Newton in the News

Due to technology issues I have not had a chance to update this blog. Cross your fingers the Internet continues working for daily class updates.

Two things we are working on:

1. Energy, Motion and Force Cafe ~ See links under Class Info. This is being done outside of school but I am available during lunch and afterschool for assistance. Due Friday, 12/3.

2. Newton in the News ~ See link under Class Info. This is being done in class on 11/22 and 11/23. Any work not finished in class will be finished outside of school. This assignmant is due by Tuesday, 11/30.

Calculating power

We are wrapping up our unit on energy. The last thing we are focusing on (before moving onto motion) is power. Power is the rate at which work is being done.

Homework: Complete worksheet on calculating power.

Test Friday! Study your notes and old quizzes (topics include: energy transformations, batteries, forces, mass/weight, friction, gravity, elastic force, work and power)

Measuring work

We continued with yesterday's topic of work by using the motor/pulley system. We found the work done by the motor, washers and a sled.

Homework:
1. Complete reflection questions A-E on pg 78


2.Answer on your original HW paper (hardest work). Would the science community view what you did as work? Explain.
 
Quiz tomorrow! (Circuits and work)

What is work?

In class we discussed how a scientist would classify work being done. Know that you need 2 things: force and distance. If one of these elements is missing then there is no work being down. You should have learned that laying on the couch does not count as you doing work!

Complete the practice problems for homework (they are on the back of the circuit paper). Lost the paper? See link under Class Info. Remember that the equation is Work = Force * Distance

Reviewing electricial circuits

We used the following website to help us review the 2 types of circuits made on Friday. Practice making your own circuits and review for your quiz on Friday! 

http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/circuit-construction-kit-dc-virtual-lab

Homework: Complete worksheet on electrical circuits (do not do the side on work, that's tomorrow!)

Investigating electrical circuits

We did some experimenting today by creating two types of electrical circuits: series and parallel. We will review each type and discuss on Monday.

Looks like a beautiful weekend. Enjoy it! And Go PHILLIES!!!!

Investigating motors

Today's class investigation led us to discover how the following affect the performance of a motor:

• number of batteries used
• the way the batteries are connected (series vs. parallel)
• winding the string around the pulley vs. the nail

Although some groups may have had some difficulties with the equipment you should have found that batteries in a series worked more effectively than in a parallel. Also the string around the nail worked the best. Use this to complete the #1 A-D on pg 67 for homework.

Variables that affect friction

Today we shared our findings from Lesson 6 and took notes on what variables affect the force of friction.

There will be a quiz Tuesday, October 19, 2010. Topics include forces (elastic, gravitational, friction) and calculating net force. We will review on Monday.

Investigating friction

The class was divided up to investigate if frictional force is affected by: surface type, weight, or surface area.

Tomorrow and Thursday you will work on your lab report. Laptops are available in class to type up your good copy. All lab reports are due by Friday.

Busy Monday

We did a lot today. What a way to start the week. A quick run down of today's events:

• Previous classwork/quiz handed back. Classwork can be corrected and resubmitted for additional credit.
• Homework list for the week passed out (see Class Info)
• Went over net force problems (from Friday)
• Started lab report for Lesson 6 (will conduct on Tuesday)

Calculating net force

We reviewed the gravity studyguide/worksheet that was completed in class on Thursday. We also learned how to calculate the net force acting on a given object. Practice problems were given in class. If you did not finish time will be given at the beginning of Monday's class. No need to complete over the weekend. Enjoy the weather...it's going to be a great weekend :)

BTW--> Go Phillies!!

Forces review

We took notes on forces and how gravity affects objects. In class, we also completed a studyguide on gravity.

Reminder that the homework for the week is due tomorrow.

Mass vs. Weight

Continuing with our investigation on forces, today had us looking at gravitational force. Through the class activity and discussion you should now understand the difference (and relationship) between mass and weight.

Have completed for tomorrow: both data tables (5.1 & 5.2) and graphs for each.

Quiz tomorrow!

Investigating elastic force

This week our investigations will lead us to thinking about forces. Today, we looked at the force needed to stretch a rubber band. There are 2 questions we want to answer:

1. What happens to the force required to stretch a rubberband when the stretching distance is doubled?
2. Based on the graph, is there a relationship between the force needed to stretch the rubberband and the distance it stretches?

