Happy Holidays!

Just want to wish everyone a merry and bright holiday season. Stay safe and I will see you in 2010!

Project update

Due to the snow day on Monday the deadline to submit projects for full credit has been pushed back. ALL PROJECTS FOR FULL CREDIT ARE DUE JANUARY 6, 2010.

We will use class time on 12/22 and 12/23 to work on the project. Please come prepared to work and with any questions you may have.

When we return on Monday, January 5, we will start our new unit on Energy, Machines, and Motion. Please return your Catastrophic Events books to me ASAP!

Also test corrections will be due January 6. See Class Assignments for criteria and form.

Happy Winter Solstice!

What better way to say hello to winter then with a SNOW DAY!

Enjoy sleeping in, hanging out, and if you venture out be careful.

Don't worry about your project. I will be extending the due date :)

Project links

Check out these sites for help with your research:

USGS earthquake hazard site:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/index.php?regionID=5
Volcano World:
http://volcano.oregonstate.edu/
Earth’s active volcanoes:
http://www.geo.mtu.edu/volcanoes/world.html
Hawaiian volcanoes:
http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/
USGS, Cascade Mountain Range:
http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/
Blog on active volcanoes:
http://scienceblogs.com/eruptions/

Survived Catastrophic Events!

Congratulations....you completed the first component of 8th grade science this year. To wrap up our investigations we will work on a project that will be completed in class. This project will take us up to the day we leave for winter break.

Want a sneak peek? Click here for earthquake and volcano project.

Volcano Review

Be sure to review your notes and study guide tonight for your test tomorrow.

Also, start looking for your science book (for those that lost them). I will be collecting them soon.

Finishing up volcanoes

Each group finished Inquiry 23.1. Summarize your findings about volcanis ash by writing about:

• What is volcanic ash made from?
• How may the ash harm people/property?
• How may it affect waterways?
• How could you protect yourself from ash if there was an eruption?
• Do you think there are any constructive effects of ash?

Once your summary is complete (most of you finished that in class) it is time to work on your study guide!

We will be reviewing for your test on rocks and volcanoes in class tomorrow. Cell phone leaders please bring your phone to class for our activity.

Types of igneous rocks

Igneous rock can be grouped 2 ways: intrusive and extrusive. Be sure you know the difference for your test on Thursday.

We started Inquiry 23.1: Properties of volcanic ash. You will finish the lab tomorrow and start on your study guide.

Looking at igneous rocks

Our investigation led us to examine 5 different igneous rocks. In your groups you classified them into 2 separate groups. On Monday we will learn how scientists classify igneous rocks and we will also look at volcanic ash.

Stay warm and have a great weekend!

Follow me!

For those that asked, I am now on Twitter! Follow me to get homework and class updates.

http://twitter.com/mrsgreena111

Quiz time!

Productive day today:

• Took a quiz on volcanoes
• Completed a rock cycle diagram in notebook
• Had a chance to work on HW and MOS in class.

Homework:
Read pgs 258-263. Choose 1 summary to write:

• How do scientists monitor Mt. St. Helens?
• Discuss the reappearance of plant and animal life after the eruption.

Reminder: 3 MOS logs are due tomorrow!

Riding the Rock Cycle

What is the big deal about rocks? Well without them we would not have a lot of common items we use everyday (roads, jewelry, cement, building materials, even makeup!).

We observed rocks from each of the three types: sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous. Then we became took a ride as a mineral in the rock cycle.

Homework: Complete rock cycle cartoons. Quiz is tomorrow!!

Types of Volcanoes

Volcanoes can have different sizes and different shapes. We looked at how 3 types of volcanoes can form. We also used our cell phones to text our answers during our review on volcano types. Be sure to study the volcano type chart you did in class.

For those interested in the website I used: http://www.polleverywhere.com/

Homework: Complete Volcano ID worksheet. If you get stuck, go back in your notes/book.

QUIZ IS NOW THURSDAY!! KEEP STUDYING

MOS ideas

Halfway through the 2nd marking period means your MOS logs are due. Need some ideas? Here are a few.

• Remember the 5 questions for a volcanologist you created for homework? Answer them by going to the USGS website. If you can not find the answer to your question, send an email to the USGS. Click here for directions.
• Create a model of one of the types of volcanoes we learned in class.
• Use vocabulary from this unit and create a crossword puzzle.
• Check out the class library (by the window) with simple activities to do.

