Total Lunar Eclipse – December 20-21, 2010 | Geology.com

Total Lunar Eclipse – December 20-21, 2010 | Geology.com

Finalists who will be invited to participate in the school science fair

I've almost narrowed down all of the projects to the ones that I will ask the owners to participate in the JLCP Science Fair. I will put a note on the grade portal. Check your portal. If You have been selected there should be a comment under "Invited to Participate in JLCP's Science Fair". Grades are not updated and I will not be finished grading projects until after we return to school next year.

Genetic Trait Linked to Young Athletes' Deaths

Genetic Trait Linked to Young Athletes' Deaths

Emphasizing Sports Over Academics Sets Up Black Boys to Lose

I found this article to be very interesting and worth reading as we consider our children's future. Please take a moment to read it.


Emphasizing Sports Over Academics Sets Up Black Boys to Lose

SCIENCE PROJECT PRESENTATIONS HAVE BEGUN

Some very nervous young scientists have begun presenting their work to their peers and teacher. Needless to say, most of them did a great job of explaining their projects and conclusions. All projects are scheduled to be presented prior to winter break with the exception of any student waiting for approval from the NEFRSEF IRB. I will make the terribly difficult decision about who to invite to the fair possibly as early as next week. If you are invited you will have to stay after school on Monday, January 10. Parents will have to provide transportation following the fair. The judging should be over by 3:45. Specific information will be sent home with the invitations.
****************************
If you have not submitted your research paper - get going. It's late and you are getting a place holder that won't affect your grade yet. When I have finished grading the papers, the boards, and the presentations you will receive a ZERO for anything you did not submit.

News for Parents about FCAT from the FLDOE

Success Measures
The Florida Department of Education has developed an online tool to help parents and families throughout the state learn about changes to our standards and assessments.

This new resource, called Success Measures will provide parents and students with information on what is being taught and tested in our classrooms.

Log on today to learn more about:

• The materials students will be learning.

• When and how students will be tested.

• Why our assessment program is changing.



Try these three easy steps to learn more:

STEP # 1 Go to www.fldoe.org/successmeasures.

STEP # 2 Select a grade level and school year

STEP # 3 Submit the course(s) in Reading/Language

Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies,

Health or Physical Education

Address for the ABSTRACT form- this one you can type on

copy and paste this address into your address bar to get to the abstract form you can type on. This is from the Florida State Science Fair.

http://www.floridassef.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/2011abstract.pdf

Why do I still have a bad grade on my....

My last GIZMO even if I did it again?

If you submitted a GIZMO AQ (assessment questions) grade electronically, then what you scored has been recorded. You can't do the questions again and have it automatically record a better grade.

To raise the AQ grade for Coastal Winds and Clouds you must retake the AQ, check the answers by attempting to submit the grade, when it says you can't do that then PRINT out your score. Write out the following equation on the paper:
New Score - 10 points = grade for AQ. Then write the numbers in and solve the equation. Have your parents sign it so they know that you have made an improvement. Then you must turn in the paper to get a new grade entered in the gradebook. You must do this BEFORE December 7. I will not adjust these
scores after that date because I want to have plenty of time to grade science projects before you start your winter break.

Science Project Proposal
To raise your grade to a 4 you must complete the proposal correctly. Time is running out if you want me to check it again - or for the first time. I have Lab Reports to grade in order to be ready to grade Science Project Research Papers starting on December 7.

Grade Portal

I try to update at least one time a week based on the amount of time available to me during the work week. Please understand that I have duty in the gym on Wednesdays, must plan lessons,find the materials for the lessons, set up labs, find the materials for the lab, meet with the team, meet with parents, and grade papers each week. Sometimes I just have go home and do my "family stuff".

When's the science project due?

As announced previously, the science project is due December 7. Oh, no, you might be thinking... I'll never make it. If you can - great. If you can't then you get the dreaded place holder until you present to the class. Since progress reports go home on December 7 the research paper, the display board, the SPDL and the presentation will be recorded during the 2nd part of this nine week period.

So, here's the plan....

If you are ready then submit your typed, proofread, revised, and stapled research paper on December 7 - yes, both A and B day students. During class either on the 7th or 8th you will be given a presentation date. B day presentations will begin on December 9 and A day presentations will begin on December 10. The presentations will continue the following week. Bring your DISPLAY board and SPDL on the day you present-NOT before. That way you know your board is safe and sound at home until you need it.

If you don't submit your paper on 12/7 then it is your responsibility to submit ASAP and schedule your presentation. Students who do not present prior to 12/17 may not be eligible to be invited to participate in the Julia Landon Science Fair, but will still be held responsible for completing the process of submitting a paper and presenting the project in class for both the teacher and student peers and may still earn full credit. Students who do not resolve their "placeholders" prior to the end of term will not receive a passing grade until the project and the research paper are completed and presented.

You will have 5-7 minutes for your presentation. You will be presenting to a small group of students and to the teacher. Your presentation should summarize the question you asked, what prompted you to ask that question, how you tested the question, and what you found out. Be prepared to answer questions about your procedures, your data, the analysis of your data. Be prepared to discuss your project with your fellow student researchers. They know how to do a project and may have some probing questions for you. Your grade will be determined by the teacher, but your peers will provide feedback on your project, your board, and your presentation.

Here’s an update/review for the science project process.

