- scientific methods
- force and motion
- matter and atoms
- energy
- cells
- genetics
Study Guide Project
In our ongoing efforts to become better at studying and preparing for tests and quizzes, seventh-graders are working in groups to create a study guide on the topic we have learned about this year. Topics to choose from are:
Homework for the Week of 12-14-09
213:
Monday: Write a poem inspired by "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," but with scientifically accurate details about clouds and weather.
Wednesday: Write out your purpose, hypothesis, and procedure for Part I of this week's lab.
Thursday: Write out the procedure for Part II of this week's lab, and complete your results and conclusion sections.
Friday: Read 54-58 in your textbook, and answer the "As You Read" questions on page 54.
215:
Monday: Write a poem inspired by "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," but with scientifically accurate details about clouds and weather.
Tuesday: Write out your purpose, hypothesis, and procedure for Part I of this week's lab.
Wednesday: Write out the procedure for Part II of this week's lab, and complete your results and conclusion sections.
Friday: Read 54-58 in your textbook, and answer the "As You Read" questions on page 54.
223 and 225:
Your only homework this week is to work on your Study Guide Project!
8A:
Tuesday: Complete lab notes for your experiments on the physical properties of plastics.
Wednesday: Complete "Which Plastics?" worksheet.
8B:
Thursday: Complete lab notes for your experiments on the physical properties of plastics.
Friday: Complete "Which Plastics?" worksheet.
Wednesday: Write out your purpose, hypothesis, and procedure for Part I of this week's lab.
Thursday: Write out the procedure for Part II of this week's lab, and complete your results and conclusion sections.
Friday: Read 54-58 in your textbook, and answer the "As You Read" questions on page 54.
215:
Monday: Write a poem inspired by "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," but with scientifically accurate details about clouds and weather.
Tuesday: Write out your purpose, hypothesis, and procedure for Part I of this week's lab.
Wednesday: Write out the procedure for Part II of this week's lab, and complete your results and conclusion sections.
Friday: Read 54-58 in your textbook, and answer the "As You Read" questions on page 54.
223 and 225:
Your only homework this week is to work on your Study Guide Project!
8A:
Tuesday: Complete lab notes for your experiments on the physical properties of plastics.
Wednesday: Complete "Which Plastics?" worksheet.
8B:
Thursday: Complete lab notes for your experiments on the physical properties of plastics.
Friday: Complete "Which Plastics?" worksheet.
Homework for the Week of 12-7-09
213:
Monday: In your notebook, answer #3 and #5 on page 13 of your textbook.
Wednesday: Write out your purpose, hypothesis, and procedure for Part I (testing how temperature affects the volume of air in a balloon) of this week's lab.
Thursday: Write out the procedure for Part II (making a thermometer) of this week's lab, and complete your results and conclusion sections.
Friday: Complete the Temperature Quick Review worksheet.
215:
Monday: In your notebook, answer #3 and #5 on page 13 of your textbook.
Tuesday: Write out your purpose, hypothesis, and procedure for Part I (testing how temperature affects the volume of air in a balloon) of this week's lab.
Wednesday: Write out the procedure for Part II (making a thermometer) of this week's lab, and complete your results and conclusion sections.
Friday: Complete the Temperature Quick Review worksheet.
223:
Wednesday: Complete your Scientific Method worksheet.
Thursday: Complete your flower illustration, including labeling the parts.
Friday: Create a graph showing the learning styles that make up our class. Think about what graph would be best for representing this kind of data!
225:
Tuesday: Complete your Scientific Method worksheet.
Wednesday: Complete your flower illustration, including labeling the parts.
Thursday: Create a graph showing the learning styles that make up our class. Think about what graph would be best for representing this kind of data!
8A:
Tuesday: Write out the purpose, hypothesis, and procedure for the corrosion lab.
Wednesday: Read page B28 and complete the questions on B27.
8B:
Thursday: Write out the purpose, hypothesis, and procedure for the corrosion lab.
Friday: Read page B28 and complete the questions on B27.
Wednesday: Write out your purpose, hypothesis, and procedure for Part I (testing how temperature affects the volume of air in a balloon) of this week's lab.
Thursday: Write out the procedure for Part II (making a thermometer) of this week's lab, and complete your results and conclusion sections.
Friday: Complete the Temperature Quick Review worksheet.
215:
Monday: In your notebook, answer #3 and #5 on page 13 of your textbook.
Tuesday: Write out your purpose, hypothesis, and procedure for Part I (testing how temperature affects the volume of air in a balloon) of this week's lab.
Wednesday: Write out the procedure for Part II (making a thermometer) of this week's lab, and complete your results and conclusion sections.
Friday: Complete the Temperature Quick Review worksheet.
223:
Wednesday: Complete your Scientific Method worksheet.
Thursday: Complete your flower illustration, including labeling the parts.
Friday: Create a graph showing the learning styles that make up our class. Think about what graph would be best for representing this kind of data!
225:
Tuesday: Complete your Scientific Method worksheet.
Wednesday: Complete your flower illustration, including labeling the parts.
Thursday: Create a graph showing the learning styles that make up our class. Think about what graph would be best for representing this kind of data!
8A:
Tuesday: Write out the purpose, hypothesis, and procedure for the corrosion lab.
Wednesday: Read page B28 and complete the questions on B27.
8B:
Thursday: Write out the purpose, hypothesis, and procedure for the corrosion lab.
Friday: Read page B28 and complete the questions on B27.
Homework for the Week of 11-30-09
I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving!
213:
Monday: Read pages 18-20. In your notebook, answer the "As You Read" questions on p. 18.
Wednesday: Complete your lab notes-- which weather forecast was the most accurate?
Thursday: Over the weekend, watch at least one weather report on television or read one in the newspaper or online. Aside from basic information like temperature and precipitation, what other information was included that seemed useful to you? Summarize and explain on a loose-leaf sheet of paper.
215:
Monday: Read pages 18-20. In your notebook, answer the "As You Read" questions on p. 18.
Tuesday: Complete your lab notes-- which weather forecast was the most accurate?
Wednesday: Over the weekend, watch at least one weather report on television or read one in the newspaper or online. Aside from basic information like temperature and precipitation, what other information was included that seemed useful to you? Summarize and explain on a loose-leaf sheet of paper.
223:
*Don't forget that if you are doing extra credit, December 4 is the last day!*
Wednesday: Read pages D34-D37. In your notebook, answer Stopping to Think #2 and Analysis #1.
Thursday: Begin your lab notes for "Plants Have Genes, Too!" by writing your purpose, hypothesis, and procedure. Leave at least one blank page for your results and conclusion. Complete SpongeBob Genetics worksheet.
225:
*Don't forget that if you are doing extra credit, December 4 is the last day!*
Tuesday: Read pages D34-D37. In your notebook, answer Stopping to Think #2 and Analysis #1.
Wednesday: Begin your lab notes for "Plants Have Genes, Too!" by writing your purpose, hypothesis, and procedure. Leave at least one blank page for your results and conclusion.
Thursday: Complete SpongeBob Genetics worksheet.
8A:
Tuesday: Complete lab notes for the Properties of Materials lab.
Wednesday: Read pages B24-B25. Think of a sport or other human activity and write a paragraph explaining how developments in materials have improved or advanced that material over time. (For example, think of how changes in how basketball shoes are designed have affected the game over time.)
8B:
Thursday: Complete lab notes for the Properties of Materials lab. Read pages B24-B25.
Think of a sport or other human activity and write a paragraph explaining how developments in materials have improved or advanced that material over time. (For example, think of how changes in how basketball shoes are designed have affected the game over time.)
Monday: Read pages 18-20. In your notebook, answer the "As You Read" questions on p. 18.
Wednesday: Complete your lab notes-- which weather forecast was the most accurate?
