SCIENCE SNIPPETS

Information for students who have won a spot to NEFRSEF

2012-01-19T13:14:00.000-05:00

Congratulations,

You have earned a spot on the JLCP Regional Science Fair Team. You are one of only 15 students who will be allowed to attend NEFRSRF. The dates and details are on www.nefrsef.org. You will miss one day of school, the trip is considered a fieldtrip so you will not be marked absent. You will spend the day, February 13, with chaperones from the school at NEFRSEF. Your parents must provide transportation to and from the Shrine Auditorium on St. Johns Bluff Road. Lunch will be provided.

To register your project you will need to obtain a password. Go to www.nefrsef.org and click the Student tab. Click on the word register in the sentence “Students please REGISTER here for your project.” You will get a place to enter your or your parents e-mail address and you pick a password.

Pick a password you can remember. Once you have done that to the User Login button and log in using your e-mail and password. Complete the registration information. Type carefully and proofread. Any typos will be your responsibility. Be sure to read the bottom of the screen so that you SAVE your registration.

Paperwork

Each project needs a complete 1, 1A, Research Plan, 1B, and Form 3. You probably already have most of these all filled out and signed in BLUE. Watch your dates. You must have had approval BEFORE you began experimentation. You must have a bibliography that shows sources you used to find information (not science project sites and not Wikipedia). You must also read and reference the rules. The reference is

Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, (2011). International Rules and Guidelines 2012. Society for Science & the Public. Retrieved from http://www.societyforscience.org/document.doc?id=311.

More Paperwork Your abstract must be typed onto the Florida State Science Fair form. You will need the original and 5 copies all of which you should sign in BLUE. Do not worry about putting a new copy on your board. NEFRSEF will certify one copy (with a stamp) and it will be returned to you when you go set up for the regional on Sunday, February 12.

Go online and fill out the electronic registration. Ask your teacher to look over your paperwork, THEN bring an original abstract with 5 copies all signed in blue and all of your forms including a COMPLETE research plan to Room 319.

You must have the entire packet to me, Mrs. Smith, in Room 319 as soon as possible on MONDAY, January 23. If your paperwork is not complete or is incorrect you will have to stand in a long line on Sunday, February 12. If you can’t answer the SRC so that they can certify your project then you may fail to qualify and may be disqualified. If I don’t turn paperwork in on time then projects will not be accepted. I will not wait for late paperwork. I must have all paperwork from you so that I can turn in all of the entries on time.

You don’t have school on Friday so you can get your paperwork finished then. I will be at school on Friday and you may call me or come to see me between 1 and 2 pm. I will be able to help you then. I am not able to make multiple copies for anyone. Please make all of your own copies. If you need to get in touch with me by e-mail you may send your questions to smithp8@duvalschools.org.

Again, congratulations,

Pamela L. Smith, NBCT

TED Talks

2012-01-15T11:10:00.007-05:00

TED Talks are a chance to explore new topics and a way to share "ideas worth spreading".

If you get a chance watch
http://www.ted.com/talks/award_winning_teen_age_science_in_action.html

It's an example of why you keep doing science research even if your 6th grade project didn't work out the way you expected - or even if it did.

Why do we use models in science? Check out http://www.ted.com/talks/drew_berry_animations_of_unseeable_biology.html.

Want to see inside of a cell (way above the level we study)? View this TED Talk.
http://www.ted.com/talks/david_bolinsky_animates_a_cell.html

GIZMO Update

2012-01-13T15:59:00.000-05:00

Please finish your AQs on time. Several of you scored less than 100% so I have reset your score. You may take it over. I will not be taking paper scores this time because we are almost to the end of the nine week grading period and I have only a limited amount of time to get my grades posted. So, read the questions carefully. Ask your parents to listen to your answers. Explain why you are choosing each answer. Listen to yourself and thing each question through. Good luck.

JLCP SCIENCE FAIR

2012-01-11T16:55:00.000-05:00

The date and time of the JLCP Science Fair has been set for Wednesday, January 18th during the school day. I have placed an invitation in my grade book for all of the students chosen to participate. I will post the names near my door tomorrow after 4th period. Congratulations to the students who were chosen.

PARENTS, I know that many of you are very busy every day, but if you are a scientist, mathematician, engineer, science enthusiast, teacher with spare time, advanced math or science student, or know someone who is PLEASE consider helping us judge the JLCP Science Fair. We are trying something new. We are holding it during the school day during Team Time. We will begin judging at 11:00 AM and we should be finished by 12:30. If you are available or interested please send me an e-mail at smithp8@duvalschools.org and let me know what your background is or which areas of science you will feel most comfortable judging. No, you won't have to judge your child's category. No your child does not have to be participating for you to be a judge. Yes we will "train" you in our judging criteria.
Thank you for supporting JLCP and Science.

A BONUS Opportunity!!! (these don't happen very often)

2012-01-11T11:07:00.000-05:00

If you want to replace an x in ASSESSMENTS for Deposition, Erosion, or Weathering with a * or add one point to both of your science project grades (whichever is better for you) then have lead your family through an exploration of salt while using a pinhole magnifier. You must summarize the activity and have a parent sign your summary (This can be just a paragraph or two). Turn it in on time.

Due date

A day = Wednesday, 01/18
B day = Thursday, 01/19

I don't often give bonus opportunities, so take advantage of this. You have either learned how to make one in class or you will learn tomorrow.

Reading Assignment

2012-01-10T08:25:00.000-05:00

Use the on-line RED book (directions, log-in, and password on blog for 11/11/11). Read pp.76-78. Take notes either using your choice of an outline, a concept map, 2 column notes, or a foldable.

Due dates

A-day = Wednesday, 01/11
B day = Thursday, 01/12

GIZMO due dates

2012-01-09T11:56:00.000-05:00

A day: SEG due in class complete as you walk in on FRIDAY, 01/13.
A day Assessment questions due on Wednesday, 1/18

B day: SEG due on Tuesday, 1/17. It must be complete as you walk in.
B day Assessment questions due on Thursday1/19.

Remember, Monday 01/16 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the library will be closed.

NEW GIZMO assigned.

2012-01-06T14:34:00.000-05:00

I have asigned a new GIZMO for everyone. Now, it may seem very difficult and it may be since none of this has really been taught yet in class. What's really important is for you to print out a copy of the student exploration guide for yourself. (You know if I print it will be microsized.) It's only 3 pages, but you will want full size pages when it comes to the cell picture.

No, there's no due date yet. However, the week of the 16th looks like a good target. I will post the due date next week. The content in this GIZMO is super important so it's imperative that you learn the info not just throw answers on the paper.

Have a good weekend.

I can't post grades :(

2011-12-22T09:23:00.000-05:00

Repeat after me: Technology is my friend. Repeat this as many times as it will take to make you feel better.

I can not access my dcps account. I am working on it, but I have to be physically in a school to begin the process. As a result - and since it is the Holiday Break I will do what I can. If you don't see your science project grade - remember, I will post it as soon as I am able to 1) get into my gradebook and 2) have time that I can spare from my family. This will be resolved when it is resolved. It is out of my control.

Follow Up Assignment for Science Project

2011-12-15T14:47:00.000-05:00

As you know we are finishing most of the science project presentations this week. It's time to reflect on how projects can help you learn and grow as a learner.

