Netbook lab August 31

This netbook lab is enrichment.  You have permission to do the enrichment lab if you...

1.  Have no missing assignments

2.  Have no incomplete assignments

3.  Do not need any practice measuring length, mass, volume, density

4.  Are confident you could ace the test if you were to take it today.

If you are not doing the netbook lab, instead, look at yesterday's blog post for the resources you need to do what needs to be done.

Here's the lab then!  First watch the video about cold ocean currents, then complete the interactive simulation linked below the video.

Blue Planet Challenge

Science Update - August 30

Good morning!  Here is your science update for the week...

This week there will be a test on Thursday.  It is a metric system Lab Practical.  Students will work at stations, demonstrating measuring skills, and answering questions about the metric system, measurements, and properties of matter.  Topics included:

Measuring length with a metric ruler and/or a meter stick (in meters, centimeters, and millimeters).
Measuring mass with a triple beam balance (in grams).
Measuring the volume of liquids with a graduated cylinder (in milliliters).
Measuring and calculating the volume of a regular solid, using a metric ruler and the formula V = L x W x H
Finding the density of an object, using the formula D = M/V
Understanding the difference between accuracy and precision.
Converting measurements (for example, which is larger - 3 cm or 300 mm?)

What resources can be used to study?

Vocabulary
Powerpoint for Length
Powerpoint for Mass
Powerpoint for Volume
Notes pages (printed out, fill in the blank) - one each for length, mass and volume
Chapter 2 in the Physical Science book - mostly just section 2.  There won't be any questions on graphing (that will be next week!).
Notes in notebook covering density.  You might want to check over the accuracy of  the notes taken, against what is below.  Many students are still needing to improve note taking skills!  (-;

Summary of notes on density:

Density is a measurement of how much matter there is in a given unit of volume.
Density can be calculated by finding the mass (in grams) and dividing by the volume (in mL or cc)
D = M/V  The unit for density is g/mL (grams per milliliter)
If we are talking about WATER, the mass of 1 mL of water is 1 g.  Water has a density of 1 g/mL.
Something whose density is less than 1 g/mL will FLOAT, in water.
Something whose density is more than 1 g/mL will SINK, in water.
The density of salt water is greater than fresh water, which is why it is easier to float in the ocean or hot springs than in a swimming pool.
Temperature also affects density.  Cold water is more dense than hot water (because the particles move faster and spread apart slightly when the temperature goes up). This is not something we talked about in every class period, so your student might not know this.  It's okay - it won't be on the test.  (-:

Want more fun with the metric system?  Heres' plenty to keep you busy!  http://mrsnorton.pbworks.com/w/page/21801815/Metric%20System%20Helpers

Tuesday, August 23

Good morning!  Here are your updates for science:

Homework was assigned on Monday, due on Friday.  Some folks have questions about books.  Here is the link to the online text book site.  http://www.glencoe.com/ose/index.html  The code for the Physical Science book is E02337817E.  That should take you straight there.  If you can't use the online book, there are books in the library for check out.  You may check these out for one month at a time.  We do not have enough books in the school for every student to have a copy of all three books at all times.  6th, 7th, and 8th grade students use all three texts, so we need to bring them back to the library when we are done using them.  Thanks for understanding!  (-:

There is a vocabulary quiz on Thursday.  Yellow highlighted words from Chapter 2 of the Physical Science book.  Match definitions from the glossary.  Easy peasy.  Everyone should aim for 100% on vocab quizzes.  I will also check to see that vocabulary definitions are done on that day (even though the homework isn't due until Friday).

Here are some helpful (and some goofy) websites to aid your student in studying the metric system.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns!  If you leave a comment below letting me know you stopped by, I'll give your kiddo a PRIDE ticket at school.

Friday August 19

Today you will be taking the animal personalitites test.  This will help you learn more about yourself, and how you get along with other people, and it will help me get to know you better as well.  You will also learn how to access documents I have saved for you on Google Docs, and how to save them to submit for grading.  Here's what you need to do:

Before you get started, please make sure you are LOGGED in on the computer.  Don't select "workstation only," or you won't be able to save.

1.  First set up 7th grade folders in your Home drive.  One folder for 7th grade.  Inside that folder, make new folders for science, social studies, math, and LA.
2.  Take the test.
3.  Read your results.  It will give you a description of an animal, for example I am a Beaver.  But if the description doesn't seem to quite match, it also tells you you might be another animal, for example Owl or Wild Dog.  Pick the animal that describes you best.
4.  Find the worksheet for today by clicking this link.  You must SAVE this document in your 7th grade science folder.  The name of the document MUST BE [your last name.first initial]animalpersonality.
5.  Fill out the worksheet.
6.  When you are finished with the worksheet, save a copy of it in the Apps on FMS Students:J DRIVE.  This is the only way to get credit for your work.  Please ask me if you need help!