Daily+Update

Students worked on a massive crossword puzzle on all the material eligible for the Unit Test on May 19. If the puzzle was not finished in class, it is homework. The following material is on the unit test:
 * May 18, 2011**

Sec. 1-1, Sec. 1-2, Sec. 1-3, Sec. 1-4, Sec. 2-1, Sec. 2-2, Crash Course, PT Periods and Groups

Assign: Study for unit test, Unit Review crossword Students began working on the Alien Periodic Table activity following completion of the "Groups and Periods" notes. This week wraps up alot of things before we begin building our Rube Goldberg projects. Please see the schedule of events below:
 * May 16, 2011**

Due 5/18: Rube Goldberg Design Sheet (18pts) Due 5/18: Alein Periodic Table (30pts) 5/19: Chemistry Unit Test (~110pts) 5/20: Notebook Test (~70pts)

Please start bringing in supplies for your Rube Goldberg projects. You have a cabinet space to store them in when you bring things in. Student continued working on the "Crash Course on the Periodic Table" which summarizes the basics needed about the Periodic Table. This is made up of 5 parts and each part is 10pts. All sections must be completed and checked BY Wednesday for credit.
 * May 9, 2011**

Assign: Crash Course Due 5/11; Chem Unit Test 5/19; 4th Quarter Notebook Test 5/20
 * May 4, 2011**

We completed a series of demonstrations for the gas laws including using the vacuum chamber. Tomorrow is the quiz on Sec. 2-1 and 2-2.

Assign: Study for Sec. 2-1, 2-2 Quiz (38pts) FIELD TRIP IS FRIDAY 4/29!! PLEASE ARRIVE BY 6:15AM AT THER MIDDLE SCHOOL. WE ARE ROLLING OUT AT 6:30 SHARP... NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!
 * April 28, 2011**

Assign: (for Monday) Sec. 2-1 Review and Reinforce WS (5pts) Students completed the work needed for Chapter 1. This week was a bit mixed up w/ Mr. Fayerman visiting the school but the experience to hear him speak was worth the loss of classtime.
 * April 21, 2011**

Assign: Chapter 1 Test (100pts) Tuesday 4/26
 * April 18, 2011**

Students began Sec. 1-4 in Chemistry. They were given classtime to work in groups to complete the outline for Sec. 1-4. We checked their work off of the powerpoint presentation for this section.

Assign: Sec. 1-3 R&R WS (5pts); Ch. 1 Crossword Review Puzzle on back of Sec. 1-4 outline due by Wed. We went over and discussed Sec. 1-3 to ensure all materia in the notebook is correct. We spent some time discussing the Chernobyl disaster and how it relates to what is going on in Japan today.
 * April 15, 2011**

Assign: Ch. 1 Test Thurs. 4/21 Science Fair projects are due today! Students discussed projects and began work on Sec. 1-3. They were given classtime to complete an outline for Sec. 1-3. Any remaining work was to be done for homework.
 * April 14, 2011**

Assign: Sec. 1-3 Outline

Students completed a short quiz for Sec. 1-2. They were then given time to work on their density lab activity. If a group finished the lab early, there was a challenge activity where students were to figure out a way to make an egg suspend in water by altering the density of the water.
 * April 13, 2011**

Assign: SF project due tomorrow!! Students reviewed their homework from the previous day and then began a lab activity to alter and measure the density of a solid.
 * April 12, 2011**

Assign: Project due 4/14! Sec. 1-2 Quiz tomorrow (22pts)
 * April 11, 2011**

Students finished up the notes for Sec. 1-2 in chemistry by completing the work on density and going on the process to obtain volume of an irregularly shaped object through water displacement. Students were assigned 2 sheets to practice these skills.

Assign: 1-2 Review and Reinforce WS (5pts); Volume calculations on back of Sec. 1-1 notes (5pts); SF due Thursday!! (80pts); Sec. 1-2 quiz Wed 4/13 (~20pts); Science PSSA day.... watched Planet Earth series in afternoon and enjoyed a well deserved, relaxing day!! Back to normal... finally! Students began completing notes for Sec. 1-2 in Chemistry dealing w/ mass, weight, volume, and density.
 * April 8, 2011**
 * April 7, 2011**

Assign: SF Due next thursday (4/14) Students took a notebook test for the 3rd quarter.
 * April 6, 2011**

Assign: SF Due next thursday (4/14); MyAccess essays due 4/7 (24pts) Students were again in the computer lab completing our final review of PSSA topics. Using the program MyAccess, they were given 3 questions to research and repond to. The questions are PSSA style "open ended" questions. Students will be assessed on their ability to answer these questions. Each question is worth 8pts (for a total of 24 for the assignment). If any questions were not answered in class, students may use the computer lab during 8th period, during IHT, or morning homeroom to finish their responses. They may also access the program from home. If a student does NOT have any computer access, they may write out their responses on a piece of notebook paper. The writing prompt for this assignment can be found under "Notebook" --> "Extras" --> "PSSA Review Prompt"
 * April 5, 2011**

Assign: Organize notebook for test tomorrow! SF projects due next week (4/14); any groups that have NOT submitted a hypothesis or procedure by Thurs. will recieve a "0" for the grade (3rd quarter)... they may still complete a project by next Thurs. but the remaining points on the project will be applied to 4th quarter; MyAccess Essays from 4/5 due by end-of-day Thurs. (end of 3rd quarter)