Steps
1 Pick a topic
2 Research (read) about topic
3 Ask a question
4 Design (adapt) an experiment
5 FILL OUT FORMS and Submit a proposal
6 Wait for approval
Not Approved? Recycle through necessary steps 1-6

7 IF APPROVED

TEST for your question
Record Data in your SPDL (science project data log)
Adequate sample size (lots of data/ enough based on limitations)
Minimum sample size: hard to do or very expensive or time consuming – 5
Suggested sample size 10-100

Take Photos/pictures of your experiment

Prepare RESULTS. Write the rough draft in your SPDL. Results will include

Well organized data table(s)
Analyze data
Mean, median, mode, range, frequency, find outliers –look at why you may have outliers
Make graphs and visually compare the data of the groups.
What do the data indicate? STATISTICS must be stated here and used properly. Say everything you have to include in this section including why you may have outliers, why you might have different data based on doing the experiment on different days or different conditions. Explain these events/conditions/interruptions/distractions/mistakes/your helpers/anything that may have affected your data and data collection.

Develop a CONCLUSION based on your data analysis. Determine if the analysis of the data supports or doesn’t support the hypothesis and explain. Use FRIES. Include an introduction, FRIES in the middle and a closing.
You can’t be right or wrong
You won’t prove anything or disprove anything
You will have to determine whether the analysis of the data supports or doesn’t support the hypothesis.

ABSTRACT- write your rough draft in your SPDL


Writing your FORMAL RESEARCH PAPER
Except for the Title Page you are to follow these directions: Size 12 font. Choose one of these fonts: Tahoma, Arial, or Times New Roman
 Title Page
Title
Your name
 ABSTRACT: summary of everything –words are limited- see www.nefrsef.org for details. MUST be on the form.
 Question or Problem
 Hypothesis
 Methods/materials/procedures: summarize what you did and how you did it. The use of the word I is OK. Using the word we isn’t.
 Results: What do the data indicate? Show the data in tables and graphs. Add pictures if possible. STATISTICS must be stated here and used properly. Say everything you have to include in this section including why you may have outliers, why you might have different data based on doing the experiment on different days or different conditions. Explain these events/conditions/interruptions/distractions/mistakes/your helpers/anything that may have affected your data and data collection.
 Conclusion: Determine if the analysis of the data supports or doesn’t support
the hypothesis and explain. Use FRIES along with introduction, FRIES in the middle and a closing.
 Acknowledgements: Thank Your Support
 Bibliography


YOUR DISPLAY BOARD

Copy and Paste the parts from your research paper when applicable.
Enlarge the font. Print it on fancy paper or mount it on backing paper. Then put the pieces on the board.

LAB REPORT: Heating and Cooling of Sand and Water

A day reports are due on Wednesday at the end of class. They may be worked on during the work period. Remember, this is an early release so some classes are shortened.
B day reports are due on Thursday at the end of class. They may be worked on during the work period.

Here are the basic requirements that are expected to be included.

Title
Questions to be investigated (2).
One hypothesis for each question.
Results that include
Identification of variables, Summary of how the test was run, a data table, a graph (double line graph) an analysis of what the data indicate.

Conclusion for each hypothesis using FRIES and
A paragrah explaining if each hypothesis is to be accepted or rejected based on the analysis of the data.

If you don't have a science project by now you might want to try this one!!

It's been several weeks since I started reading proposals. Now it's time to get down to business. If you don't have a project by now here's a variation of our first lab. You may want to try a variation of it. Science buddies mentions detergent and salt as additives to the water. What a great idea to test the Effect of an additive one the surface tension of water. Here's the link
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/Chem_p021.shtml

Get your paperwork in to me ASAP next week so you can work over the long weekend.

Speaking of the long weekend.... I am sitting down right now to continue reviewing project proposals. I will have all grades updated just as soon as I can. Please have someone proofread your work before you bring it to me. Fill out the forms completely and follow the directions for the Research Plan which includes a BIBLIOGRAPHY.

If you don't know how to do a bibliography the EasyBib site is very helpful. Here's the link http://easybib.com/ and a quick reference sheet for APA style. You may choose to use MLA style and that's fine also since you will use it on your History project.

APA guide

NEW ASSIGNMENT: COASTAL WINDS AND CLOUDS GIZMO and Science Project Update

Log into GIZMOS and check out the new one. I've assigned Coastal Winds and Clouds. The due date for Bday is Monday, November 8. Print out a student exploration guide ore write the answers for it on a sheet of paper. Be prepared for a spot check of the Exploration Guide in class. The Assessment Questions are due on Monday also. I will pick them up during class. A Day students, your Student Exploration Guide is due on Tuesday, November 9. You should be prepared for a spot check also, but yours will be on Tuesday. The Assessment Questions are also due on Tuesday.

There will be a penalty for each assignment (SEG or AQ)that is late.

I am reading and checking over science poject paperwork as quickly as I can. If you get a 4 on your paperwork that means you can start your experimentation. That's a good thing. Grades of 0, 1, or 2 mean that your project is not near to being ready to start. That's not a good thing.

10/20/2010 UPDATE: project progress

I have collected quite a few sets of paperwork for science projects. Good job to those of you who have been told to file them in your portfolio. That means you are "good to go". I'm currently reviewing a whole stack of project paperwork and making suggestions and comments that really would not be necessary if EVERYONE would read the directions and follow them. Yes, I know that science projects are difficult and yes, you have to work hard, and yes, you have to find an EXPERIMENT, and yes, you have to get it all approved. PLEASE take time to make sure you have a complete set of paperwork (Forms 1, 1A, 1B, 3 and a RESEARCH PLAN). Put them in order and staple them together. The time I spend in ordering and stapling takes away from the time I can spend on a project. If every project takes 5 minutes of my time and I have 5 classes of 22 students how much time will I be spending on project review? Sounds like a great bellringer for next week.

PARENTS: Please review your child's work BEFORE you sign it. If it's not ordered and stapled then have your child do it or maybe you can do it for them. Your investment of 1 minute will actually save me about 60 minutes. That makes the turn around time for project review that much faster.

