JUDGES needed for the Julia Landon Science Fair

Parents,
If you are interested in volunteering to judge the science fair please keep reading.

We will need some judges who are avid science enthusiasts, practicing scientists, students of science or just interested in science who will listen to students explain the process and product of their science projects. Anyone who has attended JWJ, Darnell-Cookman, Stanton, or Paxson SAS and completed one or more successful projects is also welcome to volunteer. Perhaps current high school students will volunteer and get credit for volunteer hours.
Our fair will be held after school on Tuesday, January 13. It should run from about 2:45 - 4:45 for judging.

If you would like to volunteer yourself, your best friend, your parent, your older children please e-mail me and I will send you more information.

If you are available to assist with set up, clean up, or preparing our entrants for the Regional Science Fair your help will also be greatly appreciated. Please contact me at

smithp8@duvalschools.org


Thank you very much


P. L. Smith

SCIENCE PROJECT DUE DATE REMINDER

• Science Project Research Papers are due no later than January 6, 2009. Please no late papers. If you want to turn your paper in and present on Jan. 5 that should be just fine. We will do as many presentations each day as possible.
• Presentation dates will be assigned on January 5, 2009.
• Science Project Display Boards are due on the day you present. Bring the board and your Science Project Data Log (SPDL) for your presentation. Be able to tell us what you did, why you did it, how you did it, what you found out when you did it, and how you can do more another time or how you would change it to be a better project in the future. You will present to small groups and I will listen and grade your presentation.

If you are interested in participating in the Julia Landon Science Fair your presentation should be completed as soon as possible so that I can determine if you will participate in the fair.

Current Assignments due

The following assignments will be graded and recorded up through 12/19. If you are not present you will be allowed to make up your assignments according to school policy.

Each assignment is 10 points.

BELL RINGERS

12/9 Identify the variables (independent, dependent, and controlled) and the control group in an experiment designed to test the question: What is the effect of temperature on the activity of yeast? There will be bottles of yeast, sugar, and water capped by balloons and put into different temperature water baths.

12/11 You see something on the ground. It’s yellow. How can you tell if it’s alive? To what kingdoms can it not belong? Explain your reasons.

12/12 List the characteristics of all living things.

12/15 Monday Calculate the Surface Area to Volume ratio of a regular solid that is .6cm long, .3 cm wide, and .2 cm high. What is it's surface to volume ratio? (periods 1, 3, 4)
Period 5 & 6: Calculate the Surface Area to Volume ratio of a regular solid that is 6cm long, 3 cm wide, and 2 cm high. What is it's surface to volume ratio?

12/16 Tuesday - what happens to the surface area to volume ratio if the rectangular prism increases its height by .1cm? (1,3,4)
By 1 cm (5,6)

12/17 Wednesday – Compare the SA:V ratio of 2 cells. Which one is better for passive transport?
Per 3,4
Cell A: L=1cm, H = 3cm, and W = 2cm and Cell B: L=3cm, H = 2cm, and W = 1cm
Per 5 & 6
Cell A: L=1cm, H = 3cm, and W = 2cm and Cell B: L=3cm, H = 2cm, and W = 1cm
Per 1 had different measurements. If you do not have them and are in per.1 please use the data for period 3.


12/18 Thursday - Compare a cell that is L=3, W=3, and H= 3 to a cell that is L = 3, W = 2, and H = 4. Which SA:V ratio is better for passive transport?

Individual Assignments

12/15 Map: Necessities of Life
12/15 Summary : Necessities of Life

12/16 Double Bubble Chart: Compare Archaebacteria to Eubacteria
12/16 Summary w/ FRIES: Compare Archaebacteria to Eubacteria

12/17 Double Bubble Chart: Compare Bacteria to Protists
12/17 Summary w/ FRIES: Compare Bacteria to Protists

How are those science projects?

I have received a few, a very few research papers and have only seen 1, that's one display board. Do yourself a favor and DON'T procrastinate. Remember, you also have a history project due.

Get your research paper to me on or before January 6. The original due date was December 8 so the window is OPEN.
It will definitely close on January 6, 2009.

Don't miss out on an opportunity for success.