How liquids flow

The term for this is viscosity. We used the data from our lab on Friday and applied the concept of viscosity to lava. Be sure to review your notes on properties of magma.

Having a hard time remembering viscosity? Remember this:

• Hallway packed with students (hard to walk through) - high viscosity (liquid doesn't move as freely)
• Hallway with only a few students (easy to walk through) - low viscosity (liquid moves feely)

Homework tonight: Create a list of 10 liquids. Order them from highest viscosity to lowest viscosity.

Reminder:

• 3 MOS logs due Friday
• Quiz Wednesday on volcanoes, viscosity and type of volcanoes

Viscosity of liquids lab

Viscosity? What is it? We did not define the word yet in class but you did investigate it today. On Monday we will look at the class data collected and see what viscosity is and what it has to do with volcanoes.

Have a wonderful weekend...don't forget about your 3 MOS logs or your quiz on Wednesday!

Using Cell Phones in Class

Parents (and students):

Please note that beginning next week I will be occasionally conducting engaging activities that involve student cell phones. Some of these activities involve Text-Messaging. I will be waiving the cell phone policy in my classroom during these times and may be placing the students in groups according to their cell phone plans. In other words, students that claim that they have unlimited text plans would be spread out among the groups. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me.

All about volcanoes

We were able to witness 2 different underwater volcanoes by watching links that scientists had posted on YouTube. If you are interested in seeing more video on submarine volcanoes, then search for "underwater volcano" on YouTube. **Please note that comments posted by other viewers may contain some "colorful" language.

We also completed a studyguide on volcanoes. This sheet will be helpful for your volcano vocab quiz on December 9.

Homework: Read pgs 222-223. Create 5 new questions that you could ask a volcanologist.

Lava and new landforms

How does lava make new land? Since we did not have any lava lying around we used wax as our model. We investigated how lava behaves on a flat surface, sloped surface, and even in water.

Tonight for HOMEWORK complete 19.2 reflection questions 1-3 on page 219 .

Reminder that your first 3 MOS logs are due for Marking Period 2.

Progress Reports are mailed December 16.

+/- of volcanoes

In class we reviewed the questions from the video. We also discussed the destructive and constructive effects of volcanoes. Tomorrow we will investigate how lava creates landforms.

Homework: Complete Inquiry 18.1 reflection questions #1 A-G on pg 202.

New unit! Volcanoes!!

Hope you had a relaxing Thanksgiving Break. Coming back to class today found us thinking about volcanoes.

The first lesson introduces us to how scientists work to reduce the risks that come from a volcano. Tomorrow we will discuss our notes from the video.

Homework!
Read pgs 206-209 in book. Decide for yourself if volcanoes are a help or a hindrance. Write at least 1 paragraph defending your position.

Plate tectonic review part 2

We went over the review guide in class today. We also played Plate Tectonic Jeopardy. Click here to play on your own (great study tool!).

Tomorrow is the test!

Fault movement vs. friction

Our last investigation of our unit has led us to understand the role friction has on fault movement. Your data supports the idea that the greater resistance, the greater the force needed to move.

In class you started your review guides. FINISH THE GUIDES FOR HOMEWORK

**We are having a group study session after school tomorrow. Please see me if you would like to join**

Reviewing plate motion

The video that was shown today hopefully gave you a chance to see how the plates interact with one another. This will be a big part of your test ~ be sure to look over the chart that was given to you (in your notes!).

We also reviewed Inquiry 15.1. In case you left your paper in school, the notes are posted under Class Info.

Have a great weekend!

Oceanic vs. Continental

Our class investigation today led us to discover how ocean and continental plates behave.

We have one last investigation (faults) before we finish our unit on plate tectonics.

Homework:

• Complete vocab sheet
• Finish Inquiry 15.1 reflection questions

Test has been moved to Wednesday, Nov. 25!! Review sheets will go home Monday.

More Earth Science resources

Found another site for those that want to learn more or just need some practice. This site has links to interactive websites covering topics we learned in class.

http://www.learningscience.org/esc2astructureearthsystem.htm

Convection and plate motion recap

We reviewed the layers of the earth and watched a short clip that illustrates what convection looks like in the mantle. For your notes, you received a chart with the type of plate boundaries, the motions and features found. STUDY THIS!

Tomorrow we will investigate oceanic and continental crust movement.

