With Homecoming being tomorrow, this will be my last post for the week.
Physics: For Monday, students must have their graphs printed and line equations done for the Dune Buggy Lab.
AP Chemistry: Pre-Lab work for the Analysis of Alum lab is due Monday. Monday morning, we will have a morning help session, starting at 7:15. Also, Tuesday is our Chapter 3 quiz, so homework for Chapter 3 will be due.
Chemistry: Today, due to early release, we watched a Mythbusters episode. One of the experiments dealt with Quicksand, in which there was a lot of talk about how the density of the sand/water mixture effects how the quicksand operates. It was an interesting application of the density topic we have been talking about.
Physical Science: Homework for Monday includes finishing the graph of Wingspan versus Height. Students also need to have drawn a line of best fit, and calculated the slope with proper units, and also found the y-intercept with proper units.
In class we played a the classic game of "Password." The words were vocabulary words from past science classes. It was a good literacy activity and also a fun way to review and keep some of these terms current in the students minds.
*Note for all classes: Progress Reports went out for all classes (except AP). if your child did not bring one home, please e-mail me, and I can give you a grade update.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Sept. 29, 2010
Physics: We went over yesterday's exam and then began Unit 2. We are currently in the middle of a lab, which we will continue tomorrow.
AP Chemistry: We are nearly done with CH 3 lecture material. Tomorrow students can work on homework or lab prep. Pre-Lab for Analysis of Alum lab is due Monday, and homework is due Tuesday for the quiz.
Chemistry: We are now at the end of unit 1. Today students worked on the Unit 1 Review, which will be due tomorrow. many students are completing this in class, so don't be surprised if they are not working on it tonight.
Physical Science: We are continuing notes on graphing methods.For homework students need to make a graph of the wingspan/height data, and then put in a line of best fit, calculate the slope, and then find the y-intercept.
AP Chemistry: We are nearly done with CH 3 lecture material. Tomorrow students can work on homework or lab prep. Pre-Lab for Analysis of Alum lab is due Monday, and homework is due Tuesday for the quiz.
Chemistry: We are now at the end of unit 1. Today students worked on the Unit 1 Review, which will be due tomorrow. many students are completing this in class, so don't be surprised if they are not working on it tonight.
Physical Science: We are continuing notes on graphing methods.For homework students need to make a graph of the wingspan/height data, and then put in a line of best fit, calculate the slope, and then find the y-intercept.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Sept. 28, 2010
Physics: Today we took the Unit 1 Exam. Tomorrow we will start on Unit 2, which will examine the constant velocity of a particle mass.
AP Chemistry: We continued our discussion on Chapter 3.
Chemistry: Today we did a lab practicum where groups of students had to find the thickness of aluminum foil using density of aluminum.
Physical Science: Today we worked on the Wingspan activity, which we will use to introduce graphing techniques. There was no new homework for this evening.
AP Chemistry: We continued our discussion on Chapter 3.
Chemistry: Today we did a lab practicum where groups of students had to find the thickness of aluminum foil using density of aluminum.
Physical Science: Today we worked on the Wingspan activity, which we will use to introduce graphing techniques. There was no new homework for this evening.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Sept. 27, 2010
Physics: We reviewed for the Unit 1 Exam, which will be tomorrow. Tomorrow is also the last day to turn in Pendulum Lab corrections.
AP Chemistry: We began Chapter 3: Mass/Mole Relationships. We will be doing Experiment #4: Analysis of Alum on Monday of next week, so the pre-lab write-up needs to be done by then. Also, the quiz on chapter 3 will be on Tuesday of next week, so all Chapter 3 HW is due on that day. With the quiz on Tuesday, we will have a morning help session next Monday. This session begins at 7:15.
Chemistry: Today we did the "Density of a Gas" Lab. The follow-up questions are due tomorrow.
Physical Science: Today we went over the measurement WS#4. This WS dealt with how to take correct measurements that reflect the precision of our measured value. We then took a quiz on this topic. Tomorrow we will begin dealing with graphing and graph analysis. This is the last portion of our Scientific Underpinnings Unit.
