Week of 12/17/12 - 12/21/12

END OF SEMESTER
This is the last week of the semester, 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 Mrs. Kenner with any questions or concerns.

MID-TERM EXAM

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. Students will be able to use the study guide they received in class on Monday.

HOMEWORK
Monday (12/17): Complete study guide
Tuesday (12/18): Complete study guide
Wednesday (12/19): Mid-Term Exam tomorrow! Lab report due Friday
Thursday (12/20): Conservation of Mass lab report due Friday
Friday (12/21): None

*Happy Holidays*

Week of 12/10/12 - 12/14/12

CHEMICAL REACTIONS
We are beginning a new unit this week on chemical properties and chemical changes. This unit will last three weeks and will continue after winter break. During the unit, we will create and observe several chemical reactions in 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 balanced equations.

HOMEWORK
Monday (12/10): Retake unit test this week at lunch; Enrichment (extra credit)
Tuesday (12/11): Finish and review class notes
Wednesday (12/12): Workbook pg. 79-82
Thursday (12/13): Finish glue lab report
Friday (12/14): Review class notes from this week

MIDTERM EXAM

Students will have a science midterm exam next week on Thursday, December 20th. Students should study using their study guides from each unit we have covered this semester.  The main topics on the test will include: parts of the atom, periodic table of elements, states of matter, physical and chemical properties, and chemical reactions. More information will be given in class this week. 

Week of 12/3/12 - 12/7/12

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 monomers, polymers, and NaCl.  

UNIT TEST
The final test for this unit will be this Friday, December 7. We will spend Wednesday reviewing and playing a vocabulary game as a class. Students may use these review notes on their test. Students who did not reach the big goal on last Thursday's quiz are encouraged to stop in during lunch this week for extra review.

       *Mrs. Kenner will be at Homework Center after school on Thursday

HOMEWORK
Monday (12/3): Begin studying for Friday's unit test; retake quiz at lunch
Tuesday (12/4): Content Vocabulary WS pg. 19 & 20
Wednesday (12/5): Enhance Vocabulary Bingo for your study guide
Thursday (12/6): Enhance Vocabulary Bingo and study for test!
Friday (12/7): Test today! Enrichment (extra credit) for HW

Week of 11/16/12 - 11/30/12

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 sodium 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 Friday, Nov. 30 and will be worked on during class this Tuesday and Wednesday. 

HOMEWORK
Monday (11/26): Review covalent bond notes
Tuesday (11/27): NaCl poster and essay due Friday; Quiz on Thursday
Wednesday (11/28): NaCl poster and essay due Friday; Study for quiz tomorrow!
Thursday (11/29): NaCl poster and essay due tomorrow! Workbook pg. 50-54 due Monday
Friday (11/30): Unit test next week Friday

Week of 11/19/12 - 11/21/12

COMBINING ATOMS & MOLECULES
During class this week, students will be using a paper atom set they created to organize atoms on the periodic table based on their bonding abilities.  Students will then use the placement of the atoms to create ionic compounds and diatomic molecules. 

HOMEWORK
Monday (11/19): None
Tuesday (11/20): Finish ionic molecules - parts 1 & 2
Wednesday (11/21): Happy Thanksgiving!

Week of 11/13/12 - 11/16/12

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%                                  89%
Chemists                            85%                                  83%
Engineers                           80%                                  86%
Inventors                            85%                                  79%
Physicists                          82%                                  83%
                                             
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 Wednesday, November 14th.  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 Mrs. Kenner's room before school on Wednesday.  Projects may also be turned in after school on Tuesday.  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 Mrs. Kenner by Wednesday evening.

HOMEWORK
Tuesday (11/13): Finish atom model, key, and PowerPoint!
Wednesday (11/14): Project due today! Review ion notes

Thursday (11/15): Review bond notes
Friday (11/16): Review bond notes

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

HOMEWORK
Monday (11/5): Exit Ticket - 3 questions; Study for test tomorrow!
Tuesday (11/6): Enrichment (extra credit)
Wednesday (11/7): Finish coloring and cutting paper atom set
Thursday (11/8): Number of Atoms in a Formula WS
Friday (11/9): Atom Model Project (due Wed.)

