Science News 02/09 -02/13

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No blogs this week!

5th Grade: Matter and its properties

• MS-PS1-1. Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures. 
• MS-PS1-3. Gather and make sense of information to describe that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impact society. 
• MS-PS1-4. Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed.

We are in the final stages of our Matter unit. This week you will develop an Element baby book. Show your creativity and have fun. You have worked hard during this unit; it is time to put your knowledge to work.

BirdBrainScience reading: "IT'S NOT MAGIC . . . IT'S JUST A PHASE"

6th Grade: River Studies 

• MS-ESS2-1. Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth's materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.
• MS-ESS2-2. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth's surface at varying time and spatial scales.

It's filming week. You should have all your information, your model and your script ready. You will begin presentations of your documentaries on Friday.
BirdBrainScience reading: "BREAK SOMETHING, BUILD SOMETHING ELSE"

7th Grade: Genetics

• MS-LS3-1.   Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and function of the organism.
• MS-LS3-2.   Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic information and sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation.

Are you ready to discuss your topic? In order to be able to vote on a specific aspect of genetics for your final project, you should have all your information by Monday. After the vote, each team will step up to develop their own persuasive presentation. It's all about those 21 century skills of communication and collaboration.
BirdBrainScience reading: "GREGOR MENDEL"

8th Grade: Forces and Motion

• For any pair of interacting objects, the force exerted by the first object on the second object is equal in strength to the force that the second object exerts on the first, but in the opposite direction (Newton’s third law). (MS-PS2-1)
• The motion of an object is determined by the sum of the forces acting on it; if the total force on the object is not zero, its motion will change. The greater the mass of the object, the greater the force needed to achieve the same change in motion. For any given object, a larger force causes a larger change in motion. (MS-PS2-2)

The motion and forces unit begins with the study of just how do we know that something is in motion. Who determines that, and what is the difference between distance and displacement, are just some of the questions you will be able to answer before the week is done.
BirdBrainScience reading: "WHERE ARE YOU GOING?"

New Websites and Practice Opportunities

As a way to provide opportunities for all students to practice what they have learned, as well as obtain materials to enrich the curriculum, I have given access to all students to a couple of new websites.

BirdBrainScience: Students will receive one reading assignment a week. These articles are directly tied to what is going on in class or to concepts that students might need to review. Each article has a quiz assigned, and the objective is that the student attempts the reading and quiz as many times as he/she needs until they score 100% on the quiz. The readings are assigned on Monday/Tuesday and the "final score" obtained by Friday at 2:30 is what will be reported on schoolloop.

NewsELA: These are current events articles, that have been modified to different reading levels. Great source for students doing article blogs. Most of these articles also have a quiz. I am offering 1 extra credit point for each quiz passed at 100%. These will be tallied at the end of the term, and added to whichever project the students are working on. If you are a member of 5A, you will receive your class code on Wednesday, February 4th.

Zondle; This is only open for 5th and 8th graders. This is a site for practicing CST-like questions that motivates the students to take the quizzes by attaching them to minigames. I have created a variety of question sets for the students in these two grades. Since it is about practicing, I have offered 5 extra credit points for each topic where the student averages 100% in three consecutive tries. Why three attempts? Well, because this is the data the site provides for me. If you are a member of 5A, you will receive your class code on Wednesday, February 4th.

Science News 02/02 - 02/06

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I am now using two different websites to increase science literacy. Every class will have at least one BirdBrain Science reading assignment a week. The score on the quiz will go in the gradebook. NewsELA will be used for interest readings. Every NewsELA quiz score of 100% will give one EC point at the end of the term. 

5th Grade: Matter and its properties

• MS-PS1-1. Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures. 
• MS-PS1-3. Gather and make sense of information to describe that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impact society. 
• MS-PS1-4. Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed.

We are done with our background research on Matter. We now know what matter is made of, what is the difference between a compound and a mixture, and even how to separate mixtures. We will move on to opening the Mystery Boxes and begin developing our Element baby books. The baby books are due February 12.
ZONDLE Extra Credit Opportunity: Students that create a zondle account this weekend (head over to Edmodo to see the class code), and start studying will receive 5 EC points for each topic mastered at 100%.

