Comprehensive Science

Check this out next time you are bored...Purposegames.com

2010-04-14T14:58:00.000-07:00

http://www.purposegames.com/games?c=14&so=mp

I just "discovered" this site. It is chock full of scientific games that cover what we have studied this year and other topics you might be interested in. 10 points extra credit if you:

- Find and play a science game on Purpose games that is about something we have learned about and submit a written review of it.

If you register, you can create your own games and hold tournaments but please be careful and make sure you have your parents' permission before doing so. So far it is a safe site, but you can never be too cautious. Have fun!!!

Ecosystem project for Period 4B and 5B

2010-04-14T14:55:00.000-07:00

Project #1 for this nine weeks: Build and bring in a 3-D model of an ecosystem energy pyramid/food web. It needs to have labeled examples of producers, consumers, and decomposers arranged in their appropriate trophic levels. It also needs to show and describe the flow of energy through the pyramid.

Rubric:
- Total points- points

10 points- Project is in 3-D

10 points- Project focuses on only one ecosystem (choices include forest, desert, freshwater, open ocean, jungle/rain forest, estuary/Everglades, savannah)

30 points- Project includes and labels the following:
- at least 3 producers/autotrophs
- 4-5 examples of herbivores
- 2-3 tertiary or secondary carnivores
- 1 apex/top predator
- 2 examples of decomposers

20 points- Project shows how energy flows through the ecosystem and explains whether energy increases or decreases at each trophic level

10 points- Project explains how abiotic and biotic factors in that particular ecosystem interact and affect one another.

Total: 80 points (10 point bonus if you do a coral reef, late Jurassic, late Cretaceous, or Ice Age ecosystem)

The due date is set for May 21. No extensions or revisions will be made. Consideration will be given for unavoidable absences but you have the better part of 3 weeks to complete this assignment. This is an individual assignment, no teams. I want to see what each person can do with the information we are learning. Helpful references and sites will be forthcoming.

Homework for 4B/5B

2010-03-16T06:18:00.000-07:00

1. Finish/complete the History of Whales Timeline

2. Research the chambered nautilus and record what type of environment it lives in and how its eyes have adapted for it to survive.

Here's a link to the different relationships that inhabit a reef colony.

2010-03-09T19:25:00.000-08:00

I will be displaying this during the next full class we have.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/survival/coral/index.html

Another pyramid idea

2010-03-03T15:34:00.000-08:00

1) Get a styrofoam cone.

2) Mark off the different trophic levels on the cone and label them accurately and accordingly.

Follow the rest of the steps that are in the previous post.

How to make the energy pyramid (just one idea I had)

2010-03-03T15:17:00.000-08:00

Periods, 2A, 3A, and 6B:

In conferencing with many of you, I have seen that you are already researching the information to create your pyramid, but are confused as to how to make it 3D. I am going to give you a couple of ideas on how you can own this particular piece.

1)Get about 4 or more styrofoam shapes (disks, blocks, or spheres)of decreasing (small to large) size.

2) Stack the shapes with the largest on the bottom and with each size getting smaller as you reach the top.

3) Label each different shape accordingly (i.e. which trophic level it is?).

4) You can use actual models or pictures for your organisms. Make sure they are at the appropraite trophic level.

5) Remember to have a printed explanation of how the sun's energy flows through the trophic levels of your chosen ecosystem.

6) Be creative! Decorate your pyramid to reflect the ecosystem you have chosen.

Energy Pyramid and Pedigree project due dates and info

2010-02-27T15:47:00.000-08:00

As I stated/will state in class, the latest possible turn-in period for the Ecosystem Energy Pyramid (2A, 3A, 6B) and Pedigree projects (4B, 5B)will be March 15-19. Projects will not be accepted after that week due to the close of the nine weeks at about that time and you are strongly encouraged to complete and turn in your projects as early as possible. Anyone who turns in a quality project before the deadline earns a 5 point bonus.