* Computer Lab - Monday, Nov. 5 after school
Mrs. Kenner will be in the computer lab after school on Monday to assist students with their atom project.  Students will be able to research their element and begin creating the PowerPoint/KeyNote portion of the project. 
           webelements.com
         periodictable.com
         chemicool.com
         chem4kids.com

* Unit Test - States of Matter & Physical Changes - Tuesday, Nov. 6
  (Can use two note sheets during test)

* Atom Model Project - due Wednesday, Nov. 14 
  (Atom Model, Atom Key, and PowerPoint printed or emailed)

Week of 10/29/12 - 11/2/12

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

HOMEWORK
Monday (10/29): Finish today's WS, Finish workbook pages 59-62 (from Friday)
Tuesday (10/30): Review class notes
Wednesday (10/31): Unit Test next week Tuesday, Nov. 6
Thursday (11/1): Chapter Review WS (front & back)
Friday (11/2): Finish Freeze Lab Report

• Unit Test on Tuesday 11/6
• Atom Model Project due Wednesday 11/14

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to all 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%                        90%

Chemists                     85%                        87%

Engineers                    80%                        88%

Inventors                     85%                        86%

Physicists                   82%                        84%

Week of 10/22/12 - 10/26/12

UNIT TEST - Tuesday, October 23
This week we will finish our unit on atoms and the periodic table of elements.  We will review as a class on Monday, and students will need to finish their study guide for homework.  Mrs. Kenner will be available during lunch and after school on Monday for additional review.  The test is on Tuesday, 10/23 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 (10/22): Finish study guide!  Study for unit test!
Tuesday (10/23): TEST today! (Enrichment = extra credit)
Wednesday (10/24): Atom Model Project (due Wednesday, Nov. 14)
Thursday (10/25): Retake test at lunch
Friday (10/26): Finish Workbook pg. 59-62

ATOM MODEL PROJECT
On Wednesday, 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: Wednesday, November 14 (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.)
• Mrs. Kenner 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
• Mrs. Kenner will be available to help with research and PowerPoint after school as needed

Week of 10/15/12 - 10/19/12

HOMEWORK:
Monday (10/15): Quiz tomorrow!  Periodic Table Poster due Wednesday (10/17)
Tuesday (10/16): Unit Test next Tuesday (10/23); Periodic Table Poster due tomorrow!
Wednesday (10/17): Retake quiz at lunch
Thursday (10/18): Study Guide
Friday (10/19): Study Guide

UNIT TEST
A unit test on atoms and the periodic table is scheduled for next Tuesday, October 23. Students are expected to begin studying on their own by reviewing their notes and classwork. We will review as a class on Thursday, 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 10/8/12 - 10/12/12

Welcome back from Fall Break!  This week, we will review parts of the atom and begin learning about the Periodic Table of Elements. 

PERIODIC TABLE OF ELEMENTS PROJECT
Students will be assigned the Periodic Table of Elements project in class on Friday. 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 Friday and Monday, but they might need to finish it at home next week. The poster and worksheet are due in class on Wednesday, Oct. 17. 

HOMEWORK
Monday (10/8): Finish/review class work
Tuesday (10/9): Review isotope notes
Wednesday (10/10): Atomic Dimensions & Drawings WS
Thursday (10/11): None
Friday (10/12): Periodic Table poster due Wed. (10/17); Quiz Tues. (10/16)

Week of 9/24/12 - 9/28/12

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 (9/24): None

Tuesday (9/25): Retake Atom Quiz

Wednesday (9/26): Finish Lesson 11, pg. 13 & 14

Thursday (9/27): None

Friday (9/28): Finish Lesson 12

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to all classes for doing so well on the first unit test!  Here are the class averages for the Scientific Investigation test:

              Class               Big Goal            Average

• Astronomers             85%                 90% 
• Chemists                  85%                 84%
• Engineers                 80%                 87%
• Inventors                  85%                 83%
• Physicists                82%                 81%

Week of 9/17/12 - 9/21/12

UNIT TEST

Don't forget - the first unit test is this Tuesday, September 18!  Foldables are also due on Tuesday and may be used by students during the test.  Please see last week's post for detailed test information. 