LOOK AT LUNA TONIGHT FOR A SPECIAL TREAT

If you get a chance to do some sky watching tonight and wonder why our moon, Luna, is so big and bright just go to http://www.nationalgeographic.com/
and check out the article:

Sky Show Friday: Biggest, Brightest Full Moon of 2008

Sites to help you with your bibliography if you use MLA

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/14/
http://www.docstyles.com/mlacrib.htm

Research Paper RUBRIC

This is the rubric for grading.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/8303243/Research-Paper-Rubric


The actual paper should be typed or hand printed. Use one of the following font styles Arial, Tahoma, or Times-New Roman. The font size should be a 12. Typed papers should be double spaced. Hand printed in ink must be on one side of the paper only.

Bibliography should be one style. MLA is probably the same style as for your history project. APA is also acceptable.

Science Project: Alternative to developing your own

With the change at Julia Landon to all advanced classes, the requirement of a science project has become real to all of the 7th grade students. Thankfully, many paid attention through the 1st nine weeks as we did both Mugs 1 and Mugs 2. These were examples of scientific thinking. Mugs 2 was a controlled experiment. That's what each student is expected to do for the science project (with the exception of the few students doing an engineering project).

I have been meeting with students and helping them with their projects. Thanks to the recovery process we had class time not only for enrichment, but the students who attended class were able to get help with projects.

Unfortunately, it seems that a number of student are not on schedule for completing (or even beginning) their project in a timely manner. As you know the former due date has been extended into a window of opportunity spanning 2 different years. In order to give every student an opportunity for success I am offering to offer MAJOR assistance to any student who doesn't know how to get a project to work, doesn't have an idea, hasn't had a project idea approved, or has picked a project that parents don't want the child to do. The assistance is in the form of a structured controlled experiment that can be done at home. It is possible to complete experimentation for a minimal monetary expenditure and with very few scientific tools.

The project will be found in 2 formats: following here and as a document that is linked to this blog.
Here's the link http://www.scribd.com/doc/8302041/Alternative-Science-Project-2008

There is one thing to consider if parents choose this project or a student chooses this project. Parts of the project will not be the student's original work so the project will only be eligible to be graded on the parts that the student shows to be his or her own work. Please refer to the rubric.
____________Keep Reading for the Alternative ____________________________________________________
Students,
If you really are at a point where you just don’t know what to do for your science project or you just don’t get how to do it then you may use the following project. However, there will have to be a consequence. If you do this project then you will not be able to take credit for all of the work and you will not be able to earn a grade based on the work that’s not yours. If you do a thorough job of collecting data, analyzing it, and drawing a conclusion then your grade will surely reflect your work.

You and your parent must sign the following statement accepting help with your project and acknowledging that although you will not receive full credit for your science project it will be eligible for a passing grade if it meets the criteria. Your project will not be eligible to go to the school science fair.



I __________________________ understand that I have accepted a great amount of help in preparing my science project. My grade will reflect the fact that much of the work is not mine. I have accepted this help so that I may do an acceptable project and will be eligible to receive a passing grade based on my work for the research paper and display board if they meet the expected criteria. I understand that I also must have a Science Project Data Log and will present my project to my peers in class. This project is not eligible to continue on to the Julia Landon Science Fair.

_______________________________________________________
Signature date


Parent Signature date



QUESTION
Just like in the Mugs 1 and Mugs 2 investigations you need a question. Here’s one for you to investigate.
Does fresh water or salt water freeze faster?

HYPOTHESIS
Again, just like in Mugs 1 and 2 you will need a hypothesis. You will need to use the
If … then… format. Here’s one for you. Just fill in the blank with your choice of faster or slower.
If I add salt to fresh water, then the water will freeze _________________ than
fresh water with no salt added

EXPERIMENT
Variables:
You will need an independent variable to test. This is also called a manipulated variable. The manipulated variable is the variable that you change. Your independent variable is the amount of salt because you manipulate the amount of salt.

The dependent variable is the variable that you hope will respond or change as a result of the manipulated variable. The dependent variable will be measured to gather your data. Your dependent or responding variable is how long it takes water to freeze. You will have to measure TIME to gather your data.

