the Beaker & the Flask

week of February 22nd

2010-02-24T17:38:00.003-05:00

We have started our unit on atomic energy and have read through chapter four, section one. Expect a quiz on this material on Friday--unless of course we get more snow.

Topics to review include the definition of nuclear radiation, the concept of radioactive decay and atomic mass. Be able to compare and contrast alpha, beta and gamma decay. Think about both particle size and penetration.

We did discuss half-life in class today--It will not be on friday's quiz but it would be a good idea to review the concept.

The week of February 8th

2010-02-09T19:58:00.002-05:00

This week we will be working on the concepts of acids, bases and the pH scale. Please make sure you read sections one and two of chaoter three and be prepared for a quiz sometime in the near future.

Feb 5 review and water tension

2010-02-05T18:25:00.002-05:00

This week in class we reviewed our chapter two test on chemical reactions, reviewed our International Boiling point project and some classes even participated in a video conference with a school in pennsylvania.

Today we did a short review on surface tension (we will be reviewing material covered in 6th and 7th grade as we get closer to the NJASK test). We watched a youtube video of a water droplet bouncing in slow motion. The video can be found at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRSK4k3D-50

We also saw a video of water balloons popping in micro-gravity, found at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7fEHYkGxd0

Next week we will work on ionic and covalent solutions and then acids and bases.

Jan 25-26 Reaction Rates

2010-01-26T19:58:00.003-05:00

Today in class we started by identifying different types of chemical reactions (synthesis, decomposition, single and double replacement. We then reviewed the hints to balancing chemical equations.

We then performed a lab that looked at the effect temperature has on the speed of a chemical reaction. We found that if we compared the reaction of an alka-seltzer tablet in cold and hot water, the hot water had a much faster reaction rate.

We then looked at the effect of surface area on reaction rates. We found that if we increased the surface area by crushing the object, the reaction would speed up. We then discussed the effect of concentration on reaction rates.

Remember--the test will be this friday--study guide is available online on my website (go to the tests and quizzes section).

Jan 19th and 20th--naming ionic and covalent compounds

2010-01-20T19:09:00.002-05:00

Today in class we went over some rules for naming compounds--then we named some.

The notes from today's class are below:

Tell me (in your notebook) as much as possible about the following chemical formula. Ba(NO3)2

(how many atoms of each element, how do you think it bonds, could you draw the structure?)

Follow-up question. If the formula breaks up into its ions, what are the charges of the Ba and the NO3?

Notes:

Naming Covalent compounds.

Copy the prefixes on page 31(mono, di, tri, etc)
Put the element symbols in the order they are in the periodic table -but-

Hydrogen would fit between nitrogen and oxygen.

Use the prefixes to name them - but you usually don't use a prefix for the first element in the formula. The prefixes tell you how many atoms of each there are.

drop the 'a' and 'o' from the prefix when attaching the prefix to oxide. Ex CO is carbon monoxide

Naming Ionic Compounds

• The positive element (the metal) goes first.

• The positive one gets to keep its name.

• The negative one gets ide attached to the root of the name.

• (think sodium chloride)

To find out how many of each ion to use, first figure out the charge of each ion (see chapter one)

Then criss-cross the charge numbers.

Example: figure out the formula for a substance made from magnesium and chlorine

Mg, the charge is +2, Cl the charge is -1

Flip flop the charges and the formula is MgCl2

Determine if ionic or covalent, then write the formula for these compounds.
sulfur trioxide

calcium fluoride

phosphorus pentachloride

dinitrogen trioxide

lithium oxide

Jan 11-12

2010-01-11T20:06:00.002-05:00

Today in class we investigated conservation of mass in a chemical reaction. We reacted an alka-seltzer tablet with water and measured the mass of the closed system before and after the reaction.

We also started to balance chemical equations--please review chapter two sections one and two after today's class.

Jan 4-5 2010

2010-01-04T20:50:00.002-05:00

Welcome back from winter break!

We dove right into chemical reactions (chapter two) and started off with a reaction that combined HydroChloric Acid (HCl) with Magnesium (Mg). When the two were mixed we saw bubbles of gas and noted that the flask that held the HCl became warm to the touch.

We wrote out the equation as HCl + Mg --> H2 + MgCl2

We noted that this was NOT a balanced equation.

We then collected the gas in a balloon and ignited it. We saw a large fireball.

We then wrote down the equation H2 + O2 --> H2O, again we noted that this was not a balanced equation.

We then completed the start up activity on page 27 then watched some of our commercials.

Dec 14 and 15

2009-12-15T22:40:00.000-05:00

Today in class we took a break from chemistry and learned how to analyze the international boiling point data. We practiced using excel to create graphs and look at trends.

Help in doing this is available on my website under the 'IBP' Page.

Dec 7th and 8th

2009-12-07T12:20:00.002-05:00

Today in class we learned about the elements project. In this project we will be creating a fact sheet, a small model and then a commercial about an element assigned to us.

Each class reviewed the rubric and the project and then saw an example of a successful commercial.

We then went to the computer lab and researched our element for our fact sheet.

Dec 2nd and 3rd

2009-12-03T14:53:00.002-05:00

Today we dug into the periodic table and reviewed the parts of an atom. We learned how to use the information on the periodic table to determine how many protons, neutrons and electrons were in different atoms. We also learned how to identify an elements name by looking at the number of protons.

This information can be found in chapter Five of the Introduction to Matter book, which is available online--see my website for the online textbook.

Nov 30th and Dec 1st

2009-11-30T16:51:00.002-05:00

Our do now today was on the differences between physical and chemical changes. We discussed both, and gave examples of each. We then discussed that the do now questions would make good quiz questions (hint, hint). I would exoect a quiz on wednesday/thursday on this.

After the do now we built our fifth and final design, then explained the changes we made from design to design. Finally we tested and filmed our final designs-look for the films on youtube or in the class wiki.

We also started chemistry. We handed out a periodic table for each student then briefly discussed group 18, the Noble gases, and group 17, the Halogens.