Right now there are many projects that I still need to review before going home to start my family time. I will post the grades that I have. This is what the Paperwork grade means: a 4 means that all paperwork is acceptable and work may begin on the project when you say to start. A 3 means that there are a few minor revisions that need to be made ASAP and the paper can be turned back in. A 2 means that the project needs a lot of attention from the student. No experimentation should begin at this time. A 1 indicates that very little has been submitted, but at least I know that the students has an idea that can grow into a project. A 0 (zero)indicates that I have not seen any paperwork. Any grade less than a 4 may be raised to a 4 by submitting the correctly completed paperwork.

GIZMOS: Conduction and Convection

I successfully picked up the electronic results for many students today. I was late coming back from the conference so I didn't get them until about 6:22pm. That gave everyone a grace period of over 5.5 hours. Congratulations to everyone who recorded their score on time. Your gscore will be posted into your grade before I turn them in for your report card. I have now hidden the GIZMO from everyone and will not be accepting any late scores at this time.

GRADE CHECK and New GIZMO

Now would be a good time to have your parents check your progress in the portal. If you didn't get credit or a grade change for work you completed late or resubmitted I need to know by WEDNESDAY since I will be out of class on Thursday and Friday.

I just assigned a new GIZMO to everyone. It is CONDUCTION AND CONVECTION. You must complete the Assessment Questions by Saturday, October 23 at 12 noon. I will pick up the grades after that time and enter them as the last grade of the 9 weeks. I expect you to do the Exploration Guide to help you with the questions. I will not be collecting/checking the guide this time. We will work on part of it in class tomorrow and Wednesday.

Update 10/15/2010

In order for a student to begin experimentation for the science project, the following steps must be completed
1. Find a topic,
2. Fill out the background plan sheet. If you lost yours or need to read more go to
http://www.sciencebuddies.com/science-fair-projects/project_background_research_worksheet.pdf
3. Check with the teacher. If she says NO, then she means NO you may not do that project. If she says yes, then start your formal proposal.
4. Go to www.nefrsef.org and fill out forms. You will need 1, 1A, 1B, and 3.
5. Be sure to type out a complete and I mean COMPLETE Research Plan. You know, the one that says...

Provide a typed research plan and attach to Student Checklist (1A).
The research plan for ALL projects is to include the following:
A. Question or Problem being addressed
B. Hypothesis/Engineering Goals
C. Description in detail of method or procedures (The following are important and key items that should be included when
formulating ANY AND ALL research plans.)
• Procedures: Detail all procedures and experimental design to be used for data collection
• Data Analysis: Describe the procedures you will use to analyze the data that answer research question or
hypothesis
D. Bibliography: List at least fi ve (5) major references (e.g. science journal articles, books, internet sites) from your
literature review. If you plan to use vertebrate animals, one of these references must be an animal care reference.
o Choose one style and use it consistently to reference the literature used in the research plan
o Guidelines can be found in the Student Handbook

You do have to have a bibliography BEFORE you start your work.

REMEMBER, THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE AN EXPERIMENT WITH A TEST (INDEPENDENT) VARIABLE AND AND OUTCOME (DEPENDENT) VARIABLE. IF YOU DON'T HAVE THESE THEN IT'S NOT GOOD TO GO.
You will have to have a way to measure the dependent variable for this to be a good experiment.

When should this be completed?????

Everyone should have a topic and a background sheet completed by MONDAY. That way I can talk to everyone and approve any projects that I haven't already approved. I will plan for time in class especially for my B day students. If you don't have a topic then go to http://www.sciencebuddies.com/
and pick one out. Most of their suggestions are investigations, but you can find one variable to change and turn it into an experiment. Check their suggestions for variations.

Since the entire project is due December 7, it's very important for you to get not just approval from your teacher, but from your sponsor (parent). It would be good if you could begin your experimentation next weekend when you have a 3 day weekend. That's right, you have planning day (October 25) off. What a great day to spend on your projects.

REMEMBER, Some projects may NOT be done by students. No mold, bacteria, people, vertebrates, tasting, licking, surveys, or anything that requires special forms. At least not this year.

FAQ for Sample Size

I received a question via e-mail that will be helpful to many students so I'm answering it here also.

If you are doing plants do you need a lot of plants?

Let me say it this way...

In order to develop a solid conclusion, one must have lots of data. This can be accomplished in one of two ways.

1. Repeated Trial: This is when the same test is performed over and over. Think about Drops on a Penney. In that experiment you tested your independent variable at least 2 times. This is how you will get data for experiments where it's easy to repeat the test (rolling a ball, dropping something, cleaning up oil, chromatography to identify something and so on.
2. Multiple Subjects in a Group: This is where plants fall. Due to the length of time that it takes plants to grow it is nearly impossible to grow one plant to observe it and then start again and again and again. So, you grow many, many plants. How many? That depends on several factors. If you are testing something on plants that you buy, the stronges limiting factor is your budget. However, the minumum number of plants in a group should be between 5 and 25. Twenty five is not an unreasonable number if your plants are small. BUT that's 25 in EACH group: the control group and each test group.

If you grow plants from seeds then you can probably plan that the groups should have a minimum of 25 plants, but 100 would be ideal. After all, not all seeds sprout. Read the germination data on the package.

Is this a lot of seeds and plants??? Yes, but if you want to have a valid, data based conclusion you will need to have lots of data.

Other limiting factors besides your budget include the space that your project will take up, the time of year in which you are starting your project, and how fast your plants grow.