AP Chemistry: We began Chapter 3: Mass/Mole Relationships. We will be doing Experiment #4: Analysis of Alum on Monday of next week, so the pre-lab write-up needs to be done by then. Also, the quiz on chapter 3 will be on Tuesday of next week, so all Chapter 3 HW is due on that day. With the quiz on Tuesday, we will have a morning help session next Monday. This session begins at 7:15.
Chemistry: Today we did the "Density of a Gas" Lab. The follow-up questions are due tomorrow.
Physical Science: Today we went over the measurement WS#4. This WS dealt with how to take correct measurements that reflect the precision of our measured value. We then took a quiz on this topic. Tomorrow we will begin dealing with graphing and graph analysis. This is the last portion of our Scientific Underpinnings Unit.
Mid-Term Reports
This week is mid-quarter, so progress reports will be heading home. If your child is getting a 93% or better, they will get a Commendation for Excellence. Students who are getting a 77% or lower will be getting a deficiency. If you receive one of these reports, and would like to discuss the progress of your child, please make sure you come to conferences next week, or send me an e-mail at tschwall@shiocton.k12.wi.us
Friday, September 24, 2010
Sept. 24, 2010
Physics: We took a short quiz, and then students were given the review assignment for unit 1. this will be due on Monday, and the Unit Exam will be on Tuesday.
AP Chemistry: Today we took the first unit exam, over chapters 1-2.
Chemistry: Today we took a quiz on scale reading, significant figures, and density. On Monday we will be heading into the end of unit 1, with a series of labs which includes finding the density of a gas. A common misconception is that gases do not have mass or take up space, but we will show that even though gases seem insignificant, they do in fact have mass and take up space.
Physical Science: Today we continued on our precision in measuring activity. We discussed how measurements include all known values that the device can tell us, plus on value that is estimate and thus uncertain. Properly done measurements tell us an important factor: to what precision are we sure of our measurements. Precision is a measure of the reproducibility of a measurement, and the better the device, the more precise the measurement. Precision is an important part of scientific measurements and study.
AP Chemistry: Today we took the first unit exam, over chapters 1-2.
Chemistry: Today we took a quiz on scale reading, significant figures, and density. On Monday we will be heading into the end of unit 1, with a series of labs which includes finding the density of a gas. A common misconception is that gases do not have mass or take up space, but we will show that even though gases seem insignificant, they do in fact have mass and take up space.
Physical Science: Today we continued on our precision in measuring activity. We discussed how measurements include all known values that the device can tell us, plus on value that is estimate and thus uncertain. Properly done measurements tell us an important factor: to what precision are we sure of our measurements. Precision is a measure of the reproducibility of a measurement, and the better the device, the more precise the measurement. Precision is an important part of scientific measurements and study.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Sept. 23, 2010
Physics: Tomorrow we will have a quiz on graphing and significant figures.
AP Chemistry: We reviewed for our first unit exam today. Tomorrow, all homework is due for chapter 2.
Chemistry: We went over WS#3 today, dealing with density. Students were given their first exposure to how this class will really go: we do experiments, collect data, create models, and then use those models to make predictions with other sets of data. Students needed to look to the Volume Lab and Density Labs in order to figure out the questions on this assignment.
At the end of class I assigned WS#4, which I will collect tomorrow at the start of the hour. They will then take a quiz on measurement, significant figures, and density.
Physical Science: We took a quiz today on using ratios to do unit conversions. Next we will investigate the use of standard units of measure. this will introduce to students, the proper way to read and use metric scale devices. We began this activity at the end of the hour, and students are finding very quickly that correct measurements are more difficult then they ever thought!
AP Chemistry: We reviewed for our first unit exam today. Tomorrow, all homework is due for chapter 2.
Chemistry: We went over WS#3 today, dealing with density. Students were given their first exposure to how this class will really go: we do experiments, collect data, create models, and then use those models to make predictions with other sets of data. Students needed to look to the Volume Lab and Density Labs in order to figure out the questions on this assignment.