For homework: Complete worksheet 15.1 about the Tonga Trench. If you do not have colors the paper states, feel free to use colors you have (just make a key). If you have no colored anything, use 3 different symbols (star, dot, square).

How do plates move?

We modeled today the 3 types of plate movement: transform, divergent and convergent. Make sure you remember how each moves!!!

Tomorrow, we will discuss more in depth what goes on at each location and label our map with these boundaries.

Homework (Pds 2 and 4 only): Complete the worksheet on plate boundaries. Use the lab activity sheet to help you!

Need some practice?

I found these links while cruising the web. They will give you some practice for your upcoming test!

Plate Tectonic Quiz from McDougal Littell
Plate Tectonic Practice Test
Glencoe Online Practice Quiz

Convection in the mantle

Our investigation today led us to discover how convection cells work within the mantle. We now can see/understand what causes the crust (plates) to move. Over the next few days we will learn more about movement along the plate boundaries.

Homework tonight:

• Period 1: Complete worksheet on plate boundaries
• Period 2 and 4: Finish 16.1 Reflection questions

Also start studying/reviewing your notes on continental drift. plate tectonics and earth's layers. You will be having a test on Tuesday, November 24!!

Marking Period 2 Begins

And to kick it off we took a quiz on continental drift/sea floor spreading.

After the quiz we completed the Reflection questions from Inquiry 13.1 notes.

Homework tonight! Complete worksheet "Earth's  Interior"

Making a cross section

In class we reviewed our homework assignment on sea-floor spreading. We then made a cross section of Earth's layers for our notes. On Thursday we will add descriptions to our layers. *If you were absent we amde one for you!*

Tomorrow is our SS trip to Philadelphia. Be prepared for a quiz on Thursday (continental drift vocab, etc).

Homework DUE 11/12!!:

• Choose an object whose interior differs from its exterior.
• Draw a cross section of the object showing the interior.
• Label the different parts.

Earthquake patterns

In class we completed Inquiry 13.1. We discovered there are three major areas prone to earthquakes: Circum-Pacific Belf (the Ring of Fire), Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and the Mediterranean-Himalayan Belt. Most earthquakes occur along plate boundaries.

For homework tonight use the World Plate Map given to you in class and complete the questions.


All missing/make up work is due by Wednesday, November 11.


You will be having a quiz on Thursday on continental drift vocab. Be sure to reveiw your notes!

Looking at the past

Today we saw what the continents would have looked like as one giant landmass. Through the video we saw, we also learned that New Jersey was once located near the equator.

Homework ~ Be sure to complete the vocab sheet.

Have a relaxing 4-day weekend!!

Putting it all together

So we looked at all the evidence that scientists have gathered over the past 100 years and can now agree with Wegener's hypothesis of the continents being one giant landmass.

Homework: Complete packet on sea-floor spreading.

Also your MOS logs are due WEDNESDAY for marking period 1.

Fossil evidence

In class we worked on plotting 4 pieces of fossil evidence. We will use this data on Monday to help explain why the fossils are so widespread. If you did not finish in class, complete over the weekend. Be sure to come up with 3 explanations as to why the Glossopteris (plant) was found in different regions. Keep in mind, these are ancient fossils that we are looking at.

Also MOS logs are due by Wednesday!

One landmass?

Was it possible that the continents were once one giant landmass? Well, Alfred Wegener believed so. In class today we did a  mock debate using evidence Wegener had. We will build on his ideas tomorrow by looking at fossil evidence.

No homework tonight!

Search and Rescue Dog Demo

Alice Holmes and Ranger are volunteers with the New Jersey Task Force One (NJTF1). Members of the NJTF1 provide advanced rescue assistance during critical times, such as building collapses.


Students had the opportunity to learn more about the efforts of this unit and the dogs involved in such a critical task through several demonstrations in which Ranger had to “go to work”. Ms. Holmes gave several commands and Ranger quickly followed. The other demonstration had me "buried” in rubble. Ranger immediately followed her scent, jumped over boxes, and sniffed me out to safety. Ms. Holmes also spoke about the valiant efforts of the NJTF1 during the World Trade Center recovery efforts.

 

   

Test review

Tomorrow is our test on earthquakes (lessons 10, 11 and 12). To prepare we reviewed the study guide and did a short review activity.

Due NOW! Mercalli Posters...if you turned your poster in today you are good!

Search and Rescue Demo

Next week a member of the New Jersey Task Force One (NJFT1) will be coming to speak to our class regarding using dogs to assist in search and rescue.