Thursday: Over the weekend, watch at least one weather report on television or read one in the newspaper or online. Aside from basic information like temperature and precipitation, what other information was included that seemed useful to you? Summarize and explain on a loose-leaf sheet of paper.
215:
Monday: Read pages 18-20. In your notebook, answer the "As You Read" questions on p. 18.
Tuesday: Complete your lab notes-- which weather forecast was the most accurate?
Wednesday: Over the weekend, watch at least one weather report on television or read one in the newspaper or online. Aside from basic information like temperature and precipitation, what other information was included that seemed useful to you? Summarize and explain on a loose-leaf sheet of paper.
223:
*Don't forget that if you are doing extra credit, December 4 is the last day!*
Wednesday: Read pages D34-D37. In your notebook, answer Stopping to Think #2 and Analysis #1.
Thursday: Begin your lab notes for "Plants Have Genes, Too!" by writing your purpose, hypothesis, and procedure. Leave at least one blank page for your results and conclusion. Complete SpongeBob Genetics worksheet.
225:
*Don't forget that if you are doing extra credit, December 4 is the last day!*
Tuesday: Read pages D34-D37. In your notebook, answer Stopping to Think #2 and Analysis #1.
Wednesday: Begin your lab notes for "Plants Have Genes, Too!" by writing your purpose, hypothesis, and procedure. Leave at least one blank page for your results and conclusion.
Thursday: Complete SpongeBob Genetics worksheet.
8A:
Tuesday: Complete lab notes for the Properties of Materials lab.
Wednesday: Read pages B24-B25. Think of a sport or other human activity and write a paragraph explaining how developments in materials have improved or advanced that material over time. (For example, think of how changes in how basketball shoes are designed have affected the game over time.)
8B:
Thursday: Complete lab notes for the Properties of Materials lab. Read pages B24-B25.
Think of a sport or other human activity and write a paragraph explaining how developments in materials have improved or advanced that material over time. (For example, think of how changes in how basketball shoes are designed have affected the game over time.)
Genetics Games!
Seventh-graders, here are some games to help you build your understanding of genetics.
Also, here is an extra credit opportunity! Take a quiz to help you practice using Punnett squares. At the end of the quiz, after you see your results, there is an option at the bottom of the page to email the results to your teacher. Enter my email address, elewing@cps.edu, and receive one point of extra credit for every question you get correct. This offer is good through December 4, 2009.
To help you through these activities, remember these vocabulary words:
- Putting the GEEE! in GENOME
- Punnett Square review
- Conduct the same experiments as Gregor Mendel (we'll learn about him after Thanksgiving).
Also, here is an extra credit opportunity! Take a quiz to help you practice using Punnett squares. At the end of the quiz, after you see your results, there is an option at the bottom of the page to email the results to your teacher. Enter my email address, elewing@cps.edu, and receive one point of extra credit for every question you get correct. This offer is good through December 4, 2009.
To help you through these activities, remember these vocabulary words:
- allele: an alternate form that a gene can have for a single trait. For example, the trait of eye color has an allele for blue eyes and an allele for brown eyes.
- dominant: a trait that is "stronger" than another trait, so that it covers it up, or dominates it
- recessive: a trait that "hides," so that it may not be visible even if the person carries it in their genes
- genotype: the genetic blueprint of an organism
- phenotype: the way an organism's genes are displayed outwardly; the traits you can actually observe
- heterozygous: having two different alleles for a trait (for example, Tt, Bb, Gg)
- homozygous: having two of the same alleles for a trait (for example, tt, BB, GG, aa)
Cell Practice
Seventh-graders have a quiz this week on cells, their parts, and the ways they reproduce. If you need a little extra help, check out The Incredible Megacell to read an interactive comic about cells and their organelles, and play a game to see if you know what job each organelle does.
Homework for the Week of 11-16-09
213:
Monday: In your notebook, answer #3 on page 60, in a paragraph of at least 6 sentences. Review the text if you need to.
Thursday: Answer the last question from your worksheet on Global Warming: The Signs and the Science: Why is global warming considered a moral issue by some people?
Friday: Begin filling out your lesson plan outline with ideas you can share with your group. bring in any materials (visual aids, posterboard, etc.) you would like to use to prepare your lesson.
215:
Monday: In your notebook, answer #3 on page 60, in a paragraph of at least 6 sentences. Review the text if you need to.
Tuesday: Answer the last question from your worksheet on Global Warming: The Signs and the Science: Why is global warming considered a moral issue by some people?
Friday: Begin filling out your lesson plan outline with ideas you can share with your group. bring in any materials (visual aids, posterboard, etc.) you would like to use to prepare your lesson.
223:
Wednesday: Review for your quiz on cells. Read pages D16-D22. In your notebook, answer Analysis #1 on p. D23.
Friday: Choose someone you know personally and make a list of 15 traits they have (they can be physical traits, or personality traits). Circle the ones you think are genetic.
225:
Tuesday: Review for your quiz on cells. Read pages D16-D22. In your notebook, answer Analysis #1 on p. D23.
Thursday: Choose someone you know personally and make a list of 15 traits they have (they can be physical traits, or personality traits). Circle the ones you think are genetic.
8A:
Tuesday: Complete Challenges on pages B9 and B11.
8B:
Thursday: Complete your lab notes for the "thumbs" experiment.
Friday: Complete Challenges on pages B9 and B11.
Monday: In your notebook, answer #3 on page 60, in a paragraph of at least 6 sentences. Review the text if you need to.
Thursday: Answer the last question from your worksheet on Global Warming: The Signs and the Science: Why is global warming considered a moral issue by some people?
Friday: Begin filling out your lesson plan outline with ideas you can share with your group. bring in any materials (visual aids, posterboard, etc.) you would like to use to prepare your lesson.
215:
Monday: In your notebook, answer #3 on page 60, in a paragraph of at least 6 sentences. Review the text if you need to.
Tuesday: Answer the last question from your worksheet on Global Warming: The Signs and the Science: Why is global warming considered a moral issue by some people?
Friday: Begin filling out your lesson plan outline with ideas you can share with your group. bring in any materials (visual aids, posterboard, etc.) you would like to use to prepare your lesson.
223:
Wednesday: Review for your quiz on cells. Read pages D16-D22. In your notebook, answer Analysis #1 on p. D23.
Friday: Choose someone you know personally and make a list of 15 traits they have (they can be physical traits, or personality traits). Circle the ones you think are genetic.
225:
Tuesday: Review for your quiz on cells. Read pages D16-D22. In your notebook, answer Analysis #1 on p. D23.
Thursday: Choose someone you know personally and make a list of 15 traits they have (they can be physical traits, or personality traits). Circle the ones you think are genetic.
8A:
Tuesday: Complete Challenges on pages B9 and B11.
8B:
Thursday: Complete your lab notes for the "thumbs" experiment.
Friday: Complete Challenges on pages B9 and B11.
Homework for the Week of 11-9-09
213:
Monday: Read pages 55-59. In your notebook, answer #4 on page 60, in a paragraph of at least 6 sentences.
Thursday: Complete your lab notes for the windmill location lab.
Friday: Completed science fair projects due Monday morning! Review all important documents to make sure you have a finished product that reflects your best effort!
215:
Monday: Read pages 55-59. In your notebook, answer #4 on page 60, in a paragraph of at least 6 sentences.
Tuesday: Complete your lab notes for the windmill location lab.
Friday: Completed science fair projects due Monday morning! Review all important documents to make sure you have a finished product that reflects your best effort!
223:
Wednesday: Review lab procedure on pages C43-C46. In your lab notes, summarize the procedure in your own words. Lab notes will be due at the end of class on Friday!
Friday: Completed science fair projects due Monday morning! Review all important documents to make sure you have a finished product that reflects your best effort!
