Friday, December 18, 2015

Periodic Table of Elements and Bonding

Today, our Periodic Table Basics Project is due and we are taking an open note quiz.
We'll correct and review before we leave.
Notebooks are due after the break!

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Periodic Table of Elements

We have watched a great video, Hunting the Elements and taken notes on the radioactive elements and synthetic elements.

We have color coded the family groups of elements on the table and reviewed the properties they have in common.

So now, we are working in groups to get to know a few elements that are representative of their family groups.

Once your group has finished the research, you will present this information to your peers.
 They will take the notes on their copies of the element "trading cards."

These will be used for you and your table partner to build a basic version of the periodic table to use for your partner quiz on Friday.

Go to Google Classroom to get more details...

Friday, December 11, 2015

Radioactive Dating

No, it's not about socializing...
We're watching a short video about Marie Curie and the elements she discovered.  Then we are doing a little discovery activity about half-life.  Finally, do your reading on radioactive elements and complete the notetaking guide to explain what exactly is coming out of radioactive elements and we use them.

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Atomic Structure

We watched movies and finished our notes.
We watched Bill Nye on Atoms.
Then we moved into this Century.
See atoms
See a boy and his atom.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Writing a Letter

Due Today: the rough draft of your letter and your science notebook

After we discussed ways to cope with a warmer world and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we decided that the most effective way to express our concerns was to write a real letter in your own handwriting to a government representative.  Discuss  the following question in your table groups: Who do you think has the authority to make positive changes and implement solutions to global warming and climate change concerns?

To whom will you address your letter? Be prepared to explain why.

Trade letters with a peer who can help you proofread your rough draft and correct spelling errors before you write a final draft. 

There are sample letters and a list of addresses to those California legislators that will be attending the UN summit at the end of this month. 

Monday, November 9, 2015

Mock World Climate Change Conference

Due Today: Solution Statements

1. Convene the World Conference by meeting in your Interest Groups.

2. Focus on the Final Statements.  What are the solutions your group recommends, globally and personally?

3. What do you think would be the most effective format for young people to communicate their concerns with government representatives?

Notebooks are due tomorrow.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Global Warming Project

On Tuesday, we started an independent research project in Google Classroom to answer this driving question:
What factors interact and influence weather and climate? How do human activities impact climate?
This led us to revisiting some concepts about states of matter, pressure, and the gas laws.  After a brief introduction to light  we  watched a short video about the greenhouse effect.


Now, you are ready to apply your understanding to our Global Warming Project.  Start at the webpage titled Climate Change on my website and get your presentation ready for class! 

Atmosphere, Pressure and Elevation

Warm-up: IANotebook p.79

Recipe for a Cloud in a Bottle

  • a little water
  • condensation nuclei (something for water to stick to when it condenses)
  • temperature or pressure changes


Explain how the cloud forms. Be specific  about pressure changes.
If you missed class, watch this video.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Gas Laws Videos- Study for Test

Hello!
Today, you are watching BNSG on Energy. How does energy interact with matter?  That is the big question you are answering.  Use p.73-77 in text to get started with note taking guide.  

Please review the gas laws in the videos in Google Classroom . Use earbuds and take notes! 

I have lots of fun lab.s planned next week. Do your studying now so that when I return you get the most learning and understanding you can out of the activities! Be polite, helpful, and kind.  

If you ordered bus passes, they have arrived and should be passed out to you today. If not, please ask for them at the end of class when you put the computers away.

Remember to get your Science Project 2.0 Proposal signed and approved by your parents.  I am looking forward to seeing you soon!

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Bill Nye Videos, Not?!

Hello. 
Since I am out of the class this week due to laryngitis, please be polite, helpful, and quiet for the guest teacher(s). I will do my best to make sure that you continue to move forward with your science project proposal, which is due this Friday. 

On Tuesday, Mr. Swaggerty agreed to lead you through a lab, Just Passing Through. I hope you enjoyed the activity. I want you to write a Lab Review (see instructions on IAN p.4) that thoroughly explains what occurs and how this relates heat energy, heat transfer, characteristic properties of substances, and density to your everyday life.  I look forward to discussing this upon my return.  I am sorry to miss it today.

