Thursday, Sept. 15.  Students should begin reviewing their class work on observations, inferences, hypotheses, experimental design, variables, and all new material from this week!  More information will be given in class this week and early next week.

Week of 8/29/11 - 9/2/11

TEXTBOOKS

Students were assigned their physical science textbooks during class last week. Textbooks will be kept safely in class so students have access to them during lessons, but students are encouraged to take their books home as needed.  Each student is responsible for the care of their textbook.  It is up to the student and their family to replace any lost or damaged books. These books are only a few years old, so it is essential that we take good care of them to ensure they last for many more years!  The books are a great resource for studying and practicing new material.  They will be used frequently in class and will also be needed to finish homework assignments.


BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT

Back to School Night is this Wednesday, August 31st!  Classrooms will be open from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm to allow families to rotate through their student's schedule.  See the school website or the handout that was sent home with your student for more information. I look forward to seeing everyone there!


HOMEWORK

Monday (8/29): Safety Contracts due; Was Goldilocks a Scientist?
Tuesday (8/30): Hilarious Hypotheses and Observations & Inferences
Wednesday (8/31): None
Thursday (9/1): None
Friday (9/2): Graphing HW

Week of 8/22/11 - 8/26/11

We successfully completed our first week of school and are off to a great start!  During the second week, we will be setting up our science binders, learning about malleable intelligence, setting class and personal goals for the year, and observing safe science lab practices.

HOMEWORK
Monday (8/22): Scienceography (due Wednesday)
Tuesday (8/23): Scienceography
Wednesday (8/24): None
Thursday (8/25): None
Friday (8/26): Parents and students read, sign, & return Safety Contract for Monday

Week of 8/15/11 - 8/19/11

Homework for this week is as follows:

Monday (8/15): Scientific Summer (2 paragraphs)
Tuesday (8/16): Parents and students review and sign course syllabus (green sheet)
Wednesday (8/17): Read CA State Standards (Period 3 only)
Thursday (8/18): Parent/Guardian Letter & Survey
Friday (8/19): Student Survey (due Monday)

*All homework assignments are due the following day unless otherwise stated.

*Don't forget about the required class supplies that are due Monday 8/22!

Welcome!

Welcome to 8th grade physical science!  

The science curriculum in grade eight emphasizes the study of physical science.  The standards in grade eight present many of the foundations of physics and chemistry, including motions, forces, structure of matter, reactions, and the periodic table.  Although these topics may seem challenging, we will learn how each one relates to daily life.  Students will have an opportunity to apply what we have learned by participating in relevant hands-on activities, making observations, and asking questions.

Week of 5/23/11 - 5/27/11

WEEK PLAN
On Monday, students will test the strength of their toothpick bridges and towers. Textbooks will be used to test towers, and bottles of sand will be used to test bridges. Projects should be finished over the weekend using only white Elmer's glue and flat toothpicks. Projects may be dropped off in Ms. TenBrock's room Monday morning.

The 8th grade trip to Great America is on Wednesday. Students will attend their first period class and leave from there. See the school's website for more details.

Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday lessons will cover material from the Draw the Line - Respect the Line curriculum. Students will practice the skills needed to resist peer pressure so they are able to stick within their own limits. Students will also learn how to protect themselves from HIV, other STDs, and unplanned pregnancies.

Week of 5/16/11 - 5/20/11

TOOTHPICK BRIDGES & TOWERS
Students will work in groups to design and build a bridge or tower made out of toothpicks. All supplies and work time will be provided in class during the week. Students will have four class periods to work (Monday-Thursday). A contest will be held next Monday to determine which project can support the most weight.  Bridges will be tested by holding a load of sand, and towers will be stacked with textbooks.

Week of 5/9/11 - 5/13/11

OPEN HOUSE
Open House is this Wednesday evening! Classrooms will be open from 6:00 - 6:45pm. Please stop by A-101 to visit your child's science room and see what they have been working hard on all year! There will be a brief parent meeting at 6:45pm in Mr. Pratt's room (C-111) to preview the Draw the Line/Respect the Line lessons. Parents are encouraged to attend and learn more about the curriculum.