Please have your data graphed for tomorrow's discussion.

Also, HW for the week has been assigned today. See Class Info for a link to the assignments. Keep in mind that work not finished in class may be assigned as additional homework.

QUIZ WEDNESDAY! Study parts of a battery, energy forms and transformations.

Classifying energy

Energy can be placed into two groups: potential (stored energy) and kinetic (energy in motion).

Homework: Complete both worksheets on energy and transformations. You may skip the side labeled Alternative Energy. We will do that one together.

Toys and Science

What's the connection? Hopefully you discovered through our energy show and tell that toys require energy to move. Tomorrow we will look at the specific forms of energy.

We also completed Inquiry 4 in class. For homework, complete your graph (if not done last night) and the reflection questions on pg 29.

Charge time vs lit time

These were our independent and dependent variables for our investigation today. You should have copied down the class data.

Do the following for homework:

• Find the average for each charge time.
• GRAPH ONLY THE CLASS AVERAGES
• Do not connect the dots. You may connect them using a curve or a line of best fit. If you do not understand this step we will do it together in class tomorrow.

Rechargable batteries

In today's inquiry you had the opportunity to work with rechargable batteries, a light bulb and a small motor. You may have had success with either the light bulb, the motor or both. Don't worry if you did not have success. The purpose of the investigation was to understand how energy is stored, used and replaced in rechargable batteries. Keep in mind if your battery worked or not: what does that mean in terms of energy within the battery?

Homework: Complete Inquiry 3 reflection questions pg 23 A-G.

Making a battery

We have all used a battery but have you ever stopped to think about what makes a battery? During today's inquiry we assembled and tested a battery. Don't worry if your light bulb did not light. As long as you saw some "stuff" on the zinc, it worked. We will discuss what that "stuff" is tomorrow and how it all works.

For homework be sure the following is completed:

• Draw a diagram of your battery and label each part.
• Answer reflection questions A-E on pg 15.
• Read pgs 16-17 and answer questions 1-3 on page 17.

Thinking about energy, machines and motion

We started our unit off by visiting 8 various stations. Each station focused on a concept that we will further address as we dive into our unit. You should have completed your student sheet in class. If not, please complete tonight and be prepared to discuss in class.

Technology update

Parents please take note of the following:

~ Grades are now inputed through the Parent Portal. I update the grades on a weekly basis (usually Friday). Please email me if you have any questions. Not registered? Contact the main office to sign up.

~ Staff webpages are functioning. Please email me if you are unable to access the current class info.

Growing animals

To prepare us for our upcoming unit we have been practicing how to write a lab report. For our investigation we decided to grow sponge animals and see if temperature, type of water or stirring the water made any impact. Friday we wrote out procedures and today we experimented. Be sure to follow the guidelines/rubric I gave you when you are writing up your final copy. All good copies are due by Wednesday, September 22. Good copies may be typed, written in blue/black ink or pencil.

Looking at variables

How many drops of water will a penny hold before they spill over?

That was our question today. Hopefully you had a chance to determine the answer. I also hope you had an opportunity to practice how to identify variables and controls during an investigation.

Tomorrow we will keep building on our skills by setting up a lab report.

No homework tonight. Please note that the quiz scheduled for tomorrow has been pushed back to next week.

Science skills

Oops! I forgot to post this before I left.

Observations and inferences are a huge part of a scientific investigation. We did some practice on differentiating between the two.

We also looked at how to write a good hypothesis. For homework countine working on the practice sheet that we started in class. Try your best to complete the problems. Remember that a good hypothesis should state the IV, the DV and a reason why you think the DV will respond.

The quiz scheduled for Friday has been moved. Pd1 Monday and Pds 2,4,5 Tuesday.

Fossil Hunt

Today we went on a fossil hunt. Students were asked to try and figure out what creature they "found" by working in groups and observing other groups ideas.

The goals of the activity were:

• to show the uncertainity of science
• how working together helps solve a problem
• to develop a hypothesis from an observation and test it

Homework: Complete questions for The Great Fossil Find.