All of the other factors in the experiment will have to be controlled. You will have one set of trials that will be only fresh water. That will be your control group. This group will have no salt so that you can compare the results from the other groups to the results for your control group.

Definitions:
How will you determine when the water is frozen? One way will be to put a stick (toothpick, popsicle stick, skewer) into the water before putting it into the freezer. When you can no longer pull it out, the water is frozen. Decide how often you will check the freezer (choose one: every 1 minute, every 2 minutes, every 3 minutes, every 4 minutes or every 5 minutes).

You will have to make salt solutions to use. Each solution will be mixed as a percent solution. This means that a 1% solution would me made of 10grams of salt in 1 L of water. Ocean water is about a 2.5 – 3% solution.

METHOD

Materials for every trial that is run.
Salt ( about 60 grams) (table salt will work)
Water – use the same type of water for all trials. Distilled water would be the best type to use. It can be purchased in the grocery store.
3 liters of bottled water (or may just use the empty bottles and refill them)
Sticks (toothpicks, straws, popsicle sticks, skewers, or another type of stick like object)
30 Small drink cups (bathroom paper cup size) or Ice cube trays
Access to a freezer
Stopwatch

Preparations
Mix a 3% solution of salt water by adding 30 grams of salt to 1 Liter of water.
Mix a 2% solution of salt water by adding 20 grams of salt to 1 Liter of water.
Mark 10 cups CONTROL GROUP and assign each a number 1-10.
Mark 10 cups EXPERIMENTAL GROUP A and assign each a number 1-10.
Mark 10 cups EXPERIMENTAL GROUP B and assign each a number 1-10.

Procedures
Pour an equal amount of fresh water (no salt added) to each of cups 1-10 in THE CONTROL GROUP. Add a stick to each cup. If using ice cube trays then fill each unit of the tray equally and put a stick into each of ten cubes.
Pour an equal amount of 2% solution (20 grams of salt/ 1L of water) to each of cups 1-10 in EXPERIMENTAL GROUP A. Add a stick to each cup. If using ice cube trays then fill each unit of the tray equally and put a stick into each of ten cubes.
Pour an equal amount of 3% solution (30 grams of salt/ 1L of water) to each of cups 1-10 in EXPERIMENTAL GROUP B. Add a stick to each cup. If using ice cube trays then fill each unit of the tray equally and put a stick into each of ten cubes.
Put the cups (or trays) into the freezer.
Start timing. This is 0 minutes.
Check the freezer every ________minutes and record the data.
When you can not move a stick in a cup or a cube then consider it frozen and stop timing for just that particular cup or cube. Keep checking the freezer until all samples are frozen.
Repeat entire experiment 10 times.
Clean up your work area.

DATA
Make a table for each group. Record your data as you check the freezer.

RESULTS

You will have to analyze your data. Identify how long it took each sample in a group to freeze. Find the mean time to freeze for each group.
Graph the data.

That’s all the help that will be provided. It is up to each student to analyze the data, graph it, write a discussion (see ISEF student handbook) and develop a conclusion. You have to write a research paper and prepare both your backboard and oral presentation.

Cell Task

Friday -There will be a test on microscopes. Identify the parts looking at a picture of a scope.



Students will demonstrate their knowledge of plant and animal cells and the major organelles of each to culminate Lesson 6.


Here's the link for the task and the rubric. There will be time in class Friday, Monday, and Tuesday to work on the project.


http://www.scribd.com/doc/8229742/cell-task

In addition, we are beginning Lesson 7 - Levels of Organization
Read Chapter 3, Section 3, pages 92 – 95 The Organization of Living Things and answer the Benchmark Check up questions.
Read Chapter 5, Section 1, pages 130 – 133

the science project update with graphics

This is the entire message complete with graphics to point everyone in the right direction.


http://www.scribd.com/doc/8138512/Science-Project-Update?secret_password=121gkvv2qcz0t2k8fcre

Some questions and some answers to help everyone be successful

What if I don’t have a science project topic or I just don’t know what to do?

If you have not started your project yet for one reason or another perhaps you need to get a quick and easy project. Prescribed Projects will not be eligible for an A due to the fact that you are getting a question, a hypothesis outline, and the procedures handed to you. However, you still have to do the experiment, collect data, analyze it, and write a research paper along with a display.

