Happy New Year (almost) Future Scientists!

It's almost January 2011!! Can you believe it?!  I hope that you and your family have had a restful and blessed Christmas break!  I've found a new tool for us to use in class (SURPRISE!)  It's called:  STIXY.COM and it's a bit like wallwisher.com that you are used to using.

To receive some much needed extra credit points, go to http://www.stixy.com/guest/98155 and tell me what your favorite Christmas gift was this year!  You'll need to click on the note icon and remember to post only your initials.  Have fun learning a new way to collaborate.  See you soon!

Christmas Rube Goldberg

These guys are AWESOME!

Final Rock/Mineral/Fossil Collections

The Rock/Mineral/Fossil Collections were AMAZING!!  Great work scientists!

Rock Collections - slideshows

This Week in Science (12/6-12/10)

This Week in Science (11/29-12/3)

Rock Cycle Glogs

These are AWESOME!  Check them out!

http://crossluthnb.edu.glogster.com/glogs-of-friends/?rss

7/8 Monday's Assignment

While I am gone with 5/6 grade today, please complete ALL assignments at this link:

http://www.learner.org/interactives/rockcycle/index.html

You will be prompted to complete a test at the end of the interactive assignments, take the test and print out your results.  Have fun!  See you guys tomorrow!

This Week in Science (11/15-11/19)

SUPER COOL EXTRA CREDIT PROJECT!

This is a very fun assignment for you to complete and receive up to TEN points added to your lowest quiz grade!  Go to http://www.photovisi.com/ and create a photo collage for AT LEAST 10 minerals.  You will need to include the name of each mineral to receive credit.  Print your collage (7/8 you can upload to your school website too!) and turn in by Tuesday, November 16.

Remember to be careful to make sure the images you use are licensed to be reused.  (Creative Commons)

HAVE FUN!!  Here's an example:

Igneous Rock Study Help

This is a great slideshow about Igneous Rocks!

http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/rocks-minerals-landforms/igneous-rocks.htm

7/8 Mineralogy Work

Click HERE to complete the information passed out to you in class today.

Rocks vs. Minerals

 This is a great extra study resource:

http://web.me.com/sparamoure/Stef_Paramoure/My_Podcasts/Entries/2009/4/1_Podcast_Rocks_Vs_Mineral_feb._1.html

This Week in Science (11/8-11/12)

Cool Mineral Site for EXTRA PRACTICE

Check out this site to review yourself on some basic properties of minerals--pretty cool!

http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/rocks-minerals-landforms/minerals.htm

Minerals Quiz

7/8 Graders-- Click HERE to take your quiz.

5/6 Graders--Click HERE to take your quiz.

This Week in Science (11/1-11/5)

5/6 Science Mineral Lab Practice

Do you want to do more practice to prepare for tomorrow's lab? Click HERE.

This Week in Science (10/25-10/29)

7/8 Quiz on Guest Speaker

Click HERE to take the test.

5/6 Biome Project Guidelines

Here is a link to the new, improved project guidelines!  It's going to be a great week.

This Week in Science (10/18-10/22)

This week in science is a bit different than most weeks due to several athletic events during class time. I will revise (shorten) projects and give more details tomorrow in class.  ALL STUDENT WORK WILL BE DUE THURSDAY, October 21. 

5/6 Graders--I will shorten your Biome projects considerably so don't stress, I'll work with you:)

7/8 Graders--Your weather phenomenon projects will only be done in Powerpoint (not sure we will have time to learn new tech tools:)) and we will only spend Monday doing research.  I still think it will be lots of fun!

Weather Folklore

With your partner, choose at least two weather folklore sayings from the following site:

http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-folklore.htm

Using the internet as a resource, find out weather the folklore sayings you chose have scientific evidence that either prove the saying true or false.  (DOCUMENT YOUR SOURCES!)

Be prepared for your group to give a brief recap of your findings to start class tomorrow!

7/8 Weather Reporting Quiz

Click HERE to take the quiz!

5/6 Science Quiz on Water Ecosystems

Click HERE to take quiz.

