Dry Ice Experiments

Today we conducted our dry ice experiments that we have been planning for the last couple of days. We are following the format of a science investigation. Here is the outline: Dry Ice Procedures and Outline. We ran our investigations and gathered our data and observations. Tomorrow we will compile our results, graph them and write up our conclusions. Homework is due tomorrow. Chapter 3-1, questions 3, 4, 5.

Introduction to the Elements and Their Uses

Tommy was home today and his sub, Megan, lead class. They read a short story about a kid named Harlan as he went through his day. They had to pick out different elements that he used during the day and list them. They had a Guide to the Elements and their Uses to use as a resource. Then they created a short, 3 panel, cartoon to illustrate and explain one of these elements being used. Homework was collected. No new homework, yet.

Periodic Table Introduction

Monday was MLK jr Day. On Tuesday, we had an introduction to the how to read the Periodic Table of the Elements. Here are some of the notes that we took that day: Periodic Table Notes. We Practiced by choosing various elements and breaking it down into how many protons, neutrons and electrons and drew simplified models of those atoms. We practiced on Carbon, Lithium, and a few random ones like Titanium or Gold.

Density

This week we practiced measuring volume of different objects. We measured blocks using the formula length x width x height = volume with the units in cubic centimeters. We discussed the difference between the accuracy and precision of our measurements and how to use our rulers effectively. We considered how many significant figures we could use in our calculations as well. We also reviewed how to measure volume using the displacement method with water in a graduated cylinder. There were a lot of students visiting upper school this week and we had a block schedule so it has not been a regular week. Tuesday and Wednesday during the block schedule we did a lab activity that compared the density of pennies minted before 1982 and after 1982 when they switched to mostly zinc. The Penny Density Lab gave us practice measuring volume using the displacement method, measuring mass on the electronic balance, and calculating density using our formula of Density = mass divided by volume.
We collected homework on Thursday and assigned new homework: Read chapter 2.3, pp. 53-60. Answer questions 3, 5, & 6. Due on Thursday, January 19th.

Chemistry notes and some simple investigations

Wednesday and Thursday we took some notes on Chemistry terms and definitions. We looked at density and the difference between floating an object and resting a paperclip on top of the the surface of water without breaking the surface tension.  We reviewed the formula for density (Density=mass/volume) and the standard units: grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm3)

Thursday we discussed the differences between physical and chemical changes and measured the temperature changes that take place when we mixed Calcium chloride and water and baking soda and water. Here are the notes: Chem Notes - January 4, Physical Change versus Chemical Change, Hot and Cold Reactions.

Starting Chemistry

Today we started our Chemistry unit. We had a pop quiz of sorts that I called a "Brain Dump." We reviewed three units of temperature measurement: Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin. We reviewed the different terms for phase change like melting, freezing, sublimation and evaporation. Everyone got a copy of the Periodic Table that we will be using as a resource during this unit. The WebElements website is a great resource for information from the periodic table and the we are using their printable version of the periodic table. Check out their website at: http://www.webelements.com. It has good interactive features and links to other sources. We also watched part of a short video about Hydrogen from the "Periodic Table of Videos" from the University of Nottingham. Check out their website for fun and informative videos about most of the elements and several of their favorite compounds as well.
We passed out textbooks today "Science Source" and assigned homework that is due on Friday, January 6th. 
Read Chapter 2, "What is Matter?" pages 38-44 and answer questions 3,4,5, & 8.

Trash Talk and Wrapping It Up

Friday we watched a video clip from the TED talks by Charles Moore about the plastic trash that is ending up in our oceans. You can see it here: The Great Pacific Trash Island. We keep generating more and more plastic and our recycling efforts are not keeping up with it. We looked at the anatomy of an landfill at the How Stuff Works website. Modern landfills are designed to seal away our wastes so that it won't contaminate our water supplies and to safely vent off methane gas, that is a significant greenhouse gas. We looked at maps of the Orange County Landfill and discussed the history and the current issues surrounding the future of this site. We compared this to the Puente Hills Landfill that takes most of the garbage for Los Angeles, at 1300 acres, it is one of the largest in the US.
Monday and Tuesday we are putting the finishing touches on our projects, "It Costs What?" These are due on Wednesday, December 14th.