In the meantime, here are some helpful websites of information:

2A, 3A, 6B (Ecosystems)

http://www.marietta.edu/~biol/102/ecosystem.html#FoodChainsandWebs4

http://www.learner.org/workshops/sheddinglight/highlights/highlights6.html

http://www.mbgnet.net/

http://www.vtaide.com/png/foodchains.htm

Terms to know/use in your project:
autotrophs: the producers that make their own food

consumers: they consume or live off of other organisms. (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, parasites)

decomposers: Also called detritovores- they eat the dead things.

trophic level: the l=different levels of energy flow throughout an ecosystem.

4B/5B

http://faculty.clintoncc.suny.edu/faculty/michael.gregory/files/Bio%20101/Bio%20101%20Laboratory/Pedigree%20Analysis/PEDIGREE.HTM

http://dbs.umt.edu/courses/biol101S04/labs/Wyrick_s04/14_human_pedigree_analysis.htm

http://www.uni.edu/walsh/genetics.html

4B/5B homework(due Friday)

2010-02-24T16:09:00.000-08:00

http://www.hobart.k12.in.us/jkousen/Biology/2factor.html

Go to the above link and complete the three problems there. Due during class this Friday.

Period 2A, 3A, and 6B homework

2010-02-23T11:09:00.000-08:00

(HW)- Using what we have learned about interactions, define and describe what happens during:
Symbiosis
Mutualism
Commensalism
Parasitism
Predator-prey
For each one, include whether there are positive, negative, or neutral interactions. It is possible for there to be more than one type.

10 points, due by Thursday (A-Day) and Friday(B-Day)

4B/5B Homework- complete the Punnett Square sheet

2010-02-16T05:58:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to the sheet if you need another one:http://www.uni.edu/schneidj/webquests/spring04/madscientists/punnet.pdf

And here is a link to some helpful information:http://schools.utah.gov/curr/science/sciber00/7th/genetics/sciber/punnett1.htm

Upcoming Periods 2A, 3A, 6B

2010-02-09T15:18:00.001-08:00

Ecosystems (2/16-2/19):
- You will need to know the difference between biotic and abiotic factors.

- Define population, community, and ecosystem.
- Project #1 for this nine weeks: Build and bring in a 3-D model of an ecosystem energy pyramid. It needs to have labeled examples of producers, consumers, and decomposers arranged in their appropraite trophic levels. It also needs to show and describe the flow of energy through the pyramid.

Rubric:
- Total points- points

10 points- Project is in 3-D

10 points- Project focuses on only one ecosystem (choices include forest, desert, freshwater, open ocean, jungle/rain forest, estuary/Everglades, savannah)

30 points- Project includes and labels the following:
- at least 3 producers/autotrophs
- 4-5 examples of herbivores
- 2-3 tertiary or secondary carnivores
- 1 apex/top predator
- 2 examples of decomposers

20 points- Project shows how energy flows through the ecosystem and explains whether energy increases or decreases at each trophic level

10 points- Project explains how abiotic and biotic factors in that particular ecosystem interact and affect one another.

Total: 80 points (10 point bonus if you do a coral reef, late Jurassic, late Cretaceous, or Ice Age ecosystem)

The due date is set for March 15-19. No extensions or revisions will be made. Consideration will be given for unavoidable absences but you have the better part of 3 weeks to complete this assignment. This is an individual assignment, no teams. I want to see what each person can do with the information we are learning. Helpful references and sites will be forthcoming.

Current/Due Assignments for 2A, 3A, and 6B

2010-02-09T14:24:00.000-08:00

*Plants vs Fungi Foldable was due on 2/8 and 2/9 for full credit. Those who have been unable to complete this assignment due to absence or grade recovery may still submit it for full credit by the end of this week.

Plants vs Fungi should include the following for both sides:
- What adaptations do plants/fungi have to help them survive?
- How do plants/fungi get their food?
- How do plants/fungi reproduce?

*Types of Plants Foldable will be checked for to-date completion this coming Friday and Tuesday (2/12 and 2/16). It should include the following sections:
- Vascular Plants vs Nonvascular Plants
- Seed Plants vs Seedless Plants
- Angiosperms vs Gymnosperms

Each section should include how the two are alike and how they are different. many of you have done well with this.

*Respond to the following guiding question: How are plants and fungi alike? How are they different?