Morning classes worked in the computer lab on a few activities dealing w/ the rock cycle, balancing chemical equations, and punnett squares. Afternoon classes did some discussion/review of the water cycle, watersheds, and a rock cycle demonstration.
 * April 4, 2011**

Assign: Work on SF Project (due 4/14; Notebook test 4/6 (approx 60-70pts)

Students participated in a group dissection of a dogfish. This is an activity organized by all 3 science teachers as a way of reviewing a number of PSSA topics. Students will be doing dissections starting in 9th grade so this experience will hopefully prepare them a bit for future science classes. It is an activity that both the staff and students enjoy.
 * March 31-April 1, 2011**

Assign: Work on SF project (due 4/14); Notebook test 4/6

Students participated in a review of science PSSA materials. Please remember, next week (the 6th) there will be a notebook test! The "upside down" notebook game is in effect! Everything MUST be clipped into your notebook for use on the test. Please take a few minutes to check your notebook against either mine in my classroom or against the digital copy on this website. if you are missing anything, it's your responsibility to get the paper/work. This applies even if you were absent the day it was handed out or completed!
 * March 30, 2011**

Assign: Work on SF project (due April 14); Notebook test 4/6 (last major grade of the 3rd quarter!!) Students in Pd. 6,7 spent the class period in the computer lab reviewing a few websites to help teach a bit about the rock cycle, balancing chemical equations, and punnett squares.
 * March 29, 2011**

Assign: Work on SF project; Notebook test is 4/6!

Students took their writing PSSA tests in the morning. As such, the schedule on Mon, Tues, and Wed. will be alittle messed up w/ classes. All periods participated in a review game to review/refresh memories of some science vocab.
 * March 28, 2011**

Assign: Work on SF Project; Notebook test is 4/6!!

Students took a quiz on Sec. 1-1 in Chem. Following the quiz, we reviewed adaptations and natural selection in preparation for the Science PSSA tests.
 * March 25, 2011**

Assign: work on SF project

March 24, 2011
We completed some review exercises for the quiz on Friday for Sec. 1-1 in Chemistry.

Assign: Study for quiz; work on SF project

March 23, 2011
We finished up the notes for Sec. 1-1 and discussed pure substances vs. mixtures. Periods 6 and 7 have a homework assignment tonight (other classes had it last night). Students will take a short quiz on Sec. 1-1 on Friday 3/25. It will be worth apprix. 24pts.

Assign: Sec. 1-1 Review and Reinforce WS (5pts) (Pd. 6,7); Notebook test 4/6; test retakes must be done by 8th period today.

March 22, 2011
I'm getting back on track w/ updating this. I was absent for a number of days due to illness and we had PSSAs in there too so we're finally getting back into the swing of things. We still have a PSSA writing test next week for 3 days and the science test the week after, so we're not in the clear yet. In class, we began our unit on Chemistry. This will keep us busy for a few months until mid/end of May. Today we continued working through the outline for Sec. 1-1 and discussed Physical Changes vs Chemical Changes. My period 1,2,4 classes had homework. My Pd. 6 and 7 will have it tomorrow night.

Assign: Sec. 1-1 Review and Reinforce WS (5pts) (Pd. 1,2,4); test retakes must be done before 3/23

March 11, 2011
Students got back their tests from 3/10. There was a wide variety of grades on this test. I will be offering a retake for those students scoring below a 74% from Monday through the following Tuesday. Keep in mind, there will be no 8th period during PSSA tests on Tues, Wed. and Thurs. Successful completion of the retake will bring the grade up to a 74% on this exam. Following the test, we discussed what was occuring right now in Japan w/ the Tsunami. We talked about how tsunami waves occur and the devestation they can cause. We then viewed footage from this recent tsunami and the tsunami in 2004 that struck Asia.

Assign: Mousetrap car conclusion will be locked Sunday night @ midnight... have your conclusion finished by then; Chapter 1 Vocab due Monday 3/14; Covered text will be checked Monday 3/14; keep working on SF projects!!!!

March 10, 2011
Students completed a test on the Scientific Method and the Physics we discussed in class. They were supplied new text books for the chemistry unit we will be starting next. After they completed the test, they were to begin working on their Ch. 1 vocab for Chemisty. Their book also must be covered by next week.

Assign: Mousetrap car conclusion will be locked Sunday night @ midnight... have your conclusion finished by then; Chapter 1 Vocab due Monday 3/14; Covered text will be checked Monday 3/14

March 9, 2011
We spent today in the computer lab working on the mousetrap car conclusion in MyAccess. This is the ONLY class period that will be spent in the computer lab working on the conclusion. The final lab conclusion must be finished and submitted by mid-night on Sunday (via MyAccess). Again, students should shoot to write a "4" on the point scale. Your MyAccess score will count as a portion of the grade however each essay will be read then for content by me. The conclusion essay is worth a total of 30pts. and the entire lab writeup is worth 44pts. As you can see, success on the conclusion is vital to success on the project. Groups that were unable to get a working car or students that were absent will be provided a data set collected during 8th period. Also, do not forget that there is a 70pt. test tomorrow on the scientific method, SVA calcs, energy types, forces, and energy sources.

Assign: Mousetrap car writeups due by Sunday night; Test/Quiz (~60-80pts) Thurs. March 10th (Scientific Method, SVA calcs, energy types, forces, energy sources); **keep working on SF projects**

March 8, 2011
Students completed their mousetrap cars. Due to the difficulty in making wheels, I created a number of sets of pre-made wheels in the appropriate sizes to be used with the cars. As a result, nearly every group was able to complete a finished car, run a number of trials, and collect data.

