Second Semester

It's here!! The second half of the school year.

Remember that there is no school on Monday because of Grading Day.

On Tuesday you will go to the gym to pick up your blue schedule. Look to see if any of your classes have changed. You will still be in my science class, but possible in a different period than when you have been attending.

You're half way through the year.  :)

Periodic Table

Students are fininsing their created Periodic Table. It is colored with eight different metal/ nonmetla "families" and four font colors representing the physical state. On a separate piece of paper, students are writing the full name of the element and its mass.

Next we will look for a pattern to help us be able to calculate how many protons, neutrons and electrons are found in each element.

For fun, listen to different vesions of songs listing the elements  plus one that lists them in order.

See! Learning is possible via music.  ;)

Go to the class homework page for the list to memorize. Remember. LOOK for patterns.. ;)

What?! Follow instructions? Really?

Yes, really!

Following instructions is very important. Instructions keep us safe and provide necessary information to build or repair.

Today you are going to present me with your procedural steps for "How To Make S'mores". If you have written very clean and highly detailed instructions, then you will be able to participate in today's lab.

Here's a template of what I am looking for:

Title

Objective: (What is the goal that will be accomplished)

Materials: (List quantities, brands, dimensions and the item)


How to assemble:

1. Some of the best instructions are written by sectioning the steps off in groupings.
2. Make sure to number each section.
3. Do not be stingy. Add as many sections as necessary so that your directions are complete and make sense.
4. Add pictures! Pictures can help to clarify what you are trying to express and can cross language barriers.

I'm looking forward to reading your directions.

Solar System

We are now studying the solar system. If you would like to see it in motion, there is a REALLY cool website by Bill Arnett called "Nine Planets". You can speed up the planetary rotations and within minutes what what would take a year or years to occur.

I am working on designing a fun activity for our spirals.

Stay tuned!

Wetlands

Our first trip to the wetlands was a success! We saw two kinds of birds that we do not normally see: Bufflehead and a Coot. There were some Seagulls visiting from the coast.

 

The smallest pond was completely frozen over, the middle pond had no ice at all and the largest pond was partially frozen.

We also found spider webs that were frozen. Yup! Frozen!!

In January, I will gather fresh samples of pond water to examine under microscopes.                                                                                                                                                

Chapter 2 Test: Cell Processes and Energy

Students will be taking a test Tuesday (12/13) regarding Chapter 2: Cell Processes and Energy. It will consist of our lab, hand outs, graphic organizer and reading.

Get plenty of sleep; eat a good breakfast and review your notes.

Good luck! You can do this.

School Delay or Closed?

If you were up early enough this morning,  you saw the ice and frost on the ground. This is the perfect time to review where to be looking, watching or what radio station to be listening to. The district will decide by 5:15 AM as to whether or not to delay or cancel school. Be ready!

Looking: District web-site   

• Click on the yellow highlighted phrase "EMERGENCY MESSAGES".

              News stations 

• KATU ch 2, 
• KOIN ch6 
• KGW ch 8 
• KPTV ch 12

               Radio:

• KBZY 1490 AM
• KPJC 1220 AM
• KEX 1190 AM
• KXL 750 AM
• KYKN 1430 AM
• KKRZ 100.3 FM
• KRSK 105.1 FM
• KOPB 91.5 FM
• KYCH 97.1 FM
• KSND 95.1 FM (Español)
• KMUZ 1230 AM (Español)
• KWBY 940 AM LaPantera (Español)
• KWIP 880 AM (Español)