Class Update

Thursday, January 28th. Today we went over the basics of organic chemistry. We reviewed the chemical reaction of photosynthesis. We defined carbohydrates, starches, proteins, and polymers. Most of this is covered in the reading and homework that is due tomorrow. (See last post) We reviewed valence electrons, electron dot diagrams and how many covalent bonds can be formed by some of the main elements involved in organic molecules (H, C, N, O, P, & S). This will be helpful when we get into modeling photosynthesis and respiration next week and will set the stage for our health and nutrition investigations.

Class Update

Monday, January 25. I had to stay home with a sick child today. We had a substitute teacher come in and help out while everyone finished their lab reports. New Homework: Read pp. 129-136, Organic compounds. Answer question #4 and this question: "Why is DNA a polymer?" Due Friday, January 29th. I will be out tomorrow as well. There will a sub and a change of pace of lab activity for Tuesday. No class on Wednesday because of Adolescent Issues Forum.

Class Update

Thursday and Friday, January 21 & 22. We conducted our experiments and investigations with dry ice Thursday. Each team used the procedures that they had developed and recorded their results on the data sheets that they had prepared. On Friday, they started writing up their reports with introductions, procedures, results, and a discussion. Most of the experiments were very successful and even if they didn't get the expected results, we learned a lot of the process.

Class Update

Tuesday, January 19. Today we worked in small groups to define investigable questions about dry ice and how it behaves. We defined what kinds of questions can be answered by either a systematic observation ("What Happens If" and "Measurement" questions) or an experiment ("Comparison" questions and extensions of systematic observations). "How" and "Why" questions are not as easily answered by classroom investigations. We looked at the importance of clear procedures, variables that need to be controlled, outcome variables, and how we might quantify our results if possible. Each group worked on developing and evaluating each of these steps in the process. Some of the questions include: "Will dry ice produce the same amount of gas in different liquids?", "What happens when you put different kinds of glue on dry ice?", "Will food coloring change the color of the steam/fog produced by dry ice?", and "Which is heavier, carbon dioxide or regular air?" Thursday, January 21, we will carry out these investigations. No homework.

Class Update

Thursday, January 14. It has been block week this week. Monday we went over the basics of metallic bonding and covalent bonding and how they compare to ionic bonding. We came up with a few "rules of thumb" for recognizing what type of bonding is involved with different molecules. Ionic bonding generally involves metals from the left side of the table combining with nonmetals from the right side of the table. Metallic bonding generally involves transition and other metals. Covalent bonding generally involves nonmetals bonding with each other. We reviewed using Lewis dot diagrams to help figure out how the bonding takes place. Everyone got a science textbook to either take home or keep in their cubbie, depending on where they most often do their homework. It is too heavy to carry around in a backpack. Homework due on Thursday. On Tuesday/Wednesday during our block schedule we experimented with dry ice to learn more about its properties.

Today we broke into small groups to sort out the questions that arose from the homework. It required using class notes to answer the questions rather than just finding it in the reading. We made a lot of progress and sorted through some difficult information.

Class Update

Wednesday, January 6, 2010. It has been a little while. We are getting back into the routine again. Yesterday we reviewed atomic structures, in particular the arrangement of electrons in shells around the atoms. Today we practiced Lewis Dot Diagrams to show valence electrons that are involved in molecular bonding. There is homework for Friday, January 8th. A reading on Ionic Bonding and three questions to answer (1, 3, & 5).