Your assignment is to write a 5 paragraph essay for the following question: How did you grow as a learner by doing your science project? You may have more than 5 paragraphs if you want. At least one paragraph should incorporate the feedback you received from your peers. The FCAT Writing Rubric will be used to grade your essay. Be sure to either handwrite your essay neatly or you may type it. This essay will count as one test grade. Use guidelines and everything your Language Arts teacher has taught you to do a great job.

If you type it you should follow these directions.

• 12 font

• Tahoma, Arial, or Times New Roman only

• Double spaced

• One inch margins

DUE DATES

A day = January 5.

B day = January 6.

Student grade recovery increases; Duval teachers question its message | Jacksonville.com Mobile Edition

2011-12-14T10:31:00.001-05:00

I'm glad we have grade recovery, I just don't want my students to need it. I make success available for all students. Tutoring resumes on January 10, 2012. It's from 7:20 - 7:40 or ask me questions about topics on Thursday mornings before school when I am in the gym.

Student grade recovery increases; Duval teachers question its message | Jacksonville.com Mobile Edition

Dec. 12 - 16: Test and Science Project Presentations

2011-12-09T15:05:00.000-05:00

These are the benchmarks that we have been working on in class for this unit.

SC.6.E.6.1 Describe and give examples of ways in which

Earth's surface is built up and torn down by physical and

chemical weathering, erosion, and deposition.

SC.6.E.6.2 Recognize that there are a variety of different

landforms on Earth's surface such as coastlines, dunes,

rivers, mountains, glaciers, deltas, and lakes and relate these

landforms as they apply to Florida.

Review Chapter 6 and 7. Make sure you know the difference between erosion and weathering? Know deposition. Know the different ways landforms have been made in Florida.

Test on Tuesday for A Day and Wednesday for B day. Presentations each day next week. We will begin the unit on cells next year;)

TEST and Science Project Presentations

2011-12-07T15:16:00.000-05:00

A day presentations start on Friday. B day presentations start on Monday.
A day will review on Friday. B day will review on Monday. More details tomorrow.

Still working on your project?

2011-12-07T14:53:00.000-05:00

I have had a request to post the location of the abstract form which was introduced and discussed in class. The correct form may be found at http://www.nefrsef.org/. The hot link is 1.3 SSSF Abstract.

Rubric for Science Project and Reminder

2011-12-03T15:45:00.001-05:00

Here is the link to the rubric that will be used to grade your project. I have taken what we discussed and what I have taught in class and put it into a format for grading. Of course, if you want to add additional materials to your board you may if they add to your presentation and don't take away from the flow of reading your board.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DgIRwwGx5iDi0F90lRMQPmSovRXibU1xeUoQgufU4Gs/edit

Remember, projects are due either Wednesday or Thursday of this week and a penalty of 11% may be imposed for each class day that a project is late.

How big is the largest indoor swimming pool?

2011-11-29T14:35:00.000-05:00

NASA Sharing Underwater Training Facility With Petroleum Industry

Geology in Action: Some real life geology on TV- with parental approval of course!

2011-11-22T10:13:00.000-05:00

You may be interested in a new show starting tonight on Nat Geo TV. If you get cable you may want to ask your parents if you may watch this show. It's on late, but maybe they will repeat it at a better time for all of us. There's no extra credit involved. This is just so that you have more exposure to real life science in action.

Odds and Ends before Thanksgiving Break

2011-11-22T10:00:00.002-05:00

The link to the on-line textbook is http://my.hrw.com/ . Did you know the book will read to you? Try it for the assignment listed below or if you want to review as you do your test corrections.
Test Corrections are due on or before 12/6. No late corrections will be acctepted.
Science Project reminder. Remember, if you don't have an adequate sample size you will not be able to develop a good conclusion.
If you find yourself without a do-able science project or you have just realized that you don't have a large enough sample size, or you don't have time to do your project and have it ready by December 7 (A Day) or December 8 (B Day) then go to http://www.explorelearning.com/ and pick a gizmo like Growing Plants, Plants and Snails, Germination, or Effect of Environment on New Life Forms. Choose a question, Form a Hypothesis, Gather Data, and do everything just like a real time experiment. Everyone has a project due - on time.
You will bring your project board and your data log on your due date.
Remember to save all of your computer work. If you are invited to go to the school science fair you will be asked to complete your research paper which is just a formalization of your project board along with an introduction and a few other short sections.
You will present your project to your peers.
If you want to get a jump on next week's assignments do the following: Read pp. 210 - 211 and pp. 212-215 in your GREEN science book. Answer the Benchmark Check questions. Write your answers in your ISN. These will have to be finished before you participate in the 2 labs for the week.
Wear LAB SHOES each day next week.
Have a nice break.

Science Proect Update and Due Dates

2011-11-18T15:32:00.000-05:00

The projects are due on 12/7 for A Day and 12/8 for B Day. You will only need to have a complete SPDL (science project data log) and a complete backboard.

You may refer to http://www.nefrsef.org/ for info about how to do a backboard. I spoke of this in class this week. If you were in class you made a model of a backboard. The model was based on lthe diagram on http://www.nefrsef.org/. Please be sure to type everything for your backboard in a clear font (Tahoma, Arial, or New Times Roman) in a size large enough to be seen from about 1-2 meters from the board. Use bold colors to back your papers, but limit the number of colors you use. Too much, too bright, too froo-frooey is distracting. Your abstract goes right where the picture shows.

Do not use staples or tacks to put your board together. If you start ahead of time you will finish on time.

Late projects will possibly lose up to 11% off the total of the possible points every day that the project is late.
Further info and a rubric for the project will be added to the blog at a later date.

TEST CORRECTIONS due 12/6 or sooner

2011-11-18T15:22:00.000-05:00

All students who were present in class on Thursday or Friday received back their Unit 2 test. Yes, there is an opportunity for test correcctions. the directions are listed below. They must be followed completely for ANY points to be earned. All corrections must be made COMPLETELY AND CORRECTLY or no additional points will be awarded. You know which ones are correct because I met with you and told you which ones you missed. You stood at my desk and wrote them down. If you lost that info you will need to see me during class. If time allows I will give you that info again.
1. Identify which ones you missed (see above).
2. Write out each question and the INCORRECT answer. Explain why you chose that answer.
3. Find the correct answer. Write out the complete write answer and all of the support that you find for that answer in the book. You must also write the page number, the paragraph number, and the line number where you found your support (it's all in chapters 3 and 4).
4. Your parent(s) must sign the corrections.
5. EVERYONE must return a test. You will file it in your portfolio after it has been evaluated for extra points.
ALL corrections are due on or before 2:00pm on December 6. It doesn't matter if you are an A day or a B day student. NO late corrections will be accepted. You have plenty of time to get it in to me. Parents, if you aren't sure I will get it on time then perhaps you will want to either mail it to me or drop it in the office for your child. Just label it to my attention. I know that's pretty over the top, but assessments count for 60% of the total grade for the grading period. There will not be a re-test. Corrections will be the only way to raise this grade.

ACCESS TO ON-LINE TEXTBOOK

2011-11-11T12:27:00.002-05:00

The link to on-line text book is http://my.hrw.com/

You may have some assignments that will come from the 7th or 8th grade book. You have a green book at home, but you may want to try some of the additional features.

Here is the GENERIC log in.

username ssalamander2

password j3m5x

I tried it and it worked for me. You may want to try it and look at weathering and erosion in the red book.

Enjoy your holiday and give thanks to all of the veterans that you know.