SOLAR SYSTEM PROJECT
Students will be assigned a solar system project this week. Each group of students will be responsible for researching their planet, creating a project, and presenting their work to the class. Students will be given time in class to work, and they should be able to complete their project during the time provided. Projects are due on Thursday, and presentations will take place in class that day.

HOMEWORK
Monday (5/9): Project due Thursday
Tuesday (5/10): Project
Wednesday (5/11): Project
Thursday (5/12): Quiz tomorrow
Friday (5/13): None

Week of 5/2/11 - 5/6/11

AFTER THE CST

Congratulations to all students for finishing their state tests! Thanks to everyone for working hard all year to prepare for the science test! On Monday, students will create boats out of foil and compete against classmates to determine whose boat can hold the most pennies. Students will launch soda bottle rockets on Friday to demonstrate Newton's three laws of motion. The middle of the week will be spent studying the solar system. Students will review the planets, eclipses, phases of the moon, and tides. Students will also participate in kinesthetic activities outside in order to model the revolution and size of Earth in our solar system. 

HOMEWORK

Monday (5/2): Finish foil boat lab report

Tuesday (5/3): None

Wednesday (5/4): None

Thursday (5/5): None

Friday (5/6): None

Week of 4/25/11 - 4/29/11

CST REVIEW
We will continue our review for the science CST this week. Topics will include atoms, states of matter, the periodic table, chemical reactions, acids & bases, and living chemistry. Students are expected to review all class notes and practice problems every day in preparation for the test. Students will take the science CST on Thursday, April 28.

HOMEWORK
Monday (4/25): Human Bingo (due Thursday)
Tuesday (4/26): Review for CST!
Wednesday (4/27): Review for CST!
Thursday (4/28): Human Bingo due today
Friday (4/29): None

Week of 4/18/11 - 4/22/11

SOLAR SYSTEM
We will spend a few days this week learning about our solar system. Topics will include planets, stars, galaxies, and measurements in space. We will continue with the solar system unit after the science CST.

CST REVIEW
The science CST will be next week on Thursday, April 28th.  We will spend the week reviewing in class and completing practice CST problems.  Students are expected to review all class notes and practice problems nightly.

HOMEWORK
Monday (4/18): Finish notes on "Our Solar System"
Tuesday (4/19): Finish notes on "Stars and Galaxies" (due Friday); Structure of Matter practice problems
Wednesday (4/20): Periodic Table practice problems
Thursday (4/21): "Stars and Galaxies" notes due tomorrow
Friday (4/22): Chemical Reactions practice problems

Week of 4/4/11 - 4/8/11

DENSITY & BUOYANCY
This week, students will learn about fluid pressure, buoyancy, and Archimedes' principle. They will also observe demonstrations that reinforce the material. Students will create Cartesian Divers during a lab on Wednesday. The lab will explore topics such as density, buoyancy, sinking, and floating. A quiz on Friday will cover the material learned last week and this week.

HOMEWORK
Monday (4/4): Chapter Content Mastery & Reinforcement WS pg. 12 & 18
Tuesday (4/5): Chapter Content Mastery & Reinforcement WS pg. 13 & 19
Wednesday (4/6): Finish Cartesian Diver lab report
Thursday (4/7): Study for quiz!
Friday (4/8): TBD

Week of 3/28/11 - 4/1/11

DENSITY & BUOYANCY
We are beginning a new unit on density and buoyancy. This week, students will continue learning about density and practicing how to use the density triangle. Students will complete three labs that require them to measure the mass and volume of liquids and solids in order to calculate density. They will also predict whether objects will sink or float based on their densities.

HOMEWORK
Monday (3/28): Density WS (front)
Tuesday (3/29): Density WS (back)
Wednesday (3/30): Reinforcement & Mastery WS pg. 17 & 11
Thursday (3/31): Finish "Float or Sink" lab report
Friday (4/1): None

CONGRATULATIONS!
Students in all classes did an excellent job on their forces unit test. Great job everybody! Here are the class averages:

• Astronomers: 81%
• Chemists: 82%
• Engineers: 84%
• Inventors: 84%
• Physicists: 86%

Week of 3/21/11 - 3/25/11

FORCES
We are finishing our forces unit this week.  We will be reviewing in class on Monday and Tuesday for the unit test on Wednesday.  Students are encouraged to stop in during lunch or after school for additional review.