Are you still stumped as to what the creature may be? Here's a hint: it liked to fly millions of years ago.

Draw a Scientist

That was our task in class today. The purpose was to look at stereotypes in science, where these ideas came from and debunk some of the ideas.

Homework! Get saftey contract signed and complete one of the two safety worksheets.

Safety first

We spent today reviewing lab procedures and things to do/not do in the lab. On Monday I will send home the lab contract to be signed.

Be sure to complete your scientific summer summaries over the weekend. They are due Monday!

Thinking about science

Class started off by finishing up the review of class procedures.

For our class assignment we shared what we did this summer. This led into how science plays a role in everything we do. Students started their scientific summer summaries in class. All summaries are due no later than Monday, September 13. If you need to see my example, check out the link in Class Info section.

First day done!

Well the start of the 2010-2011 school year was off to a good one. I enjoyed meeting my new students and look forward to the year ahead. Today was uneventful in that we really went over the basics for the class. Please review the class outline tonight with your parent and return the last page signed.  In class we started the Getting to Know You Survey. If it was not completed in class, please finish tonight for homework. I love reading the responses and it gives me a chance to learn a lot about you.

Supply List 2010-2011

• 3 Ring binder (1 1/2 inches) dedicated to science class
• Single subject spiral notebook
• Plenty of notebook paper and pencils for the year
• Colored pencils, pencil sharpener, and scissors always useful for class
• Optional but appreciated ~ tissues and hand sanitizer for the classroom

 

School's out!

Congratulations to all the eighth grade students! All your hard work paid off. It was a pleasure having you all in class. I wish you the best of luck next year at the high school and in the years to come. Have a safe and relaxing summer :)

Finals are here!

This week students will be taking finals in the core content areas. The schedule is:

• Monday ~ Language Arts
• Tuesday ~ Science
• Wednesday ~ Social Studies
• Thursday ~ Math
• Friday ~ make up exams

My classes should be working on their final projects DUE NO LATER THAN THIS FRIDAY!

Also all textbooks must be returned by Friday.

Cell transport

Hello June! Just think the end of the school year will be here in less than 3 weeks. That means wrapping things up and getting ready for finals.

To finish up our unit on cells and organisms we have been conducting a lab using a raw egg. We observed how water moved in and out of the egg when placed in various liquids. This movement of water is called osmosis. Any other movement of molecules is called diffusion.

Tomorrow students will be receiving a study guide to prepare for the unit test on Thursday (6/4) and the final exam on Tuesday (6/8). Class time will be used to review for both exams.

Homework: Work on your end of the year project due 6/11. No projects will be accepted late. If you know you will be absent you should plan on turning your project in on Thursday 6/10.

Bonus project due no later than this Friday.

Looking at cells

We finished observing 4 different types of cells. Your task in class was to label the organelles you observed and complete all the questions in the packet. The entire packet will be counted as class credit. You will choose one sketch for me to grade as a quiz grade. Be sure to choose your best sketch and follow all guidelines.

Our last science test will be next Thursday, June 3. Material being tested: organisms, cell organelles/functions and cell transport.

Science finals will be Tuesday, June 8. We will start reviewing next week.

earthworms and caffeine

Friday we conducted our lab to see if caffeine plays a role in how an earthworm behaves. If you were absent use this information to complete your lab report. You are also welcome to come during lunch to conduct the activity.

Observations:
Dry petri dish ~ stayed in 1 spot, moved really slow
Water petri dish ~ tmoved around more than the dry dish, moved towards side of the dish, stuck tail end out of the water
Caffeinated solution: moved immediately when placed in solution, twisted/coiled its body

Blackworm notes

Just in case you lost or did not copy the notes in class.

Blackworms on Prezi

Cells

Friday you will be having a notebook quiz on blackworms and WOWbugs. We completed notes on the WOWbug today. Organize your notebook for Friday (and come prepared for class!). Don't have the notes? Check the Info section on the side.

The rest of the class time we spent defining organelles in plants and animal cells. Tomorrow we will go over the cell organizer and work on labeling the structures. All of this will prepare you for Inquiry 7 later this week.

The trip to Gettysburg is this week! The weather is looking like it will cooperate.

WOWbug questions

Just in case you missed the focus....

