The Week of 12/13-12/17 (updated 12/13)

Remember that a Critical Reader is due Block Day.  We will also take a rather short Chapter 8 test on Block Day.

• Monday 12/13:  Turn in Acid and Base worksheeet.  Hand out Chapter 8 Review.  Jeopardy Review for Chapter 8.  Chapter 8 Test on Block Day.
• Tuesday 12/14:  Introduce Physics.  What topics are included in Physics?  Start with distance, displacement, speed and velocity.  Speed problems.  Do odd problems in your notebook by Friday 12/17.  Read 11.1 and 11.2.
• Wednesday/Thursday 12/15-12/16:  Turn in Critical Reader.  Take Chapter 8 Test.   Acceleration.  Start Wheel Chair Races activity (no, we will not actually be riding in wheel chairs, sorry!)
• Friday 12/17:   Check off speed problems.  Finish Wheelchair Races Poster.

If you are interested in making crystals for Extra Credit, here is what you need to do:
1)  Write down everything that you did to make your solution, including amounts used, time heated, time left out, etc.
2)  Bring your crystals in to school OR have excellent photo documentation.  Include yourself in the photos!
3)  If you use any websites or other resources for ideas, please include these citations.

Final due date for crystals is Wed, Jan 5th, 2011.

The Week of 12/6-12/10

Reminder:  there is a late opening this week, so there is no FLEX on Wednesday!  I will still be available Tuesday during lunch.  Also, remember that the Final Draft of your Reaction Rates Lab is due Tuesday.  It should be turned in with the color-marked 2nd draft.

Monday 12/6:  Notes on Solutions.  Dissolving Sugar and Salt Lab.  Read 8.1.
Tuesday 12/7:   Turn in Final Draft of Reaction Rates Lab.  Notes on Solubility.  Solubility Curve worksheet.  Read 8.2.
Wednesday/Thursday 12/8-12/9:  Notes on Acids and Bases and Neutralization reactions.  Litmus test lab.
Read 8.3.  Critical Reader due next Block Day.
Friday 12/10:  pH scale.  Strong versus weak acids.  Read 8.4.

The Week of 11/29-12/3

I hope you had a relaxing Thanksgiving Break!  Now there are only 3 weeks of school until Winter Break.  During that time we will finish up with Chemistry!

• Mon 11/29:  Rules for Predicting Products and several examples.  Work on Predicting Products WS, which is due Block Day.  Questions on Reaction Rates Lab?  Second draft due tomorrow.
• Tues 11/30:  Exchange 2nd draft of Reaction Rates Lab for peer editing (color-marking).  Return to original student and discuss revisions.  Final Draft due next Tuesday, 12/7.  Finish Predicting Products WS.
• Wed/Thurs 12/1-12/2:  Turn in Predicting Products WS.  Chemical Reaction Lab.   Complete all stations, complete reactions, and turn in.  Chapter 7 Review.  Chapter 7 Quiz on Friday.
• Friday 12/3:  Turn in Chapter 7 Review.  Chapter 7 Quiz.  Define solubility terms.  Read 8.1 in text.

Things to Keep You Busy

So I know that you were looking forward to the 9 days off, but now you're bored!  Here are some things that you can work on for this class:

1. The Reaction Rates Lab.  Remember that the 2nd draft (preferably typed) of the lab is due Tuesday 11/30.  Check the Lab Description and Lab Report format to help in your writing.  It is okay if the sample calculations and graph are neatly hand-written.
2. Predicting Products.  You can get started with this worksheet.  Here are some instructions to help.
3. Find a book to read!!  I have been reading some great science books lately.  Check the extra credit book list and find one that you're interested in or suggest your own (last year 4 students recommended books that ended up on the list!).
4. Have fun balancing equations!  I just added a link over on the top right for Balancing Equations.  It's pretty fun.  You can choose easy ones or hard ones to test out your skills.

A Note About Conferences and Grades (Parents Please Read!)

Greetings!  I look forward to meeting many of you at Parent-Teacher Conferences next week.  One thing I want you to know is that I will be at all sessions EXCEPT the morning session on Tuesday.  I think the school reported that .80 time teachers would be absent on the Monday AM session, but I had already made appointments for my own childrens' conferences for Tuesday morning.  So any time but Tuesday morning please come in!

I have been entering grades for 2nd quarter, but be careful when you look at 2nd quarter grades because they only reflect the last 2 weeks of class.  If you want to know your student's accurate SEMESTER grade (the one that counts), please make sure that you are looking at the semester grade report.  Previously I had tinkered with adjusting this by adding a bunch of points to the 2nd quarter grade, but I just undid this because the semester grade calculations were coming out wrong.  If you have any questions, don't hesitate to e-mail me at mkenny@pps.k12.or.us

Thanks!

The Week of 11/15-11/19

• Monday 11/15:  Notes on Combustion Reactions and Rates of Reactions.  Work on Balancing Reactions worksheet, due tomorrow.
• Tuesday 11/16:  Turn in Balacing Reactions WS.  Introduce Reaction Rates Lab and Inquiry Lab Format.  Do a test trial of the chemical reaction and then start writing your lab (background, hypothesis, variables, procedure)
• Wednesday/Thursday 11/17-11/18:  Get your preliminary lab write up checked off (through data table).  Take data.  Process data and graph.   Discuss uncertainty with multiple trials.
• Friday 11/19:  How to write a good conclusion.  In class, write a conclusion for your Reaction Rates Lab that includes the necessary components.  2nd Draft of lab due Tuesday, November 30.  Start predicting products.

