New year, new rules

As we head toward 2012, I want you all to remember... there will be no more late passes.  Students wishing to turn in ANY assignment late must first serve a detention.  Nothing will be accepted more than one day late.  Any sort of replacement grade will more than likely be an essay - and this essay will have to be typed.  It is your responsibility to write down homework assignments in your agenda - homework is ALWAYS posted on the board.

Weekly study charts will continue, but I will alter the format so it only requires ONE signature from your parents.

If you would like to get a head start on this semester, we'll be studying hydrology (water), meteorology (weather) and astronomy (space).  Those are our major units!

Not forgotten :)

The blog is definitely not forgotten :)  I would love to hear about what each of you are doing over the two-week break.  Please post a comment and, as always, use proper spelling and grammar.

This morning I got up early and headed to the mall to meet my dad for last minute Christmas shopping.  I plan to read the second book in the Hunger Games series (and maybe the third, too!) while we're out.  Also, I am going to spend some time planning fun things for 2012!  What are you up to?  Anything science related?

Recycling Club Schoology access code

FCPPC-5WJ87

Something new!

Today I got an email about a really cool website students, parents, and teachers can use to stay updated.  It's free, made specifically for schools, and allows the privacy that I would like us to have on the blog, but can't easily get.  Even better, the website works and looks a lot like facebook, so it isn't something new to learn how to use.  Parents can even link their accounts with the student account, and I think it will help make sure everyone is using the site appropriately :)

Check it out.  It's called www.schoology.com

I have approval for anyone trying to join our class, so make sure I know who you are!  To join our class (Earth Science: PROBE) , the access code is 49QKJ-RDKST

To join the group, where we  can discuss things (6D Science) the access code is HM55G-RSXST

Give it a shot, share with your parents and friends on team, and we'll see how this works!

Sample paper for SF

Sample Final Paper

This isn't as complete as I would like it to be, but you should get the idea.  Make sure you reference the packet to know exactly what is included in each section.

No papers will be accepted after 4PM tomorrow.

All about Earthquakes!

stress pg 145	shearing pg 145	tension 145	compression 145
fault pg 146	strike-slip fault 146	normal fault 146	reverse fault 147
plate boundary own def and pic	transform 134	divergent 135	convergent 136
effect on earth's surface create own def and pic	earthquake 144	rift valley 135	mountains created: by faulting 148, by folding 149 and use def of folds

Plate Tectonics flaps

seismic waves, pressure, crust, mantle, lithosphere, asthenosphere, Pangaea, continental drift, mid-ocean ridge, sonar, subduction, divergent boundary, rift valley, transform boundary, deep-ocean trench, outer core, inner core, heat transfer, radiation, conduction, convection, density, convection current, fossil, Alfred Wegner, sea-floor spreading, plates, convergent boundary, scientific theory, plate tectonics, fault

Make sure you completed at least 10 flaps over the weekend.  Study chart is due Monday.

Properly documenting your resources

Go to this page to make your resources page for science fair!  Don't forget to keep your information up to date in your composition book, as well as sign and date each page!

Son of a Citation Machine

New online resource!

There is a new online resource you can access!  It's called Skills Tutor.  Every student in my class has an account.  You may login to practice your recall of knowledge and maybe even learn something new!  Here is how you get there...

1. Open a new webpage and visit www.myskillstutor.com
2. Type in your lunch number for the username and password
3.  Type in richards04 for the site ID

This may be incorporated for some of your study time on your weekly study chart!

Oobleck Videos

We made our own version of this in class today using only cornstarch and water.  When mixed, you get a substance very similar to Earth's mantle.  If you make this at home, make sure NOT to pour it down the drain and play outside to minimize any mess :)

Weekly Study Chart link

study chart

Some of the reasons I love Auburn so much :)

Some recent photos from class...

Peek-a-boo Poster info

1. Crust

• What is it made of?
• How thick is it?
• What is the average thickness?
• What are the two types of crust?  Where are they located?  What are they composed of?

2. Lithosphere

• Description (what are the components?)
• Where is it located?

3. Asthenosphere

• Description
• Where is it located?
• Describe temperature compared to the rest of the mantle

4. Mantle

• Temperature range
• Thickness
• List 3 parts of the mantle
• Composition of the mantle
• Where is it the hottest?  Why?
• Where is it the coolest?  Why?