7/8 Extra Credit on Temperature

Extra Credit on Temperature

To receive extra credit towards your lowest test grade, complete the following assignment:

1. Go to the website: www.nws.noaa.gov and record four days of forecasted highs and lows for your hometown.
2. On each of your four forecasted days, check www.nws.noaa.gov and record the actual temperature in Farenheit and Celsius.
3. Compile your data in a chart/graph and turn your findings in by Friday, October 15.


***Make sure your data is well documented.

This Week in Science (10/11-10/15)

5/6 Science Biome Information

We will be working on a really fun project for the next couple of weeks!  Here are the instructions!

Check out these sites:  www.kizoa.com,   www.photopeach.com,  www.animoto.com
(Don't worry about setting up an account with these sites,  I will have a school account for you to use)

This is the site for research and images that I shared with you: http://www.mbgnet.net/

5/6 Science Test Unit D Ch 2

Click HERE to take the test.

After the test, please enjoy the fun at freerice.com.

Temperature

5/6 Pop Quiz!

Click HERE to take today's quiz.  When you are finished, return back to the science lab.

7/8 Chapter 11 Test

Click HERE to take the test.

Done with the test?  Check out:  http://freerice.com/

5/6 Water Cycle Webquest

Young Scientists--HERE is a link to today's water cycle lesson.

Here are the lyrics to today's Water Cycle song:

Water Cycle

By Lori-Ann Phelan 

(Sang to the tune of She'll Be Coming Around the Mountain)

Water travels in a cycle, yes it does
(use pointer finger to make a big circle)

Water travels in a cycle, yes it does
(repeat finger circle)

It goes up as evaporation
(moves hands up to the sky

Forms clouds as condensation
(make a cloud overhead with arms)

Then comes down as precipitation, yes it does!
(sprinkle with fingers while bringing arms down in front of you)

:

This Week in Science (10/4-10/8)

7/8 Thunder and Lightning FUN FUN FUN

What better way to learn about thunder and lightning than MAKING thunder and lightning!  We made thunder poppers to demonstrate the force of air causing loud vibrations.   KH won our contest as the loudest popper!  Way to go!  We also practiced transferring electrons and causing reactions between a negatively charged object (person on slide) and a positively charged object (person on ground) to create a tiny SPARK of lightning.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

What is Thunder?

Thunder is the sound that lightning makes. Sounds simple but why does lightning make a sound. Any sound you hear is made up of vibrations, the vibrations travel through the air as waves until they reach your ear.
This means lightning must cause some vibrations.
Lightning is a huge discharge of electricity. When lightning strikes huge amounts of electricity shoots through the air, this causes two things to happen.
1. The electricity hits the air and starts it vibrating, anything vibrating causes a sound.
2.The lightning is also very hot and heats up the air around it. Hot air gets bigger: it expands. As lightning is very hot the air gets bigger very quickly and pushes against the air particles starting another vibration.
These vibrations are what you are hearing when you hear thunder, the rumbling of thunder is caused by the vibration or sound bouncing of the ground and the clouds.

Why is thunder not at the same time as the lightning?

We SEE the lightning before we HEAR the thunder because light travels faster than sound.
The light from the lightning travels to our eyes much quicker than the sound from the lightning so we hear it later than we see it.

Source:  http://www.sciencemadesimple.co.uk/page86g.html

5/6 Food Web Diorama

Click HERE for the Diorama template

5/6 Symbiosis Song

This is a great example of symbiosis and mutualism!  Enjoy!

http://www.watchknow.org/Video.aspx?VideoID=1607

Thunder and Lightning

5/6 Science Test Ecosystems Ch 1

Click HERE to take the test.

AFTER you finish the test, go to this website:  http://beta.freerice.com/  and play the game.  After you have donated at least 100 grains of rice (at least 10 correct words) you can go play:  PLAN-IT GREEN or RECYCLE ROUNDUP

This Week in Science (9/27-10/1)

7/8 Science Thunder Lighning Assignment

7/8 graders, please complete the assignment found here:

http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/thunderlightning


Please remember to only use initials when you post.

What We Did In Class Today!

Not only did we have a test on Chapter 10, we made clouds/rain/frost in CLASS!  Weather is AWESOME!