Can you do a plant project? Sure you can, but please make sure that the project you choose is doable for your time, expertise, budget, and how much room you have at home. And please don't put soda on plants unless you know why you are doing this.

UPDATE for Students and Parents 10/08/2010

Grades have been updated. Some students have not completed the Assessment Questions for the Plants Gizmo. I will plan for B day classes to have time on Tuesday to make up those questions if you are having problems with the program at home. A day will have time on either Monday or Friday. I apologize for the confusion re. the SEG due date. I am sorry that I caused the confusion. If there are any Student Exploration Guides that have not been turned in please give them to me on Monday. I will be in the gym on duty from 7:20 - 7:40.

SCIENCE PROJECT IDEAS should be almost finalized. I have seen a few questions. Students, just because an investigation is on Science Buddies doesn't mean it is appropriate for you to do. Remember, no food tasting, no surveys, no mold, bacteria, or stuff from outside. If you are trying to replicate someone's previous study make sure it's worth doing. If you don't know anything about the subject how can you ask an intelligent question and develop a good hypothesis and a good design. By reading about the topic you will be able to identify what should be used as your independent variable.

Let's get these projects moving. You need to be experimenting before the end of this month IF/WHEN you have a good question. If you want to get the forms going then just go to www.nefrsef.org and "get 'er done".

Your homework is to get your science topic and prepare your proposal. See you next week.

Grade and Assignment Update

Students,
I re-read all lab reports that have been revised and resubmitted. If your score changed then your grade changed. If you don't see a change in your grade that means your revisions did not raise your score.

You will not receive points for late "enrollment" in GIZMO. HOWEVER, you have 2 new technology assignments that outweigh the enrollment. So, it is very important that you do them and do them well. The Student Exploration Guide (SEG) and the Assessment Questions (AQ) are both due on or before Friday, October 1. I do not expect any late AQ scores. I get those electronically and will pick them up at 7:31 AM. If you haven't turned in your SEG by Friday then give it to my sub on your way to first period on Friday. See you in school.

Directions for using GIZMOS for SCIENCE

Each time you are assigned a GIZMO you will
1. Print out a copy of the Student Exploration Guide unless one is provided.
2. COMPLETE the Student Exploration Guide as you work the GIZMO. Be certain to read the directions carefully and to follow them. Write your answers on the guide.
3. AFTER completing the guide do the Assessment Questions.
4. Check your answers. Your grade will be recorded electronically.

You never know where you might find an idea

NASA - Robots on the Roof

NASA - Robots on the Roof


or try the topics wizard at www.sciencebuddies.com

Selecting a topic for your science project

We will be working on this in class with the 3 ideas/topics you have written down. If they aren't working for you then you may want to try the TOPIC SELECTION WIZARD at
http://sciencebuddies.com/science-fair-projects/project_question.shtml

Remember, you may NOT start your project yet. There's much to do before you test.

Today in History

You may want to bring this up in World History one day...

Today in Science History
On September 12 in 1940, the famous cave paintings of Lascaux are discovered by five school boys. Located near Montignac, France, the Grotte de Lascaux contains one of the most outstanding displays of prehistoric art known. Many animals, represented in a variety of styles, date back to 15,000 B.C.

—from The Illustrated Almanac of Science, Technology, and Invention

The Science Project Presentation from 09/07/2010

This is some very basic information for parents/caregivers. Everything your child needs to know about science projects will be taught in school.




More info will be published as it is taught.

SIGNING UP FOR GIZMOS

If you haven't signed up for Gizmos please do so as soon as possible. Just follow the directions. Be sure to use the correct class code.

Directions for Enrolling in Gizmos

Go to www.explorelearning.com

Click on the button “Enroll in a Class”

Enter the CLASS CODE FOR YOUR PERIOD
1A = GSWR6XHC72
2A = HUZKCKGTVA
3A = YH2QP3LXZH
4B = ZYZGUMBGTD
5B = 9DQKNQJRXV

You may have to create an account. You only need 1 account so if you have one from Math class just proceed on. If you do have to create an account, you must use your school log-in as your user name and your school password as your password. Use your real name or you will never get credit for your work. You don't have any assignments yet. I will teach you how I expect you to do the lessons and then you will get an assignment. You will earn 5 points in activities if you sign up or have already signed up. Ifyou use the wrong class code I will delete you. I will also delete any phony registrations.

LAB REPORT

Remember, we did the investigation first so you should have that data. Then we did the experiment where your group chose one variable to change. That is your independent variable.

The following are expected on the lab report for Drops on a Penny.

Remember to write each part on paper, cut it out, and then glue or tape it to the construction paper you received in class.  If you are in periods 1, 2, or 3 your report was due on Thursday. Periods 4 and 5, yours is due on Tuesday. These dates are due to our testing schedule.

Question: Can we get more drops of water on a penny if we _________________________________________________?



Hypothesis: If we ____________________________________(independent variable)

Then we will get more drops of water on the penny (dependent variable)

Variables:

Independent_______________________

Dependent ______________________

Held Constant ___________________________________________



Data: Make a data table for the Control Group Mean amd the Experimental Group Mean.

Graph the means on a graph. The title is A Comparison of Means for Drops on a Penny.

The groups names are on the x -axis and the number of drops are on the y-axis.

Results: Discuss

• What you did

• Your data

• What the data indicates. Explain everything you say – Use FRIES. Make connections between the variables and the data. (I want FRIES with that).

Conclusion:

F The data (did or did not) support the hypothesis.

R__________________________________________________________________

I__________________________________________________________________

E__________________________________________________________________

S________________________________________________________________



Rubric

A The report is complete and accurate. The results and conclusion demonstrate a deep, clear understanding of scientific thinking. Makes connections between independent variable and dependent variable.