5. Outer core

• Thickness
• Temperature range
• Composition (include state of matter)

6. Inner core

• Thickness
• Temperature range
• Composition (include state of matter and WHY it is this state)

**For each layer: is it rock or metal?  Molten or solid?  Use pages 110-113 in the textbook to help you with this**

New resources added!

Check out the resources page for two new items:

• Paleo and Eco study guide
• Science Fair packet

Remember... if you complete the study guide TONIGHT and miss <5 answers, you will receive 5 points extra credit on tomorrow's test!

Also, the question for science fair is due tomorrow.  See the packet if you have further questions!

Graphing for lab report

Students - I have received some requests for directions on how to do the computer based graph.  Please remember that I went over how to do this IN DETAIL in class, and that this is also for extra points.  Please understand that it is YOUR responsibility to pay attention when it comes to extra credit.  I will always post things that are necessary for your success in class, but you must also put in effort when in comes to extra credit.

I will not be posting step by step instructions on how to graph on the computer.  You may also turn in a hand-drawn graph, google directions, or ask a friend that WAS paying attention when I explained this in class :)

Sample Lab Report

Sample Lab Report

Fun review websites

Some favorites of mine:
Study Jams
BrainPop user name: richardsms1_teacher                  password: richardsms1


Some other sites I found thanks to google!
http://sciencereviewgames.com/srg/subjects/geol.php
http://sciencereviewgames.com/srg/subjects/es.php
http://kids.earth.nasa.gov/games/
http://www.surfnetkids.com/games/Science_Games/
http://www.surfnetkids.com/games/Science_Games/
http://reviewearthscience.com/pages/review-games.php
http://www.engagingscience.org/games/

Parents, do you sew?

Are you willing to donate a little time to the team for a sewing project?  And by sewing, I only mean straight lines :)  No couture ball gowns any time soon!  Please send me an email and let me know!  ashley_shaver@gwinnett.k12.ga.us

Half-Life lab analysis questions and conclusion

Analysis:
1. Approximately what fraction of chips was removed from the shoe box after each set of 5 shakes (half-life)?

2. How many times did you shake the box before only one chip remained?

3. If someone stopped you and counted only 12 chips remaining, could he or she have calculated the time (in # of shakes) you started the experiment?  Explain!

4. Imagine that the shoe box is a fossilized bone that contains 24 pug (picomicrogram) of Carbon-14.  When it was buried, it contained 100 pug of Carbon-14.  If the half-life of Carbon-14 is 5730 years, how old is the bone?  Show your work.

5. Based on what you learned in question 4, how many pug of Nitrogen-14 is in the bone?  How much did the bone start with?

Conclusion:

Was the hypothesis correct? 

How could you change this experiment to ensure more accurate results?

COMING SOON: Science Fair!

Starting Tuesday, we are going to dive deep into our preparation for science fair.  All students in the 6th grade are required to participate - which I think is great!  Science Fair is a great time for us to practice scientific inquiry and exercise our brains with weights like the scientific method!

We will spend Tuesday in the media center researching and getting ideas for projects.  The most important thing RIGHT NOW is that students go ahead and purchase composition books (for research) and display boards.  

• The school will be selling composition books for 50 cents!  I think the current going rate for a composition book in stores is around 79 cents to a dollar, so this is a deal!  
• The school will be selling display boards for the low low price of $3.00!  Based on my research, the same board is for sale at Office Depot for nearly $10!  Talk about a STEAL!
• You are welcome to purchase your own, but please be sure that your display board meets the following requirements:
• White (no other color - we are going for a professional look)
• size 36" x 48"

Please send cash only, and exact change is preferred :) More information about science fair will be sent home next week!  As always, let me know if you have questions!

For the week of October 3...

Today and tomorrow students are being released early from school to make time for parent conferences.  You should have received a letter either stating we would like you to come in due to concern, or to invite you to the munch and mingle.

Students are attending 1st and 2nd period today, and 3rd and 4th tomorrow.  Interim exams (midterms) are taking place Wednesday and Thursday and students will be on a block schedule those days.  The only homework this week in science is to STUDY for midterms.  The class with the greatest number of As on the midterm will receive a surprise from Ms. Shaver!

