Water Cycle Assessment Graphs

If you are finishing the Water Cycle Assessment, click on the link below and it will take you to a copy of the document.  Page 2 has the charts and graphs you will need.  Thanks!

Assessment Link

Today in science we start the One Week Weather Challenge!

Below is the link with the information for the One Week Weather Challenge!  If you are gone, please continue your work on the daily activities.

Weather Resource Link

Climate Graph Example...Remember you are doing two cities so you will have two bars and two lines.  Questions?  Let me know!!!

Wild Things Assessment

L.EC.M.2 Relationships of Organisms- Two types of organisms may interact with one another in several ways: they may be in a producer/consumer, predator/ prey, or parasite/host relationship. Some organisms may scavenge or decompose another. Relationships may be competitive or mutually beneficial. Some species have become so adapted to each other that neither could survive without the other.


1.  Use the following resources to create a Lake Michigan Foodweb centered on the Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon Information

Fish
Birds
Land Plants
Aquatic Plants


2.  Add four invasive species to your Food Web.

Great Lakes Invasive Species


3.  Write Up:  What does the chinook salmon depend on for survival in Lake Michigan?  How do invasive species play into that

Paragraph One:  Explain the history of Chinook Salmon in Lake Michigan.
Paragraph Two:  Explain the survival interactions of the Chinook Salmon that are in Lake Michigan.  Talk about how invasive species may have impacted the population.
Paragraph Three:  Explain how we will keep the population stable in Lake Michigan in the future.
Paragraph Four:  Conclusion

Water Cycle

Here is the link to the water cycle lecture and information.

Water Cycle Lecture

The Water Cycle

This week we are studying the water cycle in science.  Students are learning vocabulary and creating stop animation films about the water cycle.

2nd Hour Teaching Guide

Below is the teaching guide for the Plant Lab we are running in second hour for life skills.
http://www.kidzone.ws/science/seeds.htm

The Wild Things Friday! (1st and 2nd Hours)

The document below will take you to the descriptions of the required elements for the competition.  Focus first on choosing an interesting organism and researching it.  Monday we will get deeper into the food webs.

Project Overview

Wednesday and Friday Class

We will be completing the Acid Base Lab.  We will also begin the Water Cycle Project.  Below is a link for an acid rain resource.  You may also google search on your own to create an infographic about acid rain.

Things to think about in your Infographic:
Who causes it?
How does it happen?
What exactly is it?
Where does it occur?
When does it happen?
Why does it happen?

Acid Rain Article

Monday!!!!

Today we are beginning a lab on pH.  Here is a link to the documents in color!


Before beginning the lab, take the test for color blindness.  Note, this is not an actual diagnosis, but may lead to one if you see your eye doctor.

Enchroma Website

Lab Handout

Artist Statement....

Today we are finishing our art work in Science.  We will begin writing our artist statement that goes with the piece.

Here is a link to the artist statement guidelines....

Artist Statement Instructions

Easter Island Case Study

We are starting the Easter Island Case Study!!!

Here is the link to the Case Study

Owl Pellets 1st and 2nd Hour

1.  Finish your bone reconstruction to your satisfaction.
2.  Mount it on a poster with a title and drawing of your live creature. (Google your creature)
3.  Add a picture of a Barn Owl.
4.  Post your poster...
5.  Complete the graphing activity on a separate piece of paper.

Graphing Activity


6.  Create a cool one minute or less video with your friends!

Human Consequences Project

Today we begin a project on human consequences.

Here is the link to the first case study.

So Long Lake Erie

Friday Science

Today we will be taking the quiz on chemical reactions.  Those that have already taken it or finish will complete their carbon footprint infographic.  The next step is to write a sustainability plan for your family.  The plan will consist of a goal or number of goals to reduce energy use or waste in the household.


Sustainability Challenge:

Using the information you gathered from your carbon footprint, develop a sustainability plan for your home.  Choose a goal or goals that would reduce waste or reduce energy use in the home.  Make sure you use the SMART Goal Writing Guide link below to help you.


Product:  Send an email to a family member outlining your SMART Goal for sustainability.  Show your email to Mr. Wandel before hitting send.

Smart Goal Guide

Infographic

Today we are creating infographics of our carbon footprint!  Below is an example of what an infographic is.  Make your own using your carbon footprint data.

Tuesday Science

Today in Science we begin to calculate our carbon footprint!  Use the link below to support your work.  Listed below is also a conversion chart for metrics.

Calculator Website

Metric Conversions


Here is a link for fuel economy conversions!

Fuel Conversion

First/Second Hour Owl Pellet Dissection

Here is a link to the lab part of the dissection!

