WELCOME RED CLUSTER SCIENTISTS!

2008-2009

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QUIZ - 1/8

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Take advantage of these great resources for practice.

1/05 Monday - Welcome back!  I hope you all had a nice vacation!  Today we reviewed some basic ideas about how the periodic table was put together along with some discussion on the work of early scientists including Dmitri Mendeleev in their quest to make sense and organize all of the known elements.  Tonight for homework please read Chapter 3.3 and answer ALL of  the Assessment Questions on page 95.

12/16 Tuesday - Today in class we reviewed the SOLUTIONS text and then practiced determining the solubility for various substances in 100 grams of water given their solubility curves.

12/15 Monday - Today we read selected text on "Solutions" and constructed a summary paragraph using the SUM IT UP! reading strategy.  Please complete this in your composition book if you did not finish it during class today.  Also... please complete the 3 questions on the back of the text that have you interpreting the SOLUBILITY CURVES for various substances.  We'll go over them in class tomorrow.

12/11 Thursday - TEST TODAY.

12/10 Wednesday - Reviewed Chaper 3.1 Assessment Questions and study guide for tomorrow's test.

12/9 Tuesday - Today we reviewed the formative and talked about determining the numbers of each type of atom for a given substance.  We also related this to our study of the Law of Conservation of Matter.  We then looked at some simple chemical equations to review showing how they must be balanced to satisfy the Law of Conservation of Matter.

12/8 Monday - Today in class we finished the "Alka-Seltzer" lab - a.k.a. the Conservation of Mass during Chemical Reactions lab.  We talked about the data and our results.

12/5 Friday  - Today we conducted the Conservation of Mass in Chemical Reactions lab.  On Monday we'll graph the data, make our claims and evidence chart, followed by writing a conclusion for the lab.

12/4 Thursday - Today in class we began working in teams to develop our procedure to complete the CONSERVATION of MASS investigation.  Please have your FINAL DRAFT PROCEDURE and DATA TABLE completed in your composition books ready to begin collecting data in class tomorrow.  I will check this for a homework grade.

12/3 Wednesday - Today in class we took the formative and then we began developing our next lab on Conserving Mass during Chemical Reactions.  Please tonight for homework complete the following.  Be prepared to discuss these with your neighbor so that you can come up with a "master plan" to conduct the investigation. 

• Hypothesis
• Procedure & Sketch

12/1 Monday - Today in class completed a READ AROUND THE TEXT for a short article on the LAW OF CONSERVATION OF MATTER.

11/26 Wednesday - Today in class we collected density data for water as we heated it.  To do this, we measured the change in volume (measured in the test tube / pipet) as temperature was increased.

After the long weekend, we'll graph the data and see if we can see what trends develop from the data.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

11/24 Monday -  Today in class we started off by completing a WORD MAP for the following words:

• Thermal Energy
• Kinetic Energy
• Heat
• Temperature

Next we began to set up our lab to answer the following testable question:

What effect does temperature have on the density of a substance (water)?

Tonight for homework I would like you to develop a hypothesis that addresses the above testable question, but that also includes a BECAUSE statement that attempts to explain the science behind your prediction.  DO YOUR BEST!

11/21 Friday - Today we reviewed Chapter 2.3 and 2.4 questions, and watched a short video clip on heat and temperature and Galile's work in developing an early thermometer.  On Monday we'll discuss developing a lab to measure the changes in substances as they are heated.

11/20 Thursday - QUIZ TODAY

11/19 Wednesday - Today in class we reviewed the graph for the temperature data.  We discussed the phase changes that were taking place and how the heating curve can be used as a "fingerprint" to help identify unknown substances.  We also reviewed for tomorrow's quiz.

11/18 Tuesday - Today in class we collected temperature data as we heated a sample of water over time.  We measured the temperature each minute.  Tonight for homework I would like you to create a temperature (y-axis) versus time (x-axis) for your data.

11/17 Monday - Today we reviewed Chapter 2.2 Assessment questions then began analyzed a heating curve for an unknown substance.  We learned how to interpret these graphs and how to use them to determine the vaporization / condensation point as well as the melting / feezing point of an unknown substance.  Tomorrow in class we collect temperature data for water.  Please complete Chapter 2.3 questions tonight for homework.