B The report is complete and accurate. The results and conclusion demonstrate an understanding of scientific thinking. Makes connections between independent variable and dependent variable.

C The report is complete and accurate. The results and conclusion demonstrate an attempt at scientific thinking. Makes connections between independent variable and dependent variable.

D The report is incomplete or not accurate. No evidence of scientific thinking is demonstrated. OR the report is complete but not accurate. No evidence of scientific thinking is demonstrated.

F The report does not meet the criteria for a D although it was submitted. (55%).

@ = a placeholder when no project has been submitted (50%).

The 2010-2011 School Year is off to a great start

This is the first official posting for my new students and their parents or cargivers. Welcome to JLCP and to the 6th grade team. We are going to have some fun this year in science, but you will also learn some new info, you will stretch your brain at times, and you will have the opportunity for some real scientific thinking. Many of you students have realized the importance of rule 14 of the safety contract. If you can't remember what it is or you want to explain what it means to the folks at home just turn to p. 5 of your ISN where you put your copy of the signed safety contract.

Safety is important in science class. By practicing safe science you will find yourself doing science rather than just observing from the sideline. Speaking of doing science, did the data support your hypothesis about how to get more water on the penny? We will talk about how scientists use data to support or reject a hypothesis rather than saying they were right. We just don't say - "I was right" or "I was wrong" because we can learn from an experience where the data doesn't support the hypothesis. More on this in class. We will not be doing a lab Thursday, Friday, Tuesday, or Wednesday so I won't be checking shoes on those days. I'll let you know and I will try to make sure to announce it on this blog.

Don't forget that Tuesday is OPEN HOUSE and I will present a short program about science projects for your parents between 5:15 and 5:45. I will explain - VERY QUICKLY- the adult sponsor role for science projects. You and I will spend class time so that you will learn how to do a project from identifying an area of interest to defining your variables. Both Mrs. Hayden and I will lead out students through the process of a science project. Actually, we started the introduction to the process when you found out that scientists build questions from observations.

I will see all of you in class on either A or B day. TTFN.

Hurricane Season 2010: Tropical Depression 9 (Atlantic Ocean)

Hurricane Season 2010: Tropical Depression 9 (Atlantic Ocean)

Museum of Science and Industry | Month at the Museum

This would be a great adventure. Imagine living at one of my favorite museums!


Museum of Science and Industry Month at the Museum

Education Week: Economy Forces States to Scale Back Scholarship Programs

Some info re. Florida's Bright Futures Scholarships and other programs in the US.


Education Week: Economy Forces States to Scale Back Scholarship Programs

18 States & D.C. Named Race to Top Round 2 Finalists

Florida is one of the finalists.


18 States & D.C. Named Race to Top Round 2 Finalists

How are you doing on your summer reading????

Have you done your summer reading assingments yet. EVERY student at JLCP has an assignment no matter what you are doing this summer. Don't put it off. If you need more on this - just listen






See more Audio at TeacherTube.com.

This activity gives a new view of everything

Science Friday Archives: The Geek Dad on Father's Day

Read the categories and their descriptions to get some ideas for your science project

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

Something new for you

For all of you who are techno-savy and want a new challenge-
Check out this podcast contest
http://www.societyforscience.org/Page.aspx?pid=538

Start thinking about your science project this summer

Start reading now to get an idea for your science project. I will post links for web pages that I find interesting. Use them as a springboard to launch yourself if you want. Whatever you do, remember that you will have a science project to do and it will probably be due right before or right after the winter holiday.

This is an interesting place to read about some research on benthic macroinvertebrates. Very timely. I just heard our Riverkeeper talking about algae blooms. If you are interested in eclology this might be for you.

http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/data-and-trends/monitoring-data/stream-bugs.aspx/

Education Week: Late FCAT Scores Leave Many Teachers, Administrators Frustrated

We don't know the FCAT scores yet.


Education Week: Late FCAT Scores Leave Many Teachers, Administrators Frustrated

America's Best High Schools: Gold Medal List - US News and World Report

Stanton is in the top 20 and Paxon is in the top 50. Both are possibilities for you in just 2 years.

America's Best High Schools: Gold Medal List - US News and World Report

Teacher Magazine: NCS Pearson Gets an 'F' From Fla.

This may be of interest to parents about the delays in receiving FCAT scores.

Teacher Magazine: NCS Pearson Gets an 'F' From Fla.

NASA Invites the Public to Picture Their "Face in Space"

HOUSTON -- NASA is inviting members of the public to send electronic images of their faces into orbit aboard one of the final remaining space shuttle missions.




Visitors to the "Face in Space" website can upload their portrait to fly with the astronauts aboard shuttle Discovery's STS-133 mission and/or shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission. Participants will receive special certificates from the Internet site once the mission is completed.



"The Space Shuttle Program belongs to the public, and we are excited when we can provide an opportunity for people to share the adventure of our missions," said Space Shuttle Program Manager John Shannon. "This website will allow you to be a part of history and participate as we complete our final missions."



To submit your image, visit:





http://faceinspace.nasa.gov





Those without a picture can skip the image upload section, and NASA will fly their name.