225:
Tuesday: Review lab procedure on pages C43-C46. In your lab notes, summarize the procedure in your own words. Lab notes will be due at the end of class on Thursday!
Thursday: Completed science fair projects due Monday morning! Review all important documents to make sure you have a finished product that reflects your best effort!
8A:
Tuesday: Completed science fair projects due Monday morning! Review all important documents to make sure you have a finished product that reflects your best effort!
8B:
Thursday- Friday: Completed science fair projects due Monday morning! Review all important documents to make sure you have a finished product that reflects your best effort!
Monday: Read pages 55-59. In your notebook, answer #4 on page 60, in a paragraph of at least 6 sentences.
Thursday: Complete your lab notes for the windmill location lab.
Friday: Completed science fair projects due Monday morning! Review all important documents to make sure you have a finished product that reflects your best effort!
215:
Monday: Read pages 55-59. In your notebook, answer #4 on page 60, in a paragraph of at least 6 sentences.
Tuesday: Complete your lab notes for the windmill location lab.
Friday: Completed science fair projects due Monday morning! Review all important documents to make sure you have a finished product that reflects your best effort!
223:
Wednesday: Review lab procedure on pages C43-C46. In your lab notes, summarize the procedure in your own words. Lab notes will be due at the end of class on Friday!
Friday: Completed science fair projects due Monday morning! Review all important documents to make sure you have a finished product that reflects your best effort!
225:
Tuesday: Review lab procedure on pages C43-C46. In your lab notes, summarize the procedure in your own words. Lab notes will be due at the end of class on Thursday!
Thursday: Completed science fair projects due Monday morning! Review all important documents to make sure you have a finished product that reflects your best effort!
8A:
Tuesday: Completed science fair projects due Monday morning! Review all important documents to make sure you have a finished product that reflects your best effort!
8B:
Thursday- Friday: Completed science fair projects due Monday morning! Review all important documents to make sure you have a finished product that reflects your best effort!
All About Coal
In sixth grade, we have been learning about the energy resources that power our world. Today we are going to investigate coal.
In class, we talked about how coal is formed. Find out more about coal formation by visiting the Energy Kids site on coal.
After you have read about how coal is mined, watch this video to see what a coal mine actually looks like.
But how does using coal impact the environment? Return to the Energy Kids to find out.
On television and in commercials, you may have heard people discussing the idea of "clean coal." Is such a thing possible? Learn more about the "clean coal" debate by watching this news report.
In class, we talked about how coal is formed. Find out more about coal formation by visiting the Energy Kids site on coal.
After you have read about how coal is mined, watch this video to see what a coal mine actually looks like.
But how does using coal impact the environment? Return to the Energy Kids to find out.
On television and in commercials, you may have heard people discussing the idea of "clean coal." Is such a thing possible? Learn more about the "clean coal" debate by watching this news report.
Homework for the Week of 11-2-09
213:
Monday: Add information to your fossil fuels Venn diagram. Review the Research Paper Checklist to make sure your project is on track!
Wednesday: Study for your fossil fuels quiz. Make sure your coal lab worksheet is complete and in your notebook, ready to be collected tomorrow.
Thursday: Read "What is Nuclear Energy?" and complete questions. Complete scientific method review questions. Extra Credit: Find a news article related to energy resources and write a one-page summary and response.
215:
Monday: Add information to your fossil fuels Venn diagram. Review the Research Paper Checklist to make sure your project is on track!
Tuesday: Study for your fossil fuels quiz. Make sure your coal lab worksheet is complete and in your notebook, ready to be collected tomorrow.
Wednesday: Read "What is Nuclear Energy?" and complete questions. Complete scientific method review questions. Extra Credit: Find a news article related to energy resources and write a one-page summary and response.
223:
Wednesday: In your notebook, answer Analysis #3 on page C26 of your text. Review the Research Paper Checklist to make sure your project is on track!
Thursday: Read C58-C61 and answer Stopping to Think1 and 2, then Analysis #4 on page C63.
225:
Tuesday: In your notebook, answer Analysis #3 on page C26 of your text. Review the Research Paper Checklist to make sure your project is on track!
Wednesday: Read C58-C61 and answer Stopping to Think1 and 2, then Analysis #4 on page C63.
Thursday: Complete your drawings of the organisms you observed. See if you can identify them using your Pond Critters chart.
8A:
Tuesday: Study for your unit test (11-10-09).
Wednesday: Review the Research Paper Checklist to make sure your project is on track!
8B:
Thursday: Study for your unit test (11-10-09). Review the Research Paper Checklist to make sure your project is on track!
Monday: Add information to your fossil fuels Venn diagram. Review the Research Paper Checklist to make sure your project is on track!
Wednesday: Study for your fossil fuels quiz. Make sure your coal lab worksheet is complete and in your notebook, ready to be collected tomorrow.
Thursday: Read "What is Nuclear Energy?" and complete questions. Complete scientific method review questions. Extra Credit: Find a news article related to energy resources and write a one-page summary and response.
215:
Monday: Add information to your fossil fuels Venn diagram. Review the Research Paper Checklist to make sure your project is on track!
Tuesday: Study for your fossil fuels quiz. Make sure your coal lab worksheet is complete and in your notebook, ready to be collected tomorrow.
Wednesday: Read "What is Nuclear Energy?" and complete questions. Complete scientific method review questions. Extra Credit: Find a news article related to energy resources and write a one-page summary and response.
223:
Wednesday: In your notebook, answer Analysis #3 on page C26 of your text. Review the Research Paper Checklist to make sure your project is on track!
Thursday: Read C58-C61 and answer Stopping to Think1 and 2, then Analysis #4 on page C63.
225:
Tuesday: In your notebook, answer Analysis #3 on page C26 of your text. Review the Research Paper Checklist to make sure your project is on track!
Wednesday: Read C58-C61 and answer Stopping to Think1 and 2, then Analysis #4 on page C63.
Thursday: Complete your drawings of the organisms you observed. See if you can identify them using your Pond Critters chart.
8A:
Tuesday: Study for your unit test (11-10-09).
Wednesday: Review the Research Paper Checklist to make sure your project is on track!
8B:
Thursday: Study for your unit test (11-10-09). Review the Research Paper Checklist to make sure your project is on track!
Homework for the Week of 10-26-09
213:
Monday: Read pages 25-28.
Wednesday: Begin your lab notes by writing the Purpose and Hypothesis for the petroleum drilling lab.
Thursday: Complete your lab notes for the petroleum drilling lab.
Friday: Read pages 45-47 and answer Review and Reflect 1, 2, 4, and 8. Complete scientific method review questions.
215:
Monday: Read pages 25-28.
Tuesday: Begin your lab notes by writing the Purpose and Hypothesis for the petroleum drilling lab.
Wednesday: Complete your lab notes for the petroleum drilling lab.
Friday: Read pages 45-47 and answer Review and Reflect 1, 2, 4, and 8. Complete scientific method review questions.
223:
Wednesday: Light review practice questions (complete these in your notebook, please). Look over your study guide to prepare for Friday's test!
Thursday: Complete any unfinished part of your Light Stations worksheet. Keep this in your notebook to help you on the test!
Friday: Read "The Last Word on Phases of Matter" and "What Makes it Metal?" Read actively-- take notes, write in the margins, highlight, etc.
225:
Tuesday: Light review practice questions (complete these in your notebook, please). Look over your study guide to prepare for Friday's test!
Wednesday: Complete any unfinished part of your Light Stations worksheet. Keep this in your notebook to help you on the test!
Thursday: Read "The Last Word on Phases of Matter" and "What Makes it Metal?" Read actively-- take notes, write in the margins, highlight, etc.
8A:
Tuesday: Complete lab notes for acid neutralization lab. Bring a liquid from home for pH testing. Extra Credit: Complete this activity on a loose-leaf sheet of paper and turn it in by next Wednesday, 11-4-09.