Thanks to ALL who came Saturday for the garden clean up.  It is BEAUTIFUL!  

Garden day - TOMORROW!

Don't forget - tomorrow is garden clean up day!  We will be at the school from 9am-1pm in the garden, located between purple and blue halls!  See you there!

Online textbook drama...

The textbook is working but apparently you can't go straight to the glossary.  Utilize chapter 9.  On the left hand bar, make sure you scroll over and can see the contents... at first glance it looks blank!

As always, your textbook is the BEST resource... but you can use the online textbook in a pinch!

Paleo Vocab Flaps:

fossil, relative age, index fossil, geologic time scale, law of superposition, uniformitarianism (wait... not in book), original horizontality (wait... not in book), extinction

Make sure you have:
front: drawing and word
back: boring book def. and 5-word-def.

Geologic History Foldable directions...

Your construction paper should be folded hot dog style.  Fold it hamburger style twice to make sure you have 4 flaps.  If you opened it up, it would look like our paper looks before we cut out vocab flaps (8 rectangles).

Cut the front piece so that you have 4 flaps on the front, and the back should be a solid piece.

On the front, put the rectangles that are numbered 1-4.  When you open up the foldable, sort of like on the back of the door, you put the ovals.  On the solid piece, you have the illustration.

On the back of the entire thing, you place the heading box and the big square that says the rules of the game.

Make sure to color everything.  All the things you are gluing are being glued down completely instead of flaps, since the construction paper is acting as the flap.

COLOR EVERYTHING.  If you feel confused and want some help, check out Chapter 9 in your textbook.  It has the same material that we are learning about.

As always, email me with questions (and don't wait until Sunday night!).  Have a GREAT weekend!

Rock Density Lab discussion questions and today's hw

Copy and answer questions in complete sentences.  This is part of the lab on pages 27-29 in your notebook.

1. Based on your data, are the densities of the rocks similar or different?
2. What evidence do you have to support you answer to question number one?
3. How do your results compare to your hypothesis?
4. We know that all rocks are made of _____________.  Do you think that the presence of minerals in the rocks affected the outcome of this lab?  Why or why not?
5. If you were to create a lab, how could you be sure the rocks have different densities?

Today's HW:
Literary Lawyers:

Make sure you are glued in, sideways waterfall style on page 31.  Your AG should be on top, followed by "Paleontology notes..." and then the page that is half full of text is last.

Start by completing the anticipation guide - are the statements true or false?  Then, move to the reading.  Start by boxing and numbering your paragraphs.  Then use red, blue, and green to go through and find the main ideas, supporting details, and specific examples.  We did this on the Rocks AG & Reading on page 19 on August 30.

Make sure you go back to your AG and write down where you found your evidence AND what that evidence is.  You need to be prepared for court tomorrow in class!

PLEASE email me if you have questions. :)  See you in COURT!

***Complete the lab for homework.  It will be collected tomorrow for a grade!***

HW 9/19

Be sure to create 8 flaps and glue in on page 30.  You will get the word list later :)

Test retake...

If you feel the need to retake your test, it must be done by this Friday.  Please let me know the day before you would like to come in so that I can be sure to have a copy of the test for you.  There will be NO retakes after Friday.

Recovery work

If you see "NHI" for a grade on the parent portal, it means you have NOT HANDED IN an assignment and have a zero.  Our test was Thursday, and all late work was due that day.  Several of you forgot late passes and forgot about missing work.  I am feeling generous, so I am offering a recovery assignment.

This assignment is for a top grade of 50 (which is much better than a zero).  It is due Monday at the beginning of the day.  I will not accept it any later.  To complete this assignment:

Complete the chapter 3 assessment, which is on pages 98 and 99 of your textbook.  Complete all questions - 1 through 28.  You might write the questions AND the answer.  Your answers must be in complete sentences for #6-23.  Questions 1-5 and 24-28 are multiple choice, so write the question as well as all answer choices.  Circle the answer choice.

If you are missing work, I urge you to take this opportunity to recover your grade.  This is the LAST CHANCE to recover any work.  A few of you have spoken with me and know that I have received your late work but have not had the chance to enter it into the grade book.  If you have any questions, email me (before Sunday night) and I will get back with you.

