Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Science Project Reminders and new FINAL DUE DATE

Students and Parents,

Due to the overlapping of  the Challenger Trip and the Science Project due date I am announcing a NEW DUE DATE!!!!! Please read on....

As of right now(Tuesday, December 15, at 4:07 pm) Science projects may only be submitted to me on the following dates:
Wednesday, December 16; Monday, January 4; and Wednesday, January 6. ONLY the research paper and backboard are turned in to me. The SPDL is used for your oral presentation.

CONGRATULATIONS to the students who turned in projects TODAY!!!! You Rock. Now you are the only ones without science homework for the rest of this year (2009). Everybody else has science homework until they finish the ENTIRE project.

Just a few words about what I don't want to see or hear in your project.....
  • My hypothesis was right.
  • My hypothesis was wrong
  • My data was right
  • My data was wrong
  • I was right
  • I was wrong
  • WE (unless you have a mouse in your pocket)
  • I proved something


Why do I say this ??????????????????
Not just because I said so, but because of the following:
  • Nothing is right or wrong in science.
  •  Your data either supports your hypothesis or not.
  • The data indicate something. This is your individual project.
  • You may have had some help or supervision, but it's YOUR project. YOU picked it, YOU did it,  YOU have to explain it. YOU are responsible for it - NO ONE else is sharing the grade with YOU. If you say WE I might think that you did a team project and at this time no one was authorized to work on a team project.
  • You won't be proving anything. You certainly will never prove a theory. A theory in science is not like a theory in a mystery story or elsewhere. You haven't done enough work to prove anything this year.
REMEMBER,
You've had months to get 'er done. It's time to just do it. I will not be available for questions during the holidays so please put on your thinking cap, use your resources wisely, and do your best. The research paper rubric is posted so USE it.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Four parts of the Science Project

Students,
As I have instructed you both in science class and during Team Time there are 4 parts to the science project that will be graded.

The first is the Research Paper. The full description is in the student handbook found at the ISEF site. The rubric is posted. The paper is worth 100 points towards assessments.  Put a copy of your abstract in the research paper also.

The second is the visual display or backboard. The abstract will be a part of this display. Refer to the nefrsef site as there is a diagram that is a SUGGESTION about how to set up the board. The abstract is placed in the lower left hand corner. You will use the backboard when you present your research to your "judges" which include me and your peers.  This is also worth 100 points towards assessments.

The third is your oral presentation of your research. This will be graded only by the teacher, but your peers will provide feedback on your project itself, the board, your presentation, and your depth of knowledge. This is also worth 100 points towards assessments.

The fourth is your Science Project Data Log that we began in class back in the August/September time. This is where you've kept a record of everything you have done towards completing your project. (No, you can't go back and do it today.) It is worth 100 points towards assessments.

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Re-post of important links and dates for science project

If you are looking for a diagram of how to set up your board, for the special abstract form, or just a basic review of how to do a project go to
http://www.nefrsef.org/

If you are looking for the student handbook for science fairs (I already gave you a copy of this in Team Time) go to http://www.societyforscience.org/Document.Doc?id=12 . This resource completely describes what should go into a research paper.

Science Project Research Papers and backboards may start coming in on Monday, 12/7. They MAY NOT come in on 12/9 because that's benchmark testing day and I will be too busy with testing to do any science before school.

Still need a form or two?? Need to read some rules??? go to http://www.societyforscience.org/.

Research Paper Rubric Posted at scribd

Research Paper2

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Update on GRADES

I am posting the grades for the quiz and publishing them on the grade website today. I can not release the test for test corrections because there are students who missed the quiz for various reasons. Once everyone has taken the quiz I will allow corrections for 25% of the points for each incorrect answer. Please be patient until I get scores for all students.

All Atmospheric Heating Project Evaluations should be submitted ASAP. I will be posting these and adding them to your grade next week. If I don't get your evaluation, you will only get the log in grade - if you logged it in originally.

I am reviewing science project paperwork as quickly as I can. If you followed directions and completed forms 1, 1a, 1b, and typed out a COMPLETE Research Plan including your bibliography then I should  be able to review it quickly and get it back in your hands. More on this in a later post.

I am posting do-over scores as quickly as I can. It takes time to re-grade/re-post for late work. This is time that I won't take away from preparing new lessons or new activities. If you are waiting for a do-over to be posted I'm going to expect you to be patient as there is only 1 of me and right now I have about 60 do-overs to be re-graded and re-posted. All Do-overs are due in no later than December 4.

Test Corrections for Atmospheric Heating will be posted after everything else, so again, patience is necessary on your part. If you haven't done them get them in to me ASAP. I am setting the deadline for do overs and test corrections for FRIDAY, December 4. I do NOT guarantee that these grades will be "changed"/re-posted before PROGRESS REPORTS come out next week.

Student Progress may be viewed through the grade portal. Please do not ask me to identify which assessments you did poorly on. You were provided with a hard copy of a progress report last week. Show that to your parents. They may get their portal info from the school. Parents will need to go to the guidance department and show an ID to obtain the information. Parents should not expect to have any conferences about science projects or grades on Science Night. It's a fun night to DO some science with your child.

ONLY Gizmo Assessment Questions are eligible for do-overs.

Science Projects should be well underway. For those of you who have finished your experimentation it's time to analyze the data. See the student handbook for the parts to the research paper. Check the diagram on http://www.nefrsef.org/ for how to set up your board. I will go over research papers and boards next week during our 2nd class of the week (A day = Wednesday and B Day = Thursday). Bring your science project data log and all of your handouts.

Formal Portfolios need to be developed. You will need a folder with pockets and prongs to serve as your formal portfolio. This will also be kept in the classroom and you will select several pieces to analyze. Please bring in a new, clean folder.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Quiz Reminder: Weathering

The quiz will test your knowledge of Weathering and Rates of Weathering which are found in your textbook (7-1 and 7-2). Remember you have to choose between doing Cornell Notes or the foldable for key terms fo BOTH sections. Be sure to have it with you in class. Bring any questions you want to ask BEFORE the quiz about the two sections.  I will check the notes or foldables during the quiz.

Quiz schedule:
A day - Monday
B-day Tuesday
If you miss the quiz it is up to you to make it up during Leadership Tuesdays or during Science Tutoring. You may only stay for tutoring if YOU bring me a note from home on Monday that tells me either who will pick you up at 3pm on Tuesday or where you will go for supervision. I do not keep students with me after 3:00 unless they are supposed to be in Community Ed. or TeamUp. Students who are not enrolled in either program must be picked up at 3pm.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Are You Coming to JLCP's 2nd Annual SCIENCE Night?

JLCP is hosting a science night for ALL 6th grade students and their families along with 5th grade students who have been invited to experience our school. It is on Tuesday, December 1, 2009. It is from 6-7pm.

Science and Fun will be on the agenda. I know that there will be things that go POP!!! and other exciting activities that you will want to get the "scoop" on.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Interim Progress Reports

I am in the process of issuing interim progress reports to all of my students this week. B day received them today (Wednesday) and A day will receive them on Thursday. The grade this week is  a snapshot of a student's progress not the final destination. It is fluid and may change over time. Parents, before you contact me about your child's grade PLEASE ask your child why she or he EARNED the grade that she or he did. There are some students who have earned very strong grades of A, B, or C based on their activity, assessment, and technology grades. Remember, the grade categories are weighted with ASSESSMENTS being worth 60% of the grade. Technology and Activities are each 20%. Missing or not doing well on Gizmo Assessment Questions can pull a grade right down.

What is the student to do???????  I have the following safety nets in place currently: students may make test corrections to their Quiz on Atmospheric Heating. They may submit Copies of their Assessment Question Scores along with a DO OVER form (posted on scribd and the link is in the entry that follows this one). There is one caveat about the Gizmo Assessment ?s. A score of 5/5 submitted as a do over will only be worth 90 points. This will help the student who did not succeed originally, but will not punish a student for doing well the first time. In fact, any student who submits a grade of less than 5/5 is hurting his or her own grade because 4/5 is 80%, 3/5 is 60% and grades like those pull an average down. There is no do over for do overs.  There are also no do overs for Gizmo SEGs which are found in the technology section. Completing the Student Exploration Guide correctly and submitting it on time will guarantee a student 10/10 points. If it is incomplete then a grade of 6/10 will be earned.

If I have made an error in posting a grade (and it happens) then all a student has to do is bring the graded activity that will show me where the error occurred and speak with me when we have some time in class or team time. The activity must have evidence that it was turned in to me (stamp or sticker ) to be considered. Many student products are kept in their portfolios which are in the classroom. Students have access to their portfolio almost all of the time. Other products will be in their ISN. Yes, there are more papers to pass back to be filed away.