HOMEWORK

Monday (9/17): Foldable & Study!

Tuesday (9/18): Unit Test today!

Wednesday (9/19): Check grade reports

Thursday (9/20): None

Friday (9/21): Quiz Monday!

Week of 9/10/12 - 9/14/12

HOMEWORK
Monday (9/10): Finish "Water on Coin" lab report
Tuesday (9/11): "Volume of Irregular Solids" lab report in complete sentences
Wednesday (9/12): Begin studying for unit test (See note below)
Thursday (9/13): Complete foldable for unit test
Friday (9/14): Study and finish foldable! 

UNIT TEST
A unit test is planned for next Tuesday, Sept. 18.  Students should begin reviewing their class work on observations, inferences, hypotheses, experimental design, variables, and all new material from this week! The best way for students to prepare for their first test is to study all class notes, practice vocabulary words, and review homework assignments and Warm Ups.  Students will complete a foldable (study guide) in class on Thursday.  It will be due next Tuesday and may be used during the test. We will practice all measuring and metric skills during several labs this week, including the Metric Olympics on Friday. Please encourage your student to stop in during lunch or after school to review for the test.  I will be available to provide students with additional help and extra practice on test topics.

Skills and knowledge tested next Tuesday, Sept. 18 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

Week of 9/4/12 - 9/7/12

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 this week will not be able to participate in the measuring activities next 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 (9/4): Signed Safety Contract (if not already turned in today) 
Wednesday (9/5): None     
Thursday (9/6): Graphing HW  
Friday (9/7): Metric Mania Conversion Challenge 

Week of 8/27/12 - 8/31/12

This week, we will be learning about malleable intelligence, setting class and personal goals for the year, and observing safe science lab practices.  We will also further our knowledge of the scientific method by practicing writing hypotheses and forming observations and inferences. 

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
Back to School Night is this Wednesday, August 29!  Classrooms will be open from 6:30 pm to 7:45 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 (8/27): Scienceography (if not already turned in)
Tuesday (8/28): None
Wednesday (8/29): Was Goldilocks a Scientist?
Thursday (8/30): Hilarious Hypotheses and Observations & Inferences
Friday (8/31): Parents and students read, sign, & return Safety Contract for Monday

Week of 8/20/12 - 8/24/12

We successfully completed our first week of school and are off to a great start!  

Homework for this week is as follows:

HOMEWORK
Monday (8/20): (Signed Green Sheet due today); Supplies due Wednesday
Tuesday (8/21): Supplies due Wednesday; Parent/Guardian Letter & Survey due Thursday 
Wednesday (8/22): Parent/Guardian Letter & Survey due Thursday; Scienceography due Monday
Thursday (8/23): Student Survey due Friday; Scienceography due Monday
Friday (8/24): Scienceography due Monday

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

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

TEXTBOOKS
Students were assigned their physical science textbooks during class last week. Each student is responsible for the care of his/her textbook.  It is up to the student and his/her 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.

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 5/21/12 - 5/25/12

TOOTHPICK BRIDGES & TOWERS
On Wednesday, 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 anytime before class on Wednesday.

DRAW THE LINE - RESPECT THE LINE
Monday, 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.

Solar Eclipse!