If you are not missing any work, enjoy the break from homework for the weekend. :)

Ms. Shaver's birthday! and some info :)

Thank you ALL for the cards, gifts, songs, surprises, birthday wishes.... you made my birthday EXTRA special.  It is honestly a day I will not forget.  Thanks for everything and being the fabulous students you all are.

If you are looking to get me a gift, here's what you can do... STUDY FOR TOMORROW'S TEST AND GET AN A ON IT!  That is the best gift any of you could EVER give me :)  You guys are wonderful and I love you so much!

A few reminders:

• Test over EVERYTHING SO FAR tomorrow
• Study/review session Thursday morning, 8:30 in my room
• If you took home a box to decorate for recycling club, please decorate it and return ASAP
• Recycling club meets 2nd and 4th Wed. of the month... but next week (9/23) we are having a special meeting
• Yearbooks are on sale!  Buy one before winter break for a discount of $5
• Champion tshirts on sale until September 30.  $15, checks to RMS.  They are very stylish :)
• ASK FOR HELP IF YOU NEED IT!  I am happy to come in early to work with you one-on-one to get you up to speed.  It's SMART to ask questions!
• All late work is due tomorrow and will not be accepted after.  You must have a late work pass signed by a parent.  Check the resources page for a late pass if you don't have one.
• EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY: Complete entire study guide, complete sentences, either on the back or a separate piece of paper for 10 points on your test tomorrow.  All or nothing.

Discussion Questions from HP bean lab:

1. In your own words, what is a dichotomous key?
2. How can you transfer what you learned to our study of rocks?  Can we use dichotomous keys to sort rocks?
3. Look at the pattern of wording in each line.  Try writing your own set.  (About rocks, 1a and 1b)

Become a Follower (in a good way!)

If you frequently use this blog (and I hope you do), please create a google account and "follow" the blog.  Several of you look at it and comment, but it would be a huge help to see how many people are actually following and keeping up with this :)  Spread the word to your classmates and parents!

Harry Potter and the Dichotomous Key!

Today's activity is inspired by a scene from the first novel chronicling the adventures of Harry Potter and his friends.  Here is a scene from the first movie, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone:



Students are introduced to the idea of a dichotomous key by using it to sort Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans.  This is the accelerated content standard from our rocks and minerals unit.

In your own words, what is a dichotmous key?  What is it used for?

How can you apply what you learned in this activity to sort rocks?  Try writing a set of options, or a dichotomy, to VISIBLY sort rocks.

If you are looking to donate school supplies to the classroom...

For your waterfall...

Here are important terms that are NOT currently in your textbook or notebook.  Remember to create your OWN 5-word definition (no more, no less) for each term.

crystal structure:  the way a mineral is built, with the crystal prism pattern repeating throughout
lithification: the process in which sediments compact under pressure, expel fluids, and gradually become a solid rock
metamorphism: the solid state recrystallization of pre-existing rocks due to changes in physical and chemical conditions: primarily heat and pressure
mineral formation: the process of reating a mineral, either through dissolved materials in a solution or melted materials in magma.  Crystallization occurs to form minerals.
molten rock: a mixture of melted rock, solid mineral crystals, and dissolved gases
rock composition: all of the components that make up a rock, which may include minerals and other materials, some of which may include soil and decaying organic material

Rock slideshow from class

Which rocks are fine-grained?  Coarse-grained?  Can you differentiate between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks?  Which metamorphic rocks are foliated?  See if you can describe the texture of the different rocks.  Which rocks look like they are sedimentary?

To view the pictures on the flikr website and read the comments about rock types, names of rocks, and the mineral composition, click HERE

How to access the online textbook

Go to:  http://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com/

username: richardsms
password: gwinnett

This is case sensitive - everything should be lowercase!

Videos Galore!

Holy cow - so many videos to share!

Words for Vocab waterfall

cementation, chemical, clastic, compaction, crystal structure, deposition, erosion, extrusive, foliated, grains, igneous, intrusive, lava, lithification, magma, metamorphic,metamorphism, mineral, mineral formation, molten rock, organic, rock composition, sediment, sedimentary, silica, texture, the rock cycle, weathering

A few pointers for those projects...