Posting another source for the do over form

Do Over Form for Late or Missing Assignments.

Saturday, November 07, 2009

NASA Spinoff 2009 Highlights Technologies That Improve Life on Earth might be a good resource for your HISTORY PROJECT

I got this press release from NASA today and I think it would be a great resource for students who are looking for History Fair Ideas. Maybe that's you.

RELEASE : 09-260
NASA Spinoff 2009 Highlights Technologies That Improve Life on Earth WASHINGTON -- T
he 2009 edition of NASA's Spinoff, a publication that shows how NASA technology is being put to use in everyday life here on Earth, is available in print and online.


The latest Spinoff highlights 49 significant examples of how NASA innovations have been transferred to the commercial marketplace, resulting in healthcare advances, transportation breakthroughs, public safety initiatives, new consumer goods, environmental protection, computer technology, and industrial productivity.

In honor of the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing, this year's edition of Spinoff also recaps how Apollo continues to provide tangible benefits to the lives of people in the U.S. and around the world.

Highlights of Spinoff 2009 include:

*How a NASA scientist-licensed Hubble Space Telescope scheduling technology and adapted it to help hospitals handle dynamic rescheduling issues. Using the On-Cue system, one hospital reported a 12 percent increase in procedure volume, a 35 percent reduction in staff overtime, and significant reductions in backlog and technician phone time.
* The Givens Buoy Life Raft incorporates a NASA-developed raft design used for recovering pioneer astronauts after ocean splashdowns, has been credited with saving more than 400 lives.

* An adapted Hubble Space Telescope star-mapping algorithm is helping researchers track the elusive whale shark using the unique spots on the shark's skin. Using the algorithm and a photograph database receiving contributions from scuba divers worldwide, researchers last year documented more than 2,400 sightings of the rare animal. Previously, there were only a few hundred documented sightings in total.

* Using NASA satellite data, WorldWinds Inc. supplies about 8,500 XM satellite radio subscribers with its FishBytes fish locator service. FishBytes helps anglers target areas most likely to be frequented by their favorite types of sport fish.

Spinoff 2009 also highlights NASA research and development activities that are helping to make NASA's future missions a reality and profiles NASA education efforts and partnership successes. It also provides reference information and resources available through the NASA's Innovative Partnerships Program.

Print copies of Spinoff 2009 are available on request by calling 301-286-0561. An online version is available at:


http://spinoff.nasa.gov/

Friday, November 06, 2009

Info on IDA:

Read about IDA and try to apply what you've learned to this real life situation.

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hurricanes/archives/2009/h2009_Ida.html

Special note to 3rd period (and anyone else who didn't get the announcement)

Third period students,

With all the excitement generated by the unexpected arrival of fund raiser materials I neglected to pass out some announcements/invitations that were in my mail box this morning. Before I relay the message please be advised that the contents of the announcements do not represent my personal or professional beliefs and I am neither encouraging nor discouraging anyone from participating or not participating. This is an after school event and I am just the messenger. So, here's what it said...

WYLDLIFE IS BACK
Don't miss the DOUGHNUT OLYMPICS
Monday, November 9th
2:12 - 3:15
Room 329
Everyone is invited. Bring a friend
WyldLife is the middle school version of YoungLife, a Christian organization for teenagers
http://www.jaxyl.com/

There's a mention of a raffle, free food, and prizes.

Please do what you want to do with this announcement. It will be deleted on Monday.

Recap of science project update and GIZMO and test correction due dates

The science project updates were due this week. I'm using these to streamline getting projects approved. If I don't have one from you then you must hand it to me on Monday. You may also e-mail the update to me at smithp8@duvalschools.org. I will read project updates for the equivalent of one hour on Sunday on a first come first served basis. I anticipate reading the updates from 6AM - 7AM. Anything submitted after 6 am may not get read.
The questions you had to answer are:

1. What is your broad topic?
2. What question do you want to answer?
3. Rewrite your question in the format:  What is the effect of _________________________________ on ___________________________.
4. What is your independent variable? (This is what YOU will change.)
5. What is your dependent variable? (This is what you will measure.)
6. How many major sources have you found?

GIZMO due dates:
Hurricane Movement is due on Tuesday, 11/10.
Weather Maps is due on Friday, 11/13.
  • The Student Exploration Guide will earn you a grade for the Technology section of the your grade. There will be NO DO OVERS for the SEG. If it's not complete or carelessly done you will only earn partial credit (60%). If you don't turn it in you will receive a failing grade. If I can't read it i can't grade it.
  • The score for the Assessment Questions will be applied to the Assessment part of your grade - like a quiz grade. If the computer records a poor score you may do the questions over and print out the score and turn it in. You may just want to print out your score even if the computer accepts it in case of "technical difficulties".
Test Corrections are due the next class period**. You will receive 50% of the value for each one you correct. If you don't submit on time the corrections may drop to 25% of the value. Follow the directions to receive partial credit for any question that you got wrong. Do it on paper and not in your ISN.
Write the question or the sentence stem.
Write the correct answer (not just the letter).
Write the paragraph or paragraphs that support your answer. Underline the answer.
Have your parents, guardian, or caregiver sign the corrections. If it's not signed it will not be accepted.
** 5th period has not received the test back yet. Look for it on Monday.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

10/27/09

It's now the 2nd grading period. Be prepared to really churn and burn now that you are experienced 6th grade students.
Some due dates are:
A Day
Quiz on Thursday, 10/29 over Chapter 3 Section 2 (3-2).
**Revised Graph and Report are due on 11/2.
Science Project Update due on 11/2.

B Day (following class on 10/28)

Quiz on Friday, 10/30 over Chapter 3 Section 2 (3-2).
**Graph and Report are due on 11/3.
Science Project Update due on 11/3.

A & B
You may begin working on the Gizmos: Hurricane Action. It is due by November 10. If you don't have class that day just get it to me in the hall.

** You have the opportunity to revise your report and graph. I'm hoping to post the links to the task and the rubric.

Rubric

Friday, October 16, 2009

Yearbook Pictures

October 20. Check the Landon web site for more info?

What's due next week?

The Student Exploration Guide for Coastal Winds is due by Wednesday, 10/21. This is for both A and B days. You may turn the Student Exploration Guide in earlier if you want. I will collect the scores for the Assessment questions on Thursday morning. If you don't score at least a 4/5 on the questions I suggest you review and retest yourself. Rather than asking me to re-set the score just print out your score and bring it to class. That way if you don't do well there's no reason to not do better.

There will be no do-overs accepted for this Gizmo.

ALL DO-OVERS MUST BE SUBMITTED ON OR BEFORE THURSDAY, 10/22.
THE ONLY ASSIGNMENTS ELIGIBLE FOR DO-OVERS ARE THE FOLLOWING:
The Report to the Cookie Company.



Gizmos: GRAPHING: Student Exploration Guide and Assessment Questions (print out the score you get on the questions so that I don't have to go looking for it).
 There is no do-over for Plants. You just have to complete Plants and Snails and turn it in.

Three ways that energy is transferred.


The Official Do-Over form is available
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AVkJPZ_sUMJnZGNoemh0d2hfMTFnanRkZHhkag&hl=en

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Weather vs Climate notes

I have uploaded the file again and now I think this link should work. Thanks for your patience. I really don't want to "invite" people. I want you to have easy access. Let me know if it doesn't work.

http://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0AVkJPZ_sUMJnZGNoemh0d2hfMjVkcGpyamhjaA&hl=en

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Notes about Climate and Weather

A Day - These are the notes for today's lesson. Although 1st and 2nd period received the handout,
I neglected to give 3rd period the handout. - Sorry. I am posting the notes on google docs. If you want to download it go ahead. If anyone else wants a copy, help yourself. I suggest printing it out as a handout with multiple slides on a sheet.

http://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0AVkJPZ_sUMJnZGNoemh0d2hfMjVkcGpyamhjaA&hl=en

Science Project Presentation to Parents on 10/13

Thank you to all of the parents who came to the presentation. I hope it was helpful. The whirly-gigs may have helped you see that science is fun and developing a project really isn't rocket science -yet.

I've posted the presentation. Here's the link

http://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0AVkJPZ_sUMJnZGNoemh0d2hfMTJkanNuanRnNw&hl=en

Unit Challenge: this week and next

All classes will have an opportunity to plan, run, and report on the Unit Challenge. All of the work will be completed in class. Anyone who doesn't do the project or can't do the project will have the opportunity to take the exam instead.  I think the project will be a good challenge for everyone. Part of the project will be assessed as an activity, but the majority of the project will count as an assessment. Be prepared to work hard and use your time and resources wisely.