An Exciting Opportunity for All Students

2011-11-08T11:51:00.000-05:00

I know everyone is really busy with school, science projects, and having fun with your friends, BUT here's an opportunity to engage your creative brain and try something new. I received the following letter today and thought I'd pass it on. Try it you might like it.

Dear Florida Engineering Education Supporter:

We are pleased to announce the National Academy of Engineering’s EngineerGirl! website’s 12th annual Essay Contest. Students are asked to write about the role of engineering in providing safe and nutritious food. Details and rules can be found on the EngineerGirl! website: http://www.engineergirl.org/CMS/Contest/food2012.aspx.

Participation is open to both girls and boys in grades 3-12 and submissions must be entered by 6:00 pm (EST) on March 1, 2012. All winning entries will be published on the EngineerGirl! website and winners will receive cash prizes: first place winners $500, second place winners $250, third place winners $100. The 2012 EngineerGirl! Essay Contest was made possible by the generous support of Lockheed Martin Corporation.
The EngineerGirl! website is designed to spark the curiosity of young people, girls in particular, and encourage them to consider careers in engineering. EngineerGirl! provides career descriptions, profiles of successful women engineers, information about exciting engineering projects, and interactive tools for girls, parents, teachers, and guidance counselors, all designed to encourage girls to pursue an engineering education and career. Launched in 2001, the site is visited by more than 18,000 unique visitors a month and has been featured by the Girl Scouts of America, the Society of Women Engineers, and local and national media in the United States and around the world. The #1 website on Google for “girls + engineering,” Engineer Girl! is a trusted and entertaining resource for young girls, parents, educators, and volunteer engineers involved in student outreach. In a 2011 poll, girls’ reported that viewing the EngineerGirl! website or participating in its annual essay contest caused 63% of them to consider a career in engineering and 81% to consider studying engineering in college. Please visit www.engineergirl.org to learn more.

We look forward to reading some exciting and creative essays and we hope you will help us to spread the contest announcement. If you have questions, or seek clarification, please contact the EngineerGirl! team at engineergirl@nae.edu.

Best,

Vickie

Victoria Gunderson, Ph.D.
Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Fellow
National Academy of Engineering
http://www.engineergirl.org/

Schedule for UNIT 2 TEST

2011-11-07T14:26:00.000-05:00

A day Thursday, November 10.
B day Wednesday, November 9.

Re-read and review Chapter 3 and Chapter 4 in your book.

B day reviewed in class on Monday. A day will review on Tuesday.

Bring a pencil and a great attitude.

Quick Update for Science Projects

2011-11-03T10:54:00.000-04:00

By this time all students should have submitted a formal proposal and hopefully have received approval to begin experimentation.

Recording data is IMPERATIVE (so important that you just have to do it) so make sure that ALL data is recorded by hand in ink in the Science Project Data Log or SPDL.

Take photos of how the project is set up, how data is collected, important events. Take screen shots and put them into a WORD file to save. These will both support your data.

The target (suggested) date to be finished with data collection is November 15. Remember, you have the 11th off.

Class time will be spent on what to do with your data and how to prepare the rest of your project during the week of the 15th.

More info will be coming. Record your data and have fun with science.

The Last Day of the Grading Period is Monday

2011-10-22T11:26:00.000-04:00

All formal proposals must be submitted on Monday even if I don't have you for class. I will be in the hallway and in my classroom. You may hand it to me before 1st period. I will try to come to the gym to pick up proposals also. Be sure that they are stapled together. I won't be able to take loose papers.

If you received a grade less than 90 on your proposal last week you can still raise it by completing what the notes say. I have limited time to read everything so please do a good job and follow directions.

Why do I have a zero on my FORMAL PROPOSAL???

2011-10-17T15:40:00.000-04:00

I added the FORMAL PROPOSAL to the gradebook today. I entered a grade of 0 for anyone who has not submitted a proposal that has been accepted. To remove the zero and have your real grade entered you must submit your formal proposal (signed in blue ink) on or by 10/24. That's the last day of the grading period. Submitting earlier is GREAT!! The sooner I see it, the sooner your grade changes. HOWEVER, there are certain steps that need to be finished first. Don't try to cut any corners. Your project must be approved and if it is not complete when you submit it your grade will reflect that. Don't wait to the last minute. Get it in so it can be approved and then you can start your experimentation.

THE ASSIGNMENTS ARE ON THE BOARD.

2011-10-13T14:39:00.000-04:00

Parents and students,

I write the assignments on the board. I write the homework on the board. I have a list of due dates for the assignments posted. Students who don't finish an in class assignment should write it in their planner ALONG with the homework. Some activities are scheduled to take more than 1 day. Some activities should only take 1 class period. I will not be putting detailed instructions on this blog for daily in-class assignments. I will post homework for every day until the science project is finished. Here it is

WORK ON YOUR SCIENCE PROJECT EVERY DAY. YOU SHOULD BE WORKING TOWARDS A FORMAL PROPOSAL. SEVERAL STUDENTS WHO HAVE HAD PROPOSALS ACCEPTED ARE DOING THEIR EXPERIMENTATION. EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE A FORMAL PROPOSAL SUBMITTED BEFORE BEGINNING ANY EXPERIMENTATION.

For further clarification see the post for 10/09/11.

Please don't forget your GIZMO!!!!!!

2011-10-10T14:39:00.000-04:00

Believe it or not a rash of I forgots has hit A-day. As a result I have extended their deadline for GIZMO SEG & AQ for CONDUCTION AND CONVECTION. However, only the people who had their AQ don time qualify for a do-over. I hope B-day doesn't have the same problem.

Science Project Proposal Checklist

2011-10-09T22:42:00.000-04:00

There are quite a few activities that need to be completed in order to prepare to do a successful science project. Everything you do or think about should be recorded in your Science Project Data Log. All worksheets should be securely taped or glued into the SPDL. Use your SPDL as your journal. Include dates, times, people you spoke with, costs of materials, and photos of your work. Make sure you write all of your data by hand (in ink) into your SPDL. This is the most important resource to substantiate your work that you have. It must be complete.

Actions that need to be taken to complete a successful science project	Target Due Date	Completed
Set up and begin a Science Project Data Log	ASAP
Submit idea on Proposal Worksheet (sb)	ASAP
Find 5 good sources. Read them. Take notes on them. (see nefrsef or sciencebuddies for more info).	ASAP
Complete and submit Bibliography worksheet (sb)	ASAP
First conference with teacher	ASAP
Complete and submit Variables and Hypothesis worksheet (sb)	ASAP
Second conference with teacher	ASAP
Design an experiment to test your question. Remember to plan an adequate sample size or plan to repeat the experiment many times. The ideal group/repetition is 100. Acceptable number of group members or repetitions is 10-25 except for seeds. Seeds should always be 100 or more in each group. Use this plan in your FORMAL PROPOSAL.	ASAP, but No later than October 18
Complete a FORMAL PROPOSAL including Forms 1, 1A, 1B, 3, and a COMPLETE Research Plan. All forms can be found at nefrsef or isef sites. Forms must be signed in blue ink. Parents should not sign anything that is not complete.	ASAP, but No later than October 25
Submit complete formal proposal and wait for approval. If it can be approved by teacher then you will be notified. If it can not be approved by teacher it must be submitted to IRB or SRC and you will have to wait for approval. Any experimentation that takes place BEFORE approval is secured is not to be used in the final project.	ASAP, but No later than October 25
When your project is approved, you may begin experimentation.	October 31

RESOURCES that you should use

(sb) = additional copies available on www.sciencebuddies.com

NEFRSEF – http://www.nefrsef.org/

ISEF - http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/document

APA style help and general writing help: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/

Is my project ok?

