Day 77

(NO IWB)

Today was the last day before holiday break, and we only had flex and period 1, so no core classes.

No homework was assigned. Have a nice Christmas.

Day 76

(IWB - Day 76 Christmas Pictionary)

As the last day of class before the holiday break, each class used the IWB to play Christmas pictionary.

No homework was assigned, and the Force quiz will be on Friday, January 11th.

Day 75

(IWB - Day 75 Chapter 5 Notebook Check)

Students had their Chapter 5 notebooks checked today for 75 points.  During that time, we watched a mythbusters episode on a super-sized Newton Cradle.

No homework was assigned, and the Force Quiz isn't until mid-January.

Day 74

(IWB - Day 74 Chapter 5 Test)

Students had shortened periods today due to a PM assembly to watch "A Christmas Carol".  They took the Chapter 5 test using Moodle in the computer lab.

The chapter 5 notebook check will be tomorrow, and the next quiz won't be until mid-January.

Day 73

(IWB - Day 73 Chapter 5 Jeopardy)

Students turned in their week #16 science news articles.  We played Jeopardy to review for tomorrow's Chapter 5 test.  Students had the remaining 15 minutes of class to work on completing their notebooks for Wednesday's 75-point notebook check.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 5 test will be tomorrow.

Day 72

(IWB - Day 72 Momentum)

Today we finished off Chapter 5 notes by discussing momentum.  We went out in the hallway to demonstrate how objects with the same mass but different speeds have different momentum.  We also learned that objects traveling at the same speed but with different masses have different momentum.  Students worked on five momentum problems on page 5-12 and volunteers went to the board to show the correct solutions to those problems.  We ended class with students completing the crossword review puzzle on page 5-17.

News article #16 is due on Monday, and the Chapter 5 test will be on Tuesday, December 18th.

Day 71

(IWB - Day 71 Marble Ramp Lab 2)

Students used their data from Tuesday's lab to create a speed-time line graph.  They used their line to answer the conclusion questions on page 5-10.  Students then worked in their groups to complete worksheet 5-7, which had nine problems for finding acceleration.  After going over those answers, we completed worksheet 5-8 together.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 5 test will be on Tuesday, December 18th.

Day 70

Carol Kirol, the district's dental hygenist, was in today as a guest speaker in my classes. 

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 5 test will be on Tuesday, December 18th.

Day 69

(IWB - Day 69 Marble Ramp Lab)

Students used worksheets 5-9 & 5-10 to work through today's lab.  They were tasked with timing how long it took a marble to roll different distances down a ramp.  They used their distances and times to calculate the speed for each trial.  Each trial was done a minimum of 5 times and recording the average time.  The graph will be done on Thursday.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 5 test will be on Tuesday, December 18th.

Day 68

(IWB - Day 68 Speed Graphs)

Students turned in their 15th week of science news articles.  We discussed section 5-2 notes on slope of a graph, and I referred students to the graph sample pages in their notes.  I told them that 11 of their 25 test questions will be on reading and interpreting speed-time and distance-time graphs.  Finally, students worked on worksheet 5-3 (# 5, 6 & 7), and we went over the solutions before the end of class.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 5 test will be on Tuesday, December 18th.

Day 67

(IWB - Day 67 Intro to Acceleration)

We had shortened periods today due to an afternoon assembly to watch "The Mighty".  Each class was 28 minutes long, which was just enough time to go over section 5-3 notes on acceleration, and complete worksheet 5-4 together.

News article #15 is due on Monday, and the Chapter 5 test will be on Tuesday, December 18th.

Day 66

(IWB - Day 66 Review Speed Quiz)

Students were given back their Speed Quiz today and we went over all eight problems together.  Students were then assigned page 5-3 #1-4 only, and we went over the solutions to those problems, as well as the answers to page 5-13 #1-8.  With what time was left over, we watched the final holiday myth on Mythbusters or whether or not a wet tongue will stick to a frozen pole.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 5 test will be on Tuesday, December 18th.

Day 65

(IWB - Day 65 Speed Hallway Lab)

Students were given a double-sided handout today that was the foundation of our lab.  Students worked with their partners in the hallway by the guidance office.  They timed each other on how long it took them to hop, walk, speed walk and walk backwards a distance of 5 & 10 meters.  Once we collected all the data, students returned to the classroom to determine their speeds for each exercise.  We also used the backside of the lab to extrapolate some answers based on their calculated speeds.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 5 test will be on Tuesday, December 18th.

Day 64

(IWB - Day 64 - Speed Quiz)

Students took the 8-problem speed quiz in class today worth 40 points.  Once everyone finished, we watched an episode of Mythbusters about Christmas tree light myths.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 5 test will be on Tuesday, December 18th.

Day 63

(IWB - Day 63 Speed Practice Quiz)

Students submitted their Week #14 science news articles, and then used worksheet 5-16 as a practice quiz.  Students volunteered to put the solutions to those problems on the board once everyone was done.  We then worked on problems 1-8 from worksheet 5-13 until the bell rang.

No homework was assigned, and the Speed Quiz will be tomorrow.

Day 62

(IWB - Day 62 Worksheet 5-2 & 5-5)

I previewed problems 9 & 10 from page 5-2 and allowed students 10 minutes to work on them.  We then went over the solutions.  Students were then assigned worksheet 5-5, a graphing exercise, to do in class.  I went over the solutions to those five problems at the end of class.

News article #14 is due on Monday, and the Speed Quiz will be on Tuesday, December 4th.

Day 61

(IWB - Day 61 Worksheet 5-2)

We completed worksheet 5-1 in class and had students plot the points for the graph on the board.  Students then completed worksheet 5-2 (# 1-8 only), and we went over the answers on the board before the end of the period.

No homework was assigned, and the Speed Quiz will be on Tuesday, December 4th.

Day 60

(Day 60 - Speed & Velocity)

Students were given their new Chapter 5 packet today, and we discussed section 5-1 notes on speed and velocity.  We watched a video linked from the flipchart on frames of reference.  We watched a www.brainpop.com video on Distance, Rate and Time and took the quiz using student responders.  Using the last page of the flipchart, we completed 1a & 1b from worksheet 5-1, and students completed problem #2 on the page, as well.  We ended class by discussing the 4-step method for solving word problems, and I used the three examples in the flipchart to demonstrate that method.

No homework was assigned, and the Speed Quiz will be next Tuesday, December 4th.

Day 59

(IWB - Day 59 Chap 3 Notebook Check)

Students presented their week #13 science news articles. We also had our Chapter 3 notebook check while we watched the holiday collection of Mythbusters.

No homework was assigned, and the Speed Quiz will be on Tuesday, December 4th.

Day 58

(IWB - Day 58 Chapter 3 Test)


I only met with periods 5, 6 & 7 today. We were in the computer lab, where students presented their week #12 science news articles, and then they took the Chapter 3 test on Moodle. They had time to get a news article for next week.

Another news article and the Chapter 3 notebook check is due next Tuesday the 27th.

Day 57

(IWB - Day 57 Chapter 3 Test)

I only met with periods 2 & 3 today.  We were in the computer lab, where students presented their week #12 science news articles, and then they took the Chapter 3 test on Moodle.  They had time to get a news article for next week.

Another news article and the Chapter 3 notebook check is due next Tuesday the 27th.

Day 56

(IWB - Day 56 Atomic Math)

Today students had their final opportunity to take the periodic table quiz.  We played classroom jeopardy to review for next week's chapter 3 test.  We ended class by completing worksheets 3-17 & 3-18.

News article #11 and the Chapter 3 test will be on Monday for periods 2 & 3, and on Tuesday for periods 5, 6 & 7.