How do you get one of the projects?

Bring a note from your parent/caregiver that states you want a Prescribed Project that will be quick and easy. They must acknowledge that you will not be eligible to earn an A on the project, but you are still responsible for all of the other parts. You will receive a hand out that gives you specific help.

Science Project Update

Today in all of the classes the due dates and what is required for a complete science project were reviewed. The students were shown where to access the information for what should be in a research paper. For any students who missed class today and for all parents and interested sponsors here’s an overview of what should be happening currently and in the future. I am hoping to be able to post a format of this update that includes graphics. I will have to do that at home since I hear the church bells around the school which means that it is 5 PM.

EXPERIMENTATION
Many students have begun experimentation and data collection. All data should be in metric units and recorded directly into the Science Project Data Log.

DUE DATES

The window to submit a research paper opens on December 9 and closes on January 6. This means that a student may submit a research paper on any of these days. Upon submitting a research paper, the student will be assigned a date for the oral presentation.

Oral presentations using the display boards will begin on December 9 and end on January 9. Students should bring their science project data logs when they do their oral presentation. Presentations will not be scheduled beyond Jan 9 except by teacher discretion. I encourage all students to submit early for several reasons including just having the process come to an end.

What’s a RESEARCH PAPER?
The answer to this question is best found at http://www.nefrsef.org

Click on the Complete Exhibitor’s Handbook choice under 2009 ISEF Handbook, Rules, Forms.

The link is to the entire handbook, but students should go to p. 31 for the 2009 Student Handbook.


The Student Handbook is very informative. It restates much of what the students were taught during the first nine weeks. The Mugs 1 and Mugs 2 projects were designed to model the process of scientific thinking to solve a problem.

Parents you may find p. 32 helpful. It describes the entire process that we began back in August.

The Elements of a Successful Science Project begin on p. 32 and continue onto p. 33.

Each Student is expected to keep a Science Project Data Log or data book. It is a record of all work done on and for the project. It is to be written in ink and each entry must be dated.

Each student is expected to submit a RESEARCH PAPER. The directions are clearly presented on pp. 32-33. The paper should be typed, double spaced, in Arial, Tahoma, or Times New Roman – 12 font. The only pages that must be stand alone pages are the Title Page and the Table of Contents page. The INTRODUCTION should begin on the third page. Each of the other headings may be continued on a started page (if a section uses just part of a page another section may be started on the same page). If the student wants each heading to start a on fresh page that is also acceptable. There is no minimum number of pages and there is no maximum number of pages. Each research paper will be similar in format, but should be unique in content. So it doesn’t matter how long the paper is if in fact all of the parts are there.

The information and questions on p. 32 in GETTING STARTED may help students as they write each section of the research paper.

It may be easier for the students to use MLA for their bibliography because that is the style traditionally used for their History Project also.
The Display Board is explained very well on nefrsef.org. At the STUDENT page click on the word BACKBOARD. A standard board from an office supply store should be just fine for any project. The standard boards which are made of either cardboard or foamcore usually are white or black. Any color of board is acceptable as long as it is the correct “shape” and size.

To set up the board, students MUST put the abstract in the lower left hand corner. It would be excellent if any student who would like to be considered for entry into the school science fair would put the abstract into a plastic sheet protector and then mounted the sheet protector/abstract on the backing paper.

Display boards must not contain pictures of students (in fact – NO FACES in pictures is a good rule). Using backing paper of strong colors may bring pizzazz to the display board and help its eye appeal. It’s very important that the display board with the abstract allow an observer to get an overview of the entire project, the results (data tables and graphs), and the conclusion.


The display board comes to class only on the day of the presentation. It does not come in early because it is made after the Research Paper. After all, much of the info in the research paper is the same info that will go on the board and it’s the same info that was on the research plan. Just the verb tenses change from the research plan to the paper and display and the bibliography may have become better through continued reading.

Update following Recovery

Some students have been very busy "recovering" their core class grades for the first grading period this week. As a result, those of us not involved in the recovery process have had time for science project conferences, learning how to use the microscope, and making wet mount slides of anacharis to view under the microscope.



All assignments for Lesson 5 are due on Tuesday.

Speaking of science projects...

