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.
