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.