2011-09-23T20:48:00.000-04:00

I am planning on meeting with each student individually during the next class period to offer feedback and encouragement. Many students have been picking projects, but really don't know the science behind what they want to do. I shall try to steer them in the right direction. If all students would think about the TESTABLE QUESTION that they want to ask that would help focus our discussion when it's time for us to meet. I will be passing out the Variables and Hypothesis worksheet to help you determine your variables. Remember, to meet with each student is the goal and I hope to meet it by the end of Tuesday if not Thursday.

Parents, you can help by finding out from your child what the question really is. They need to test only 1 variable at a time. The more variables they want to test, the more trials they will have to run. With having an adequate sample size, that will increase the amount of materials they will need. Remember, go through the Gizmos available and maybe you can help your child find a simulation that will serve them well. Everyone who wants to test what happens to the boiling point or freezing point of water should check out the Gizmo on Colligative Properties. It's really a good one for a basic project and you will learn the science behind your question.

Another note to remember, all the equipment you need for your experiment will need to be provided by you. So if you are planning to use a specific piece of equipment please find out its cost before you commit to the project.

Choose your project - choose your project wisely.

2011-09-19T14:42:00.000-04:00

Students and Parents

The Science Project is so much more than a fair. It is an opportunity for a student to choose a topic, ask a question, and draw conclusions. It is also an important benchmark in our 6th grade curriculum.
To make it easy for all of us I am using much of what the Science Buddies website has to offer (http://sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_guide_index.shtml). I do require more than they suggest when it comes to references and sample size. Each student will need 5 good references. The sample size is dependent on what the experiment requires. If it's seeds then 100 for each group is a good sample size. If it's plants, then 25 in each group. I know that this is a lot of expense and samples of this size will probably overwhelm our homes and budgets. That's why this year I am suggesting that students use GIZMOS as simulations where sample size or the question just is overwhelming for a student.

Scientists run simulations in the lab when hands-on experiments just aren't practical or possible. Some examples are earthquakes, volcanoes, and hurricanes. The purpose of the project is to ask a question, to read background information, to develop a hypothesis for testing and a way to test it, and to draw conclusions. Then the student scientist presents to peers. The purpose is NOT to make families spend all of their available resources when there are so many time and monetary demands on all of our lives.

Rather than just pick something from a book or even from Science Buddies - check out GIZMOS. There are plenty of GOOD simulations that will be acceptable to use to test a testable question. There are other simulations on the web that are very good also. Another idea is a game you might play on-line or on your game system such as Runescape, football, or soccer. You might be able to use one of them to test a question. A student once used Runescape to experiment with chopping wood with different axes. He had fun and got to play his game while doing his data collection. Of course, that project just didn't generalize into real life, but it gave him a good 6th grade project.

ESSAY CONTEST

2011-09-19T14:23:00.000-04:00

Please check out the website below for an essay contest that really goes along with our next unit.

http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/

Moving Towards Science Projects

2011-09-15T15:40:00.000-04:00

All classes have been introduced to the website http://sciencebuddies.org/ and http://nefrsef.org/ .

Both sites have many helpful hints. NEFRSEF is our regional science fair and because we affiliate with it we are governed ny the International Science and Engineering Fair Rules http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/ .
Yes, there will be forms for each child to complete and for parents to sign in BLUE ink, but not today.

A-day students should have a testable question to bring to class on FRIDAY, 09/16/2011 and B-day students should have theirs on 09/19/1955. Go to http://sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_guide_index.shtml?From=body for lots of good info. Handouts were distributed for the Scientific Method and The Science Fair Project Question. You can access this info at science buddies.

Each student will complete a Project Proposal Form which will need to be accepted by the teacher and signed by the parents. This is NOT the FORMAL PROPOSAL that will be assigned in a few days. More will be posted about that next week.

If the question is not accepted, then it's back to the drawing board to find a good testable question that can be the beginning of a good project.

2011 Hispanic Heritage Month Contests

2011-09-06T11:47:00.000-04:00

2011 Hispanic Heritage Month Contests

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott today invited students in kindergarten through 12th grades to participate in the Hispanic Heritage Month art and essay contests. They also invited students, parents, teachers and principals to nominate full-time Hispanic educators in elementary, middle or high schools for the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award.
The student contests focus on the theme “Celebrating Hispanic Leaders in Business – Past, Present and Future,” and Information about the contests and Florida’s Hispanic heritage is available on Florida’s Hispanic Heritage Month website, http://www.floridahispanicheritage.co/
“Throughout our state’s history, Hispanic business leaders have helped make Florida the national leader we are,” Governor Scott said. “The cultural contributions to our state and country continue to leave a lasting legacy of strength, determination and pride.”
“The essay and art contests are a great opportunity for Florida’s children to learn about people who have made our state such a great place to live,” Mrs. Scott said. “As Florida’s students grow to become the leaders of tomorrow, it is important they learn about a variety of successful role models.”
About the Student Contests

Art Contest for Grades K-3 – The Hispanic Heritage Month art contest is open to all Florida students in grades K-3, and two winners will be selected. Please visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com to download complete guidelines and entry forms.
Essay Contest for Grades 4 - 12 – The Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest is open to all Florida students in grades 4 through 12. Three winners will be selected: one elementary student (grades 4-5), one middle-school student (grades 6-8), and one high school student (grades 9-12). Winners will receive a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. Please visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com to download complete guideli
Governor Scott’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all Hispanic, full time educators in an elementary, middle or high school in Florida. Three winners will be selected: one elementary teacher (grades K-5), one middle school teacher (grades 6-8), and one high school teacher (grades 9-12). Winners will receive a check for $1,500. Forms can be found at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.

Contest Entries and Nominations
Student contest entries and educator nomination forms must be mailed to:
Florida’s Foundation
Attention: Hispanic Heritage Month
820 East Park Avenue, E-100
Tallahassee, Florida 32301
All entries must be postmarked by 5:00 p.m. EDT, September 23, 2011.
About Hispanic Heritage Month
Several Latin American countries celebrate the anniversaries of independence during Hispanic Heritage Month. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua celebrate independence on September 15. Mexico achieved independence on September 16, and Chile, on September 18. Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated in the United States since 1974 when President Gerald Ford issued a Presidential Proclamation extending Hispanic Heritage Week into a month-long celebration, from September 15 through October 15.
For additional information about Hispanic Heritage, contests and other related events, please visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.

GIZMO ASSIGNMENT and DUE DATES

2011-08-31T19:00:00.000-04:00

The first GIZMO assignment is due next week. All B-day students should have received the "Student Exploration Guide" sheets (SEG) today. A-day, you will get them tomorrow. The SEG guides you through the GIZMO. Record your responses on the sheets. If you don't like the microprinting, feel free to print yourself a full size set at home.

AFTER you finish the SEG then complete the ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS (AQ). You will earn a grade for the SEG and the AQ. I pick up the AQ grade electronically so if you do well I will see it and record it. A score of 4/5 or 5/5 is good. A 4/5 = 80% while a 5/5 = 100% of the points possible for the AQ.

If you mess up on the AQ and you score poorly, then you may answer the questions again. You will need to check the questions and then print out the results. I will go over this in class next week.