Day 55

(IWB - Day 55 Electron Arrangement)

Students had today and then tomorrow yet to take the periodic table quiz.  We finished worksheet 3-16 from yesterday on ions and isotopes.  We discussed section 3-6 notes on electron arrangements.  Students were assigned worksheets 3-19 & 3-20.  We went over both pages before the end of the period.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 3 test will be November 19th & 20th.

Day 54

(IWB - Day 54 Ions & Isotopes)

Students had the opportunity to take the periodic table quiz.  We discussed what an isotope is and how it helped to determine the average atomic mass of an atom.  Following that discussion, we watched a www.brainpop.com video of Isotopes and took the quiz thereafter.  It only took about a minute for students to complete worksheet 3-15 on isotopes.  We then discussed how ions are created and how that effects their net charge.  We watched a www.brainpop.com video on Ions but DID NOT take that quiz.  We ended class by having students work on worksheet 3-16.  Most students had difficulty with this page, so I went over the first 2-4 samples with them.  The bell rang before most students were done, so we will complete the assignment tomorrow.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 3 test will be on November 19th & 20th

Day 53

(IWB - Day 53 Element Blocks)

Students had the opportunity to take the periodic table quiz at the beginning of class.  We discussed section 3-5 notes and learned how to identify the atomic number, mass number, protons, neutrons and electrons for any element on the periodic table.  We watched a www.brainpop.com video on Atoms and took the quiz.  We ended class by completing worksheet 3-14.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 3 test will be November 19th & 20th.

Day 52

(IWB - Day 52 History of Atom)

We listened to the summaries of the week #11 news articles.  Students then had the opportunity to take the periodic table quiz.  We discussed section 3-4 notes on the history of the atomic model and subatomic particles.  We watched a www.brainpop.com video on Atomic Model and took the quiz afterwards.  We had just enough time left in class to review worksheets 3-11 & 3-12 from Friday.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 3 test will be on November 19th & 20th.

Day 51

(Day 51 - Balancing Equations)

Students were given back their graded rubrics for their FarceBook posters today, and they were told to return them so that parents could see them during conferences in a couple weeks.  We practiced the periodic table quiz and went over worksheet 3-10 from yesterday.  Students were assigned worksheets 3-11, 12 & 13 to work on in class today.

News article #11 is due on Monday, and the Chapter 3 test will be on November 19th & 20th.

Day 50

(IWB - Day 50 Balancing Equations)

Students had the opportunity to take the periodic table quiz at the beginning of class today.  They completed problems #6, 7 & 9 from worksheet 3-9 and I reviewed the solutions.  Students were then assigned worksheet 3-10 to work on until the end of class.  We will go over those solutions tomorrow.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 3 test will be on November 19th & 20th.

Day 49

(IWB - Day 49 Balancing Equations)

Students again had the opportunity to take the periodic table quiz.  We watched a www.brainpop.com video on Chemical Equations and took the quiz afterwards.  Students continued to work on page 3-9.  We first did problem #2 together, before they attempted #'s 3, 5, 6, 7 & 9 on their own.  We had enough time to review #'s 3 & 5 before the bell rang.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 3 test will be on November 19th & 20th.

Day 48

(Day 48 - Balancing Equations)

We rehearsed the first 36 elements of the periodic table, and students were given the opportunity to take the quiz.  We finished worksheet 3-8 from yesterday.  We finished discussing section 3-3 notes on reactants and products in chemical equations and used several examples on the flipchart.  Students were given composition paper to complete problems 4, 8 & 1 from worksheet 3-9 before the end of class.  I demonstrated the solution after they tried each problem.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 3 test is on November 19th & 20th.

Day 47

(IWB - Day 47 Counting Atoms)

Today was the first science news article of the 2nd quarter (#10 overall), and so extra credit was given to those that summarized out loud while standing in front of their table.  I outlined the requirement for taking the Periodic Table quiz over the next two weeks.  We continued section 3-3 notes on coefficients, subscripts and parentheses in a chemical formula.  Students completed worksheet 3-7 in their groups and we discussed the answers together.  They began worksheet 3-8, but we ran out of time to complete it.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 3 test will be on November 19th & 20th.

Day 46

(IWB - Day 46 Separation of Mixtures)

We had 30 minute classes today to accommodate our PM awards assembly and viewing of "Where The Red Fern Grows".  In those 30 minutes, students were assigned worksheet 3-2, which tasked them to come up with solutions to separate eight unique pairs of substances.  We went over the answers with five minutes left in class.

News article #10 is due on Monday, and the Chapter 3 test is on November 19th & 20th.

Day 45

(IWB - Day 45 Chemical Symbols)

We had shortened classes today to accommodate our field trip to the community arts center to see Arc Attack.  In the 25-minute classes, we discussed half of section 3-3 notes on chemical symbols.  Students completed worksheets 3-5 and 3-6 and we reviewed the answers together.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 3 test is November 19th & 20th.

Day 44

(IWB - Day 44 Compounds & Elements)

I reminded students about tomorrow's altered schedule to accommodate the field trip.  We discussed section 3-2 notes on elements & compounds.  We watched a www.brainpop.com video on Compounds & Mixtures and took the ensuing quiz.  Students worked in their groups to complete worksheets 3-3 & 3-4 before going over the answers together.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 3 test will be November 19th & 20th.

Day 43

(IWB - Day 43 Composition of Matter)

Students handed in their FarceBook posters at the beginning of class.  Students then had the opportunity to give oral summaries for their last news article (#9) of the first marking period.  They were given their packets for Chapter 3, and we discussed section 3-1 notes on Homogeneous vs Heterogeneous matter.  Students worked with their partners to complete worksheet 3-1, and we discussed the answers before the end of the period.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 3 test will be on November 19th.

Day 42

(IWB - Day 42 FarceBook Day 5)

Today was the last day that students had to work on their FarceBook poster in class.  They could turn it in by the end of this period for 5 extra credit points.  They can also take it home after school and turn it in on Monday for full credit.

News article #9 is due on Monday, as is the FarceBook Poster, and the Chapter 3 test will be on November 19th.

Day 41

(IWB - Day 41 Farcebook Day 4)

Today was the 4th day for students to work on their Farcebook poster.  I allowed them to take them home after school today as long as they bring them back tomorrow.

The posters are due on Monday, and the Chapter 3 test will be on November 19th.

Day 40

(IWB - Day 40 Farcebook Day 3)

Students were given their Farcebook posterboards today.  They were told to write in only black or blue ink on the posters.  They are to be kept in the cabinet in Room 104 until students take them home for the weekend.

The posters are due on Monday, and the Chapter 3 test will be on November 19th.

Day 39

(IWB - Day 39 Farcebook Day 2)

Students got to use the laptops today to begin their research for their scientist's Farcebook page.  The posters are due on Monday, October 29th, but they can hand them in on Friday for 5 points extra credit.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 3 test will be on November 19th.

Day 38

(IWB - Day 38 Farcebook Day 1)

I began class by collecting permissions slips for the field trip.  Today was the last day, and students had until 3:15pm to submit them.  They were first given the permission slips 10 days ago and reminded daily about the due date.  I next collected the online gas lab packet that students worked on last week.  We next listened to oral summaries from volunteers for the week #8 news articles.  After collecting them, I discussed the "FarceBook Project".  They are tasked with creating a facebook-like page for famous scientists and inventors on these poster-board templates I ordered over the summer. They randomly selected their scientist/inventor from a covered collection.  They will have all class time over the next four days to work on this project, though they can also work at home and in study hall.  The complete "Farcebook" page is due in class on Monday, though they can hand it in on Friday for extra credit.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 3 test will be on November 19th.

Day 37

(IWB - Day 37 Notebook Check)

Students had their Chapter 2 notebook check today while we watched a Mythbusters baseball special.  We moved period 2 to flex time and eliminated study hall in order to make time to watch "The Outsiders" in the auditorium in the afternoon.

News article #8 is due on Monday, and the Chapter 3 test will be on November 19th.