Nov 23-24, creating our posters

2009-11-24T11:50:00.003-05:00

Today we spent our time working on our posters. We illustrated our four designs and then explained what we would do if we were to build another version of our thermal protective system.

We will present the posters on the 25th.

Nov 20 The final design

2009-11-20T16:12:00.001-05:00

Today we created one more thermal protective system. Kudos go to the group in period 5B that created a design that lasted 41 seconds--almost double what all other groups were able to do.

Be sure to check out the video footage on youtube--look for videos by beakernflask

Nov 18 and 19--Engineering Design Challenge Day

2009-11-18T19:27:00.006-05:00

Today we first took care of our first marking period grades. I handed out a sheet to each student, the sheet showed every grade that they had earned in the 1st marking period. They then filled out a form titled "Why I got the grade I got" and wrote one sentence on what they could focus on in second marking period in order to do better.

Once this was out of the way we created two structures for our engineering design challenge. The first structure was made with just a 3 inch square of Al foil. This was tested (and the tests were filmed).

The second structure was made using a 3 inch square of copper mesh, a piece of Al foil, two nuts and one washer. These were also tested and filmed.

Film can be seen at;

http://sciencerocksroom121.pbworks.com/FrontPage

Once on the website look at the right hand side of the screen. There should be several hotlinks, one for each class. Click on the hotlink, then download and view the video files.

Nov 16th--Engineering Design Challenge

2009-11-16T17:14:00.002-05:00

We are taking a short break from the textbook and are working on a design challenge created by NASA. It is called the Thermal Protective Systems design challenge and it models how engineers create protective systems for rockets.

We will be working this challenge until the Thanksgiving break. Our students are creating prototypes of thermal protective systems and then testing them on our very own test bench.

So far, the project has been both fun and informative!

Nov 9th and 10th-Welcome back from break

2009-11-10T20:48:00.002-05:00

Today's class theme was 'Pause and Reflect'. We are just about to finish the first marking period and it is a good time to look back at how we have done.

We discussed a demonstration on air pressure. We inflated a balloon inside a soda bottle, then pressurized the bottle and watched what happened to the balloon. We also felt the side of the bottle and noticed that it became warmer when air was added, and became colder when the air was released.

We then reviewed our chapter two test, and then received graded chapter two homework and also our graded lab reports.

Finally, we are done with our sound and light books--please bring them back in for the next class.

Oct 30th--Halloween Horrors

2009-10-30T17:24:00.002-04:00

Today, a 'C' day for science, we completed the following seven activities:

Haunted rock--we witnessed what a 'rattleback' did. It's modeled after a river rock that spins in one direction only. Spin it the way it doesn't want to spin it will stop and then spin in the opposite direction.

Lasers O' Death--we set up a fog machine and several lasers. We created the normal to a plane (a line perpendicular to a mirror) then bounced a second laser off of the mirror. We saw that the angle between the normal and the incident beam (the beam going into the mirror) was the same as the angle between the normal and the reflected beam. We also witnessed light scattering in the fog.

Have some Plasma---we worked with a plasma ball, discussed the states of matter (solid, liquid, gas, plasma and a new one, the Bose-Einstein Condensate. We saw how a fluorescent bulb could be lit by touching it to the plasma ball.

Electric chair--we used the Van de Graff generator to create electrical fields and then sparks. Some classes also saw how the fluorescent bulb would light when touched to the generator.

Celebrity Peep Cage Match--we placed a cat peep and a ghost peep under the vacuum jar and had them experience the low pressure of a partial vacuum.

Pumpkin Peril--We reacted Calcium Carbide with water inside a pumpkin, then added a spark to see what happened.

Death to Gummy Bears--we melted a small sample of Sodium Chlorate and deposited one gummy bear into the liquid--the results were spectacular.

Extra credit opportunity--take one of the above--write what we did and witnessed in class, then research the scientific principles behind the activity. Create a one page (single spaced, 12 font) explanation and be prepared to teach it to the class when we return from fall break.

Wed and Thursday October 21st and 22nd

2009-10-21T06:37:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was the orientation trip to the high schools. All classes met yesterday for varied amounts of time so we met our new class creatures and then watched a video from the planet earth series.

Wed and Thur we completed the Tuneful Tubes lab activity on resonance and then signed up for Gizmos--an interactive website that we will be incorporating into our lessons and HW.

Gizmos are online interactive simulations. To access them at home you will need to have full installations of both shockwave and java applications. Both are free. If you don't have them the gizmos home page will provide a link to get them.

Note: you will need to turn off your pop-up blocker in order to use gizmos.

October 13th and 14th

2009-10-13T21:21:00.003-04:00

On these days we will determine the speed of sound via an experiment. We will go outside with cymbals and stopwatches and measure how long it takes sound to reach us from varied distances. We will then graph the data in a scatterplot, do some trend analysis and then calculate the speed of sound using the equation velocity equals distance divided by time. As part of this exercise we will also need to convert feet into meters.

Students will need to turn in the scatter plot, the math work used to determine the speed of sound and a two paragraph analysis of the calculated speed of sound in comparison to the published speed of sound of 343 meters per second in air at 20 degrees C

October 12th and 15th

2009-10-13T21:18:00.002-04:00

It is an odd week as the classes are off schedule. On the 12th and 13th we will do an activity using the mosquito ring tone. We will see who can hear the different ring tones. We will also do a lab that shows how different frequencies travel through the air.

October 9th

2009-10-09T14:46:00.002-04:00

Today we had a C day and worked on both Units Conversion and the relationship between frequency and pitch.

We started off with this question. If speedy the turtle can 'run' two feet every five seconds, how many feet per minute can he travel? How many miles per hour is that?

We then took a short quiz and then did the quicklab on page 39.

October 7th and 8th--starting sound

2009-10-07T21:11:00.003-04:00

Today in class we started chapter two in our sound and light book. We first built shoebox guitars and observed how the thickness of the string affected the sound.