There will be a great opportunity to view a solar eclipse this weekend! The eclipse is happening on Sunday, May 20th between 5:00 and 7:00pm. The San Francisco Bay Area will have 84% of the Sun covered at the peak at 6:33pm.  This is the first solar eclipse to happen in the US since 1994. Don't miss it! Because you will be viewing the Sun, be sure to see the eclipse safely.  Watching it directly can cause permanent damage to your vision.

Read the information below to learn more about this eclipse and how you can view it safely!

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/highlights/A-Preview-of-May-20ths-Annular-Eclipse-141037803.html

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/home/Safely-View-the-Upcoming-Eclipse-and-Transit-150863835.html

http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2012/15may_sunday/

Week of 5/14/12 - 5/18/12

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 five class periods to work (Monday-Friday). A contest will be held next Wednesday, May 23 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 5/7/12 - 5/11/12

SOLAR SYSTEM PROJECT
Students were assigned a solar system project last Friday. Each group of students is 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 this Wednesday, and presentations will take place in class that day.

HOMEWORK
Monday (5/7): Project; Study
Tuesday (5/8): Project due; Study
Wednesday (5/9): Presentations in class today!  Study!
Thursday (5/10): Quiz today!
Friday (5/11): None

Week of 4/30/12 - 5/4/12

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. The rest 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. 

OPEN HOUSE
Open House is this Wednesday evening! Classrooms will be open from 5:45 - 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!

HOMEWORK

Monday (4/30): Finish foil boat lab report

Tuesday (5/1): None

Wednesday (5/2): Space WS (front & back) - due Friday

Thursday (5/3): Space WS

Friday (5/4): Planet Project due Wednesday; Space Quiz Thursday

Week of 4/23/12 - 4/27/12

CST REVIEW
We will finish 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 26. We will continue the solar system unit the following week.

HOMEWORK
Monday (4/23): Review all notes and practice questions
Tuesday (4/24): Review for CST
Wednesday (4/25): Review for CST
Thursday (4/26): Science CST today!
Friday (4/27): None

Week of 4/16/12 - 4/20/12

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 26th.  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 (4/16): Finish notes on "Our Solar System"
Tuesday (4/17): Finish notes on "Stars and Galaxies;" Structure of Matter practice problems
Wednesday (4/18): Periodic Table practice problems; Study
Thursday (4/19): Chemical Reactions practice problems; Study
Friday (4/20): Human Bingo due Monday; Study for CST!

Week of 4/2/12 - 4/6/12

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

• Astronomers: 91%
• Chemists: 84%
• Engineers: 85%
• Inventors: 82%
• Physicists: 85%
• Biologists: 82% 

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 (4/2): Content Mastery & Reinforcement WS pg. 12 & 18; Quiz Friday
Tuesday (4/3): Content Mastery & Reinforcement WS pg. 13 & 19; Check grades
Wednesday (4/4): Finish Cartesian Diver lab report
Thursday (4/5): Study for Density and Buoyancy quiz!
Friday (4/6): None

Week of 3/26/12 - 3/30/12

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 two 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 (3/26): None
Tuesday (3/27): Density WS (front & back due Thursday); Test corrections at lunch
Wednesday (3/28): Finish "Float or Sink" lab report 
Thursday (3/29): Finish "Densities of Liquids" lab report;
                             Reinforcement & Mastery WS pg. 17 & 11
Friday (3/30): None

Week of 3/19/12 - 3/23/12

We are finishing our forces unit this week.  Students will continue learning about Newton's 2nd and 3rd laws of motion.  They will explore the relationships between mass, force, and acceleration during a lab on Monday.  We will be reviewing in class on Thursday for the unit test on Friday. Students are encouraged to stop in during lunch or after school this week for additional review. 

HOMEWORK
Monday (3/19): To the Finish Line; Finish lab report
Tuesday (3/20): Newton's Comics (due Thursday)
Wednesday (3/21): Chapter Review WS pg. 27 & 28; Newton's Comics
Thursday (3/22): Study Guide
Friday (3/23): Unit Test today!  Enrichment (extra credit)

*Take Marble Roll Projects home this week!