Copy the following questions and answer using pages 24-25.

1. What is an entomologist?
2. How did this bug get its nickname?
3. How did Dr. Matthews first find the WOWbugs?
4. What did the WOWbugs do that made him angry?
5. What behaviors of the WOWbug make them great for the science room?

Earthworm lab

Here is the start of your lab report for tomorrow's lab. this will be a test grade. It is your responsibilty to write out GOOD procedures. The lab is not in the textbook.

Problem: Does caffeine have an affect on an earthworm’s behavior?

Hypothesis: (Answer the problem)

Materials:

• One earthworm
• 3 Petri dishes
• cup of water
• cup of caffeinated solution
• graduated cylinder

Procedures (You must write your own. Think about how you would test your hypothesis)

Blackworms and WOWbugs

I have not been able to post daily updates. Been having some computer problems but I think it is all ok now.

This week we have been observing live organisms: blackworms and WOWbugs. Notes were taken on the balckworm and compared to an earthworm. Then we observed behaviors of the WOWbug using the camera and video micrscope. In class you sketched a WOWbug.

HW: Complete Inq 2.3 Student Sheet. Be sure your drawing is done correctly w/ 5 structures labeled (use pg 25 for help). The readings in your text book will help with the reflection questions.

Also finish writing lab procedures for tomorrow's lab.

Space Day 2010

We took a break from organisms today to celebrate space. The eighth grade science classes were visited by Lockheed Martin. Hopefully you learrned about the different careers available in the field of space and technology. We even had a chance to investigate the forces that work against a helicopter. To learn more about Space Day visit http://www.spaceday.org/

The microscope quiz has been pushed back to Monday. Use the weekend to review your vocabulary. I am also collecting Student Sheet 3.1 (Blackworm lab) on Monday. Use pages 34-38 in the textbook to help you answer the questions.

Birthday Boy!

Tank is 11 years old today. He will be enjoying a doggie ice cream treat to celebrate. Can you believe he fit in my hand when he was born?

Getting back to business

Testing is over and our schedule is still wacky from 6th grade testing but we are moving ahead. Today we looked at organisms under the microscope. We also sowed our fast plant seeds. Tomorrow groups who did not sow fast plant seeds will.

HW tonight! Complete crossword vocab puzzle. Test Friday on microscope parts.

Also, don't forget to get project info sheet signed.

Using Microscopes

We started on our last unit for the school year-- Organisms! To get us prepared we reveiwed the parts of the microscope. QUIZ FRIDAY ON MICROSCOPE PARTS!

Homework tonight! Read Microscope Pioneers pgs 26-27 and complete organizer. Forgot your book? Use the slideshow below to complete the worksheet. What? You lost the worksheet. See Class Info for link.

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Microscope Pioneers on Prezi

Testing Time

Students will be taking the NJASK 8 in LA, Math and Science this week. Students are reminded to not only give the test their best but to get to school on time, eat a good breakfast and get good night sleep.

During this week there is no assigned homework. Students are working on a animal design project that is done during class time. Completed projects are due by Monday, May 3. See link at upper righthand corner for project details and grading rubric.

Test review

This week we are reviewing for the NJASK Science and our class test on the living and nonliving environment. A practice test was given today to famaliarize you with the format and to identify your strong/weak areas. The rest of this week will be dedicated to refreshing your memory on science concepts. Also, a study guide was given for Friday's class test. The study guide should be completed by Thursday. Left your study guide in school? Click here.

Relationships in the ecosystem

Through a class activity, we discovered that organisms can share a relationship with one another. This is called symbiosis. We looked at 3 specific forms: mutualism (+/+), commensalism (+/0), and parasitism (+/-). The signs in parentheses show how the organism either benefits or not benefits.

HW: Complete both sides of the worksheet. Use your notes to help you.

Test on Friday: Living/Nonliving environment and taxonomy. A study guide will be given to help you organize your notes to study from

The remainder of this week will be dedicated to prepping for the NJASK 8 Science. Please ask me for help on concepts you need help with.

Matter Cycles

Food is a vital part of our survival. There are also abiotic factors influence our survival, such as water. Three important elements that are critical for us and other organisms are carbon, nitrogen and oxygen. Today, we modeled how nitrogen moves through the ecosystem.

