"I Don't Think We're In Kansas Anymore!"

We have completed our lessons and activities on the history of the atomic model, particle movement during all four states of matter, and the different changes of states.  Now, it's time to talk about the matter PROPERTIES, CHANGES, and the LAW OF CONSERVATION OF MATTER.

Our Learning Targets This Week:
1. I can describe the difference between physical properties and chemical properties.

2. I can describe the difference between physical changes and chemical changes.
3. I can explain  and demonstrate an understanding of the Law of the Conservation of Matter.


The best way to understand these topics is to immerse ourselves in discussions, visual imagery, and interactive activities.  So we have whipped up a number of interesting things for students this week.  We are also going to connect many of the things we are talking about this week to the mini-labs we have been doing for the last couple of weeks.  Students will need to reflect back on those activities to help make new connections.

This week we will also work on organizing our Interactive Science Notebooks.  I have put together some pictures of what the first several pages should look like.

Our Interactive Science Notebook on PhotoPeach 

You've Got Mail!
The parents of two lucky students will receive a very special delivery this week.  I am keeping my eyes open for students who stand out among the crowd and SHOW WHAT THEY KNOW! Who will be the first two to receive this recognition? I guess we will have to wait and see!

Starting at the Beginning: The Atom

This week we will learn the basics about an atom as we try to understand particle movement and what actually causes this movement. Our topics include:

1. The History of the Atom
2. States of Matter
3. Changes of States

Please refer to the Weekly Agenda for the list of activities associated with these topics.  What we learn this week is the prerequisite knowledge for lessons, activities, and projects to come.  You may begin to notice a change in pace, which will require that students are going home and studying a bit more to maintain a firm handle on new knowledge.

And Here's Where Your Journey Begins

The world is really amazing and to think all that we can see around us is made up of one thing: atoms.  That's right! Over 100 elements--alone or in various combinations--make up everything we use, eat, and even take for granted.  When you go grocery shopping, have you ever taken a look at the nutrition label on the items in your cart?  Perhaps you've wondered about the materials used in a computer chip.  Why does a cold glass of lemonade look like it's sweating on a hot summer day? Maybe the fact that using a neodymium magnet to extract the iron from iron-fortified cereal seems gross, yet pretty cool at the same time! Then again maybe you're wondering how something so much smaller than the sharpened point of a pencil can be responsible for everything around you!

(c) M. Prince 2012

All matter (which has mass and takes up space) is made up of atoms.  Matter falls under four different states of matter and goes though energy processes in order to change from one state to the next.  Just like you and another person are different from one another so are atoms.  Each atom has unique qualities that set it apart from the next one.  Tee properties of each atom help us to identify matter.  For instance, if I asked you to describe  an ear of corn, how would you describe it? What about play doh? What makes an ear of corn and play different from each other?  

When we look at the nature of matter here are some things I want to you think about?

• How has the concept of matter shaped how we see our world and the things around us?
• How can I symbolically or physically represent models of atoms, compounds, particle movement, and the law of conservation of matter to understand the concept better?
• How can I describe the differences of matter according to mass, volume, shape, and particle arrangement?
• How do I know if a mixture is homogeneous or heterogeneous?
• How do I know if a substance is an element or a compound?
• How would I describe the Law of Conservation of Matter?

These are the things I want to you inquire about as we start are new unit on the nature of matter.  

Evaluating Prior Knowledge, Tapping into Math, and All Things In Between

This week is quite the week for reviewing old concepts before learning new ones.  However, before we even get ahead of ourselves we will start the week of with a pretest indicating our current knowledge levels.  Then we will review lab safety as this is one of the most important discussions that we have each year in science.  Then we will use the rest of the week to demonstrate how to measure, convert, and identify the accuracy and precision of our measurements.  

Lab Safety

(c) M. Prince 2012

This year is full of mini-labs, major labs, and cool projects.  Regardless of what we are doing in class, we need to make sure we are behaving in a responsible manner as junior scientists.  This means that safety is  our number one priority! We will participate in small groups discussing various lab safety situations and describe the rules and symbols that should have been followed during the course of the experiment. The lesson will end with everyone receiving their lab safety/permission form to be completed and returned by the scheduled deadline.

Measurements and Conversions

(c) M. Prince 2012

I know, I know, we are probably just cringing at the idea that there is a bit of math involved in physical science.  I can ensure you that the math we use in science this year is in its simplest form.  We will start of by practicing how to use a ruler (that's right I said it), a triple beam balance, and a graduated cylinder. If we really do our best with these basic math skills can you imagine how easier it will be throughout the year?  We won't stop there though! We will practice converting along the metric scale from kilo to milli.  It will be important for everyone to review this video, or this one, and perhaps this one if you are not comfortable with measurements and conversions in class. Then the most challenging part of the lesson is learning about accuracy and precision.  I would recommend this video on accuracy and precision if you need a refresher course in these concepts.  