The Week of 11/8-11/12

Remember that Block Days are Tuesday (even) and Wednesday (odd) this week!  Mid-day FLEX will be on Tuesday.

• Monday 11/8:  Finish up Naming and Writing Worksheet and turn in.  Hand out Chapter 6 Review (compound practice) and work on it.  Chapter 6 test on Tuesday/Wednesday due to those days being block this week.
• Tuesday/Wednesday 11/9-11/10:  Check off Review Sheet and go over.  Other questions for test?  Take Chapter 6 test.  Start notes on Chemical Reactions.  Candy Demo.
• Thursday 11/11:  Veteran's Day.  No School.
• Friday 11/12:  Types of reactions and balancing chemical reactions.  Work on balancing worksheet (due Tuesday).

The Week of 11/1-11/5

Deadline for late work/extra credit is Wedesday 11/3 by 12:30 pm!!
Test corrections for the 4+5 Test should be done on Tuesday at lunch or Wednesday during the first FLEX!!

• Monday 11/1:  Turn in Ionic Compounds if not already (last assignment on the quarter grade!).  Notes on Lewis Dot Structures and Covalent Compounds.  Model Kit Activity (turn in today or tomorrow).  Read 6.1 and 6.2.
• Tuesday 11/2:  Naming compounds.  Learn the rules for regular ionics, ionics with polyatomics, transition metals, and covalent compounds.  Work on Naming Compounds worksheet (due next Monday).  Read 6.3  FLEX during lunch.
• Wednesday/Thursday 11/3-11/4:  More on Naming Compounds.  Metallic bonding and semimetals.  Read 6.4.
• Friday 11/5:  No School.  Teacher work day.

The Week of 10/25-10/29

• Monday 10/25:  Turn in Periodic Mystery and Electron Configuration if not already.  Go over Chapter 4+5 concepts for test tomorrow.  Go over notebook entries and points sheet (notebook check including Cornell Notes and completed Points Sheet tomorrow).  Counting Atoms worksheet (due Block Day).
• Tuesday 10/26:  Notebook Check.  Take Chapter 4+5 Test.  If time, start valence electrons and ionic charges.  Counting Atoms worksheet due tomorrow.
• Wednesday/Thursday 10/27-10/28:  Check off Counting Atoms and go over.  Notes on valence electrons and ionic charges.  Start writing ionic formulas.  Bill Bryson reading on the atom.  Complete vocabulary and sentences in your notebook. 
• Friday 10/29:  More on writing formulas.  Notes on metals, nonmetals, and semimetals.  Start naming compounds.

The Week of 10/18-10/22

• Monday 10/18:  Turn in Atoms Worksheet if not already.  Go to library or computer lab for atom project research.  Bring materials for your project tomorrow!!
• Tuesday 10/19:  Build atom models during class.  Remember to bring all the materials you will need (like hot glue).  I have limited items such as tape, string, and elmer's glue.
• Wednesday/Thursday 10/20-10/21:  Set up atom models in the back with your information sheet.  Evaluate your atom model and 3 others.  Electron Configuration and the Periodic Table. Work on Electron Configuration worksheet (due Monday).
• Friday 10/22:  Families of the Periodic Table.  Review Chapters 4+5.  Introduce Critical Reader.  First Critical Reader due next Friday 10/29.  Electron Configuration and Periodic Mystery due Monday.

Chapter 4+5 Test next Tuesday 10/26.
1st Notebook Check on 10/26 as well.

Progress Reports (To Students and Parents)

In the next day or two you should be receiving your progress reports in the mail. Because the district is piloting a new grading program, the progress reports from me will probably be in a different form. For one thing, every student will be receiving one from me, even if they are doing well in the class. I also included no comments at this time because I am not up to speed with that yet. If you would like updated information from me about missing assignments, please e-mail me. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks, the on-line grade check will be available and you will have more information about your student's progress.

In addition, I would like to invite any parents of freshmen with a grade of D or F in my class to come to targeted conferences next Tuesday, October 19th from 6:30-8:30 pm in the Lincoln Cafeteria.

The Week of 10/11-10/15

• Monday 10/11:  Turn in Review Problems if not already.  Take Chapter 2+3 Test.  Start Early Models of the atom.
• Tuesday 10/12:  Continue models of the atom and parts of the atom.
• Wednesday 10/13:  Testing day.  Short classes!  Introduce atom model project and pick elements.
• Thursday/Friday 10/14-10/15:  Block Days.  Bohr model of the atom.  Atom Worksheet.  Figure out the Bohr model for your atom project.  Brainstorm what materials you will use.

Next week we will build atom models!!  Monday is a library research day.  Tuesday you will build the models in class.  Wed/Thurs you will do finishing touches on the models and evaluate them.

The Week of 10/4-10/8

• Monday 10/4:  Turn in Hydrometer Lab (including 2 well-made graphs!).  Physical versus Chemical Changes lab.  Turn in today or tomorrow.  Read 3.1.
• Tuesday 10/5:  Notes on States of Matter, Phase Changes, and Kinetic Theory.  Read 3.3.  FLEX during lunch!
• Wednesday/Thursday 10/6-10/7:  Review phase changes.  Go over 2+3 Review.  Jeopardy Review.  Chapter 2+3 Test on Monday 10/11!!
• Friday 10/8:  Statewide Teacher Inservice.  No School!

Note for next week.  We are having a special schedule due to school-wide testing on Wednesday 10/13.  There will be no Late Opening that day.  Block periods will be on Thurs (odd blocks) and Friday (even blocks including FLEX).