7/8 Test Ch 10

Click HERE to take the test!

After the test, come back to the science lab for FUN, WEATHER experiments!

This Week in Science (9/20-9/24)

7/8 Quiz on Chapter 10 B/C

Click HERE to take the quiz! If you remembered to bring your book home, feel free to use it:)

For a few extra credit points go to this site and follow the instructions!  (Please only post using your initials not your first/last name.  I've posted an example.  http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/precip

Transpiration Finale

Great experiment!  Great results!

Transpiration - flash slideshow maker

5/6 Science Test Plants Chapter 2

Click HERE to take the test!

After the test, you can play games at this site:
http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/games_activities/index.cfm

7/8 States of Water Project

Use this template:  Pyramid Template and design a pyramid with definitions and graphics about the states of water (solid/liquid/gas).  Use the words melting/freezing/sublimation/condensation/evaporation with arrows to show the changes of state.  (SEE PAGE 213).  This project is due tomorrow or better yet at the end of class today:)

7/8 Science Test Ch 9

Click HERE to take the test on Chapter 9.

When you are done with the test, you may play the following EDUCATIONAL, WEATHER games:


http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/goes/wwa/#
(up to three students may play the game together at the same computer)


http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/games.shtml

Transpiration--Updated

5/6 Science--Check out what we did today!

Transpiration - slideshow with music

Transpiration investigation
You will need – a clear plastic bag and an elastic band
This experiment will show you how much water is transpired through the leaves of plants. Try this with a few different plants to see if the results are different.
Many plants take water in through their roots and pass it out through their leaves through tiny holes called stomata
Step 1
Tie a clear, clean plastic bag firmly around some leaves on a bush, taking care not to harm it. Make sure the bag has no holes in it.
Step 2
Check the bag daily to see what happens. Are all bushes the same?

7/8 Science Extra Credit

You asked for it, you got it!:) Click HERE to take a quiz that will be extra credit added to a past quiz grade that could use a "boost." 

5/6 Science Extra Credit

You asked for it--you got it!  Great job checking the blog!

Click HERE to take quiz for an opportunity at extra credit on an upcoming test!

5/6 Plant Experiment Update

Here's the latest!

7/8 Science Checking the Blog?

Hey there 7th/8th graders, I hope you are having a nice weekend!  For those of you who are checking the blog, I have a treat for you!  You can take tomorrow's quiz on chapter 9 sections B and C TODAY and use your book!  Great job looking ahead and doing your  homework! 

CLICK HERE TO TAKE YOUR QUIZ

This Week in Science (9/13-9/17)

7/8 Science Atmosphere

Click HERE to take quiz.

7/8 Lab FUN

Today in science we caused an exothermic reaction between hydrogen peroxide and yeast! We were able to "see" the oxygen gas released. If you want to look up this experiment online and learn more, just Google "Elephant Toothpaste." We are studying the composition of the atmosphere. It was unanimous--OXYGEN is AWESOME!

5/6 Photosynthesis Song

5th/6th Science Plant Experiment Update (Tuesday)

Here's the latest! Corn seeds are looking good! Bean seeds, not so much.

Bean sprout side down.

Corn in sunlight.

Bean sprout side up.

Corn in the dark.

Corn in sunlight.

Edible Cell Project!

The edible cells are AWESOME!  We REALLY enjoyed our work!

Edible Cell Projects - free slideshow

5th/6th Science Plant Experiment Update

We are performing TWO different experiments in class right now. In the first experiment, some groups planted corn seeds in soil and placed them in the light. Some groups planted corn seeds in soil and placed them in the dark. We wonder what will happen and why?

In the second experiment some of us planted bean seeds "sprout" side up and some of us planted bean seeds "sprout" side down. What will happen?

We placed our hypotheses on wallwisher.com. Pretty cool!  (Many of us had the same hypotheses so I "cleaned up" our wall a bit:)



Here's the latest look at what is happening. (Pictures taken, Friday, September 3)

This Week in Science (9/6-9/10)

7/8 Chapter 2 Test

Click HERE to take the test!