Day 36

(IWB - Day 36 Chapter 2 Test)

We were in the computer lab today to take the Chapter 2 test using Moodle.  After completing the test, students had the opportunity to work on their Chapter 2 notebook, the online gas lab, or get a news article for next Monday.

The chapter 2 notebook check is tomorrow, and the Chapter 3 test won't be until sometime in mid-November.

Day 35

(IWB - Day 35 Online Gas Lab Day 6)

Today I gave students 20 minutes to work on their online lab.  During that time I use the IWB to review the difference between direct & inverse relationships.  We then played Jeopardy to review for the Chapter 2 test.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 2 test is tomorrow.

Day 34

(IWB - Day 34 Online Gas Lab Day 5)

Some students completed their online gas lab today by finishing up to and including Page J.  Students had to make a third and final graph associated with the data on Page I.  Students will have about 15-20 in tomorrow's class to work on the lab before we begin reviewing for the test.  Beyond that, they are on their own to complete it by October 22nd.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 2 test is on Thursday, October 18th.

Day 33

(IWB - Day 33 Online Gas Lab Day 3)

Mr. Girardi was in for me while I did some professional development training with BrainPop in the elementary and middle schools.  Students continued to progress through their online lab, including creating a graph for Activity 2.

News article #7 is due tomorrow, and the Chapter 2 test is on Thursday, October 18th.

Day 32

(IWB - Day 32 Online Gas Lab Day 3)

Students were given permission forms for a field trip to the Community Arts Center on November 1st.  The forms must be returned to me by Monday, October 22nd.  We continued to work on the online gas lab (accessible through Moodle).  Most students started Activity 2 today on the lab and were through to the bottom of page G by the end of the period.

News article #7 is due on Tuesday, and the Chapter 2 test will be on Thursday, October 18th.

Day 31

(IWB - Day 31 Online Gas Lab Day 2)

We started class with a review of Chapter 2 by playing a Reveal Game using the IWB.  After covering all topics, students continued to work on completing Activity 1 from the online lab.  By the end of the period, the goal was for students to be completely done with page D.  If not, they should use their own time to meet that goal before the beginning of tomorrow's class.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 2 test will be one week from today, October 18, 2012.

Day 30

(IWB - Day 30 Online Lab Day 1)

After we finished going over worksheet 2-4 from yesterday, we began our online exploration of the pressure, volume and temperature of a gas. Click HERE to go to the online lab. Students were also given a packet that coincides with the lab. I also demonstrated to students how to use the discussion board to post their questions online if they are having difficulty with any part of the lab. Most students got to the middle of the fourth page (page D) before the end of the period, which involved creating a line graph.


No homework was assigned, and the Chaper 2 test will be on Thursday, October 18th

Day 29

(Day 29 - Pressure Temp Lab)

Students, as always, had the opportunity to give an oral summary of their week #6 science news article for extra credit.  After they were collected, we reviewed worksheet 2-4 (which we completed on Friday but did not get a chance to review).  Students then worked with a partner to complete the lab on pages 2-8 & 2-9, which explored the relationship between the pressure and temperature of a gas.  Finally, students were assigned worksheet 2-5.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 2 test will be on Thursday, October 18th.

Day 28

(IWB - Day 28 Chemical Changes)

We began the class by reviewing phase changes in matter from yesterday by completing and reviewing Worksheet 2-2.  We discussed Section 2-3 notes on Physical vs Chemical changes using a flipchart lesson.  We watched a www.brainpop.com video on Property Changes and took the ensuing quiz using the student responders.  We ended class by completing worksheets 2-3 & 2-4 within their groups.  We had enough time to go over page 2-3, but we'll have to save 2-4 for Tuesday.

News article #6 is due on Tuesday, and the Chapter 2 test will be on Thursday, October 18th.

Day 27

(IWB - Day 27 Phase Changes)

We used diagrams and section 2-2 notes to discuss how energy leads matter to change from one phase to another.  We watched a www.brainpop.com video on Matter Changing Phases and took the quiz afterwards.  Students then worked with their partner to complete Activity 2-12 before we went over it.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 2 test is two weeks from today, on October 18th.

Day 26

Mrs. Wollet was in for me today, and she showed students a video from ABC News on Cheating in the Classroom.  Students needed to complete a worksheet on the video and hand it in.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 2 Test will be on Thursday, October 18th.

Day 25

(IWB - Day 25 Ideal Gas Laws)

We discussed Boyle's & Charles' Law from section 2-1 notes.  Students demonstrated the difference between a direct and an inverse relationship between variables.  They completed the lab on page 2-10 that compared the pressure, volume and temperature of a gas.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 2 test will be on Thursday, October 18th.

Day 24

(IWB - Day 24 Mass of Air Lab)

As it is the first day of the week, we begin class with volunteers to orally summarize their Week #5 science news articles.  Students then focused on today's lab assignment on page 2-6 & 2-7.  They are tasked with pumping air into an empty 2-liter bottle to see how much mass it gains each time.  There were five conclusion questions on page 2-7 that needed to be answered once all the trials and measurements were completed.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 2 test will be on Thursday, October 18th.

Day 23

(IWB - Day 23 States of Matter)

Students were given their new packet for Chapter 2.  I also gave them a 2-sided comic sheet that introduced the topic of states of matter.  We discussed physical properties and the four basic states of matter:  solid, liquid, gas and plasma.  We watched a www.brainpop.com video on States of Matter and took the easy quiz afterward using the student responders.  We completed the back side of the comic page together which differentiated the three main states of matter.  Finally, we ended class by completing just the top half of worksheet 2-1 together.

News article #5 is due on Monday, and the Chapter 2 test will be on Thursday, October 18th.

Day 22

(Day 22 - Chapter 1 Notebook Check)

Students already found out their grades on yesterday's Chapter 1 test, but today we went over each item on the test.  Afterwards, I popped in an episode of Mythbusters (Diet Coke & Mentos, Stamp on a helicopter) to learn more about the scientific method while I called each student to my desk to check their Chapter 1 notebooks.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 2 test will be on Thursday, October 18th.

Day 21

Students took their Chapter 1 test on Moodle today.  Afterwards, they had time to work on organizing their notebooks for tomorrow's notebook check.  They also had the opportunity to get a news article for next Monday.

The notebook check is tomorrow and the Chapter 2 test will be on Thursday, October 18th.

Day 20

(IWB - Day 20 Chapter 1 Review)

I began class by checking the homework, Worksheet 1-19.  We went around the room reviewing the answers to that study guide.  I then took two minutes to distribute and collect a brief survey for a senior high club that's doing a project for March of Dimes.  We watched a www.brainpop.com video on Graphing and took the ensuing quiz using the student responders.  Finally, we played Classroom Jeopardy to review for tomorrow's Chapter 1 test.  Students absolutely LOVED this game.

No homework was assigned, although the notebook check will be on Thursday, and the Chapter 1 test will be tomorrow.

Day 19

(IWB - Day 19 Finish Graphing)

Students turned in their week #4 news articles.  They were assigned Activity 1-16 to do in class using the Create-a-Graph website.  They needed to used the three sets of data given on page 1-16 and create three separate graphs.  Once completed, students worked through Activity 1-18, on which they had to plot their points and use the data line to answer the three questions at the bottom.

Worksheet 1-19 was assigned for homework, and the Chapter 1 Test will be on Wednesday, September 26th.

Day 18

(IWB - Day 18 - Graphing)

We took the data from yesterday's 7-trial density lab and used it to create a line graph on the create-a-graph website.  Students printed out one graph for each group.  After they were done printing their graph, they worked to complete Activity 1-15, which was creating and interpreting a mass vs volume graph.  I introduced section 1-6 notes on the three common types of graphs: line, bar and pie.  Students worked on Activiy 1-17 until the end of the period.