20 point options:

• Flip book: at least 5 flaps and a cover
• Crossword puzzle:  at least 15 words/clues.  Use http://www.puzzle-maker.com/ or another puzzle maker

50 point options:

• Journal: 5 paragraph min
• Scrapbook: 7 pages min
• News report: 5 Ws (who, what, when, where, why) and How, plus 4 other Qs for a 10Q min
• Rap/song: hook, chorus, 3 verses

80 point options:

• Board game: directions, game pieces, any other accessories (cards, dice, etc.), game board should be sturdy (on a poster or stronger) and in color
• Play: min 3 characters, 3 acts, 3 pages, include stage directions.

ALL things should either be TYPED (Times New Roman size 12) OR in cursive.

If you have lost the project page, it is on the resources page.  This is due Tuesday, September 13.

What type of rock will this be when it cools? Post your answer in a comment!

Sign up for our garden kickoff event!

...and get a FREE tshirt with participation!  The event is SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011.  9AM-1PM.

PLEASE SIGN UP ASAP TO ENSURE YOU HAVE A FREE TSHIRT RESERVED!

1. Go to http://www.handsonatlanta.org/

2. Scroll down.  On the right side under "Upcoming Events" click on Gwinnett Great Days of Service

3. Find "To see all opportunities for the special event click here" and click the button

4.  Scroll down and find "Richards Middle School" - there are two entries.  One for landscaping and one for carpentry.

5. Click "Richards Middle School"

6. Scroll down and click the green "Sign up" button.  You will need to create a FREE account and login to do this.

PLEASE sign up.  We need volunteers registered online in order to get any funding ($$$) for this project.  Parents, students, siblings, etc.... ALL are invited to come and help out in our community garden! :)

Wonder Wall.... AND updates!

Check out the resources page... there are several updates!

Need HW help?

Email me this weekend, or comment on the blog!  Your question might pertain to someone else!  Email: ashley_shaver@gwinnett.k12.ga.us

SM notes (to be used with foldable on pg 15)

What's the news?

We are starting to move into our study of rocks by beginning with minerals.  We will be finishing up scientific method stuff this week as well.  I am working on getting copies of what we are cutting and gluing online.  They are from a book I borrowed (and will be purchasing very soon), so I will have to scan in the documents.  If there are any emergencies, let me know!

Here are some pictures from class today - we were finishing up our scientific method posters.  Students started with a set of cards.  They worked together to determine the order of the steps and then created a poster with the steps, as well as reasoning why each step was where it was.  The class then voted on the best poster and that group received a prize!

DEALS!

Parents and Students-

I am out of my 10 cent composition books (I was able to get 22 before the start of the year... and I bought out the store!).  BUT there is good news!  I just saw an ad on TV for Walmart - they have composition books for 40 cents, and a 12 pack of Crayola colored pencils for 97 cents.  Get these deals while they last if you still have some shopping to do!

When we get to astronomy, you'll laugh!

Metric Mania!

We have been going crazy studying the Metric System this week. Students now have an in depth knowledge about using metric lab tools and how to convert units. We finished notes today. The powerpoint is below.

Also, don't forget to check out the resources page if you are missing anything from your notebook!

This week in science...

We have started studying lab safety and exploring lab equipment.  We are moving into metrics and the scientific method, and soon we'll be studying about rocks, minerals, and the rock cycle!

Here are a few pictures from our equipment exploration, where students practiced inquiry skills and discovered the names and uses of seven lab tools.

Pretest

Today and tomorrow we have a block schedule.  Students are completing the pretest.  Different classes are currently in different places, but hopefully all will have notebooks set up by the end of the week, as well as had an introductory experience with lab safety and lab equipment!

Syllabus

Click HERE if you would like to see the syllabus.  It will be going home later this week.

What is YOUR life in science?

Today I welcomed 2nd, 3rd, and 4th periods to science!  We talked a LOT about procedures (like SLANT, Do Nows, and using just a dabba dabba glue!) and got our first assignment.  Students are to create a time line about their own lives relating to science.  I have requested 10 events with 10 captions - all in complete sentences - but this is a BARE MINIMUM.