The Week of 9/27-10/1

• Monday 9/27:  More time to work on Density Problems.  Introduce Carrot Lab and start planning.  Density Problems due tomorrow.
• Tuesday 9/28:  Turn in density problems.  Take data for Carrot Lab and prepare poster.   FLEX during lunch. 
• Wednesday/Thursday 9/29-9/30:  Finish Carrot Lab Posters and turn in with all names on them.  Introduce Hydrometers and read the densities of various liquids.  Complete lab including graphs for Friday.
• Friday 10/1:  Walk-around evaluation of Carrot Posters.  Notes on Physical versus Chemical changes.  Read 2.3 in text.

The Week of 9/20-9/24

• Monday 9/20:  Check off Cornell Notes.  Learn addition/subtraction rule for rounding.  Finish 2nd side of Conversion Worksheet and check off.  Go over answers to worksheet.  Notes on Graphing.
• Tuesday 9/21:  Measuring the Thickness of Aluminum Foil lab done in notebook.  Complete graph on graph paper.
• Wednesday/Thursday 9/22-9/23:   Short test on theory versus law, metric system, conversions, scientific notation, and significant figures.   More on graphing.  Notes on Chapter 2:  elements, compounds, and physical properties.  Read  2.1 and 2.2 in text.
• Friday 9/24:  How to solve problems in science.  Density worksheet, due Tuesday 9/28.

The Week of 9/13-9/17

• Monday 9/13:  Metric System, prefixes, conversions.  Safety Tour of the classroom.  Hand-out Safety Contract.  To be signed by yourself and a parent/guardian by Friday 9/17.
• Tuesday 9/14:  Solving conversions.  Hand-out Conversion Worksheet to be due Friday.  Scientific Notation.
• Wednesday/Thursday 9/15-9/16:  Intro. to measuring tools and how to use them.  Measurement Lab.  Continue working on conversions and scientific notation.  Signed Safety Contract and conversion worksheet due Friday.
• Friday 9/17:  Turn in signed Safety Contract.  Check off Conversion worksheet and go over.  Introduce signficant figures and how to compute with them.

The Week of 9/7-9/10

• Tuesday 9/7: First day of School! Introductions. Demonstrate Early Work. Fill out Student Information Sheet. Hand out Classroom Expectations. HW: Read Expectations and bring in questions tomorrow.  Get a spiral notebook by Friday.
• Wednesday 9/8:  Questions on Classroom Expectations?  What is science?  How do we do it?  Group Task:  testing advertisement claims.  HW for Friday:  read 1.1 and 1.2 in text.
• Thursday 9/9:  Finish Group Task poster and present them.  Make sure that your group turns in your poster with ALL of your names on it.
• Friday 9/10:  Have your spiral notebook today.  How to take Cornell Notes.  First notebook entry on scientific theory versus law.  Safety Equipment tour and hand out Safety Contract.  Safety Contract signed by you and a parent/guardian is due Tuesday 9/14.

Welcome to the 2010-2011 School Year!

Greetings new students!  This website will be very important in keeping you updated and informed about this class.  If you are absent or have any questions about what is going on in class, please check here!  Most of the class documents will be available here and I will include links that we used in class or that I just think are really cool.  Please feel free to comment here, although I prefer if you include some identifying information, like "Hannah from 5th period" or "HB from 5th".  You can also e-mail me and I will get back to you as soon as I can (if you go to the Ms. Kenny tab under contributors, you will find a link to my e-mail). 

Frequently students find links and resources that they think will be helpful to other students.  If I agree, I will add the link and give a few points of extra credit to the student.  Many of my best resources and suggestions have come from students.

I'm looking forward to having an incredible year of learning science with all of you!

Are You Prepared for the Final???

What to bring on Friday, June 11th:

1)  Your hand-written notecard
2)  A calculator
3)  Paper and writing utensil
4)  Something to do QUIETLY when you are finished with the test!

Prepare yourself well so that you can relax and do your best!

The Week of 6/7-6/11

The Late Work/Extra Credit Deadline is Tuesday by the end of lunch.  The final day to turn in the Flashlight Lab for cake is Monday by the end of lunch!

• Monday 6/7:  Add up Last Early Work!  Share out regional information about Climate Change.  Turn in Climate Change packet.  Notebook Check. 
• Tuesday 6/8:  Go over Work/Energy/Machines in Review Packet.  Hand out Crossword Review.  Late work/Extra Credit deadline today by the end of lunch.
• Wednesday 6/9:  Review heat/temperature and Earth Science.  Jeopardy Review!  Mid-day FLEX.  Last change to make up those missing tests!
• Thursday 6/10:  Last FLEX of the year.
• Friday 6/11:  Finals start!  2nd period at 8:15 am.  4th Period at 10:25 am.

Congratulations, you are now done with FPC!  Enjoy your summer!

The Week of 5/31-6/4

Remember that Block Days are on Tues/Wed this week.  Come in ready to take any missing tests during Tuesday mid-day FLEX!   Flashlight labs are due Friday. 

• Monday 5/31:  Memorial Day.  No School.
• Tuesday 6/1:  (Even Block Day):  20 more minutes on the Flashlight Lab.  Short notes on the Greenhouse Effect.  Go to Library/Computer lab to start Climate Change activity.  Mid-day FLEX.  Come in prepared!!
• Thursday 6/3:  (short periods):  Climate Change Group Activity.  Hand out Final Review Packet.  Lunch-time FLEX.
• Friday 6/4:  Turn in Flashlight Lab with graphs.  Climate Change share out with groups. 

Next  Week:  Notebook Check on Monday.  Deadline for Late Work/Extra Credit is Tuesday June 8th.  Finals start on Friday, June 11th.

Let Us Eat Cake!