We then put a bell inside a vacuum chamber and listened to the change in sound of the bell as we removed some of the air from the chamber. We also put balloons and marshmallows in the vacuum chamber and saw what happened to them.

We then bounced a laser off of a model of an ear drum and saw how different sounds created different laser patterns.

After these demonstrations we completed the good vibrations quick lab on page 30. We experimented with a tuning fork and saw how sound was vibration.

At the close of class we reviewed our recent test.

Note: new homework is available on the resource table.

Oct 1-2

2009-10-03T18:17:00.002-04:00

Today in class we finished up collecting data for the international boiling point project. We reviewed our procedure which we will use when we write our lab report.

After that we worked on wave interactions (interference and diffraction, refraction and reflection.

Remember--our chapter one test is Monday for A days, Tuesday for B days.

September 24th and 25th

2009-09-25T20:25:00.000-04:00

Today we turned in our first ten points of homework and then began the International Boiling Point Project. We got into groups and discussed four possible factors that could affect the boiling point of water.

These factors were 1) the temperature of the room, 2) the amount of water to be boiled, 3) the altitude of the boiling location and 4) the type of stove used to heat the water.

Each group came up with their hypothesis based upon what they thought was the most important factor--we then practiced performing the experiment.

We will do the experiment for real on Tuesday/wednesday.

Sept 18th and 21st

2009-09-21T16:50:00.002-04:00

Today we diagrammed and labelled compressions, rarefactions and wavelengths of a longitudinal wave. We then worked on two labs, the quicklab on page 12 and the wave speed lab on page 20. We also completed our puzzle piece for our classroom posters.

Students who missed this class should read sections one and two of chapter one and complete the section review questions.

We announced that there will be a quiz on diagramming both transverse and longitudinal waves on the 22nd and 23rd and we announced that the chapter one test will be October 5th and 6th.

September 14th-17th

2009-09-16T20:58:00.003-04:00

On the 14th and 15th we took our safety quiz, then reviewed our lab activity by sharing and comparing our data. Finally we experimented with our film cannister cannon.

On the 16th and 17th we began to work in chapter one of the "Sound and Light" book. We looked at examples of transverse and ocean waves, and diagrammed a transverse wave. We defined crest, trough, wavelength and amplitude.

We also practiced using the sq3r reading method as we started to read chapter one, section one.

Finally, we did a human wave, and pointed out crests, troughs and wavelength, then we switched gears and worked on the helium hoop activity.

September 10th-11th--our first lab

2009-09-10T21:12:00.002-04:00

Today we received our textbooks (Sound and Light), read pages 138-139 about the scientific method, and then worked on a lab that investigated pendulums. We looked at the effects on the period of vibration of a pendulum when we changed 1) the mass on the pendulum, 2) the arc length we swung the pendulum and 3) the length of the pendulum itself.

The lab will be due on Monday for A day classes, Tuesday for B day classes and it must be in our class lab format.

Welcome to the new year

2009-08-19T11:07:00.002-04:00

Welcome students and parents of the class of 2010. I'm looking forward to the start of this year as I have planned many new and interesting activities that I learned about at Space Camp this summer.

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June3-4 Environmental science

2009-06-03T18:07:00.002-04:00

We've been busy doing activities centered around environmental science.

In the last week we have explored food chains and webs, and have seen how animals high on the food webs need many more food items lower than them --else they don't survive for long. We have seen how toxins get concentrated in higher order animals (such as ourselves).

We have also completed a lab that modeled wolf survival both with and without human intervention.

Most recently we discussed the importance of clean, safe drinking water and then worked as epidemiologists to discuss factors that affect diseases in populations. We learned that 80% of all diseases are waterborne, that is they spread by the contamination of water. We also learned that less than 100 years ago, many households in the US did not have piped in drinking water--they had to gather water from wells and carry it to their houses.

On Friday we will use the game pandemic 2 to look at disease vectors and how people try to combat the spread of infectious diseases.

May 18-22--Build a better building (out of spaghetti?)

2009-05-19T15:08:00.002-04:00

This week we have started the construction of our earthquake resistant spaghetti buildings. On the 18th and 19th we formed our companies and began to research and design.

Please check the website for the details of the spaghetti webquest. There is also some extra credit available--due by friday the 22nd.

To get some practice in building structures, play the game "Cargo Bridge" at http://onemorelevel.com/game/cargo_bridge

Be sure to check out the advantages of triangles over squares and rectangles.

May 5/6 Starting our projects

2009-05-05T15:04:00.002-04:00

Today starts several days of research and project writing. We will be in the media center/computer lab and working on our poster and digital story. Both will be due on Wednesday May 13th for B classes, Thursday May 14th for A classes.

Don't forget your thumbdrives--we'll need them for the next two weeks.

May 4 Welcome back from Ask Testing

2009-05-04T20:34:00.001-04:00

We are back into the game after the previous week of testing. We are starting our earthquake project--please check out the earthquake project webpage on my class website.

Today in class we used the earthquake shaker table to explore how buildings fail during earthquakes--remember, for extra credit you can build a model of a building with earthquake resistant technology, then test it on our shaker table. Please be prepared to explain how the technology works!

April 20-27 The week before NJASK

2009-04-21T12:08:00.002-04:00

This week we will be doing short reviews of topics previously learned.

Monday we reviewed plate tectonics.
Tuesday we took our chapter test on plate tectonics.
Wednesday we celebrated Earth Day
Thursday we reviewed physical science with dry ice
Friday we reviewed genetics and punnet squares

April 16th and 17th, the layers of the earth and plate boundaries

2009-04-16T15:13:00.002-04:00

Today we covered lots of ground. We created a foldable to organize the layers of the earth. We looked at the layers as defined by its composition, then looked at it as defined by its physical properties. The information for this was found on pages 88-91. Interested students can complete questions 1-4 on page 94 to check their understanding.