Assign: Test/Quiz (~60-80pts) Thurs. March 10th (Scientific Method, SVA calcs, energy types, forces, energy sources); **keep working on SF projects**

March 4, 2011
Students participated in a review of the material to be assessed on the test next week. This includes the scientific method (what are the parts, how to use it), calcluating speed and acceleration (using speed triangle), Forces (balanced/unbalanced, contact/non-contact), and renewable/non-renewable energy

Assign: Test/Quiz (~60-80pts) Thurs. March 10th (Scientific Method, SVA calcs, energy types, forces, energy sources); **keep working on SF projects**

March 3, 2011
Students worked on mousetrap cars and some groups began finishing them up... due to unforseen circumstances (car project and computer time) the test has been rescheduled

Assign: Test/Quiz (~60-80pts) Thurs. March 10th (Scientific Method, SVA calcs, energy types, forces, energy sources); keep working on SF projects

March 2, 2011
Student's continued working on their mousetrap cars. We will complete test runs and data collection tomorrow. We will review for the test on Friday.

Assign: Test/Quiz (~60-80pts) Tues. March 8th (Scientific Method, SVA calcs, energy types, forces, energy sources); keep working on SF projects

March 1, 2011
Students began building mousetrap cars. These cars are powered by the spring of a mousetrap. They are being built from kits and the objective is to see how the size of the rear wheel affects the speed and acceleration of the car down a 3m track. This is a full lab and the writeup will be due next week. Due to this lab taking a number of days, the test scheduled for Thursday will actually be bumped back until next Tues (Mon is a day off)

Assign: Test/Quiz (~60-80pts) Tues. March 8th (Scientific Method, SVA calcs, energy types, forces, energy sources); keep working on SF projects

February 28, 2011
We finished our notes on the energy sources and discussed the SF project. If you have received a grade for the hypothesis paper, then you may move forward w/ the procedure. Remember, the procedure should be written in such a way that a stranger could do the experiment w/o difficulty and get the same results that you did. We will be beginning a fun, hand-on lab tomorrow... it will take at least 2 and possibly 3 days. The test is still scheduled for Thurs. but it may very well not happen until Friday.

Assign: Test/Quiz (~60-80pts) Thurs. March 3rd (Scientific Method, SVA calcs, energy types, forces, energy sources)

February 25, 2011
We began working on notes for the last section of Physics on energy sources. Using a Frayer 4-square organizer, we compared the advantages and disadvantages for numerous enery sources.

Assign: Test/Quiz (~60-80pts) Thurs. March 3rd (Scientific Method, SVA calcs, energy types, forces, energy sources)

February 24, 2011
Students completed a set of notes on different forms of energy, energy conversions, and forces. These notes were taken out of the textbook in our room and the PSSA manual. If you were absent today, be sure to get whatever you missed! We will make sure you have all the correct info on your pages tomorrow.

Assign: Test/Quiz (~60-80pts) Thurs. March 3rd (Scientific Method, SVA calcs, energy types, forces, energy sources)

February 23, 2011
We completed a review of the speed, velocity, and acceleration calculations due today. You should be able to complete calculations such as these w/o difficulty on a test or quiz!

Assign: SF project due ASAP!! GET THEM IN SOON!!!

February 22, 2011
We spent the day in the computer lab. After reading through the Science Fair ideas/proposals, I felt that some more focus was needed in the topics. Some topics were OK but needed more information for me to sign off on them... others needed a totally fresh start. A new "proposal" form was handed out that included the listing of the independent variable(s), dependent variable(s), and the operational definition. Remember, your experiment has to be measurable!

Assign: All of the calculations assigned 2/16 (incl. those skipped originally); SF proposal papers due ASAP! (don't move forward until i approve it)

February 18, 2011
Half day... did a fun lab.

Assign: All of the calculations assigned 2/16 (incl. those skipped originally)

February 17, 2011
We looked at another method (triangle) for solving speed equations where you are required to find the distance or time in an equation. The homework assigned last night was not checked but will be checked next week (Tues) for completion of all problems. The method we went over today should help with those skipped on last night's homework.

Assign: SF project ideas due... remember... you MUST have an independent variable that can be changed and MEASURABLE data!

February 16, 2011
Lab reports were returned. Overall, I was impressed by the work that was done. This was not an easy assignment and many students rose to the challenge. If you did well on this you have every right to be proud! Good Job!

We did some practice problems for the calculations of speed, velocity, and acceleration in class. Additional problems were assigned for homework (can be found in HW section of NB). It came to my attention during 4th period that many students have not learned how to do the algebra necessary to answer a few questions on the homework. Only 1, 5, 6, 7, 10 are required to be done. First and second period were not made aware of this due to the lack of 8th period today. Try what you can for tomorrow. I will show a method of solving the skipped problems tomorrow.

Assign: Speed, velocity, acceleration calculations (#1,5,6,7,10 only); Science Fair projects due by end of the week

February 15, 2011
Today we began our mini-unit on physics and motion. We will be covering the very basics of physics to give students a grasp of the concept and some equations/calculations. To start, we are discussing speed, velocity, and acceleration. Today we finished a set of notes on these topics. We will be practicing the calculation and then apply these concepts in the future.

Assign: Science Fair Problem & Hypothesis sheet due by Friday

February 14, 2011
Students worked in pairs to complete a PSSA practice test. This enabled me to customize review for the topics needed to be reviewed before the PSSA test in early April.