At the end of class I assigned WS#4, which I will collect tomorrow at the start of the hour. They will then take a quiz on measurement, significant figures, and density.
Physical Science: We took a quiz today on using ratios to do unit conversions. Next we will investigate the use of standard units of measure. this will introduce to students, the proper way to read and use metric scale devices. We began this activity at the end of the hour, and students are finding very quickly that correct measurements are more difficult then they ever thought!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Sept. 22, 2010
I apologize for missing yesterday's post. Some unforeseen issues popped up in the afternoon, which prevented me from updating. Here is today's post.
Physics: I passed back lab books from our first lab. Students have until the end of the unit (next week) to make changes and get points back. I want students to understand the lab process, and know how entries in their lab book are to be made. I also passed back WS#1 and the results of our first quiz. So far, so good.
AP Chemistry: Today we took our nomenclature quiz. tomorrow we will look at the results, and review for Friday's unit exam. Unit exams are similar in length to quizzes, but cover all chapters in the unit, and are worth more towards the overall grade.
Tomorrow AP students will have their first lab due as well.
Physical Science: We are going to be looking over WS#1 today, and reviewing measurements and unit conversions for the quiz which will be held tomorrow. After the quiz, we will start a new activity, where students will start using the measurement basics we've discussed and start using standards of measurement.
Chemistry: We reviewed the data collected from class yesterday, and had a discussion about it. We derived the relationship between mass of a substance and the volume it occupies. This relationship is commonly known as density, and it is the first of our mathematical models for the year.
I then passed out WS#3, which is due at the beginning of class tomorrow.
Physics: I passed back lab books from our first lab. Students have until the end of the unit (next week) to make changes and get points back. I want students to understand the lab process, and know how entries in their lab book are to be made. I also passed back WS#1 and the results of our first quiz. So far, so good.
AP Chemistry: Today we took our nomenclature quiz. tomorrow we will look at the results, and review for Friday's unit exam. Unit exams are similar in length to quizzes, but cover all chapters in the unit, and are worth more towards the overall grade.
Tomorrow AP students will have their first lab due as well.
Physical Science: We are going to be looking over WS#1 today, and reviewing measurements and unit conversions for the quiz which will be held tomorrow. After the quiz, we will start a new activity, where students will start using the measurement basics we've discussed and start using standards of measurement.
Chemistry: We reviewed the data collected from class yesterday, and had a discussion about it. We derived the relationship between mass of a substance and the volume it occupies. This relationship is commonly known as density, and it is the first of our mathematical models for the year.
I then passed out WS#3, which is due at the beginning of class tomorrow.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Sept. 20, 2010
Physical Science: Today we looked over the last few questions on our First Activity: Measuring the Measuring Tool. Having been working on using ratios to do unit conversions, we discussed these problems in class, and then took questions.
I then assigned WS#1 - Measuring the Measuring Tool, which is the follow up to the activity of the same name. This assignment is due at the beginning of class tomorrow.
Physics: In the computer lab today we did practice graphing problems, in preparation for tomorrow's quiz on the same material. Students should be able to graph, linearize, and write line equations for a set of data, for this quiz.
Chemistry: We finished the rules of significant figures, and then students were given WS#2 for class tomorrow. One instructional change: the back side of the handout, should be done the same as the front side. The instructions on the back are to be ignored.
AP Chemistry: Today we went over the take home quiz from last week. After that we finished going over the second part of Chapter 2. Our quiz on that material will be on Wednesday. Our first Unit Exam will be on Friday. The first lab that we did will due on Thursday.
I then assigned WS#1 - Measuring the Measuring Tool, which is the follow up to the activity of the same name. This assignment is due at the beginning of class tomorrow.
Physics: In the computer lab today we did practice graphing problems, in preparation for tomorrow's quiz on the same material. Students should be able to graph, linearize, and write line equations for a set of data, for this quiz.
Chemistry: We finished the rules of significant figures, and then students were given WS#2 for class tomorrow. One instructional change: the back side of the handout, should be done the same as the front side. The instructions on the back are to be ignored.