News article #4 is due on Monday, and the Chapter 1 Test will be on Wednesday, September 26th.

Day 17

(IWB - Day 17 7-Trial Density Lab)

Students were given a supplementary lab sheet today.  Their goal was to complete seven trials of finding the mass, volume and density of the same liquid.  The end result should have shown that the density stayed the same regardless of what mass or volume of the substance you have.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 1 test will be on Wednesday, September 26th.

Day 16

(IWB - Day 16 Density Solids Lab)

We began class by watching a www.brainpop.com video on Measuring Matter, which related mass, volume and density of matter.  Students used the hand-held responders to take the 10-question quiz that followed.  We finished the density lab from yesterday by identifying three unknown metal cubes by determining their respective densities.  We discussed the results and conclusions from both parts of the lab at the end of class.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 1 test will be on Wednesday, September 26th.

Day 15

(IWB - Day 15 Density Lab Liquids)

Students were asked to rip out and recycle worksheets 1-13 & 1-14 from their packets and I handed out an new modified version that had isoprophyl alcohol listed as an unknown liquid on the back page.  Students worked the entire period on the top half of the lab, which was trying to solve for the density of three unknown clear liquids.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 1 test will be on Wednesday, September 26th.

Day 14

We began class like we do the first day of every week:  listening to oral summaries of science news articles.  I introduced the topic of DENSITY to students with a Poly Density tube demonstration and tea candle floating in water but sinking in isoprophyl alcohol.  I handed out a supplemental worksheet and comic strip on Density, and students completed the 12 problems on the back side of the comic.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 1 test will be on Wednesday, September 26th.

Day 13

(IWB- Day 13 Measurement Lab)

Students were able to finish their measurements and conclusion questions today from the "Measuring with Metrics" lab on pages 1-11 & 1-12.  I told them the results of my measurements and I surveyed random answers from the conclusion questions.

News article #3 is due on Monday, and the Chapter 1 test will be on Wednesday, September 26th.

Day 12

(IWB - Day 12 Measurement Lab)

Students had their homework from last night graded and reviewed (Worksheets 1-7 to 1-10).  Students then worked on their own or with a partner to progress through the lab on pages 1-11 & 1-12.  Most students had about 20 minutes to work on the lab today.  They will have the rest of tomorrow's class to complete the lab.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 1 test will be on Wednesday, September 26th.

Day 11

(IWB- Day 11 Lab Tools)

Mrs. Jones co-taught today's lesson with me, as we've done the past two years.  We divided the class into three equally sized groups and had them rotate every 10 minutes among the following three stations:

1. Graduated Cylinders and metric thermometers
2. Guided practice using interactive links available on Moodle
3. Triple-beam balances and metric rulers

After students went through each station, they were given the last 5 minutes to work on their homework.

Worksheets 1-7, 1-8, 1-9 & 1-10 were assigned for homework, and the Chapter 1 test will be on Wednesday, September 26th.

Day 10

(IWB- Day 10 Dimensional Analysis)

We began class today by watching a www.brainpop.com video on Metric vs Customary units.  Students took the quiz using the student responders.  We reviewed the remaining problems from the top of Worksheet 1-6 from yesterday, and students were assigned the bottom 10 problems on the same page to be completed during class.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 1 test will be on Wednesday, September 26th.

Day 9

(IWB - Day 9 Dimensional Analysis)

Students submitted their 2nd science news articles today, and some chose to summarize out loud for extra credit.  We got back the metric conversion quizzes from Friday and reviewed those answers.  We discussed section 1-5 notes on Dimensional Analysis and referenced worksheet 1-2, which contained a list of common conversion factors for metric and customary units.  Students used this page to complete the top half of worksheet 1-6 in class.  We had enough time to go over the first five problems in class, so we will have to review the rest of them tomorrow.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 1 test will be on Wednesday, September 26th.

Day 8

(IWB - Day 8 Metric Quiz)

Students took their 15-question quiz on Metric Conversions.  Once everyone was done, I handed out a 2-page supplement that described three fictitious experiments.  Students discussed in their group, and then with me, what was wrong with the way these experiments were conducted.  We then brainstormed the different ways that we could correct those mistakes.

News article #2 is due on Monday, and the Chapter 1 test will be on Wednesday, September 26th.

Day 7

(IWB- Day 07)

Students took the metric practice quiz today and we reviewed all 15 answers in class.  I returned their first science news articles from Tuesday and we discussed the different errors that were made by all of the student body.  We watched a www.brainpop.com video on Metric Units and took the quiz using student responders.

No homework was assigned, and the Metric Conversion quiz will be tomorrow.

Day 6

(IWB Day 6)
Students began class by going to the board to complete four practice problems using the IWB.  They were assigned worksheet 1-3 within their group to be completed in 10 minutes.  We went over the answers together.  We then completed the top of worksheet 1-5 together, and they worked within their groups to complete the rest of that page.  We reviewed the answers together in the final 10 minutes of class.

No homework was assigned, and the Metric Conversion quiz will be this Friday, September 7th.

Day 5

Today was the first day for students to hand in their science news article #1.  About 5-10 students from each class volunteered to summarize their article out lout for extra credit, which is about what I expected for the first day.  After I collected the articles, we did some practice conversions of metric units to review what we began on Friday.  Students then completed worksheet 1-4 before we went over the answers together using the student responders.

No homework was assigned, and the Metric Conversion quiz will be on Friday, September 7th.

Day 4

Today in class we reviewed our objectives from the past two days by completing worksheet 1-1. Students worked with a partner to put the steps of the scientific method in the correct order, and then they had to match the vocab term to the proper definition. After that I introduced them to the metric system (Section 1-2 notes), the standard system of measurement used exclusively throughout the world, except for our United States of America. I demonstrated the procedure for converting from one metric prefix to another, like changing kilometers into centimeters. All it takes is moving the decimal to the left or right a certain number of places. With whatever time was left in class, students worked on page 1-4 (chapter 1, page 4) until the bell rang.
News article #1 is due on Tuesday, and the Metric Conversion quiz will be on Friday, September 7th.

Day 3

Today students were given their first chapter packet. In place of textbooks, over the years I have created packets of learning materials that include notes, worksheets, study guides and lab sheets that a student may need throughout the course of a single chapter. They simply keep them in a 3-ring binder and bring it to class daily in place of a standard textbook.

We continued our focus on section 1-1 notes, thinking scientifically. Yesterday our focus was on the difference between a theory and a law, and today's discussion was on using the scientific method to solve a problem or conduct an experiment. The students understood that whether they realized it or not, they've been using the scientific method almost all of their life whenever they solved a problem. They just never looked at it before as being a 6-step approach. They always just assumed it was a logical way of thinking (which is what science is all about, thinking logically). On Moodle, I gave students three examples of experiments in which they had to identify the independent and dependent variables within. I also gave them two examples of experiments that were not that well prepared, and they had to tell me what was wrong with the given variables. We ended class by watching a short movie on the scientific method from www.brainpop.com , and took a quiz after it using student responders.

Their first science news article is due on Tuesday, September 4th, and their first quiz on Metric Conversions will be on Friday, September 7th.

Day 2

Students were given enrollment into Moodle today.  I reminded students how to access this blog, and stressed that if they are ever absent to check out this blog to see what work they would have missed while out. Students sharpened their observation skills by identifying the differences between two similar-looking photographs at www.spotthedifference.com/. The intent here was to emphasize how important paying attention to even the smallest details is when dealing with scientific discoveries and investigations. Students then differentiated between a theory and a law by looking up both definitions at www.dictionary.com/. Students were then asked to write about the difference between them at a discussion forum on my moodle site, under today's date.
No homework was assigned, though their first news article is due on Tuesday, September 4th, and their first quiz, on Metric Conversions, will be on Friday, September 7th.