Assign: Science Fair Problem & Hypothesis sheet due by Friday

February 11, 2011
Lab reports were collected. They are worth 55 points. Our 2011 Science Fair project was outlined. Students may work in groups (up to 3) on their project. The project should be scientifically valuable and should answer a question or solve a problem. This multi-stepped project will ulitmately be due on 3/28. A full write up (what students recieved) is available in the labwork section of my notebook.

Assign: start thinking about SF project ideas. Idea, problem, hypothesis due by the end of next week!

February 10, 2011
Students worked in the computer lab writing their Impact Crater Lab conclusions. The lab report is due tomorrow. Student should strive for a minimum of a 4.0 on their MyAccess essay. Grades above a 4 will be rewarded. Please do not rely on the calculated score (out of 6 points) as my grading scale will not match that of the MyAccess program. Remember, your conclusion will be primarily graded on content.

Assign: Finish writing Lab

February 9, 2011
We took a break from class today to hear Mrs. Worman talk about course selection for next year. Over the next few days, students will be selecting their classes for ninth grade.


 * To head off any questions regarding this, PARENTS please read the following:**

There are minimum grade requirement for science next year. Please know that the course I am instructing your son/daughter to sign up for is based on the average of the first two quarters this year. I MUST sign them up according to this grade. If their average improves or drops by the end of the year, then adjustments will be made (except in the case of moving up into Honors as this class is by choice and not default if you earn a 92%). I am aware that students are signing up for Applied Biology w/ grades very close to the Academic cutoff. Please use this opportunity to push your child to improve their grade by the end of the year. If their grade improves to an 80% or more, then they will be automatically moved into Academic Biology.

The 8th grade requirements are as follows: Honors Biology/Lab - 92% or above, teacher recommendation Academic Biology/Lab - 80% or above Applied Biology (no lab) - 80% or below

Assign: Impact Crater Lab due Friday

February 8, 2011
In the computer lab, students worked on writing their conclusion to the Impact Crater Lab. We are writing the conclusion in a program called myaccess (myaccess.com) which checks student grammer, spelling, etc... as they type. Their conclusion will be assessed by combining their MyAccess score and their interpretation of their data. MyAccess can be accessed (haha) from home. Tomorrow is the 9th grade course selection talk in science. Thursday we will be in the computer lab to finish writing the conclusions. Any work not completed by the end of class on Thurs is the student's responsibility to finish by Friday when this lab is due.

Assign: Impact Crater Lab due Friday 2/11

February 7, 2011
We completed collecting data for the Impact Crater lab. Following data collection, averages were calculated for depth and diameter, and line graph representing these averages was made. Tomorrow we will be in the computer lab to type a conclusion to the lab. The lab will be due on Friday (all parts incl. the writeup, data table, graph, and conclusion)

Assign: work on Impact Crater Lab

February 4, 2011
Sorry for not updating recently... with the finishing of a unit, starting some new things, and having delays w/ the weather it's been chaotic and getting things online has slipped my mind. Time to get back on track...

Today we started a lab on Impact Craters. We setup the lab report and began collecting data today. The lab will continue into next week and be due later in the week next week. Students will be responsible for the lab writeup, data analysis (graphing), and writing a conclusion. The conclusion is writing based (paragraphs) and the rubric will be provided in the "Extras" section of the notebook. Since the last update we've cleaned out the notebook to make room for Chemistry. It's a great time for a fresh start for those w/ disappointing notebook grades last quarter. Getting your notebook up-to-date is simple at this point. Waiting a few weeks will certainly make it more difficult!

Assign: None

January 11, 2011
We completed some review today for the unit test on Thursday. Please spend some time studying/reviewing for this test as it is a substancial part of your 2nd quarter grade. If we have a snow day on Wed. the test will be pushed back to Friday. Your notebook test scheduled for Tuesday will remain. Please check your notebook and make sure it is up to date. All papers can be found in the notebook online.

Assign: Study for unit test on Thursday; Notebook test on Tuesday... end of quarter next Friday!!

January 5, 2011
Students turned in their Galaxy Webquest papers from 1/4. If you were absent on 1/4 see me for a copy. If you are absent today please remember to hand it in as soon as you get back. In class we began Sec. 3-2 through 3-5. These sections are slightly shortened so we can finish the unit in the next week and a half. Using your book (starting on pg 103) complete the outlines (they are located in the "Notebook"). They are not homework... you will have classtime tomorrow to finish them.

Assign: Astronomy Unit Test on Thurs. 1/13 (100-120pts); 2nd quarter notebook on Monday 1/17 (70-80pts)

January 4, 2011
Welcome back! I hope you enjoyed your time off... Today we went to the computer lab to complete a Webquest on Deep Space. By traveling to a number of websites, students did some research on a variety of topics and answered questions about them. The Weqquest is worth 24pts and is due tomorrow. It can be found in the "Labwork" section of the Notebook.

Assign: Deep Space Webquest (24pts) due Wed. 1/5; Astronomy Unit Test on Thurs. 1/13 (100-120pts); 2nd quarter notebook on Monday 1/17 (70-80pts)

December 23, 2010
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! Enjoy your break and I'll see you all next year!!!!

December 15, 2010
Sorry I forgot to update for a few days!! We have a Chapter 2 test on Thursday worth 100pts! There are a number of review items in the "Notebook" section at the bottom of the page under "Extras." There are 2 study guides... I would focus on the second one at this point of your studying... also, I uploaded a Jeopardy game and (for those w/o PowerPoint) a .pdf file of just the questions. Good luck studying!!