In order to participate, students need parent permission. Please be sure to turn your slip in by October 27. Check out Class Info for the slip (if you need another one).

Conference Time

Parent conferences will be held during the follwoing dates/times:

• Tuesday, October 27 1pm-3pm
• Wednesday, October 28 1pm-3pm
• Thursday, October 29 6pm-8:30pm

If the above dates are a conflict for you please let me know. I would be happy to meet at a more convenient time or can schedule a phone conference.

Test Review

We started reviewing for our test, which will be on 10/27. Be sure to finish it (if you did not do so in class). We will go over the answers and do a review activity on Monday.

Also, your Mercalli posters are due Monday for a quiz grade!

Mercalli Scale

We observed 2 ways to look at the intensity of an earthquake: qualitatively and quantitatively. The Richter Scale assigns numbers to determine the magnitude. The Mercalli Scale assigns a value based on the intensity.

Your task is to create a poster illustrating your assigned value. Poster are due Monday, October 26, for a quiz grade!

See class info for project assignment and rubric!

Also, your test will be on Tuesday, October 27.

Astronomy Night

Here is an opportunity to view the night sky and complete an MOS log at the same time!

Where: Sunday, October 25, from 7-11pm at Historic Smithville Park

It is free to participate but registration is required. Visit http://www.co.burlington.nj.us/ or call 609-265-5068.

Back to classwork!

Yesterday was our science trip and such a great time we had! Be on the lookout for some pics to follow!!

In class today we reviewed our notes on Lesson 12. Be sure you know the difference between the focus and the epicenter. We also started discussing how scientists measure the intensity of a quake.

Homework!! Complete worksheet Magnitude Math. Use the sample problem as a guide if you get stuck.

You will be having a test on Tuesday, October 27! Be sure to start reviewing.

Palmyra Cove Trip

Our science trip is this Tuesday (10/20) and the weather is looking promising. The forecast is calling for partly sunny and 65 degrees.

What to bring/wear:

• Sweatshirt or light jacket (the morning will be cool)
• Old pants and sneakers (we will be walking through the woods)
• A hat (it is hat day!)
• A small snack (we are eating lunch when we return at 1:30)

School rules still apply ~ Appropriate dress and no cell phones.

A short day

but a busy one at that!

Due to the delayed opening we did not have much class time. We reviewed how to find the distance of an epicenter and our homework Can You Read A Quake?

Also, parent permission slips have been sent home regarding our class demonstration of a search and rescue dog. You must have this paper signed in order to participate. Please return by 10/23!

HA HA SO!

No, I am not laughing at you :) HA HA SO is a way to assist you with faced by a bully.

Science was on hold today so we could continue the schoolwide discussion on bullying. The lesson today focused on strategies to handle various situations. The strategies discussed were: Help, Assert, Humor, Avoid, Self-Talk and Own It.

We will pick back up our lesson on epicenters tomorrow.

Reminder ~ Tomorrow is a Delayed Opening for students!

Plotting epicenters

Today we completed Inquiry 12.3 and practiced finding the epicenter by putting all the info together.

You will not be responsible for plotting the stations on a map. HOWEVER, you will need to be able to explain the process.

Homework ~ Read and complete questions Magnitude & Intensity

Finding the epicenter

Some math is involved when trying to locate the epicenter. Today our focus was on calculating the "lag time" of the P and S-waves. We then used this info to find the distance on the time-distance graph.

Homework tonight! Complete Parts 1 and 2 on the Time Travel worksheet. I will help you with Part 3 in class.

Also trip money/slip was due today. If you did not turn it in and would like to go with us on 10/20 please see me!!!

Reading a Sesimogram

We looked at a seismogram from the Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964. We used the seismogram to determine the arrival time of the P-waves and the number of aftershocks.

Homework tonight! Complete Can You Read a Quake?

Also trip money due for our science trip to the Palmyra Cove.

NASA moon impact

Science was one of the top headlines in the news this morning.

Check out NASA's mission site see pictures from the impact crater and to learn more about the purpose.

Don't worry...the moon is safe!

Seismograph variables

We completed Inquiry 12.1 today in class. A sesimograph gives us three things: direction, amplitude, and force. But, we need more than one type to get accurate seismic data.

Have a great weekend!

