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