*Moss and Fern Lab was today and yesterday. See me for make-ups.

*Flower Parts Lab will be this Wednesday (3A), Thursday (6B), and Friday (2A).

* 25 interesting facts for plants and fungi due by this Friday.

We start ecosystems next week.

Period 3A Plant VS. Fungi

2010-01-29T10:27:00.000-08:00

Guess what the stinkiiest plant in the world is the Reflessia. It is red with yellow spots. It has a whole in the middle in which desposites its stench. Okay that was a fun fact now here is a fact about plants around the world.
Did you know that plants to reproduce they drop seeds that fall to the ground and grow or blow away and grow somewhere else. Also the leaves/needles of a plant shade the dry from drying out. Last but not least plants use water and sunlight to create there own food in which is like a sugar substance.
Thats it for the fun facts on plants.

By: Branden
Per.3A
1/29/10

per. 3A Plants vs. Fungi

2010-01-29T10:23:00.000-08:00

Question two, by Marlaina.

Q:How do plants and fungi get their nutrients?

A:Fungi gets their nutrients from hyphae. The hyphae is an individual filaments that contains cyptoplasm and one or more nuclei. Also enzymes digest the food.

Plants get their nutrients from the sunlight. They get energy through their roots.

Per. 3A Plants vs. Fungi

2010-01-29T10:15:00.000-08:00

Question one , by Brianna

Q: What adaptations/structures do plants and fungi have that help them survive in different environments?

A: Adaptations that help a plant survive is chlorophyll. This captures energy from sunlight. Another adaptations is chloroplasts. A plant needs a cuticle. This prevents the plant from drying out. A plant also needs a vacuole which stores water. The cell membrane surrounds a plant cell while the cell was supports the plant cell.

Adaptations that help fingi survive is the nonmotile organism. This obtains food by decomposing matter.

This is what I learned about the adaptations that plants and fungi have to help them survive!

Period 2A: Plants vs Fungi

2010-01-29T08:23:00.000-08:00

2. Q. How do plants and fungi get their food?
A. Plants get their food from four main sources...
1. soil,
2. sunlight,
3. water,
4. carbon dioxide.
While fungi gets theirs differently...
1. Saprophytic fungi uses dead matter.
2. Parasetic fungi gets their's from living organisms by taking nutrients.

by: Angel ;P

Period 2A

2010-01-29T08:20:00.000-08:00

1. Q: What adaptations do plants and fungi have that help them to survive in different envirements?
A: plants survive by getting energy from the sunlight to make food, carbon dioxide and water. plants are producers. fungi survives by needing water, sunlight and carbon dioxide. they need organic material and moisture. they live almost everywhere. they reach new areas through spores and carried by winds. spores are nessecary to find new food sources.

By: Nina :)

Period 2A: Plants vs. Fungi

2010-01-29T08:19:00.000-08:00

Plants:
3. Plants first create spore. This is the sporophyte stage. Then in the gametophytes stage, eggs are produced and fertilizled. Spores are made again to start the cycle over.

Fungi:
3. The Fungi has spore producing parts. The Fungi has to be in a living organism in order to produce. Once the Fungi is in a living organism, it reproduces and the fungi multiplies.

By Rachel :)

2010-01-27T19:04:00.000-08:00

*Allele- a certain trait or characteristic; usually designated by a letter (N for neck length)

*Big letters are dominant alleles; small letters are recessive alleles (N= long neck; n=short neck)

*Genotype- what you get when two alleles are put together from a mother and a father to create a certain characteristic or trait in the offspring(baby). They have to be the same letter but can be both big (dominant-NN), both small(recesive-nn), or one big and one small (Nn)

*Phenotype- the characteristic or trait that we see. Determined by the alleles that are present.

NN- the phenotype is long neck because both alleles are dominant

Nn- the phenotype is long neck because the dominant allele is always stronger

nn- the phenotype is short neck because both alleles are recessive

Galaxies webquest link

2010-01-13T20:37:00.000-08:00

http://msclark-moore.com/astronomy/html/webquest/process3.htm

This is a link for a galxies webquest that periods 4B and 5B will working on next week (1/19). Check it out and take a look at it.