We then read about different plate boundaries (divergent, convergent and transform) and also looked at two types of crusts (oceanic and continental). We then completed an activity that used graham crackers to model these different boundary interactions. Read pages 99-101 to refresh your memory about this information.

Remember--test on Tuesday.

April 14-15--welcome back from Spring Break

2009-04-16T07:05:00.002-04:00

Hope everyone had fun during their time off!

Today in class we started plate tectonics and also did a bit of review for the State tests (they are in two weeks time).

We discussed gravity, then demonstrated the phases of the moon.

We started chapter four and discussed the break-up of Pangea, then read about continental drift theory on pages 92-93 and 95-98.

We will have a short test on chapter four on April 21st--check the website for the study guide.

April 1-2 Pompeii

2009-04-02T11:49:00.002-04:00

Today in class we watched the Discovery Channel movie Pompeii: The Last Day. It re-enacted the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius that destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum in AD 79.

March 30-31 Volcanoes!

2009-03-30T15:55:00.002-04:00

Today in class we started a short unit on volcanoes. We watched two short clips on youtube--they can be found at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4KbyB2UnTM

and at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlLZ9Nf96aM

We then watched a demonstration of a volcano erupting and then another of a geyser erupting. Following the demonstrations we worked on the lab "Some go pop, some do not". This lab can be found on page 163 of our textbook. It will be turned in at our next class.

March 27th--Ate the cookies, on to the geologic column

2009-03-27T16:22:00.001-04:00

We finished our oven project--and judging by the number of cookies baked, it was very successful. Today we started a lab on the geologic column and will finish it for homework--the lab is on page 78 in our textbook and is due monday for B classes, tuesday for A classes. Next week we will work on volcanoes and then it is spring break. After that it is 4th marking period and before you know it, graduation.

March 24--finished our ovens

2009-03-24T21:18:00.001-04:00

Both a and b classes have finished our ovens and will be baking our fossil cookies on Wednesday and Thursday. Be sure to know exactly what you need to do when you get into class because we won't have much time to set everything up and get them started cooking!

March 18-19 Easy Bake Ovens

2009-03-19T15:12:00.002-04:00

Today in class we started to build our easy bake ovens. We will be creating ovens out of light bulbs and photo copy paper boxes--then we will be using the ovens to make models of six different types of fossils--using sugar cookie dough as the substrate. The types of fossils are:

Carbon film (or carbonization) fossils
Cast Fossils
Mold Fossils
Simple Burial Fossils
Permineralization (or petrification) Fossils
Replacement Fossils

We will be graded on how well we work together, whether or not our oven works, and how well we model and describe our different fossil cookies.

March 11th and 12th--Modelling the Rock Cycle

2009-03-12T10:22:00.001-04:00

Today we modelled the rock cycle by using either food or crayons. We created igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks and so far, no one has set off any fire alarms.

We also created posters telling how we created our models. We will go over the posters on Friday the 13th and then will have our test on Monday the 16th.

March 9/10 Sedimentary Rock

2009-03-10T12:21:00.002-04:00

We've been working on chapter two, the rock cycle and the three classifications of rock: Sedimentary, Metamorphic and Igneous. Our test will be Monday March 16th and will be all short answer questions--Check out the study guide on the website (go to the tests and quizzes page) at http://www.freewebs.com/extremescience/testsandquizzes.htm

2/24 and 2/25--whodunnit

2009-02-24T11:04:00.001-05:00

Today in class we did a brief review (test on friday) and then got into the mystery minerals lab. Students were given samples of 18 different minerals, and then used different physical properties to identify them.

Feb 18th and 19th--The start of Earth Science

2009-02-18T20:18:00.002-05:00

Today we dug into chapter one and started learning about minerals. We talked about four questions we use to determine if something is a mineral and then we talked about the major classes of minerals (silicates and non-silicates). We also discussed how minerals and chemistry were related.

We then used magnifying glasses to look at several different items, and we determined if they were mineral in nature.

We went over the mineral composition of the earth's crust, and then talked about carbonates, sulfates, native elements, sulfides and halides.

Feb 10-11--finally finishing our projects

2009-02-10T10:16:00.002-05:00

It has been a while since my last post. We have been busily working on our atomic energy projects and will have the 10th and 11th to finish them in class. Those that don't finish will need to complete them at home, or come in early and work on them before school.

We will be switching books--so please bring back your interactions of matter book. We will start on Earth Science on Monday the 16th

Feb 2-3-4

2009-02-03T20:21:00.001-05:00

We are still working on our atomic energy digital stories. We've had some problems saving the files on our wiki, and the latest news from Microsoft is that we need to save our files on our thumbdrives.

So, bring them in folks!

We will not have a test on chapter four, so please also bring back your textbooks.

If you saw the news today about the earthquake in New Jersey--excellent timing, we will be starting our unit on earth science, and will be covering earthquakes.

Jan 27 and 29

2009-01-28T08:21:00.005-05:00

Snow day January 28th.

Today in class we started on our digital stories on atomic energy. In brief, students need to create a short story (~2 minutes in length) on an aspect of atomic energy. You can download the rubric and an explanation of the project by clicking through to http://www.freewebs.com/extremescience/atomicenergyproject.htm.

We will be using photostory 3 software at school to complete our digital stories. This software is free to download from microsoft.

We also learned how to use our class wiki. We will be using this to gather our information, get organized, and then complete the project. You can see the wiki at http://www.sciencerocksroom121.pbwiki.com/

We could use additional computer microphones for this project--if anyone has any to spare, we would love to borrow them!

Thanks,

Mr. J

Jan 23 and Jan 26

2009-01-24T12:47:00.001-05:00

Today was silly hat day. We discussed Alpha and Beta Particles, and Gamma Rays. I wore a paper hat to illustrate the fact that Alpha particles are stopped by paper. I then wore an aluminum foil hat to show that Beta particles are stopped by thin sheets of metal or about a meter thickness of air. Finally I wore a cinder block hat to discuss Gamma Rays.