Assign: Study for Chapter 2 test

December 9, 2010
Students received back their Planet quiz and started the outline for Sec. 2-5 on Comets, Asteroids, and Meteors.


 * PARENTS** Mid Quarter progress reports were handed out today!! If you DID NOT receive one please contact me for an up-to-date grade.

Assign: Chapter 2 test Thursday 12/16 (100pts)

December 8, 2010
Took quiz on Sec. 2-3, 2-4 and went over "Stormy Sunspots" lab.

Assign: No HW BUT Chapter 2 test next Thursday (100pts)

December 7, 2010
We checked a number of homework assignments and did some review of Sec. 2-3 and 2-4. You will be taking a quiz tomorrow on the inner planets and outer planets worth 40pts. Re-read the section, study your tables (focus on highlighted), vocab, and homework assignments. Mid-quarter is tomorrow and I hope to have the quizzes included in your mid-quarter grade.

Assign: Study for Sec. 2-3, 2-4 quiz (40pts)

December 6, 2010
Starting class I checked the number of homework assignments that were due today from Friday. Most everyone did their homework so good job! We checked the table you completed for the outer planets so that you have everything you need for the quiz on Wed. Please read the homework below carefully as it is dependent on your class period.

Assign: Periods 1,2 - Sec. 2-3 and 2-4 Review Worksheets (5pts each); Periods 4, 6, 7 - Planet Crossword review; Quiz on inner and outer planets on Wed. 12/8... Chapter 2 test likely Thurs. 12/16

December 3, 2010
Last day to work in groups. Pd. 1 and 2 did not have class yesterday. Your homework this weekend is JUST to finish the tables. Pd. 1 and 2 ONLY do not have to complete the two review worksheets. Pd. 4, 6, and 7 must complete the review sheets for homework as well as have the tables complete.

Assign: All planet tables, Sec. 2-3 R&R WS, Sec. 2-4 R&R WS... QUIZ on the planets Wed. 12/8 (~40pts)

December 2, 2010
Working in small groups, we continued completing tables for the outer planets. Students will be given 2 days (2nd & 3rd) to complete the following work in class. Anything not completed by the end of the day on Friday will be homework over the weekend.

Assign: Complete planet tables for the outer planets and Pluto (starts on p. 70), Sec. 2-3 R&R WS, Sec. 2-4 R&R WS

December 1, 2010
We continued working on the inner planets. We completed the table for Venus and Earth. Then the Mars presentation group shared their powerpoint with the class and we started and (and in some classes) finished Mars. Tomorrow we will get started on the outer planets.

Assign: None BUT start thinking ahead. You will likely have a quiz on the planets next week (Tues or Wed?) and a Chapter 2 test the following week (Wed or Thurs?)... We will easily finish Chapter 2 before you go on break and likely even get started on Chapter 3. That will set us up nicely to wrap up Astonomy by mid-Jan and spend some time on Physics.

November 30, 2010
Today we began section 2-3 on the Inner planets. Using the notes we completed a table for the planet Mercury and began working on Venus.

Assign: None

November 17, 2010
We went over the homework (Sec. 2-2 R&R WS) and checked the Sec. 2-2 outline. While checking the outline, as made a set of 8 flashcards to study from for the quiz on Friday.

Assign: Stormy Sunspot lab is due tomorrow! Be sure you complete the graph and conclusion questions. (approx. 35pts) See below for details (Nov. 16); Sec. 2-2 Quiz on Friday (20-25pts)

November 16, 2010
I checked homework (Sec. 2-2 Ouline/questions). REMEMBER if you're absent it is YOUR responsibility to give me missed work and/or find out what was done while you were out. I will leave assignments "open" in my gradebook for about a week. After that it become a "0".

Today students worked on a "Stormy Sunspots" lab. The purpose is for me to evaluate how well students can write a formal lab report, draw a graph, and interpret the data. All content needed for the lab is on page 61 in your book. Using graph paper, put your name at the top. Under that have the title (from book), Question (copied from book), Materials (copied from book), Procedure (copied from book), recreate the data table and data (copied from book). Then you will need to create a graph using the indicated intervals from the procedure and the data in your data table. Finally, answer the 5 conclusion questions at the end. You DO NOT need to rewrite the questions.

Assign: The Lab discussed above is due THURSDAY. If you need help see me during 8th period; Due WEDNESDAY is the Sec. 2-2 Review and Reinforce WS.

November 15, 2010
Forgot to update for a few days. Getting back on track now... Students got back their Sec. 2-1 quizzes and had the period to complete the Sec. 2-2 notes and answer the 6 questions at the end of the chapter. Any uncompleted work from Sec. 2-2 will be done for HW. The lab i discussed in class is NOT homework. You will have classtime tomorrow to work on it.

Assign: Sec. 2-2 Outline and questions

November 10, 2010
Collected Ch. 2 vocab and completed the Ch. 2-1 notes by discussing inertia, gravity, and how the two forces keep the planets in orbit around the sun. Following the notes, we examined (ok... played with) gyroscopes to see gyroscopic inertia in action. This force is what keeps a bike upright, a basketball spinning on a finger, and the earth's tilt art 23.5 degrees constant. We ran out of time and students were just figuring out how to use the gyroscope so we will start class tomorrow with a few minutes of "examination."