Discovery and Endeavour's missions are the final two flights remaining until the retirement of the space shuttle fleet. They are targeted to launch in September and November, respectively. For more information about the STS-133 and STS-134 missions, visit:





http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

DON"T FORGET ALL OF YOUR BOOKS ON MONDAY and a bag to carry your locker stuff home

Monday is the day you will turn in ALL books issued to you. Bring any school owned book that you may have at home whether it's yours or one you found along the way. The books will all be scanned in and (unfortunately) bills will be issued for lost books. If you lost one somewhere and a kind person turns it in you will get credit for returning it. BTW while our team is waiting to turn in books, I will make your science reports available to you in 4th period (except for Mr. Beckstrom's class because you had the time already) to make last minute changes to your reports. Bring your own calculators if you need to figure out work. I would do it this weekend if I were you ;)

You will need to take EVERYTHING out of your locker also. Locker clean-out should be in the afternoon. You will receive directions. If you have "stuff" like shelves or mirrors in your locker you will need to bring a bag to carry it home. If you put stickers or painted or markered on your locker you will need to remove all of the gunk before your locker is considered "cleaned".

Help Wanted

Students,
You have probably heard that I am changing classrooms.
I am looking for a few volunteers to help me pack after school on Monday. I currently have one confirmed volunteer. If you are interested in helping then I need you to bring a note from your parents giving you permission to stay afterschool and letting me know how you will be getting home probably after 3:45 pm. If you are interested you may bring a note to me right before 4th period on Monday and I will either accept your help or (worst case) have to say No Thank you to your generous offer. Either way, you will probably call your folks to confirm. We can't do this via e-mail because I need to know that your parents really know and then I know how you are getting home.

There will be some heavy lifting involved and it might not be a neat event, but your help will be greatly appreciated.  If you are a scout or other youth group member and this can be considered for service hours I will be glad to send verification to your leader.

If your parent wants to come too, that's OK, but we will put them to work also :)

See you on Monday.

PLS

How's your grade????

Would you believe I'm still seeing big fat grades of ZERO in my gradebook???? Well, I am and it's mostly on GIZMOS. If you are the not so proud owner of some of these grades of ZERO for GIZMO Assessment Questions you have ONE LAST CHANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You may do the AQ for any of the GIZMOs for FORCE and MOTION (motion, fan carts, and roller coasters) and receive  75% of the grade you earn. Either submit the grade electronically or you may print out p. 1 with your score. This offer expires on Tuesday, June 1, at 2:00pm. If you've already earned an 80 or better on a GIZMO AQ you can't take advantage of this offer.

HOWEVER....

Are you wishing you had just a few more points to add into your grade to help your average. You may complete the GIZMO AQ for "Shoot the Monkey" for bonus points. I will take your raw score (0 - 5) and add it twice to either a gizmo AQ that needs help or use it where it helps you. NO, This is not EXTRA CREDIT - it's a bonus that anyone may do. The deadline for this offer is Thursday, June 3, at 2:00 pm.

TEST on MOTION: Bday = 4/30; A day = 5/3

There will be a test for the concept of Motion. It will include speed, distance, velocity, and acceleration. Review Chapter 18, section 1.
Know the terms: speed, average speed, velocity, time, distance, reference point, acceleration.
Be able to use the formulas to solve for speed, distance, time, and acceleration. Be able to determine velocity of the child on the bus as they move together, as the child walks backwards, and just the bus. Be able to graph speed (distance/time) and interpret graphs about the speed or acceleration of an object. We have studied this in class.
B day will have their test on Motion on FRIDAY.
A day will have their on MONDAY.

There will be a quick review before the test, so if you have questions be prepared to ask them.

All problems will be solved and answered in the format that I taught in class. You will
1. Write the formula that you will use to solve the problem ( I will have all of the formulas  written on the board so you just have to select the correct one).
2. List all of the known information.
3. Set up the problem and solve it. You may use a calculator if you bring one. If you don't have one you will have to do all of the math by hand.
4. Write the complete answer including units.
You will NOT receive credit for correct answers if you don't show the process of your thinking.

Posted Grades

I have posted the Gizmo Grades. If you did not do or turn in the SEG then you could not earn full credit on the AQ. If you have to do a do over (to earn up to 80%) then it is due on Friday, April 23, by 2:05.  Remember that do-overs are a courtesy for you and do not have to be offered to you. I choose to offer them for your sake. Please take advantage when you have an opportunity at a second chance. It's for your success.

Do-over sheets are found in earlier blog entries. Please DO NOT e-mail me for access. There are links that work. It's your responsibility to find and use them.

GIZMOS

Well, the first GIZMO of the last nine weeks has been collected this week and would you believe it - there are quite a few students who are going to get zeroes because they chose not to do their work. I just printed out the assessment question grades. If you must do a DO-OVER then you have only until APRIL 23 at 2:05 to give it to me. NO LATE DO-OVERS will be accepted. Gizmo grades will be posted next week or as soon as I have time. (Right now it's really late on Friday and I am still here at JLCP .)

Remember, the new policy announced in class and posted on the board is in effect. Let's re-cap it.

THE GIZMO POLICY

• To earn full face value of the Assessment Questions (AQ) a student must submit a completed Student Exploration Guide (SEG) by the due date. If an SEG is not submitted or is incomplete when submitted then the earned score as reported electronically shall be reduced by 20 points.
• If a student follows directions and completes an SEG but does not do well than the AQ may be retaken and p. 1 printed out to show the score. The new score will be accepted for full credit as long as both the SEG and AQ are submitted by the due date.
• If a student misses the due date except for an unplanned absence with a re-admit (and the teacher is not notified by the parents BEFORE the due date about a problem) then a DO-OVER with penalty must be submitted.
• There will be a DO-OVER window that will not extend indefinitely. In other words you will have about a week to DO IT.