The original due date for research papers was to have been 12/9. That date will be adjusted to give students more time to finish. More info on dates and requirements will be posted by Tuesday.

Assignements for Microscopes and Cell Theory - 11/3

Assignments for Lesson 5:

A Window to a Hidden World p. 678: make a viewer and answer questions

Vocabulary – choose one of the following and learn the meanings of the words.
· Define the words multicellular, prokaryote, eukaryote, organelle, nucleus, and unicellular and use each in a sentence that illustrates the meaning.
· Make vocabulary flashcards for multicellular, prokaryote, eukaryote, organelle, nucleus, and unicellular with the word on one side and the definition on the other.
· Make a Frayer model for multicellular, prokaryote, eukaryote, organelle, nucleus, and unicellular

Math Focus p. 78. Summarize in own words the relationship between surface area and
Volume
Choose one of the following
· Make a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast a prokaryote and a eukaryote cell.
· Draw a prokaryote and a eukaryote cell, label the structures of each, and identify
how they are the same and how they are different.
Choose one
· Draw a microscope. Label the parts and identify the function of each part.
· Draw a microscope and complete the worksheet from brainpop.com (available in class)
Choose one
· Rewrite the directions for Proper Use of the Compound Light Microscope in own words.
· Make a free form map to teach someone how to use the microscope properly.
· Illustrate the directions in another way of your choice.

Special Speaker about Dyslexia on Wednesday, 10/22

We will again have a speaker helping us learn about Dyslexia. Mrs. Nancy Barnard will be speaking to our team at about 10:40. All parents and interested caregivers are invited.

Mrs. Barnard is the president of EDS which is a private tutoring business that focuses on struggling students whether in math or reading. Mrs. Barnard has focused on struggling readers and those who are diagnosed with dyslexia. She recently appeared on The Turning Point with Gayle Cane of Nemours Bright Start program. Mrs. Barnard and her staff work with struggling readers to make them successful in the classroom and life.

ASSIGNMENTS for Week of October 13

Prepare tables for use in the in-class lab activity. See your HST RED Science Book, pp 602 - 603 for the tables. You might want to prepare tables for the Task and Report for the 9 week "exam". For more info see the post about the alternative exam.

HW will be to continue on with Science Project. No experimentation may be begun until I give it my stamp of approval or the SRC/IRB approves it.

Proposals are due on October 13. That's Monday. If they aren't submitted that day then they must come in ASAP. It's 100 points for a correctly completed proposal that can be easily approved by myself or the SRC/IRB. The grading period ends soon and the gradebook closes so get those points while they are available.

RESEARCH PROPOSAL DUE MONDAY

Be sure to complete your forms 1. 1A, 1B, and 3 along with your Research Plan. If you need assistance try www.nefrsef.org .

Forms must be signed in BLUE ink.

Information about Unit 1 PERFORMANCE TASK (9 week exam alternative)

Science is more than just knowing the right answers or memorizing facts. It's about applying knowledge about concepts and using skills that you've practiced to solve a problem. With this in mind I am choosing to use the DCPS Unit 1 Performance Task as an alternative to a 9 week exam. Students will be completing the Lab called White Around You (HST RED BOOK pp. 602 - 603) in class between Monday and Wednesday. They will then apply their findings and the skills they've practiced to complete the performance task on THURSDAY during our scheduled exam period. I am posting information about the TASK itself, the checklist students should use as they prepare the report, the grading rubric, and the scoring guide for students to employ the Leadership Habit of being PROACTIVE. If they download the information (or just read it) they will have a better understanding of what is expected of them on Thursday. Of course I will present the material in class, but this is one way for them to have the information as a hard copy or electronically. In addition it is totally OK to prepare data tables for the TASK similar to the ones found in the Lab White Around You. You may copy them from the book, use Excel, or draw them using a ruler. I recommend that they fit on no more than one half of a standard sheet of paper so you have room to write the short report..

Here's the file address.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6499040/Unit-1-Challenge-Information

Don't forget to make a copy of the tables for your use during the lab. If you are proactive you will save yourself some class time. That leaves more time to do your lab and meet with me about your science proposal.

Are you doing plants for your science project?

