Earth & Life Under The Microscope

M 3.8- Read TB p. 475-477, do SciNB p. 124, answer TB p. 482 # 3, Reading Check p. 476, Figure 10 Predict (those are 3 questions total) in SumIt box of SciNB p. 124 (FCS, RSQ)

Absent Monday?  We drew a small picture showing air pressure, used the air pressure matt to demonstrate the pressure exterted by the air on us every day, and discussed the term "fair weather" since it is relative to your location.

T 3.9- Mini Lab TB p. 477 (do on handout)

Absent Tuesday? Students recorded corrections on the ch 9 test from Friday (student's were allowed to keep the results to show parents but the test itself was recollected because there are students who need to take the test due to illnesses), and students started on their homework.

W 3.10- Read TB p. 478-482, do SciNB p. 123, and 125.

Absent Wednesday?  We read about 5 weather instruments, learned how to read some of the symbols on weather maps, and practiced identifying warm fronts & cold fronts.  You will need two handouts to do this.

R 3.11- Answer TB p. 482 # 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 on binder paper (FCS, RSQ)

Absent Thursday?  We watched Discovery Young Scientist Challenge - Extreme Weather.

F 3.12- Homework Check on Monday - prepare!

M 3.1- Read TB p. 401-409, do SciNB p. 101, add "eddy", "hemisphere" (define all words instead of writing the paragraph).

Absent Monday?  We recorded data from an in-class activity in SciNB p. 93 (in the "Science Journal" section), and recorded details about how reflective the different surfaces on Earth are (top of SciNB p. 102).  This information is available in tonight's reading; be sure to record the percent reflected for each surface on Earth.)

T 3.2- "ch 9 lesson 3 Answer the Questions" worksheet (these are questions from the textbook, p. 409 # 2, 3, 4, Reading Checks on p. 402, 404, 408, Visual Check on p. 404, and the Explain Fig. 24 on p. 402.  Students must use full complete sentences & restate the question in their answers.)
       Reminder: ch 9 test on Friday.
       ch 8 WIGWAY due Monday 3/8  -> not yet distributed.

Absent Tuesday?Use TB p. 403-404 to draw the updraft and downdraft into your SciNB p. 102, use TB p. 407 to draw in the winds in the northern & southern hemisphere's in SciNB p. 103.  Pick up the "Investigate Updrafts/Investigae the Coriolis Effect" lab activities.  We completed "Investigate Updrafts" in class by putting a beaker of water over a candle & placing a drop of red food coloring in the bottom of the beaker.  We watched the updraft form.  You can complete the "Investigate the Coriolis Effect" with someone at home for extra credit (parent must sign to verify that you completed the activity) -  be sure to answer the questions.  It will be part of the next homework check.

W 3.3- Answer TB p. 415 all, TB p. 416-417 # 1-10, 14.  (FCS, RSQ)

Absent Wednesday?  We watched a short video on Weather and the atmosphere (we took notes - phone a study buddy to get the notes), corrected last night's homework and added details into the SciNB.  Use your textbook to fill in SciNB p. 103 for the 3-cell model & write a definition of jet stream (included specific details about what the altitude and speed of the jet stream). 

R 3.4- Study for tomorrow's test on ch. 9.

Absent Thursday? We corrected last night's homework.  We answered TB p. 418-419 on binder paper (just the letter for the answer this time) & corrected the questions - if students had incorrect answers they were to write out the question and the correct answer in words.  We then did a short oral quiz show style review for tomorrow's test.

F 3.5- Ch 8 WIGWAY due Monday, 3/8.

Absent Friday?  Students completed the ch. 9 test, and started the ch 8 WIGWAY.

M 2.22- Read TB p. 382-385, do SciNB p. 94, add "concentration", answer Visual Reading Check p. 385 & Reading VisualCheck p. 387 in SciNB p. 95 SumIt box (FCS, RSQ).  Reminder: extra credit due tomorrow.

Absent Moday?  Learned about the composition of the atmosphere, and the layers of the atmosphere (did SciNB p. 95).  Knowing the composition of the atmosphere and about the layers of the atmosphere leads intohow energy is transfered to earth through radiation (standard 4) and the greenhouse effect.  These also provide a basis for the end of the year when we learn about ecology & resources on Earth and how our personal choices can help to influence the amounts of CO₂ in the atmosphere.

T 2.23- Finish SciNB p. 96, answer TB p. 390 # 8, 9, 10 in SciNB p. 94 Sum It box (FCS, RSQ)

Absent Tuesday? Science Benchmark #4 & collected extra credit.

W 2.24- Read TB p. 386-390, answer TB p. 390 # 4, 5 in SciNB p. 97 (FCS, RSQ), finish SciNB p. 97.