Coastal Winds Gizmo

A day classes will discuss Coastal Winds on Friday and B day will discuss them on Monday.. That means that the Gizmo should be completed and submitted on or before 10/21.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Update for Science Project Program for Parents

The 2nd annual JLCP Science Project Program  for Parents will be held on Tuesday,
October 13. It will be from 6-7pm. During the program Mrs. Hayden (6A) and I (6B) will briefly review the process, the forms, the rules, and how to help your child through the science project process. We will have a quick hands on activity to help you refresh your understanding of variables and a quick question and answer period will follow. Hoping to see you there.
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Friday, October 09, 2009

Do You Need a Do-Over?

Sometimes in life we all need a "do-over" when we don't make the best choices. I have decided to offer a chance to  "do-over" certain activities. If I'm grading an activity, it is important and should be completed. It's not Rocket Science in 6th grade, but you may be a Rocket Scientist when you are older and you might just remember that even NASA wants a "do-over" sometimes when things don't go right.

Here are the current "Do-Over" policies.
You may have a do-over on selected activities.  Not everything qualifies.
You have to print out a Do-Over form, complete it, sign it, have your parent/caregiver sign it, staple it to the activity, and turn it in before the Do-Over Window of Opportunity closes.

Right now the following "Do-Overs" are available:
  1. The Report to the Cookie Company.
  2. Gizmos: Graphing Student Exploration Guide and Assessment Questions (print out the score you get on the questions so that I don't have to go looking for it). There is no do-over for Plants. You just have to complete Plants and Snails and turn it in.
The Official Do-Over form is available

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AVkJPZ_sUMJnZGNoemh0d2hfMTFnanRkZHhkag&hl=en

The closing of the window of opportunity will be announced next week.
30

Relative Humidity Assignment

All classes have the following assignment. B-day classes were assigned it on Wednesday. A-day classes received the assignment on Thursday.
Do the Assessment Questions for the Gizmo: Relative Humidity. It is due for everyone on 10/12. That is Monday. That is the day before the Science Program for science projects. Remember, I get these grades electronically.

If you have already completed the Assessment Questions and the computer accepted your score of 100% then I have your score. If you scored an 80% or lower I deleted your score. Don't worry, I recorded them before I deleted them. This way anyone who earned an 80% or lower has another chance at total success. I will print the grades again on Monday afternoon at 2:30 pm. Please make sure that you have completed your assignment. See me if there's a problem.

Bonus Opportunity:
If you complete the Student Exploration Guide for Relative Humidity and submit it you can receive up to 10 bonus points in the Technology category. I know we did it in class. You will get points for working on it with your class, but this is a way to earn more points - just in case.

Re: Response time for parent contacts

Parents,

I would love to immediately respond to your e-mails and calls, but that's just not possible. I hope to respond to each phone message or e-mail within 2 business days. Please be patient. I have to prioritize where and how I allocate my time. The students in my classes are my first and highest priority.

I have heard from some parents that my blogging updates are not made at convenient times. I make them when I can. You may notice the time signature of this blog entry and several others. I often have to make them on my own time. Yes, it's 0610 on a Friday morning and I'm blogging. I know many of you also have to squeeze work into your personal time like I do. I will try to give enough lead time from a post to a due date.

Have a great day - I'm planning on doing so :)
30 

TYVM - No More Foil, Cans, or Bottles needed!

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of several parents we have enough foil, aluminum cans, and 2 L bottles for investigations.

Here's a heads up for the unit project. It requires the use of 3 "regular sized" water bottles by each group, so that's our target size right now. More details will be posted next week.

Thank you parents for your continued support. If you can donate a box of tissues or some hand sanitizer both of those are being used daily to help our students stay healthy. And I really appreciate the students who are very conscientious about using both.

30

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Science Project Program for Parents

On Tuesday, October 13, there will be a program at JLCP presented by the JLCP science department and the topic will be SCIENCE PROJECTS!!!!

I am leading the presentation so I will gear it for parents of 6th graders and students new to the science project process. Variables, questions,  and hypothesis development  will be addressed. The forms and websites will also be mentioned. Everyone is invited. An information flyer should be coming home later this week to announce the time. I will also post it here as soon as everything is finalized.

Sunday, October 04, 2009

Have you had trouble opening your documents at school?

Many of you and your families have Word 2007/Office 2007 and at school we don't have it. We have an earlier version of Word.

Here's a snippet that I received in some tech helps. It should help you open documents at school.


"How can Microsoft Word 2007 save a document automatically in a Word 97 – 2003 version?


In Microsoft Word:
a. Click the Office Button.
b. Click Word Options.
c. Selected, Save from the left column

d. Under Save Documents, “Save files in this format” select Word 97-2003 Document (*doc.) from the dropdown menu.
Word will now automatically save documents in this version."

Friday, October 02, 2009

Directions: All A day classes must finish the questions before coming to class. B day classes will have time to work on them in class, but my want to work ahead.

Analysis of Observations


1. Explain why you made your prediction in diagram 1 (one minute)?

2. Explain what you saw after 1 minute.

3. Explain what you saw after 5 minutes.

4. When did you make your last observation?

5. Explain your last observation.

6. Why did you predict that your diagram would change?

7. What do you predict would happen if you left the demonstration for 24 hours?

8. What was the difference between the red and blue liquids (besides color)?

9. Summarize what happened in this demonstration.

10. What caused the movement of the red and blue liquids?

Sunday, September 27, 2009

GIZMOS have been added and info for anyone who didn't do their assignment.

I just added all of the GIZMOS for the unit. Now there are lots of GIZMOS. I expect that you will finish the Graphing and the Relative Humidity by October 5.   Finish the Graphing by your first day of class next week. Just print a copy of the exploration guide for Humidity. I think we should do some of this in class - it's a little complicated. You will do the assessment questions independently after we work together.

Some of you have not yet completed your student exploration packet for  the Plant Gizmo. That will be recorded as a zero.

I electronically picked up the Assessment Scores for the Plant Gizmo today. If you don't have a score that was registered by 09/27/09 you don't have a score. You have had too much time to complete that Gizmo. I assigned an alternative Gizmo so that you may make up the work and the grade. It is "Plants and Snails". If you received a Zero for the assessment of Plants then you MUST do Plants and Snails. If you scored less than an 80% on the assessment for Plants then you may also do Plants and Snails. Anyone who submits Plants and Snails must have it signed by their caregiver and they should understand that it is a makeup grade.

Some lab supplies needed for the next unit

Students,
In order to complete some cool demos and investigations we will need the following "lab" equipment. If you can bring something that will be great. We also need some clear tape for the table boxes.

Lab equipment

soft drink cans (the lift tab may be removed if you are saving them)
empty, clear, clean 2L bottles with caps
aluminum foil
liquid food coloring

juice or tea bottles: empty and clean and hopefully in pairs

Thanks Parents

I just want to extend another THANK YOU to the parents who volunteered as chaperones for our fieldtrip. I hope you enjoyed it as much as the students. It was a little warm during lunch, but what a great atmosphere for our two teams to be able to see their friends in an informal setting. Without our volunteers we couldn't have gone.

Also, a big THANK YOU to the parents who have sent in some team supplies. I know that your contributions are helping to make the sixth grade experience a good one for all of our students. Tissues, hand sanitizer, and soap may help to keep everyone just a little healthier and avoid some nasty germs and viruses. Paper and other office supplies means that although we are aren't wasteful, we don't have to be stingy.

So THANK YOU for all the help, support, and cooperation that you have provided so that your children can have a rich, meaningful, year.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Pick a topic for your Science Project.

It's time to pick a topic for your science project. All projects must be legal and follow the ISEF rules. We've brainstormed in class to get some ideas. Here's another way to find a topic. Remember, you may not talk to me about "your project" or "your experiment"  until you have a topic selected, 5 bibliography cards for important sources that helped you learn about your topic, and about 15 - 25 note cards so that I can see that you did some background reading about your topic.

Start at this site

http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/

Go to the Forms and Document Library which is the last entry in the ISEF section on the left of the screen





You should see this on the new page.

DOCUMENTS FOR STUDENTS QUALIFIED TO ENTER INTEL ISEF AND FOR STUDENTS IN LOCAL AND AFFILIATED FAIRS


• 2010 Rules and Regulations


• 2010 Student Handbook


• All Intel ISEF Forms for 2010


• Complete Intel ISEF 2010 Rules and Regulations booklet for printing purposes


• 2008 Rules and Regulations en Espanol

Click on the 2010 Rules and Regulations. This will be a pdf that you can save.