I have requested that you watch a couple of episodes of Bill Nye- Energy and Pressure but I guess you worked on your proposal instead.ok.

You have a test on Friday. -Everything in the universe is energy or matter, so read your textbook,take notes and be on your best behavior. Please remember to put away the computers during the last 7-8 minutes of class. Thanks!
I look forward to seeing you soon!

Monday, September 28, 2015

Lunar Eclipse Extra Credit

In case you missed it, follow the link if you are interested.
To get extra credit, you must write a summary of the event, and explain how it happens.

http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2015/22sep_lunareclipse/

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Density Lab

Due Today: Homework on Density
 We checked our notes and discussed our homework to get started today in class. We explained our thinking and emphasized our reasons for our claims.
 Next, we watched a short video on MASS.
We corrected our homework and then practiced finding the density of a variety of objects. Be prepared to discuss your predictions about which objects will sink or float.

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Measuring Mass

Today, we had a quick review about how to use the Triple Beam Balance and then practiced in the lab with some simple objects.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Planting Fragrance Garden in Library Quad

Discussion:
How do you show respect and responsibility for our school?

Activity:
Planting fragrant plants in the tree planters in the library quad will mae a nice place to sit and relax for everyone at LOMS to enjoy.
Thanks for all your hard work.

Homework: Is it a theory?

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

What's My Learning Style?

Please go the Nervous System Basics Page on my website and finish the assignment. Reflect on your Learning Style and Strategies for studying.

If you finish early, please use ear buds to watch the videos at the bottom.

Tomorrow we will talk about SAFETY!

Monday, August 31, 2015

Brain and IANs

Due Today: Familiarity with Inter-Active Notebook Expectations (p.2-5)

Classwork/ Activity
Your Brain, Your Notebook, and Your Learning Style(s)

1. Glue the diagrams, titled Nervous System Basics: How Your Brain Works onto page 12 in your notebook.
2. Set up page 13 in your notebook for Cornell Notes, titled How Your Brain Works.
3. In the margin, write these questions:
  • What is the Nervous System?
  • How do neurons communicate?
  • Describe the 4 major regions of the brain.
  • Explain why the frontal lobe is different in teens.

4. Use Nervous System Basics, found on the sidebar of Mrs.Stoneman's Webpage to complete your assignment.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Google Classroom and Friday Quiz #1

Welcome to the digital part of our class. If you are reading this, then you are doing well so far!  Please do the following:

1.  Please add my web page to your bookmarks.

2. Subscribe to my homework calendar.

3.Then go to Google Classroom and join the class using the code on the board.

4. Your Friday Quiz #1 has been assigned. Do the assignment and submit it.

Good luck. :)

p.s. The table number usually corresponds to your computer number, unless you sit at Neptune. Please take good care of our computers.  You are responsible for the number at your seat. 

Setting Goals

If setting goals is a challenge for you, then try using a different word or phrase, such as setting your intentions, wishes, dreams or hopes for the new school year.  Also, consider the following question:
What do I need to DO to feel the way I want to about myself in school?

The part of your answer that describes what you need to DO  is the focus.  Make a plan.

We will be discussing how goals are important for success and how your feelings can affect your choices.

Monday, August 24, 2015

Welcome and Expectations

Welcome to class! Today we got to know each other and shared contact information to form study buddies. 

We discussed the expectations for class and school behavior, routines, and procedures.

Monday, August 3, 2015

Beginning 2015-2016

Welcome!

If you are checking out what's coming up in class, then I like you already!

SUPPLIES:
1. You need a notebook that is for science only. You have a choice of a thin (1 inch), 3-ring science binder or a big (8 1/2" X 11") spiral notebook with at least 100 pages of binder paper.
2. a few pens (2 different colors) and 3. pencils (2)
4. a pencil sharpener (preferably with a shavings guard)
5. highlighters
6. 4 different colored pencils or markers (no permanent markers)
7. glue stick
8. earbuds (so you can listen to videos, tutorials, etc. on your own

OPTIONAL:tape, scissors, hand sanitizer, pencil pouch 

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

CST Science

Tuesday- Part 1
Wednesday- Part 2
Thursday- Makeups and Starting Health

Please return your Science Textbooks on Thursday.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

What Else is in the Solar System?

