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.