AP Chemistry: Today we went over the take home quiz from last week. After that we finished going over the second part of Chapter 2. Our quiz on that material will be on Wednesday. Our first Unit Exam will be on Friday. The first lab that we did will due on Thursday.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Sept. 16-17, 2010
Physical Science: In class today we looked at how we can setup ratio's in order to do unit conversions. I assigned questions 7-8 on the Activity 1.1 WS1 handout that we've been on all week. Those questions will be due on Monday.
Chemistry: Today we began watching a video series based on Units, Uncertainty, and Significant Figures. I will pot these videos on this blog so students can reference them. No new assignment.
Physics: We went over the lab books from the pendulum lab. These will be due next Tuesday. No other work assigned.
AP Chemistry: We began looking at the second part of Chapter 2. The take-home quiz I gave out yesterday, is due in my mailbox by 3:07 Friday.
Chemistry: Today we began watching a video series based on Units, Uncertainty, and Significant Figures. I will pot these videos on this blog so students can reference them. No new assignment.
Physics: We went over the lab books from the pendulum lab. These will be due next Tuesday. No other work assigned.
AP Chemistry: We began looking at the second part of Chapter 2. The take-home quiz I gave out yesterday, is due in my mailbox by 3:07 Friday.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Sept. 15, 2010
Physics: Students must have their graphs cut and taped into their lab books for class tomorrow. We will be looking at how to properly analyze a lab and fill out the lab book tomorrow.
AP Chemistry: Today we went over questions on homework. I will collect this homework set next week after we take our unit exam. I also gave out the Quiz originally scheduled for today. this quiz is a take home project, and is due by the end of the day on Friday.
Chemistry: Today we analyzed our results form the Volume Activity. We discussed how to write a proper line equation, in order to develop a mathematical model for a set of data. We then quickly talked about the 5% Rule, and the difference between Directly Proportional and Proportional data.
Physical Science: We looked at the data that we collected on Monday, and looked at issues in taking measurements. We introduced the need for a "Standard" unit of measure, so that all results are very similar. We then also looked at how different devices give different level of precision, which we will use to move forward with our measurement techniques.
I assigned Questions 1-5 from the "Activity #1 WS: Measuring the Measuring Tool." These questions must be done at the start of class tomorrow.
AP Chemistry: Today we went over questions on homework. I will collect this homework set next week after we take our unit exam. I also gave out the Quiz originally scheduled for today. this quiz is a take home project, and is due by the end of the day on Friday.
Chemistry: Today we analyzed our results form the Volume Activity. We discussed how to write a proper line equation, in order to develop a mathematical model for a set of data. We then quickly talked about the 5% Rule, and the difference between Directly Proportional and Proportional data.
Physical Science: We looked at the data that we collected on Monday, and looked at issues in taking measurements. We introduced the need for a "Standard" unit of measure, so that all results are very similar. We then also looked at how different devices give different level of precision, which we will use to move forward with our measurement techniques.
I assigned Questions 1-5 from the "Activity #1 WS: Measuring the Measuring Tool." These questions must be done at the start of class tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Sept. 14, 2010
Physics: We post-poned moving forward with course material today. We will pick up working on our Pendulum Lab tomorrow.
AP Chemistry: We suspended class for the day. Tomorrow we will look at homework during class. I will collect HW on Thursday. The quiz scheduled for tomorrow will be a take-home quiz, and I will collect it on Friday. If there are concerns about your students being able to handle this schedule, please contact me and we can work something out.
Physical Science: Today we did an in-class activity, outside of the scope of the Unit 1 material. We will resume regular class work tomorrow. no homework.
Chemistry: Today we did an activity that compared the units of cubic centimeters to milliliters. Students collected data, graphed it, and wrote out their line equation. We will be white boarding results tomorrow, so those graphs need to be done for Wednesday's class.