6th Grade: River Studies 

• MS-ESS2-1. Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth's materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.
• MS-ESS2-2. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth's surface at varying time and spatial scales.

Most of you have moved on to building the model of your river. Yay! If you have not, you should consider stepping up the pace. By the end of this week, I should be able to see the scripts/storyboards for your documentary. We will begin the presentations for your documentaries on February 12.

7th Grade: Genetics

• MS-LS3-1.   Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and function of the organism.
• MS-LS3-2.   Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic information and sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation.

One last lesson on Epigenetics before we move on to our EOU project. You will have an opportunity to decide on an aspect of genetics to focus on, and become the expert for your group. This will be your research week.

8th Grade: Chemistry-Bonding

 

• MS-PS1-2 Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred. 
• MS-PS1-4. Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed. 

You are finishing up your chemistry projects. Chemical Spill Newscasts and Chemistry for dummies books have to be ready by Friday, February 6th (Due date). Come prepared with props and whatever you need to film as there will not be another opportunity to complete the project.
ZONDLE: Students that average 100% on the last three plays in any given topic earned 5 EC for each.
Zondle EC totals this week :
Valerie- 5
Chris- 35
Nick- 5
Kaitlyn- 40
Anthony- 10
Lauren A- 35
Carlo- 5
Antonio- 5
Trevor- 30
Anna- 15

Science News 01/26 - 01/30

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Congratulations to the following bloggers for being the first to achieve the rank of Magus:

2023: Oskar, Chris, Anthony, Valerie, Nick, Kaitlyn. 
2024: Samuel, Marie, Michelle, Vanessa.
2025: Sally, Jenny, Isabel and Herschel.

5th Grade: Matter and its properties

• MS-PS1-1. Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures. 
• MS-PS1-3. Gather and make sense of information to describe that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impact society. 
• MS-PS1-4. Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed.

After we finally discover the identity of the unknown crystal, we will start our Matter Project. This week will be all about the background research you need to determine what is in the Mystery Boxes discovered by the Matter Matters twins. Come prepared for a week of hard work. 

6th Grade: River Studies 

• MS-ESS2-1. Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth's materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.
• MS-ESS2-2. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth's surface at varying time and spatial scales.

We are at the River Studies project. You will decide on one river to study in depth and do the research necessary to develop a full blown presentation on it. Those of you that love building will have a chance to develop a model of the river of your choosing for your presentation.

7th Grade: Genetics

• MS-LS3-1.   Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and function of the organism.
• MS-LS3-2.   Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic information and sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation.

We will discover Punnett's work and practice identifying probability of traits with a family of rabbits in the Furry family activity. Just when we think we have this whole trait business figured out, we will turn everything we learned on its head as we add the concepts of incomplete dominance and sex-linked genes to our concept maps.

8th Grade: Chemistry-Bonding

 

• MS-PS1-2 Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred. 
• MS-PS1-4. Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed. 

This is acids and bases week. We are going to have some fun with the pH scale, doing the alien juice bar activity. Bring samples of household aqueous solutions to test on Thursday. Which is more acidic-  soda, lemon juice or vinegar? What are bases used for? You will determine this for yourself!

Science News 01/19-01/23

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I will be in a meeting all day on Tuesday, so you will all have guest teachers. Be aware that any work done while under the instruction of a guest teacher is worth double the XP.

5th Grade: Matter and its properties

• MS-PS1-1. Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures. 
• MS-PS1-3. Gather and make sense of information to describe that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impact society. 
• MS-PS1-4. Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed.

What is a crystal? Can there be differences in the way a crystal is crushed? How can properties of crystals be used to identify an unknown substance? These are the kinds of questions you will be answering this week as you hone your powers of observation in our Matter and its properties unit. 

6th Grade: River Studies 

• MS-ESS2-1. Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth's materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.
• MS-ESS2-2. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth's surface at varying time and spatial scales.

We will explore how dams and waste disposal affect rivers. We will also determine what causes more dramatic changes in the course of a river - age or slope. If we are diligent enough, we might even explore how wolves affect the course of a river!

7th Grade: Genetics

• MS-LS3-1.   Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and function of the organism.
• MS-LS3-2.   Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic information and sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation.