I just was sent this address for Wisconsin Fast Plants. They are great for science projects. You may want to adapt the growing directions for your project. Be sure to cite your source for your bibliography!!!!

http://www.fastplants.org/pdf/growing_instructions.pdf

Slides for the science project symposium

This is the presentation made to all 6th and 8th grade students. Seventh grade students have received this information as part of their classes.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6496820/Getting-Started-on-Your-Science-Project

The week of October 6, 2008

I have scheduled my classes to use the 2nd floor computer lab on Tuesday and Thursday. Students will work on the Forms Wizard for their science project proposals and forms and will also work on their Compass Odyssey assignments.

If you want to work on Odyssey at home there are directions posted on the Landon website and on the DCPS website.

On Monday we will begin working with chemical properties. The assignments for this week are more choices, but you have to earn 50 points by choosing assignments. The assignments are in 3 columns. There are 5, 10, and 15 point assignments. You must choose and complete the assignments that will earn you 50 points. The choice assignments are in addition to using the FORMS WIZARD and working on ODYSSEY.

You can see the assignments by going to http://www.scribd.com/doc/6403338/Assignments-for-October-6

A science project proposal and Forms 1, 1A, and 1B are due on Monday 10/13. Be sure to have them signed in BLUE ink. More on this later this week.

MUGS 2: Alternative Data

Here's the alternative data that you can use to recycle your graph or lab report. Read the grade printout for details.


http://www.scribd.com/doc/6287792/Substitute-Data-for-Mugs-2

Update about Progress Reports and Science Projects

Parents,

You are probably aware that the second set of progress reports will be coming home tomorrow. Some of the grades have gone through the roof. There are directions for recycling the major assignments on the printout. I will also be adding some more alternative data for students to use if their data is incomplete.

As I planned this weeks lessons I tried to arrange assignments into tiers. The C tier is usually the easiest to finish while the B and A tiers are often more difficult. In this way the students will be able to plan how to Put First Things First as they decide on their course of action in class. Of course I reserve the right to change my plans to meet the needs of the students.

There will be a quiz on WEDNESDAY from the video students will watch on Tuesday. On THURSDAY, students will take the formative provided by the district. I will use this data to inform my planning. It will be on scientific thinking and physical properties which we have been working on in class for several weeks.

Speaking of scientific thinking. ... Each student should have read through the NEFRSEF website and should be formulating a TOPIC, a PROBLEM to go with that topic, a QUESTION to go with the topic and problem. They should be reading about their TOPIC also. No, they can't usually find anything about what is the effect of this on that, but they should be experts on their topic (like if they want to experiment with plants they should know about plants).

Friday of this week I shall introduce them to the necessary forms, but they are more than welcome to explore the Rules Wizard on their own.

Please ask your child important questions like "what's your topic?" or "do you need to go to the library?" I will link up an information/schedule/rubric for the project in the next week. Right now I have so many conferences scheduled that time is a very rare commodity during the workday. Thanks for your patience.

Here's the link to the schedule for the week.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6287357/Layering-for-Matter
Happy Thoughts to All

Opportunity to recycle the graph

Here's a great opportunity to recycle the graph activity. If you scored below a 4 on the graph you may completely re-do the graph and resubmit it. Then I will replace your old grade (0-3) with your new grade. It's important that you really do a great job so that your grade will improve. Remember to include a title like The Behavior of Water's Temperature Over Time, label the x-axis for Time in Seconds, label the y-axis for Temperature in Celsius, and include a key to identify the 2 lines on your double line graph.

Make it neat. Use graph paper and a ruler. No whiteout allowed. If you use markers use fine point markers. If you use color pencils use strong colors.

If your data is flawed, incomplete, or you don't have it for some reason you may retrieve the data from

http://www.scribd.com/doc/5967029/Substitute-Data-for-Quality-Mug-Lab

The graph is due in class on MONDAY, 9/15. Late graphs may be penalized.

Quiz Notes for 9/5

Remember that there is only 1 rule in Science.
Demonstrate

• Courtesy,
• Pride, and
• Respect for yourself and others.

Look over the model page for how to use your ISN.

Think about what you should do everyday when you come in to class.