Well that's all folks (at least for now). See you back in the classroom! 

What is Physical Science?

(c) M. Prince 2012

Physical Science is the study of nature.  What physical scientists do is study natural processes like motion, energy, magnetism, electricity, sound, light, and matter.  In this class, we will do the same.


In class today, I wanted to know what students thought about physical science before I provided information about all that it entails.  I encouraged them to think about all the things they were curious about over their lifetime.  I must say that I was really impressed with their curiosities.  I immediately found many questions connected to what we will cover this year.  Here are some of the questions students shared in class today:




First Period:


How does a toy car function from small batteries in a controller? (Jeremiah)
How does a light bulb produce light? (Kearston)
How is an elevator able to hold all that weight? (Alana)
How does an engine make a car go? (Chris)
How does an electric wire provide energy for homes all around the world? (Matthew)
How does a faucet work? (Chasity)
Why does an explosion occur when you put aluminum foil into a microwave oven? (Naomi)
How does a cellphone work? (Mikayla)
How does the wing make the plane fly high in the air? (Riziki)
Why don't roller coaster carts fly off the track on steep hills? (Dylan) 



Second Period:


Why does helium make things float? (Sydney)
What if you could take a certain strand of animal DNA and isolate it then apply it to a human, thereby giving the human a quality from the animal? (Ian)
Why does a magnet interfere with electronic appliances? (Peter)
Why does light travel so much faster than sound? (Tyler)
On a plasma ball, what causes the electricity to move up to the glass and move with your hand? (Claire)
What if gravity stopped working? (Luke)


Fifth Period:


Why does Earth have a gravitational pull? (Ty)
How do scientists think? (Mary)
How does a boat float when it is so heavy? (Jordan)
How does the Earth's satellite sit in one place instead of moving all over the place and bumping into the moon? (Oscar)
How does the wind blow if nothing blows it? (Amanda)
Why does the Earth rotate without us feeling it? (Aniyha)
How does gravitational pull keep the planets up? (Amanda W.)



Sixth Period:


How does yogurt clear some of the bacteria in your stomach? (Hayley)
How does someone get so much technology into a phone so thin? (Ke'Andre)
How does a touch screen phone know when you tap on something and it responds to your tap? (Noah)
How does a small computer chip hold so much data? (Skylar Wi)
How do the clouds stay moving in the air and not fall down? (Graci)

An Introduction to Our Physical Science Class

Today we spent time reviewing the class syllabus and all the expectations that I have for the students.  My class is one of high engagement.  Students will participate in activities that will require them to find their own answers, make new discoveries, and connect content with everyday living.  We will do a lot of writing and presenting.  We may even participate in activities which require us to come up with our own designs and build models that reflect scientific concepts.  


Parents, I didn't forget about you! Over the next few days I will share resources with you that will enable you to provide support in science at home.  You are your child's most important and valuable resource at home and I want to make sure that you are fully equipped to show your kids your scientific genius abilities!


Oftentimes, students lose pleasure in learning about the scientific nature of things because their curiosity isn't fed.  Well not this year! I want all my students to be encouraged to wonder about the world in which they live. I want them to make their own discoveries as opposed to just giving answers.  I want my students to think like they've never thought before about how natural processes work and how these processes play a role in their everyday lives.  


Between this evening and over the weekend, please review the student manual with your child.  Each teacher has put in quality time to provide you with a rich resource of information that you will need throughout the school year.  

Welcome back Parents and Students!

Dear Parents and Students, 
I would like to officially welcome you back to another school year.  It was great to see so many old and new faces.  For some of you this will be your second child going through our team and we are excited to have you back.  Those of you who are our first time families, we are looking forward to building strong relationships with you.  


Each family's journey will be different, but a journey nonetheless.  We will share some smooth times and rough times, but just know that our team is on YOUR side.  We have many new surprises in store for this class that will further enrich each child's learning experience this year.  We have high expectations for all students and will see to it that each child is receiving the support that they need to succeed. 


Parents we can't do this alone; we need your help.  Here are just a few ways that you can help make 8th grade a successful year:


* Check your child's agenda each night.


* Please don't take your child's word for it--check our websites to make sure whether homework has been assigned or not. 


* Each week help your child to reorganize their binders and place every sheet in the right section of their binders. 


* Check grades once a week! 


* Make sure that we have the right contact information whenever changes our made.  


* Remind your child about your expectations of them as an eighth grader.


* Bookmark our websites. (Look over to the right under the "Blogroll.")


I believe this level of support will help start the school year off on the right foot.  


Again, welcome back and we look forward to seeing you throughout the school year!