Owl Pellet Lab Instructions

Bird Skeleton Diagram

Friday Class

Today we are finishing up lab reports.
For those that need an extension activity, this will help prepare for quizzes forthcoming...

https://sites.google.com/a/pcmonroe.k12.ia.us/mr-ballard-s-hs-science/counting-atoms-practice-quiz

Thursday Class

Today we will be doing an experiment to practice the scientific process and experimental design.  It is not graded but will be important practice for when students design their own experiment and are graded on it.

We are going to be creating sustainability plans.  Kids will be doing a carbon footprint research study at home.  They will use this data to create a sustainability plan to save money in your home.  Don't be surprised if they present it to you and ask for a commission on the cost savings!  Know that I have told them I support your decision to implement this plan or not implement it as well as your choice of whether or not to compensate them for their design and management of the plan.  You are their parent and your word is final!

Zoo Design Challenge

Here are links to support the zoo exhibit design challenge in first and second hour.

http://www.zoolex.org/zoolexcgi/gallery.py

http://www.clrdesign.com/

http://www.joncoedesign.com/trends/exhibit_trends.htm

This week in science...

Monday through Thursday this week we are taking an assessment on energy transfer, waves, and photosynthesis.  This includes a hands on lab test in which students are designing a thermos and measuring heat loss.  Later this week, we will begin looking at energy use and sustainability.

Tuesday Science and Beyond

Today we begin self paced learning of some content.  I will add to this post as we develop activities throughout the week.  Check back often if you are out of school.  If you are gone, complete the Web Activities listed as you are able.  It will help you when you get back to feel caught up quicker.

Mind Map Activity



Graphing Activity!

Instructions for calculating Axis Line Intervals:

1.  Calculate the Range of Your Data for the Axis.
2.  Subtract the Low Value from the High Value of Your Range.
3.  Divide the answer by the number of "tick" marks you want on the graph's axis to get interval.
4.  Start at lowest number.....Stop at Highest Number.......


Photosynthesis Mind Map Activity

Monday Science

Today we are making detailed Venn Diagrams centered around the following concepts.

Radiation
Convection
Conduction

We are using this link to begin our work.

http://www.pbslearningmedia.org/asset/lsps07_int_heattransfer/  NOT IPAD FRIENDLY

https://www.e-education.psu.edu/egee102/node/2053  IPAD FRIENDLIER

Definition Resource

Review

Another Resource

If you were not here today, please create a venn diagram on these concepts.

Wednesday Class

Today we are returning to the Snow Pack.  Today's objective will be to measure the density of the snowpack.  This will be essential in establishing the insulation value of the snow to determine if life can be supported in these areas.  Later in the week, we will connect this data with the radiation, conduction, and convection in regard to the sun and earth.

If you were not here you may want to complete this worksheet to help you understand the calculations.

Density Worksheet

Here is the handout from yesterday and the day before.  If you were not in school or did not participate, you will need to familiarize yourself with these concepts so you can participate in the connection portion later this week.

Survival in the Snow Pack Oerview  Data Sheet

Monday Science

Today we begin preparing to gather data in the snow tomorrow.  We will be investigating how energy from the sun impacts the snow layers outside.  We will also look at how conduction from the earth changes snow at the ground level.  I will have links later today that support this work!

PLEASE DRESS FOR THE WEATHER THIS WEEK!!!!!  HATS, GLOVES, COATS, BOOTS, SNOWPANTS.....The more the better!

Science Wed. and Thursday

Wednesday we had a shortened class period.  We did a short lab on vibrations as we prepare to expand our learning about waves to include convection and conduction.  After establishing this foundation we will connect this to the sun's energy!

Thursday we will be finishing our discussion on the vibrations lab.

Frequency and Pitch Worksheet

We will watch four short videos first to help us think about waves a little more.

Video I  Old School Sound Wave Video

Video II  Wavelength and Frequency Object Lesson

Video III  Cool things sound waves do.  

Video IV  Why we hate our voice.  

After this, we will be starting our lab on sound where we will construct straw flutes and strombones. We will use these musical instruments to learn more about frequency, pitch, wavelength, and amplitude!

February 5th and Beyond

Today we finished our murals on how the sun works.  Below is the article that covers the content.  If you were not here, take a look at it.  There will be plenty of murals for you to look at when you return.

Friday we are starting the Rock Star Solar Power Challenge.   Below you will find the handout.  You will also find the link to the data collection site we will be using.  Click on what you need!


How The Sun Works

Rockstar Solar Power Challenge Handout

Data Collection Site:  Live Access Server Link

Monday-Wednesday in Science

Today we are putting the finishing touches on our lab test from last week!   We will then begin a short inquiry to gain insight about nuclear energy and how that relates to energy from the sun.

Fission and Fusion are specific topics we will try to learn more about!  Have conversations about those to help gain understanding!

Here is the Link to the activity we are going to complete.

Understanding Nuclear Reactions

We are coming up on a gradebook deadline for the semester.  I will grade anything students submit up until the deadline!   While I don't go begging for students to hand in work, I will work with them up until the last possible second!  If they don't reach the deadline, we will work to cover a standard they felt they missed in the next semester if need be.  It is my goal to be fair, honest, and flexible with grading while still encouraging accountability.