Assign: None BUT Sec. 2-1 quiz (ONLY that section) on Friday 11/12 (20-25pts)

November 9, 2010
Started Ch. 2 notes. Sec. 2-1 is about the history of astronomy and the solar system. There are 5 "old dead guys" who you need to know their name and their contribution to astronomy.

Assign: Ch. 2 vocab words due Wed (20pts)

November 8, 2010
Handed back Chapter 1 test and completed end-of-quarter evaluation/reflection.

Assign: Ch. 2 vocab words due Wed (20pts)

November 5, 2010
Took a test on Chapter 1 today. You will recieve it back on Monday. The grade will be your last one for the 1st quarter.

Assign: Ch. 2 vocab (all 24 words) - list can be found in "Notebook"; will be collected on Wed. and worth 20pts. Make sure the list is organized and

November 4, 2010
Last day of review. Used whiteboards and clickers to go over the basics of Chapter 1. Don't forget the notecard and use the provided study guide. It's up to you at this point to study and be prepared!

Assign: Chapter Test on Friday 11/5; end of First Quarter 11/5

November 3, 2010
Launched rockets. Period 1... I'm sorry for the frustrations (launcher wasn't working)... we'll try again tomorrow now that it's fixed.

Don't forget to use the study guides in the "Extras" part of the notebook in preparation for the test on Friday!

Assign: Chapter 1 Test on Friday 11/5

November 2, 2010
Notebooks were returned to period 1 and 6. All grades have been recorded for the notebook.

In class we checked the homework assignment due today and also checked the outline that was completed in class to ensure that all information was added correctly. Following that, we reviewed using clickers (in some classes).

Due to scheduling changes (ok... the desire to launch rockets) the test has been pushed back until Friday. In preparation for the test here are a few suggestions. First, I will allow students to create a notecard to use on the test. This may be made on ONE SIDE of a 3x5" notecard. I supplied each student w/ one but if it is lost I have plenty of extras. Just see me. Also, I added a few study materials to the "Notebook" in the "extras" section called Chapter 1 Study Guide. This is an excellent resource to work through in preparation. I also included the answer key so you can check your progress. The test on Friday is worth 100pts. and will be counted for the first quarter. PLEASE (for your grade's sake...) spend some time preparing and use this as an opportunity to bring up your grade, not tank it.

Assign: Chapter 1 Test on Friday 11/5

November 1, 2010
Notebooks were returned to those that handed them in and collected from the classes that did not hand them in on Friday. Grades for all classes are posted as of now. Please see me if you have any questions.

In class today we worked on Section 1-4. Students were given time in class to work in small groups and complete an outline for Sec. 1-4 from the book (p. 39-44). Upon completion of the outline, students were given any remaining time to work on the homework assignment.

Assign: Sec. 1-4 Review and Reinforce WS (5pts); Chapter 1 Test Thursday 11/4

October 29, 2010
DRY ICE! need i say more?!

Assign: Chapter 1 Test Thursday 11/4

October 28, 2010
We spent some time viewing the ISS website and watched some videos of life onboard the ISS. We then discussed the space shuttle disasters of Challenger and Columbia. Finally, we completed a table on the Space Race (who did what first...)

Assign: Section 1-3 Review and Reinforce WS (5pts); Notebooks may be collected starting tomorrow! Check yours! (70-80pts)

October 27, 2010
We completed the Sec. 1-3 notes.

Assign: Notebook check 10/29; Chapter 1 Test Thursday 11/4

October 26, 2010
We started Section 1-3 on Rockets and Satellites. We completed the notes (slides) through the slide titled "Artificial Satellites"

We are scheduled for a chapter test at the end of next week and notebooks are subject to collection starting Friday. The end of the first quarter is Friday November 11th.

Assign: None

October 22, 2010
Quizzes were returned and reviewed. Following that the rest of the presentations were delivered.

Assign: Notebook collection starts next Friday (I will be collecting 2-3 classes a night on Friday and then the rest on Monday... your notebook should be ready for collection by the time you get to class on Friday)

October 21, 2010
Today we took the Sec. 1-1, 1-2 quiz. You will get it back tomorrow. Following the quiz we began to view presentation for a number of groups who's projects were on rockets or were rocket related.

Assign: Sec. 1-3, 1-4 Vocab: Satellite, Geosynchronous Orbit, Telescope, Maria, Crater (5pts)

October 20, 2010
Review for Sec. 1-1, 1-2 quiz

Assign: Study for quiz!

October 19, 2010
We checked the homework and then used some model kits to complete a study guide on the phases of the moon. You should know the names of each phase, what it looks like, and any "special" events that can happen during it (such as the possibility of an eclipse or a spring/neap tide). At the end of class we just started doing some review. We will continue the review tomorrow. Also, PowerPoint groups Space Shuttle, History of NASA, Rockets, Hubble, ISS, and Apollo Missions will begin presenting tomorrow and continue Thurs. after the quiz.

Assign: Study for the quiz on Sec. 1-1 and 1-2 Thursday 10/21

October 18, 2010
Today was the last day of new information in Sec. 1-2. We started class w/ a bit of boardwork and a review of the phases of the moon. We wrapped up Sec. 1-2 by studying the tides. We discussed why we have low tide and high tide. Also we reviewed the two "special" tides which are Spring and Neap tides. You should understand why we have these tides and also the differences between them. Also, be sure you understand how this all relates back to the phases of the moon. It is alot of material and can be overwhelming to put it all together. if you need additional help please see me during 8th period or stay after school.