Want extra credit for the test? After you have completed the test, create a webquest for second graders using Google Docs that answers the following questions:

(A webquest asks the question and provides a link to the answer)

• 1. What is weather?
• 2. What is temperature?
• 3. What is precipitation?
• 4.  What is wind?
• 5.  Where can  I find what the weather might be tomorrow in my town?

(One point will be added for each question/answer link that is correct and can be understood on a 2nd grade level.)

SEND YOUR WEBQUEST TO:  athill@crosslcmsschool.org to receive credit.

Plant Test (5th/6th Grade Science)

Click HERE to take test.

The Motion of Earth--7th/8th Student Presentations

The Motion of Earth

This Week in Science (8-30-9-3)

5th/6th Grade Science Student EXTRA CREDIT!!

Click HERE to take a short practice quiz.  You will receive one point of extra credit for every right answer.  This extra credit can be used on an upcoming test!

7/8 Quiz on Chapter 2

Click HERE to take quiz.

Second Week Assignments/Class Happenings (8/23-8/27)

Welcome to 5/6 Science!

Welcome to 7/8 Science!

First Week of Science

Welcome to science class!  We are going to have an amazing year!  This is what's happening for our first week:

Who is RUBE GOLDBERG?

Go to http://www.rubegoldberg.com/ to find out.

Hmmm..Rube Goldberg Game

Future 5th and 6th graders, play this game!  It will serve you well in the future!  I hope you are having a great summer.

Rube Goldberg Game

Questionaut

Prepare for an AMAZING adventure!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks2bitesize/games/questionaut/pop.shtml

Water Cycle

Lion King Ecosystem Homework

Lion King CLIP ONE


Lion King CLIP TWO


Lion King Ecology Worksheet

COMPUTER CLASS 1st-4th

Click HERE to complete our latest computer assignment!

Digestion Video and Games--Check it OUT

This is a really cool video!!

Link to "fun" digestive info and review games:) http://www.neok12.com/diagram/Digestive-System-01.htm

How does your body digest food?

More science videos on Digestive System at NeoK12.com  

7/8 Grade Science--ORGAN TRAIL

Click HERE and follow the instructions!! MAKE SURE YOUR POSTER IS ABOUT AN ORGAN IN THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM!

HINT: Copy the "Wanted" poster and paste in powerpoint! You can make a really cool poster from there!

PRINTED Wanted posters are due on MONDAY, May 3.

We're on YOUTUBE!!!

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

Watch out--This video is pretty disgusting!

Science Class Happenings for Week of 4/26-4/30

5/6 Science
Monday--Begin Preparation for Schlitterbahn Aqua Lab
Tuesday--Surfenburg Pre-Park Investigation
Wednesday--Complete Surfenburg Pre-Park Investigation
Thursday--Guest Speaker from Schlitterbahn Waterpark
Friday--

7/8 Science
Monday--Respiratory System Review/Lecture  HW-read 26B
Tuesday--Digestive System
Wednesday--Digestive System Cont.d
Thursday--Chapt. 26 Review
Friday--Test on Ch. 26

5/6 Science Punnett Square Quiz

Click HERE to take the quiz!

7/8 COMPUTER ASSIGNMENT (Wed. April 21)

Create a Glog about one of the body systems that you have studied in science class.

Your Glog should contain:

1. A labeled diagram of the major body system.
2. The function(s) of the major body system.
3. Three facts about this body system.
4. An embedded video that helps a learner understand this body system.
5. Three images of major organs/parts of the body system.
6. A VERY visible title of the body system.

Embed this Glog on your website!

7/8 Science LUNG MODEL INSTRUCTIONS

Here are the instructions for the LUNG MODEL due on Monday for 7/8 Science.

Science Class Happenings for Week of 4/19-4/23

5/6 Science
Monday--Intro. to Genetics  HW-read pages D34-D37
Tuesday--Laws of Heredity (Inheritance/Environment) HW-read paged D44-D48
Wednesday--REVIEW for TEST on Thursday HW-review for test
Thursday--TEST on Unit D Chapter 2
Friday--THORNDALE FIELD DAY

7/8 Science
Monday--Immune System Intro  HW--read 25C do SA 269
Tuesday--Immune System Cont'd  HW-study for TEST 25-A-C
Wednesday--TEST on Circulatory System/Immune System--Read 25D do SA270
Thursday--Excretory System Lecture --Read 26A Complete Lung model or do SA281-282
Friday--THORNDALE FIELD DAY
. 