Absent Wednesday?  Students were given a blue foldable paper on the atmosphere; we identified the following parts of waves:  wavelength, crest, trough, amplitude, wavelength and frequency.  We solved a few problems that had positive and negative exponents (10²=100, 10¹=10, 10⁰=1,  10^-1= 0.1,  10^-2= 0.01) so we could understand what the exponents do to the value of the answer; the more positive the exponent, the larger the number.  The more negative the exponent, the smaller the number.  We then practicedordering wavelengths (10 ^-2 is smaller than 10^-1   which is smaler than 10² ) and put the different electromagentic waves in order from shortest wavelength to longest wavelength.  Took notes on each of the types of electromagnetic waves & how they are used (on the blue foldable paper).

R 2.25- Read TB p. 393-400, do SciNB p. 98 add "vacuum", answer TB p. 400 # 2, 3 in SciNB p. 99 (FCS, RSQ)

Absent Thursday? Quickly reviewed the composistion of the atmospherre, layers of the atmosphere, and  filled in more of the blue foldable, including the wavelengths of the visible color spectrum.  The blue foldable paper should look pretty close to being complete when students leave the room today.  Started going over last night's homework.

F 2.26- Finish SciNB p. 99 & 100.  Announcement: Ch. 9 test on Friday, 3/5.

Absent Friday?  We worked on SciNB p. 99 & 100, answered TB p. 400 # 1, 6, 9 in the SumIt box p. 100 of SciNB (FCS, RSQ).  Also watched a Brain Pop on Global Warming with Tim & Mobi.  Click here to watch it at home:  http://glencoe.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/dl/free/0078741831/165465/00038304.html

M 2.8- Read TB p. 347-353, answer TB p. 352 Reading Check, and TB p. 353 # 2, 3, 6, 8 (on binder paper, use FCS, RSQ)

Absent Monday?  We created the "River Run" model (be sure to read directions), and "Formation of a Stream Valley" worksheet (back side of directions).

T 2.9- Finish classwork & SciNB p. 82, add "oxidation", "humus", "soil horizon", "soil profile"
Reminder: Effects of Rock Cycle is due tomorrow.

Absent Tuesday?  Corrected/went over "Formation of a Stream Valley" from yesterday, did the Lab: Weathering Effets of Gravel on Sugar Cubes (make sure you finished your conclusion!), and did SciNB p. 85 -add the terms: "meanders", "delta", "alluvial fan", "oxbow lake".  Homework Check #7 was distrubuted in 5° and 6°, it will be distributed to the other classes tomorrow.  Click to here (HWcheck7.pdf (42.22 KB)) to download .pdf version of Homework Check #7.

W 2.10- Review assignment; test tomorrow.

Absent Wednesday? Do Review Assignment on ch. 8 and chapter 2 lesson 2

R 2.11- Homework Check due tomorrow; chapter 7 test reflection & WIGWAY

Absent Thursday?  You have a test to make up, ch 7 tests returned with Reflection/WIGWAY paper.

F 2.12- Extra credit options

Absent Friday?  You have Homework Check #7 to make up; extra credit option distributed - it is worth a total of 25 points.  All of the assignment must be attempted or I will not grade the extra credit.  It is due Tuesday, 2/23.  Click to download extra credit: ExtraCreditOptionVPB.pdf (477.91 KB)

By the way:  Would you like to get ahead?  We will be moving into Earth's Atmosphere next!  You're welcome to start reading chapter 9 (starts at p. 382) and learning about ROY G BIV.  He's a pretty neat "guy".  Enjoy your vacation!

M 2/1- Read TB p. 355-357, answer Reading Check p. 356 in SumIt box SciNB p. 90, AND do SciNB p. 90.
Note: the due date for the Effects of Rock Cycle has been extended - it is now due Wed. 2/10.  Let me know if you need help finding a disaster or event to write about.  Need an additional copy?  Look at last weeks homework postings- there is are downloadable versions in both pdf & Word.  If it's completed & turned in on or before Fri 2/5, you can get 5 additional extra credit points.

Absent Monday? Write homework for the week, did SciNB p. 83, started the "Lab: Weathering Effects of Water and Salt on Steel" - entered observations for day 1.  (handout needed)

T 2/2- Read TB p. 357-361, do SciNB p. 91, answer TB p. 361 #5, and Reading Check p. 359 in SciNB p. 91.

Absent Tuesday? Entered observations for day 2 of "Lab: Weathering Effects of Water and Salt on Steel",did "Lab: Weathering Effects of Water on Antacid Tablets" (comparing the reactions of whole and crushed tablets; similar to the weathering of acidic water on rocks when whole vs crushed), and started homework if done early. (lab is on back of yesterday's handout)

W 2/3- Do SciNB p. 89, add "playas", "V-shaped valley", "U-shaped valley", "meandering rivers", "arroyo".