We also discussed the concept of half life and we performed the Headsium start up activity on page 79 of our textbook. If you missed this class you can do this activity on your own. All you need is 100 pennies.

Be sure to check my website, we will be starting our atomic energy project next week.

Jan 22-23, the birth of atomic energy (and paranoia)

2009-01-21T16:35:00.002-05:00

Today in class we started the final chapter of our interactions of matter book. We are now in the atomic age.

To start off we looked at the world in 1953, when atomic energy was brand new. We watched the civil defense film "Duck and Cover" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0K_LZDXp0I

Then we watched film of an actual nuclear blast at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZxmDJYBKKo

Following this we compared life in 1953 with life today, then we watched excerpts from the film A is for Atom which can be found here.
http://www.archive.org/details/isforAto1953

Finally we discussed our new project. We need to think of some aspect of atomic energy that might interest us--it can be fallout, use in war, cold war, reactors, use in medicine, etc. We will be creating digital stories that help tell the story that we wish to tell.

We'll be doing this in class--however all should start doing some research now--come into class with a good idea on what you want to work on.

January 20th--Attack of the Killer Cabbages

2009-01-20T10:45:00.004-05:00

What happened to the time?

Sorry, I was out on Thursday and Friday January 15th and 16th. On the 14th and on the 20th we completed the cabbage patch indicators lab on page 70 of our textbook. Period 5th-8th on the 20th watched the inauguration instead of the lab.

January 12-13 Acids and Bases

2009-01-12T15:53:00.003-05:00

Today we started chapter three--note that we will not be in this chapter very long!

We reviewed the properties of ionic and covalent compounds and then discussed in depth the property of conductivity. We found that ionic solutions conducted electricity and many covalent compounds did not.

We then looked at Acids and Bases. We noted that acids produce H+ ions in water (also known as hydrogen or hydronium ions). Bases produced OH- ions or Hydroxyl ions. We then found that if you add an acid to a base you get a salt and water.

Jan 7th-8th, May we have your liver?

2009-01-08T10:10:00.002-05:00

Today in class we completed the famous 'Liver Donor Lab'. In this lab we used an enzyme in chicken livers to decompose hydrogen peroxide. We looked at the effect of surface area on reaction speed by grinding up one portion of liver and comparing it with whole pieces. For the control we used a test tube filled with just Hydrogen Peroxide.

We found out that the ground up liver created a more vigorous reaction due to the greater surface area caused by the grinding up of the liver.

Remember, our test on chapter two is Friday, January 9th.

Jan 5th and 6th, Welcome to the new year!

2009-01-05T16:58:00.002-05:00

Today in class we slipped back into our school routine after being away for 12+ days. Hopefully everyone had a good break and is ready to dig in to the schoolwork for these next few months.

Today we learned that our chapter three test will be this friday (January 9th) for all classes. Our homework due date has been moved up to Wed the 7th for the A day classes, Thur the 8th for the B day classes.

We received a study guide today--if you have lost it, head over to my website and check out the test and quizzes webpage for another copy of it.

In class we reviewed balancing chemical equations, the four clues that chemical reactions are occuring, and four different types of chemical reactions. We also went over the differences between chemical symbols, formulae and chemical equations and we talked again about the differences between exothermic and endothermic reactions.

Finally we started on section three. We demonstrated activation energy by dragging a match over a striker until it ignited, then we ignited some magnesium with a bunsen burner.

To end the class we looked at three factors that affect reaction rates: concentration of a solution, the starting temperature of a reaction and the surface area of the reactants. We cut a denture cleanser tablet in half, pulverized one half and then timed the amount of time required to dissolve the tablet and the powder in water. We then demonstrated the effect temperature had by dropping one tablet in room temperature water and another tablet in hot (almost boiling) water.

Dec 23rd--Happy Holidays

2008-12-22T19:00:00.004-05:00

Today in class we watched a few more of the commercials and/or watched the original "How the Grinch stole Christmas".

Homework will not be due until January 9th--have a great holiday break and do just a little bit of studying because the chapter two test will be shortly after we return!

Dec 19th and Dec 22nd

2008-12-22T18:57:00.002-05:00

Dec 19th I was absent! However the class worked on a conservation of mass lab. They took the mass of a denture cleansing tablet, a beaker, some water, and a ziplock bag. They then placed the water and the tablet in the bag, quickly sealed it and observed the reaction.

Finally, they weighed the bag, water and dissolved tablet, and then tried to determine if mass was conserved.

Dec 22nd we coated pinecones with molten wax, then sprinkled metallic salts on them. These can be thrown into wood burning fireplaces to create different colored flames. We also received our elements project grades and watched some of the elements commercials.

Dec 17-18 Burn, Baby, Burn!

2008-12-22T18:50:00.003-05:00

We started off by taking notes on four types of chemical reactions. They were Synthesis, Decomposition, Single Replacement and Double Replacement Reactions. Synthesis means putting something together, Decomposition means taking it apart. Single replacement would be an element switching places with a part of a compound and double replacement would be two parts of two compounds switching places.

Then we completed the 'Burn, Baby, Burn" lab, complete with soundtrack courtesy of youtube. We weighed steel wool, then burnt it using a candle, then weighed it again. Many were surprised to see that the steel wool gained weight after it had been torched.

We discussed how this did not contradict the idea of conservation of mass. We realized that we had not weighed the oxygen that combined with the steel wool.

Finally, we balanced the equation Fe +O2-->Fe2O3 (this was the reaction we had completed).

Dec 15-16, What's in a name

2008-12-16T15:04:00.002-05:00

today we went over some basic rules for naming covalent molecules and ionic compounds. We discussed the latin prefixes mono, di, tri, tetra, penta, hexa, septa, octa, nona and deca.

We also spent more time balancing equations using this website http://funbasedlearning.com/chemistry/chembalancer/default.htm

If you missed this class--try the ones on the website--if you do well, try the hard ones at

http://funbasedlearning.com/chemistry/chemBalancer3/default.htm

Bring in old candles and pine cones--we'll have something fun to do with them next week!