We will follow in Mendel's footsteps as we attempt to figure out dominance. Then we will use what we have learned to determine the traits of our very own Monster offspring as we figure out it's genotype and phenotype. Your creativity and drawing skills will be put to the test.

8th Grade: Chemistry-Bonding

 

• MS-PS1-2 Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred. 
• MS-PS1-4. Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed. 

We will learn about the transfer of energy during chemical reactions. Exo Endo, what's the diff? Reactants high, what's that? These are the kinds of questions you will be able to answer by the end of the week.

Science News 01/12 - 01/16

Blogs: The surprise requirement is now amended. Check the blog building of your class website to read these updated requirements

5th Grade: Matter and its properties

• MS-PS1-1. Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures. 
• MS-PS1-3. Gather and make sense of information to describe that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impact society. 
• MS-PS1-4. Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed.

We continue our explorations on the properties on M&Ms, by investigating "the line", and what happens to them at different temperatures and in different sugar solutions. We conclude the week by discussing states of matter and physical and chemical changes. Who knew there was so much you could do with M&M's. 

6th Grade: River Studies 

• MS-ESS2-1. Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth's materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.
• MS-ESS2-2. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth's surface at varying time and spatial scales.

We are cutting our own rivers this week! We will get to explore first hand just how all those river features were formed, including an ice age simulation. On wednesday don'y forget to come prepared for Genius Hour. We will conclude the week identifying the benefits and conflicts that arise from the use of rivers.

7th Grade: Genetics

• MS-LS3-1.   Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and function of the organism.
• MS-LS3-2.   Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic information and sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation.

We continue to Tour the Basics of Genetics to begin developing a huge concept map. We will do an inventory of traits, and use the data to create graphs. Finally we will follow in Mendel's footsteps as we figure out dominance for ourselves.

8th Grade: Chemistry-Bonding

• MS-PS1-1 Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.
• MS-PS1-2 Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred.
• MS-PS1-3. Gather and make sense of information to describe that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impact society.
• MS-PS1-4. Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed.
• MS-PS1-5. Develop and use a model to describe how the total number of atoms does not change in a chemical reaction and thus mass is conserved

We will put final touches on our Spill plans, and gather all the materials we need. After the spill, we will then learn about different types of chemical reactions and how they can be used to identify similar looking substances. You will challenge each other, creating different mixtures for other teams to analyze. Bring your cameras - there will be lots of things to document.

Thank you Trevor for the time-lapse of our work in the catalyst lab. Here are the results:

Science News - 01-05/01-09

Blogs: Check the Hall of Honor for your class. Several of you reached the article blog milestone!

5th Grade: Matter and its properties

• MS-PS1-1. Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures. 
• MS-PS1-3. Gather and make sense of information to describe that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impact society. 
• MS-PS1-4. Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed.

On Monday we will take a Mid-Year review test. Tuesday we will review the scientific method as we prepare for our chemistry unit. Wednesday we begin our explorations about matter in earnest, as we experiment the properties of M&Ms, race them and determine whether their colors collide or combine.

6th Grade: River Studies 

• MS-ESS2-1. Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth's materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.
• MS-ESS2-2. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth's surface at varying time and spatial scales.

We will finish the Erosion presentations on Monday. Tuesday we begin our river studies by exploring the San Joaquin delta. We will analyze a simple model river and work with sediments. This is one unit you will always remember.

7th Grade: Genetics

• MS-LS3-1.   Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and function of the organism.
• MS-LS3-2.   Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic information and sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation.

   

We are concluding the Human Body systems unit with presentations on Wednesday. Thursday we start our Genetics unit by "Touring the basics" and developing the beginning of our concept map for the unit.

8th Grade: Chemistry-Bonding

• MS-PS1-1 Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.
• MS-PS1-2 Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred.
• MS-PS1-3. Gather and make sense of information to describe that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impact society.
• MS-PS1-4. Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed.
• MS-PS1-5. Develop and use a model to describe how the total number of atoms does not change in a chemical reaction and thus mass is conserved

We will form precipitates and explore catalysts this week, as we learn about balancing equations. On Friday you have a Mid-Year Test. Make sure you study!