What to know about nitrogen:

• Most of the air we breathe is nitrogen
• Special bacteria break the nitrogen down so plants can use  it
• Animals can only get nitrogen from plants (either directly or indirectly)
• Nitrogen is released through decompostion

Period 1 HW only: Complete the 3 questions about the carbon cycle.
Period 2 & 4: Don't think you are getting off easy. You have to do the worksheet for CW on top of Friday's lesson.

Energy in the ecosystem

Just when you thought we were done talking about energy the topic comes up again in a completelyt different unit!

Every living thing needs energy. We get our energy from food, since we can not make our own. Plants, however, can make their own. They get their energy from the sun. When we consume food we only get a little bit of that energy from the item consumed.

HW! Illustrate/describe an item of food you eat back to the energy source (the sun). Be sure to give all links.

Life in the environment

Spring break is over and it is back to the daily routine. Just think...June will be here before you know it!

Our lessons this week are focusing on the interactions that take place in the environment. We have discussed succession (how the environment changes over time) and food webs/chains. We will continue these ideas tomorrow by using the Smartboard.

The third marking period ends tomorrow. All missing work is due and will not be accepted past this date.

NJ ASK 8 Science

You should have received an informational booklet regarding state testing in April. Yes, there is a science state test (April 30). We will be reviewing concepts the week before state testing. I also am more than happy to put together material on concepts you know you need help in.

Check out this site to practice some concepts.
http://glencoe.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0078778115/student_view0/standardized_test_practice.html

Also, access Study Island from the district site for more online practice!

Biological organization

In class we acted out how the living and nonliving factors are organized in our world. In your notes you should have the 4 words defined with a picture/diagram.

Your homework this week is to have 6 MOS logs for Thursday. They are a quiz grade!

Also, if you still owe me a textbook or project NOW would be a great time to turn them in :)

Classification

PD day today so class was a quick one. We went over notes on taxonomy. The notes were the homework from last week.

Reminder~ Tomorrow is the LA trip to see Arsenic and Old Lace.

HW Tonight! Create a sentence to help you remember the 7-layer system of classification.

Music and Organisms

What is the link? They both can be classified. In class we listened to various artists and discussed how to classify the music. Scientists do the same thing with all the organisms. Scientists classify living things based on their traits. We also discussed why a system of classification is needed.

Tomorrow we will review notes on taxonomy (this was your homework from last week).

There is no homework tonight. (Yes, I know my website says yes but we did not get as far as I anticipated).

Reminder~ PD day tomorrow. School starts at 10:30am

Organisms!

We are moving into our last unit....ORGANISMS!

Starting last week we began looking at various types of organisms. We then discovered what all living things must do (called life processes).

In class we looked at how scientists name organisms. Tomorrow we will go a little further into naming and look at TAXONOMY! (This is where you will need to bring in your MP3/CD).

HW! Complete the Martian and Car worksheet. (See class links if you left it in school)

Calculating efficiency

Friday we discussed finding the mechanical advantage. Today we went a step further and looked at the efficiency of our machine (the inclined plane). If you would like practice click here. Use the links on the left hand side for practice problems on efficiency (Math Practice #1) and mechanical advantage (Math Practice #2). Tomorrow will be your quiz.

Also, cafe projects are due by 3/17 (Wednesday!). So far the projects coming in look great!

Reminder that Friday the boys will be attending the Young Men's Conference. The girls will be staying back and doing activities within each class period. For our class on Friday, girls are requested to bring in a plain white T-shirt (or a very light colored, such as yellow or pink) to be used during a color changing event!

Soggy weekend ahead

Good thing you have a project to be working on! Cafe projects are due by Wednesday.

We are quickly wrapping up machines. Today we found out what mechanical advantage is and how it is calculated. The only thing left to do is efficiency then our quiz on Tuesday.

Start looking for your textbook. I am collecting them next week!

Work and inclined planes

Your brain may be swimming after today's lab; rise, run, slope, force, etc. You should have all your measurements done so you can complete the calculations tonight. Also be sure to complete the reflection questions on page 105.

What's a Machine?