Day 1

For the first day of school, students were told of the significance of science news articles.  I showed them where to locate these articles at a website called www.sciencedaily.com/. I also showed them the proper way to write their summaries, along with the locations of the summary templates both online and in the classroom. Each student read a practice article on the dangers of high fructose corn syrup in soda. We were able to complete the What, where and why sections of the article, and students were asked to complete the vocab section for homework.

In addition to finishing the news article summary, students also must return their "I read the handbook" page, the student profile form, and the emergency contact form to their 1st PERIOD TEACHER by Wednesday, September 5th. 

Their first quiz will be on Metric Conversions, and it will be on Friday, September 7th.

Day 180

Students went to each class for 5 minutes to get their final end-of-the-year grades before cleaning out their lockers.  We then went to the auditorium to draw for gold medal prizes and watched the movie, "Flipped", based on the book they read in Mr. Molino's class.

See you in August!

Day 179

Students took their English and Science finals today.

There is no homework and no more assessments this year.

Day 178

Students took their Math and History finals today.

No homework was assigned, and their English and Science finals are tomorrow.

Day 177

Students were in the computer lab today to take the Final Exam practice test for the last time during school hours.

No homework was assigned, and the real Final Exam will be on Tuesday at 9:30am.

Day 176

Students had the option of either playing Jeopardy to review for the final or take the 100-question practice test.

No homework was assigned, and the FINAL EXAM will be on Tuesday, June 5th.

Day 175

Students played JEOPARDY today to review chapters 1 & 2 in preparation of the final exam.

No homework was assigned, and the FINAL EXAM will be next Tuesday at 9:30am.

Day 174

Students got back their graded Chapter 10 test and we reviewed the answers.  I also handed back their final news article.  On moodle, I showed students how to figure out their final grades given their final exam score.  With the remaining time, students took the final exam practice test.

No homework was assigned, and the Final Exam will be at 9:30am on Tuesday, June 5th.

Day 173

Students took their Chapter 10 test today.

Notebook check will be on Tuesday, and the Final Exam will be on Tuesday, June 5th.

Day 172

We reviewed Chapter 10 today by playing Jeopardy.  Students also were assigned worksheet 10-17 to be completed by Tuesday, May 29th.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 10 test will be tomorrow.

Day 171

I went with Mr. Molino to the Holocaust museum in DC today with 8 essay-award-winning students. In class, my sub showed a mythbusters video.

No homework was assigned, and the chapter 10 test is on Friday.

Day 170

(IWB- Section 10-7 & 10-8 notes)

Students handed in their FINAL news article (#35) after volunteering for oral summaries.  We discussed sections 10-7 (lenses) and 10-8 (light technology) notes.  Students watched their final www.brainpop.com video on Lasers and took the quiz afterwards.  We ended class by completing worksheets 10-11 & 10-12.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 10 test will be on Friday, May 25th.

Day 169

Students presented their thematic units in the morning and we had a Junior High field day in the afternoon.

News article #35 is due tomorrow and the Chapter 10 test will be on Friday, May 25th

Day 168

(IWB- Section 10-6 notes)

Today we discussed section 10-6 notes on the three types of mirrors and the types of images they create.  Students got to use convex, concave and plane mirrors to see for themselves.  We watched a brief 5-minute video on how mirrors are made before completing worksheets 10-9 & 10-10.

News article #35 is due on Tuesday, and the Chapter 10 test will be on Friday, May 25th.

Day 167

(IWB- Section 10-5 notes)

Today we discussed section 10-5 notes on light using a powerpoint embedded into the flipchart.  We watched a http://www.brainpop.com/ video on Light and took the quiz thereafter.  We also watched two "How It's Made" videos on fluorescent bulbs and neon lights.  We ended class by completing worksheets 10-6 & 10-7.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 10 test will be on Friday, May 25th.

Day 166

Students had the ENTIRE PERIOD to work on their thematic unit.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 10 test will be on Friday, May 25th.

Day 165

(IWB- Section 10-4 notes)

After listening to summaries for the week #34 news articles, we discussed section 10-4 notes on the human eye.  We watched a http://www.brainpop.com/ video on Eyes and took the quiz after it was over.  We ended class by watching "How It's Made" videos on LASIK eye surgery and prosthetic eyes.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 10 test will be on Friday, May 25th.

Day 164

Students went to Penn College today to participate in Career Day.

News article #34 is due tomorrow, and the Chapter 10 test will be on Friday, May 25th.

Day 163

(IWB- Section 10-3 Notes)

We discussed section 10-3 notes in class, and I used three colored filter lights to demonstrate the primary colors and pigments of light.  We watched a http://www.brainpop.com/ video on Colors and took the quiz afterwards.  We ended class by completing worksheet 10-5.

News article #34 is due on Tuesday, and the Chapter 10 test will be on Friday, May 25th.

Day 162

(IWB- Section 10-2 notes)

I gave students a preview of the final exam practice test on Moodle.  I also previewed the groups and schedules for next week's thematic unit on Careers.  As far as science class, we discussed section 10-2 notes on reflection and refraction, watched a http://www.brainpop.com/ video on Rainbows, and completed worksheets 10-2, 10-3 & 10-4.

No homework was assigned, and the Final Exam will be in June.

Day 161

(IWB- Section 10-1 notes)

Students were given their final science packet today on Chapter 10.  We discussed section 10-1 notes and did worksheet 10-1 at the same time.  We then watched a http://www.brainpop.com/ video on the Electromagnetic Spectrum and took the quiz afterwards.

No homework was assigned and the next test will be June's final exam.

Day 160

Students had their Chapter 9 notebooks checked today for 50 points.  The slinky lab was not part of the notebook check, as it was previously graded for 20 points.  During this time, students watched Mythbusters about Pirate Eye Patch, Giant Lego Ball and Double-Dipping.

No homework was assigned, and the next test will be June's Final Exam.

Day 159

After listening to the summaries for the 33rd week of news articles, students took the Chapter 9 test on Waves today.

The notebook check is tomorrow, and the next test will be the Final Exam in June.

Day 158

We played Jeopardy today to review for the Chapter 9 test.  We then watched the Bill Nye video on Waves.

News article #33 is due on Monday, and the Chapter 9 test is also on Monday.

Day 157

(IWB- Worksheets 9-10 & 9-11)

Students watched a http://www.brainpop.com/ video on Diffraction and Refraction and took the quiz afterwards.  Students worked on pages 9-10, 9-11 & 9-6 in class. 

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 9 test will be on Monday.

Day 156

(IWB- Section 9-3 notes)

Today we discussed section 9-3 notes on wave interactions.  We described the differences and similarities among the different wave interactions.  Students then completed worksheet 9-9 with their partners.  They had the remaining 10 minutes to complete and hand in their slinky lab from yesterday.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 9 test will be on Monday, May 7th.

Day 155

(IWB- Slinky Lab)

We watched a http://www.brainpop.com/ video on Waves and took the quiz that followed.  Students then got to play with Slinky's.  Well, they actually worked with slinky's during a lab on pages 9-7 & 9-8.

No homework was assigned and the Chapter 9 test will be on Monday, May 7th.

Day 154

(IWB- Section 9-2 notes)

After listening to the summaries for the 32nd week of science news articles, we discussed section 9-2 notes on wave properties.  Students completed worksheets 9-2, 9-3 & 9-4 in class.  Most students had time to at least begin worksheet 9-5, but nobody had time to finish it.  We will do that tomorrow in class.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 9 test will be on Monday, May 7th.

Day 153

(IWB- Section 9-1 notes)

I handed out the new packets for Chapter 9 on Waves.  I used an IWB flipchart to discuss section 9-1 notes on the types and general properties of waves.  The flipchart included a few outside weblinks to simulations of waves.  I used the long spring to demonstrate the transverse and longitudinal waves.  Students worked in their groups to complete worksheet 9-1 before we went over the answers towards the end of class.