Today we reviewed our notes on the planets and discussed the formation of the Solar System.  We took Cornell-style notes in our notebooks (p.229) from the powerpoint presentation on my webpage,link.

It was a great mind-blowing  conversation! 

Monday, April 20, 2015

Our Solar System

Today we launch beyond the Earth and the Moon to explore the other parts of our Solar System.

We will watch a short video classic with Bill Nye the Science Guy introducing the scale of the planets in the solar system. This week you will take notes as you explore the solar system!  You will make a min-book to show off all that you learned about our solar neighborhood.  Check out the resources on my webpage!

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Earth to the Moon

Today, we are finishing up Apollo 13.  To help you better understand the enormity of the task of landing on a specific site on the moon, we will make a scale model of the Earth and the Moon, using a tennis ball, and/or marbles of various sizes.

Pick one that you think accurately represents the correct size of the earth and moon and place them appropriately to model the distance between them, as well.  Be prepared to explain your reasoning.

The tremendous amount of time, money, and human resources that has been invested in the Space Program and made it possible to solve all the problems along the way to the moon and back, has resulted in a variety of technological advances present in our modern day society, from Tang and freeze-dried food, to Velcro and communications technology, the spin-offs from the space program have changed our lives.  You may write one-page of research on any of these advances, or find your own instead of doing yet another workbook page (233-234) if you choose.

Monday, April 13, 2015

Mousetrap Powered Cars Complete!

And the winners are...
Delany for Most Original Mousetrap Powered Car  and Clea for Most Elegant Exterior of a Mousetrap Powered Car !  Congratulations!
Delaney will also compete in the Mousetrap Powered Car Race for Super Speed on Wednesday in the Gym!
This week we are finishing our physics notebooks and watching Apollo 13!  
Today, we discussed day, night, and the reasons for the seasons.  Remember to think about roasting marshmallows!  Which hemisphere gets roasted and why?



Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Finishing Unit on Physics: Forces and Motion

Notebooks will be due next week.  Here's the link to the Table of Contents for this Unit.

The Project-Based Assessment is to build a mousetrap powered car by March 31. Make sure that you have practiced with the materials provided and have read the rules and instructions completely.  We studied examples in class.

Acceleration Due to Gravity
We took some notes and did the graph analysis questions on text p.386, Math: Analyzing Data on Free Fall.

Newton's 3rd Law: Lots of discussion and practice problems were completed in class.   Please review the sheet titled, Newton's 3rd Law and Which Law? ( both sides)

  Momentum
We took some notes from text and did some practices problems.  I highly recommend using the online active art for this on text p.398.  Go to www.PHschool.com and enter the web code, cgp-3024 to really explore the mathematical patterns and the formula we used to solve our momentum problems.

The study guide was passed out in class today, Wednesday.

Since I won't be here for the rest of the week, please do your best to be kind, courteous, and helpful.  The test is on Thursday.  I will have the formulas available for you.  Friday, make sure your notebook is organized.  Bring text and books to class.   There will be space videos to watch.  Be good!

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Newton's 2nd Law

We watched more Eureka Videos, Such as Acceleration part 1 .  Together, we used the equation F= m x A to solve some problems on the sheet titled, To the Finish Line. Nezt, we accelerated masses in the Car Crash Lab.  Homework tonight is Newton's 2nd Law: Acceleration free body diagrams and practice problems.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Newton's Law of Inertia

We watched some Eureka videos on You Tube: Inertia, Mass, Acceleration part 1 and 2, and Mass & Weight.  After discussing these ideas and making some notes in our notebook, we applied these ideas to some "magic tricks."   

Explain the motion of the objects in your "trick" using Newton's First Law.

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Forces

Due Today: Physics Math Homework Sheet
We had review problems on speed and acceleration.