Wednesday: Read page A72. Write a procedure explaining how you would test the amount of sodium hydroxide needed to neutralize the "used" water. Reread page A52 if you need to.
8B:
Thursday: Complete lab notes for acid neutralization lab. Bring a liquid from home for pH testing. Extra Credit: Complete this activity on a loose-leaf sheet of paper and turn it in by next Thursday, 11-5-09.
Friday: Read page A72. Write a procedure explaining how you would test the amount of sodium hydroxide needed to neutralize the "used" water. Reread page A52 if you need to.
Monday: Read pages 25-28.
Wednesday: Begin your lab notes by writing the Purpose and Hypothesis for the petroleum drilling lab.
Thursday: Complete your lab notes for the petroleum drilling lab.
Friday: Read pages 45-47 and answer Review and Reflect 1, 2, 4, and 8. Complete scientific method review questions.
215:
Monday: Read pages 25-28.
Tuesday: Begin your lab notes by writing the Purpose and Hypothesis for the petroleum drilling lab.
Wednesday: Complete your lab notes for the petroleum drilling lab.
Friday: Read pages 45-47 and answer Review and Reflect 1, 2, 4, and 8. Complete scientific method review questions.
223:
Wednesday: Light review practice questions (complete these in your notebook, please). Look over your study guide to prepare for Friday's test!
Thursday: Complete any unfinished part of your Light Stations worksheet. Keep this in your notebook to help you on the test!
Friday: Read "The Last Word on Phases of Matter" and "What Makes it Metal?" Read actively-- take notes, write in the margins, highlight, etc.
225:
Tuesday: Light review practice questions (complete these in your notebook, please). Look over your study guide to prepare for Friday's test!
Wednesday: Complete any unfinished part of your Light Stations worksheet. Keep this in your notebook to help you on the test!
Thursday: Read "The Last Word on Phases of Matter" and "What Makes it Metal?" Read actively-- take notes, write in the margins, highlight, etc.
8A:
Tuesday: Complete lab notes for acid neutralization lab. Bring a liquid from home for pH testing. Extra Credit: Complete this activity on a loose-leaf sheet of paper and turn it in by next Wednesday, 11-4-09.
Wednesday: Read page A72. Write a procedure explaining how you would test the amount of sodium hydroxide needed to neutralize the "used" water. Reread page A52 if you need to.
8B:
Thursday: Complete lab notes for acid neutralization lab. Bring a liquid from home for pH testing. Extra Credit: Complete this activity on a loose-leaf sheet of paper and turn it in by next Thursday, 11-5-09.
Friday: Read page A72. Write a procedure explaining how you would test the amount of sodium hydroxide needed to neutralize the "used" water. Reread page A52 if you need to.
Periodic Table Practice
Here is an extra-credit opportunity for 7th-graders!
First, review how the Periodic Table works. Then, play the Element Math Game. Print out your results page at the end and bring it to me by Tuesday if you are in 225 or Wednesday if you are in 223, and you can receive some extra points. More importantly, you'll be better prepared for our test on matter and energy next week!
First, review how the Periodic Table works. Then, play the Element Math Game. Print out your results page at the end and bring it to me by Tuesday if you are in 225 or Wednesday if you are in 223, and you can receive some extra points. More importantly, you'll be better prepared for our test on matter and energy next week!
Homework for the Week of 10-19-09
My sincere apologies for not posting homework early this week. Due to Benchmark testing, we have had some scheduling issues this week, leading to last-minute changes in homework assignments. Below is the homework for this week. If you have questions or concerns, please email me!
213:
Wednesday: Read pages 6-8. Complete "As You Read" questions on page 6.
Thursday: Complete lab notes as much as possible!
Friday: Answer "Review and Reflect" 2, 5, 6, and 10 on page 9.
215:
Wednesday: Read pages 6-8. Complete "As You Read" questions on page 6.
223:
Wednesday: Energy transformation practice questions (in your lab notebook).
Thursday: Complete all lab notes for the energy transfer lab. Notebook not collected until 10-30-09!
225:
Tuesday: Energy transformation practice questions (in your lab notebook).
Wednesday: Complete all lab notes for the energy transfer lab.
Thursday: "Bending Light" at-home experiment.
8A:
Tuesday: Complete lab notes for indicator lab.
Wednesday: Complete acid rain worksheet (reading on one side; questions on the other).
8B:
Thursday: Complete lab notes for indicator lab. Lab notes not due until 10-30-09!
Wednesday: Read pages 6-8. Complete "As You Read" questions on page 6.
Thursday: Complete lab notes as much as possible!
Friday: Answer "Review and Reflect" 2, 5, 6, and 10 on page 9.
215:
Wednesday: Read pages 6-8. Complete "As You Read" questions on page 6.
223:
Wednesday: Energy transformation practice questions (in your lab notebook).
Thursday: Complete all lab notes for the energy transfer lab. Notebook not collected until 10-30-09!
225:
Tuesday: Energy transformation practice questions (in your lab notebook).
Wednesday: Complete all lab notes for the energy transfer lab.
Thursday: "Bending Light" at-home experiment.
8A:
Tuesday: Complete lab notes for indicator lab.
Wednesday: Complete acid rain worksheet (reading on one side; questions on the other).
8B:
Thursday: Complete lab notes for indicator lab. Lab notes not due until 10-30-09!
How Do We Make Drinking Water Drinkable?
Since we began our unit on water, the 8th grade has been exploring the chemistry of our favorite liquid. This week, we are learning about how chlorination is used to eliminate harmful substances in our drinking water.
To find out more, this week we will look at the City of Chicago Water Treatment website. Respond to the questions below on the Lab Debrief page of your science notebook.
1) The site tells us that water easily picks up pollutants and dangerous substances because it is a very good solvent. What is a solvent? Go here and write the definition you find. Then write the definition of solute. Draw a picture to help you remember which is which.
2) What is the concentration (in parts-per-million) of chemicals added to our drinking water?
3) Take a look at this Chicago water timeline. What year did engineers reverse the flow of the Chicago River to help keep Lake Michigan clean? What year did chlorination begin? Write your responses in complete sentences.
Homework for the Week of 10-13-09
I hope everyone enjoyed the three-day weekend!
213:
Wednesday: Write out the procedure you plan to follow for your science fair project, and list the materials you will need. Use this guide to help you.
Thursday: Complete your remaining lab notes for our plant experiment, and study for your unit test!
Friday: "What is Energy?" worksheet.
215:
Tuesday: Write out the procedure you plan to follow for your science fair project, and list the materials you will need. Use this guide to help you.
Wednesday: Complete your remaining lab notes for our plant experiment, and study for your unit test!
Friday: "What is Energy?" worksheet.
223:
Wednesday: Complete review questions on atoms and matter (in your science notebook, please).
Thursday: Complete all lab notes for the electrolysis lab. Study for your quiz on matter and atoms!
Friday: "Elements and Compounds" worksheet. Also, if you have not done so already, write out the procedure you plan to follow for your science fair project, and list the materials you will need. Use this guide to help you.
225:
Tuesday: Complete review questions on atoms and matter (in your science notebook, please).
Wednesday: Complete all lab notes for the electrolysis lab. Study for your quiz on matter and atoms!
Thursday: "Elements and Compounds" worksheet. Also, if you have not done so already, write out the procedure you plan to follow for your science fair project, and list the materials you will need. Use this guide to help you.
8A:
Tuesday: Complete lab notes for algae lab.
Wednesday: Read A33-A36. If you have not done so already, write out the procedure you plan to follow for your science fair project, and list the materials you will need. Use this guide to help you.
8B:
Thursday: Complete lab notes for algae lab.