We are so close to the end of the year!  In order to help motivate students to turn in one of the last assignments of the year, I am offering a cake if all members of the class turn in the "Flashlight Lab".

Details:  The lab, including 2 decent graphs, is due by Friday, June 4th, although for cake I will accept the lab on Monday, June 7th.  You need to put your group members' names on your lab report.  No others should have the same data.  In addition, answers should be clear, legible, and not copied.

For those of you who want to get an early start on reviewing for the Final Exam, I have just uploaded the Review Packet onto the documents section of this site.

The Week of 5/24-5/28

Earth Science Project due Tues/Wed of this week!  Presentation order will be chosen by volunteering, then random draw.  Mid-day FLEX on Wednesday has been moved to the end of the day, so I will be available during lunch on Tuesday and Thursday this week.

• Monday 5/24:  Notes on the Seasons.  Choose order for group projects.  Final preparations for presentations.
• Tuesday 5/25:  Earth Science Group Presentations (4).  Lunchtime FLEX.
• Wednesday 5/26:  Turn in Earth Science Project if not already.  Earth Science Group Presentations (5-6).  Questions on Isobar activity?  Due Friday.
• Thursday 5/27:  Lunchtime FLEX.
• Friday 5/28:  Turn in Isobar activity if not already.  Fill out Earth Science Group Evaluation.  Take Data for Flashlight Lab.  Completed lab with graphs due Friday 6/4. 

Enjoy your 3-day week-end!!!

The Week of 5/17-5/21

Two big things this week:  Earth Science Test on Tuesday and Astronomical Observations due Friday.  Earth Science Project due next Tuesday 5/25.

FLEX this week will be Tuesday at lunch rather than Thursday!  No FLEX on Wednesday due to late-opening.

• Monday 5/17:  Bring your textbook!  Any last questions on Earth Test for tomorrow?  Do worksheet on the Earth's Atmosphere and Clouds.   Worksheet due Wednesday.
• Tuesday 5/18:  Earth Test.  Remember that we will choose 6 questions out of the "hat" and you will answer 4 of those.  10 points per question.  Come prepared with good answers.
• Wednesday 5/19:   One hour-fifty minute late opening.  Can demo.  Cloud Lab, turn in right away.  Isobar activity:  completed map and questions due Monday.  Group work time.
• Friday 5/21:  Turn in Astonomical Observations!  Group work time in library/computer lab.  Last chance to assemble your paper, put together bibliography, work on presentation, and/or work on visual aide.  Final Group project due Tuesday 5/25!

Upcoming Dates

Just to help you get organized, here are some upcoming dates:

Wednesday 5/12:  Field Trip to Zoo MAX Station.  Dress warmly!

Tuesday 5/18:  Earth Science Test.  Questions will be available on-line by Tuesday 5/11.   Get prepared!

Friday 5/21:  Astronomical Observations Due, including your reflection on the place of celestial objects in human history (we will discuss in class this week).

Tuesday 5/25:  Earth Science Projects Due.  Presentations on 5/25 and 5/26.

The Week of 5/10-5/14

• Monday 5/10:  Bring Signed Permission Slips!  Turn in Rock Layers WS.  Reading Bill Bryson's "The Fire Below". 
• Tuesday 5/11:  Erosion and Weathering.  Group time.
• Wednesday 5/12:  Zoo MAX Station Field Trip!!  Remember to bring your student ID with Tri-Met sticker and bring warm clothes for the 40 minutes when we are underground.
• Friday 5/14:  Geologic Time WS.  Review Earth Science Topics.  Hand out Test Questions (if not already).  Earth Science Test will be on Tuesday 5/18.  We will draw from a hat to see which questions you get to choose from, but all of the questions will be in your hands in advance.  Make sure that you prepare your answers well!!

How I Spent My Week-End

Studying the laws of physics and rock formations.

The Week of 5/3-5/7

Grades were uploaded on Friday.  Check them and see me if you have questions.

• Monday 5/3:  Library Research for Group Project.  Check off Astronomical Observations if you didn't have them on Friday.
• Tuesday 5/4:  More library research.  Divide jobs and record your progress.  Hand out Field Trip forms for 5/12 trip to zoo MAX station.  They need to be returned signed by Monday 5/10!
• Wednesday 5/5:  Group notes on Earthquakes and Volcanoes.  Epicenter activity done in notebook.  Homework:  Notes on the Rock Cycle.
• Friday 5/7:  Determining the ages of rocks:  absolute and relative dating.  Rock layers activity.

Next week:  Field Trip on Wednesday.   Keep making those sun and moon observations!!

The Week of 4/26-4/30

Remember that I will be checking off your Sun and Moon observations on Friday.  I'm expecting at least 1 sunrise or sunset and 3 moon observations.  Observation conditions for the moon have been excellent! (see above).  The final assignment is due May 21.

Also, if you scored below a 35 on the last test, you should come in to do test corrections during one of the FLEXes. 

• Monday 4/26:  Types of eclipses.  Formation of the solar system.  Hand out 25+26 Review. 
• Tuesday 4/27:  Review for chapter 25+26 test.   Brainstorm Earth Science project topics and pick your top 5.   Bring your book tomorrow!!
• Wednesday 4/28:  Turn in 25+26 Crossword.  Take 25+26 Test.    Book notes on Layers of the Earth (Section 22.1).   Tectonic plate boundaries.  Remember to bring your Astronomical Observations on Friday!!  Mid-day FLEX.
• Thursday 4/29:  Lunchtime FLEX.
•  Friday 4/30:  3 types of volcanos and amazing volcano video clips.  List group members for group project.  Preliminary project discussions with your group.  Check off Astronomical Observations.