Keep in mind that champions go above and beyond the minimum, and to expect an A, extra effort is required.  Students were each given a piece of paper to use to complete this, but other forms are acceptable as well, as long as it is not smaller.  I made it very clear to the students that I am going to push them to be their VERY BEST this year and that I know they are all capable!

The assignment should be colorful and engaging.  I can't wait to see what the students produce.

Commenting on the blog

Make sure to create a FREE Google account to be able to comment on this blog.  Having a Google account has all sorts of great advantages.  Go to www.google.com and select "create an account" to get started!

First Day!

What a great day!  My homeroom is without a doubt the VERY BEST at RMS this year!  I have a fabulous batch of excited students.  While going over the student handbook wasn't exactly exciting, my students all made sure to TRACK and get through it!  Way to go!  So proud of you guys already!

We ended our day with a little classmate bingo game - and I found it online here.  I went under "people bingo" and chose the "student search" assignment - I modified it, but only slightly.  We had a great time!  I also played the song "She blinded me with science" while we mingled... which I downloaded from iTunes while getting ready for school!

Enjoy some pictures from day one!

PEPPERS!

School Supply Tip!

Staples has composition books (which you will need for science) for 10 cents until Wednesday!  Make sure to check out their weekly ad - which you can see online.  The sales at Staples run from Sunday through Wednesday.

I checked out the Office Depot sale today, but their composition books are currently $1 each.  Here is a list of supplies to be on the lookout for...

• Composition book
• Elmer's School Glue (the liquid kind - NOT sticks!)
• Something you like to color with - markers (NOT permanent), crayons, or colored pencils
• Colored pencils are in my opinion, the best option :)
• #2 Pencils (and either lead to refill or a handheld, shaving-catching sharpener)
• School scissors

Those are the essentials to get by in my class - you will use most of those EVERY DAY in class.  It's always good to have other things like looseleaf paper, post-it notes, index cards, and a folder for homework.  The school will provide agenda books to write down assignments AND it will be used for a hall pass.

Pens are a no-no in my class - scientists ALWAYS use pencil, because when they are in the field making observations and collecting data, pages damaged by rain or water will maintain writing in pencil, but not ink.

Space Shuttle Launch!

Welcome to 6th grade!

Welcome new students and parents! Sixth grade is a year of exciting new things - middle school, changing classes, lots of teachers, lockers, and a real emphasis on SCIENCE! I am so excited to work with each of you and know we will have a successful year!

Students, you can help by preparing for class every day and making sure to check in on the blog. Parents, you can help by checking the blog as well! The blog is the place to find everything you need to know! I will use it to post what we are doing in class, from notes or worksheets to projects and pictures. I will also share cool things going on in the science world, as well as at RMS and around Lawrenceville!

By posting to this blog, you can communicate questions, thoughts, or comments to me directly, as well as for others to see. In order to post, just create a FREE Google account if you don't have one already. Google accounts give you access to great things like Gmail, Google Docs (which is like Microsoft Office), and more! Also, by posting from a Google account, I will know who you are.

I'm looking forward to starting the new year with all of you!

Ms. Shaver

Find our class on Facebook!

Look for the page "Ms. Shaver's Class and Garden" to keep updated on everything over the summer! Make sure you "Like" it and tell your friends! There is a page here on the blog called facebook where you can like the page!

Rocks, Minerals, and the Rock Cycle!

Summer Garden!

Are you interested in helping out with the garden over the summer?  Email me with your phone number and I'll get a group together.  Email me at ashley_shaver@gwinnett.k12.ga.us

GYSD!

Check out our project posted on the GYSD site!  http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/6492/p/salsa/event/common/public/?key=30570

Vocab week 3

1. inorganic
2. streak
3. luster
4. density
5. cleavage
6. fracture
7. mineral
8. magma
9. lava
10. solution
11. vein

Vocab words week 2

1. phase
2. eclipse
3. solar eclipse
4. umbra
5. penumbra
6. lunar eclipse
7. tide
8. gravity
9. geocentric
10. heliocentric
11. ellipse
12. inertia
13. terrestrial planet
14. retrograde rotation

Phases of the Moon!

