Thursday, September 30, 2010

Classifying energy

Energy can be placed into two groups: potential (stored energy) and kinetic (energy in motion).

Homework: Complete both worksheets on energy and transformations. You may skip the side labeled Alternative Energy. We will do that one together.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Toys and Science

What's the connection? Hopefully you discovered through our energy show and tell that toys require energy to move. Tomorrow we will look at the specific forms of energy.

We also completed Inquiry 4 in class. For homework, complete your graph (if not done last night) and the reflection questions on pg 29.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Charge time vs lit time

These were our independent and dependent variables for our investigation today. You should have copied down the class data.

Do the following for homework:
  • Find the average for each charge time.
  • GRAPH ONLY THE CLASS AVERAGES
  • Do not connect the dots. You may connect them using a curve or a line of best fit. If you do not understand this step we will do it together in class tomorrow.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Rechargable batteries

In today's inquiry you had the opportunity to work with rechargable batteries, a light bulb and a small motor. You may have had success with either the light bulb, the motor or both. Don't worry if you did not have success. The purpose of the investigation was to understand how energy is stored, used and replaced in rechargable batteries. Keep in mind if your battery worked or not: what does that mean in terms of energy within the battery?

Homework: Complete Inquiry 3 reflection questions pg 23 A-G.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Making a battery

We have all used a battery but have you ever stopped to think about what makes a battery? During today's inquiry we assembled and tested a battery. Don't worry if your light bulb did not light. As long as you saw some "stuff" on the zinc, it worked. We will discuss what that "stuff" is tomorrow and how it all works.

For homework be sure the following is completed:
  • Draw a diagram of your battery and label each part.
  • Answer reflection questions A-E on pg 15.
  • Read pgs 16-17 and answer questions 1-3 on page 17.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Thinking about energy, machines and motion

We started our unit off by visiting 8 various stations. Each station focused on a concept that we will further address as we dive into our unit. You should have completed your student sheet in class. If not, please complete tonight and be prepared to discuss in class.

Technology update

Parents please take note of the following:

~ Grades are now inputed through the Parent Portal. I update the grades on a weekly basis (usually Friday). Please email me if you have any questions. Not registered? Contact the main office to sign up.

~ Staff webpages are functioning. Please email me if you are unable to access the current class info.