Assign: Sec. 1-2 Review and Reinforce (don't skip #1 and 2) (5pts); Quiz Sec. 1-1, 1-2 Thursday 10/21

October 15, 2010
We handled eclipses today. Checking our outline information, completing a series of diagrams, and viewing a short video on them. No homework this weekend but you will be having a quiz on Sec. 1-1 & 1-2 next Thurs 10/21.

Assign: none; study for quiz

October 14, 2010
We started class by checking the two assignments due (Sec. 1-2 Vocab and Sec. 1-2 Outline). We introduced the Phases, Eclipses, and Tides but focused mainly on the phases of the moon today. We completed the diagrams for the phases of the moon. These will be reviewed multiple times throughout the unit BUT it will not hurt to spend some time studying them on your own. I have uploaded both the Sec. 1-2 diagram and some flashcards to help study the phases of the moon.

Assign: Sec. 1-1, 1-2 Vocab Scramble

October 13, 2010
Today was an extremely busy day. We checked and reviewed the homework from 10/8. Following that, we spent about 10 minutes checking our notebooks to ensure they are in order. The first notebook check this year will be on October 29th (the last Friday before the end of the quarter). I will be collecting 2 or 3 classes at a time. All classes are fair game for collection after the 29th. We then checked/finished the seasons diagram and completed a short whiteboard review of Sec. 1-1. The last few minutes of class were spent explaining and working on the outline for Sec. 1-2 on Phases, Eclipses, and Tides. The outline is to be completed for homework along with the Vocab words for Sec. 1-2

Assign: Sec. 1-2 Outline (use p. 24-34 in book to complete) (10pts); Define Sec. 1-2 Vocab terms - **Phase, Eclipse, Solar Eclipse, Umbra, Penumbra, Lunar Eclipse, Tide, Gravity, Spring Tide, Neap Tide (5 pts)**

October 8, 2010
We finished the Sec. 1-1 Notes (written) and completed a diagram of the Earth's position in regards to the sun for each of the four seasons. Remember, the seasons occur is based on the tilt of the Earth's axis. When the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, we get more direct rays of sun and longer day leading to warmer weather and summer. When the norther hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, we get indirect sunlight and shorter periods of daylight leading to cooler weather and winter (can you smell an essay question on this).

Assign: Sec. 1-1 Review and Reinforce WS; remember to to #1-3 and answer each completely. There is more to each question than "yes" and "no"

October 7, 2010
We began the first section in Astronomy today. We discussed rotation, revolution, and why the earth has seasons. Some classes got further through the notes than others. All classes were assigned the homework. If you are stuck on a question for the homework please refer to either your notes, your vocab, or your text book.

Assign: Sec. 1-1 vocab crossword (5pts)

October 6, 2010
Today was the LAST day to work on your projects in class. They will be due tomorrow (must be saved on the shared drive so i can access them) so it is your responsbility to finish it if you still have work to do.

NOTE: If you have been absent for 2 or more days of this assignment, I have an alternate assignment for you to complete individually. I posted this alternate assignment in the "Extras" section of the notebook.

Assign: Presentation due Thurday 10/7 (50pts); Section 1-1 Vocab Terms due 10/7 (5pts)

October 5, 2010
Students were given the period to continue working on their powerpoint presentations in their groups. By this point, they should be finished their research and "making it pretty." Also, all presentations should contain an editted video between 1 and 2 minutes in length. Tomorrow will be the LAST day that we will spend classtime working on this. It is due at the end of the day on Thursday. If you do not complete it by the end of class tomorrow it is your responsibility to get it finished on time!

Assign: Presentation due Thurday 10/7 (50pts); Section 1-1 Vocab Terms due 10/7 (5pts)

October 4, 2010
Today was a planned absence for me. Students continued working on their Astronomy power point presentations

September 30, 2010
Students received the overview sheet for the Astronomy PowerPoint project they are beginning to work on starting today. Groups were established, topics were distributed, and we spent approx. 20min in the computer lab starting our research. This project will take between 3 and 4 days to complete.

Assign: None but doing research on your own for your project will save time in the long run for your group.

September 29, 2010
Students continued on the "Cosmos" program. The end of class was used to return the Metric Quizzes taken on 9/27.

Assign: None

September 28, 2010
Students spent some time getting their notebooks organized. The first notebook check will occur at the end of October. I will announce the official day soon. Following that we used a computer program called "Cosmos" to introduce some basic astronomy topics and get some discussion going in class. The purpose of Cosmos was not to really "teach" astronomy but see what student's are interested in learning and what type of questions they have about space.

Assign: None

September 27, 2010
Students took the quiz originally scheduled for Friday. Following the quiz, they were given the opportunity to work on the Chapter 1 Astronomy vocab. This IS NOT homework at this time but will be in the future. Students are encouraged to define the words (list is online in the notebook section) and get these future assignments done now so they do not have to worry about forgetting to do them in the future!

Assign: None

September 24, 2010
ABSENT

September 23, 2010
Students spent the class period measuring various objects' mass and length using a triple-beam balance and metric ruler. This was done in preparation for the quiz on Friday 9/24. The quiz will be given in such a way that students will be responsible for two parts: first, a written quiz answering questions on the metric system, conversions, sci. notation, and the triple-beam balance (how to use; parts) and second, a lab portion where students will independently measure the mass of a few objects using the triple-beam balance and be graded on accuracy.