AP Chemistry: We suspended class for the day. Tomorrow we will look at homework during class. I will collect HW on Thursday. The quiz scheduled for tomorrow will be a take-home quiz, and I will collect it on Friday. If there are concerns about your students being able to handle this schedule, please contact me and we can work something out.
Physical Science: Today we did an in-class activity, outside of the scope of the Unit 1 material. We will resume regular class work tomorrow. no homework.
Chemistry: Today we did an activity that compared the units of cubic centimeters to milliliters. Students collected data, graphed it, and wrote out their line equation. We will be white boarding results tomorrow, so those graphs need to be done for Wednesday's class.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Sept. 13, 2010
AP Chemistry: Today we started our first lab: Determination of the Empirical Formula of a Copper Oxide. We will continue this lab tomorrow in class. Also, tomorrow morning is our first help session from 7:10-7:40.
Physics: We worked on making graphs of our first lab. This also served as introduction to LoggerPro as our means of analyzing lab data. Students should have the data from all 3 labs ready for tomorrow. We will analyze results, print graphs, and make WB tomorrow.
Chemistry: We looked at the results of our Mass and Change lab, which resulted in the discovery of the Law of Conservation of Mass. This is a principle law of Chemistry, and was a major breakthrough in its course of study. It notes that for a closed system that, the amount of matter present before and after a change (physical or chemical) is the same. I assigned WS#1 in class, and it's due at the start of the hour tomorrow.
Physical Science: We began the second part of Unit 1, by beginning a measurement activity. Students have had to take measurements in other classes, but in Physical Science we introduce it in a more complex manner. Measurement devices have a certain level of precision. Precision means that we are able to make several measurements of the same object, with the same device, and get the same or similar results. In years past, students have not had to deal with the precision or uncertainty of their measurements, which is why we begin anew.
We will also look at the importance of measurement standards, how to convert between units of measure, and how to identify the level of uncertainty in different measuring devices.
Physics: We worked on making graphs of our first lab. This also served as introduction to LoggerPro as our means of analyzing lab data. Students should have the data from all 3 labs ready for tomorrow. We will analyze results, print graphs, and make WB tomorrow.
Chemistry: We looked at the results of our Mass and Change lab, which resulted in the discovery of the Law of Conservation of Mass. This is a principle law of Chemistry, and was a major breakthrough in its course of study. It notes that for a closed system that, the amount of matter present before and after a change (physical or chemical) is the same. I assigned WS#1 in class, and it's due at the start of the hour tomorrow.
Physical Science: We began the second part of Unit 1, by beginning a measurement activity. Students have had to take measurements in other classes, but in Physical Science we introduce it in a more complex manner. Measurement devices have a certain level of precision. Precision means that we are able to make several measurements of the same object, with the same device, and get the same or similar results. In years past, students have not had to deal with the precision or uncertainty of their measurements, which is why we begin anew.
We will also look at the importance of measurement standards, how to convert between units of measure, and how to identify the level of uncertainty in different measuring devices.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Sept. 10, 2010
Physical Science: today we watched another Mythbusters video, and the students individually analyzed the experiment like we did yesterday. then they took their first quiz. There is no new homework for the weekend.
Chemistry: Today we wrapped up data collection in the Mass and Change Lab. After data was collected, students had to make histograms of the results, 1 per test. this was to be completed by the end of the hour, so if it is not done, they are behind and need to get it done. We will discuss the results on Monday.
Physics: We finished up the Pendulum Lab, and a reading on "Graphical Methods" was assigned. Students are to take 1 page of notes on this reading. It will be due on Monday.
AP Chemistry: We finished the lecture on the first part of chapter 2. The pre-lab write-up for Monday's lab was assigned and is due at the start of the hour on Monday. Homework is due and the next quiz are coming up on Wednesday of next week.
Have a good weekend.
Chemistry: Today we wrapped up data collection in the Mass and Change Lab. After data was collected, students had to make histograms of the results, 1 per test. this was to be completed by the end of the hour, so if it is not done, they are behind and need to get it done. We will discuss the results on Monday.
