The water barometer has been having a work out this week. On Wednesday, the water in the spout was below the reservoir indicating high pressure and fair weather coming. But today the water was dripping out of the spout, indicating low pressure and rainy weather coming. The Galileo thermometer was indicating cooler weather. This is one of the few times when four of the spheres have been at the top of the thermometer.
We started two learning activities this week. We are beginning the study of substances, specifically, elements. We started with the "greatest" discoveries in chemistry and Bill Nye. We created a foldable graphic organizer listing six of the atomic theories and their main ideas. Learning how theories have changed with changes in technology was emphasised. Speaking of technology, we started the State Technology Assessment this week.
Students will research a "science" topic of their interest and create a product showing what they have learned - all using technology. Mrs. Bowman, our librarian, will be helping with this project. Students will be working on this two days per week until Dec. 16. The rest of the time, it is class as usual. Today we were introduced to a "classic" song from Mrs. Poulseen's class. We sing this to the tune of the "Addams Family" Intro Theme song from the 1964 television show. There are two more verses but we aren't quite ready for them yet.
THE ATOM FAMILY SONG
(sub-atomic
particles = parts of the atom)
Protons are positive, (+ charge)
Neutrons are neutral, ( 0 charge)
Electrons are negative. (- charge)
The Atom family.
Chorus:
Dada da da, snap snap.
Dada da da, snap snap.
Dada da da,
Dada da da,
Dada da da, snap snap.
(neutral, stable or balanced atoms)
In atoms that are balanced, (neutral, no charge)
Electrons equal Protons, (+P = -e)
Neutrons are what’s left (AM –
AN = N)
when you do subtraction.
Chorus:
