We have completed our first chapter on waves and are also in the middle of collecting data on the International Boiling Point project. To read more about this project go to http://www.ciese.org/curriculum/boilproj/
Today in class (September 23-24) we collected data from the project using both thermometers and digital temperature probes. We graphed the data using the software provided by the probes and looked at the boiling point on the phase change graph.
We then reviewed the wave properties of reflection, refraction and diffraction. For diffraction we looked at an online ripple tank demo. To try it at home go to http://www.falstad.com/ripple/
Choose single source and then play with the frequency. Have fun!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
September 17th-18th
Today we continued our discussion on waves. We sketched in a longitudinal wave and examined rarefactions, compressions; and learned how to determine the wavelength of this type of wave. We learned that this type of wave needs a medium in order to travel.
Next we measured the time it took for large and small water (surface) waves to travel across a one meter space. We looked at the data and found out that many people looking at the same thing came away with very different measurements of time. We also used excel to graph and analyze the data.
We discussed our big project--the International Boiling Point Project--starting on Friday, and then we finished off by examining the effect frequency had on the wavelength of a transverse wave--we did this with the industrial strength slinkies.
Remember--the first ten points of homework are due tomorrow, Friday the 19th
Next we measured the time it took for large and small water (surface) waves to travel across a one meter space. We looked at the data and found out that many people looking at the same thing came away with very different measurements of time. We also used excel to graph and analyze the data.
We discussed our big project--the International Boiling Point Project--starting on Friday, and then we finished off by examining the effect frequency had on the wavelength of a transverse wave--we did this with the industrial strength slinkies.
Remember--the first ten points of homework are due tomorrow, Friday the 19th
Monday, September 15, 2008
September 15-16--making waves
Today in class we scheduled our homework--remember ten points are due by friday.
We then started in on the first chapter--the nature of waves. We sketched a transverse wave and added in labels for crests, troughs, the amplitude and the wavelength.
After that we learned and then practiced the SQ3R reading method (see my website for links that explain it). We then practiced the method on chapter 1, section 1 for a short while.
We then had a few minutes of choice time to work on whatever it was we felt needed working on.
Finally, we closed with a demonstration of transverse and longitudinal waves using a large slinky in the hallway.
We then started in on the first chapter--the nature of waves. We sketched a transverse wave and added in labels for crests, troughs, the amplitude and the wavelength.
After that we learned and then practiced the SQ3R reading method (see my website for links that explain it). We then practiced the method on chapter 1, section 1 for a short while.
We then had a few minutes of choice time to work on whatever it was we felt needed working on.
Finally, we closed with a demonstration of transverse and longitudinal waves using a large slinky in the hallway.
Friday, September 12, 2008
September 12th Safety Quiz day
Today we did our first C day which is a 40 minute class. We reviewed for a few minutes then took and corrected our safety quiz. We also received back our first lab reports with comments. If you received a lab report with questions you should try to answer them over the weekend.
We will be starting chapter One of the Sound and Light book on Monday.
We will be starting chapter One of the Sound and Light book on Monday.
Monday, September 8, 2008
September 8th-9th--Safety, Scientific Method and Observations
Today we took care of some business--went over the rubrics for homework, lab reports and our notebook check. These rubrics are available on the class website.
We then went over safety equipment. A copy of the class notes are at the end of this blog entry.
After safety we discussed observations and then did an activity called 'What's in the Box'. We used observation skills to describe many different items.
Finally we discussed the scientific method (can be found on pages 138-141 in our textbook) then reviewed the take twenty homework.
Safety Notes
Know where the safety equipment is located.
Eyewash Station
Safety Shower
Fire blanket
Fire extinguisher
First Aid Kit
Emergency cut off switches.
Keep the equipment clear!
Know where to go during a fire or evacuation drill’
Know your personal gear—gloves, goggles
Be personally safe:
Long hair tied back during labs
No long flowing clothes during labs—they could knock things over or catch on fire
When working with electricity or heat—no dangling jewelry—it gets hot!
No eating or drinking in the lab—no gum, candy. Never drink out of the lab glassware and don’t taste the chemicals.
In the lab:
Always label your experiments—and always read the labels!