Physics: We finished up the Pendulum Lab, and a reading on "Graphical Methods" was assigned. Students are to take 1 page of notes on this reading. It will be due on Monday.
AP Chemistry: We finished the lecture on the first part of chapter 2. The pre-lab write-up for Monday's lab was assigned and is due at the start of the hour on Monday. Homework is due and the next quiz are coming up on Wednesday of next week.
Have a good weekend.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Sept. 9, 2010
Physics: Today we continued our pendulum lab. Tomorrow we will wrap up this investigation, and then move on to analysis.
Chemistry: Today we continue the mass and change lab. We spent all hour working on this activity. no homework for tomorrow.
AP Chemistry: We continued discussing the first part of chapter 2. See yesterday's post to see assignments that are upcoming.
Physical Science: Today we watched an episode of Mythbusters. This Discovery Channel show is a great way for kids to experience the scientific method. While watching the video, students were to take notes on what was done on the show in comparison to the parts of the scientific method. then in small groups they shared their thoughts on what was done for gathering information, the experiment, analysis, and conclusion.
Tomorrow is our first quiz. Please remind and help your child to study for this exam.
Chemistry: Today we continue the mass and change lab. We spent all hour working on this activity. no homework for tomorrow.
AP Chemistry: We continued discussing the first part of chapter 2. See yesterday's post to see assignments that are upcoming.
Physical Science: Today we watched an episode of Mythbusters. This Discovery Channel show is a great way for kids to experience the scientific method. While watching the video, students were to take notes on what was done on the show in comparison to the parts of the scientific method. then in small groups they shared their thoughts on what was done for gathering information, the experiment, analysis, and conclusion.
Tomorrow is our first quiz. Please remind and help your child to study for this exam.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Sept. 8, 2010
Physical Science: Today we went over the scientific method. The process by which we do science, is as important as doing the science itself. in fact it is more important. How we conduct investigations goes a long way to validating the work that is done.
We covered proper experimental set-up and went over an example as well. Tomorrow we will do an in class activity to cover student understanding of the method.
Physics: Today we began our first investigation, the pendulum lab. this lab serves as a starting point on how to do a proper investigation, and how to analyze data. We will be collecting data for the next couple of class periods, and then working on analysis.
Chemistry: Today we continued on with the mass and change lab. Students worked to gather data, and will continue to do so tomorrow.
AP Chemistry: We went over the quiz from yesterday, and talked about getting ready for the next chapter. We then started the lecture on Chapter 2: The Components of Matter. We will continue this discussion until the end of the week. Next Monday we will have our first lab, so students will need their lab books by then.
As for upcoming work, lab book outlines must be done by Monday, and Chapter 2, pt. 1 homework needs to be done by next Wednesday. We will have a morning study session next Tuesday at 7:10.
We covered proper experimental set-up and went over an example as well. Tomorrow we will do an in class activity to cover student understanding of the method.
Physics: Today we began our first investigation, the pendulum lab. this lab serves as a starting point on how to do a proper investigation, and how to analyze data. We will be collecting data for the next couple of class periods, and then working on analysis.
Chemistry: Today we continued on with the mass and change lab. Students worked to gather data, and will continue to do so tomorrow.
AP Chemistry: We went over the quiz from yesterday, and talked about getting ready for the next chapter. We then started the lecture on Chapter 2: The Components of Matter. We will continue this discussion until the end of the week. Next Monday we will have our first lab, so students will need their lab books by then.
As for upcoming work, lab book outlines must be done by Monday, and Chapter 2, pt. 1 homework needs to be done by next Wednesday. We will have a morning study session next Tuesday at 7:10.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Sept. 7, 2010
Physical Science: Today we finished up talking about the realities of science and technology. We compiled answers from all groups, and added to it from people's comments.
We have also been informally reviewing material from the past week with a quiz at the start of each hour. Please help your child review for this weeks quiz as well. No new work for tonight.
Physics: We discussed student views and science and reality. It was a good discussion, and a great way to lead into the focus of the course: building scientific models to describe phenomenon. Tomorrow we will start our first investigation, so each student needs their quadrille notebook by class time.