DUE DATES:
B-day:
SEG due Wednesday, 9/7 and AQ due on Friday 9/9.
A-day:
SEG due on Tuesday, 9/6 and AQ due on Thursday 9/8.

I will be out of school on Friday and will not be able to answer e-mail questions over the weekend. If you have questions then I will try to answer them in class next week.

RECAP For Tuesday classes (1A, 2A, and 3A) and a heads up for Wednesday classes (4B and 6B).

2011-08-30T14:40:00.001-04:00

Complete the questions for the lab: Sinking Lincoln.
Read pp. 12-18. Complete all of the questions on p. 19. Do these on a sheet of paper to turn them in. Use complete sentences. They are due as you walk in on Thursday.
Register at http://www.explorelearning.com/ for 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
6B = 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. Please don't do any assignments yet. I will teach you how I expect you to do the lessons and then you will get an assignment. If you use the wrong class code I will delete you. I will also delete any phony registrations.

If you registered last year and have a password that your teacher assigned you then you will either have to remember it, retrieve it, or register for an account by putting an a at the end of your school log-in.

He's not our Mr. Lee, but he's got some good tunes: Scientific Method

2011-08-30T10:49:00.002-04:00

Remember, there's no such thing as an educated guess.

Mr. Lee - Scientific Method song

Safety Song

2011-08-30T10:40:00.000-04:00

Remember to practice safety in the lab and at home.

Check out the song at http://www.thesoundsofscience.com/

Do you want to to be on televiosion?

2011-08-29T09:19:00.000-04:00

duval county public schools - news

WELCOME TO THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

2011-08-22T20:36:00.000-04:00

The 2011-12 school year started today. Students went to A day classes. In class they received 2 copies of the safety contract. Both of these must be signed and returned. No one will be able to participate in the lab on Wednesday without both signed contracts and proper shoes: all students must wear closed toe shoes to do lab activities. B day students will receive the contracts on Tuesday and must have then signed by Thursday. They must wear closed toe shoes on Thursday to do the lab.

An assignment was started in class. Some students must finish it at home. The directions are:

Draw a scientist in big rectangle 1. Explain the drawing in small rectangle 1.
Draw what we would see if we went to visit a scientist on a fieldtrip in big rectangle 2. Explain your drawing in small rectangle 2.

There are also 2 sections in the GREEN HST Science Book to read: pp. 9-11 and pp. 26-31. Remember the GREEN HST Science Book should stay at home.

I will send home a curriculum letter later this week that will explain the grading procedures and the course content.

Parents, you have a lot of HW this week. Please sign everything and send it back. Thank you

BTW if you are a parent reading this why not send me an e-mail so I can enter yours in my address book. I will answer e-mails as time allows. The best way to get a message to me is to send a note to me (in the agenda when they are distributed).

My e-mail is smithp8@duvalschools.org. Don't forget the 8.

Science Projects are closer than they appear ;)

2011-07-05T09:51:00.000-04:00

Hi students and families. I know it's July, the sun is shining, you are on vacation - me too; but, it's time to start finding a good topic/idea/question for a science project for the upcoming school year. Now's a great time while you have "spare time" to just think about what interests you.
Here's a place to start reading
http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/

Oui and I are off on our vacation. (Oui's the mouse so many of you liked to play with.) I'll grab some good pics to post here at a later date. I'll be doing science. I hope you will be also.

EPCOT UPDATE

2011-06-08T16:18:00.000-04:00

Our trip to Epcot is TOMORROW!!! Here are a few last minute reminders....

You should arrive at JLCP at 6:30 AM. Attendance must be taken and seats assigned. Our buses must pull out on time.
Your meal ticket will be issued to you. Your group should try to eat somewhere adventurous.
You may want to bring some spending money. Whatever you bring is what you will have. Put it in a safe spot and don't wave it around.
If you choose to bring things with you to help pass the time, remember YOU will be responsible for them. Make sure your name is on your "toys". If your toys play music make sure your playlist does not contain offensive songs. If you lose your toys that is your responsibility. Choose wisely as you pack your stuff.
Dress according to the student code of conduct. You are not going to the beach- you are on a school trip so dress like you are going to school. I recommend that you wear shoes not flip-flops and maybe not even sandals so that your feet are protected. Lab shoes rule!!
You should use sunscreen and maybe wear a hat - it's supposed to be a nice day.
If you carry a backpack or a purse you may be held up at the entrance while your bag is searched. Try to be economical with what you choose to bring with you.
We will leave the park at a set time. Do not make your group late to the bus. We must leave on time so that we can be back on time.
We will be back at 9:00PM.

You may call your parents to confirm our ETA after we pass St. Augustine. That will give them a heads up. If you don't plan to bring your phone make arrangements for a friend to call their parents who can then call your parents.

Parents, please be on-time to pick up your child. Remember, it will be a long day for all of us and teachers still need to drive home after the trip.

BRING YOUR TEXTBOOKS TO SCHOOL ON TUESDAY, 06/07/2100

2011-06-06T14:23:00.000-04:00

Textbooks will be collected Tuesday starting at 7:55 AM until 8:35 AM. YOU must turn in all of your textbooks at this time.

Locker clean-out will be on wednesday morning. You will need to be prepared to carry EVERYTHING with you so you might want to take some home tomorrow and throw junk away ASAP. Bring a sturdy bag to carry home your shelves and other treasures. Teachers are in the process of moving this week so they probably won't have any extra bags or boxes for you to use. BE PREPARED !!!

Friday's Pictures

2011-06-05T18:11:00.000-04:00

GRADE UPDATE

2011-06-03T18:12:00.000-04:00

I have updated all grades as of 6:05 PM today. If you see a 50 in the booklet spot that means you haven't turned in your complete booklet and will need to turn it in on MONDAY. I will not take booklets after 7:50 AM on Monday. We have too much to do to get ready for our fun-filled day.

I am still accepting catch up work for students who signed for the assignments. You must turn that in by 7:45 AM on Monday. The excuses I might accept are few and far between so don't plan on being late and don't do an "I forgot it in the car, at my other parent's house, the computer was broke, our printer ran out of ink" type of excuse because I am just not going to accept late work.

More Roller Coasters - Wednesday pictures

2011-06-01T16:25:00.000-04:00

NASA - Hurricane Season 2011: System 93L (Atlantic Ocean)

2011-06-01T14:57:00.000-04:00

NASA - Hurricane Season 2011: System 93L (Atlantic Ocean)

Roller Coasters from Tuesday, 5/31

2011-05-31T21:11:00.000-04:00

Roller Coasters are Rolling Right Along

2011-05-31T14:30:00.000-04:00

Sometimes they look better if you tilt your head!!!

Remember the criteria is 2 hills, 1 loop, a controlled stop, and 5 successful trials.

How's Your Grade?

2011-05-26T14:35:00.001-04:00

If your grade is a 70% or above then you won't be getting additional assignments. If it's below a 70% then

I have given you a printout to take home and get signed.
When it's signed you must return it to me.
You will be issued a packet.
You will complete the work and submit it to me on or before Monday, June 6.
If you don't do the work and turn it in on time you will have to complete it during our celebration.

Just follow the directions above and you will be successful in raising your grade to a 70%. No, I am not accepting any old assignments as late work - been there, done that, posted the grades.

What's that you say? Your parents want you to do the work this weekend since you have 4 days!!!!