Recording waves

Our investigation today led us to start thinking about how a sesimograph works. We will be investigating 3 variables: direction, distance and force. Today, we looked at the direction. Our focus tomorrow will be on the the last two.

There is no homework tonight since we did not complete the Inquiry.

Don't forget to keep working on your MOS logs!

Presentations

We all survived speaking in front of the class. It was great hearing your design process and what you would change for next time.

Tonight for homework read pages 152-153 about rescue canines and complete the questions given to you in class.

Friendly reminders ~ Trip money is due by Tuesday and Focus notebooks are due by Friday!

 Go Phillies!!!

Check it out!

Our structures by class:

Testing day!

We have some pretty good engineers in our classes. It seems that all structures survived the shaking. Many structures had minimial damage, if any at all!

Be prepared to discuss your design tomorrow in class.

Stay posted for pictures!

I will be collecting your FOCUS notebooks on Friday!

Last day for building

Today we finished building, testing and modifying our structures. I must say, there are some very unique designs.

Tomorrow will be the real test...Can your structure withstand an earthquake for 20 seconds?

No homework tonight!

October Happenings

Well, we have made it through the first month of the school year. October is a busy month. Here are some important dates.

• 10/7 ~ Progress reports mailed home
• 10/13 ~ Trip money due for Palmyra Cove
• 10/16 ~ Professional Development day (Delayed Opening)
• 10/20 ~ Trip to the Palmyra Cove
• 10/27 & 10/28 ~ 1/2 day for Parent Conferences
• 10/29 ~ Evening Parent Conferences

Busy Friday!

Between turning your MOS folders in, taking a quiz, and smiling pretty for Picture Day not much time was left to work on our buildings.

No worries...building will continue on Monday. Be prepared Tuesday for the testing of your structure.

Have an awesome weekend!

Blueprints

In class we started to think about the design of our earthquake structure. Tomorrow we will start the building phase.

Remember to keep in mind safety features that will help the building!

Don't forget your MOS logs and to study for your quiz!

Earthquake triggers a tsunami

Two strong earthquakes have happened within the past day.

1. Under the ocean floor near the Samoa Islands (Pacific Ocean)
1. 8.0 magnitude
2. This triggered a tsunami that reached the island of the American Samoas
2. In Indonesia, near Sumatra
1. 7.6 magnitude
2. Tsunami warnings were issued but cancelled.

These are not the only earthquakes that have occurred. Check out the USGS site to see just how many quakes rattle the ground each day.

Safety check!

Could our classroom survive a quake? We answered this question by looking at how well certain materials would hold up. For example, our lights hang so we would want them to be secured to the ceiling (if we were in a high-risk area).

For homework conduct a safety check of your home (or one room of your house). How well would the objects withstand all the shaking? Write a summary of your findings. Use the checklist we did in class to help you!

Reminders for Friday:

• Picture day!
• Lesson 10 and 11 Quiz
• MOS logs due (3 should be completed)

Earthquake engineering

This week our focus is on how to reduce the amount of damage caused from an earthquake.

Remember~ It is not the earthquake itself that causes all the destruction. The destruction is a result of what can happen when the earth shakes.

Today we acted as insurance adjusters and assessed damage to various property during the 1906 quake in San Francisco.

Tomorrow, we will start looking at how buildings are constructed and what can be done to make them safer.

Thursday you will then be the engineers ~ constructing a building that can withstand an earthquake. Paying attention in class this week will definitely come in handy for this!

Homework tonight!! Read pgs 130-133 and complete questions on handout.

Also be sure to review your notes on Lessons 10 and 11 ~ You have a quiz on Friday!

MOS Reminder

Don't forget! You should have 3 activities completed by next Friday (October 2).

Use the guidelines to give you inspiration as to what activities would count (see class info for the link).

Some ideas that were inspired by class discussions:

• Design and test how many drops of water can fit on a penny if sugar was introduced.
• Research the career of a seismologist.
• Research information about earthquakes that happened in New Jersey (you might be surprised!)
• Redesign the pendulum lab to test a different weight.

If you still are completely stuck...PLEASE SEE ME FOR HELP!

Finally Friday!

We discussed our findings on earthquake waves:

• P-waves (Primary waves) are the fastest and first to travel during a quake
• S-waves (Secondary waves) come after the p-waves
• Surface waves arrive last and cause the most destruction

**BONUS** Can you tell me what name(s) seismologists call surface waves? If so, bring your answer into class on Tuesday!

Be sure to study your Lesson 10 and 11 notes  for a quiz on Friday, October 2.