Notes about DO-Overs
Please do not use the excuse that you want to raise your grade so that's why you are doing the DO-Over. If you really wanted a good grade why didn't you just do the EQ over and print it out BEFORE the due date????? Please be upfront with me, your parents, and yourself about why you are doing the DO-OVER. Is it to make your parents happier? That's a good reason, but why not keep them happy in the first place and not make more work for all of us?  Is it because you get it now?? That's really the best reason and maybe I'll not make the deduction.  Is it because you forgot? Not so good, but better than you were too busy with other Gizmo and Odyssey assignments. That's  a terrible excuse. Is it because you just chose not to do it? Even if you think you didn't choose; you did and you chose poorly. There will be a penalty for DO-OVERS. It's a 20 point deduction.  NO DO-OVERS will be accepted electronically or without a completed SEG.

Please Take Action! Understanding the Dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide

Please Take Action! Understanding the Dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide

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I hope you are having a great vacation. See you next week.

Last minute gizmo warning

I will be printing the GIZMO scores tomorrow morning at about 7:30. Be sure that Homeostasis is finished. If you print your score this evening be sure that the date prints on the page and give it to me ASAP tomorrow. There will be no do-overs for this GIZMO.

GIZMO DUE TOMORROW for ALL STUDENTS

It doesn't matter if you are an A day student or a B day student. You have a Gizmo due TOMORROW which is THURSDAY, 3/25. The GIZMO is HOMEOSTASIS and the score for the Assessment Questions should be submitted electronically. If you don't do well, you know how to get a replacement score and how to turn it in NO MATTER IF YOU HAVE CLASS THAT DAY OR NOT. Late Gizmos will not be accepted and there will be no do-overs available.

WORLD OF NATIONS FIELD TRIP: Money Due by FRIDAY

Due to having to pay the sponsors of the World of Nations in ADVANCE it is imperative that we end collection of money on FRIDAY, 3/26. That's 2 school days from now. If we don't stop collecting we won't be able to pay for our reservation and we won't be able to take the students. Yes, it's short notice, but we appreciate parents and students working with us to make our trip a success. Chaperones are welcome. The cost is also $10.00.

Please pay CASH ($10.00 bill).Exact amounts will make writing collecting money and writing receipts a more streamlined process. No checks are accepted in accordance with school/district policy.

Ms. Franklin will accept money before school and at Team Time.

RE. GIZMOS

B-day: you have 2 gizmos due next week. You will get the official assignment on Monday. If you read this blog you will find the details and then you can make your plans on when to do the work.

A-Day: You've gotten the assignment. Details are posted on this blog.

And now for a few STRONG words to the  students who are asking me questions that have answers that are easy to find or figure out. I do not want to spend my time answering questions in e-mail or even in class that you are very able to answer if YOU take the time to do your own thinking. My time is better spent planning lessons for your learning opportunities. You have to do your share of the work. I can't do it all for you.

 YOU SHOULD BE ATTEMPTING TO SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS BY USING YOUR RESOURCES WISELY. YOU MUST LEARN TO FIND ANSWERS ON YOUR OWN.
 DO NOT E-MAIL ME WITH QUESTIONS THAT CAN BE ANSWERED THROUGH CAREFUL READING OR THINKING ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE READ ON THIS BLOG.
DO NOT E-MAIL ME FOR ACCESS TO THE DO-OVER FORM. LOOK IN NOVEMBER FOR ACCESS TO THE FORM.

I will continue to answer legitimate questions or ones that are not easily answered after reading the blog or the notes on your grade portal.

Letter sent to parents about Human Body System instruction

Letters were sent home about the instruction that will be conducted in science class on the topic of the human reproductive system. I will begin that instruction on Monday, 3/22 for B day students and on Thursday, 3/25 for A day. I will follow the dcps curriculum which is built on  the state benchmarks.

GIZMOS and do-overs are due.

Team Brilliant, you've got homework!!!
Please have your Circulatory System GIZMO Assessment questions submitted electronically on or before Monday, March 22. Of course you should do the SEG before the ASSESSMENT questions, but I will not be collecting the SEG for a grade.

The HOMEOSTASIS GIZMO has been assigned. Please have the Assessment Questions completed on or before Thursday, March 25. Of course you should do the SEG before the ASSESSMENT questions, but I will not be collecting the SEG for a grade.

If you submit an unacceptable score electronically, then go back, review the material, and test again. Print off the score and submit it to me by the deadline. There is no reason to submit a score that is less than GREAT.


DO-OVERS of GIZMO ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS are due no later than 2:15 on MONDAY 3/22. This is what is printed on the grade portal.

Late assignments not designated as acceptable to be recycled or turned in for partial credit will not be graded.

4B vocabulary from nervous system

Neuron- a nerve cell that is specialized to receive & conduct electrical impulses


Central Nervous System-the brain and the spinal chord

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)- all of the parts of the nervous system except for the brain and spinal chord

Nerve- collection of nerve fibers through which impulses travel between the central nervous system and other parts of the body

Brain-mass of nerve tissues that is the main control center of the nervous system

ASSIGNMENT: Circulatory System GIZMO

Please complete the SEG for your own learning BEFORE you attempt the Assessment Questions. The Assessment Questions are due on or before Monday, March 24. I will pick up the scores electronically so you only have to print a copy for your records. If you do poorly on the assessment questions it will be up to you to relearn the material in the SEG and to answer the questions again. REMEMBER, if you turn in a copy of your score by the due date then it will not be considered a re-do and the full value will  be recorded. There will be no time for do-overs after the 24th. Any blank Gizmo grades will change to a ZERO on 3/25. This includes Osmosis, Cell Energy Cycle,  and Cell Division

Interim Progress Reports

I am in the process of providing each student with an updated progress report. There may be some items that a child may want to discuss. I will speak to them in class. I have put some notes on all of the progress reports. Please disregard the do-over notes for GIZMOS if they are not appropriate. I am very happy that many students do not need do-overs.

What's up with GIZMOs?