Advanced homework

2010-01-12T15:37:00.000-08:00

Homework for Periods 2A, 3A, and 6B: Revise your previous assignment with a better definition of "Domain" and examples of each of the three recognized Domains. You can use this link for assistance:

http://www.biology.iupui.edu/biocourses/n100/2k43domainnotes.html

The "Previous Slide"

2010-01-08T16:37:00.000-08:00

Here are the categories you are to define:

Didn’t King Philip Come Over For Great Spaghetti? (that’s my mnemonic, you can create your own if you like). And the categories are:

Domain
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species

Homework for Periods 2A, 3A, and 6B

2010-01-06T15:59:00.000-08:00

Define each of the categories from the previous slide. Then use this classification scheme to classify the following organisms:
*Bottlenose dolphin
*Sago palm
*Pfiesteria piscicida (an algae that can cause red tide)

*List and briefly describe the three domains of organisms.

Due on 1/11 if I see you on an A-Day and 1/12 if I see you on B-Day

Upcoming Assignments/Close of second nine weeks

2010-01-05T19:32:00.000-08:00

Advanced Classes:
- Organism Classification Notes and Opening Activity (1/6-1/7)
HW: *Define each of the categories from the previous slide. Then use this classification scheme to classify the following organisms:
Bottlenose dolphin
Sago palm
Pfiesteria piscicida (an algae that can cause red tide)

List and briefly describe the three domains of organisms.

(1/8 and 1/11)
- Dichotmous Key Activity
- Dragon Breeding and Classification
- Organism Classification Webquest

Accelerated/Gifted Classes:
- Completing/Analyzing Science PMA (1/6)
- Universal Law of Gravitation and Kepler's Laws Gizmo (to be assigned at home and then gone over in class) (added to blogs as of 1/5, due by 1/8)
- Heleocentricism vs Geocentricism/Heat and Energy Review (1/12), Test on Heat, Energy on (1/14)
- H-R Star Chart Activity on (1/19)

Nine Weeks Ends on 1/21

2009-12-20T05:46:00.000-08:00

It has been quite a while since i last posted on here, but do not worry. I shall return to posting on here weekly regarding what we have done and will be doing. In the meantime, remember that if you have not yet turned in your science fair project, you may do so on January 4th or January 5th for credit.

The latest assignments are as follows:

Advanced Classes- Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis Recipe: You must write a "bake a cake" style recipe for photosynthesis and for cell respiration. Then you must explain how the two are related or tied to each other. Also have your cellular reproduction and cellular respiration gizmo exploration sheets completed and ready for for checking.

Gifted Classes- Have your Star Spectra and Weight/Mass Gizmo exploration sheets completed and ready for checking.

- Any other assignments that were already checked and graded before the break will still be accepted albeit for points off due to lateness.

Above all....HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY AND LOOK FORWARD TO A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2009-11-11T13:32:00.000-08:00

Been a while since I posted here...

In any case, I will be meeting with students on a one by one basis to discuss the status of your science fair project. If you have yet to choose a topic, it is not too late but time is winding down and you need to get started very soon. Here is a website that may help you out:
http://www.juliantrubin.com/fairprojects.html

Other than that, we are continuing to study cells (advanced) and energy (accelerated). That means more labs. While I want these to be a fun and meaningful tool, students, you must remember that proper behavior and lab safety is a must at all times.

The first test for this nine weeks will be given next Thursday and Friday and will cover everything we have studied up to now. Parents, please reinforce classroom etiquette and study habits with your child at home. A list of the assignments given so far will soon follow.

Enjoy the rest of your Veteran's Day!

Here's somethng I found...

2009-10-29T16:31:00.000-07:00

Check out this link. I think we should learn the steps to this dance move when we reach cell division later this nine weeks...

http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=97553&title=The_MMS_Mitosis_Dance

Science Fair Timeline

2009-10-28T14:17:00.000-07:00

Science Fair Timeline 2009-2010

OCTOBER 27- October 30
Come up with testable questions. Research the internet for ideas.