Go to page 5 of the Rules and Regulations to find the complete listing of topics and categories. Pick a category and/or topic and start reading about it and taking notes.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

MOSH fieldtrip checklist for students

Have you paid? If not, pay Wednesday.
Did you turn in your permission slip? If not, do it Wednesday.
Planning your bag lunch? Make it on Wednesday.
Finding the right outfit and shoes. Do it on Wednesday.

Bringing your lunch and a drink -  in a plastic grocery bag with your name on it and the top tied shut? Thursday's the day!

Leaving the flip flops, high heels, hard to walk in shoes at home on Thursday? Great.
Wearing clothes that conform to the dress code? Maybe a school T-shirt? Great. Remember, all outfits must be appropriate in length. No beach clothes, short shorts, midriff shirts, tank tops, muscle shirts, or other "play time" clothes. We are going on a school trip out in public and we want to show the public how great our students from JLCP are.

You really won't need spending money. There's no good reason to go shopping in a gift shop in your own town. Go another day with your parents. In fact, I'm going to ask that chaperones NOT let anyone go shopping. There's a lot more to do than shop at the museum.

You also won't need any electronics or phones or cards, or toys. It takes about 10 minutes to drive to the museum so you shouldn't get too bored. You can talk to other students on the bus if you are allowed.

You will need a pencil or pen and some note cards. There will be assigned tasks at the museum that will be used for grades if you attend. If you don't - don't worry I will provide an alternative science assignment that you can complete at school or at home.

Wednesday is an early release day, so don't play too much until you are ready for MOSH.

We will have classes when we return. Thursday is A day. Be prepared.

30

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Lots of new info posted

There have been a total of 5 new posts today. Please continue reading to see all of them.
TYVM.

The test is coming, the test is coming...

Yes, there will be a test. It will be based on  the following Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSS) which I have incorporated into your activities since school began. You will have to answer questions that demonstrate that you can answer questions based on the NGSS.
SC.6.N.1.2 Explain why scientific investigations should be replicable.
SC.6.N.1.3 Explain the difference between an experiment and other types of scientific investigations.
SC.6.N.1.5 Recognize that science involves creativity in designing and explaining experiments.
SC.6.N.2.3 Recognize that scientists who make contributions come from all backgrounds.
SC.6.N.3.2 Students explains that a scientific law is a description of a specific relationship in the natural world.

You may want to review Chapter1 Sections 1 and 2 and Chapter 2 Sections 1 and 2 along with your ISN. A-day classes will test on Tuesday and B-day classes will test on Wednesday.

FIELDTRIP to MOSH and a picnic lunch at Friendship Fountain

Let's all hope for clear weather on Thursday, September 24. We're going to MOSH. Mrs. Hayden from Team A and I have arranged for all of our students to attend a planetarium show that will complement World History class lessons and for time to explore the museum. I am looking forward to everyone walking through the big mouth. Have you seen it?


It's really large and you just walk right in. Touching the tongue was really cool.

BUT........

You must have your $10.00 CASH and your permission slip turned in to me no later than TUESDAY so we can get the entry fee check ready. Yes, we are taking a bus and that raises the cost. We are also paying for the program so that's why we have to collect $$$.

Bring your bag lunch and wear your walking shoes. Please, no flip-flops  or high heels for safety reasons. Gym type shoes or CROCS are great.

GIZMO Due!!!

Everyone has had plenty of time to do the first GIZMO assignment so it is now officially due on TUESDAY, September 22. Be sure to have completed your STUDENT EXPLORATION GUIDE. This will need to be shown or handed in to me in class. You also have to do the assessment questions. I will get those scores electronically.

STUDENTS, please get parental permission before following these directions

Parents,
I recently purchased a subscription to Quia Web to use with my students. It requires that each student register for the "class". I am requesting that you enroll in the following class:

Class: Advanced Comprehensive Science Team B
Code: XBRRF933

I want to use this site for some assessments because there is immediate feedback for the students and me. They will know how they did and I can use the information to plan further instruction.

So, please allow your child to follow the directions below.  I anticipate using Quia on our next trip to the computer lab.



Step 1. Go to the Quia Web site at http://www.quia.com/web.

Step 2. Now, click the area labeled Students. When the next page appears, enter your username and password if you already have a Quia account. If you do not have an account, click the link Create my free account. Fill out the form that appears. Please use your correct name when you are registering although you may select your own log-in and password if you can remember them without my help. Select "Student" as the account type.  When you are done, press the Create my account button.

Step 3. You should now be in the Student Zone. Type in the class code XBRRF933 in the text field and press the Add class button. Now you're done!

Now that you have registered for the Advanced Comprehensive Science course, you can view your class web page, take quizzes, view your quiz results, and view time spent on Quia activities.


Follow these steps to view your results:



Step 1. Log in to your account. (Remember, go to the Quia Web home page at http://www.quia.com/web and click the area labeled Students.)


Step 2. Click on the class name.


Thank you.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Trip to Computer Lab is planned

I've scheduled all of my science classes for a trip to the 1st floor computer lab for Monday A and Tuesday B. You will be working on GIZMOS and yes, there will be an assignment made once I have all of you registered. You may also be working on taking the sciencebuddies survey to help you find a topic for your science project. Some of you may be working on Odyssey and we will try to make sure everyone has access and assignment for both GIZMOS and Odyssey.

Classes will meet in my room and will do the bellringer, turn in their vocabulary card, have a lesson on Theories, Laws, and hypotheses, and then we will go to the lab. Make sure you are on time to class. The tardies will be noted and you may earn a detention if you accumulate too many of them.

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Cookie Report

Here are links to the Report to the Cookie Company directions and rubric. This is an activity that will be graded so make sure to turn it in at the beginning of your next class period. Choose either link.
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AVkJPZ_sUMJnZGNoemh0d2hfN2YzYjNyOWcz&hl=en

http://www.scribd.com/doc/19402971/Report-to-the-Cookie-Company

Catching up with assignments and homework

Yes, there's a difference in finishing an assignment at home and homework. Assignments are the work of the class period. Adequate time has been allowed for the completion of the assignment. If a student chooses to spend more time on an assignment than is available in class then that assignment may be submitted at the next class period. Some assignments must be completed in class and are not allowed to go home for different reasons. Arrangements for additional time should be discussed with the teacher.

So.... Assignments for the week have included the investigations How many drops of water fit on a penny and Sinking Lincoln. A data table for group data should be in the ISN for How many drops and a data table for the class data should be in the ISN. A line plot of the class data should have been turned in. If you took it back to work on the REPORT then make sure you turn it back in.

The report for B day is due tomorrow unless it's already in and for A day it's due on Tuesday.

Assignment details will be posted later today.
Homework:


  • Read Chapter 1 section 1 (1-1) in the GREEN Holt Science and Technology (HST green) book that stays at home.
  • Do the activity Mission Impossible p.5 with your parents. Complete the Analysis Questions. Write the responses in your ISN.
  • Read HST green 1-2

Friday, August 28, 2009

Curriculum Paper that was sent home

http://www.scribd.com/full/19199112?access_key=key-o03395am1xzpmxfwxjj

Locker Time Schedule

Locker Times have been set for the following times:

A DAY
1st time - before 1st period which means that students pack for 1st, Team Time, lunch, and 2nd Period.
2nd time - after 2nd so pack for 3rd and go home time.

B DAY
1st time - before 4th period; pack for 4th, Team Time, lunch and 5th period.
2nd time - After 5th; pack for 6th and go home.

Big backpacks really aren't necessary, but if they come to school they must be placed in the locker until 2nd locker time. Then they go to the last class of the day and then home. Students are not to return to their lockers after dismissal. This is per our school policies.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Hello to Students and Parents

Hello and welcome to the 2009-2010 school year at Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School. This is our 2nd year as a magnet and my 2nd year at JLCP. I am very excited to be teaching some very nice students in my Advanced Comprehensive Science 1 classes. I have sent home the curriculum letter and the safety contract. You'll see the link in the post below this one to the contract. This is in case it has been misplaced or parents want a copy.

I will be using this blog and Twitter to publish info for students and parents. Keep checking for future info. TTFN
The student safety contract is on scribd. Here's the link.

http://scribd.com/doc/19159252


Students should have 1 copy to submit for my records and 1 copy to tape into their ISN on p. 7.

Each student was provided with 2 copies of the contract at the first class meeting. If a student doesn't have both copies on file by Wednesday, Sept.3.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Do you Twitter?