Dec 12th--Balancing chemical equations

2008-12-12T22:11:00.001-05:00

Today we had a C day, and we began to balance chemical equations--If you missed today's class check out the study help section of my website. There is a link to a website that will help you learn how to balance equations.

Balancing equations is in section one of chapter two. Good Luck!

Dec 10-11--exploring chemical reactions

2008-12-10T21:13:00.002-05:00

Today we dove into the chemistry. After a short set of notes on the clues to chemical reactions (hosted by Blue, from Blues Clues) we broke into groups and started experimenting.

We first mixed Ammonium Nitrate with water and found that as the chemical dissolved the test tube became very cold.

Secondly we mixed copper sulfate solution with washing soda and saw a white precipitate form.

For our third experiment we poured some manganese dioxide into hydrogen peroxide--we noticed bubbles of gas which we then tested with glowing splints. The glowing splint relit which told us that the gas was oxygen.

We then mixed baking soda with vinegar--again forming a gas. Our lit splint went out this time which led us to believe that the gas was carbon dioxide.

For our final experiment we dropped some Magnesium metal into a test tube of hydrochloric acid. We again saw bubbling. When we tested this reaction product the results were quite explosive!

Dec 8-9 Starting chemical reactions

2008-12-08T22:21:00.004-05:00

Today we modeled the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. We did this using the molecule sets and the instructions to the start up activity (found on page 27). If you missed this in class you can try it at home using marshmallows and toothpicks.

We also graded our chapter one homework, turned in our commercials, and found out our grades on the model. We took a few notes on products, reactants, the yields symbol and conservation of matter. We also discussed the difference between coefficients and subscripts in chemical formulae--and we counted the number of atoms in compounds.

Finally, we received the new take twenty homework handout--the first ten points will be due the 15th/16th, the second ten points will be due the 22nd/23rd.

Finally--we found out that the plasma ball can activate the musical chip in my holiday tie!

Dec 3-4 Making Chemical Models

2008-12-03T14:57:00.003-05:00

Today we went over our homework then completed a lab on making chemical models. We used the model kits provided to us from a grant from the PFA (thanks again, they were very useful!) and created ball and stick models of both ionic and covalent substances.

We modeled H2, Cl2, O2, N2, HCl, KCl, HBr, H2O, CO2, H2S, NH3 and CH4.

Remember--Test on Friday--Extra help every morning starting at 7:30 am.

Dec 1-2, Post Turkey Day Review

2008-12-01T19:56:00.002-05:00

Today we turned in our 3D model of our atom and also the chapter one homework. We then reviewed how to read the periodic table and how to figure out the numbers of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom by looking at the periodic table.

We also went over the chapter one study guide (given out today in class and available online at my website). The chapter one test will be this Friday, December fifth.

Finally we created atomic bonding skits. Each group was given the names of two elements, the group then had to determine if the elements bonded, then create a skit to show how they would bond.

Nov 21st--Our First Video Conference

2008-11-21T18:54:00.003-05:00

Today was a great day!

Four of our classes had the opportunity to participate in an online video conference with a private school in Pennsylvania. Students in both classes had completed the International Boiling Point Project and the reason behind the conference was to discuss the shared experiences while completing the project. We used Skype to create the VC and it worked very well.

The video conference went off with only minor hitches--sound was a problem but we were able to work through it. Students from both schools were able to ask questions about the project, as well as more personal questions such as "was the school food good?", "have you seen anyone from Jon and Kate, plus eight?" to "do you like your science teacher? (I left the room for that one).

Our students were most surprised about how few students were in the other school, plus they could not comprehend not being able to wear jeans and t shirts to school. I can't answer for the other school but I believe that they could not believe how many students we had.

This was the very first video conference students at our school have ever participated and their behavior and questions were excellent. Hopefully we will be able to schedule more video conferences.

Nov 19-20 The Official First Day of Chemistry

2008-11-20T20:26:00.004-05:00

Today we finished refreshing our atoms and then started with chemical bonding.

First we completed the from glue to goop activity (page 2 in the textbook). We mixed watered down glue (50/50 mix of water and elmers) with a dilute borax solution (4 grams of borax to 100 mL's of water). It made a silly putty like material.

We then drew lots of Bohr models of atoms--we did hydrogen, helium, lithium, sodium, chlorine, neon and potassium.

Finally, we filled a balloon full of hydrogen gas and blew it up--and we have film to prove it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ImFhVq5AOU

Nov 17-18 Gathering Information

2008-11-17T21:35:00.003-05:00

Today we went to either the media center or the computer lab and began working on gathering the info for our elements project. We used multiple sources (three minimum including one book source) to determine the key facts on our element. This part of the project will be due this friday.

Nov 13-14 Starting Chemistry

2008-11-13T21:42:00.002-05:00

Today in class we had a whirlwind refresher on sixth grade chemistry. We touched on the parts of an atom (Protons, Neutrons and Electrons). We talked about the difference between atoms (no charge) and ions (have charges).

We then reviewed the periodic table, talked about how protons made the atom--any atom with one proton was a hydrogen atom (number 1 on the periodic table), any with 2 protons was Helium (number two on the table). We pointed out the noble gases and the halogens, or salt formers.

All this information can be found in the introduction to matter book (see my website for the online version of the book).

Finally, we discussed our elements project--We will be creating fact sheets, 3-D models and a commercial about an element. We saw sample commercials from previous classes.

This project will have three parts, and three due dates. Please see the Elements project page on my website for the specific due dates.

Nov 10th and 12th--still working on the data

2008-11-10T20:10:00.002-05:00

We spent another full day in the computer room and by now our data should be thoroughly crunched! We'll be turning in our project lab reports later this week. I've added to my homework page our class introduction letter with our original hypothesis. Please cut and paste it into your lab report.