News article #32 is due on Monday, and the Chapter 9 test will be on Monday, May 7th.

Day 152

Students had their Chapter 11 notebooks checked today for 60 points.  During that time we watched Mythbusters.

No homework was assigned, and the next test (on Chapter 9) will be on Monday, May 7th.

Day 151

Students took their Chapter 11 test on Moodle today.

The notebook check will be tomorrow, and the next test (Chapter 9) will be on Monday, May 7th.

Day 150

Students took the PSSA science exam today.  This created 27-minute core classes, but we still had enough time to play Jeopardy to review for tomorrow's Chapter 11 test.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 11 test is tomorrow.

Day 149

Students handed in their Week #31 science news articles today.  I originally planned on starting the online energy lab today, but a communication gaffe left me without laptops.  Instead, students were assigned worksheets 11-17 & 11-1 to do in class.  We reviewed those pages before the end of class.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 11 test will be on Wednesday, April 25th.

Day 148

We went outside for class today.  We first did worksheet 11-7, observing objects that had either potential or kinetic energy.  We evaluated energy conversions on worksheet 11-5.  I then discussed section 11-4 notes about how Einstein's E=mc2 relates to those energy conversions.  Students then completed worksheets 11-10 & 11-12.

News article #31 is due on Monday, and the Chapter 11 test will be on Thursday, April 26th.

Day 147

(IWB- Section 11-3 notes)

We discussed the difference between and internal and external combustion engine (using embeded videos on the flipchart).  I demonstrated how a pendulum is constantly converting between potential and kinetic energy.  Students used this demo to complete worksheet 11-16.  We then did page 11-11 together to demonstrate how velocity has a greater effect on an object's kinetic energy than does its mass.  Finally, students completed worksheet 11-4 from yesterday (if needed), and then completed #1-4 on worksheet 11-9.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 11 test will be next Thursday, April 26th.

Day 146

(IWB- Section 11-2 Notes (Kinetic))

Mr. Girardi was in for me today due to my IWB training.  Students had their second day of PSSA writing exams, and as a result, they only had 35 minute periods today.  Mr. G explained to them the difference between potential and kinetic energy, and showed them the www.brainpop.com movie on Kinetic Energy.  After students took the short video quiz, they worked with their partner to complete worksheet 11-6.  The remaining time was used to begin worksheet 11-4, which was word problems for potential and kinetic energy.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 11 test will be Thursday, April 26th.

Day 145

(IWB- Section 11-2 notes (Potential))

Today students had 5 minutes to complete yesterday's worksheets 11-2 & 11-3.  We then discussed section 11-2 notes on potential energy.  We watched a http://www.brainpop.com/ video on Potential Energy and took the ensuing quiz.  Since we had shortened classes due to PSSA writing exams, that's all we had time to do today.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 11 test will be on Thursday, April 26th.

Day 144

(IWB- Section 11-1 notes)

Students presented their week #30 science news articles (only 5 more to go).  I reviewed the PSSA writing schedule for this week, and discussed the upcoming PSSA science exam, also.  I handed out the new packets for Chapter 11, and we discussed section 11-1 notes on Forms of Energy.  We watched a http://www.brainpop.com/ video on Forms of Energy and took the quiz afterwards.  Students were assigned worksheets 11-2 & 11-3 to be worked on in class.  We did the first two together and they worked with their partners the rest of the way.  We will finish this assignment in class tomorrow.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 11 test will be on Thursday, April 26th.

Day 143

Today students got a taste of the science PSSA exam.  Students were given a 50-item practice test during class.  The real PSSA science exam will be on Tuesday, April 24th.

News article #30 is due on Monday, and the Chapter 11 test will be on Thursday, April 26th.

Day 142

Due to a senior high assembly, we were on a one-hour delay schedule, and therefore had slightly shortened classes today.  During that time, students had their chapter 8 notebooks checked today.  Students also watched a Mythbusters episode on electricity myths.

No homework was assigned, and their Chapter 11 test will be on Thursday, April 26th.

Day 141

Students took their Chapter 8 tests online using Moodle.

The notebook check will on Thursday, April 12th, and the next test (Energy) will be on Thursday, April 26th.

Day 140

(IWB- Circuit Lab worksheets)

I gave students 10-15 more minutes to complete yesterday's circuit lab, and we went over it once everyone finished.  I discussed the essential questions that would be assessed on tomorrow's test, and we played Jeopardy to review for it.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 8 test is tomorrow.

Day 139

After listening to the 29th week of science news articles, students worked on the Ohm's Law & Circuits lab from pages 8-19 to 8-22.  They will have about 10-15 minutes to finish the lab tomorrow.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 8 test will be this Wednesday.

Day 138

The entire 8th grade walked across town to go see "Hunger Games" at the Cinema Center.  By the time we got back and ate lunch, it was 1:00pm.  We had enough time to see each class for approximately 15 minutes, during which time in science class we worked on completing Worksheet 1-15 & 1-16.

News article #29 is due on Monday, and the Chapter 8 test will be on Wednesday, April 4th.

Day 137

(IWB- Section 8-6 notes)

We began class with a BrainPop.com video on Current Electricity and took the quiz afterwards.  We discussed section 8-6 notes on electric circuits and watched another BrainPop.com video on Electric Circuits.  We also took the quiz on that topic.  We ended class by completing worksheets 8-13 & 8-14.

No homework was assigned and the Chapter 8 test will be on Wednesday, April 4th.

Day 136

(IWB- Section 8-5 notes)

Students were introduced to the comparison of alternating vs direct current, and dry cell vs wet cell batteries.  We discussed section 8-5 notes and watched a http://www.brainpop.com/ video on Batteries and took the quiz afterwards.  Students were assigned problems #6&7 from worksheet 8-2, and problem #6c from page 8-4.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 8 Test will be on Wednesday, April 4th.

Day 135

(IWB- Section 8-4 Notes (Energy))

Students had the opportunity to present their week #27 news articles to their peers for extra credit.  I returned and reviewed yesterday's quiz on Ohm's Law.  I introduced how electrical energy is calculated with power and time.  Students used that formula to complete pages 8-11 and #6&7 from worksheet 8-2.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 8 test will either be on Wednesday, April 4th or Thursday, April 12th.

Day 134

Students took their quiz on Ohm's Law today.  Any time leftover was used to watch Mythbusters.

News article #27 is due tomorrow.

Day 133

Mrs. Correll was in to speak to each of my classes today about scheduling their 9th grade classes.

News article #27 is due on Tuesday, and the Ohm's Law quiz will be on Monday, March 26th.

Day 132

(IWB- Section 8-4 Power Notes)

We briefly discussed section 8-4 notes on power only and compared it to Ohm's Law.  Students were assigned pages 8-9, 8-10, 8-3, 8-4 (#6 a & b only) and 8-2 (# 1-5 only).  We went over the answers before the end of class.

No homework was assigned, and the Ohm's Law quiz will be on Monday.  News article #27 will be due on Tuesday, March 27th.

Day 131

(IWB Section 8-3 notes)

I introduced Ohm's Law and section 8-3 notes on current, voltage and resistance.  Students were assigned pages 8-5 through 8-8, and we went over all of the answers before the end of the period.

No homework was assigned and the Ohm's Law quiz will be on Monday, March 26th.

Day 130

(IWB - 8-2 notes)

I introduced the topic of static electricity by discussing section 8-2 notes.  I linked to an online simulator of static electricity and used a flipchart to distinguish between conductors and insulators.  We watched a http://www.brainpop.com/ video on static electricity and took the quiz that followed.  We ended class by using a Van de Graaff generator to demonstrate how static electricity can be created, discharged, and conducted.

No homework was assigned, and the quiz on Ohm's Law will be on Monday, March 26th.