To get you thinking about our last topic of our unit on Energy, Machines and Motion, you were to complete your notes using a website and the questions provided (click here for ? ). If this was not done in class please finish for homework tonight.

Reminder that all projects for the Cafe are due NEXT Wednesday!

Newton in the News

Completed in class today (if not this is your homework!).

Objective: Defend examples of Newton’s laws in real world situations.

Task:
· You are to find one article. The article may be from any periodical source (newspaper, magazine, news website, etc).
· Once the article is chosen, you must write two GOOD paragraphs (a summary and a defense).
· The summary should briefly discuss the article.
· The defense should indicate which law is represented and the relationship between the law and the article.

Flying through forces

Which only means it must be time for a project!

All students are guests in this Science Cafe. Students received their menus today after taking the test. Each student's goal is to "purchase" $25 worth of "dishes". Dishes get purchased by completing the specified task.  Everyone must have an appetizer, a beverage and a dessert. Entree and salads are optional. All tasks, excluding entrees, are individual effort. Only the entree may be a group effort. A group may be up to 4 students from any of my period 1, 2 or 4 classes. Dishes may be turned in as they are completed. All dishes are due no later than March 17.

Check out the top of the page for links to criteria. Also, criteria is posted in the classroom.

Test review

Finally March is here! And hopefully no more snow!

Tomorrow is the test on lessons 5-9. Want to do some review? Click here for the Jeopardy game we played in class.

**Progress reports will be mailed home March 9**

March, where are you?

Wow! Another snow day! I am looking forward to March and hopefully no more snow?? I hope you are enjoying the extended weekend.

We will review on Monday and your test will be on Tuesday.

Also, remember to look for an article for a class activity next week. The article can be about anything; does not need to be related to science in anyway.

See you Monday!

How much power do you do?

Yes, I made you do some exercise today! The purpose of making you run up the back stairs was to see how much power you used. Check out this link to compare your power output to some common household items. Scroll down. The list is on the right hand side. http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/howmuch.html

Continue reviewing for your test. As of right now, test is still Friday. IF it nows and there is no school Thursday, THEN the test will be moved to Tuesday. Stay posted!

In class we finished up Lesson 9: Power and Batteries. For homework tonight use your data to complete 2 graphs. See procedures #8 and #14 on page 86. Also be sure to complete A-G on page 86.

Test Friday on lessons 5-9. Start reviewing:

• Forces (friction, gravity, mass, weight)
• Circuits (open, closed, series, parallel)
• Calculating work and power

What is work?

What we consider work and scientists consider work are 2 different things. In class I reviewed how to calculate work if given force and distance. Please review the problems you worked on in class on Wednesday and complete Student Sheet 8.1b. Do not complete 8.2. That is for Friday's lab.

***The quiz scheduled for Friday has been rescheduled for Monday***

Circuit review

It seems like ages ago we were here (thank you Mother Nature!). We reviewed different types of electrical circuits: series vs. parallel. To practice making your own circuits check out the link below.

http://phet.colorado.edu/simulations/sims.php?sim=Circuit_Construction_Kit_DC_Only

HW Tonight!: Write a paragraph describing the hardest work you have ever done. Explain what you did, what forces were being used, and what could you have done to make the work easier on you.

There will be a quiz on Friday on circuits and work. (We have not covered work yet-- that is Wed. and Thurs. lessons).

SDO launch

NASA'a new project to study the sun and space weather is getting ready to launch. Check out the live video feed. Launch time is estimated today at 11:26 am EST.

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

Snow Day!

Enjoy sleeping in tomorrow BUT don't forget to be working on your take home quiz. Have a question about the quiz? Email or tweet me.

Reminder that all quizzes are due the day we return. No quizzes will be accepted late. Late quizzes will result in a new quiz to be given during lunch or after school next week (and no notes being used...YIKES!)

Winter Olympics and Science

The 2010 Winter Olympics are quickly approaching. Check out this link for the science behind the games. HINT: Watch some videos and write about what you learn for your MOS logs. There are some great connections behind the sports and what we are learning in class.

http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/olympics/index.jsp

Finding the best operating conditions

That was the goal today. What setup will lift the most number of washers? Tomorrow we will share our obseravtions and determine the maximum force the motor can lift.

