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.

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!!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!