Asteroid Impact Assignment

If you were absent on the day of the assignment or did not have time to finish it, here's what you need to do. 

In your notebook, make a data table that includes:  Target, Composition of Projectile, Diameter of Projectile, Speed of Impact, and Results (leave lots of room for this one!).

Then go to the Asteroid Impact Simulation in the "Useful Links" section of this blog and blast away!  Record results for at least 6-8 trials.  Try to mix it up: hitting different targets, using different sized projectiles, etc.

One of the short answer test questions on Wednesday's test will ask you to discuss specifically what you have learned from this activity. 

The Week of 4/19-4/23

Remember that this is 1 hour and 50 minute late opening week.  No FLEX on Wednesday.

• Monday 4/19:  Notes on Stellar Evolution:  star beginnings, middles, and endings.  Red giants, neutron stars, blackholes.
• Tuesday 4/20:  Our Sun.  Video on the Solar System.  Solar System worksheet.
• Wednesday 4/21:  More details on our solar system, including asteroids.  Asteroid Impact simulation in the computer lab.
• Thursday 4/22:  Lunchtime FLEX.
• Friday 4/23:  Phases of the moon.  Mt. Nose Observatory technique for moon phases.  Hand out Review for test next week to be taken on Wednesday 4/28.

The Week of 4/12-4/16

Remember that this is a double-block week!  I will see you Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Final 3rd Quarter Grades were uploaded on Friday.  Check yours and see if you have any questions for Monday.

Monday 4/12:  Go over 4th Quarter Deal and review classroom rules.  Work on Wave Review and/or do Mirror activity.  Go over Wave Review.   Hand out Astronomical Observations assignment and explain.   Short video clip on the origin of the universe.  Notes on Origin of the Universe.  Read 26.5.  (We are starting at the end of the book and working backwards for the next 2 chapters).

Wednesday 4/14:  Turn in Wave Review.  Take Wave Test.  Star clusters and galaxies.   Hubble telescope assignment.  Read 26.4.

Friday 4/16:  Stars and life cycles of stars.  Read 26.2 and 26.3.

Next week we will be looking more specifically at our star, the sun, and our solar system.

New for 4th Quarter

Can you believe we are in the final stretch??  I know I can't. 

A few things will be different during 4th quarter and I want to give you a heads up.  First of all, Test Corrections will only be available for students who score below a 70% on the test.  This is the way I have always done it in previous years, and now I remember why.  The amount of paper-shuffling involved in trying to get 120 students to take a test and then retake it for corrections has been a drain on my time and energy, and I still  haven't been able to help the students who need the most help.   Students scoring below a 70% on a test can do test corrections during FLEX to bring their score back up to 70%.

In addition, I offer the 4th quarter "deal".  Basically it allows you to select how much you want to weigh your final exam (between 10% and 40%) if you meet the necessary criteria.  We will be reviewing classroom expectations surrounding cell phones, eating, whining, and attendance on the first day of 4th quarter.   Most students are enthusiastic about this offer, and it helps motivate students to make good choices at the end of the year.  I hope this is the best quarter yet for all of us!!

The Week of 4/5-4/9

Last Week of 3rd Quarter! Remember that the deadline for late work and extra credit is Tuesday 4/6!


Monday 4/5:  Hand labs and notebooks back.  Notes on Electromagnetic radiation and the nature of light.  Grade Check.  Read 18.1 and 18.2.
Tuesday 4/6:  Deadline for late work and extra credit.  Refraction and refraction lab.   Read 18.3.
Wednesday 4/7:  Reflection and Colors.  Mirror Lab.  How the Human Eye works.  Hand out Waves, Sound, and Light Review (test on Wed 4/14).   Mid-day FLEX today.  Get those tests and test corrections done!!!
Thursday 4/8:  FLEX during lunch.  Last chance to take care of tests and test corrections.
Friday 4/9:  No School!  Teacher work day for 3rd Quarter grading.

The Week of 3/29-4/2

Welcome back from Spring Break!!

• Monday 3/29:  Questions on Wave Worksheet?  Turn in.  You can have until tomorrow if you need it.  Quick explanation of wave interactions and then Slinky Lab in notebook.  Read 17.3.
• Tuesday 3/30:  Notes on Sound and Hearing.  Turn in Wave Worksheet if you didn't yesterday.  Read 17.4.
• Wednesday 3/31:  Computer Sound Lab.  Music, harmonics, etc. Go over Notebook entries for Notebook Check on Friday.  Complete Cornell Notes if necessary.  Read 18.1 and 18.2.
• Friday 4/2:  Notes on Electromagnetic Waves and the Electromagnetic Spectrum.   Turn in Notebook for 3rd Quarter Notebook Check.   Read 18.3.

Next week is the end of the 3rd Quarter!  Deadline for late work and extra credit is Tuesday 4/6!!

Spring Break, Extra Credit, Etc.

I hope that you're enjoying your Spring Break!!  It's not too late to check your grade.   Grades were uploaded the Friday before break and I have included the log-in in the links section of this site.  Check your grades for missing assignments and e-mail me if you have any questions. 

If you are interested in doing any extra credit, you have several options.  First of all, you can do a Critical Reader or two or three, and for those of you in 4th period especially (you know who you are), you can still do the one that was due 2 weeks ago!!  Another option is to do some research on one of the heat transfer devices that we skipped over in Chapter 16:  a heat engine, a home heating system, a refridgerator, or an air conditioner.  Your task is to make a poster with a labeled drawing of the device, an explanation in words as to how it works, and a listing of at least 3 reputable resources.  It is assumed that you will go beyond what is in the textbook.  A thorough job can give you the maximum extra credit points for this quarter, as well as the distinction of having your poster displayed for all to see.