Hope you enjoy the 3-day weekend!

Body waves

You may not have figured out which is fastest but you should know how the 2 waves move.

• P-waves ~ push and pull through the earth
• S-waves ~ move side to side through the earth

Tomorrow, we will share our data with the class and determine which waves travel the fastest.

To be completed for class tomorrow:

• All parts of Student Sheet 11.1
• Answer all reflection questions on page 127
• On a piece of paper, write a GOOD conclusion about what you have learned during this investigation.
• Use that small piece of paper that you taped into your binder to help you!

Earthquake waves

Today we discussed the differences between the Kobe and Northridge earthquakes. We also talked about what people could do to prepare for another big quake.

We started our investigation on how energy travels during a quake. Tomorrow we will complete Inquiry 11.1 and work on our conclusion about seismic waves.

Also, I have enjoyed reading your myths about what causes earthquakes. Be sure to check out the myths in the back of the room.

No homework tonight...BUT your MOS logs (3!) are due October 2.

Unhappy quiz/test grade??

Well, make corrections and earn half credit :)

There is no option of a retest. Take your quiz/test and complete the correction page. Don't just write the correct answer but explain how you found the right answer. An example to help you is on the guideline page.

Reminder ~ Your parent must sign the quiz/test and you have one week to complete.

Welcome Fall!

Although it may not feel like it outside, the fall equinox occurs this evening (5:18 pm to be exact!). Do you know why it is called the fall equinox? Bring your answer to me for a bonus!

In class we finished the video. Our focus today was determining what the cities had in place in case of a quake and what improvements could be made. We will share our answers in class tomorrow.

Homework!

• Read in text pages 118-119 Myths About Earthquakes
• Write your own myth explaining why earthquakes occur.
• I do not want or expect you to write about what really causes an earthquake.
• Use the ideas that other cultures had about quakes to inspire your own silly story.

Thinking about earthquakes

Today marks the first day of our unit on earthquakes. During the unit we will investigate (and be able to explain!) all the whys, hows and wheres we have about earthquakes.

To get us thinking we started off by viewing the video The Day the Earth Shook. First, we gathered some info so we could compare the 2 quakes. One interesting fact was the quakes occurred exactly a year a part (even the time was close). Tomorrow, we will look at how seismologists analyzed the data from those 2 quakes and what was learned from the data.

Remember ~ leave your textbook at home!

Field Trip!

Details:

• Where: Palmyra Nature Cove
• When: Tuesday, October 20 (9am-1:30pm)
• Why: To explore and investigate the local watershed
• Cost: $20 due by October 13

More info will be sent home regarding what to wear and bring as the trip gets closer.

Please speak with me if there are problems that may prevent you from going (cost, allergies, etc).

Survived our first quiz

Well, all of my students have managed to make it through their first science quiz for the year. If you were absent today please be prepared to take the quiz on Monday during class (or another time of your preference).

Textbooks were issued and sent home today. Please keep them at home and use them for assignments or reference.

Assignments due now (most have turned the work in):

• Drops on a Penny lab
• Saving Fred lab

Enjoy the sunshine this weekend...Go Eagles!

Space Station will pass by tonight

Assuming that the night sky is visible, you will be able to locate the International Space Station above Burlington Twp tonight! You will have to look quick though, it's passing will take only a couple of minutes.

Location details:

• Go out around 8:35pm (passing will occur from 8:38-8:41)
• Locate the Big Dipper (it is low in the sky). You may also notice some bright stars (those will be 3 of the planets visible now). The Space Station will be traveling below the basket of the Big Dipper and above the planets.
• Keep in mind that the Space Station orbits, so it will be moving. If you see something moving between the points I told you, you may have seen the Space Station!

Investigating sea ice

Operation ICEBridge

Great news!

We have the oppoprtunity to become part of a mission that will be studying sea ice in Antartica. Researchers from NASA and The University of North Dakota are involved. We will be able to track and comminucate with the scientists onboard the DC-8 flight. The purpose of their mission is to collect information on the sea ice to fill in a data gap since the last mission five years ago.

More details to follow...

We saved Fred!

Today in class we had to work together to solve a problem. There were no steps to follow only 3 rules (no harming, no touching and no falling). After some moans and groans, everyone was successful in putting Fred in his life preserver.

Hopefully, you learned some important things. One being that if you fail, just try again!

