Opening Weeks of School

Every week or two, I will be writing a post on this blog that details the current activities and homework.  Sometimes we will not get to all that was planned or there will be slight changes, but for the most part, this is a very good place to look to see what we did in class.  In addition, you will find that most class documents will be available on the side using Google Docs.  Occasionally the formatting for documents suffers in the translation to Googledocs.  If you have questions (students or parents), feel free to e-mail me at mkenny@pps.net

• Tuesday 9/6:  Short classes.  Take roll.  Fill out student information sheet.  Demonstrate Early Work.  Hand out class expectations.  Read class expectations and bring questions this week or next.
• Wed/Thurs 9/7-9/8:  First Early Work.  Go over basic classroom rules and routines.  Small group brainstorm:   What are some elements of a good scientific test?  Share out.  Group activity:  Testing advertisement claims.  Pick an ad, write a focused questions, identify the important variables, and write a detailed procedure.  All of this should be put neatly on a poster to share with the class.  Bring spiral notebook by next class.  Read 1.1 and 1.2.
• Fri/Mon 9/9-9/12:  Finish posters (25 minutes).  In the back of the classroom, individual students will read 4 of the posters and offer written feedback on what is good and what could be better.  Turn in your evaluations into the class inbox.  First notebook entry on Cornell Notes and Scientific Theory vs. Law.  Hand out Safety Contract and Academic Honesty Contract.  Both are due back signed by student and parent by Thurs 9/15 (Period 5) and Fri 9/16 (Period 2).  Bring calculator by next class.  Read 1.3.
• Tues/Wed 9/13-9/14:  Notes on the metric system and metric conversions.  Work on Conversion Worksheet, due next class period.  Introduction to measuring tools + precision.  Measuring tools and precision activity.  Remember to bring signed Safety Contract and Academic Honesty Contract by next class. 
• Thurs/Fri 9/15-9/16:  Measurement Lab.  Do in groups and turn in by 9/19-9/20.  Check off Conversion Worksheet and go over in class.  Notes on Significant Figures.