11/13 Thursday - Today in class we reviewed Solids, Liquids and Gases.  We discussed the states of matter and what is happening at the molecular level in terms of kinetic energy and thermal energy at each phase.

11/12 Wednesday - Today we completed the "applying skills" section in the book on the differences between elements and compounds, pure substances and mixtures. 

11/10 Monday - Today in class we reviewed the Matter - Graphic Organizer, Ch2.1 questions, Test 1.1 as well as the criteria that I used to assess your formative.  Very busy day!  See you Wednesday...

11/7 Friday - GRADES CLOSE TODAY.  Today we reviewed the concept of matter by watching a short video clip regarding physical and chemical properties / physical and chemical changes. 

11/6 Thursday - Test 1.1 today on scientific method, describing matter and measuring matter.

11/5 Wednesday - Test 1.1 Review.  We also went over Chapter 1 section 3 questions.

11/4 Tuesday - Today we reviewed the two density gizmo's that we worked on over the past few days.  We discussed how we can use the WORD WALL in class when writing as well as a self-check of the CONCEPTS learned in class.  We also talked some about the SKILLS we practiced through our investigations and activities in class.  Below is a summary of each.  Tonight please read and complete Chapter 1 section 3 assessment questions due in class tomorrow for a homework grade.

SCIENCE CONCEPTS	SCIENCE SKILLS
Physical Science Describing Matter physical properties, chemical properties, elements, molecules, compounds, mixtures, solutions Measuring Matter weight, mass, volume, density Changes in Matter physical change, chemical change, law of conservation of matter, endothermic reaction, exothermic reaction	Use and care of equipment Critical observation Measurement Making predictions Designing experiments Collection, manipulation, display, and examination of data Graphing Interpreting Data Drawing Conclusions Note taking and report writing

 11/3 Monday - Today we finished up the density gizmo's from Explore learning.  In addition to being able to calculate density, we also focused on how equal volumes of different substances can have different masses.  The Density - Slice and Dice gizmo shows us this principle.

10/31 Friday - Density - Slice and Dice Gizmo from Explore Learning.

10/30 Thursday - FORMATIVE 1.2 TODAY.  Complete Density Gizmo...

10/29 Wednesday - Today we began working on our second density lab through Explore Learning.  We completed all of the questions / calculations that were part of the exploration guide.

10/28 Tuesday - Today in class we reviewed the graph of mass(g) versus volume (mL) for each of the three liquids.  We realized that it doesn't matter how much of the substance we have, the density for water will still be 1 g/mL regardless of how much water we have!  Then we compared how the "best-fit" line graph for water compared to the veggie oil and the corn syrup.

10/25 Monday - Mass(g) - Volume (mL) graphs.  Tonight for homework I would like you to complete the mass-volume graphs for each of the three liquids.  Do not connect the points with a broken line.  Tomorrow in class we will learn how to use a best-fit line with our data.

10/24 Friday - Today we continued calculating the density for each liquid at each of the measured volumes (10mL, 20mL, 30mL, etc...).  Those who completed the density calculations started making plots of mass (g) versus volume (mL) for each liquid.  Mass (g) should go on the x-axis while volume (mL) should go on the y-axis. 

10/23 Thursday - Today we completed collecting our data for the mass and volume of 3 different liquids.  With the mass (g) and volume (mL) we were able to calculate the density (g/mL) for each liquid.

Mass Syrup (g)	Mass Veg Oil (g)	Mass Water(g)	Volume (mL)
0	0	0	0
14.7	9.9	11	10
28.2	18.7	20.2	20
42.4	27.8	30	30
55.4	37.5	41.3	40
76	40	50.2	50
82.5	55.3	60.4	60
106	60.7	69.5	70
110.9	73.5	80.6	80
123.4	81.5	88.6	90
137.1	90	98.1	100

10/22 Wednesday - Density Lab (continued)

10/21 Tuesday - Today in class we began our Mass-Volume ratio lab - a.k.a. "The Density Lab" where we are measuring the mass of various volumes of 3 different liquids; water, vegetable oil and corn syrup.  Also, we started notebook conferences today to go over your science composition books.  These should continue for at least the next week.