The Week of 3/15-3/19

Remember that the Final Draft of the Heating of Land and Water Lab is due Friday 3/18 or before you leave for Spring Break!!

• Monday 3/15:  Turn in Critical Reader if you didn't have one Friday!!  Turn in Heating Curve Worksheet and Specific Heat Worksheet.  Notes on types of Heat Transfer.  Start going over concepts for test.  Work on Heat of Fusion worksheet.
• Tuesday 3/16:  Bring your textbook today!  Turn in Heat of Fusion worksheet.  Work on Heat and Temperature review and Do Questions 4-7 and 11-15 on page 495 of text.
• Wednesday 3/17:  Turn in Heat and Temperature review.  Take Heat and Temp test.  Start working on Waves.  Wave notes, and problems.
• Friday 3/19:  Final date to turn in Heating of Land and Water Lab.  Slinky Lab and Wave Problems. 

Have A Fantastic Spring Break!!

The Week of 3/8-3/12

Remember:  Critical Reader due on Friday.  Format sheet is in the Documents section if you lost yours.

• Monday 3/8:  Heat and Temperature video (answer questions during video).  Go over Temperature conversions and work on worksheet (due tomorrow). 
• Tuesday 3/9:  Check off Temperature Conversion worksheet.  Notes on Heat and Temperature.  Specific Heat.  Introduce Heating of Land and Water Lab.  Write purpose, hypothesis, background, variables, procedure, and data table for tomorrow.  Test Corrections.
• Wednesday 3/10:  Heating of Land and Water Lab.  Take data and start graphing.  Hand out Specific Heat Worksheet.
• Friday 3/12:  Turn in Critical Reader.  Heating Curve of Water.  Latent Heat of Fusion and Vaporization.  Specific Heat Worksheet due Monday.  Heat of Vaporization worksheet due Tuesday.

2nd Draft of Heating of Land and Water Lab due Friday 3/19.
Chapter 16 Short Test on Wednesday 3/17.

OK Go's Rube Goldberg music video

Check out this awesome new music video from OK Go. It features a Rube Goldberg machine that they built in a two-story warehouse!

The Week of 3/1-3/5

• Monday 3/1:  Turn in Work and Machines worksheet.  Pulley Lab done in notebook.  Discuss complex machines and machine project.
• Tuesday 3/2:  Turn in Final Draft of Pendulum Lab.  Introduce Machine Project and start building machines.   Hand out Work and Machines Review.
• Wednesday 3/3:  Machine Project Building and Demonstration.  Write up with purpose, detailed drawing, and Mechanical Advantage calculations.  Start work and machines test on Friday.
• Friday 3/5:  Work and Machines Test.  Start temperature conversions.

The Week of 2/22-2/26 (updated 2/24)

• Monday 2/22:  Guest Speaker Amanda Duncan from Intel for Engineers in the School Month
• Tuesday 2/23:  Notes on Work and Power.  Start work and power problems.  Worksheet due Friday.  Pendulum 2nd Draft due tomorrow.
• Wednesday 2/24:  Color-marking Pendulum Lab 2nd draft.  Notes on machines and mechanical advantage.  Lever Lab.  Lever Lab packet due Friday.   Work and Power problems due Monday.
• Friday 2/26:  Efficiency.  Work on Lever Lab (due today) and work and power problems (due Monday). 

• Final Draft of Pendulum Lab due Tuesday 3/2!

The Week of 2/15-2/19

• Monday 2/15:  President's Day.  No School.
• Tuesday 2/16:  Energy conversions and conservation notes.  In-class time to work on rolling ball lab, due Friday.  Reading worksheet- due Wednesday.
• Wednesday 2/17:  Hand in Reading worksheet.  Introduce Pendulum Inquiry Lab.  Write problem statement, background, hypothesis, variables, procedure, and data table.  When this is checked off by a teacher, go ahead and perform your trials.
• Friday 2/19 (shortened class period due to Senior Seminars):  Rolling Balls Lab due.  Energy assessment.  More time to do pendulum lab trials.   If done with trials, process the data, and then write your conclusion.

Pendulum Lab 2nd Draft due Wednesday 2/24 for color-marking.  Final Draft of lab due Tuesday 3/2.

4th period: Energy Debate Notes

Wave

• Potential for wave energy is more so than for wind energy.
• If more research was done on wave energy, it could be developed to the point where it would be consistently and conveniently used. There is a lot more room to expand and develop this technology
• It doesn't take anything away from the ocean, as water is funneled back.
• Wave energy is predictable. Centuries in advance, you can tell from the positions of the moons what the tides will be like.
• Oregon would be the world's leader in wave power because we have good coastlines for the implementation of wave power, and it would bring lots of jobs to our state.
• The turbines/buoys wouldn't be noisier than the actual waves, so people can still enjoy their coastal experience. The can be built 130 feet deep in the ocean, meaning it would have little effect on people's visibility of the ocean.
• Cheaper than building wind turbines or dams, and wave energy has low costs for operation or maintenance.
• Wave energy is a renewable resource.

Nuclear

• Nuclear energy is currently 19% of the world's electricity supply.
• It does not pollute the air, as there are no greenhouse gases or dust emitted.
• Without nuclear energy, two million tons more nitrogen oxide would be emitted as a result of electricity usage.
• Waste is completely isolated from the environment, unlike coal.
• More concern about safety than there should be- .1% of unavoidable exposure to radition.
• Toxicity of nuclear waste decreases over time, unlike byproducts from coal, which never lose toxicity.
• Fusion (joining hydrogen atoms) would create lots of energy without any waste.
• A single power plant produces immense amounts of energy annually and easily pays for itself.
• It is a readily available technology.
• It currently supplies more electricity than oil, hydropower, or natural gas.