Nov 3rd and 5th--Crunching the Data

2008-11-03T16:20:00.002-05:00

Today in class we began the analysis of the international boiling point data. This was a very intense day and the students all worked extremely hard. To get a better idea of what was done, head back to my website and look at the homework post for October 29th. This will give you the basic idea of what type of analysis we did.

You may download the project data from my homework page--you may also look at two mini movies that show how to use excel to analyze the data.

Oct 31st, Halloween

2008-11-03T16:18:00.002-05:00

Today we did a C day and presented our concept maps--I have to admit, watching students in costume present concept maps was a lot of fun--imagine someone dressed as a chicken explaining wave interactions...

October 27th/28th 29th and 30th Color Mixing Lab

2008-10-26T21:02:00.004-04:00

29th-30th

We completed the color mixing lab on page 84--however we used the following websites to complete the color addition part of the lab

Additive color mixing

Fun with color filters

If you missed this class try both of these websites--play with the software and take notes on what happens when you play with different colored lightbulbs, canvases and filters.

On the 27th and 28th we went over light interactions We demonstrated the ideas of regular and diffuse reflection, light scattering, angles of incidence and angles of reflection--all with two laser pointers and a fog machine--These demonstrations match up with chapter 3, section 3 in our textbook. Finally we worked on our concept maps which we will be presenting to the class on halloween.

Oct 23-24, Why are you wearing that? Won't you be hot?

2008-10-24T07:39:00.002-04:00

Today in class we dove deeper into the electromagnetic spectrum, looked at additive color mixing and answered the question why darker colored clothes get hot quicker than lighter colored ones.

We discussed and looked at how white light is composed of the colors of the rainbow (roygbiv), also known as the visible spectrum, and how ultraviolet (uv) light is above violet, infra red (IR) is below red. We discussed that we experience different frequencies of EM radiation as color--just as we experience different frequencies of sound as pitch.

Finally, we completed the 'which color is hotter lab'--though we did not follow the procedure in the book--instead we made up our own because we wanted to use our nifty digital temperature probes.

Reminder--ten points of HW are due on Monday the 27th for A days, Tuesday the 28th for B days.

Oct 21st and 22nd; What Light through yonder window breaks?

2008-10-21T21:56:00.002-04:00

Today we started chapter three--all about light.

It was a busy day, we first took care of some general classroom business by looking over our graded chapter two tests and also self graded our chapter two homework portfolios.

We then viewed some slides of rainbows, sundogs and halos--then looked at light being broken up by a prism. Some classes looked at copper giving off green light during intense heating--other classes were not so fortunate as unfortunately the gas valve in room 121 became stuck in the off position.

We finished off the day by looking through spectroscopes at both fluorescent and incandescent lights, then had a brief discussion about the speed of light and the light year. We looked at the galaxy Andromeda and discussed what was happening on earth when the light that we see today first left the galaxy 2 1/2 million years ago.

We also received a hardcopy of the chapter three take twenty homework assignments. Not bad for 80 minutes!

Oct 13-14, constructive interference with sound

2008-10-14T13:01:00.002-04:00

Today we finished up our concept maps on waves and sound then we started the tuneful tubes lab (page 131 in the textbook).

In this lab we created constructive interference with sound waves. We knew we had created constructive interference because the sound of the tuning fork became louder.

We also turned in the next set of homework assignments.

Remember--Test on Friday--extra help this week is during lunch hour.

October 8th-10th

2008-10-08T15:29:00.002-04:00

Today we looked at the doppler effect with the help of an neat little program found at http://www.lon-capa.org/~mmp/applist/doppler/d.htm

We then played a virtual piano through a virtual oscilloscope and listened and compared how the instruments sounded and looked.

Following this we completed the good vibrations lab on page 30, the sounding board lab on page 39; we sketched the inner ear, played with the tin can telephones and demonstrated resonance using a matched pair of tuning forks.

At the end of class we went back to talking about pressure--we put a balloon in a bottle, pressurized the bottle and watched the balloon shrink--we also pulled a vacuum on a marshmallow and watched the marshmallow expand.

Remember--the rest of the homework points are due on Monday for B day classes--tuesday for A day classes and the next test will be on Friday the 17th of October.

Oct 6-7, Ear ye, Ear ye

2008-10-07T16:07:00.002-04:00

We are into chapter two today--we started off with a demo model of the eardrum--we played music and bounced a laser beam off of the surface of the eardum and on to the smartboard--we watched the vibrations of the music cause the laser beam to create some very interesting patterns.

We then demonstrated what happens to sound waves when you remove air. We rang a bell inside a bell jar--then removed some of the air with a vacuum pump. We found that the sound of the bell became fainter.

We then discussed air pressure, scuba diving and balloons. We saw that if you put a balloon into a low pressure area the balloon expands. We found the same thing happened to marshmallows--put them in low pressure and they expand.

Finally, we used inspiration software to start the creation of a concept map for chapters one and two.

Note: Ten points of homework were due today.

October 2-3--What's that sound

2008-10-02T09:57:00.002-04:00

Due to the nice weather this week and the rain forecast for next week we moved up our speed of sound lab--we went outside with large cymbals and timers and determined how fast sound travels. The lab for this activity is on page 130 in our textbook.

We also experimented with the doppler effect using our buzzing frisbee. We found that as the annoying sound went away from us it dropped in pitch--when it was thrown toward us it rose in pitch. We also determined that Mr. J can still throw a frisbee...

Back in the classroom we looked at our experimental data and discussed the areas where error could have entered our data.

Reminder--ten points of homework are due on Monday/Tuesday October 6th and 7th

9/29-10/1 finished collecting data and reviewed ch 1 homework

2008-10-01T15:39:00.002-04:00

We had a busy two days. We collected data for day three of the international boiling point project. Everyone had a chance using the digital temperature probes--following the lab we discussed the graph that was created by the data.

We reviewed our chapter one homework and self graded the homework portfolio. Following that we completed the start up activity on page 29--making homemade guitars using shoeboxes and rubber bands. We discussed how the thickness of the rubber band and the length impacted the sound that the band made.