Day 129

(IWB- 8-1 notes)

Students summarized their 27th week of science news articles.  I handed out their new chapter 8 packet on electricity, and I used an IWB flipchart to discuss section 8-1 notes.  We watched a http://www.brainpop.com/ video on electricty and took the quiz using the student responders.  We ended class by doing worksheet 8-1 in their groups.

No homework was assigned, and the quiz on Ohm's Law will be on Monday, March 26th.

Day 128

Today was the last day of PSSA exams.  After a brief attendance period, students took their final PSSA reading exam.  We ended the shortened day by going to the auditorium for the culmination of Hugo.

News article #26 is due on Monday, and the Ohm's Law quiz will be on Monday, March 26th.

Day 127

Students watched the beginning of the movie "Hugo" in the auditorium during Flex time today.  After going to their period 1 class, students took their final math PSSA exam.  For the last half hour before early dismissal, students met with their period 7 class.

News article #26 is due on Monday, and the Ohm's Law quiz will be on Monday, March 26th.

Day 126

Students met with their period 3, 5 & 6 classes today, in addition to taking their fourth PSSA exam.

For period 7, their news article #26 is due tomorrow.  For every class, news article #27 is due next Monday.  Their next quiz, on Ohm's Law, will be on Monday, March 26th.

Day 125

Students had a modified schedule again today to accomodate the PSSA exams.  We only met our period 2 class today, and during that time we listened to the 26th week of news articles.  While the students watched Mythbusters "Viral Videos", I returned their Chapter 7 packets and online Simple Machines Lab packet.

For all the other classes, news article #26 is due either tomorrow or Thursday.

Day 124

Students took their first two PSSA exams today after flex and period 1.  As an inspirational reward, we watched "Dolphin Tale" in the auditorium after testing was completed.

News article #26 is due this week.

Day 123

I collected the online simple machines lab packet and the chapter 7 notebooks.  Mrs. Kirol was today's guest speaker today, and her topic was oral and dental care.

News article #26 is due next week.

Day 122

Students took their Chapter 7 test on Moodle today. 

The simple machines online lab packet is due tomorrow, as is the Chapter 7 notebook check.

Day 121

Today I checked their homework (page 15-20) and we went over that crossword puzzle.  We used a borrowed set of promethean responders to take a quick 10-Q&A set on a flipchart.  We played jeopardy to review for tomorrow's Chapter 7 test.  We ended class by previewing next week's PSSA schedule.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 7 test is tomorrow.

Day 120

(IWB- Worksheet 15-10)

We discussed the difference between effort force, resistance force, effort distance and resistance distance.  Students worked on worksheet 15-10 & 15-19.  We went over both pages before the end of the period.

Worksheet 15-20 is due for homework tomorrow, and the Chapter 7 test will be on Thursday, March 8th.

Day 119

We listened to summaries for the 25th week of news articles.  Afterwards, I used an IWB flipchart to discuss section 7-7 notes on ideal mechanical advantage.  We then proceeded immediately to worksheet 15-18 to complete that page related to ideal MA.  We followed that up with a http://www.brainpop.com/ video on Wheel & Axle and the ensuing quiz.  Following brainpop, we completed worksheets 15-11, 16, 17 & 18.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 7 test will be on Thursday, March 8th.

Day 118

Today was the last day that we will spend in class working on the online Simple Machines lab.  About half the students completed the lab by the end of the period, though the completed packets are not due until the week of March 12-16th, during PSSA week.

News article #25 is due on Monday, and the Chapter 7 test will be on Thursday, March 8th.

Day 117

Students continued to progress through the online Simple Machines lab.  By the end of today's class, most students were still on Lesson 2, but have gotten to worksheet 15 or 16 on combining the inclined plane and pulley systems.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 7 test is one week from today on Thursday, March 8th.

Day 116

Students continued working on the online Simple Machines lab.  Most students got to Lesson 2 today on inclined planes, and finished somewhere between pages 10-12.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 7 test will be on Thursday, March 8th.

Day 115

Students continued to work on the online simple machines lab from yesterday.  Most students were somewhere on or beyond page 6 by the end of the period.  Most students will be begining Lesson 2 on Page 7 sometime during tomorrow's class.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 7 test will be on Thursday, March 8th.

Day 114

Students turned in their Week #24 news articles.  We began an online lab on Simple Machines, and most students got to the end of worksheet 3 by the end of the period.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 7 test will be on Thursday, March 8th.

Day 113

(IWB- Lever Classes)

I collected the pulley lab packets.  We discussed section 7-5 notes on levers.  After using a flipchart to differentiate the 3 classes of levers and showing some samples from home, we took the http://www.brainpop.com/ video quiz on Levers.  Every class except for period 7 was able to complete worksheet 15-12.

News article #24 is due on Monday, and the Chapter 7 test will be on Thursday, March 8th.

Day 112

Students completed the Pulley lab today, which included creating a bar graph online using the data they had collected over the past three days.  We reviewed the lab with about 7 minutes left in class.

The lab packet will be collected tomorrow at the beginning of class, and the Chapter 7 test will be on Thursday, March 8th.

Day 111

Students continued to progress through the pulley lab.  This being the third day of the lab, most students got to the bottom of page 10 by the end of the period.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 7 test will be on Thursday, March 8th.

Day 110

We listened to the summaries for our week #23 science news articles.  Afterward, students continued in their groups to work on the pulley lab.  Most students go to page 6 or 7 by the end of the period.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 7 test will be on Thursday, March 8th.

Day 109

(IWB Flipchart- Pulley lab)

I briefly explained how pulleys make work seem easier.  We brainstormed different locations of pulleys within our school and how they are used.  We watched a http://www.brainpop.com/ video on pulleys and took the quiz afterward.  I then handed out the packets for the 4-day pulley lab.  Most students got through page 4 by the end of the period.

News article #23 is due on Tuesday and the Chapter 7 test will be on Thursday, March 8th.

Day 108

(IWB Flipchart - Inclined Planes)

We discussed how inclined planes make work seem easier.  We watched a http://www.brainpop.com/ video on inclined planes and took the quiz.  I then guided students through problem #'s 5, 6 & 7 on worksheet 15-9.

No homework was assigned and the Chapter 7 test will be on Thursday, March 8th.

Day 107

Students worked in groups to complete the brick lab on pages 15-13 & 15-14.  We reviewed the lab in the last 10 minutes of class.

No homework was assigned and the Chapter 7 test will be on Thursday, March 8th.

Day 106

(IWB- Section 7- & 7-4 notes)

After listening to the summaries of our 22nd week of science news articles, we discussed Section 7-3 & 7-4 notes on mechanical advantage & efficiency.  After working our way through the flipchart, students opened to worksheet 15-8, and we completed all parts of problem #1 together.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 7 test will be on Thursday, March 8th.

Day 105

Students took the Work & Power quiz in class today and did quite well.  We went over worksheets 15-4, 5 & 6 before the end of class.

News article #21 is due on Monday, and the Chapter 7 test will be on Thursday, March 8th.

Day 104

(IWB Flipchart Worksheets 15-3 to 15-6)

We reviewed yesterday's lab from Worksheet 15-7.  Students were assigned the remainder of pages 15-3 & 15-4.  With 10 minutes left in class, we put #1-6 on the board from page 15-3.

No homework was assigned, and the Work & Power quiz is tomorrow.

Day 103

Ms. Christ was in for me today while I attended IWB training.  She took students into the stairwell to complete the work & power lab on page 15-7.  After completion, students worked on worksheet 15-3.

No homework was assigned, and the Work & Power quiz will be on Friday.

Day 102

(IWB flipchart- Section 7-2 notes)

We discussed section 7-2 notes on Power.  We watched a http://www.brainpop.com/ video on power and took the quiz afterwards.  Students worked on page 15-2 with their partner, and we put the answers on the board towards the end of class.