Wind

• Wind can always work because there is wind everywhere and every day. There are many vast open places where we can put wind farms, and currently 31 states have wind farms. The most popular places are Texas, California, Iowa, Minnesota, and Oklahoma. Windmills have also been placed in the ocean by countries such as Denmark and The Netherlands.
• Wind is a clean fuel, as the power plants produce no air or water pollution because no fuel is burned to generate electricity.
• 2008 wind machines in the US generated a total of 52 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, which is currently only about 1.3% of total US electricity generation. The technology is rapdily advancing, however, and will make wind energy more cost efficient.
• There are negative effects on bird populations and landscapes (such as birds flying into the blades or noise produced by the turbines).

Hydropower/Hydroelectric

• It is the most used source of renewable energy (60% of total US electricity and 67% of renewable energy in 2008).
• It is completely renewable, as it uses the water cycle to generate electricity.
• Non-polluting.
• Ther are low maintenance costs associated with hydropower. Dams are fairly resistant to wear and tear, making them last decades.
• Most dams aren't built to produce electricity. (not sure what you guys mean here)

Geothermal

• No notes turned in.

Biomass

• It's economical: it is wide-spread and anybody can have access to the raw materials needed to create biofuel. Biomass production provides 66,000 jobs across the US.
• Environmental: It does not emit any greenhouse gases when you're using it, it is a completely renewable resource, and reduces solid waste.
• Safety: no safety issues.
• Ethical: no obvious ethical issues.

2nd period: Energy Debate Notes

Hydropower/Hydroelectric

• Because swiftly running water in vast amounts produces a lot of energy, fuel is not needed. Thus, almost no carbon dioxide or other pollutants are released.
• The cost is consistent and inexpensive because of water's constant renewability. It does cost a lot of money to build a dam, but it provides many jobs and lasts a long time. For example, the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River produces electricity and water for surrounding cities including Las Vegas.
• It is a constant energy supplier and can be sued during high workloads. Currently in the Pacific Northwest, approximately 70% of the electricity generated comes from hydropower. With the amount of hydropower facilities in the US now, 28 million households can be powered (which is the equivilent of 500 million barrels of oil).
• Aside from providing the US as well as international communities with power, dams also provide more jobs and irrigation throughout the US.

Nuclear

• It is the only form of energy that we already have the technology to create enough power to replace fossil fuels. Currently, coal and nuclear power together provide 70% of our energy supply.
• It is a carbon-free alternative to fossil fuels, and it requires very little land to produce.
• The cost of nuclear power is only 1.87 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is cheaper than almost all other types of energy. This affordability will keep energy companies competitive.
• Many people are scared that nuclear energy is unsafe, but many advances have been made recently. All staff of nuclear power plants go through background checks and rigorous training. Only about 24 incidents occur in transporting nuclear waster each year, which is 0.4% of all car accidents per year. Every power plant also has extensive security to keep intruders out.

Biomass

• Biomass is organic material made from plants and animals that can be converted into an energy source. Biomass can be made from a variety of sources such as cornstalks, spoiled grain, tree limbs, scrap paper, garbage, straw, wood chippings, rice husks, coconut fiber, manure, sugar cane, seaweed and other crops or generally useful materials.
• Crops grow fast and can be harvested using modified equpiment so that it does not cost a lot of money.
• Biomass contains energy from the sun because plants absorb the sun's energy during photosynthesis. This uses up carbon dioxide and almost equals the amount of carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere when processing biomass. Therefore, it does not pollute.
• It can be converted to many other forms- for example solids can be burned in a fireplace to provide heat, and liquid fuels such as biodiesel can be used for transportation.
• The processing, generating, and transportation needed to make biomass energy can create jobs.

Wave

• It is the most renewable source of energy available.
• Wave energy operates on its own and is solar powered.
• It uses zero electricity.
• Wind energy has higher risks for wildlife and less available space than wave energy.

Wind

• The price is cheap at 5 cents per kilowatt, which competes with the price of coal and oil. It is also expected to drop more in the future.
• It transforms the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy.
• Wind supplies 17,000 megawatts worldwide, which is enough electricity for 10 million homes.
• The overall process is clean, safe, and economical. The wind itself is free.

Geothermal

• Heat from the earth can be used as an energy source in many ways, from large and complex power stations to small and relatively simple pumping systems.
• Many regions of the world are already tapping geothermal energy as an affordable and sustainable solution to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and the global warming and public health risks that result from their use.
• More than 8,900 megawatts of large utility-scale geothermal capacity in 24 countries is now producing enough electricity to meet the annual needs of nearly 12 million typical US households.
• Geothermal plants currently produce 25% or more of electricity in the Phillipenes, Iceland, and El Salvador.
• The US has more geothermal capacity than any other country with more than 3,000 megawatts in 8 states. 80% of this capacity is in California, where more than 40 geothermal plants provide nearly 5% of the state's electricity.
• In thousands of homes and buildings across the US, geothermal heat pumps also use the steady temperatures just underground to heat and cool buildings cleanly and inexpensively.
• It is the least hazardous and most clean form of alternative energy- it is as efficient as fossil fules but with 35 times less carbon dioxide.
• Cost is only 4.5 to 7.5 cents per kilowatt hour, and it will pay back its original starting cost within the first 15-20 years of use.