Friday: Read A33-A36. If you have not done so already, write out the procedure you plan to follow for your science fair project, and list the materials you will need. Use this guide to help you.
Wednesday: Write out the procedure you plan to follow for your science fair project, and list the materials you will need. Use this guide to help you.
Thursday: Complete your remaining lab notes for our plant experiment, and study for your unit test!
Friday: "What is Energy?" worksheet.
215:
Tuesday: Write out the procedure you plan to follow for your science fair project, and list the materials you will need. Use this guide to help you.
Wednesday: Complete your remaining lab notes for our plant experiment, and study for your unit test!
Friday: "What is Energy?" worksheet.
223:
Wednesday: Complete review questions on atoms and matter (in your science notebook, please).
Thursday: Complete all lab notes for the electrolysis lab. Study for your quiz on matter and atoms!
Friday: "Elements and Compounds" worksheet. Also, if you have not done so already, write out the procedure you plan to follow for your science fair project, and list the materials you will need. Use this guide to help you.
225:
Tuesday: Complete review questions on atoms and matter (in your science notebook, please).
Wednesday: Complete all lab notes for the electrolysis lab. Study for your quiz on matter and atoms!
Thursday: "Elements and Compounds" worksheet. Also, if you have not done so already, write out the procedure you plan to follow for your science fair project, and list the materials you will need. Use this guide to help you.
8A:
Tuesday: Complete lab notes for algae lab.
Wednesday: Read A33-A36. If you have not done so already, write out the procedure you plan to follow for your science fair project, and list the materials you will need. Use this guide to help you.
8B:
Thursday: Complete lab notes for algae lab.
Friday: Read A33-A36. If you have not done so already, write out the procedure you plan to follow for your science fair project, and list the materials you will need. Use this guide to help you.
Research Resources
Don't forget that your Review of Literature is due October 13!
This section of your science fair research paper is a collection of the information you've found (from books, articles, websites, or experts) covering your topic. You should already be rolling on your research, but in case you need some help, here are some resources you may find useful.
General Resources
--Before you have done anything else, make sure you have read all the important documents explaining the science fair so that you know what you're doing and where to begin.
--How do you do research, anyway? Here's your step-by-step guide. Be sure to try out the True or Bogus? game.
--You really need to check out the Chicago Public Library. Check out their wide variety of online resources, or find a library near you.
--For background information on your topic, you can start at the Encarta encyclopedia.
--Science Buddies is definitely one of my favorite science fair info sites.
--Although it includes advertisements, I'm a fan of the science section of How Stuff Works.
--The Internet Public Library has a good selection of science fair resources.
--At Dewey Browse, librarian Gail Shea Grainger has come up with a list of research resources she finds useful.
--Even more librarian-chosen, kid-friendly suggestions can be found at KidsClick.
--Science News for Kids has great articles that I often use in class.
--For help with correctly using APA style in your reference list, see my guide to citation or take a look at this website from Loyola University Maryland.
--Discovery Education has great information for kids and parents about how to put together a quality project.
So you're doing a project on...
Here are a few common science fair topics and links to go with them. Don't see your topic in this section? Leave a comment at the bottom of the post and I will try to help you out with a suggested resource or two.
--Chemistry: Chem4Kids has good basic info to help you understand it.
--Mold: The Environmental Protection Agency has a guide to mold, and here are some instructions for getting your mold started, and information about what it actually is.
--Cleaning products: The Soap and Detergent Association has some information on what common products contain.
--The human brain: Take a look at this information on the nervous system.
--Plants: Check out the plant page on Biology4Kids.com.
--Earth or the environment: Check out the Encyclopedia of Earth.
This section of your science fair research paper is a collection of the information you've found (from books, articles, websites, or experts) covering your topic. You should already be rolling on your research, but in case you need some help, here are some resources you may find useful.
General Resources
--Before you have done anything else, make sure you have read all the important documents explaining the science fair so that you know what you're doing and where to begin.
--How do you do research, anyway? Here's your step-by-step guide. Be sure to try out the True or Bogus? game.
--You really need to check out the Chicago Public Library. Check out their wide variety of online resources, or find a library near you.
--For background information on your topic, you can start at the Encarta encyclopedia.
--Science Buddies is definitely one of my favorite science fair info sites.
--Although it includes advertisements, I'm a fan of the science section of How Stuff Works.
--The Internet Public Library has a good selection of science fair resources.
--At Dewey Browse, librarian Gail Shea Grainger has come up with a list of research resources she finds useful.
--Even more librarian-chosen, kid-friendly suggestions can be found at KidsClick.
--Science News for Kids has great articles that I often use in class.
--For help with correctly using APA style in your reference list, see my guide to citation or take a look at this website from Loyola University Maryland.
--Discovery Education has great information for kids and parents about how to put together a quality project.
So you're doing a project on...
Here are a few common science fair topics and links to go with them. Don't see your topic in this section? Leave a comment at the bottom of the post and I will try to help you out with a suggested resource or two.
--Chemistry: Chem4Kids has good basic info to help you understand it.
--Mold: The Environmental Protection Agency has a guide to mold, and here are some instructions for getting your mold started, and information about what it actually is.
--Cleaning products: The Soap and Detergent Association has some information on what common products contain.
--The human brain: Take a look at this information on the nervous system.
--Plants: Check out the plant page on Biology4Kids.com.
--Earth or the environment: Check out the Encyclopedia of Earth.
Homework for the Week of 10-5-09
213:
Monday: Continue your science fair research, and begin typing Review of Literature. Keep track of all sources! (See the Research Paper Guide and the Citation Guide to help you.)
Wednesday: Begin your lab notes for the week-- write up your Purpose and Hypothesis.
Thursday: Add the procedure section to your lab notes.
Friday: Read the news article assigned in class. Answer the experimental evaluation questions at the bottom.
215:
Monday: Continue your science fair research, and begin typing Review of Literature. Keep track of all sources! (See the Research Paper Guide and the Citation Guide to help you.)
Tuesday: Begin your lab notes for the week-- write up your Purpose and Hypothesis.
Wednesday: Add the procedure section to your lab notes.
Friday: Read the news article assigned in class. Answer the experimental evaluation questions at the bottom.
223:
Wednesday: Changes in Matter review questions (please complete these in your notebook).
Thursday: Complete all lab notes for the density lab.
Friday: Acids and bases worksheet. Remember that your Review of Literature is due October 13!
225:
Tuesday: Changes in Matter review questions (please complete these in your notebook).
Wednesday: Complete all lab notes for the density lab.
Thursday: Acids and bases worksheet. Remember that your Review of Literature is due October 13!
8A:
Tuesday: Analysis 1-3 on p. A26. You need your map from class to complete this. Study for quiz!
Wednesday: Work on your Review of Literature, due October 13!
8B:
Thursday: Analysis 1-3 on p. A26. You need your map from class to complete this. Study for quiz!
Friday: Work on your Review of Literature, due October 13!
Monday: Continue your science fair research, and begin typing Review of Literature. Keep track of all sources! (See the Research Paper Guide and the Citation Guide to help you.)
Wednesday: Begin your lab notes for the week-- write up your Purpose and Hypothesis.
Thursday: Add the procedure section to your lab notes.
Friday: Read the news article assigned in class. Answer the experimental evaluation questions at the bottom.
215:
Monday: Continue your science fair research, and begin typing Review of Literature. Keep track of all sources! (See the Research Paper Guide and the Citation Guide to help you.)
Tuesday: Begin your lab notes for the week-- write up your Purpose and Hypothesis.
Wednesday: Add the procedure section to your lab notes.
Friday: Read the news article assigned in class. Answer the experimental evaluation questions at the bottom.
223:
Wednesday: Changes in Matter review questions (please complete these in your notebook).
Thursday: Complete all lab notes for the density lab.