 

7/8 Immune System POP QUIZ

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE POP QUIZ!

5/6 Science Test Unit D Chapter 1

Click HERE for test!

7/8 Heart Quiz

Click HERE for quiz.

COMPUTER CLASS 1st-4th

Click HERE and follow the steps.

Science Students--Done with The Test?

If you have finished the test, click HERE and have fun!

5/6 Sci Asexual/Sexual Review Video

5/6 Science Quiz--Asexual/Sexual Reproduction

Click HERE to take the quiz!

Heart RAP

Asexual Reproduction Video

Heart Explanation Video

Science Class Happenings for Week of 4/12-4/16

5/6 Science Class

Monday--Intro. to Continuity of Life Chapter 1 (Mitosis/Meiosis)

           HW--Read D10-D14--Be ready for QUIZ on Tuesday!!

Tuesday--Splitting Pairs Lab

          HW--Read  D22-24 

Wednesday--Review asexual/sexual reproduction

          HW--Study for Test

Thursday--Test on Ch 1 Unit D

          No Homework!
Friday--NO CLASS--Field Day!

7/8 Science Class

Monday--Intro. to Circulatory System

           HW--Read 25A--SA 265

Tuesday--Lecture of the Heart/Prepare for Dissection

          HW--SA 266 (25B & C)

Wednesday--Sheep Heart Dissection

          HW--Read 25 B--SA 267

Thursday--Lecture on Blood

          HW--"Cat in the Hat" stories on Circulatory System due on Monday!
Friday--NO CLASS--Field Day!

 

7/8 Computer Assignment (Monday April 12, 2010)

Three more keyboarding assignments for you on Sense-Lang.org!

5/6 EXTRA CREDIT

Do you want a few extra points added to your test grade from Thursday?  If you do, bring a homemade boat (soap, paper, etc.) with a passenger (toy, marble, etc.) to class on Monday!  Your boat must float with it's passenger for at least 5 seconds!

7/8 Grade Computer Assignment

After you have completed this week's keyboarding assignment, try this!
1. Go to www.kerpoof.com/student
2. Login. (Username/Password is your usual.) Class code is K846.
3. Choose "Make A Story".
4. Choose the campground background.
5. Create a picture and use the caption, "Now, THIS is a good time!"
6. Save your picture in .jpeg format.
7. Embed the picture on the home page of your website.
(TEKS 2A, 2D, 4A, 5A, 5B, 5C, 11A, 11B)

Muscle Anatomy

When studying comparative anatomy, my students sing the following song, to remember the function (lyrics) and location (motions) of some major muscles. They tease me for making up the song, but I've heard more than one student hum the tune while taking the muscle test!

(to the tune of "If You're Happy & You Know It." Instead of clapping twice, as in the original song, we do the indicated motions twice.)

The Pectoralis is a muscle in my chest, (cross arms over chest)
My Deltoids lift my arms the best, (lift arms as if flying)
If I wanna take a peek, (hand up as if shielding your eyes from the sun)
Then I'll have to use Oblique (turn and bend diagonally)
The Pectoralis is a muscle in my chest. (cross arms over chest)

Use my Rectus Abdominus in a crunch, (crunch forward)
My Triceps Brachii help throw a punch, (punch motion)
Now to lift my leg like this, (lift leg in 90 degree angle from hip)
I'll have to use my Femoris, (hold pose)
Use my Rectus Abdominus in a crunch. (crunch forward)

My Gastrocnemius is kinda neat, (stand up on tip toe)
It's the muscle that helps me point my feet, (lift foot and point toe)
Now you might think I'm a nut, (no particular motion here)
But my Gluteus is my butt, (turn and point to butt)
My Gastrocnemius is kinda neat. (stand up on tip toe)

Glogster

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