MUG LAB: 6th period

PROBLEM: How can I increase the performance of a
mug?
QUESTION: What one variable can I change that will
decrease the mean range of temperatures of the water in the mug?

HYPOTHESIS: If I wrap aluminum foil around the mug then the mean range of temperatures will decrease.

PROCEDURES: (write step by step procedures to test the independent variable.)

Materials
· Aluminum foil
· Mug
· Hot water (coffee maker or tea kettle to heat water)
· Watch or clock with a second hand
· Thermometer
· Hot hands

STEP BY STEP PROCEDURES
CONTROL Trials
Mark a line on the mug to where you will fill it up each time.
Heat some water. Make sure you always use the same heater so that the water always starts at the same temperature.
Pour the water into the mug up to the line.
Put in the thermometer and read the temperature. This is the starting point.
Take the temperature of the water every 15 seconds and record it in a data table.
Continue for 3 minutes. (this is 180 seconds).
Repeat the procedure 4 more times for a total of 5 trials.

Experimental Trials
Wrap the mug in aluminum foil.
Mark a line on the mug to where you will fill it up each time.
Heat some water. Make sure you always use the same heater so that the water always starts at the same temperature.
Pour the water into the mug up to the line.
Put in the thermometer and read the temperature. This is the starting point.
Take the temperature of the water every 15 seconds and record it in a data table.
Continue for 3 minutes. (this is 180 seconds).
Repeat the procedure 4 more times for a total of 5 trials.

RESULTS
Analyze the data by finding the mean range for each set of trials (Control and Experimental). Find the mean range by finding the mean temperature for each time point for each set of trials.

Graph the mean temperatures on a double line graph.
Calculate the mean range for each set of trials.

CONCLUSION

MUG LAB: 5th period

PROBLEM: How can I increase the performance of a
mug?
QUESTION: What one variable can I change that will
decrease the mean range of temperatures of the water in the mug?

HYPOTHESIS: If I wrap aluminum foil around the mug then the mean range of temperatures will decrease.

PROCEDURES: (write step by step procedures to test the independent variable.)

Materials
· Aluminum foil
· Mug
· Hot water
· Watch or clock with a second hand
· Thermometer

STEP BY STEP PROCEDURES
CONTROL
Mark a line on the mug to where you will fill it up each time.
Heat some water. Make sure you always use the same heater so that the water always starts at the same temperature.
Pour the water into the mug up to the line.
Put in the thermometer and read the temperature. This is the starting point.
Take the temperature of the water every 20 seconds and record it in a data table.
Continue for 3 minutes. (this is 180 seconds).
Repeat the procedure 4 more times for a total of 5 trials.

Experimental Trials
Wrap the mug in aluminum foil.
Mark a line on the mug to where you will fill it up each time.
Heat some water. Make sure you always use the same heater so that the water always starts at the same temperature.
Pour the water into the mug up to the line.
Put in the thermometer and read the temperature. This is the starting point.
Take the temperature of the water every 20 seconds and record it in a data table.
Continue for 3 minutes. (this is 180 seconds).
Repeat the procedure 4 more times for a total of 5 trials.

RESULTS
Analyze the data by finding the mean range for each set of trials (Control and Experimental). Find the mean range by finding the mean temperature for each time point for each set of trials.

Graph the mean temperatures on a double line graph.
Calculate the mean range for each set of trials.

CONCLUSION

Tomorrow's the big day

Tomorrow is DAY ONE of our new school. I am looking forward to seeing everyone - as my grandmother used to say " all in your places with bright shining faces". Go to homeroom tomorrow as school begins. We have a lot of info to put into your hands. As an advance organizer for you and your parents I am copying the curriculum paper here for posterity. You will also receive a copy in class. Parents, please read it over. THANKS. Let the ADVENTURES begin.

Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School
Curriculum Paper


Course Title: Comprehensive Science 2

Teacher: Pamela L. Smith, M. Ed., NBCT

Mission Statement: Our Mission at the Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School is to create college bound students with a deep commitment to public service and a true understanding of their leadership skills within the global community.

Course Overview: Comprehensive Science 2 is inquiry based and is designed to help students continue to develop a deeper and richer understanding of different science concepts. The course complements and builds upon Comprehensive Science 1 along with preparing students for Comprehensive Science 3 and the FCAT Science Test which will be taken in 8th grade. An experiment based science project is required for students in advanced science courses.