Finally, we received the chapter two homework assignment. Ten points will be due on Monday/Tuesday October 6th/7th, the remainder of the points will be due on Monday/Tuesday October 13th/14th. As always--turning things in early is appreciated!

September 19-24 Started the IBP Project

2008-09-24T15:57:00.003-04:00

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!

September 17th-18th

2008-09-18T18:21:00.002-04:00

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

September 15-16--making waves

2008-09-15T16:18:00.002-04:00

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.

September 12th Safety Quiz day

2008-09-12T15:16:00.002-04:00

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.

September 8th-9th--Safety, Scientific Method and Observations

2008-09-08T14:53:00.004-04:00

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.

Sept 4-5, Welcome Class of 2009!

2008-09-04T06:27:00.003-04:00

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

Math fractions webquest

2008-07-22T15:29:00.002-04:00

Please follow this link to the fractions math webquest:

http://wizard.4teachers.org/worksheet/view.php?id=76182

Multiplying by decimals help

http://www.coolmath.com/decimals/08-decimals-multiplying.html

long division help

2008-07-01T17:27:00.002-04:00

Watch this video for help in long division

Uploaded on authorSTREAM by killinge

Division facts game

2008-06-26T20:49:00.000-04:00

Click here for full screen version

Closed for Summer Break

2008-06-23T08:08:00.001-04:00

We're on break--check back here in late August for information about 2008-2009 at Thompson Middle School!

Intro to authoring triple play podcast

2008-06-15T15:52:00.002-04:00

Click to Play

Just finished my very first podcast--click it if you dare!

Act 1 Audacity tutorial result

Act 2 The Garden Oasis

Act 3 Mark Twain's earthquake experience

April 10th-21 Earthquake project

2008-04-18T14:14:00.002-04:00

We have been hard at work completing our earthquake webquest. We should be finishing up the last part of it towards the middle of next week. Please go to my homepage and download the webquest for further details. http://www.freewebs.com/extremescience/

4/16-4/21 Clean up and then study cells

2008-04-18T14:06:00.002-04:00

On the 16th and 17th, in honor of the upcoming earth day celebatrion we watched the Lorax and then went outside to clean up the upper and lower fields. We found many items including an old car battery charger and a glass gatorade bottle.

On the 18th and 21st we went back into the cells book and learned about Cell theory, surface to volume ratios and why you don't find cells the size of elephants. We dove back into the pond water and saw single celled organisms including cilliates, stentors and even an aomeba!

April 14-15 Cells, Cells, Cells

2008-04-15T14:22:00.001-04:00

Today we started the new book, Cells, Heredity and Classification. We used the microscope to look at cells of the water plant Elodea. Some classes also looked at pond water (affectionately known as pond scum). We saw single and multicellular organisms.

We read section one together and took notes on cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms, populations, communities and the ecosystem!

April 8 building robotic arms

2008-04-08T21:08:00.002-04:00

Today our A classes read about working and living in space (section 4 of chapter 5). We then completed the lab on page 148 (entitled Reach for the Stars).

Following the lab we worked on our water rockets. Weather permitting we will launch them on April 9th and 10th.

April 8-9 Earthquakes continued

2008-04-08T21:06:00.001-04:00

Today we read the last section of chapter 5 'Earthquakes' then worked on our webquest. Each group should be finishing up with task 1 and 2 at this point in time.

April 2nd-3rd Satellites are out tonite

2008-04-03T14:07:00.002-04:00

Today in class we read the section on satellites and discussed how technology from the space race benefits us.

Following this we launched several water rockets and then came back inside and began to design our own rockets. We'll be doing this over the next 2 classes.

April 2nd-3rd: Starting Earthquake webquest

2008-04-03T14:01:00.002-04:00

Today in class we began to work on our earthquake webquest. We'll be researching the causes of earthquakes, how they are measured and how we build structures that can survive them. We'll also learn about some of the world's major earthquakes.

A copy of the webquest can be found on my webpage in the 8th grade homework section

March 31st-April 1st: Space, the final frontier...

2008-03-31T14:31:00.002-04:00

Welcome back!

Today we started our unit on space exploration. We will be very busy on several projects. We'll be building water rockets, straw rockets, robotic arms and who knows what else.

For a great website on water rockets, try http://home.people.net.au/~aircommand/index.htm

March 31st-April 1st--Shake it, Don't Break it!

2008-03-31T14:28:00.002-04:00

Welcome back from Spring Break!

We have a busy month ahead of us--the marking period ends in 2 weeks, and the NJ ASK 8 tests are at the end of the month.

Today in class we started our unit on Earthquakes. We will be doing several projects--check the homework page on my website to download the Thompson earthquake webquest document. It is the guide for this unit.

March 19-20 Nobody's fault but mine

2008-03-19T17:55:00.002-04:00

Quick Recap

March 17-18: We created a foldable that showed the different layers of the earth according to composition (crust, mantle and core) and physical properties (lithosphere, aesthenosphere, mesosphere, outer core, inner core). We then watched a demonstration of a geyser, and also looked at a non newtonian fluid--a material that acts like the plastic mantle.

March 19-20: We took some notes on the different types of faults (normal, reverse, strike-slip) and then completed the lab on page 110. In the lab we used playdough to recreate mountains folding during compression, then we showed both normal and reverse faults.

Mar 19-20--Galaxies and Stars

2008-03-19T17:49:00.004-04:00

Gearing up for spring break! Here is a quick recap

March 17-18 We used the Hubble Deep Field images to classify galaxies according to their shape, size and color. We worked in groups and found that sometimes it was very difficult to agree on just what shape that fuzzy blob of stars was!

March 19-20 We created a scaled model of the big dipper and reviewed light years, red giants and blue dwarf stars.

No homework over break! enjoy!

March 13/14 Test Today

2008-03-13T13:28:00.001-04:00

Today we reviewed and then took our test on the rock and fossil record. Students that finished early got a jump on the reading for the next chapter.