Chemistry: We did part 1 of our Mass and Change lab. Tomorrow we will continue with this investigation.
AP Chemistry: We took our first unit quiz. Homework looked good, but quiz scores were rough. We discussed in class how there is a big learning curve to graduate from the kind of work load they are used to, to the one required for an AP class. Please encourage your child to not lose focus of the goal: a 3-5 on the AP exam. It will take a few weeks for them to get into a groove. We will discuss the quiz tomorrow, and then move on to Chapter 2.
We have also been informally reviewing material from the past week with a quiz at the start of each hour. Please help your child review for this weeks quiz as well. No new work for tonight.
Physics: We discussed student views and science and reality. It was a good discussion, and a great way to lead into the focus of the course: building scientific models to describe phenomenon. Tomorrow we will start our first investigation, so each student needs their quadrille notebook by class time.
Chemistry: We did part 1 of our Mass and Change lab. Tomorrow we will continue with this investigation.
AP Chemistry: We took our first unit quiz. Homework looked good, but quiz scores were rough. We discussed in class how there is a big learning curve to graduate from the kind of work load they are used to, to the one required for an AP class. Please encourage your child to not lose focus of the goal: a 3-5 on the AP exam. It will take a few weeks for them to get into a groove. We will discuss the quiz tomorrow, and then move on to Chapter 2.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Sept. 3, 2010
Physical Science: Part of this years movement in our science department is to align our curriculum to the National Science Standards. A part of this endeavor is to increase the discussion on perspectives of science. So today as we looked into the difference between science and technology we also had a small group discussion on several issues regarding science research and technology development. After small group discussions, students shared their ideas with the class, and a large group discussion ensued.
For this weekend, there is no homework for class. If your son or daughter missed class, please have them look over the questions we discussed (they are located in their note packets) in class today.
Physics: Today the students took a Mechanics Concepts Inventory. This diagnostic test, tests students knowledge of basic motion and forces. This physics class deals primarily with Newtonian Mechanics, which focuses on motion based upon Newton's Laws of Motion and his force concept. The diagnostic will give me a benchmark starting point for each student, that we will then compare post-test scores to at the end of the year.
For homework this weekend, each student must write a 1 paragraph answer to the following three questions: What is science, what is reality, and is science reality? We will be discussing their answers in class on Tuesday.
AP Chemistry: We have our first quiz on Chapter 1 on Tuesday. Chapter 1 homework is also due on Tuesday.
Chemistry: We will be following up on our demo from yesterday, as students share their thoughts on what was happening in the exploding paint can demo.
We will be starting a 6 part lab today (or Tuesday) dealing with mass of objects before and after a change has occurred. There is no homework for Tuesday.
For this weekend, there is no homework for class. If your son or daughter missed class, please have them look over the questions we discussed (they are located in their note packets) in class today.
Physics: Today the students took a Mechanics Concepts Inventory. This diagnostic test, tests students knowledge of basic motion and forces. This physics class deals primarily with Newtonian Mechanics, which focuses on motion based upon Newton's Laws of Motion and his force concept. The diagnostic will give me a benchmark starting point for each student, that we will then compare post-test scores to at the end of the year.
For homework this weekend, each student must write a 1 paragraph answer to the following three questions: What is science, what is reality, and is science reality? We will be discussing their answers in class on Tuesday.
AP Chemistry: We have our first quiz on Chapter 1 on Tuesday. Chapter 1 homework is also due on Tuesday.
Chemistry: We will be following up on our demo from yesterday, as students share their thoughts on what was happening in the exploding paint can demo.
We will be starting a 6 part lab today (or Tuesday) dealing with mass of objects before and after a change has occurred. There is no homework for Tuesday.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Sept. 2, 2010
Physics: Today we went over the course policies. Make sure that you go over them with your child, and then sign and date them accordingly. I only require the bottom portion back.