Work on finishing the problems from the lab.

I had a lot of questions about #2 so here is some help:

• If I wanted to do the same thing you did to get the same exact results, how might the steps of the scientific method be helpful in achieving this?

Don't forget you have your notebook quiz tomorrow!

Wednesday Happenings

To get ready for our upcoming unit on earthquakes we took a short pre-assessment to see what the class knows already. Do not sweat if you did not know some answers...I do not expect you to (yet)!

Our investigation today led us to determine how many drops of water can fit on top of a penny. We even found out if soap would cause different results. Tomorrow we will share our results with the class.

Through this activity we raised some good questions: does the side of the penny used matter, what about the height the water is dropped from, etc. These are excellent ideas...feel free to use your ideas to set up an investigation for your MOS **Hint**

~ Finish your lab questions for homework.

Tuesday Happenings

Today we focused on writing a good scientific conclusion. We practiced using the data from our pendulum lab. At the end of class we learned the difference between making an observation and an inference by looking at animal tracks.

Tonight is Back to School Night. I look forward to meeting all the parents this evening. If you are unable to make it, feel free to send an email or call to introduce yourself!

Reminder ~ Your notebook quiz has been moved to Friday, September 18.

My Own Science

Besides the normal work we do in class, you will also be responsible to do some learning on your own outside the classroom throughout the year.

Today we went over the requirements in class. Here is a recap:

• Ongoing science investigations done at home
• Counted as a quiz grade
• 6 activities each marking period
• 30 minutes a piece

Refer to the Table of Contents for a list of acceptable activities and how to record your work.

Your first 3 activities will be due by October 2, 2009!

Friday Happenings

As promised, we completed our investigation into variables and controls. Hopefully you were able to identify the independent and dependent variables. If not, Monday we will work on it!

Remember to pick up a 2-pocket folder (with fasteners) for Monday.

Enjoy the weekend...even though it might be off to a soggy start.

Thursday Happenings

In class we continued working on science process skills- with the focus today being on variables and controls.

We began our lab investigating variables and controls by making a pendulum and testing different lengths. Unfortunately, we ran out of time today. We will continue collecting data and complete the conclusion questions in class on Friday.

Yep that's right...you have no homework tonight!

Wednesday Happenings

Over the next few days we are focusing on the Nature of Science. Scientists do a lot of experiments and it is important that they also have good skills and technique.

Today's class focused on developing questions based on observations. We did this by "exploding" colors in milk.

Homework:
You are free of science homework tonight ONLY if you have completed your Scientific Summer. If not, it is due tomorrow.

Also, get any papers signed by your parents.

Tuesday happenings

Today was all about lab saftey. One thing we did in class was writing silly lab stories and sharing them with a partner.

Homework tonight:

•  Safety Contract signed
• Complete one lab saftey worksheet of your choice (Sponge Bob or What Not to Do)

Also if not done yet:

• Get Course Outline signed
• Work on My Scientific Summer due Thursday 9/10

Friday happenings

Today we reviewed procedures on turning in assignments and what to do if absent.

We also started on our assignment My Scientific Summer . As a reminder, it is due on Sept 10. You are always welcome to turn your work in early  :)

If you need help, check out my example under Class Info.

Have a great, relaxing Labor Day weekend!

First Day of 8th Grade!

Just think...you survived!

It was nice to meet you today. I hope you were able to learn a little bit about our class and myself.
Homework tonight:
~Get course outline signed
~Complete survey

If you left your papers in school, don't stress. Check out Class Info for links to them.

Welcome back!

Where did the summer go?

I am excited to be your science teacher this year. I look forward to teaching you new things about the world around us. And, I anticipate learning a lot from you in the process.

Over the next 2 days you will be learning the ropes of our class (grading, procedures, etc.). In return, I plan on learning a lot about you during the first few days.

So glad you are a part of my class,
Mrs. Green

What's in a name?

Don't be alarmed. Your eyes are not playing tricks. My name might look a little different from what your schedule reads but I am Ms. Hewish.

On August 14th I became Mrs. Green!

2009-2010 Supply List

It's amazing to think that September is just around the corner. While you are out getting your back-to-school clothes don't forget your science class supplies.

• 3-Ring binder (1 ½ inches)
• Single subject spiral notebook
• One two-pocket folder with fasteners
• As always, plenty of pencils, pens and notebook paper
• Optional: A box of tissues for the classroom