10/20 Monday - Today in class we reviewed the concept of density.  We practiced some problems in class that I would like you to finish for homework tonight.  I will check them tomorrow in class for a homework grade.  I will also start collecting your science composition books tomorrow.  I am hoping to go through each of your notebooks with you so you can see exactly what you did well and areas where for improvement.

10/17 Friday - Today we reviewed the Chapter 1 - Section 2 questions and again discussed breifly the expectations for the science notebooks.  I will be collecting them the beginning of next week.  You should complete ALL independent study assignments to recieve full credit for them.  Have a great weekend!

10/15 Wednesday - Today we continued working on our measurement activity...

10/14 Tuesday - Today in class we started our Describing Matter unit by learning to measure the mass, volume and area of various solids, liquids and gases.  There were a total of 10 different measuring stations.  You were asked to note each station in your science notebook along with a description of how you made the measurment and any calculations.

10/7 Tuesday - Today we continued learning how to describe matter using either physical properties or chemical properties of matter.  The key below demonstrates how for each pure substance, there are a set of chemical and physical properties that we can use to distinguish that substance from other substances.

10/6 Monday - Today in class we began our unit on the Properties of Matter by learning about what matter is.  We learned that matter is anything that has mass and takes us space (volume).  We began learning about the different ways in which we can describe matter - including using both PHYSICAL PROPERTIES and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of matter.

10/2 Thursday - Today we completed our reflection entries and began discussion about how I will assess your science composition books.  See the optional assignments at right to learn more...

10/1 Wednesday - You should have  completed your pendulum lab today.  Next you were asked to make a reflection entry in your notebook for #'s 14 and 15.

• #14 - I think my teacher had us do the pendulum lab because....
• #15 - I can relate the pendulum lab to something I know about outside of class by... because...

9/30 Tuesday - Today we completed our procedure and then began collecting data for the Pendulum Lab - Part Duex.  You will have the next couple of days to complete the following:

• Experimental Design (Procedure)
• Data table (collect data)
• Graph (just the averages)
• Claims & Evidence (see testable question)
• R  -  A  -  C  -  E  -  S     worksheet
• Written conclusion

9/29 Monday  - Formative 1.1

9/26 Friday - PENDULUM LAB - PART DEUX.  Today we began designing our next investigation to test the effect of changing length of string on the frequency of a pendulum.  You will be responsible for completing each step and deciding exactly what needs to be done during each step of the investigation.  This is your chance to show me what you have learned over the past week and a half about conducting investigations.

9/25 Thursday -  Today in class we use a modified ACES model to help us write our lab conclusions.

R - Restate the testable question.

A - Answer the testable question.  Does this support / refute your hypothesis?

C - Cite evidence to support your claim.

E - Explain or elaborate on your evidence / data.

S - Summative statement / sentence.

9/24 Wednesday - Today in class we analyzed our pendulum graphs, wrote our CLAIMS and EVIDENCE chart and then began working on our CONCLUSIONS.

9/23 Tuesday - Quiz 1.1 Review.  Then we completed the mass versus frequency portion of the pendulum lab.  Tonight for homework I would like you to complete your bar graph of changing mass versus frequency.  Refer to the handout on the right of this web page titled - WORKING WITH DATA .  You might it useful.

9/22 Monday -  Today we started collecting data and had some fun setting up the lab.  We'll complete this portion of the lab tomorrow and graph the data.

9/19 Friday  -Today we set up the pendulum lab and made some last minute adjustments to our procedures.  Please get outside this weekend and enjoy the weather!

9/18 Thursday - Quiz 1.1 - Scientific Method / Inquiry Skills (Open House tonight!)

Today we visited the Book Fair after the science quiz. 

9/17 Wednesday - Pendulum Lab continued.  Quiz Review.

9/16 Tuesday - Today in class we started by recording the following testable question in our notebook  along with your own prediction:

 QUESTION - What effect does changing mass have on the