What's in an Organism's Name?

Long time, no talk (or blog in this case). I have been slacking at updating this. Now that I am finally caught up hopefully I can stay on top of this site a little more.

In class we are studying the living world. Once we have a basic understanding of what living things are, we can move on to how the non-living world interacts with our living world.

First- we need to understand taxonomy and how organisms get their name. Since we do not have a book to take home, all notes are being done in class. If you missed some spaces check out this link to help you fill in the blanks.

Meteor Shower Tonight!

Did you miss the meteor shower in December? If so, now is your chance to catch another glimpse of a "shooting star". We should have a much better view of the night sky since the moon is waning (becoming a new moon). The hours to view are between 10-4, with the best time being early morning on the 4th. Good luck and bundle up!

Almost done...

Our unit on volcanoes and rocks! To wrap things up, we are investigating the properties of ash by conducting some tests on volcanic ash to see what this stuff is really made of.

The test will be Tuesday, November 29. A study guide will not be given. All material for the test can be found in your notebook on pgs 35-50. However, review questions are available for you to print to help you study. On Monday we will review as a class- be sure to bring your cell phone!

Catastrophic Events Project!

We are rapidly finishing up our unit on catastrophic events. To show off what you have learned you will be choosing one project from a choice board. All projects are to be done by Dec 2 for full credit. Also, this is an independent project. I am available after school for one on one help. Please see the side bar for links to choices, rubrics and websites.

Grade Booster

Want a second chance to improve your test grade? Then complete this assignment during your Fall Break. All letters are due when we return on November 14. I will not be accepting late work since this is an extra credit assignment. You may email your letters before November 14.

Types of volcanoes

In class we created a study tool to compare the 3 types of volcanoes -shield, composite and cinder cone. Volcanologists group volcanoes based on their size, shape, and what they are made of (composition).

Be sure to study this and your notes (pgs 36-40) for your quiz on Friday. Left your notebook at home? Check the link on the side to access the class PowerPoint!

The good and bad of volcanoes

In class we started our new unit, volcanoes. Last week we watched a video that followed scientists monotoring Mt Pinatubo in 1991. Thanks to their dedication and careful eye, they were able to evacuate the villages and military bases nearby. 

Today, we wrapped up questions from the video and discussed the good, the bad and where they occur (thankfully not here in NJ!). Tomorrow we will look at the structure of the volcano and the types of volcanoes that can occur.

You will have a quiz FRIDAY- start looking over your notes now!