Tentative Course Outline: Comprehensive Science 2 consists of 4 content
units and a science project unit. The science project unit will be taught
concurrently with Units 1 and 2. The first unit is Changes in Matter,
which includes variables in experiments, properties of matter, and
physical and chemical changes in matter. The second unit is Building
Blocks of Nature, which includes cells, cell theory, cellular organization,
classification and other topics related to the same theme. Unit 1 and part
of Unit 2 will be taught the first nine weeks. Unit 2 will be completed
during the 2nd nine week period. The science project unit will extend over
both the first and the second nine weeks and grades will reflect work for
the appropriate grading period. All students will complete an experiment based
science project. Each student will submit a research paper, a detailed project log,
and a backboard. Students will present projects orally. No demonstrations will be accepted. Unit 3 is Global Connections, which includes ecosystems and energy flow
in ecosystems and will be taught during the 3rd grading period. Unit 4 is Water on Earth, which includes physical and chemical weathering, fresh water, both underground and surface water, and the importance of water and water pollution will be taught the 4th grading period.

Student Evaluation: Students will demonstrate their knowledge through
Assessments, which include tests and quizzes along with projects and performance tasks. The assessments and class activities, which are based on the current Sunshine State Standards and DCPS Standards will comprise the majority of the grade. The Science Project will be completed outside of the classroom. It is a long term assignment, which requires the student follow a timeline for submissions. A detailed schedule including due dates and explanations of what is due will be posted on-line. Students will also have the dates in their planners. There will be frequent homework assignments, which for the most part are to allow students to prepare for the next lesson or to review a previous lesson. These may be graded, but they are not counted as heavily as assessments.

Educational Materials: We will use Holt Science and Technology (RED), which
each student has received to keep at home. A class set of science books has been provided for use in school. Other materials including on-line sources and videos will be utilized to help make this class a rich experience for each student.

Homework Policy: Late homework will not be accepted.

Late Work Policy: Class Assignments and Projects will receive a deduction for lateness.

Make-up Work Policy: When absent from class, it is the STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to talk to the teacher about work missed. For each day absent, an equal number of days is allowed to complete make-up assignments. If an absence is due to planned travel, parents should notify teachers in writing at least two days in advance prior to the absence requesting assignments which will be missed. In case of illness lasting three or more days, assignments may be requested through the Guidance Office at 346-5650 ext.114. Please allow 24-hours for work to be compiled.

Grade Recovery Policy: Students will be offered grade recovery as outlined in the Duval County Pupil Progression Plan found on the Duval County Public Schools web page (www.duvalschools.org).

Parent/Teacher Conferences: All Parent/Teacher conferences are to be scheduled through the Guidance Office at 346-5650 ext.114.

Tutoring Schedule: Tutoring will be provided after school. A tutoring session may be
requested by a student. A session will be scheduled for a day that is convenient for the teacher. A note from the parent will be necessary for any student to stay after school.

Grading Scale: Students will be evaluated in accordance with the standard Duval County Public Schools’ grading scale. Rubrics will be used for grading projects and performance tasks. These will be published both in class and on-line. Grades will be calculated by dividing the points earned by the student by the total number of points available. There will be no extra credit work available, but appropriate bonus opportunities will be available for all students at least once each grading period.

Progress Reports: In addition to report cards issued at the end of each quarter, students
will receive progress reports on September 8 and 29, November 7, December 5, February 9, March 3, April 22, and May 13. Students earning a grade of “D” or “F” on a progress report will be required to return the progress report signed by the parent/guardian within two days.

Other Information: Students and parents are encouraged to access information about the class activities and schedules by accessing the teacher’s page through the school’s web site. The student agenda is an excellent way to keep our home-school-home communication link strong. Students will use the agenda daily for recording assignments. It is also a good place for parents to write a quick note to the teacher or for the teacher to write a quick note to the parents. Please check the agenda frequently.

Some Snippets About Our New Adventure.

Everyday is a new adventure so we will have quite a few this year! Are you ready? Bring your best game and be prepared to let your star shine brightly.