No homework was assigned, and the Work & Power quiz will be this Friday.

Day 101

After listening to the 21st week of science news articles, I handed out the new chapter 7 packets.  I used an IWB flipchart to discuss section 7-1 notes.  We watched a http://www.brainpop.com/ video on Work and took the quiz that followed using student responders.  Students worked with their partner to complete worksheet 7-1.  We reviewed the answers before the end of class.

No homework was assigned, and the Work & Power Quiz will be on Tuesday, February 14th.

Day 100

With shortened periods today due to our "Invictus" afternoon assembly, we watched a Mythbusters episode on skydiving myths while I checked their Chapter 6 notebooks.

News article #21 is due on Monday, and the Work & Power quiz will be on Monday, February 13th.

Day 99

Students took the Chapter 6 test online using Moodle today.

The notebook check will be tomorrow for 60 points.

Day 98

Students worked on pages 6-12 & 6-13 in class.  After reviewing those completed pages (and telling students to cross out page 6-9), we reviewed for tomorrow's test by playing Jeopardy.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 6 test will be tomorrow.

Day 97

(IWB Flipchart Section 6-4 notes)

We went over worksheet 6-11 which students did at the end of class yesterday.  I used a flipchart to discuss Section 6-4 notes on terminal velocity and projectiles.  I also related how gravity effects most aspects of your most popular sports.  We then completed worksheet 6-7 together.  For worksheet 6-8, we did problem #1 together, and they were assigned #'s 2-5 to work on for the rest of class.  I reviewed the solutions before the bell rang.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 6 test is on Thursday.

Day 96

IWB FLipchart (Newton Square)

Students turned in their Week #20 science news articles.  We reviewed Newton's 3 Laws of Motion and the Law of Universal Gravitation by creating 4-square concept posters.  Students were divided into four groups and each group had to define their assigned law, simplify it for a kindergartner, describe a real-life application and illustrate the law in a drawing.  Each group had 15 minutes to work on the poster before presenting.  We then did worksheet 6-10 together in class, and used the remaining five minutes to work on worksheet 6-11.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 6 test will be on Thursday, February 2nd.

Day 95

I used an IWB flipchart to discuss section 6-5 notes on Universal Gravitation.  We completed worksheet 6-5 by calculating our weight on other planets in Newtons.  We then watched a http://www.brainpop.com/ video on Gravity and took the ensuing quiz.

News article #20 is due on Monday, and the Chapter 6 test will be on Thursday, February 2nd.

Day 94

I forgot to blog yesterday, so here's what we did.  We discussed Newton's 3 Laws of Motion (section 6-3 notes) in class using an IWB flipchart.  We watched a http://www.brainpop.com/ video on Newton's Laws of Motion.  We ended class by handing back and reviewing the online speed lab.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 6 test will be on Thursday, February 2nd.

Day 93

Students took the Force Quiz (F=ma) today.  There were eight problems worth five points each for a total of 40 points.  Afterward, students completed a survey for the National Science Teachers Association.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 6 test will be on Thursday, February 2nd.

Day 92

Today we reviewed the solutions to the word problems on worksheets 6-3 & 6-4.  I then assigned page 6-5 to be completed in class.  Today is the final preparation for tomorrow's quiz.

No homework was assigned, and the Force Quiz will be tomorrow.

Day 91

Today officially started the 3rd quarter.  I collected the online speed lab packets that students worked on last week.  Those were worth 35 points.  For extra credit this marking period, students need to summarize their news articles out loud in front of the class, as they did today for their Week #19 news articles.  After news articles were collected, students worked with their partners to complete worksheets 6-3 & 6-4.

No homework was assigned, and the Force Quiz will be on Wednesday, January 25th.

Day 90

I used an IWB flipchart to discuss section 6-2 notes on Friction and section 6-3 notes on Newton's 2nd law of motion.  We watched a http://www.brainpop.com/ video on Force and took the ensuing quiz.  We ended class by completing worksheet 6-2 and provided the solutions on the board.

News article #19 and the online lab are both due on Monday, and the Force Quiz will be on Wednesday, January 25th.

Day 89

We began Chapter 6 today on Forces.  I handed out the new packets, and we discussed section 6-1 notes on Balanced vs Unbalanced forces using an IWB flipchart.  We completed worksheet 6-1 together, and ended the period by watching a Bill Nye video on Balanced Forces.

No homework was assigned (though the online speed lab is due on Monday), and the next quiz (on Force) will be on Wednesday, January 25th.

Day 88

Students used all of today's classtime to complete the online Force & Motion lab, including worksheets 5-18 through 5-24.  The lab will be collected on Monday, January 23rd.

No homework was assigned, and the Force Quiz will be on Wednesday, January 25th.

Day 87

Mr. Girardi was in for me today, and he guided students through the beginning of Activity 2 on the online Force & Motion lab.

No homework was assigned, and the Force Quiz will be on Thursday, January 26th.

Day 86

Students gave their 18th news article summary today (their last grade of the 2nd quarter). Each pair of students then got a laptop and worked on the online Force & Motion lab, which included worksheets 5-18 to 5-24 in their chapter 5 packets. 

No homework was assigned, and the next quiz (on Force) will be on Friday, January 27th.

Day 85

We reviewed the Chapter 5 test on the big screen. Students had their Chapter 5 notebooks checked for 90 points while we watched a Mythbusters episode on a super-sized Newton's Cradle.

News article #18 is due on Monday, and the next quiz on Force will be on Friday, January 27th.

Day 78

We discussed Section 5-2 notes on slope of a distance-time and speed-time graph. I referenced the graphs at the end of their notes. I told them that 11 out of the 25 questions on the Chapter 5 test would be about these graphs. Students then worked on worksheet 5-3, #5, 6 & 7 only. We reviewed the answers before the end of class.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 5 test will be on Thursday, January 12th.

Day 84

Students took the Chapter 5 test today on Moodle.

The notebook check will be tomorrow for 90 points.

Day 83

We played Jeopardy to review for tomorrow's Chapter 5 test.  We reviewed the following worksheets:

5-6, 5-8, 5-14, 5-15, 5-17.

The Chapter 5 test will be tomorrow and the notebook check will be on Friday, January 13th.

Day 82

Mr. Girardi was in for me today and he assigned the following pages for students to work on during class:

5-6, 5-14, 5-15 & 5-17

No homework was assigned and the Chapter 5 test will be on Thursday, January 12th.

Day 81

After reviewing our 17th week of science news articles, we discussed Section 5-4 notes on Momentum.  I took the students out in the hallway to demonstrate how momentum works using wheeled carts.  I used students of similar mass traveling different speeds, and students of different mass moving at similar speeds to demonstrate how momentum worked.  Students then returned to the classroom to work on page 5-12, and we reviewed the answers using an IWB flipchart.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 5 test will be on Thursday, January 12th.

Day 80

Students completed their acceleration lab today by creating a speed/time graph on worksheet 5-11, and the two discussion questions on page 5-10.  Students were then asked to complete worksheet 5-7, which was filled with 10 acceleration problems.

News article #17 is due on Monday, and the Chapter 5 test will be on Thursday, January 12th.

Day 79

Students started the lab on page 5-9 & 5-10.  They were put into groups of 3 or 4 and used a marble and ramp and stopwatch to determine the time it took the marble to roll across a set of distances.  They then had to calculate speed from those numbers.  Tomorrow they will be creating a graph from their data.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 5 test will be on Thursday, January 12th.

Day 77

Welcome back, and welcome 2012!

We learned about acceleration by using an IWB flipchart to go over section 5-3 notes.  We watched a http://www.brainpop.com/ video on acceleration and took the quiz that followed.  Students were assigned worksheet 5-4 to be done during class, and I reviewed the solutions before the bell rang.

No homework was assigned, and the Chapter 5 test will be on Thursday, January 12th.