QUIZ UPDATE: Due to the impending snow storm Wednesday, the quiz will now be a take home quiz. Quizzes will be issued tomorrow and will be DUE THE DAY WE RETURN TO SCHOOL. If you do not return the quiz on the day we return, you will be issued a time either afterschool or during lunch next week to take the quiz (again). I am not accepting quizzes past the date we return (if you are absent then yes I will accept).

Sliding friction

The three investigations done in class this week has led us to discover that:

• The force of sliding friction depends on the type surface it is moving across.
• The force of sliding friction increases as the weight increases.
• The force of sliding friction does not depend on the surface area of the block in contact with the surface.

You used a spring scale to measure the force that counterbalanced the frictional force. This was evident when you pulled on the scale at a steady rate. Your effort force is equal to and opposite the frictional force. (Newton's Third Law!)

We also discussed another type of friction- air resistance. Keep in mind the variables you tested in class would affect objects differently in the air. (Surface area matters when you are flying through the air!)

Reminder: HW list and lab reports are due tomorrow!

Collecting Data on Friction

We used the class period today to collect data on the assigned variable and friction. You now have all the info needed to complete your lab report. All lab reports are due by Friday. Any lab report received next week will lose points each day.

Need something to do this Friday?

Then come check out the district staff talent show at the PAC at 7pm! Last year's talent show was a hit and this year should be also! Performing again on stage will be HOLD FOR DISMISSAL. The staff cover band is back with 3 new songs. Tickets are $4 for students and $5 for adults. Money collected will benefit Project Graduation.

Investigating friction

Our investigation on forces led us today to think about how the effort force will change due to surface type, weight of the load, and surface area. Groups were assigned one set of variables to test. In class you began writing your lab report for this lesson. Tomorrow, you will conduct the lab and finish the lab report.

All lab reports will be given a test grade and are due no later than FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5!

Also due Friday ~ HW list for this week.

Net force

Concepts covered today:

• Reviewed properties of gravity
• Calculated net force on an object

HW lists have been given out for the week. Reminder that all 4 assignments are due by Friday, February 5.
Lost your homework list? Check out the link in the upper right hand corner!

Gravity

By now, you should understand that mass and weight are directly related. MASS measures the amount of matter in an object and WEIGHT measures the pull of gravity on an object. So, in order to lose weight you must decrease your mass. This also explains why your weight WILL CHANGE in space but your mass STAYS THE SAME.

Mass vs. Weight

Today's investigation led us to examine what effect mass has on an object's weight. Tomorrow we will discuss your findings and look at gravitional force on Earth and other bodies in the solar system. This still leaves us with the question: DOES MASS CHANGE IN SPACE?

We have completed Inquiry 5.1 and 5.2. You are now able to complete ALL  HW assignments for the week.

Reminder: Notebook Quiz on Thursday (Energy and batteries)

Bonus Lab Report

Need some extra points to boost your grade? Then complete a FULL lab report for Inquiry 5.1. Once I grade your report you will decide if you want me to score it as HW, a test or a quiz.

Be sure to follow all the guidelines of a good lab report to earn full credit. Please see me if you have any questions.

Bonus lab report is due on Thursday.

Intro to Forces

In class we used a rubberband to get us thinking about common forces. Our investigation led us to find that the distance that a rubberband is stretched is proportionate to the force needed to stretch. Tomorrow, we will look for a relationship between weight and mass.

Reminders:

• Notebook Quiz Thursday ~ Energy and Batteries
• MOS logs due Thursday
• All missing/make up work is due Thursday

Homework: Doing something a little different this marking period. All HW for this week only was assigned today. All HW is due no later than Friday. There is a section with links at the top of this page.

Energy transformations

Conservation of Energy states: energy can not be created or destroyed. HOWEVER, it can change form.

We completed/reviewed our energy transformation packets.

NOTEBOOK QUIZ THURSDAY: Get your notebook in order. You may throw away anything not related to Energy (January). Keep everything from January/Energy.

Also all missing work is due no later than Thursday: MOS logs, lab reports, graphs, etc.

MOS Logs

are due tomorrow. Use the resources on the righthand side of this page to help you.