Here are the assignments

1. Complete the Student Exploration Guide for Distance – Time Graphs. It will be
spot - checked for accuracy.
2. Earn at least 4/5 points on the Assessment Questions. You must print out your results.
3. Complete the Student Exploration Guide for Roller Coaster Physics. It will be
spot-checked for accuracy.
4. Earn at least 4/5 points on the Assessment Questions. You must print out your results.

FYI: NASA Honors Human Spaceflight Achievements At Kennedy Center Concert

2011-05-24T11:22:00.001-04:00

If you will be in Washington DC tomorrow or know someone who will be there...

WASHINGTON -- NASA is inviting the general public and journalists to a special concert at 7 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, May 25, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington to honor American achievements in human spaceflight. The event, “Human Spaceflight: the Kennedy Legacy” is a musical celebration on the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy’s speech to Congress when he challenged our nation to land a man on the moon and return him safely to Earth.
The one-hour concert will feature the Space Philharmonic under the baton of Emil de Cou. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, astronauts and special, surprise guests will participate in the event along with local high school musical groups and the Soldier’s Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band.
A limited number of tickets is available for the general public on a first-come, first-served basis. To attend the free event, please contact NASA Guest Operations at 202-358-1750. Tickets for those who RSVP will be available at NASA's Will Call tables, which will be staffed in front of the Concert Hall (in the Grand Foyer) from 5-6:45 p.m. Wednesday.
Reporters, who would like to cover the event, must contact Katherine Trinidad at 202-358-3749 or katherine.trinidad@nasa.gov by 12 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24.
To see video, audio and a transcript of President Kennedy's 1961 speech and learn about NASA's plans for future human space exploration, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/topics/history/features/kennedy_moon_speech.html

KEEP UP WITH YOUR GRADE!!!

2011-05-17T13:13:00.000-04:00

Be PROACTIVE - check your grade portal. Make sure you are earning a good grade. School is not over until it is. Parents, check with your child. If they are missing assingments - find out WHY. I am not taking any late or missing assignments at this time. There is no such thing as extra credit either.

If you need to take the recycle quiz - remember, it is tomorrow in the gym before school. Follow the directions previously posted. Bring your own writing implement.

What's up with the new NOTES section in the grade portal????

2011-05-13T19:46:00.000-04:00

To clarify for all of the parents .
I added the "Notes" section so that I could add notes to all of the parents and students.
There are no assignment for NOTES. The NOTES are just that- notes. The notes do not count in the total grade. If you look at the Headings you will see that as always, the Assessments are 60% of the total grade while Technology and Activities are each 20%. That means that there's no value for the grade for the notes section. The 0% is the value of a note. The value of the NOTE is just its value as a note. It doesn't affect a grade.

Study Guide for EOC

2011-05-13T19:11:00.004-04:00

As you know, you will be taking the End of Course Exam soon. The test was written based on the benchmarks identified by our curriculum. You have or will be taught lessons in support of all of the benchmarks that may be tested on the EOC. I anticipate that it will be a fairly rigorous test because everything for the year will be tested. In order to help you review at home along with the review that we do in school I have prepared a study guide. The study guide is based on the benchmarks, vocabulary, and topics that you have learned this year. I anticipate that if you can do all of the tasks, know all of the vocabulary, and have worked hard all year you should be prepared to go in and do well on the test. I will provide microprinted copies of the study guide so if you want a full size one, you should print your own at home or at the Jacksonville Public Library. Remember, you are supposed to be able to print up to 5 free pages a day (according to my library). You have access to the HOLT Red book online and you have the Green book at home. We will review during a portion of 2 of your classes next week - you still have to finish your roller coasters.
Copy this link and paste it into the address bar to access the study guide.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lifwuixyEoKG1tJeYqqQPhtSiWRR21KmPlOWZPLc0RY/edit?hl=en

Here's the link to it at scribd if you like that service better.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/55398549

Here’s how to earn a recycle opportunity for your quiz on Speed...

2011-05-12T08:58:00.000-04:00

1. Correct all of your errors on the original quiz. Show all of your calculations. EXPLAIN why your answer was NOT correct and why it is correct now.
2. Ask your parents to sign your quiz. This lets me know that they know that you know that they know how you did. NO initials please.
3. The re-test will be in the gym on Wednesday, May 18 –BEFORE you are dismissed to class. I will make the quiz available from 7:25 – 7:40 while I am in the gym on duty. You must bring your own paper to do your work and your own writing implement. You may bring your own calculator to use. I will provide only the quiz questions.

EPCOT TRIP and SCHOOL PICTURES

2011-05-09T13:08:00.000-04:00

The EPCOT Trip is scheduled for June 9, 2011. If you are planning to attend then your payment of $75.00 is due on or before May 20, 2011. Please give your cash, money order, or cashier's check to either Mrs. Hayden or me (Mrs. Smith). NO personal checks can be accepted.

School pictures: either payment or pictures is due back to school by 05/13.

Exploring a roller coaster

2011-05-09T08:39:00.002-04:00

Work through this site with your group

http://www.jason.org/public/digital_labs/roller_coaster/coaster.html

Roller Coasters amd More

2011-05-05T13:41:00.001-04:00

We are now into ROLLER COASTER CONSTRUCTION. Please make sure that your group has a piece of pipe insulation that someone has cut lengthwise into 2 strips. Please do the cutting at home so that no one interferes with your cutting. Ask the folks at home for help with this delicate operation. I do not want anyone cutting the tubes in class. You will also need tape. I recommend masking tape. A base for the roller coaster is also a good idea. A piece of cardboard or an old project board would work so that the footprint of your coaster is limited. Vertical building not horizontal sprawl is encouraged this year. You may bring in support materials for your RC, but nothing with a sharp point like toothpicks. You may keep all of your materials in the science room if you have a box that closes up. No loose materials will be stored in class.

Here's the criteria for a top score on the coaster.
Freestanding, 2 hills and 1 loop or corkscrew, a controlled stop, and 5 or more successful trials have been run.
ROLLER COASTER PROJECTS DUE: B day - Tuesday, May 31 and A day- Wednesday, June 1.

Don't worry, there will be several individual assessments, a few more GIZMOS, and of course your roller coaster booklet BEFORE final grades are due.

Domino Derby has been put on hold temporarily. Do not worry about making it up if you missed it.

Grades will be posted today and tomorrow. I have taken assignments after the due dates and as a result I am not offering do-overs this 9 weeks. If you were absent from your class this week I will take your work on Friday. That's only if you missed class due to an absence. Progress reports come out next week.

An Open Letter From Arne Duncan to America's Teachers

2011-05-02T13:20:00.000-04:00

An Open Letter From Arne Duncan to America's Teachers

Current Assignments

2011-04-29T13:19:00.001-04:00

The following activities have either been assigned or will be assigned next week.

Already assigned to A day and B day
Cars on a ramp: Graph the mean time and the mean distance. Due at next class if it hasn't been checked off already.
GIZMO: Force and Fan Carts - SEG only. You do not have to do the AQ. Due at next class if it hasn't been checked off already.
Foldable: Read and take notes on pp. 550 - 551 of GREEN book. Directions are on p. 548. This is for your use. It will not be graded, but it may be used as an admission ticket to some activities or as an exit slip so you have to do it.

Assigned to B on Friday and will be assigned to A on Monday

GIZMO: Measuring Motion - SEG only B day due Tuesday, A day due Wednesday.
Brainpop Video and Quiz: Distance, Rate, and Time.(Available in class or your parents can sign up for a trial period if you want to see it at home.)
Domino Derby: Carry out exploration. I'm hoping that we will be able to videotape some explorations in case someone is absent or out of class for something.