Today's lesson objective was for students to identify the forces that result in the motion of various objects.  We took Cornell Style notes and tried some practice problems on free -body diagrams.
Please follow up by reviewing the chapter in the text titled, The Nature of Force. Complete the review sheet handed out in class.

Monday, March 2, 2015

Acceleration Review

We reviewed some basic physics math and solved some word problems, using our formulas for speed, average speed, and acceleration.  We organized our notebooks a little bit today and watcheda bit of a video from Discovery, The Physics of Rollercoasters. We will finish it up tomorrow and design a lab around the question,  "How Do Loops Affect Speed?"

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Intro. To Physics

Why would anyone want to learn physics?
Watch Travis Patrana fly a car to help you generate a few answers to that question!  
Here's the link to learn about some of the people who helped him and have mastered some physics to do so...the important part is the last 30 seconds.

Every object that moves in space, whether you are kicking a soccer ball, shooting a basketball, or taking a walk, can be described mathematically in physics.  We'll be using math as a tool to describe the motion of of objects.  We'll also be ooking at the patterns of these motions and using graphs to make predictions.  So, let's get started today by calculating the various speeds at which you walk!


Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Polymers of Life

Due Today: Carbon Compounds Chemistry Identification worksheets- Carbohydrates and Proteins

We have been using the structural formulas of carbohydrates and amino acids to write the molecular formulas, analyzing them and looking for patterns.  We connected this to our investigation of polymers, applying our understanding of chemistry to the polymers of life.

Check out the role of ribosomes, dna, and rna in  protein synthesis.
We will be running a simulation in class tomorrow.

Friday, January 23, 2015

Carbon Models

We have been building carbon compounds with modeling sets and analyzing the structure of various organic compounds. 

Organize your notebook as follows

  •  Naming sheet on p.148
  • Learning Objectives and Background notes on p.149

You will turn in your lab sheets and the conclusion as a stapled packet at the end of class on Monday.  
Bring your textbooks to class on Monday and Tuesday.  

You may start on the assignment in class:
Complete Workbook p. 141-144 and 146-148


Learning Objectives
Students will :

  • use carbon as the basis for many types of compounds constructed with modelling sets.
  • draw and interpret different representations of the carbon compounds they build (i.e. the molecular formula, structural formula, condensed formula, line formula)
  • relate the 30-dimensional shapes and the types of bonds in a molecule
  • recognize, draw, and build isomers of a given compound (butane)
Hopefully, this will help build your understanding of hydrocarbons before you read about them in your book!  The article summary on Hydrogen Fuels will be reviewed next week, when I return to the classroom.  Behave;)  If you finish early, try building carbon dioxide, glucose, or more isomers of butane.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Setting Goals

How does setting goals promote success?


We discussed our goals and made plans for a successful second semester.  

The second half of 8th grade science we will explore the chemistry of life, light and sound energy, forces and motion, especially Newton's Laws of Motion, and relate all of this to our understanding of the universe.  So, to get this semester started today, we watched part of COSMOS: a Space Odyssey  Episode 6 and took notes.  We'll finish it tomorrow.

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Messing with Mixtures Labs

Due Today:
Cornell Notes on Solutions and Solubility
Lab: Messing with Mixtures

What Happened in Class Today:
We completed our Cornell notes on Solutions and Solubility from the text (p.256-267), and after some discussion, we applied our knowledge to the lab stations to explain how to identify colloids, suspensions, solutions, and mixtures.  

The Tasty Solutions activity resulted in a great discussion about two major factors that affect rate of solubility: particle size, and molecular motion! 




Monday, January 5, 2015

Happy New Year!

Today we are grading the Matter Unit Tests together.  No late work is accepted after Jan. 7, 2015 so come see me on Tuesday if you need to retake quizzes or turn in make-up work.

class work
Warm-up: On p.130 in your notebook, Separating Mixtures and Solutions, explain how you would separate each substance from the others in the jar.

1. Examine the mixture in the jar. Diagram it, using color in a meaningful way.
2. Make an organized list of the contents and their properties that would help you separate the items without touching the individual substances!
3. Write your step-bystep procedures for separating substances.