November 2-9
Teacher Approval/ Forms/ Parent Signature
www.nefrsef.org
print and sign forms (in blue ink):
Form 1, 1A

November 9-13
QUESTION:
HYPOTHESIS: I Think…

MATERIALS:

PROCEDURE:

NOVEMBER 16- DECEMBER 4
Perform experiment(s)
Make sure all variables are accounted for. (Change variables/controls if needed)
Record and analyze data
Take pictures of your experiment
Retest/repeat (Remember you must complete the experiment a number of times and average the results together).
Average Results (trial 1 + trial 2 + trail 3 + trial 4 + trail 5)
Develop pictures!!
Graph Data
Start work on Display (Poster Board)
Start work on Portfolio (binder) 9Portfolio includes sources, outside research, graphs/chart)
The Abstract should include the following:
a) Purpose of the experiment
b) Procedure
c) Data
d) Conclusions

DECEMBER 7- DECEMBER 15
Final touches on project.

DUE DEC. 16, 2009
DISPLAY BOARD MUST INCLUDE:
Title, Question, Hypothesis, Materials, Procedure, Graphs, Pictures (Visuals), Conclusions (SEE BOARD LAYOUT DIAGRAM)
PORTFOLIO MUST INCLUDE:
Question, Hypothesis, Materials, Procedure, Graphs, Pictures (Visuals), Conclusions

Please make the poster boards colorful, creative, neat, easy to read, and MUST be typed

DECEMBER 16
Project Due!!!!!!

end of the 1st nine weeks

2009-10-20T13:24:00.001-07:00

We've made it through our first nine weeks. Everyone has basically worked hard and done an admirable job.

Here's what the end brings us:

- The last mini project is due for full credit by this Friday...no exceptions. Grades have to be in by noon Monday and I will be in a workshop during the first half of that day.

- The nine weeks test is in two parts, a 50 point open book part and a 50 point testing part (totally on Scantron).

- For online textbook access, go to my.hrw.com and type in this information:
username: ahubbard216, password:s23vy There is an earlier post with a different user and passcode, but some have said that it does not work all the time, so I gave a second option.

Review, Upcoming events

2009-10-11T12:42:00.001-07:00

Last week, we finally got to complete the Homemade Ice Cream experiement and see a chemical change in action. We were also introduced to atomic theory and atom structure.

This week: We will explore the covalent and ionic bonds, ions, and isotopes. We will also look at the roles of atoms in chemical changes. I will be assigning your third mini project this week as well.

mini project 2

2009-09-29T19:23:00.000-07:00

Mini Project #2 (Due 10/9 and 10/11)
Choice A: Find 10 recipes, 5 that are examples of mixtures and 5 that are examples of solutions. For each example, explain and describe the characteristics that make it a mixture or a solution. If the example contains traits from both mixture and solution, please indicate in your explanation.

Choice B: For each of the following: sea water, the air in the troposphere, blood, magma/lava, sedimentary rock, explains whether it is a mixture or a solution. Be detailed, be creative. Include in your explanation whether the mixture or solution contains colloids or suspensions. If it does, identify them.

Rubric for this Assignment: 20 pts
20: Assignment is complete and provides direct, clear answers to all or almost of the questions being asked. Writing is neat and reflects strong effort in doing some independent research.

15: Assignment is mostly complete and provides answers to most of the questions being asked. Writing is neat and reflects effort in doing independent research.

10: Assignment is half complete and neglects to answer some of the questions being asked. Writing is somewhat legible and reflects a minimal effort in doing independent research.

5: Assignment is incomplete and neglects to answer most of or all of the questions being asked. Writing is illegible and reflects little to no effort in doing independent research.

0: No attempt made to complete the assignment.Late work is an automatic 5 point deduction from total score. Work not turned in by 10/13 becomes and stays a 0 unless you were absent on the due date.