The Week of 2/8-2/12

• Monday 2/8: Turn in KE/PE worksheet and 5 things you learned from the article. Individual research for energy debate- bring your notes and bibliography to class tomorrow.
  
• Tuesday 2/9: Disclosure day- work with your group to form your arguments for the debate. Turn in one sheet per group at the end of the period (including bibliography indicating which group member found the source). Also turn in individual notes from Monday. Ms. Anheier will post each group's notes online for you to review.
• Wednesday 2/10: Energy debate! Everyone votes at the end of class to decide who won. Turn in notes you took during the debate.
  
• Friday 2/12: Ball rolling lab- due Wednesday 2/17.

The Week of 2/1-2/5

• Monday 2/1: No school
• Tuesday 2/2: Start of the semester. Ms. Anheier will begin the energy unit with an intro to energy and short notes. Start reading chapter 15 in your textbook.
  
• Wednesday 2/3: Group work and notes on forms of energy, notes on kinetic and potential energy formulas. Hand out worksheet to be due Monday 2/8.
• Friday 2/5: Renewable and non-renewable sources of energy. Preview energy debate for next week, groups are assigned. Homework is to review the expectations for your research and the debate.

Finals Week!!! (1/25-1/29)

I have just put answers to the Review Packet over in the document section. Check them out and then ask questions in class this week.



Monday 1/25: Go over Finals Review. Late work/extra credit deadline today by the end of lunch.

Tuesday 1/26: Go over final grades and how to calculate what you need on the final to keep or change your grade. Last-minute questions?? Lunch time FLEX in my room.

Wednesday 1/27: Final Exams 2, 4, 6.  2nd is 8:15-10:15, 4th is 10:25-12:25

Thursday 1/28: Finals 1 and 5

Friday 1/29: Finals 3 and 7


Instructions for Finals!



1) You may use a 5" x 7" notecard hand-written on both sides. No typed or word-processed cards allowed. The card will be collected when you turn in your test.


2) Bring a scientific calculator that you know how to use.




3) Bring #2 pencils and a few sheets of notebook paper.





4) Bring something to do QUIETLY when you are done. It is essential that we preserve a non-distracting testing environment for all students. 





5) I will provide a clean Periodic Table, a clean Naming sheet, and basic equations on the test. Anything else that you want needs to go on your notecard.

Newton's 3rd Law Video

Symara in Period 2 found this cool video!

The Week of 1/18-1/22

• Monday 1/18:  Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  No School.
• Tuesday 1/19:  Preassessment for Energy Unit.  Newton's Laws Labs.  Turn in observations, explanation of law most clearly shown, and explanation of other laws involved.
• Wednesday 1/20:  Review motion and Newton's Laws.  Take Chapter 11+12 Test.  Review for Final Exam, starting with significant figures and going through matter.   2-Hour Late Opening with FLEX from 9:00-10:00.
• Thursday 1/21:  Lunch FLEX.
• Friday 1/22:   11+12 Test Corrections.  Multiple Choice Question Writing.

Absolute Deadline for Late work and Extra Credit is Monday 1/25 by the end of lunch!!!!!

Next week we will review for the final on Monday and Tuesday and go over Final Grades.

Final Exams for this class will occur on Wednesday 1/27!!

The Week of 1/11-1/15

Make use of FLEX this week!!  The semester will be over soon!

• Monday 1/11:  Questions on Acceleration and Momentum Probs, which are due tomorrow?  Go over Skateboard Lab Conclusion.  Skateboard Lab due tomorrow (include worksheet with 2 hypotheses, background information, completed data table, 2 graphs, and conclusion written on a separate sheet of paper).  Introduce forces, including types of forces, free-body diagrams, and balanced versus unbalanced forces.
• Tuesday 1/12:  Turn in Skateboard Lab.  Check off Acc and Momentum problems and go over.  Notes on Newton's first 2 laws.  Start Newton's 2nd Law worksheet, due Friday.
• Wednesday 1/13:  Motion Detector Lab.  Half of the class will do the lab while the other half works on Newton's 2nd Law problems, then we will switch.   Mid-day FLEX today!
• Thursday 1/14:  FLEX during lunch in my classroom.
• Friday 1/15:  Turn in Motion Detector Lab and Newton's 2nd Law worksheet.  Newton's 3rd Law and examples.  Newton's Laws mini-labs.  Hand out Semester Review packet.

Next week we will be taking a test on Chapters 11+12, doing a Notebook Check, and starting to review for the Final Exam.  Absolute Deadline for late work and extra credit will be Monday 1/25, but I would plan on completing your work sooner rather than later!!

The Week of 1/4/10-1/8/10

The new year has snuck up on us!!  May it be your best one yet!

• Monday 1/4/10:  Questions on Velocity Probs?  Due tomorrow.  Get in groups and do Wheelchair Races activity (sorry, you don't actually get to ride in them). 
• Tuesday 1/5/10:  Check off velocity problems.  Finish Wheelchair Races posters and learn about acceleration.  Hand out acceleration and momentum problems, due Monday due Tuesday.
• Wednesday 1/6/10:  Introduce Skateboard Lab and make predictions.  Go out in hall to take skateboard data.  Back in the classroom, process the data.   Do graphs for Friday.  Mid-day FLEX between 2nd and 4th periods.
• Thursday 1/7/10:  Lunch time FLEX in my classroom.
• Friday 1/8/10:  3 Question Quiz.  Questions on acceleration/momentum problems?   Write conclusion for Skateboard Lab.  Skateboard Lab due Tuesday.

If you are interested in getting ahead and studying for the final exam (to take place the last week of January), check out the Semester 1 Review in the documents section.