This week in Science

We are finishing up our mystery powder lab that helps us to understand physical and chemical properties of compounds.  We will have a lab assessment later this week.  Below are a couple of links to help students understand the physical and chemical properties of substances.  These will be used in lab and also are great for review.



Physical Property Examples...Remember this includes shape and texture for our class too!

Chemical Properties of Matter

1st and 2nd Hour Tuesday

Tuesday Second Hour....Airplane Design Challenge

Instructions:

Each student will the following materials...

• Four Pieces of Paper
• Four Staples
• Three Drops of Glue....On their Honor....
• 3" of masking tape
• NO SCISSORS OR CUTTING!!!  torn paper is fine...
• Fold n' Fly Website

Students will design their two best airplanes.  They may choose to make the planes out of one or two pieces of paper.  Below are the rules and research article.  Have students pick up material after they have read this blog entry.  Students will design, create, and test in the room today.  Tomorrow they will be judged on distance as well as time in flight to determine the champion.  

Aerodynamics

What makes a paper airplane fly? Air — the stuff that's all around you. Hold your hand in front of your body with your palm facing sideways so that your thumb is on top and your pinkie is facing the floor. Swing your hand back and forth. Do you feel the air? Now turn your palm so it is parallel to the ground and swing it back and forth again, like you're slicing it through the air. You can still feel the air, but your hand is able to move through it more smoothly than when your hand was turned up at a right angle. How easily an airplane moves through the air, or its aerodynamics, is the first consideration in making an airplane fly for a long distance.

Drag and Gravity

Planes that push a lot of air, like your hand did when it was facing the side, are said to have a lot of "drag," or resistance, to moving through the air. If you want your plane to fly as far as possible, you want a plane with as little drag as possible. A second force that planes need to overcome is "gravity." You need to keep your plane's weight to a minimum to help fight against gravity's pull to the ground.

Thrust and Lift

"Thrust" and "lift" are two other forces that help your plane make a long flight. Thrust is the forward movement of the plane. The initial thrust comes from the muscles of the "pilot" as the paper airplane is launched. After this, paper airplanes are really gliders, converting altitude to forward motion. Lift comes when the air below the airplane wing is pushing up harder than the air above it is pushing down. It is this difference in pressure that enables the plane to fly. Pressure can be reduced on a wing's surface by making the air move over it more quickly. The wings of a plane are curved so that the air moves more quickly over the top of the wing, resulting in an upward push, or lift, on the wing.

The Four Forces in Balance

A long flight occurs when these four forces — drag, gravity, thrust, and lift — are balanced. Some planes (like darts) are meant to be thrown with a lot of force. Because darts don't have a lot of drag and lift, they depend on extra thrust to overcome gravity. Long distance fliers are often built with this same design. Planes that are built to spend a long time in the air usually have a lot of lift but little thrust. These planes fly a slow and gentle flight.

Monday Class

Today we did an experiment on surface tension to ease back into teamwork, the scientific process, and following procedures!

Penny Lab Handout

Update and Explanation of Grading From Mr. Wandel

Greetings!

A Family Update For The Wandels:

I hope everyone had an enjoyable time of rest over the Holidays.  We encountered some family health issues at the beginning of break but everyone has pulled through.  My wife's father was able to get an emergency surgery to clear the blockage in his heart and save his life.  He is out of the hospital and doing better while undergoing treatment.  My wife's grandmother has gotten over influenza and is now in a rehabilitation center to regain strength.  My wife was able to have the esophogeal obstruction cleared and is receiving ongoing treatment that will help that to not occur in the future!

Wow, a lot going on but we can't ask for better results right now.....


On to grading....

I came in today (Saturday) and graded everything I could find here in the classroom.  If your child has a 1(m) in the gradebook that means I have not located that assignment.  That may or many not impact the final grade as the grades are set to take the "Best of" from each standard rather than an average.

The missing assignment could be from....
1.  Not handed in or not done.
2.  Handed in without a name on it.
3.  Handed in but I cannot find it here in the room as it was misfiled.

When the students get back we will put everything into portfolios and sort out any work that is left without names or has been misfiled.  

Students may turn work in when they get it finished as they choose.  I am flexible on that but won't go begging for their work either.  Students and Parents are invited to log into Powerschool Gradebook to follow and maintain their work submission.

Looking Ahead....

When we return we will continue our study of how the sun's energy impacts living and non-living factors here on earth.  We will see quite a few standards coming into the grade book over the next three weeks.  Some of these will come from written assessments.  Some of these will come from traditional standard assessments (Quizzes).  Some of these will come from student projects.

Continue to check into the blog as I post all of the material for the class as well as the links to grading rubrics.

Enjoy the rest of Break and I will see you Monday!