Week-In Review

2009-09-27T15:03:00.000-07:00

Last week:
- We reviewed SI calculation and conversion.
- We took our first exam.
- The first mini-project was assigned, which is due for full credit this Monday/Tuesday.
- Assignments that were given: the physical/chemical practice sheet, the mini project,

This week:
- We are learning about solutions and mixtures.
- Ice cream in a can activity
- Mini Project 2 to be assigned this Wednesday and Thursday

Online Textbook access

2009-09-25T06:08:00.001-07:00

Here is how to access our textbooks from home:

my.hrw.com
User Name: ahubbard211
Pass Word: x3d4z

Mini Project #1

2009-09-22T04:30:00.001-07:00

Comp. Science Grade 7
Mr. A. Hubbard

Mini Project #1 Choices- Due on 9/28 (A) and 9/29(B) for full credit,

Choice A: Find or download a scientific article and write a review on it. Identify the following;
- What type of scientific investigation was conducted? How was this investigation conducted? What were its findings?
- Was there a controlled experiment? If so, explain how the steps of the scientific method that were used and identify the three types of variables in your explanation.

Choice B: Watch a t.v. show, documentary, cartoon, or movie (with your parents’ permission before watching) that shows a scientific investigation that is being conducted. Write a short (one page written or typed, no longer) summary on the scientific investigation you saw and explain if it contained a controlled experiment. If so, go further and explain how the experiment used the steps of the scientific method as well as identifying the types of variables in the experiment.

Rubric for this Assignment: 20 pts
20: Assignment is complete and provides direct, clear answers to all or almost of the questions being asked. Writing is neat and reflects strong effort in doing some independent research.

15: Assignment is mostly complete and provides answers to most of the questions being asked. Writing is neat and reflects effort in doing independent research.

10: Assignment is half complete and neglects to answer some of the questions being asked. Writing is somewhat legible and reflects a minimal effort in doing independent research.

5: Assignment is incomplete and neglects to answer most of or all of the questions being asked. Writing is illegible and reflects little to no effort in doing independent research.

0; No attempt made to complete the assignment.

Late work is an automatic 5 point deduction from total score. Work not turned in by the end of that week (10/2) becomes and stays a 0 unless you were absent on the due date.

GIZMO Codes

2009-09-19T14:03:00.001-07:00

Period 2-A: 6QAMCN5FE7

Period 3-A: LYGGDHEJQJ

Period 4-B: QXXR7PKL77

Period 5-B: HVZU8BEFXH

Period 6-B: WBWHA2VUQQ

These codes have been directly copied and pasted from the site itself. They should work.

Week-In Review for week of 9/18

2009-09-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

Week-In Review:

- We learned about physical properties and two types of observations, which everyone should have in their glossary.

- Again, the notebook sections are bell ringers, notes, assignments (CW, HW, Labs go here) and tests.

- Our first test will be this coming Thursday and Friday. It will cover the scientific method, scientific investigations, identifying variables and control groups vs experimental groups.

- We started learning about calculations in science, starting with density.

Assignments this past week:

- Lab # 1- What is the relationship between temperature and solubility is due Monday, 9/21

- Lab #2- Does the presence of sugar affect crystalization is an ongoing lab. Hold onto it.

- The denisity calculation activity was assigned and graded. Monday/Tuesday are the last days to turn it in for points off unless you were absent when they were assigned. Same for the Properties of Matter practice activity.

Upcoming Activities:

- 9/24 and 9/25: Test 1, returning to Computer Lab for Gizmos (First Floor)

- Learning more calculations of physical properties in science

- Mini Project #1 will be assigned this Monday and Tuesday. It will be due on 9/28 and 9/29.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Tentative Science Fair Timeline and Due Dates

2009-09-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

Here is my tentative timeline and list of due dates for the Science Fair projects:

(tentative)- Topic, Forms 1, 1A, 1B, and APA style reference list with 5 or more references due October 1 and 2
Background research paper –due October 15 and 16
Experimental Procedure- due October 29-30
Full Science Project Paper (Hypothesis, Procedure, Background research, Results and Conclusion) due November 12-13
Project Board presentations- week of December 7

Let me know if anyone has any questions. Enjoy the remainder of your weekend. I look forward to another fun week of in-depth science.

Week-In Review

2009-09-11T15:55:00.000-07:00

To recap what we accomplished this week:
- We learned about three types of scientific investigation:
* Observation, using the senses to gather information about what you are studying over a period of time.
* Research, looking at information that has been recorded by other sources to gather background or current information about a topic .
* Experimenting: Testing something by changing one or more (Preferably just one) variables and observing and recording the effects.
- We wrapped up scientific method and investigations with "Articles in Science", the twenty-point activity where we read a choice article and looked for evidence that helped us identify which of the three investigation types it was.

