News 02/29-03/04

Dates to Remember:

• End of Term 03/04. Last day to turn in anything for a regrade 03/02.
• Permission slips for 7/8 field trip to Stanford due 03/01.

Classroom News

Birdbrain is due on Friday by 2:30
Check the links to the new blog descriptions and rubrics on the right hand side of this page. 

Cumulative XP:

5^th Science - Castle

Minerals: We start our Rocks and minerals unit by exploring the rock cycle. We will then discover the forces of weathering and erosion so that we can finally visit some mines. This week you will learn about the physical and chemical properties of different minerals as you explore MasterMines.

6^th Science - Enchanted Forest

Ecodetectives You have now figured out that chlorine is harmful to fish and that there is something "fishy" about Ken Unballe. But is he the responsible for the fish kill? Wait until you gather more evidence as we discuss the effects of acid rain and sediment. You may very well change your mind...

^7th Science - Laboratory

Evolution. This week we will work on the forces that drive natural selection. What does survival of the fittest really mean? Should it perhaps be survival of the fit enough? How can a flea a turtle or bacteria be considered fittest? Maybe we should change our paradigms...

^8th Engineering - Website

You will continue your work on the YSC project. Now it is time to work on your plan and begin developing your idea in earnest. Remember you have to have a working prototype of your invention AND have a way to test it.