HOMEWORK
Monday (3/21): Chapter Review WS pg. 27 & 28
Tuesday (3/22): Study Guide
Wednesday (3/23): Unit Test today!  Enrichment (extra credit)
Thursday (3/24): Take Marble Roll Projects home
Friday (3/25): None

Week of 3/15/11 - 3/18/11

FORCES
We will learn about Newton's 2nd and 3rd laws of motion this week.  Students will explore the relationships between mass, force, and acceleration during a lab on Thursday.  The unit test is scheduled for next week Wednesday.

HOMEWORK
Tuesday (3/15): WS pg. 15 & 21
Wednesday (3/16): Workbook pg. 21-23
Thursday (3/17): To the Finish Line
Friday (3/18): Newton's Comics due Monday

Week of 3/7/11 - 3/11/11

FORCES QUIZ

Great job on last week's forces quiz! All classes reached their big goal! Here are the quiz averages for each class: 

• Astronomers - 86%
• Chemists - 87%
• Engineers - 87%
• Inventors - 90%
• Physicists - 89%

FORCES UNIT

This week, students will complete a lab using spring scales to measure the force needed to overcome friction on several different surfaces. Students will also learn about elastic forces and participate in a lab demonstrating tension and compression.  

BENCHMARK

Students will take the third benchmark exam for this year on Tuesday.

HOMEWORK

Monday (3/7): Finish friction lab report

Tuesday (3/8): Benchmark today!

Wednesday (3/9): Reinforcement & Mastery WS pg. 20 & 14

Thursday (3/10): Forces HW

Friday (3/11): Workbook pg. 17-20

Week of 2/28/11 - 3/4/11

WELCOME BACK
I hope everyone had an enjoyable February break! We will continue with our forces unit this week. Students will learn about balanced and unbalanced forces, inertia, and Newton's 1st Law of Motion. There will be a quiz in class on Thursday.

HOMEWORK
Monday (2/28): Finish Inertia Activity
Tuesday (3/1): Chapter Content Mastery WS pg. 13 & 19
Wednesday (3/2): Study for quiz tomorrow!
Thursday (3/3): Workbook pg. 14-16
Friday (3/4): None

EXTRA CREDIT
Thanks for checking our science class blog! Because you read the blog, you can now earn extra credit points on your Warm Up. Write "Science Rocks!" at the top of your Warm Up before you turn it in on Friday and earn a few extra points for the week!

Week of 2/14/11 - 2/18/11

PROJECTS DUE!
Marble roll projects are due this Monday. Be sure to drop them off before first period. Make sure your name and class are on the project and the blueprint.

MOTION TEST DATA
Here are the class averages from the motion unit test that students took last week. Great job!

• Astronomers - 81%
• Chemists - 80%
• Engineers - 78% 
• Inventors - 83%
• Physicists - 85%

FORCES
We will start a new unit on forces this week. Students will explore the differences between balanced and unbalanced forces and how they affect the motion of an object. We will also introduce Newton's Laws of Motion and the relationships between force, mass, and acceleration.

HOMEWORK
Monday (2/14): Retake motion test at lunch this week
Tuesday (2/15): Vocabulary due Thursday - use Reading Essentials chapter 2
Wednesday (2/16): None
Thursday (2/17): None
Friday (2/18): Review all new material from this week

EXTRA CREDIT
Thanks for checking our science class blog!  Because you read the blog, you can now earn extra credit points on your Warm Up.  Write "Science Rocks!" at the top of your Warm Up before you turn it in on Friday and earn a few extra points for the week!

Week of 2/7/11 - 2/11/11

MOTION
Students will participate in a class lab on Monday that requires students to use a motion detector to graph their motion on a computer program. We will spend Tuesday and Wednesday completing an activity and playing a game to review the major concepts learned during this unit. The lessons are intended to help students prepare for the unit test that will be held this Thursday.

PROJECT
Marble roll projects are due next Monday! See the previous post for more information.

