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.