Happy Trails! I'm back in school!

I hope that you have enjoyed your summer. Depending upon when you joined my science class, we have both had either a busy one, two or three school years, and I have honestly enjoyed having you in class.

For the school year 2014-15, I will be on a type of sabbatical in science lecture halls and labs. The summer has been everything from microbiology to national parks and finished off with hiking and rafting through the formation of Oregon. Yup! Geology to the max. SO AWESOME!

Keep learning about the world around you, like me. There is always something to learn, no matter what your age.


I wish you all the best as you enter high school! Remember to ask questions; stay after school for tutoring; connect with others in class for those "life line" moments; and most importantly, remember how your brain is wired. Just don't give up or give in. Once my student, always my student.

"In order to succeed, your desire for success

should be greater than your fear of failure."

Bill Cosby 

We are proud of you! Always do your best.

Mr. Law & Ms. Spellman

June 9, 2014 

Best wishes and I'll see you around town and at the football games. My eyes are forever on you, so do well.

Don't Forget! D-Day

D-Day

Don't forget those who's lives were pivotal in the success of D-Day.

 

Six Machines

While surfing around to find additional information for students, I came across an excellent website. It gives definitions, examples and picture graphics for each of the six machines.

Some of the best examples for simple machines can be viewed on the following YouTube link.

Rube Goldberg Contraptions

Students are currently working on their state work sample during class time. The goal is to use all six simple machines to build a complex machine that will ensure the final energy transfer is one ping pong ball (or wiffle ball) is launched into an object within 30 to 60 seconds.

Requirements:
1. One ping pong ball or wiffle ball is launched into an object.
2. The final energy transfer involves the ping pong or wiffle ball.
3. The contraption must be in constant motion for 30 to 60 seconds. No more or less.
4. The work sample packet must show the original blue print idea on one page and then the following page will show the final product.
5. Students will collect time data for at least five (5) trials and then present it in an appropriate manner for analysis in the final write up at the end of the unit.

Limitations:
1. Teams will consists of no more than six people.
2. Designs may NOT use food or liquids.
3. There are only two class for concurring with teams members about the design.
4. Teams will only have three days to build and test their designs.
5. Students will only have one day within which they may write their reflection analysis.

Review videos for ideas of what to build. Bring your supplies and be ready!!

< 4 Weeks To Go!

All science classes are finishing the second round of state testing. Make sure that you have your ear buds, eat breakfast and are ready to test. Do you best.

We will return to the classroom and begin working on our state work sample "Rube Goldberg Contraption". Soon, I will post the specifications for the designs. In the mean time, watch any of the videos that have been posted to our You Tube Channel or find some on your own. Start logging away ideas.

< 5 Weeks To Go!

Yes, there are 25 days left. What do your grades look like in your classes? Do you need to be staying after school in order to get help or work on missing assignments / tests?

Currently we are two weeks away from OAKS retakes for science. Make sure that you are rested, eat a good breakfast and that you have turned in your parent signature (only if you are required to return the form).

Reverse suspensions are taking effect. Choose wisely so that you don't find yourself missing out on the end of year activities: dance, field day, promotion night, talent show and being with your friends.

Take Home Quiz

Did you lose your take home quiz? Dog ate it? Little brother or sister threw it out the window while Mom was driving? No problem! We've got you covered. Just print out the attached picture of the take home quiz and then go to Mr. Law's webpage to review "Study Jams" videos that we watched in class.

This is due TUESDAY 4/29/14.  No excuses! You have a three day weekend.