Assign: Quiz on Measuring in metric system, metric conversions, scientific notation, and triple beam balance on Friday 9/24 (~30pts)

September 22, 2010
We spent a large portion of class checking our homework from 9/21 and making sure everyone understood conversions and sci. notation. Following that, we skimmed and completed a diagram of the triple-beam balance and learned how the zero the balance to ensure accurate measuring of mass. Tomorrow we will practice measuring using the TBB along with applying the measuring, conversion, and scientific notation skills learned this week.

Assign: Quiz on Measuring in metric system, metric conversions, scientific notation, and triple beam balance on Friday 9/24 (~30pts)

September 21, 2010
Students completed a few boardwork questions relating to measuring to the nearest 10th in the metric system. We then went over homework. The rest of the period was spent going over and doing examples of metric conversions and scientific notation.

Assign: Finish Metric conversion sheet (front and back... whatever was not finished in class) and complete the questions at the bottom of the scientific notation worksheet. (5pts each)

September 20, 2010
Students received back and reviewed their Textbook Scavenger Hunt and Lab Equipment Quiz. We then checked the metric measuring outline that was started on Friday and discussed metric/customary equivalents.

Assign: Making Measurements with SI Units WS (5pts); Measuring and metric quiz on Friday 9/24

September 17, 2010
Students completed a quiz on Lab Equipment worth 30 points. We then began notes on Metric Measuring. Notes will be completed on Monday in class.

Assign: Book cover by Monday 9/20

September 16, 2010
Students had their homework checked (Lab Equip ID WS 5pts), received their Safety Rule Quiz (28pts), recieved their textbook, and completed a Textbook Scavenger Hunt to test them on basic scientific knowledge such as reading graphs, using Appendices in book, and measuring in the metric system. The TSH was collected and will be graded out of 22pts.

Assign: Lab Equipment Quiz on Friday 9/17 (30pts); Book Cover by Monday 9/20

September 15, 2010
Students completed the Lab Equipment Table (finally!!!) and got their textbooks. We had a visitor today... a juvenile snapping turtle! We spent a few minutes to examine and discuss the habitat, adaptations, etc. of him...

Assign: Lab Equipment ID worksheet (5pts); Lab Equipment Quiz on Friday 9/17 (30pts)

September 14, 2010
Students completed a short quiz on Safety Rules and symbols worth 28pts. My policy on absences around quizzes is as follows:

- most quizzes are posted 2-3 days in advance (tests are usually 5-7 days) - if you miss only the day before a quiz and no new material is taught then you are responsible to take the quiz on the day it is given to the rest of the class... classroom reviews are helpful but not required for you to take an assessment - if you miss the quiz day itself, then you will take the quiz the next day you are back - if you forget / leave your notebook at school and are unexpectedly ill all notes are kept on this website for you to use from home - long absences will be handled on a case-by-case basis w/ the test or quiz being taken ASAP from the date of your return Following the quiz, we continued completion of the Lab Equipment Table

Assign: Lab Equipment Quiz on Friday 9/17 (30pts)... you will be asked to ID equipment correctly, spell correctly, and state correct use for 10 random pieces we discussed.

September 13, 2010
We spent 1/2 the period reviewing for the quiz tomorrow on the lab rules and symbols. The second half of the class was spent beginning the lab equipment table and discussing / drawing / demonstrating various peices of lab equipment.

Assign: Lab safety and symbol quiz on Tues. 9/14 (28 pts); study your HIGHLIGHTED lab rules and know what the symbols mean!

September 10, 2010
Today was the last day of the fall 4Sight testing. Students completed their Lab Safety poster project by presenting their poster to the class and explaing what they drew and why. Following that, we began to look at lab equipment in an informal proior knowledge activity.

Assign: Lab safety and symbol quiz on Tues. 9/14 (20-30pts)

September 9, 2010
Students had a shortened period due to 4Sight testing in the AM. They were given the period to complete their lab safety poster and prepare a short presentation. The presentations will occur on Friday at the start of class.

Assign: Lab safety and symbol quiz on Tues. 9/14 (20-30pts); Lab symbol flashcards were posted to the "Extras" section of the notebook to aid in studying for the quiz

September 8, 2010
Students were allowed to form small groups to complete a lab safety poster. The idea behind the poster is to choose 3-4 rules from the group assigned topic and visual represent the rules using a symbol, cartoon, drawing, etc...

Assign: None BUT we will be having a quiz on the *highlighted* lab safety rules and *all* the lab symbols on Tues 9/14 (20-30pts); 4Sight testing will be occuring on Thurs and Friday this week... you MUST have a book/magazine/etc... to read if you finish a test section early!

September 7, 2010
Students completed 2 boardwork questions while the notebook and syllabus were checked. We then reviewed a number of lab safety rules and symbols that are required to be learned. A handout was given that highlights all Important rules and symbols.

Assign: if you DID NOT have your notebook, dividers, or signed syllabus I NEED THEM ASAP!

September 2, 2010
Students got "the talk" about the course this year. We reviewed the class syllabus, notebook, classroom routines, expectations, and other important pieces of information designed to make this class flow smoothly this year.

Assign: 3-ring binder / 4 dividers (5pts) and signed syllabus (5pts) by Tuesday 9/7!... book cover will also be needed in future but not quite yet... if you have one, hang onto it

September 1, 2010
Today students participated in a human intelligence hunt where they needed to find other students in the class that had a specific "intelligence"

August 31, 2010
First day of school! We completed a short quiz about.... me!

Assign: 3 ring binder, 4 dividers, book cover