When heating test tubes—point them away from everyone. Hold test tubes with test tube clamps. Hot test tubes go in the wooden racks.
When heating beakers—use the beaker tongs.
Never grab glassware without making sure it is cool—use the back of your hand—place it near the glass. If it is hot you will feel the heat on the back of your hand.
If you break or spill something—tell the teacher—don’t try to clean it up yourself.
When smelling chemicals—waft the aroma to your nose—do not stick your nose in a test tube or beaker.
Don’t touch electrical appliances with wet hands.
Don’t reach across a hot plate to turn it off.
Unplug hot plates when not using them.
Pour powders and liquids at arms length—not under your nose!
When finished with an experiment—clean up. Return excess materials to the teacher.
Finally—wash your hands after labs!
Lab equipment
We went over the beaker, the Erlenmeyer flask, the test tube and the graduated cylinder. Know how to read a graduated cylinder and know what the meniscus is. Know how to use the Graduated Cylinder.
We then went over safety equipment. A copy of the class notes are at the end of this blog entry.
After safety we discussed observations and then did an activity called 'What's in the Box'. We used observation skills to describe many different items.
Finally we discussed the scientific method (can be found on pages 138-141 in our textbook) then reviewed the take twenty homework.
Safety Notes
Know where the safety equipment is located.
Eyewash Station
Safety Shower
Fire blanket
Fire extinguisher
First Aid Kit
Emergency cut off switches.
Keep the equipment clear!
Know where to go during a fire or evacuation drill’
Know your personal gear—gloves, goggles
Be personally safe:
Long hair tied back during labs
No long flowing clothes during labs—they could knock things over or catch on fire
When working with electricity or heat—no dangling jewelry—it gets hot!
No eating or drinking in the lab—no gum, candy. Never drink out of the lab glassware and don’t taste the chemicals.
In the lab:
Always label your experiments—and always read the labels!
When heating test tubes—point them away from everyone. Hold test tubes with test tube clamps. Hot test tubes go in the wooden racks.
When heating beakers—use the beaker tongs.
Never grab glassware without making sure it is cool—use the back of your hand—place it near the glass. If it is hot you will feel the heat on the back of your hand.
If you break or spill something—tell the teacher—don’t try to clean it up yourself.
When smelling chemicals—waft the aroma to your nose—do not stick your nose in a test tube or beaker.
Don’t touch electrical appliances with wet hands.
Don’t reach across a hot plate to turn it off.
Unplug hot plates when not using them.
Pour powders and liquids at arms length—not under your nose!
When finished with an experiment—clean up. Return excess materials to the teacher.
Finally—wash your hands after labs!
Lab equipment
We went over the beaker, the Erlenmeyer flask, the test tube and the graduated cylinder. Know how to read a graduated cylinder and know what the meniscus is. Know how to use the Graduated Cylinder.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Sept 4-5, Welcome Class of 2009!
Welcome to another exciting year in room 121.
We have lots to do this year. We'll be touching on physics, chemistry, earth science and environmental sciences and we have several new projects to try!
Today in class we went over the classroom rules and worked on what it was to work as a team. We also received our first textbook (Sound and Light) along with a textbook scavenger hunt sheet.
There are three parts to our homework for the weekend (due Mon/Tue September 8/9).
Part one is to complete the scavenger hunt sheet. Doing so will help you to find important information in our textbook.
Part two is to review my website with your parents, then review your answers to the scavenger hunt with them.
Part three is to have your parents sign the scavenger hunt sheet once parts one and two have been completed.
I'm looking forward to a great year!
Mr. Jacoves
We have lots to do this year. We'll be touching on physics, chemistry, earth science and environmental sciences and we have several new projects to try!
Today in class we went over the classroom rules and worked on what it was to work as a team. We also received our first textbook (Sound and Light) along with a textbook scavenger hunt sheet.
There are three parts to our homework for the weekend (due Mon/Tue September 8/9).
Part one is to complete the scavenger hunt sheet. Doing so will help you to find important information in our textbook.
Part two is to review my website with your parents, then review your answers to the scavenger hunt with them.
Part three is to have your parents sign the scavenger hunt sheet once parts one and two have been completed.
I'm looking forward to a great year!
Mr. Jacoves
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