More updates/ Week-In Review

Hope everyone is ready to return to the wonderful of learning tomorrow. Here's what we learned last week in a nutshell:

- We reviewed the scientific method and its use in experimentation.
- We learned about the importance of controlled experiments: they are experiments where a researcher or scientist directly changes one thing (independent variable) to cause something else to change or be affected (dependent variable) while leaving everything else the same (control variables).
- Controlled experiments have two groups: the control group, which represents normal or unchanged conditions and the experimental group, the group that you do change or experiment on.
- We discussed why it is important to limit the number of independent and dependent variables in a controlled experiment (usually to one of each) to gain more accurate results. We also discussed that control groups and experimental groups are always needed to be able to compare results.
- Finally, we discussed that experiments are not the only scientific investigations and also are not the only investigations to include independent and dependent variables.

Now as we enter the third week, here's what you can look forward to:

- Again, the labs will start to kick in. These will focus on what we talked about with the scientific method and controlled experiments so be prepared to identify some variables.

- Math integration: We will be starting to learn about the different quantities of measurement and how to make conversions with those quantities. Also I want to educate you in the art of ....tada...graphing your measurements.

- More writing integration: We will be learning more about writing successful science research papers, reviews, and lab write-ups.

Update to the lab wish-list: Waxed paper, wooden spoons, and fresh (unopened) string or twine for the upcoming surprise lab.

For the future labs (labs we will be having over the next couple of weeks): Nestle milk (any flavor, preferably whole), tin cans with lids (such as cookie or small to medium sized popcorn tins), gallon and quart sized plastic storage bags, rock salt, spoons, Styrofoam cups, unopened drinking water.

More updates will come as we continue to venture into the new school year.

Mr. A. Hubbard, 7th grade Adv./Accel. Comprehensive Science