Absent Wednesday? Entered observations for day 3 of "Lab: Weathering Effects of Water and Salt on Steel".  Went over conclusion from yesterday's lab, did SciNB p. 84, and started homework if done early.

R 2/4- Read TB p. 342-346, do SciNB p. 86 and answer Reading Check TB p. 344.

Absent Thursday? Entered observations for day 4 of "Lab: Weathering Effects of Water and Salt on Steel".  Learned about the development of a stream, it's characteristics, reviewed agents of erosion and their effects, and reviewed weathering and erosion (requires students to cut, match, glue, and fill out; three handouts needed)

F 2/5- Reminder: Effects of Rock Cycle due Wed. 2/10;
Announcement: Thursday, 2/11 there is a test on Chapter 8 and ch 2 lesson 2 (rocks, minerals, rock cycle, using balance & graduated cylinder, density)

Absent Friday? Entered observations for day 5 of "Lab: Weathering Effects of Water and Salt on Steel", did the conclusion, went over papers from yesterday, recieved list of items in Homework Check.

Would you like to type your "Effects of the Rock Cycle" project?   You can download the following Word document:

6.ch2les2effRockCyclevf.doc (628.5 KB)

M 1.25- Finish "Measurement Skill" (both sides)

Absent Monday?  You'll need the notes and the "Measurement skill" worksheet.  Use TB p. 9 and 10 if you need assistance with learning how to use the graduated cylinder & the triple beam balance.

T 1.26- Do SciNB p. 16 (use TB p. 98-100)  Finish "Density Activity"  (Sorry!  I had to switch Tuesday and Wednesday's work due to a scheduling error with the materials for the activity)

Absent Tuesday?  Be sure to get the paper for the "Desity Activity" - we measured the volume of two conatiners in class.  Tomorrow we'll be measuring the volume using the method that Archimedes came up with after his "Eureka!" moment.

W 1.27-Finish "Density Activity"   Do SciNB p. 16 (use TB p. 98-100)

Absent Wednesday?  We collected data for the "density activity" and homework consists of 3 to 4 division problems (mass / volume); students can use calculators on these problems.  (Some are quite easy, some are difficult).  If absent, student's should come in during snack break on Friday to do some of this activity to get a feel for how we can calculate the density of objects.

R 1.28- Effects of the Rock Cycle (due Tuesday, 2/2/10.)

Absent Thursday?  Quickly went over the "Density Activity" math from last night; watched video on Rocks, and distributed "Effects of the Rock Cycle" which is due Tuesday.  Students should research about a natural disaster or another specific event from history that has helped to move particles through the rock cycle.  (note: could include recent history; if you need an idea for what to research, a list of ideas will be posted in the classroom on Friday). 

Click to download .pdf version of the "Effects of the Rock Cycle" assignment (includes a sample): 6.ch2les2effRockCyclev2F.pdf (1.08 MB)

F 1.29- Rocks, minterals & rock cycle will be on chapter 8 test; enjoy weekend.

Absent Friday? Filled in SciNB p. 13, took Quote Notes on how to use quotes and symbols that are used when quoting things; notes were written into the front area of the Science Notebook.  See below.

M 1.18- No School - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

T 1.19- Volcano Fact Sheet due tomorrow (worth 40 points),
       bring in a (small) rock

Absent Tuesday?  You will need to make up the chapter 7 test upon your return.

W 1.20- Read TB p. 86-94, answer TB p. 101 # 3, 5, 9, and Visual Check p. 89, and Reading Check p. 91, 92, 94 (FCS, RSQ on binder paper)

Absent Wednesday?  Use the textbook (or phone a friend) and fill in SciNB p. 14 (done as notes in class).

R 1.21- Read TB p. 95-101, answer TB p. 101 # 1, 8, and Visual Check p. 95, and Reading Check p. 96, 98, 99 (FCS, RSQ on binder paper)

Absent Thursday? Do SciNB p. 15 using your textbook.  Half of the class did the "Exploring Minerals" activity using the mineral kits, while the other half of the class corrected last night's homework and did SciNB p. 15.  If students did not use the mineral kits today, they will do so tomorrow.

F 1.22- Enjoy the weekend!

Absent Friday? See Thursday.  We will also be doing two puzzles on the properties & characteristics of minerals.

When people chose to build along the coast, they get a beautiful view until the ocean takes back  sediments once deposited in the cliffs.  Check out the coastal erosion that is occurring due to the storm!