Science update due to cancellation

I was supposed to have extra help tomorrow afternoon from 3-4.  I will be able to move this back one day due to the closing tomorrow (Monday).  So extra help will be held on Tuesday from 3-4 this week only.

Due Tuesday at beginning of class:

• finished rubric intro
• materials and methods
• data table started

Due Wednesday morning at the beginning of class

• Atomic modeling revisions

Cheers!

A whale of a tale

This is a great story of a humpback whale rescue.  Enjoy.

Cheers!

http://youtu.be/EBYPlcSD490

What should I be working on?

Extra help is on Mondays from 3-4pm

The following is an update of what students should be working on.  Keep in mind that the term ends next Friday and the Sargent Center took away a lot of time so students may have to do work over the weekend to keep from getting behind.

1.  Atomic modeling revisions are due next Tuesday at the beginning of class (this deadline takes into consideration the missed work time while at Sargent Center because the deadline should have been today).

A revision coversheet is required

2.  Students should have done their "chemical reaction elevator lab" title page and paragraph 1 last night.

3.  By Monday, students should:

• Finish introduction (we had a long lesson about acids and bases and teacher notes were given to everyone; see below)
• Type materials and methods (this was done together as a class in written form)
• Start a data table in their typed document that looks exactly like the data table from their rubric paper.

This should not be a lot of work if students were being self directed by paying attention and asking questions (ask them about "ostrich bumps")

Important documents:

• Rubric report outline
• Rubric Data sheet
• Acid/base notes

Zip line "fun"

So.  I had an interesting experience at the Sargent Center.  After battling my way up a ropes course to get about 40ish feet off the ground, I did the zip-line back down to the ground.  As an individual challenge I wanted to try and step off the platform and resist the urge to grab ahold of my harness rope (no hands drop).  Well, I got more than I bargained for.

To protect students, I used the blur option which did my face too; oh well.

I am on the platform with my hands behind my head.

Cheers!

Chemical Reaction notes

Check this cool stuff out!!!

If anyone works with Sulfur hexaflouride and is willing to donate some it does some awesome stuff that I would love to demonstrate to my students.  It ties in to a lot of concepts we have been discussing this year and last year.  By the way it is non-toxic.

Check out #4 on this list to see two cool videos of what it can do.

http://listverse.com/2008/03/04/top-10-amazing-chemical-reactions/

Cheers!

Something to practice doing this weekend

Warm up the vocal cords!

Cheers!

Crushing cans

Ask your child about crushing cans in science today.  Fun!

Tonight's homework is to complete the "States of Matter" notes (previous post) if they were not finished during class.

Cheers!

States of matter notes

distinguished student lend me your ear

HERE YE, HERE YE!

To me, distinguished work requires a significant level of self direction and effective communication to relate ideas and problems.

If you are in the process of doing the D work option for a follow up to the first rubric, I would suggest you come talk to me soon to get approval and/or update me on your findings by the end of the week.  I will not be chasing you down.

Don't let that ship sail!

Cheers!

Changes in matter notes

electrons can pack a "punch"

For your fun Friday amusement.  The power of subatomic particles (electrons) on the human body!

Enjoy your long weekend.

Cheers!

Distinguished work

I don't like to give distinguished work to students until I am satisfied that the basic criteria has been taken care of.  We are at a point that if a student wants to attempt to earn a D grade for this project they can choose one of the options listed below.  Just remember to get approval from Mr. Edwards BEFORE starting any D work.  If a student has a great idea or curiosity about another D option not listed then I am willing to listen.  Just remember that D work in science is designed to enhance your knowledge, not just give you busy work to do.

Cheers!

Click here for Atomic Modeling Distinguished options

Project due tomorrow

Tomorrow is the due date for the atomic modeling project.  The deadline was extended from its original due date by one day with the deal that project quality would increase for both the models and the written molecule analysis.  Students have had 2 peer edits if their work was passed in on time.  The project is due as soon as students walk in the classroom door so there will be no last minute details allowed to be finished.  This is something students struggle with so please make sure they are checking their rubrics and getting their questions answered by peers and/or project sheets.

General reminders:

• Molecule name must be on projects and posters
• A key should be attached and no abbreviations should be used on the key (e.g. "O" instead of "Oxygen").
• Molecules should be ready to be hung with string attached or mounted so that displaying is less time consuming for teacher.
• The written analysis should have a title and be at least 1.5 spacing.
• A hard copy of the written molecule analysis should be passed in to Mr. Edwards (attaching a copy to the molecule is an option, but a copy needs to be given to Mr. Edwards)
• Students should keep all peer edits for portfolio

Please help your child make sure they are ready.

Cheers!