Also, I will be sending home a software program this week (or early next week), which your child can install on a home computer (if applicable). LoggerPro 3.8 was created by Vernier Software and Technology to analyze data. Your child will collect a lot of data, and this software will allow them to analyze it at home. This program is offered to school districts at a low cost, and the license makes it available to all staff and students. Please look over the system requirements before installing.
Today we did an exercise in communication, which is paramount in physics. We will be doing a lot of investigating in this course, sharing data, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from those discussions. Communication and building a classroom environment that is free and open to discuss ideas, will be the focus of the first few days.
Chemistry: Today we looked at how we can represent particle interactions in chemistry. We will be using a modeling tool called "particle diagrams." Students will draw shapes of various designs, or use different colors to represent different kinds of matter. This visual aid is a great compliment to notes and text, and really helps drive home ideas to the visual learner.
Due to the time constraints of the demo we did today, and the drawing of diagrams, there is no homework for tomorrow.
AP Chemistry: Today we continued discussing Chapter 1 of the text. The first quiz is next Tuesday, which is also when the homework set is due. Typically we would have a morning review session the day before a test. For this first chapter, we will be doing this during regular class time.
In the future, students are encouraged to come to this extra session, and are rewarded for doing so. I know that there can be scheduling issues with having this extra session, but it is up to the student to decide how badly they want to come. If a student comes, they will get a one-grade level bump on their quiz. The only reason I accept for not being present is illness. In the event a session is missed due to illness, the student must meet with me the day they come back if they want the extra credit. Again, this exception does not apply to extra curriculars, being late, etc.
Physical Science: Today we took notes on the idea of what science is. Yesterday, students did an activity where they defined the term science, outlined people who do science, what they do, and why they do it. They started out on their own, then discussed their ideas in small groups, then wrote their ideas on white boards to share with class. This was a good way to start off, and gives me an ideas about how the students view science. The notes today brought these ideas together in a formal manner.
There is no homework for tonight. During the first part of unit 1, there likely will not be a lot of assignments. However, there will be a quiz on these basic topics, so daily studying of material is highly suggested.
Also, I will be sending home a software program this week (or early next week), which your child can install on a home computer (if applicable). LoggerPro 3.8 was created by Vernier Software and Technology to analyze data. Your child will collect a lot of data, and this software will allow them to analyze it at home. This program is offered to school districts at a low cost, and the license makes it available to all staff and students. Please look over the system requirements before installing.
Today we did an exercise in communication, which is paramount in physics. We will be doing a lot of investigating in this course, sharing data, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from those discussions. Communication and building a classroom environment that is free and open to discuss ideas, will be the focus of the first few days.
Chemistry: Today we looked at how we can represent particle interactions in chemistry. We will be using a modeling tool called "particle diagrams." Students will draw shapes of various designs, or use different colors to represent different kinds of matter. This visual aid is a great compliment to notes and text, and really helps drive home ideas to the visual learner.
Due to the time constraints of the demo we did today, and the drawing of diagrams, there is no homework for tomorrow.
AP Chemistry: Today we continued discussing Chapter 1 of the text. The first quiz is next Tuesday, which is also when the homework set is due. Typically we would have a morning review session the day before a test. For this first chapter, we will be doing this during regular class time.
In the future, students are encouraged to come to this extra session, and are rewarded for doing so. I know that there can be scheduling issues with having this extra session, but it is up to the student to decide how badly they want to come. If a student comes, they will get a one-grade level bump on their quiz. The only reason I accept for not being present is illness. In the event a session is missed due to illness, the student must meet with me the day they come back if they want the extra credit. Again, this exception does not apply to extra curriculars, being late, etc.
Physical Science: Today we took notes on the idea of what science is. Yesterday, students did an activity where they defined the term science, outlined people who do science, what they do, and why they do it. They started out on their own, then discussed their ideas in small groups, then wrote their ideas on white boards to share with class. This was a good way to start off, and gives me an ideas about how the students view science. The notes today brought these ideas together in a formal manner.
There is no homework for tonight. During the first part of unit 1, there likely will not be a lot of assignments. However, there will be a quiz on these basic topics, so daily studying of material is highly suggested.
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