Friday: Acids and bases worksheet. Remember that your Review of Literature is due October 13!
225:
Tuesday: Changes in Matter review questions (please complete these in your notebook).
Wednesday: Complete all lab notes for the density lab.
Thursday: Acids and bases worksheet. Remember that your Review of Literature is due October 13!
8A:
Tuesday: Analysis 1-3 on p. A26. You need your map from class to complete this. Study for quiz!
Wednesday: Work on your Review of Literature, due October 13!
8B:
Thursday: Analysis 1-3 on p. A26. You need your map from class to complete this. Study for quiz!
Friday: Work on your Review of Literature, due October 13!
Homework for the Week of 9-28-09
213:
Monday: Write your next steps for the science fair in your notebook, under your pre-lab notes.
Wednesday: Complete lab notes up to and including the Procedure section.
Thursday: Complete Results and Conclusion sections in your lab notes (notebooks collected Friday.)
Friday: "Design an Experiment" worksheet.
215:
Monday: Write your next steps for the science fair in your notebook, under your pre-lab notes.
Tuesday: Complete lab notes up to and including the Procedure section.
Wednesday: Complete Results and Conclusion sections in your lab notes (notebooks collected Friday.)
Friday: "Design an Experiment" worksheet.
223:
Wednesday: "Name that machine!" practice questions in your notebook.
Thursday: Complete all notes for the lever lab. Study for test!
Friday: Periodic table review worksheet.
225:
Tuesday: "Name that machine!" practice questions in your notebook.
Wednesday: Complete all notes for the lever lab. Study for test!
Thursday: Periodic table review worksheet.
8A:
Tuesday: Complete all lab notes.
Wednesday: Read "What does ppm really mean?" and answer questions. Quiz next Wednesday!
8B:
Thursday: Complete all lab notes.
Friday: Read "What does ppm really mean?" and answer questions. Quiz next Friday!
Monday: Write your next steps for the science fair in your notebook, under your pre-lab notes.
Wednesday: Complete lab notes up to and including the Procedure section.
Thursday: Complete Results and Conclusion sections in your lab notes (notebooks collected Friday.)
Friday: "Design an Experiment" worksheet.
215:
Monday: Write your next steps for the science fair in your notebook, under your pre-lab notes.
Tuesday: Complete lab notes up to and including the Procedure section.
Wednesday: Complete Results and Conclusion sections in your lab notes (notebooks collected Friday.)
Friday: "Design an Experiment" worksheet.
223:
Wednesday: "Name that machine!" practice questions in your notebook.
Thursday: Complete all notes for the lever lab. Study for test!
Friday: Periodic table review worksheet.
225:
Tuesday: "Name that machine!" practice questions in your notebook.
Wednesday: Complete all notes for the lever lab. Study for test!
Thursday: Periodic table review worksheet.
8A:
Tuesday: Complete all lab notes.
Wednesday: Read "What does ppm really mean?" and answer questions. Quiz next Wednesday!
8B:
Thursday: Complete all lab notes.
Friday: Read "What does ppm really mean?" and answer questions. Quiz next Friday!
Important Documents
Lost a folder? Papers crumpled in the bottom of the bookbag? No worries! Here are some important class-related documents for you to view, download, or print.
General Class Documents
Science Notebook Guide
Lab Safety Rules
How to Write Two-Column "Main Idea" Notes
Science Fair Documents
Research Paper Guide
Display Board Guide
Research Paper Checklist
Materials and Procedure Guide
Science Fair Timeline
Research Paper Rubric
Citation Guide
Abstract Form
Safety Sheet
General Class Documents
Science Notebook Guide
Lab Safety Rules
How to Write Two-Column "Main Idea" Notes
Science Fair Documents
Research Paper Guide
Display Board Guide
Research Paper Checklist
Materials and Procedure Guide
Science Fair Timeline
Research Paper Rubric
Citation Guide
Abstract Form
Safety Sheet
How Much on Mars?
This week, seventh-graders are learning about the difference between mass and weight. Mass is the actual amount of matter in an object, while weight is a measure of the pull of gravity on that mass. So if you were traveling in space, your mass would be the same-- you would still contain the same amount of matter-- but your weight would change, because the pull of gravity on your body would change.
To find out more, click here and calculate just how much you would weigh on the other planets of our solar system.
And if you want to feel teeny tiny, take a look at this.
To find out more, click here and calculate just how much you would weigh on the other planets of our solar system.
And if you want to feel teeny tiny, take a look at this.
Homework for the Week of 9-21-09
213
Monday:
--Science fair inquiry question due Thursday
--Blog post response due Sunday at 9 p.m. (See last week's homework for details.)
--Lab notes grade signed if you received less than 14/17.
--Quiz Thursday!
Wednesday:
--Complete all lab notes. Please use your Science Notebook Guide to ensure you do the best possible job.
--Study for quiz!
Thursday:
--Begin science fair research. Use your ISP chart!
--Bottom part of science fair timeline signed and returned.
215
Monday:
--Science fair inquiry question due Wednesday
--Blog post response due Sunday at 9 p.m. (See last week's homework for details.)
--Lab notes grade signed if you received less than 14/17.
--Quiz Wednesday!
Tuesday:
--Complete all lab notes. Please use your Science Notebook Guide to ensure you do the best possible job.
--Study for quiz!
Wednesday:
--Begin science fair research. Use your ISP chart!
--Bottom part of science fair timeline signed and returned.
223:
Wednesday:
--Read all science fair documents and write down any questions or concerns you have.
--Bottom portion of science fair timeline signed and returned.
--Science fair inquiry question due Thursday
Thursday:
--Complete "Parts of an Experiment" worksheet
--Begin science fair research using ISP sheet
225:
Tuesday:
--Read all science fair documents and write down any questions or concerns you have.
--Bottom portion of science fair timeline signed and returned.
--Science fair inquiry question due Thursday
Wednesday:
--Complete "Parts of an Experiment" worksheet
Thursday:
--Begin science fair research using ISP sheet
8A:
Tuesday:
--Bring in 3 inquiry questions you may want to use for the science fair.
Wednesday:
--Science fair questions due next Tuesday.
--Bottom of science fair timeline signed and returned.
8B:
Thursday
--Science fair inquiry question due next Thursday.
--Review all science fair documents and write down any questions you have about the expectations.
--Bottom of science fair timeline signed and returned.
Monday:
--Science fair inquiry question due Thursday
--Blog post response due Sunday at 9 p.m. (See last week's homework for details.)
--Lab notes grade signed if you received less than 14/17.
--Quiz Thursday!
Wednesday:
--Complete all lab notes. Please use your Science Notebook Guide to ensure you do the best possible job.
--Study for quiz!
Thursday:
--Begin science fair research. Use your ISP chart!
--Bottom part of science fair timeline signed and returned.
215
Monday:
--Science fair inquiry question due Wednesday
--Blog post response due Sunday at 9 p.m. (See last week's homework for details.)
--Lab notes grade signed if you received less than 14/17.
--Quiz Wednesday!
Tuesday:
--Complete all lab notes. Please use your Science Notebook Guide to ensure you do the best possible job.
--Study for quiz!
Wednesday:
--Begin science fair research. Use your ISP chart!
--Bottom part of science fair timeline signed and returned.
223:
Wednesday:
--Read all science fair documents and write down any questions or concerns you have.
--Bottom portion of science fair timeline signed and returned.
--Science fair inquiry question due Thursday
Thursday:
--Complete "Parts of an Experiment" worksheet
--Begin science fair research using ISP sheet
225:
Tuesday:
--Read all science fair documents and write down any questions or concerns you have.
--Bottom portion of science fair timeline signed and returned.
--Science fair inquiry question due Thursday
Wednesday:
--Complete "Parts of an Experiment" worksheet
Thursday:
--Begin science fair research using ISP sheet
8A:
Tuesday:
--Bring in 3 inquiry questions you may want to use for the science fair.
