Dec. 20, 2012

Update on last week - Bethel College contacted us about using some of last week's post on their Facebook page. You might want to check it out.

Another week is almost gone. We have spent Mon-Wed. reviewing for the Chemistry Content Test which the students are taking today. I have it on my Moodle page and several students have commented that it is the first time to take an assessment using a computer in a Science class. 

 The students will get plenty of computer time in Science when we return from break, as we will be doing a research project for the State of Kansas Technology Assessment. The students will be researching one of the following topics - alternative energy sources; the environment; food, health & fitness; forces & motion; national security & safety (this topic was decided on in November); robotics; and technology.

Here's hoping that you have an enjoyable break with safe travels.
 

Dec. 14, 2012

It has been a busy week at PHMS. The band went to BHS on Monday morning for a workshop. We had combined chorus rehearsals three days this week with one at Memorial Hall where the performance was on Thursday evening. Math contest was on Wednesday and we did well winning several medals. Today the Cougar Singers are on tour and the Ag classes are judging cattle at the fair grounds. 

On Tuesday, Gary Histand, the Chemistry instructor from Bethel College, and three of his students came to class and did a variety of chemistry demos. The students enjoyed this greatly. On Wednesday we had a lot of "How did they do ....?" questions which reviewed a large amount of material we had covered in class this year. But because it was in a different format it had the students thinking. Speaking of what we've covered in class, we will be having the chemistry content test on Thursday, Dec. 20. The students already have the study guide for this. If you want you can get a copy by clicking here.

Here are some pictures from Tuesday, when Bethel gave the demonstrations.

Setting the "mood" for science.

"How did he do that?"

This was a "blast."

Let's see what happens when you add clear liquids.....

.... t becomes yellow ....

...then blue!

Water in two cups ...

put it over your head and move the CD ....

A valve, a balloon, ....

add a second balloon, then .....

Heating a penny.

This is one LARGE molecule!

Halfway point of turning a penny into a gold coin.

Waiting to see what happens next.

Elephant toothpaste.

Dec. 7, 2012

This week has been pretty quite, as we have been reviewing material for today's test over bonding and reactions (see last week's post for some learning activities.) 

We also had a fund raiser/spirit week going for "Pennies for Patients." We had PJ day (I wore my fuzzy robe), Super Hero day (I came as "Super Mom" complete with baby and the all inclusive purse), Hat day (one for every hour - the student's favorite was the "Krispie Kreme" during lunch), College Team day (go K-State!), and Teacher day (do/did you have one of these). The students met the goal!! so we'll be having an assembly next week for some teachers to get some pie (not in the sky but the face!) 

We have an activity filled week coming up. We have the Band going to the Dallas Brass Workshop at BHS, combined chorus rehearsals and an all day rehearsal for the Vocal Concert, Math Contest, Cougar Singers Tour, and an Ag Contest.  And as a special treat in Science on Tuesday - Bethel College will be sharing Chemistry demos in class. I'm told it is the most popular  convocation on the Bethel campus. I'll be sure the have photos next week. Until then, keep looking up - the last lunar mission was launched 40 years ago today. Click here to read an article about it.