Also, THANKS! to my students for wishing me a happy birthday. I will enjoy some birthday cake for you!

Potential vs. Kinetic

If you paid attention in class today, then you should know the difference between the two types.

For those that are interested in the simulation used in class or others, click on the link below. Feel free to try different simulations and write about what you did/what you learned (MOS logs!!).

http://phet.colorado.edu/simulations/index.php?cat=Featured_Sims

Midterm!

Congratulations! You survived the science midterm. Only 2 more to go (SS-Thurs and Math- Fri).

Due to the midterms, I am not assigning homework. HOWEVER, if there are things YOU do not finish in class...then you gave yourself  homework, not me.

Reminder that MOS logs are due this FRIDAY! You should have 6 logs completed for a QUIZ grade!

Batteries and Midterm Review

Busy day today! You should have the following completed for tomorrow:

• Student Sheet 4.1: Table and graph should be complete (CW grade)
• Reflection Questions for Inquiries 2.1, 3.1 and 4.1 (CW grade)
• Midterm review: 10 questions w/ answers for your assigned "expert" area

Storing and using energy

How does charging time affect the operation of a lightbulb? This is the question we were investigating today. You should have copied down the class data. HW! Complete the first 2 items under Table 2 on your student sheet. Be prepared to test your prediction in class tomorrow.

Tomorrow begins our review for the midterm. Be ready to ask questions!

Rechargable batteries

We went a step further today and investigated the energy in a battery. We tested a light bulb and a motor. We found out that the motor needed more energy than the light bulb did.

Homework: Complete Inquiry 3.1 reflection questions A-G on page 23.

Making a battery

Inquiry 2.1 should have you thinking about what is inside a battery that makes all our gadgets work. Tomorrow we will look at rechargable batteries to help us think about what a battery is.

For homework tonight:

• Complete Inquiry 2.1 reflections questions A-E
• Read pgs 16-17 and answer the three questions

Also start reviewing for your midterm!

Static Electricity Day

What better way to celebrate than to shock someone!

Need ideas for your MOS logs...

• Investigate static electricity! Take a balloon or a plastic comb. Rub on wool or clean hair (no styling products). Turn on some cold water. Place the balloon/comb near the water. Observe and explain.
• Research what causes static electricity.
• Find/conduct other experiments on static electricty.

Thinking about forces and machines

Today we tied up the loose ends of our lessons this week. You should have completed the following and be ready to move on tomorrow.

• Drop height vs. splatter size lab report & graph. Turned in to be checked.
• Inquiry 1.1 student sheet observations completed. For each station write a sentence explaining how each station worked. Keep in your binder.

MID TERMS!

It's amazing to think we are half way through the year already.

The science mid term will be on Tuesday, January 19.

Topics to study:

• Lab safety
• Lab skills
• Earthquakes
• Plate Tectonics
• Volcanoes
• Rocks

You should have been holding on to your old studyguides, tests and quizzes. THIS IS YOUR REVIEW MATERIAL.

Check under class info for old studyguides. We will review Thursday and Friday of next week. Come to class prepared with any questions with any material you do not understand.

Investigating forces and such

So began our unit on energy and motion. In class, you completed 8 activities that will relate to our studies during our unit. Be sure to complete your observations and be prepared to share them tomorrow.

Also, I am collecting your MOS logs no later than January 22. Start working!

I am still missing a few projects...if you are one of the missing, GET ON IT!!

Splat!

In class we collected our data on drop height vs. splatter size. For homework you need to finish writing your lab report.

Also, don't forget that your Catastrophic Event project is due tomorrow. If you need the guidelines/rubric check out the links under Class Info.

If you have any last minute questions you can reach me on Twitter (if you have an account w/ parent permission of course!). @MrsGreenA111

Happy New Year!

I had a very relaxing break and sure hope you had the same. Now it is back to the grind!

With the new year we start a new unit...Energy, Machines and Motion. To get us prepared for our upcoming investigations we began with an investigation on splatter size of water. We will use this investigation to write up a lab report to share our findings. In class today, we wrote out the materials and procedures. Tomorrow we will conduct the lab.

Reminder:

• Catastrophic Events project due Wednesday
• Test corrections due Wednesday
• Textbooks are being collected.