Roller Coaster Update

You should know who will be in your group. You will have the opportunity to begin planning next week. B day will receive their contracts on Tuesday and A day will receive their contracts on Wednesday. Remember, the ROLLERCOASTER Project is 50% of your final exam grade. The EOC is the other 50%. Students who violate the safety contract, endanger the safety or learning opportunities of other students, or do not carry out the duties as agreed upon by the group may have to complete an alternative assignment or exam. This consequence is entirely up to the teacher and may be assigned at any time.

HOMEWORK FOR THE WEEKEND BEFORE FCAT

2011-04-09T12:38:00.000-04:00

You have some very important science homework to do even though the is no 6th grade FCAT Science. First, you should go outside and get some fresh air and sunshine (very important for homeostasis). Next. make sure you eat some healthy meals including breakfast each day - especially Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Our lunch time will be adjusted on Wednesday so be prepared to eat a later lunch than usual. Last, but not least - get some rest. Sleep is important to homeostasis also. You need to be well rested all next week (and any day of school) so that you are totally alert.

Just a few reminders....

Bookbags, cell phones, lunches, purses, watches with alarms everything that is not essential to maintaining your homeostasis goes into your locker BEFORE coming to your testing location. Use the facility before leaving home and before coming to the testing room. Your attitude is very important. Remember, you have worked hard all year so come in with an optimistic, strong outlook. Use your time wisely.

Again, DO NOT finish your graphs for the lab activity at home. This is a class assignment and you need to spend your time doing your real homework (see above).

Role of Science Learning Outside of School Grows

2011-04-05T19:33:00.001-04:00

There may be hundreds of channels on our TVs and often not much really worth watching,but there may be something worth watching about SCIENCE!!! If you have National Geographic channel you might want to watch on Thursday. They will be exploring volcanoes. That's part of your 7th grade curriculum. Why not learn something today that you can use in the future??

Role of Science Learning Outside of School Grows

What shall I make of this comment?

2011-04-05T19:28:00.000-04:00

I received this comment today.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "TEST this WEEK":

Is the test only on how the body systems work together to maintain homeostasis. Or do we have to read the entire unit.

Here are my thoughts....

What shall I make of it?? You didn't even tell me who you are or how to contact you. You had an assignment that should be used as a study guide.

What do you mean do you have to read the entire unit??? Didn't you read sections in order to do your booklet properly? You didn't? Why not???

Get to work on this NOW!!!!

Be proactive, be a leader, be successful.

TEST this WEEK

2011-04-05T14:25:00.000-04:00

There will be a short test on Body Systems and homeostasis this week. B day students will take the test on Thursday, April 7. A day will take it on Friday. April 8. Use your booklets and on-line RED book to study. Be sure you know how systems work together to help maintain homeostasis.

CHAPERONES ARE STILL NEEDED FOR WORLD OF NATIONS

2011-04-05T14:19:00.000-04:00

THANK YOU to all of the parents who have consented to be chaperones already, BUT...

We still need quite a few chaperones for the trip. If you want to chaperone, please contact either Mrs. Hayden (failse@duvalschools.org) or Mrs. Smith (smithp8@duvalschools.org) or send us a note. The Festival rules state we must have a low student to parent ratio so that means we need more chaperones than usual. Thank you in advance for volunteering. We want this to be a great experience for all of our students.

If any student still needs to pay, I will be collecting money and permission slips tomorrow in the gym before school and during Team Time.

Studies Find Cheaters Overinflate Academic Ability

2011-03-29T18:03:00.000-04:00

I found this article to be quite interesting. I hope every family reads it and takes some time to discuss it. For those of you who refuse to cheat on assignments, Gizmos, and assessments all I can say is "Kudos to you" and I'm not talking about the snack bars;)

Studies Find Cheaters Overinflate Academic Ability

Accessing the online textbooks: Previously posted on 2/20/2011

2011-03-29T01:16:00.000-04:00

You all got the log in and password in school. In case you have forgotten go to
http://my.hrw.com
and log in as

ssalamander2 and use the password j3m5x.

It's all free and anonymous so you don't have to sign up for anything. If it asks for any thing else from you - check your location.

Do NOT put www in the address and remember, it's .com.

BODY SYSTEMS BOOKLET

2011-03-24T15:31:00.000-04:00

You will make a booklet that has 4 sections. The sections are
CONTROL SYSTEMS, SUPPORT SYSTEMS, DELIVERY SYSTEMS, AND WORKING TOGETHER.

Each tab/section will have
a drawing or sketch by hand (no machine produced graphics),
a list of all organs in the system,
an explanation of specializations within the system (example: types of muscles), and
an explanation of how the system works.

The final section/tab is all about HOMEOSTASIS. Explain how each system works with the others to keep you in a state of homeostasis.

The book is due on the first day you come to science after break.

GIZMO ASSIGNED: The Cell Energy Cycle

2011-03-03T15:05:00.000-05:00

The SEG and AQ for the Gizmo: Cell Energy Cycle are due as you walk into class. A day = Wednesday, March 9. B day = Thursday, March 10. Don't forget. No Gizmos will be accepted late.

Do Overs are Due soon

2011-03-03T14:59:00.000-05:00

The due date for late work is March 7 for A day and March 8 for B day.

Making Wise Choices - when given another chance

2011-02-24T23:27:00.005-05:00

It seems that some students have made some poor choices recently as evidenced by some very low grades on progress reports. I am offering a one time, short duration opportunity to recoup some lost points and improve science grades. This is for a very limited time only and will not be repeated this nine weeks. Please follow the directions carefully.

DIRECTIONS FOR A "DO-OVER"
Students who have received either a zero or NO Grade on an assignment up to and including all activities or GIZMOS due before February 25 may have an opportunity for a "Do Over". This means that all activities and GIZMOS may be resubmitted by completing a "Do Over" form and having it signed by a parent/caregiver. The due date for all "Do-Overs" is March 7 for A-day and March 8 for B-day.

A "DO OVER" form must be completed and stapled to each assignment before it can be submitted. No late, incomplete, or unreadable DO OVERS will be accepted.
A "DO OVER" form can be down loaded from Scribd
Do Over Form for Late or Missing Assignments.

An alternative source for the form is to get one in class or from
https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AVkJPZ_sUMJnZGNoemh0d2hfMTBjZ2c4azJkZw&hl=en

Shuttle launch tomorrow

2011-02-23T19:40:00.000-05:00

The last launch of Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled for 4:50pm. This can change. Here's a link to the countdown clock.

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/index.html

This should be the link you need for the Key Terms Foldable - or here's the list

2011-02-23T19:26:00.001-05:00

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IaSgU1FoVC8qB7eAmjgC4VLeLz5MjuOdxzEJCnGksq0/edit?hl=en&authkey=COeb5_oB

GREEN 13-1 & 13-2
RED 3-1

cell
organism
prokaryote
eukaryote
function
structure
cell membrane
organelle
nucleus

RED 4-1

diffusion
osmosis
passive transport
endocytosis
exocytosis
Brainpop

pores
equilibrium
dynamic equilibrium
concentration gradient
ATP
selectively permeable membrane

Other videos

symbiosis
autotroph
heterotroph
flagella
cilia
pseudopod

Important People

Robert Hooke
Theodor Schwann
Matthias Schleiden

Please do not ask HOLT for my user name and password

2011-02-22T18:43:00.000-05:00

Students, you have a user name and a password to access the on-line science book. Please stop asking HOLT for my account info. They won't send it to you. The info is posted on this blog.