HOMEWORK
Monday (2/7): Workbook pg. 8-11
Tuesday (2/8): Finish classwork
Wednesday (2/9): Study Guide; Study!
Thursday (2/10): Unit Test today!
Friday (2/11): Projects due Monday!

Week of 1/31/11 - 2/4/11

GRAPHING MOTION
This week students will learn how to make and interpret graphs of motion.  We will focus on position-time graphs and speed-time graphs.  Students will have an opportunity to practice graphing as a class and independently.  During a hot wheels lab on Friday, students will use data they collect to create a graph.

HOMEWORK
Monday (1/31): A Speedy Journey
Tuesday (2/1): Worksheets pg. 19 & 13
Wednesday (2/2): None
Thursday (2/3): Finish graphing packet
Friday (2/4): Hot Wheels Mania lab report

MARBLE ROLL PROJECT
Just a reminder - marble roll projects are due in two weeks!  All students should have already signed up to work with their partner.  See the post below for more information.

MOTION QUIZ & TEST
Students are encouraged to come in during lunch this week to retake or review their motion quiz from last Friday.  A unit test is scheduled for next week on Thursday, February 10.

Marble Roll Project

Due: Monday, February 14 (before first period)

Requirements:
     1. Marble track showing speeding up, slowing down, and changing direction
     2. Blueprint showing material, dimensions, and places where velocity changes
     3. Average speed calculations and answer with units

Grading: 500 points 

Details: Students must sign up in class to work with a partner.  Marble tracks must be freestanding and not attached to walls or furniture.  Please attempt to minimize the overall size of the project.  Please also make every attempt to minimize the cost of materials for this project.  Ideally, the materials for your project will be found at home.  Paper towel rolls and construction paper work well!  

Examples: 

Week of 1/24/11 - 1/28/11

We are continuing our motion unit this week with more practice calculating speed, distance, and time.  Students will also participate in two lab activities that require them to use these skills.  There will be a quiz on position, displacement, speed, velocity, and acceleration on Friday.  We will review in class on Thursday and again on Friday before the quiz.


HOMEWORK
Monday (1/24): Enrichment (front & back)
Tuesday (1/25): Finish workbook pg. 2-7
Wednesday (1/26): Speed Challenge & Bubble Gum Physics lab reports
Thursday (1/27): Quiz Friday!
Friday (1/28): None

Week of 1/18/11 - 1/21/11

MOTION
We have concluded the chemistry portion of our science course and are now beginning physics.  The first unit in physics is on motion.  This week, students will learn about position, distance, displacement, speed, velocity, and acceleration.  We will also spend time practicing how to calculate velocity, distance, and time.

HOMEWORK
Tuesday (1/18): Reinforcement pg. 17 - Determining Position
Wednesday (1/19): Review class notes
Thursday (1/20): Worksheet pg. 15 - Determining Speed (Velocity)
Friday (1/21): 3 Ways to Accelerate (drawings, captions, and colors)

Week of 1/10/11 - 1/14/10

We will start the week with a pH lab on Monday.  Students will use pH strips to measure the pH of 14 solutions and determine if they are acidic, basic, or neutral.  The next few lessons will introduce students to the chemistry of living systems, focusing on the importance of carbon and water.

HOMEWORK
Monday (1/10): Finish pH Lab report
Tuesday (1/11): Chemistry of Living Systems Vocabulary (due Thursday)
Wednesday (1/12): Chemistry of Living Systems Vocabulary
Thursday (1/13): Quiz today! Empty class work section of binder. Finish map and questions.
Friday (1/14): None

Week of 01/04/11 - 01/07/11

SPRING SEMESTER
Welcome back!  I hope everyone had an enjoyable winter break.  This semester starts with a unit on Acids & Bases in Solution followed by a unit on the Chemistry of Living Things.  These two units will conclude the chemistry portion of our physical science course.  The majority of this semester will then focus on an introduction to physics.

HOMEWORK
Tuesday (1/4): Finish 20 game questions
Wednesday (1/5): Acids & Bases in Solution Vocabulary
Thursday (1/6): Workbook pg. 97
Friday (1/7): Worksheet pg. 12 & 16