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!

When faults move

Today we simulated faults moving by apply force to move blocks that were attatched with velcro. Your data should have shown that more force was needed to move the block when friction was increased. No friction - then the block moved much easier.

Homework! Finish questions from the fault activity

Heating things up

By now you should be able to explain that the continents were once all together and that the ocean floor is spreading in some places. Now you can explain why this is all possible- CONVECTION! The same idea that causes wind and ocean currents can now explain what causes earthquakes and volcanoes. To understand this better we modeled convection currents using a special liquid and a candle.

We also made a study tool for tomorrow's notes on the layers of the Earth. If you did not finish you will have time to complete after your quiz.

QUIZ TOMORROW- Study pgs 24, 25, 27 and 29

Yesterday we started looking at evidence that the continents were once connected into one giant landmass. To do this we plotted fossils found on various continents, including Antartica. Today we discussed how this could have happened IF the continents were never joined. There were some creative responses- inlcluding plants that could swim and the popular alien idea.

Through this activity we were able to understand that the only possible explanation is that the continents were once one landmass. We still don't have the why/how they separated. That will come Monday!

Finish up your supercontinent and questions for homework.

Looking at earthquakes

Up to this point, we have focused on what earthquakes are, how we detect them and how they are measured. Now we are going to start trying to answer that nagging question that everyone keeps asking - Why do they happen?

To answer this question we need to understand where they occur. In class today we discovered that there are patterns in their locations, but not always. We also highlighted the 3 major belts for seismic activity: Ring of Fire, Mid- Atlantic Ridge, and the Mediterranean-Himalyan Belt.

Tomorrow, we are going to work on how the plate tectonic theory all came about.

HOMEWORK! Complete the questions using your plate boundary map

Measuring earthquakes

Seismologists assign values for the amount of energy and the damage caused during an earthquake. We use the term magnitude to describe the energy and intensity to describe the observations that are seen or felt. Magnitude is measured using the Richter scale and intensity is measured using the Modified Mercalli scale. In class today we used the scale to assign a value based on observations from 28 cities. Once that was completed we were able to locate the zone for each value by encircling the towns for each value.

Homework!  Use your map on pg 23 to write your summary on pg 22. Be sure to answer the following questions in your summary:



• What cities were closest to the epicenter of the earthquake?


• Approximately how wide was the zone with a rating of a V or higher?


• How were you able to determine all of this? (What did you do?)


• Discuss some possible sources of error when working with the Mercalli scale to locate the epicenter of an earthquake.

Recording seismic data

Last week we investigated how a seismograoh works and how to read a seismogram. Today we wrapped up our lesson by looking at how seismologist use this data to find the epicenter.

Most damage during an earthquake comes from structures affected by the shaking. We discussed improvements that could be made in our classroom to minimize damage and keep us safe. BONUS!! On a separate piece of paper complete a safety check of your house. Choose one room or the whole thign- tell me what improvements you could make to keep damage to a minimum. This is an optional homework

Homework (everyone is to complete): Study guide questions for test on Wednesday, October 5. This page will go in your notebook on pg 19.

Seismic waves

Last week we used slinkies to mimic earthquake waves. Today, we discussed our findings from the investigation. Seismic waves travel outward in all directions. After the earth moves energy is released in a series of waves- P, S and surface waves. We also discussed arrival times, where they occur, how they move and the damage they cause. All of this should be written onto pg 14 in your ISN.

There will be a quiz Wednesday. Study pages 14 and 15 in your ISN.

Graphing data

We talked in class today how to make a "good" graph. To practice this you investigated the length of a pendulum and the number of swings it takes in 15 seconds.

HW! Graph the average swings for each length you did. Also write a summary of your graph- what does your graph tell you?


Quiz Tuesday on safety and science skills!

Understanding variables

A good science investigation will involve variables and controls. Without variables you really have nothing to compare your data to. However, it is important to focus on one thing (the manipulated variable) and keep all the other variables constant. Doing so will give your data validity!

In class we practiced how to choose the MV and RV by placing drops of water on a penny.

Homework: Complete questions from Drops on a Penny lab- Questions should be done on page 8 only. If you need more more add a page!

1. Compare your results with what you thought would happen before you completed the lab.
2. Looking at your data, did the variable you choose make a difference? Why or Why not?
3. Describe any variables that may have affected your results.

Making observations

Observations and inferences are a lot like facts and opinions. To practice these very important skills, we looked at 3 slides and inferred what happened to 2 different animals. Some of you had some interesting inferences!

Remember~ Observations are facts made using the 5 senses. Inferences are conclusions that you think happened based on your observation. It is important to not make opinions when making observations and even inferences.

Tomorrow we will get more practice in observations with a visit from Mr. Potatohead!

Lab safety

In class we shared ALL the things you should not do during a lab. Hopefully my entertaining lab skit and awesome safety video stick in your head during the year so no lab "mistakes" get made.

Tomorrow we will set up our science notebooks. Please bring all materials with you to class.

Homework: Identify 15 mistakes (your choice) from the picture given in class. Also, have your safety contract signed.


Scientific Summer summaries are due Monday, Sept 12. 

First day, DONE!

I enjoyed meeting all of you and look forward to a great year! Today was the typical "get-to-know" stuff. In class we brainstormed expectations of teachers and students. On Friday, we will be setting up our science notebooks. Students will receive a class outline of expectations and such then.

Homework: Complete student survey. Please have your spiral notebook or composition book by Friday.

Shake, rattle and roll!

I can now check off "feel an earthquake" from my "to do" list! I was sitting on the beach when the earth started to move.  It was definitely a strange experience.

Were you able to feel it? Luckily earthquakes are one of our topics of study this year so we will have plenty to talk about. Don'y worry too much, though. Earthquakes this strong along the East Coast are not that common.

Slow down, summer!

Back to school sales have started meaning that the start of school is quickly approaching.  If you are taking advantage of those back to school sales be sure to pick up the following items for science:

• Single subject spiral notebook OR composition book (80 pages minimum)
• Dedicated for science only, as this will become your text (details to follow)
• Colored pencils
• Highlighters
• Glue sticks or small bottle of white glue