Tuesday, 4 September, 2012

Students will be able to:

-determine why scientists use a standard measurement system.

-describe density and calculate and compare the densities of various materials using the materials' masses and volumes.

Students completed the following bell ringer:

Amber likes riding her bicycle through her neighborhood where there are lots of hills. She rides down a very steep hill, and then goes up a small hill. She doesn't need to pedal as her bicycle carries her up the small hill. How do Amber's kinetic energy and potential energy change as she goes uphill?

Students completed the following probe: 

Ice Cubes in a Bag
You are having an argument with your friend about what happens to the mass when matter changes from one form to another. To prove your idea, you put three ice cubes in a sealed bag and record the mass of the ice in the bag. You let the ice cubes melt completely. Ten minutes later you record the mass of the water in the bag. Which of the following best describes the result?

A  The mass of the water in the bag will be less than the mass of the ice in the bag.
B  The mass of the water in the bag will be more than the mass of the ice in the bag.
C  The mass of the water in the bag will be the same as the mass of the ice cubes in the bag.

Describe your thinking. Provide an explanation for your answer. 

Students then read from their texts, pages 12-14, checking the information recorded in the book.

Students began hands-on exploration of measuring matter, with various stations around the room. There were stations for: mass, volume, density computation, and determining problem and hypothesis. Those classes that did not complete the rotations will do so on Wednesday.

There was no home learning assigned.

Thursday/Friday, 30/31 August, 2012

Students will be able to:

-determine why scientists use a standard measurement system.

-describe density and calculate and compare the densities of various materials using the materials' masses and volumes.

Students completed the following bell ringer:

Alex and Jennifer conducted an experiment to test reaction times in grabbing a meter stick after it is dropped. They each tested 15 friends. Alex dropped the meter stick for his friends and Jennifer dropped the meter stick for her friends while the other one timed the reactions. Jennifer's friends reacted, on average, 0.9 seconds faster than Alex's friends. Jennifer concluded that her friends were faster. Which of the following should she do next to check her results?

Some classes reviewed home learning 2. All classes should have been assigned home learning 3, which is to read pages 12-21 in their interactive text and complete all pages. They are to write out the answers for pages 18 (Apply it! #2-3) and page 19 (Challenge) on loose leaf paper to be submitted. While some classes have already submitted their answers, other classes must turn this in the first day class is held next week.

All classes should have viewed the BrainPop movie Measuring Matter. You can view the movie by clicking the following link: BrainPop Measuring Matter. On the list, find the title Measuring Matter, and wait for the video to load, then click watch the movie. See how well you do on the quiz!

By now, all students should have their interactive science notebook completed for notes on Safety and on Mass, Weight, Volume, and Density. Be sure you've drawn something to represent each term, and use color. Make sure your questions and summaries for each topic are complete. Also, be sure you've pasted in the information for pages 1-4 and keep page 1 on your assignments updated.

Some students practiced finding mass using the triple beam balance. Others will learn this skill next week.

There is no home learning this week other than to make sure your notebook is complete, including the cover art.

Tuesday-Wednesday, 28-29 August, 2012

Students will be able to:

-determine why scientists use a standard measurement system.

-describe density and calculate and compare the densities of various materials using the materials' masses and volumes.

Students completed the following bell ringer:

When a scientist conducts an experiment, it is important that he or she maintains accurate

records and shares the results with other scientists. If this does not happen, or if other

scientists are not able to replicate the results, what would most likely be the consequence?

A. The scientist will lose credibility with other scientists and society.

B. The scientist will be able to publish the results in fewer scientific journals.

C. Nothing will happen, since the purpose of science is to find answers, no    

     matter how they are found.

D. The scientist will actually become more successful if she is the only one able to produce     

      the results.

Students reviewed HL 2 and received instructions for HL 3. Students should read pages 12-21 in their interactive text. They should answer ALL questions in the book. On loose leaf paper, students should answer the Apply It! on page 18 (2-3) and the challenge on page 19.

Students in some classes completed the science safety notes, which they can review by looking at the blog from August 24/25. The notes should be placed on a Cornell notes page, and the proper questions and review should be done. Use the one on line as a template to determine how to do your notes. This should be on page 13.

Students in some classes also worked on the notes for mass, weight, volume, and density. These will be continued tomorrow for those that did not complete the notes or study sections of the notes.

Thursday/Friday August 23/24, 2012

This is how your safety notes should be set up in your notebook. Be sure to put the date, topic, and page number in your table of contents.

You only need one copy of this picture. Fill in the spaces next to each students and indicate what each is doing incorrectly or unsafely. Be sure to make a Cornell notes page and use this handout as the basis for the notes. Also, complete the three questions, along with color, and complete the summary at the bottom of the page. A sample completed page can be found at the top of this blog.

Students will be able to:
-describe safe lab behaviors.
-differentiate between the meaning of weight and mass.
-describe density and calculate and compare the densities of various materials using the materials' masses and volumes.

Students completed the following bell ringer:

Emily claims to have made a new scientific discovery. However, while conducting her experiments, she did not keep accurate records or data. What should happen next? Students reviewed safety rules and regulations in the science classroom, and completed a Cornell notes on the topic, using the handout found at the top of this page. Students viewed Discovery Education videos on mass and weight, volume, and density. Students then took notes on mass, weight, volume, and density. These notes will be pasted in the notebook next week. Remember, HL 2 is due in class next week.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Eighth grade students:

Here are the pages for the front of your notebook. You will find the pages for the back of the notebook listed under the blog for Sunday, August 26, 2012.

For the inside front cover

For the inside back cover

page 1

Page 10

Page 11

Page 12

Page 2

Page 3

Page 5

Page 6

Page 8

Page 4

Page 7

Page 9

Table of Contents for first page