Wednesday:
--Science fair questions due next Tuesday.
--Bottom of science fair timeline signed and returned.
8B:
Thursday
--Science fair inquiry question due next Thursday.
--Review all science fair documents and write down any questions you have about the expectations.
--Bottom of science fair timeline signed and returned.
What Does an Engineer Do?
Without engineers, that bridge wouldn't hold weight, those boats wouldn't float, and those buildings wouldn't stay up!
This week, sixth-graders worked on designing bridges, building them, and testing them to see how much weight they could hold. Their work combined scientific methods, creativity, and practical problem-solving. It was a nice introduction into a type of science that many people don't think of or appreciate enough-- engineering.
What does an engineer do? Basically, engineers design and build things that make our lives easier and safer. An engineer is an inventor, a mathematician, and an artist rolled into one career. Some people say that engineers are not really scientists, because a scientist's job is to figure out how the world works, while an engineer's job is to create brand new things for the world. However, I would argue that to be a good engineer, you need to think like a scientist, because scientific thought is all about asking questions and solving problems.
You probably don't spend much time thinking about engineering. Maybe you've never even heard the word before. But if you look around you, almost everything in our world was created by an engineer! Look at it this way-- if nature didn't make it, an engineer did. An engineer designed your apartment building to be strong and sturdy even in terrible weather. An engineer designed the desks you use at school, to make sure they are the right height for you. A chemical engineer made the shampoo you used to wash your hair. Check the label of your shirt-- is it made from a man-made fabric like polyester or acrylic? Those were created by chemical engineers, too. The planes in the sky were made by aerospace engineers, the CTA trains were designed by mechanical engineers, and our electricity is able to travel from the power plant into our homes because of systems designed by electrical engineers. The fact that the highway doesn't crumble under our weight when thousands of cars go over it every day can be attributed to civil engineers, who also design things like bridges and roads.
To learn more about engineering, visit the Discover Engineering site. Be sure to click on "What's Engineering?" to learn more about what it's like to be an engineer as a job. The show Design Squad challenges kids to work in teams as engineers to solve challenges, and you can watch an episode or two here. If you want to improve your engineering skills at home, the PBS show ZOOM has some great design activities you can try out. For information that is more detailed but not as kid-friendly, visit the National Engineers Week Foundation.
Peanut is Famous!
Our beloved class pet, Peanut, has something to be proud of this week-- her species, the leopard gecko, is in the news! Well... their tails are, anyway.
When people first meet Peanut, one of the first questions they ask is why her tail is so funny looking. Her tail may be fat, purple, and generally kind of weird, but it serves a purpose! We already knew that the tail can come off and flop around to distract predators, but recent research has brought out new details. Scientists used a high-speed camera to record exactly how the tail moves. If the tail just moved in a simple back-and-forth pattern, predators would understand that it was a trick, and chase after the poor gecko instead of being distracted by the tail. But it turns out that the tail actually has special neurons (nerve cells) to make its movements more complicated and realistic. Amazing!
Check out the video:
When people first meet Peanut, one of the first questions they ask is why her tail is so funny looking. Her tail may be fat, purple, and generally kind of weird, but it serves a purpose! We already knew that the tail can come off and flop around to distract predators, but recent research has brought out new details. Scientists used a high-speed camera to record exactly how the tail moves. If the tail just moved in a simple back-and-forth pattern, predators would understand that it was a trick, and chase after the poor gecko instead of being distracted by the tail. But it turns out that the tail actually has special neurons (nerve cells) to make its movements more complicated and realistic. Amazing!
Check out the video:
Missed the Science Fair Info Session?
In case you couldn't make it to the Science Fair information session, click here to view the slideshow I presented.
Why Water?
The 8th grade will be beginning the year with a unit on water, and we'll be studying water for about two months! That seems like a long time to learn about something so simple! But there is more to water than meets the eye. In fact, the quest to solve the world's water problems is one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century.
You probably remember learning about the water cycle. (If not, here is a quick review.) There is never any new water made on Earth; the same water just loops around and is "recycled" over and over again. This means that water is a finite resource, meaning there is a limited amount of it that is available for us to use. So, it is very important that we take care of the water we have!
"But wait, Ms. Ewing," you may be saying. "When I look at a map, it seems like the whole world is covered with water!" You're right, of course. About 70% of our planet is covered with beautiful water. But 97.5% of it is salt water! We can't drink that! So only 2.5% of the Earth's water is even freshwater, and most of that small amount is frozen in the icecaps at the North Pole and the South Pole. And some of it is trapped as moisture in the soil under our feet, so we can't drink that either. At the end of the day, less than 1% of the water on Earth is available for us to drink. No wonder so many places on Earth are threatened because they don't have enough water.
This is a problem, because we all need water to live! When we don't take care of the water we have, people's lives are at risk. In previous centuries, people didn't know what to do to keep water clean, and in Chicago and other cities many people died from cholera and other diseases spread by unclean water. Now, we have the knowledge and the technology, and yet people all over the world are still sick dying because they can't get safe water. One out of five people in the world population lacks clean water, and 80% of diseases in developing nations comes from unsafe water, killing over 25,000 people every day. Children are especially at risk, because their bodies are still growing and can be vulnerable to these diseases. Click here to see how children in other nations are affected by this issue. Of course, in addition to needing water to drink (a lot-- about 16,000 gallons in your lifetime), we also need it to grow our food and produce goods in our factories. The last time you turned on a faucet, did you ever imagine how important that simple, familiar substance is?
Still want to know more? For a crash course on water, how it works, and why it's so important, visit the U.S. Geological Survey's water information page.
Or, if you think you're a water expert, take this quiz and see how much you really know....
You probably remember learning about the water cycle. (If not, here is a quick review.) There is never any new water made on Earth; the same water just loops around and is "recycled" over and over again. This means that water is a finite resource, meaning there is a limited amount of it that is available for us to use. So, it is very important that we take care of the water we have!
"But wait, Ms. Ewing," you may be saying. "When I look at a map, it seems like the whole world is covered with water!" You're right, of course. About 70% of our planet is covered with beautiful water. But 97.5% of it is salt water! We can't drink that! So only 2.5% of the Earth's water is even freshwater, and most of that small amount is frozen in the icecaps at the North Pole and the South Pole. And some of it is trapped as moisture in the soil under our feet, so we can't drink that either. At the end of the day, less than 1% of the water on Earth is available for us to drink. No wonder so many places on Earth are threatened because they don't have enough water.
This is a problem, because we all need water to live! When we don't take care of the water we have, people's lives are at risk. In previous centuries, people didn't know what to do to keep water clean, and in Chicago and other cities many people died from cholera and other diseases spread by unclean water. Now, we have the knowledge and the technology, and yet people all over the world are still sick dying because they can't get safe water. One out of five people in the world population lacks clean water, and 80% of diseases in developing nations comes from unsafe water, killing over 25,000 people every day. Children are especially at risk, because their bodies are still growing and can be vulnerable to these diseases. Click here to see how children in other nations are affected by this issue. Of course, in addition to needing water to drink (a lot-- about 16,000 gallons in your lifetime), we also need it to grow our food and produce goods in our factories. The last time you turned on a faucet, did you ever imagine how important that simple, familiar substance is?
Still want to know more? For a crash course on water, how it works, and why it's so important, visit the U.S. Geological Survey's water information page.
Or, if you think you're a water expert, take this quiz and see how much you really know....
Homework for the Week of 9-8-09
213:
Wednesday: Parent letter signed, lab safety contract signed, scientific method practice worksheet.
Thursday: Anti-venom article-- read and respond to questions on a separate sheet of paper.
Friday: Lab safety rule drawing (choose one and illustrate it).