Yes, you are working on the SEG for the Cell Energy Cycle GIZMO at school. You have 4 of the 5 pages of the SEG. No, you may not take the assessment questions at home this week. I have reserved the lab for us to do several tasks. This includes working on the GIZMO SEG and completing the assessment questions. There will be no resets for this assessment. Yes, I did and will be resetting everyone's scores to a blank screen. A day will go on Thursday and B day will go on Friday. I will release the GIZMO tomorrow afternoon. Everyone may access it after school to finish the SEG. Remember you only have 4 of the 5 pages. You will need to complete p. 5 on your own. You may either print it at home or write the notes in your ISN.

Next Week

Today was A day and what a day it was. Enjoy your 3 day weekend, but remember you have assigned work due next week.

A day: If I did not get your Gizmo SEG for Osmosis today, then log it in on Wednesday. The ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS for OSMOSIS are due on Wednesday, Feb. 17.

B day: SEG due on Tuesday, 2/16. ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS are due on Thursday, Feb. 18.

Remember, the Public Library will not be open on Monday so don't plan on going there to do it on your day off.

If you are attending the Regional Science Fair then you will need to return your permission slip early in the week. If I didn't give you one; ask me on Tuesday.

Wednesday is early release and an in-school soccer game. If you don't buy a ticket then you will remain inside with adult supervision.
Stay warm, dry, and safe this weekend and let's hope for sunny, dry weather on Wednesday;)

NEFRSEF REGISTRATION INFORMATION for Winners of Science Fair

All science fair winners should be prepaing their REGISTRATION Packet for NEFRSEF.

You can find directions at
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AVkJPZ_sUMJnZGNoemh0d2hfMjhkc3Fmc3pkMg&hl=en

This link should work. If it doesn't then let me know.

JLCP SCIENCE FAIR

The science fair at JLCP was great. Thirteen students from Team Brilliant competed. Eight placed as winners. Congrats to all of them. The complete winners list should be posted on JLCP website soon. Remember, your project was the most important part of the process. That's where the real science process learning took place. The fair is just icing on the cake.

SCIENCE FAIR Participants

It has been very difficult to pick just a few good projects from all of the projects submitted this year. However, I finished the process and notified the participants.Each was given a notice to take home.
The following students have earned the opportunity to participate in the 2nd Annual JLCP Science Fair.
Matthew M.
Ben P.
Raveen.S.
Ben L.
Sophia R.
Regan F.
Scout K.
Jenna L.
Lucas W.
Megan F.
Jesse E.
Julia S.
Hazel O.
Jacob B was also selected, but he will not be able to participate.
Congratulations to all of our talented BRILLIANT students.

Parents, please look for the notice, fill in the bottom, and have your child return it to me on Tuesday.
See below if the notice took flight between 3rd period and getting home;)

 Please plan to stay after school on TUESDAY, January 19. Judging will begin at 2:15. Plan for a parent to pick you up at about 3:30. No visitors will be allowed to view the fair during the judging.

 You will need your backboard, forms, research paper, and Science Project Data Log for judging. Remember, I have your backboard and research paper. You may want to dress in neat school clothes for the judging.
 Be ready to explain your project to the judges. Prepare a response to the following questions or prompts.

 

•  Tell me about your project.
•  Why did you want to do this project?
• What did you expect to find?
•  What do the data indicate?
• Are your findings significant? (make sure you can explain why or why not)
•  What are the applications to real life for this project?
• If you did this project again what would you do to improve it?

 If you have any questions you may e-mail me over the weekend. Parents should fill out the bottom slip and return it to me on Tuesday.

 

 

 

My child _____________________________________ will/will not participate in the JLCP Science Fair.

 Transportation at 3:30 will be _________________________________

 

______________________________________________________________

 

 

Parent(s) Signature(s) _______________________________________________________

 

 

Date _____________________________________

 

ALL ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE NEXT WEEK

The assignments that you have been working on during Challenger and Science Project Presentations and in your "spare" time are ALL due in class next week. I will check B day assignments on Tuesday and A day assignments on Wednesday. I will pick up the GIZMO Assessment Question grades electronically on Thursday morning so have them finished by WEDNESDAY. If you have to give me a printed copy of your questions get it to me ASAP. There will be no time for "do-overs" for this GIZMO. If you don't do well - do it again  and print out the results. Don't waste time with scores of 1, 2, or 3 correct. Those are NOT PASSING grades. Turn in only scores of 4 or 5. Yes, go back and find out what you got wrong and why.

Here's what's due (in case you want to work on it over the long weekend.
Vocabulary
1.  13 very special words must be defined using the article available in class.
2.  A quiz on the terms
3. Models of both animal and plant cells. They may be 2D or 3D. All structures must have labels. The models must be at least one half of a sheet of paper each.
4.  Plate Drawings using the microviewers. Only available in class.
5.  Gizmo: Students Exploration Guide for CELLS.
6. Gizmo: Assessment Questions for CELLS.
7. Notes for Chapter 13, Sections 1, 2, and 3.

January 11, 2010: News and Notes about Science Projects and Fair

Presentations of science projects in class for all classes. I will then select the possible participants for the JLCP Science Fair. The fair will be held on Tuesday, January 19 from 2:15 until about 3:30. If you are asked to participate in the school fair I hope you will. No more than 12 students may represent our team this year.

We will need judges for the JLCP Science Fair. Anyone who has a science or engineering background and is experienced in working with "the Scientific Method" is welcome. If an older sibling (high school or older) has experienced the science project process they are welcome to join us also. If you can help us from 2-3:30 please e-mail me and let me know. The more judges that we have, the richer the experience for your child. You may participate even if your child is not chosen to attend the fair this year.