January 3, 2018 It’s a new year, a new semester, and we’re starting a new unit in science. This quarter we are focusing on Life Science, and are beginning with a study of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Assignments with due dates for this week are listed below.
Photosynthesis Webquest - due 1/5 Photosynthesis Reading (homework) - due 1/5
I reviewed procedures and policies with students today, and gave them a new copy of my welcome letter to keep in their binder. I am enforcing the late work policy 2nd semester. Late work will be accepted within 7 days for 50% credit. ( Lost and misplaced work has been an issue.) We discussed ways to stay organized, and habits that build success.
Week of 8/28/17 This week we begin our study of physical science with a review of the structure of atoms, and an introduction to the Periodic Table of Elements. Assignments:
Atoms and the Periodic Table Guided Notes (due 8/28)
Periodic Table Web Quest (due 9/1)
Coloring the Periodic Table (due 9/6)
Week of 9/4/17 This week we will be exploring characteristics of atoms, elements, and the periodic table. Students will begin a classroom project entitled "Periodic Table of What??" Students will develop a periodic table using objects of their choosing. Using the format outlined in the handout, they will define a topic, identify the families, and organize the components into a periodic table. Assignments:
Periodic Table of What?? Parts 1-3 (due 9/6)
Periodic Table of What?? Parts 4-5 (due 9/8)
Periodic Table of What?? Final Draft (due 9/12)
Quiz, Periodic Table (9/14)
Week of 9/11/17 We are wrapping up our study of the periodic table this week. Students will complete their final draft of the "Periodic Table of What", and we will have a gallery walk on Tuesday. On Thursday, we will take the quiz on atoms and the periodic table. This will cover the structure of atoms, organization of the periodic table, and characteristics of metals, nonmetals, and metalloids. There will be homework Monday through Wednesday and a "Kahoot" review in class Wednesday to prepare.
Periodic Table of What?? Final Draft (due 9/12) Atoms and the Periodic Table Quiz (9/14)
Week of 9/18/17 We are continuing our study of chemistry, focusing on elements, compounds, and mixtures. Students will study the characteristics of each, and identify various substances as either elements, compounds, or mixtures. We will also be focusing on the characteristics of some of the more common elements.
As we prepare for midterm reports, I am notifying students with missing assignments, and will accept late work from them through Thursday.
Due Dates: 9/20 - “Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures, Oh My!” webquest 9/21 - ECM Notes, last day for late work 9/22 - Hunting the Elements” video response Homework assignments - Monday - Thursday
Week of 9/25/17 This week we are continuing our study of elements, compounds and mixtures. We will follow with physical vs chemical changes and phase changes. Activities include a station lab, demonstration, and virtual experiment using Gizmos. There will be homework assignments Monday through Thursday, each due the next day.
Week of 10/2/17 Monday and Tuesday - We will be learning about physical and chemical changes. Students will be able to identify given changes as physical or chemical. We will use notes, discussion, demonstration labs, and video as we learn.
Wednesday - We will use “Kahoot” to review for Thursday’s quiz.
Thursday - SCA Quiz on Elements, Compounds, Mixtures, Physical Change, and Chemical Change.
Friday - Students will get their scores for the SCA Quiz, and we will discuss results. Students that did not score proficient will complete a Reflect and Remediate activity while those who scored proficient will choose and complete an enrichment activity.
Homework will be assigned Monday through Thursday.
Week of 10/9/17 This week we are covering phase changes and reviewing. The 1st quarter exam will be given on Thursday. It will cover parts of atoms, the periodic table, elements compounds and mixtures, and phase changes. Students should be studying nightly.
I am available Tuesday after school for students that want extra help preparing for the exam. They can also use the links below to help prepare for Thursday’s test.
Wednesday - Exam Study Guide Due Thursday - 1st Quarter Exam
Week of 10/23/17 We are beginning 2nd quarter, studying the characteristics of acids and bases. We will gather information through readings, demonstration labs and a virtual lab. We will then start our unit on energy by studying the transfer of heat energy. This is an extension of phase changes from 1st quarter.
10/23 Vocabulary check (pH) 10/25 pH Gizmo due 10/25 Homework (pH) due
Week of 10/30/17 This week in science, we are studying heat transfer. We will complete a web quest, conduct virtual experiments using Gizmos, and participate in a station lab. On Thursday, we will begin our study of energy transformations and types of energy. An in-class project will be assigned Friday. Students can plan over the weekend, and will have 2 days in class to complete it.
Important Dates: 10/30 - Heat Transfer Webquest Due 10/31 - Station Lab sheet due 11/1 - Gizmos Due
Our next SCA Quiz will be given on Thursday, 11/9
Week of 11/6/17 We are finishing our study of energy this week, looking at types of energy and transformations. Students will track the flow of energy using different scenarios such as coal burning power plant to the lamp in your bedroom. The quiz will be given on Thursday. It covers pH, heat transfer, forms of energy, and energy transformations.
Due Dates: Tuesday: Energy Webquest, Homework Wednesday: Graphic Organizer (in class), Homework Thursday: SCA Quiz