I do

http://twitter.com/smithp8

Supply List

SCIENCE CLASS SUPPLY LIST

You should have the following to start the year.
· Composition notebook
· Blue or black pen
· Color pencils
· Pencils that have been sharpened or mechanical pencils
· Ruler
· Clear tape in a dispenser

You will also need these supplies during the year
· Index cards (3x5 or 4x6)
· Sticky notes
· Highlighter pens
· Set of Dry Erase Markers
· Composition Notebook for science project log
· White printer paper for projects and printing
· 2 pocket folder with prongs
· A science backboard: used in November
· Memory stick/flash drive

You may want to also have
· Manual pencil sharpener that catches the flakes and dust
· Calculator
· Glue stick

Donations of the following will be appreciated for the use of everyone
· Facial tissue
· VIVA paper towels – white only
· Reams of paper: white or colors
· Hand sanitizer

Welcome to the 2009 - 2010 School Year

Watch this blog for pertinent info this year.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Help Wanted: student helpers

I am continuing to "pack up" my classroom in anticipation of moving to another classroom at JLCP. I am inviting students to stay after school to assist me. If you are interested in helping box up materials, prepare equipment for storage, and generally help out you are invited to bring a note from home letting me know that your folks
  • give you permission to stay afterschool until 3:45 on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday and
  • will pick you up no later than 3:45 on the day that's agreed upon.

I hope some students will volunteer for this leadership opportunity. Bonus points may be available for students who volunteer and really help with the job.

"EXAM" update

The final exam for science will be made up of the project and participation in a seminar. The project consists of identifying an area of study, asking a question, collecting data, analyzing it, and developing recommendations based on the data analysis. A product should be prepared using the rubric. Presentations of the products will begin on Wednesday. More presentations and a discussion of findings/recommendations will continue on Thursday.

In order to participate in the seminar a product must be submitted. An alternative assessment will be available for anyone who chooses not to complete the project.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

GIZMOS and LOW GRADES

As I look over my grades for this 9 week grading period I am finding too many grades of 0%, 40%, and 60%. These grades are NOT passing grades. Ok, the 60 is just barely passing, but it's not helping build a good grade. What's a student to do?



That's exactly correct. DO the GIZMOS and do them until you do them right. Then bring in page 1 of the corrected test which will show your grade and your name and the name of the GIZMO. The great thing about GIZMOS is that they can be done anywhere that you can access the internet. Time is running out so do them and turn in the grade.

It will be too late too soon, so don't delay.

For more info see the post of May 13.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Trying again for Rubric for Greening Up JLCP

I hope this works for you.
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dchzhtwh_5x7d8xhcw
Published on 5/18/09 9:15 AM

TRYING AGAIN for study guide

Publish this document

This document is published on the web.
Your document is publicly viewable at:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dchzhtwh_4dk59rwgj
Published on 5/18/09 9:08 AM

Let's try again: Urban Hike

This document is published on the web.
Your document is publicly viewable at:

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dchzhtwh_6rx8jhpd6
Published on 5/18/09 9:05 AM

Sunday, May 17, 2009

I don't know why you can't access the EOC study guide from Google docs

I don't know why this document isn't working via google docs. I have put it here, but it will need to be copied and pasted into a word document and then printed.

Can You…….
Make each into a question and answer it.
1. Explain and use the steps of the
scientific method: forming a
question that can be investigated;
posing a hypothesis; designing an
investigation to gather data that will
answer the question; collecting,
recording, and analyzing data; and
developing a conclusion.
2. Distinguish between independent
(manipulated) and dependent
(responding) variables in an
experiment.
3. Identify the variables that are kept
the same in an experiment.
4. Explain what happens when more
than one variable (condition) is
changed on purpose in an
experiment.
5. Explain why collecting a large
amount of data is important in an experiment?
6. Compare and contrast the mass,
volume, state, and reaction to
heat of various substances.
7. Describe several physical
properties that help identify
substances (e.g., state, density,
solubility).
8. Demonstrate that substances
having equal volumes can have
different masses.
9. Demonstrate that substances
having equal masses can have
different volumes.
10. Determine the densities of
several solids.
11. Distinguish between physical
changes and chemical changes
in substances.
12. Model the positions and
describe the movement of
atoms in solids, liquids, and
gases.
13. Identify the parts of an atom,
their charges, and their
positions in the atom.
28. Explain why chromosomes must
be duplicated before mitosis.
29. Compare and contrast types of
asexual and sexual reproduction
using examples of plants,
animals, and bacteria.
30. Describe the characteristics of
living things.
31. Review the needs of living
things.
32. Explain why a virus could be
considered nonliving as well as
living.
33. Identify the relationship between
the three domains and six
kingdoms in the classification
system for organisms.
34. Use a dichotomous key to
identify various organisms or
objects.
35. Describe the characteristics of
bacteria and how they are
classified.
36. Describe the characteristics of
protists, including common
examples.
37. Describe the characteristics of
fungi, including common
examples
38. Recognize that a pattern of
cellular organization occurs in
plants.
39. Compare and contrast nonvascular
and vascular plants.
40. Compare and contrast the three
kinds of vascular plants
(seedless, gymnosperms, and
angiosperms).
41. Explain the process of
photosynthesis in green plants.
42. Identify the purpose of cellular
respiration.
54. Predict how a long-term
change in the abiotic or
biotic factors could change
the populations of an
ecosystem.
55. Describe ways that plants
and animals change the
landscape or keep it from
changing.
56. Identify human actions that
cause changes in
ecosystems.
59. Describe the physical and
chemical changes that cause
rocks to weather.
60. Explain with examples how
rivers reshape the land over
both the long term
(weathering, erosion, and
deposition) and short term
(storms and floods).
61. Explain with examples how
waves along the beach
erode and deposit materials.
62. Explain how wind erodes and
deposits materials.
63. Compare and contrast the
effects of erosion by moving
water and by ice.
64. Interpret the role of gravity in
both fast and slow erosion.
14. State the cell theory.
15. Describe how various scientific
discoveries led to the
development of the cell theory.
16. Recognize that most cells can
only be seen using the
magnifying power of a
microscope.
17. Explain why most cells are small.
18. Distinguish between prokaryotes
and eukaryotes.
19. Draw and label the main
organelles in a typical plant cell
and a typical animal cell.
20. Identify the function of each
organelle in plant and animal
cells.
21. Explain why the process of
osmosis is important to cells.
22. Compare and contrast unicellular
and multicellular organisms.
23. Review the levels of cellular
organization.
24. Describe the role of specialized
cells in various multicellular
organisms.
25. Review the structure and
function of human body systems.
26. Explain why cells in multicellular
organisms divide.
27. Illustrate and explain the function
of each part of the cell cycle,
including mitosis.
43. Identify the biotic and abiotic
parts of an environment.
44. Define population, community,
and ecosystem and identify
examples of each.
45. Compare and contrast how
producers, consumers, and
decomposers in a food web
recycle energy through the
ecosystem.
46. Describe the role of bacteria,
fungi, and worms in adding
organic matter to the soil.
47. Explain what an energy pyramid
shows about energy in an
ecosystem
48. Identify specific adaptations
that help organisms survive
and reproduce in specific
environments.
49. Describe specific behaviors
of animals that help them
survive in their environment.
50. Compare and contrast
interactions between
organisms (competition,
predator-prey, mutualism
and symbiosis).
51. Describe plant tropisms that
help plants survive in their
environments.
52. Explain how the nitrogen,
carbon, and oxygen cycles
recycle matter throughout the
environment.
53. Predict how a short-term
change in the abiotic or
biotic factors in an
ecosystem could change the
populations of organisms
living there.
We will take a little time for the following
65. Explain the causes of
surface ocean currents.
66. Review the causes of land
and sea breezes.
67. Draw and label the parts of
a wave in water (crest,
trough, wavelength, and
amplitude).
68. Compare the time required
for various earth processes
(weathering, erosion,
deposition, wave action,
landslides) to occur.

Friday, May 15, 2009

FIELDTRIP on June 1

The Teachers of Team D have planned a fieldtrip for June 1. There is no cost. All students are eligible to attend. Permission slips are color coded and have been passed out to students. Each student has been assigned to either Group A or Group B. Each group will do the same activities except that the times are different.

We would really appreciate parent chaperones for both groups. Just let us know via the permission slip.

Permission slips are due no later than May 22 so final arrangements can be made.

The itinerary can be found at

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dchzhtwh_6rx8jhpd6

Study Guide for EOC

Turn each statement into a question and answer it.


http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dchzhtwh_4dk59rwgj

There will be time in class for review on Monday and Tuesday along with working on the project.