215:
Tuesday: Parent letter signed, lab safety contract signed, scientific method practice worksheet.
Wednesday: Anti-venom article-- read and respond to questions on a separate sheet of paper.
Friday: Lab safety rule drawing (choose one and illustrate it).
223:
Wednesday: Read "Who was Isaac Newton?" and answer questions. Parent contact letter and lab safety contract signed.
Thursday: Read article: "Finding a Scapegoat When Epidemics Strike" and respond to questions.
Friday: "Back to Newton's Cradle" worksheet.
225:
Tuesday: Read "Who was Isaac Newton?" and answer questions. Parent contact letter and lab safety contract signed.
Wednesday: Read article: "Finding a Scapegoat When Epidemics Strike" and respond to questions.
Thursday: "Back to Newton's Cradle" worksheet.
8A:
Tuesday: Read "Why Water?" blog post and post a comment in response. Your response must:
Wednesday: Read article, "Bottled Water Boom Appears Tapped Out" and answer questions. Blog post comment due next class period! (See above.)
8B:
Thursday: Read "Why Water?" blog post and post a comment in response. Your response must:
Friday: Read article, "Bottled Water Boom Appears Tapped Out" and answer questions. Blog post comment due next class period! (See above.)
Wednesday: Parent letter signed, lab safety contract signed, scientific method practice worksheet.
Thursday: Anti-venom article-- read and respond to questions on a separate sheet of paper.
Friday: Lab safety rule drawing (choose one and illustrate it).
215:
Tuesday: Parent letter signed, lab safety contract signed, scientific method practice worksheet.
Wednesday: Anti-venom article-- read and respond to questions on a separate sheet of paper.
Friday: Lab safety rule drawing (choose one and illustrate it).
223:
Wednesday: Read "Who was Isaac Newton?" and answer questions. Parent contact letter and lab safety contract signed.
Thursday: Read article: "Finding a Scapegoat When Epidemics Strike" and respond to questions.
Friday: "Back to Newton's Cradle" worksheet.
225:
Tuesday: Read "Who was Isaac Newton?" and answer questions. Parent contact letter and lab safety contract signed.
Wednesday: Read article: "Finding a Scapegoat When Epidemics Strike" and respond to questions.
Thursday: "Back to Newton's Cradle" worksheet.
8A:
Tuesday: Read "Why Water?" blog post and post a comment in response. Your response must:
- be a paragraph of at least 8 sentences
- reference at least two facts from the post or one of the links
- mention something you found interesting from one of the links
- include a personal opinion you feel in response to the post or one of the links, or a classmate's post
- have correct grammar and spelling
- be signed with your first name only
Wednesday: Read article, "Bottled Water Boom Appears Tapped Out" and answer questions. Blog post comment due next class period! (See above.)
8B:
Thursday: Read "Why Water?" blog post and post a comment in response. Your response must:
- be a paragraph of at least 8 sentences
- reference at least two facts from the post or one of the links
- mention something you found interesting from one of the links
- include a personal opinion you feel in response to the post or one of the links, or a classmate's post
- have correct grammar and spelling
- be signed with your first name only
Friday: Read article, "Bottled Water Boom Appears Tapped Out" and answer questions. Blog post comment due next class period! (See above.)
Science Fair Ideas...?
Yes, I know... it's summer. Hearing the words "science fair" probably makes your head hurt. But the more time you spend thinking about the science fair in advance, the easier it will be-- and the more fun you will have.
Often, students choose a project they find in a science fair book or on the internet. This may seem like the easy way out at first, but the problem is, it's usually much less interesting-- and sometimes much more difficult and confusing-- than if you had come up with a project yourself. Why copy something you find online when there are interesting science questions all around?
Try this: come up with a list of things you find interesting. These can be things you learn about in school, things you do for fun, things you like to watch on TV-- anything, really. Here's a list of some things that interest me, as an example:
- animals
- cooking and food
- music
- books
- basketball
- animals-- Do goldfish remember you, or is it true that they have a 4-second memory?
- cooking and food-- Does adding salt to water really make it boil faster?
- music-- Does listening to music make doing homework easier or harder?
- books-- Do pictures help you remember things from textbooks?
- basketball-- Which brand of ball bouncest highest? (I had a student do this one!)
Have a topic you want to do, but you need help coming up with a question? Or maybe you think you have a good idea for an experiment, and you want to know what to do next? Ask me for help!
How Much Do Animals Remember?
Another teacher told me recently of how happy her pet fish are when she comes to feed them, and the custodian at our school speaks warmly of our class pet, Peanut the leopard gecko, being excited to see her in the evening. Do animals remember us so richly, or are we anthropomorphizing-- a fancy word for imagining that our furry friends have human traits? Well, for one thing, the popular myth that goldfish have a three-second memory has been busted-- by a kid doing a science fair project, no less!-- but here's an even more inspiring story that you may have heard about:
About Ms. Ewing
I'm proud to be a Chicago native and Chicago Public Schools alum. I received my bachelor's degree from the University of Chicago and my master's degree from Dominican University.
I believe that students learn best when they have the opportunity to examine the world around them, ask questions, solve problems, and appreciate how amazing our planet really is! Instruction in our classroom focuses on inquiry activities; students do hands-on labs and spend time collaborating with one another to describe their observations and draw conclusions. Research shows that inquiry-based curricula lead to a better and longer-lasting understanding of science. Besides that, we all know that doing something yourself is way more fun than just hearing about it in a lecture! My aim is to help every student reach his or her fullest academic potential, to walk away as a responsible and knowledgeable citizen, and to have a whole lot of fun in the process.
I like: teaching, reading all kinds of books, listening to and playing music, traveling everywhere, watching basketball, cooking. And reading science news, watching television shows about science, talking about science, dreaming about science....
I dislike: excuses, complaints, missing homework, and mosquitoes.
Please don't hesitate to email me at elewing@cps.edu if I can help you with something!
I believe that students learn best when they have the opportunity to examine the world around them, ask questions, solve problems, and appreciate how amazing our planet really is! Instruction in our classroom focuses on inquiry activities; students do hands-on labs and spend time collaborating with one another to describe their observations and draw conclusions. Research shows that inquiry-based curricula lead to a better and longer-lasting understanding of science. Besides that, we all know that doing something yourself is way more fun than just hearing about it in a lecture! My aim is to help every student reach his or her fullest academic potential, to walk away as a responsible and knowledgeable citizen, and to have a whole lot of fun in the process.
I like: teaching, reading all kinds of books, listening to and playing music, traveling everywhere, watching basketball, cooking. And reading science news, watching television shows about science, talking about science, dreaming about science....
I dislike: excuses, complaints, missing homework, and mosquitoes.
Please don't hesitate to email me at elewing@cps.edu if I can help you with something!
Astronauts On Break
I was thinking about the Hubble Space Telescope because it's been in the news a lot lately-- scientists are repairing it for the last time as they get it ready for retirement. I found myself wondering: what do astronauts like to take with them on a space shuttle?
A brief search didn't turn up an answer to my question, but it did lead me to an article about what astronauts do on their day off.
Of course, Alan Shepard famously played golf on the moon (YouTube video here). I think it would be pretty fun to play basketball on the moon....
But back to my original question-- what do astronauts take with them? Playing cards? Comic books? A Nintendo DS? What would you take with you, if you were an astronaut living in a teeny-tiny space shuttle?
A brief search didn't turn up an answer to my question, but it did lead me to an article about what astronauts do on their day off.
Of course, Alan Shepard famously played golf on the moon (YouTube video here). I think it would be pretty fun to play basketball on the moon....
But back to my original question-- what do astronauts take with them? Playing cards? Comic books? A Nintendo DS? What would you take with you, if you were an astronaut living in a teeny-tiny space shuttle?
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