Homework update for week of 2/22

2011-02-20T12:57:00.000-05:00

Both A and B classes received the following assignment either last MONDAY or TUESDAY before Grade Recovery began.
Make a KEY TERM foldable for all key terms for GREEN book 13-1 and 13-2 and RED 3-1.
The due date for A day is Friday, 2/25, while the due date for B day is Thursday, 2/24.
More terms from 4-1 and our work with osmosis will be assigned during class on Tuesday, 2/22 for Bday and Wednesday 2/23 for A day along with the direction to illustrate each term with either a drawing or a word description. The additional KEY TERMS will be added to the foldable (you can make as many as you need) and will also be due when the others are due. This will give all of the students who were in grade recovery, out of town, or just procrastinating enough time to complete all words. I want to publish a complete list of all terms that will be expected in the foldable. Unfortunately I am having terrible computer problems at home and I can't guarantee that I can access the online textbook. I hope you are able. You all got the log in and password in school. In case you have forgotten go to
http://my.hrw.com and log in as ssalamander2 and use the password j3m5x. It's all free and anonymous so you don't have to sign up for anything. If it asks for any thing else from you - check your location. Do NOT put www in the address and remember, it's .com.

Good luck

GIZMO DUE and Math Contest

2011-02-11T16:11:00.000-05:00

ALL JLCP students will be participating in the Math Contest Event on TUESDAY during Team Time. Every student should bring a plain old calculator to use. You will not be able to use your phone/ipod/magic slate/ ipad/ or anything but a regular calculator. It only has to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. Just like the one that was on your supply list this summer. GREAT!!!!!

The Cell GIZMO is due either Monday (A day) or Tuesday (B day). All new students and new to my class students should have already registered. If you haven't then you can use the class code of HUZKCKGTVA and register for that science class. It's better to be in the wrong class then to not get a grade at all. Do the Student Exploration Guide (SEG) first then do the Assessment Questions (AQ).

Science360 - The Knowledge Network

2011-02-04T15:22:00.000-05:00

There is so much going on in the world of science. Here's a chance to find out something new.

Science360 - The Knowledge Network

A new GIZMO has been assigned

2011-02-03T15:05:00.002-05:00

I've assigned the Cell Structure Gizmo to all classes. The SEG and AQ will be due for A day on 02/14 and for B day on 02/15.

Info for PARENTS

2011-02-03T15:02:00.002-05:00

Parents,

I've had the opportunity to meet many of you since Open House last fall. Some of our conferences, conversations, phone calls, and e-mails have been very productive. Here is some info that might help you and me do our best to help support our students.

1. Check your child's planner. You should see assignments listed - especially GIZMOS. You also might see a note from me that will keep you in the loop.
2. If you have a quick question for me - jot it down in the planner and have your child show it to me. I can often respond on the spot when I see the planner.
3. Make sure that your child knows your number at work or where you can be reached. If there's a problem/question that can be solved via a quick call during class then you may receive a call or at least a voice mail.
4. Make sure that your child has the necessary supplies everyday. This includes paper, pencils, and pens. If the ISN is getting filled up it may be time to purchase another composition book. I have a cup of pencils and pens that I keep available for emergencies, but a child should start the day with at least one sharpened pencil. I also keep scratch paper for emergencies so no child ever has the excuse of no paper or pencil/pen to do an assignment.
5. Provide time on the computer for your child to do the GIZMOs that I assign. Yes, they need to PRINT out the Student Exploration Guide (SEG)and COMPLETE it BEFORE doing the Assessment Questions (AQ). Gizmos provide a deeper learning experience for your child which should result in better AQ scores.
6. Ask them to show you proof of completion (print out the 1st page of the AQ which shows the score). If the grade is not 100% the student should re-do the GIZMO and AQ and print out a proof of completion which can be turned in on or before the due date for full credit. This is a built in safety net for anyone who honestly tries, but needs another chance.
7. Discuss with your child the benefits of turning work in on time. I will only accept major assignments with penalties as late work. Small assignments like notes over a chapter will not be accepted late except at the discretion of the teacher.
8. Use the grade portal. Watch for comments/messages about assignments or class behavior.
9. Hug your child every day.

Test next week

2011-01-14T15:23:00.000-05:00

The test will include information from Chapter 6, section 3 and Chapter 7, sections 1, 2, 3, and 4. We have reviewed in class. You have notes. Make sure you are clear on the difference between weathering (wearing away) and erosion (carrying away).

A day will have the test on Tuesday.
B day will have the test on Wednesday.

Duval County Public Schools: Teaching. Learning. Achieving.

2011-01-14T07:19:00.000-05:00

Stay in the loop...

Duval County Public Schools: Teaching. Learning. Achieving.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR NEFRSEF PARTICIPANTS

2011-01-13T16:40:00.000-05:00

I sent an e-mail to the 9 of you for whom I have addresses. If you didn't receive it maybe I don't have your correct address or don't have it at all. Send me an e-mail ASAP at smithp8@duvalschools.org if you didn't get the info today. There's an attachment and the info for your bibliography.

Get yourself registered. Bring me 6 abstracts, a copy of your entry form and all of your original proposal. As soon as possible please.

School Science Fair Participants

2011-01-05T14:27:00.000-05:00

Ten students have been invited to participate in the JLCP Science Fair on Monday, January 10. They will need to bring their SPDL (Data log) to school that day. They can pick up their board and research paper from me to use for the fair. If you think you might be one of the students chosen, please check the grade portal or the list posted inside my door.

The judging will start at about 2:30 and should be over by 3:45. Parents, please make arrangements for your child to be picked up by 4pm. If a student attends Community Ed then he or she may join their group after the fair. Sorry, but the fair is not open to the public/families/ or other students on Monday. The winning projects will be displayed after the fair at a location to be announced.

PARENTS - Can you help judge our science fair?

2011-01-04T19:29:00.001-05:00

The Julia Landon science fair is Monday, JANUARY 10. Yes, we can use a few more judges. The criteria is: an understanding of scientific thinking, an interest or background in science or engineering, and/or work as a science/engineering professional. If you or someone in your family (high school or college students are welcome) would like to join the judges on Monday from 2:15 PM until about 3:45 please will you drop me an e-mail stating the person's name and contact info, especially an e-mail address.

Judges should be at JLCP no later than 2:30. Judging orientation will begin at 2:20. Be sure to sign in at the main office. You will be directed to the judges room.

Thank you very much.

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

2010-12-19T21:58:00.000-05:00

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

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

2010-12-17T14:53:00.001-05:00

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

2010-12-16T14:50:00.001-05:00

Genetic Trait Linked to Young Athletes' Deaths

Emphasizing Sports Over Academics Sets Up Black Boys to Lose

2010-12-13T13:06:00.001-05:00

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

2010-12-09T16:28:00.000-05:00

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

2010-12-09T16:18:00.000-05:00

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

2010-12-06T11:16:00.001-05:00

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....

2010-11-19T16:38:00.000-05:00

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?

2010-11-19T16:20:00.000-05:00

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.

2010-11-19T13:55:00.002-05:00

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

2010-11-15T15:17:00.000-05:00

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!!

2010-11-05T14:40:00.003-04:00

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

2010-11-02T15:57:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-29T15:00:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-23T18:29:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-18T14:43:00.000-04:00

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.