Week of 3/13/12 - 3/16/12

FORCES
Students will review forces of tension and compression during a lab on Tuesday.  Students will then learn about Newton's 2nd and 3rd laws of motion.  They will practice calculating for force, mass, and acceleration. 

HOMEWORK
Tuesday (3/13): Forces HW (front & back)
Wednesday (3/14): Workbook pg. 17-20
Thursday (3/15): WS pg. 15 & 21
Friday (3/16): Workbook pg. 21-23

*Forces Test next week Friday!

Week of 3/5/12 - 3/9/12

FORCES UNIT

This week, students will continue to learn about balanced and unbalanced forces, inertia, and Newton's 1st Law of Motion. There will be a quiz in class on Wednesday. Students will complete a lab using spring scales to measure the force needed to overcome friction on several different surfaces. Students will then learn about elastic forces and participate in a lab demonstrating tension and compression.  

HOMEWORK

Monday (3/5): WS pg. 13 & 19; Study for quiz

Tuesday (3/6): Finish inertia stations lab; Study for quiz

Wednesday (3/7): Quiz today! No homework

Thursday (3/8): Finish friction lab; Retake quiz at lunch

Friday (3/9): WS pg. 20 & 14

Week of 2/27/12 - 3/2/12

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. Students will also participate in a few labs to help demonstrate this new information.

HOMEWORK
Monday (2/27): None
Tuesday (2/28): Review all new material
Wednesday (2/29): Workbook pg. 13-16
Thursday (3/1): Finish "Inertia Activity" lab report
Friday (3/2): Finish vocabulary for Monday; Quiz Wednesday!

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 2/13/12 - 2/17/12

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.  Students will present their projects to the class on Wednesday.  Keep the grading sheet in your binder until Wednesday.

UNIT TEST!
The unit test on motion is this Monday!  Make sure your study guide is finished and ready to be used during the test.

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 (2/13): None
Tuesday (2/14): Retake motion test at lunch this week
Wednesday (2/15): None
Thursday (2/16): None
Friday (2/17): 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 2/6/12 - 2/10/12

MOTION
Students will have an opportunity to practice graphing motion as a class and independently this week. During a hot wheels lab on Tuesday, students will use data they collect to create a graph. Students will then participate in a class lab on Wednesday that requires them to use a motion detector to graph their motion on a computer program. We will spend Thursday and Friday 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 next Monday.

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

HOMEWORK
Monday (2/6): Finish Workbook pg. 8-12; Finish graphing packet from class
Tuesday (2/7): Check grade reports in class
Wednesday (2/8): Check grade reports in class
Thursday (2/9): Finish "Missy's Morning" class work
Friday (2/10): Projects due Monday! Unit test Monday! Finish study guide!

Marble Roll Project

Due: Monday, February 13 (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 1/30/12 - 2/3/12

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 (1/30): None (Quiz today!)
Tuesday (1/31): A Speedy Journey
Wednesday (2/1): None
Thursday (2/2): Worksheets pg. 19 & 13
Friday (2/3): Workbook pg. 8-12

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 most recent post for more information.

MOTION QUIZ & TEST
Students are encouraged to come in during lunch this week to retake or review their motion quiz from this Monday.  A unit test is scheduled for the end of next week.

Week of 1/23/12 - 1/27/12

We are continuing our motion unit this week with more practice calculating speed, distance, and time using whiteboards.  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 next week Monday.  We will review in class on Friday and again on Monday before the quiz. 


HOMEWORK
Monday (1/23): Acceleration drawings (colored with captions) due Thursday
Tuesday (1/24): Finish workbook pg. 2-7 (due Wednesday)
Wednesday (1/25): Enrichment - front and back (due Friday)
Thursday (1/26): Speed Challenge & Bubble Gum Physics lab reports (due Friday)
Friday (1/27): Quiz Monday!