RUBRIC for GREENING UP JLCP

The rubric can be found at

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dchzhtwh_5x7d8xhcw

Your project is due on May 26. Remember, the project counts towards your final exam grade.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Progress Reports Went Home TODAY - May 13

Progress reports were issued today for all subjects. The new progress report does not show details for how the grade was earned. For SCIENCE I have found that the majority of low grades are due to
1) not completing the assigned GIZMOS from www.explorelearning.com, or
2) from submitting poor grades for GIZMOS.

What's the solution?
1. Tomorrow and Friday I will be conferencing with students about how to raise their grades.
2. If Gizmos are the problem, then completing them or re-doing them is the solution. HOWEVER, I will not be retrieving any more grades electronically for the previous assignments. If a student does a GIZMO and earns a good grade, then print out the first page which shows student name and Gizmo title along with the score earned. I do not penalize students for trying to raise their grade through doing Gizmos again.
3. Students must complete all of their assigned tasks in a timely manner. A project is underway right now and everyone should have begun data collection so that the project may be finished before the final exam.

If your child brought home a poor grade it's important that you ask about the GIZMOS that they have done or haven't done. Very often students are submitting grades that are very low. A score of 5/5 is 100%, 4/5 = 80%, 3/5 = 60% which is a "D", the lowest passing grade possible. Scores below 4/5 drag the entire grade down so don't let a child celebrate a score of less than 4/5!!!!

I will be glad to receive any new data in paper form so that grades can be recycled. However, all recycled GIZMOS must be submitted by May 28 so I can enter them into the grading program and have them reflected in the report card grade for this grading period. There will not be time to enter late grades since I will have to record the projects and the final exam grades. More on these 2 topics tomorrow.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Update on Aquifer Project, GIZMOS, and Progress Reports

Aquifer Project

Everyone who has attended class this week has enough info to finish the project. Many thanks to the students who assisted in catching up the students who were absent or on the fieldtrip. That's real leadership!!
If you were absent/out of school the entire week you should read the experiment on p. 391.You will have to see me in class on TUESDAY to schedule a time to make up the lab. No one will do any experimentation on Monday.
The task sheet and rubric for the poster are viewable at
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dchzhtwh_3hpzktdnv

Monday's assignment will be to work on this poster. However, you may work on it at home. The poster is due on Tuesday as you walk into class. This way I can quickly grade them and get them onto your progess report. Evaluation will be part of the assignment for Tuesday.

GIZMOS
Several Gizmos were assigned last month. Two of them, Bird Beaks and Rainfall and Water Cycle are due on Monday, 04/20/09. I will pick up the grades electronically and they will be on your progess report.

PROGRESS REPORTS
These will be issued in classes on Wednesday. Parents please watch for them so that you can sign and return them ASAP. Many thanks.

Bonus Opportunities
Two bonus opportunities are available. If you can't make one or you don't do well on one then there should be at least one more opportunity before the end of school.
  1. Earth Day Celebration at the Jacksonville Landing. Saturday, April 18, 2009 from 10 - 4.
  2. Gizmo: Measuring Trees - This one can not be reset. You get up to 10 points to be added to your total number of points earned.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Are you interested in an adventure this summer????

I received the following memo and thought all of my students should see it. There's an opportunity right here in Jacksonville. There's a contact person to call or e-mail if you have any questions.


FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
K-12 EDUCATION
BUREAU OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

GOVERNOR’S SUMMER PROGRAM
FOR GIFTED AND HIGH-ACHIEVING STUDENTS
PROGRAM ABSTRACTS
2009

The purpose of the Governor’s Summer Program is to provide an opportunity for outstanding gifted and high-achieving students to participate in and use the resources of the universities and colleges in the State of Florida. Institutions of higher education, public or private, submit proposals to provide day or residential summer programs for gifted and high-achieving students entering grades 8-12. The goal is to use the academic strengths and unique instructional resources of the sponsoring institution to provide participating students with learning experiences not available in their secondary education programs.

Note: Direct all inquiries about specific programs to the contact person listed.

Florida Atlantic University
Engineering Scholars’ Program

The Engineering Scholars Program, to be held June 8-26, is a day program providing dual-enrollment courses in Electronic Design with Operational Amplifiers, Ocean Engineering and Underwater Vehicles, New Generation Web Technologies, and Innovative Materials for Infrastructure, for at least 80 high-achieving 10th to 12th graders of Broward and Palm Beach counties. Faculty experienced with gifted students will utilize state-of-the-art College of Engineering and Computer Science laboratories to provide challenging hands-on educational opportunities not available in high schools, to help students develop problem solving skills and prepare for university studies. Team projects are emphasized. Sunshine State Standards are incorporated. Program information and application will be available online at http://www.dess.eng.fau.edu/esp.htm.

Contact Person: Dr. Marie Larrondo Petrie or Ms. Brenda Simmons
Phone: 561-297-2780
Mailing Address: College of Engineering and Computer Science
777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991
E-mail Address: dess@fau.edu

Florida Community College at Jacksonville
Destination Space 2009: A Summer Exploration in
Aerospace and the Commercial Space Industry

This program is being offered through the Aviation Center of Excellence located at the College’s Cecil Center. This no-cost, two week day camp will be held July 13 - 24, 2009, for 25 students from Duval, Nassau, St. Johns and Clay counties entering grades 8 to 10. During the daily eight-hour sessions, students will participate in intensive higher levels of study in aerospace-related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) principles. The camp will include studies in the field of aerospace including subject matter such as: aeronautics with emphasis in the aerodynamics of both air breather and rocket propulsion vehicles; visual, electronic, and celestial navigation; physiology in high risk environments; concepts of air traffic control; physics; and advanced mathematics with practical applications in the science of suborbital space travel as well as an orientation to astronomy.

Contact Person: Phyllis Renninger
Phone: 904-632-3327
Mailing Address: 501 W. State Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202 -4939
E-mail Address:
prenning@fccj.edu

Manatee Community College
Fishing for the Truth: Multidisciplinary Explorations into Crime Scene Investigations

This is a noncredit day program for 24 qualified gifted and high-achieving students, grades 10-12, in Manatee and Sarasota counties (urban and rural). It will run for four weeks, July 6-30, 2009, four days a week, six hours a day at the college. Activities infuse the social and natural sciences, information technology, mathematics and 21st century workplace skills with advanced critical thinking required by crime-scene investigations. Participants learn and apply law-enforcement/ forensics practices, including DNA laboratory activities and present their investigative conclusions to a prosecuting attorney. No fee required.

Contact Person: Dr. Michael J. Mears
Phone: 941-752-5267
Mailing Address: 5840 26th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34207
E-mail Address: mearsm@mccfl.edu

Palm Beach Community College
Math and Science Institute (MSI) Summer Program

Responding to the school district, industry, and emerging workforce trends, the college is offering a unique interdisciplinary model to connect students to the growing fields within Biotechnology and Environmental Science studies. The program will offer 30 rising 11th and 12th graders a rigorous college credit program in emerging industries such as biofuels and ethanol production from vegetation, as well as authentic field-based experiences that will serve as a model for interdisciplinary studies. The program will run for eight weeks from June 8 – August 7, 2009, Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Seventy percent of authentic learning experiences within authentic learning environments are planned (e.g. Scripps Research Institute, South Florida Water Management District, Advanced Water Technology, Cytonics Corporation, Ocean Ridge Biosciences, and TransDermal Technologies.

Contact Person: Valerie Burks, Ph.D.
Phone: 561-868-3895
Mailing Address: 4200 Congress Avenue
Lake Worth, FL 33461-4796
E-mail Address: burksv@pbcc.edu

South Florida Community College
Dynasties, Dragons, and Drums

This is an innovative college credit day program for gifted and high-achieving students that will focus on an interactive, anthropological study of ancient China through literature and art. The program is designed to accommodate twenty-five students entering grades 9-12 who have an interest in learning more about Chinese culture and the performing arts. This will be a five week course from June 8 – July 10, 2009. Participating students will have an opportunity to earn three hours of transferable college credit in an enriching, creative environment from a panel of experienced, qualified college faculty. Students will be expected to demonstrate their acquisition of knowledge through a variety of multidisciplinary assignments and activities, as well as participation in a final performance.

Contact Person: Lindsay Byron Lynch
Phone: 863-784-7413
Mailing Address: 600 West College Drive
Avon Park, FL, 33825 E-mail Address: lynchl@southflorida.edu

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Be a part of the solution...