Yesterday we started learning about the phases of the moon.  There is a LOT to learn about something so much smaller than the Earth!  Below find links to the powerpoint of notes, the notes pages, and the cut and paste activity that is homework TONIGHT!  Don't forget that tomorrow we are having a vocab quiz and a flashcard check!



SPACE TIME!

I'm so excited that it is finally the 4th quarter!  A fresh start, a new grading period, and one of my FAVORITE topics of earth science: SPACE!

We are going to start having weekly vocabulary quizzes to help be sure that we're learning the words we are using in class.  This week we have 10 words.  Tonight, you need to be making flashcards.  The words are:

1. astronomy
2. axis
3. rotation
4. revolution
5. orbit
6. latitude
7. equinox
8. solstice
9. vernal equinox
10. autumnal equinox

Also, we looked at a powerpoint today.  There weren't any guided notes.  Most of this was review, but it's still good to have:

Super Moon TONIGHT!

If you have the chance tonight, go outside and check out the moon!  It is going to be the closest it has been to Earth in 20 YEARS!!!!!

http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/03/18/nasa.moon/index.html?hpt=Sbin

Interim 3 Study Guide

Here's a study guide for Interim 3.  Just click the icon above to be taken to a PDF of the study guide.  Our Interims will be Tuesday (1st and 2nd) and Wednesday (3rd and 4th).  Thursday, we'll take our meteorology test.

The rest of the week

This week we finished talking about local winds, studied global winds, and began learning about air masses and fronts.  See the following documents to learn more!

Air masses and fronts follow-notes

Air masses and fronts powerpoint

Global Winds Power point



whoops!

There is an error with the link for the wind documents I posted.  I will fix this from home ASAP!  I'll post again when all is working correctly.  Thank you for your patience.

Wind!

Click on the icon of "WIND" to open a PDF of the powerpoint.  All the cool animations are gone, but at least all the information is there!  Click HERE to download the notes page that goes with it!

Don't forget - the Chapter 15 and 16 vocab project is due FRIDAY.

We will have a vocab quiz THURSDAY over the words from Ch 15 and 16.

this week...

Tuesday we continued talking about wind.  I have been trying to post the powerpoint but I am having issues with the formatting, so please be patient.

Wednesday, the students spent the entire class period working on their Ch 15 and 16 vocab projects.  They are due Friday, March 4th.

Thursday we spent another day in the media center working on our Black History Month projects.  They are turning out nicely.  Several students completed them today (they were due at the end of class), but I gave the option to finish at home tonight for a 5 point penalty.

There are only a few weeks left in this term... it's hard to believe this school year is FLYING by!

Class notes - Monday

Today we spent the day in the media center.  We are doing a project on African American scientists to celebrate Black History Month, as well as work on our research skills.

Also - I found a COOL website to help you make flashcards!  Check it out here! 

Click on the icons below to open the document and either download or print!

Chapter 15 & 16 Vocab Project

African-American Scientist Project

Science Occupations List

The African American scientist project is due Thursday at the end of class.  In order to work at home and properly research, follow these directions provided by Mrs. Escobar:

Go to the Internet

Go to the Gwinnett Co Public School Page- www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us

Scroll to the bottom of the page

Click on "Library Media Center Programs"

Then, on the left-hand side of the page click on "Online Research Library"

Click on "Middle"

Use this log-in to access the page:

Username: gwinnett

Password: stu45dent

 

An update!

My goal is to start using this page more frequently.  Please check back often for what we do in class and for extra resources.

TODAY'S ASSIGNMENT:

https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1DCM4mtxGvqf5p41iFQKe7ZT7J8uO4-ixleAqjUvuUZA

Thursday's Learning Profile:

Click here to take a quiz and learn about the way YOU learn!

No HW = SLWB

Monday Jan. 4 - Read chapter 11, section 1 (pgs 360-366). Answer questions 1-5 on pg 366. Write both questions and answers. Failure to turn in HW will result in SLWB (silent lunch working brunch).

FIELD TRIP MONEY DUE FRIDAY! We need chaperones!!!!!


Field trip information: We are going to the Tellus Science Museum on February 14, 2011. The cost for the field trip is $15 per student. Students are welcome to make installement payments. ALL money is due no later than January 7 .