Physcial and Chemical

We are still working with Physical and Chemical Properties and Changes.

We did a lab where we calculated the density of 14 different items and then analyzed the densities from least to greatest. We discovered that plant based items were the least dense, then synthetics like nylon and PVC. Those were followed by minerals and the metals were the most dense.

Create a Density Tower

Here is a fun activity that you could do at home. Link to Steve Spangler Science to watch a video on how to make one.

We also worked with changes in states of matter, using water as the substance. This gave us practice in using thermometers, recording data, and analyzing that data. Next week we will try and discover the identity of  some white mystery powders using their physical and chemical properties.

Yes, you really do need to collect data.

What was that temperature?

How do we tell if it is boiling?

Look at the condensation!

 

Cha, cha, changes......

Some of the items used in class today.

 This week we've been studying physical and chemical characteristics/properties and physical and chemical changes.

My camera is on the fritz so I don't have any pictures of the students working to share. Sorry  :-(

But we've watch a video, had bubble races between rubbing alcohol and corn syrup, (Hint: the corn syrup has a greater viscosity so the bubble moves a lot slower), soured milk, dissolved clam shells and played with baby food jars filled with blue colored water and baby oil (they are mini-wave machines that demonstrate density and solubility.) We also took a few notes and calculated the density of various cubes and objects.

Hope to see you at Parent-Teacher Conferences on Monday, Oct. 7 and Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 5:00 to 8:30 PM

We are getting ready for our first test! Below is the study guide in case you need it. Good luck!

Name __________________________________ Hr. ______

Study Guide for First Test

Vocabulary: Write a short definition for each.

Purpose/Problem

Hypothesis

Experiment

Analysis

Conclusion

gram

meter

liter

Be able to identify the steps of the Scientific Method:

Testing the hypothesis, includes variables and materials is –

An educated guess as to what will occur -

Looking at data and observations then comparing and contrasting results, calculating % and averages, etc. –

Can be a written or oral report, where information is shared with others -

When you decide if your hypothesis was correct or not –

The reason for the investigation -

2 safety rules for each area:

eye protection:

heating safety:

electric safety:

chemical safety:

sharp objects:

animal:

hand:

clothing:


plant:

Grams, centimeters and liters.

How many mL are there?

This week we practiced with the equipment we will be using during labs this year. The hardest part was remembering to use labels! So far we've learned to be safe in the lab, how to use the equipment, and next week we will be looking at the Scientific Method. 

Make sure it starts where the ruler starts!

One more gram....

Also next week, we will have our first test of the year. Friday is the day that we will "show what we know" about the topics we've covered so far this year. So wish us luck. Mrs. Poulseen will send out a remind101 message on Thursday so we don't forget to study.

A new Science room is being constructed.

View of my classroom from the door.

View from the back corner.

We've began  new school year and I'm making my first post of the school year. 

As you can see, progress is being made on the building. The new science room is taking shape and other instructional rooms have been updated. Some hiccups occurred and have been settled. Hopefully, we learned from them so the move of the Science rooms will go smoothly next summer.

My classroom is slightly different from last year. I've staggered the tables and have one fewer table group. I have the same number of students but found I wasn't using the one group of tables very often. So I split them and put them at opposite sides of the room.

We've already done our first Gizmos of the year - Triple Beam Balance and Density Laboratory. The students can access these from any computer. So have them show you one.

Speaking of access, I'm trying something new this year, remind101. It is a text messaging system that allows me to send students a text without needing to know their phone numbers. I'll be sending out the first one on Sunday to remind them of pictures on Monday.

We learned about Safety this last week and will be moving on to the metric system on Monday. So look for examples of the metric system in your daily life.

New Technology

I'm going to use some new technology this year. I'll be starting with Remind101. It is a free and safe way for teachers to send text reminders to students and parents. It doesn't require either party to know the other party's phone number. I'll be showing students how to register during the first week of school. So parents be sure and ask your students how to get the same reminders they do. Remind101 is a free service for parents and students, but standard messaging rates apply.

Here is a YouTube video about Remind101

Enjoy your the last of your summer break!

End of Summer

 I'm sad to summer come to an end, but so excited to see what is in store for us this year. As you can see below, big things are happening at PHMS! Teachers will be starting on Aug. 23 to ensure that you have the best learning experience possible. I'll be in my classroom Aug. 29 and 30, so stop by and say "Hi!"

All pictures were taken from the PHMS Facebook page. Be sure and visit it.