Consider being one of the millions of people world-wide who observe Earth Hour tonight. Just turn off your lights, computers, game systems, TV, and other light sources from 8:30 - 9:30 pm.

Here's a link to tell you more.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/03/090326-earth-hour-2009.html?source=email_wn_20090327&email=wn

Monday, March 23, 2009

Quick Reminder: Bonus opportunity ends today.

Yes, get your bonus points now. I will be closing the bonus opportunity tomorrow. It has been an easy opportunity to earn a few points and some of you might be able to squeeze it in now. (Although you have had several weeks.)

I will print the GIZMO scores on Tuesday so get yours finished. You won't have to print anything out, I get your scores electronically.

TTFN until Tomorrow

Monday, March 16, 2009

Assignments for March 18, 19, and 20 while I am out

I will be attending the yearly conference of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) where I am presenting how to make and use stomp rockets ( a fun activity you will probably do in 8th grade). As a result I have to be out for several days. To help you plan to use your time wisely I am posting all of your assignments in advance.

Assignments for March 18, 19, and 20.
All of these except Gizmos should be finished in class by Friday. Anything not completed in class by FRIDAY is your homework. Have each assignment reviewed by the substitute and log it in to get credit. If it's not logged in by Friday you must have it ready by Monday.You may work on Gizmos at home. Remember to take the quiz for the unit.
The assignments may be completed in any order.

You will want to have the following materials for completing some of the tasks:
White printer paper* and color pencils or markers
[ ] Read “Animal Behavior”: Chapter 11, Section 3, pages 286 – 291. Work with a partner. Both of you read the Survival Behavior passages silently. Summarize the text aloud to your partner. Your partner should listen to the retelling and take notes on the key ideas. Switch roles and repeat the activity for the Seasonal Behaviors passages.
Make a venn diagram to compare and contrast hibernation to estivation. Use examples (words/pictures) to illustrate your mini-poster (one sheet of unlined paper).

[ ] Read “Adaptations and Survival” Chapter 11, Section 4 pages 292 – 293.
As you read the section make a “spider map” for different types of adaptations. You can find directions for this map on p. 755 of your red book. You may make this in your ISN.
Read “Types of Interactions”: Chapter 12, Section 3, pages 318 – middle of 323. Continue the spider map for adaptations.
Make a Three Panel Flip Chart for Symbiosis. Use your paper to make this. You can find directions for the chart on p. 753 of your red book.

[ ] Model Making Lab: Adaptation- It’s a Way of Life
Select one animal from your recent ecosystem project. Change its ecosystem drastically (example -rapid climate change due to abiotic factors). Use the adaptations listed on p. 298 to design an animal that has adapted to the new changes. Make a mini-poster (one sheet of paper) of your animal.Explain how your animal has adapted to its new habitat. Answering questions 1 -2, and 4 for your animal and its habitat might be useful.

[ ] Choose either of the 2 assigned Gizmo units. Use the Exploration Guides to explore the simulation. The guides are printed out and will be used by many people so you may not write on them. If you want your own copy you will have to print one at home or the public library or bring your own paper to print at school. You may record your notes in your ISN. You may work in groups to do the work, but you must take the test independently without help from anyone else.

[ ] Read “The Cycles of Matter: Chapter 13, Section 1, pages 336 – 341.
Draw a page size poster for the Water Cycle or write a children’s book using Julia Landon College Prep as your location. Where does the runoff go? Where does the water that goes into the storm sewers go? Where does Transpiration occur? Label the parts of the water cycle and use arrows to show the journey water might take.
* I am out of paper at this time. If you can donate a pack of paper for use by students in school I would love to have some. As it is I've had to purchase several packs and borrow some from other teachers. Please help if you can. Our new printers are wonderful, but just don't work without paper.
Also, if you can make copies at home I will need to have some materials run off to help students prepare for the end of the year exam and I am only allowed a limited number of copies each month. THANK YOU in advance.

GIZMOS

Every student should be signed up for Gizmos ASAP. To sign up you go to
http://www.explorelearning.com/ and type in the secret code that I gave you in school. No, I will not post it here so that strangers or others can not sign up on the limited roster that is allowed.

Bonus Opportunities through Gizmos... I have designated 2 units for bonus points.These may be done at home or anywhere that there is computer access. The grades are reported electronically so no need to print out the test except for your records so that you can review the information.

Assignments in Gizmos... I have assigned several units to each student. Everyone will do Forest Ecology and yes, it counts as a grade. Choose between Food Chain and Rabbit Population by season. Be certain to do the work before you take the test. The grade you earn is the grade you earn.

There will be time allowed in class for small groups to work together at the 2 computers on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Follow up to Ecosystem project

Follow up assignment for Ecosystem Project.
You will analyze your project by using the rubric and really getting into your FRIES.
The analysis will have 5 distinct paragraphs.
The first paragraph is the introduction. Introduce your project and some high points of the project.
The second paragraph will be your analysis of the first criteria on the rubric. This criteria is to pick an ecosystem. Look at what it takes to earn a 1, 2, or 3. Identify what you think your score should be. Use FRIES to state what it takes, what you earned and why.
The third paragraph is what you earned for the HABITAT criteria. Use the rubric criteria and FRIES to explain what you think you earned and why.
The fourth paragraph will be based on the criteria for Energy Pyramid, Food Webs, and Food Chains. Again use the rubric and FRIES to explain what you thing you earned for that section and why.
The fifth paragraph is the conclusion. Tie up all of the loose ends. Bring closure to your analysis.

After you have written your paragraphs you will need to color code your FRIES.
F= yellow (Facts)
R = green (Reasons)
I = blue (Incidents)
E = orange (Examples)
S = red (Statistics)
S= pink (Sensory details)

Remember, this is a final copy not a draft. It may not be folded, ripped, raggedy, or messy. You may type the analysis. It should be turned in no later than Tuesday in class. There will be about 15 minutes on Monday for peer editing. There will be no time on Tuesday to work on it.
This is an analysis of a project and as such it will be worth up to 100 points. Each student must turn in an original paper. There will be penalties for copying, plagiarism, or cheating.

Criteria for Written Analysis
Ø 5 distinct paragraphs
Ø Each paragraph follows the directions above.
Ø Each paragraph is analysis of one criteria.
Ø Each paragraph makes sense.
Ø The FRIES are color coded (you may use color pencils or hi-lighters)
Ø The paper itself is neat.
Ø There are few errors in spelling, grammar and usage and they do not detract from the meaning of the paper.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

FCAT SNACKS

The FCAT is almost upon us and as you may have read in Mrs. Spiwak's blog the team would like to have some snacks, drinks, or hard candy for the students to perhaps help alleviate some of the stress. Please be aware of the possibility that some students have allergies. Several members of the team are ALLERGIC TO PEANUTS!!!!!!!!!!!! so we have to be very careful in what we provide. I also have found that it's good to have more tissues available and some hand sanitizer and even some wet wipe type of cleaning tissues. If you'd like to send in some tissues, sanitizer, or snacks, please let us know.

Thanks to the parents who have already sent in some candy. I don't know if peppermint really helps thinking on tests, but let's use all of our resources to boost our skills.

TYVM

HOMEWORK for 6th period - every night so that we win

Don't forget to get your rice. Go to www.freerice.com and get busy. I really would hate for us to lose. I'll get some also.

If your printer isn't working or you don't want to waste a free page at the library do a screen shot (print screen) and save it to a word file. Just make sure you save it on your thumb drive.

How much rice can we get by MONDAY????????

ECOSYSTEM PROJECT

The project was assigned in class today. It is intended as an in-class project. Bring the materials you will need. There will be 2 computers in class available.

Here are the details for the directions and the rubric.


http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dchzhtwh_2fbd2qsfq

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

The Team Wordle

I wordled all of the lists together.
Here it is. Just click on the wordle to go right to the site.

Wordle: 7D all per

HOMEWORK for 02/17/09

Read in your HST RED book: Chapter 1, Section 1. This will help you begin reviewing for the End of Course Exam which will be cumulative from the beginning of school in August to the very end in June.

Also, read the DIRECTIONS for the RAFT. Write a scientific question based on the RAFT directions. Put it into your ISN on the output side for today.

Word lists for 4th, 5th, and 6th period

Sad news.... I don't think you can find the wordles we made in class. I'm not able to retrieve them so you might want to make your own.

With permission from your parents go to http://www.wordle.net/ and create your own wordle. Just copy and paste the list for your class.

