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!

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.

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.

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)

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.

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**

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.

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.