4th Period
ecology
biotic
abiotic
ecosystem
population
biosphere
organism
nutrients
community
environment
factors
ecology
herbivore
carnivore
omnivore
consumers
symbiosis
commensalism
phytoplankton
decomposers
parasitism
web of life
carrying capacity



5th Period
prey
biotic
herbivore
predator
symbiosis
food web
biosphere
omnivore
food chain
mutualism
phytoplankton
ecology
energy pyramid
carnivore
carrying capacity
parasitism
commensalism
population
community
coevolution
biotic
abiotic
ecosystem
food chain

6th period
biotic
ecology
biosphere
population
abiotic
food chain
community
carnivore
food web
energy pyramid
prey
carrying capacity
symbiosis
predator
photosynthesis
parasitism
host
pollinator
camouflage
mutualism
herbivore
omnivore
decomposers
warning coloration
limiting factors
scavengers
phytoplankton
consumers

1st and 3rd period lists for Worldes

Sad news, there doesn't seem to be a way to retrieve the wordles from class if I didn't save the HTML code and I didn't.
With permission from your parents go to http://www.wordle.net/ and create a wordle picture. When you are happy with the picture you can print it.

This is the list for 1st period

ecology
tomato hornworm
biosphere
glacier
decomposer
ecologist
scavengers
population
phytoplankton
food chain
food web
carnivore
prey
symbiosis
omnivore
energy pyramid
biotic
abiotic
ecosystem
carrying capacity
herbivore
community
survival
commensalism
interrelated
producers
co-evolution
parasitism
mutualism
environment
precipitation
__________________________________

3rd period's list

ecology
biotic
abiotic
carrying capacity
ecosystem
biosphere
community
food web
energy pyramid
food chain
herbivore
omnivore
carnivore
phytoplankton
prey
decomposer
predator
producers
symbiosis
mutualism
commensalism
parasitism
coevolution
population
pollinator
web of lifeenvironment

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Thanks to everyone who is really trying to cooperate with a teacher who has no voice

Some of you continue to be extremely cooperative and many of you are joining them since I lost my voice. I appreciate your demonstrations of leadership and feel like I'm seeing more mature leaders than you were just a few weeks ago. I also feel a little like Ariel and am wondering what I got out of the deal with Ursula. Maybe better legs for the River Run?

Thanks for your patience as you read my messages. The less I have to talk out loud, the sooner my voice is supposed to come back. I hate to stay home when we have so much to do ( and some of it might even be fun).

I hope to be able to speak by next week. Until then- keep reading.

GIZMOS

Gizmos is a new program that DCPS has provided for you to become even better at thinking like a scientist. I've assigned at least 2 Gizmo activities for each class right now. If your class hasn't registered yet you can do so from school, home or the public library. It's EZ and here's something your parents might enjoy - it's free to use.

The site is

http://www.explorelearning.com/

To register you just have to READ ALL THE SCREEN (RATS) and Follow Directions (FD). You will have to get the course code during class. I don't want to publish it online because I have a limited number of registrations available for my students - enough for all, but none to share.
Remember, your log in is your school log in and your password is your school password. Guard these and don't share them with your friends.

Here are the directions for using GIZMOS once you are enrolled in my class.
Go to http://www.explorelearning.com/ .
Log in.
Choose one activity to explore.
Download the activity sheets and vocabulary sheet. If you want to enter the data and information digitally on the sheet before you print it make sure that you download it as a word doc not a pdf and that you save it.
Follow the directions on the sheets to carry out the investigation. Complete all questions on the pages.
When you are finished, you will place them in your ISN or Folder.
Everyone must do at least one of the activities. I suggest you start with the ecosystem activity.
Yes, it's graded.

What's this????? Some of you have started already??? Without the directions????? Let me see...Some of these scores are pretty good. R U hvng fun?

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Have you met GIZMOS

I have and they are LOTS of fun. They will be available for your exploration after you register for my classes. I will give you your course code and directions tomorrow.

Monday, February 09, 2009

Test on Thursday in the computer lab

The test will be on protists, viruses, fungi, bacteria, archaebacteria, plants and classification.

I will pass out the study guide on Tuesday. You will have time in class to work on it on Tuesday. Bring your ISN that has your work from December and January.

Makeup Lab: INFORMING THE FARMERS



Makeup Lab: INFORMING THE FARMERS

If you missed the lab activity on January 22 or 23 then you will need to complete this alternative assessment.

Use the rubric and directions that are posted on the blog and were handed out in class.

Cut up a potato into strips like “French fries”. Put into cold water.
Prepare a salt solution in a bowl. Measure how much salt you put in and how much water. Use volume to determine the ration of the salt to water. Then make another solution with double the amount of salt, but the same amount of water.

Find a way to measure the flexibility of the potato sticks. Put some the first solution, some in the second solution. Don’t forget your control.

Check the flexibility after treating the sticks. Make observations and record them in your ISN.

Use a sheet of carbon paper (available in class) or a large piece of paper to prepare your V report.

Turn it in ASAP.

Monday, January 19, 2009

The Week of January 20

The third grading period begins and students have an excellent opportunity to begin successfully.
There will be guided class instruction for the following standards

DCPS
38. Recognize that a pattern of cellular organization occurs in plants.
39. Compare and contrast nonvascular and vascular plants.
40. Compare and contrast the three kinds of vascular plants (seedless, gymnosperms, and angiosperms).

and a new Performance Task to finish the unit on the cell.

(Performance Task) The Cell

Goal What effect do various concentrations of salt water have on plant cells?

Role You are a botanist working on finding plants that will grow in a salt water environment

Audience A group of farmers who are trying to find crops that will grow in salt water

Situation You will observe 3 samples or slides. Sample one will be made with
water. Samples two and three will be prepared with increasing concentrations of salt.
(1.7g, and 3.5g of salt per 100 mL of H2O )

Products Students will prepare a V report to include:
1. What will the effect of salt solution have on plant cells. (Your hypothesis)
2. What was the effect of salt solution on the plant cells (Your observations)
3. Did increasing the amount of salt in each solution cause any changes? (Your results)
4. What recommendation would you make for farmers near salt water


Your grade will be based on 3 criteria. Refer to the rubric for the project to see where and how you will be graded. You must receive “meets the standard” for all 3 areas to earn a C. An A will be based on earning 3/3 “Exceeds the Standard”.
Performance Task: THE CELL
Standards for
Grading
Meets


SC.F.1.3.2 Know that the structural basis of most organisms is the cell and most organisms are single cells, while some, including humans, are multicellular.
SC.F.1.3.6 Know that the cells with similar functions have similar structures, whereas those with different structures have different functions.
SC.H.1.3.4 Know that accurate record keeping, openness, and replication are essential to maintaining an investigator’s credibility with other scientists
and society.
SC.H.1.3.5 Know that a change in one or more variables may alter the outcome of an investigation.

The rubric can be found at
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dchzhtwh_1cvhwhtf2

I anticipate that all of the data will be collected this week. The report will be due at the end of class on Monday, 01/26/09. It is worth up to 100 points. Specific paper will be required. This will be available in class. This is not an at home assignment.

Information for students going to NEFRSEF

If you are one of the 10 lucky individuals who have been chosen to attend the Regional Science Fair you must register your project.
Please go to
http://www.nefrsef.org/ and click on Enter Your Project. Just follow the directions.

FORMS -FORMS - FORMS

Each participant MUST have the correct forms or you may Fail to Qualify (FTQ) when the Science Review Committee views your paperwork.

You must have
  1. FORM 1 - dated BEFORE experimentation and signed in BLUE ink.
  2. Form 1A - Check your dates. You must have dates that correlate to Form 1 and 1B
  3. Form 1B - dated BEFORE experimentation and signed in BLUE ink.
  4. A RESEARCH PLAN that is COMPLETE. Parts A, B, C, and D. It must have a bibliography of 5 major sources (NO wikipedia sources for the top 5). One of the references must be the official rules (see info below).You must assess safety for your project and discuss it in your plan and fill out a Form 3.
  5. Form 3 - Required for all projects.
  6. Official Abstract (Florida not international) which must also be signed in BLUE.

There is a time CRUNCH for all of this. I must have it no later than 8:00 AM on Wednesday, January 21. Yes, this upcoming Wednesday. I have to hand deliver the actual paperwork to the SRC by a certain time or they won't accept it. No ifs, ands, or buts.... so get it in.

This is the info you will need for the reference to the rules.

Society for Science & the Public (2008). International Rules for Precollege Science
Research: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2008-2009.
Washington, DC: Society for Science & the Public.
www.societyforscience.org/isef/document/Rule2009.pdf

If you have questions or need help then please talk to me tomorrow. I plan on staying after until about 3:45 so if you need to stay make arrangements to be late to practice or arrange for a parent to pick you up.