-Our first time in the Gizmo's computer lab was a success, although we did have to work through some technical difficulties with logins. We will be fixing this so that we may continue to successfully use Gizmos as an on and off campus learning resource.

Now for what is in store this upcoming week:

- Our first lab will take place throughout this week and will focus on taking accurate measurements and the formation of solid crystals from chemical and physical changes. It is unofficially titled:"What is the effect of sugar grains on the amount of crystallization?" There will be a mini-demonstration with provided background information and a chance to look at the different shapes of various crystals (sand, table salt, epson salt, rock salt, etc.) Following this, the actual lab will give us a chance to make our own rock candy.

-The wish list for this lab still stands: Sugar, Mason Jars (to ensure that each group of students in each class has a chance to participate), wooden spoons (at least 10), unopened twine or better yet, single strand string. Thanks to those who have provided supplies from this list. They will definitely help to ensure we have enough supplies to go around for this lab.

- Our first test will be given on 9/22 and 9/23. The first mini-project will be due that week as well.

2009-09-07T14:59:00.000-07:00

P.S. I haven't been able to find the "Dino-A-Day" Gadget that graced last year's blog, so here's a dino pic of my own...

More updates/ Week-In Review

2009-09-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

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

Upcoming events/ wish list update

2009-09-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

Now for what we'll be doing.

Gizmos in the computer lab this week(I think).

The first lab of the year will be this week or next. Don't want to spoil the surprise but I will say that this lab requires glass Mason jars, preferably two-quart or bigger, granular sugar, and fresh twine. If you can donate these items, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Science Fair: Be thinking about your topic, I am asking for you to submit a topic to research and experiment on by September 18. This is to keep you from waiting until the last minute and to get the necessary paperwork filled out and turned in. You will need to begin researching your topic following that time and should be ready to start experimentation by the beginning of October. A scientific journal must be kept by all students and I will go over this in depth in class.

That is all for now. I will post more items as they approach. Enjoy your nice long weekend for now.

Mr. A. Hubbard

2009-09-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

Hi there! I hope everyone's enjoying a nice long weekend.

Well, we are now entering into our third week of the the quarter and the school year. So far everyone's worked hard. A few things for this post:

First- Here is a list of the graded assignments that have been given so far
1) The concept map containing the following words form the Word Den: scientific method, hypothesis, controlled experiment, control group, experimental group, independent variable, dependent variable. In completing this concept map, you must make sure that you not only include all of these terms, but explain how they are related to one another.

This assignment has already been graded at 10 points. If you were absentwhen it was given, please see me to receive it.

2) The variable grid. This was a ten point assignment where you were given several pretend experiments and asked to identify the independent, dependent, and control variable for each one. This was first assigned last Monday and Tuesday

3) The Challenge Questions. These were:

Part One- Pretend you are observing the effects of fertilizer runoff on the St. John's River. Identify the independent and dependent variables in this observation. Remember that even though you are just an observer and not actually doing an experiment, both of these variables are still present.

Part Two- This time, you (pretend) are designing and writing a controlled experiment based on the observations you made in Part One. For this, you must clearly identify the following items in detail:
- What problem are you trying to solve?
- What is your hypothesis?
- Experimental Procedure-Needs to be written as a step by step process. Be sure to include your control and experimental groups. Also include your independent (what you change), dependent (what happens because of what you change), and your control (anything you let stay the same).

Those are the assignments that have been given so far.

Welcome to a new year...

2009-08-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

Congratulations on a new first day, seventh graders. As we prepare to embark on another journey of scientific discovery, it is important that our main focus this year is growth, in our academics, our personal morals and values, and as leaders of tomorrow. As such, I challenge you to create a personal philosophy for science that outlines your goals in all three of these areas.

I am expecting this year to be every bit as enlightening and enriching as the previous year. There will be a variety of activities to do, including trips, presentations, seminars, guided discussions, and of course, labs. Let's work together to enjoy this new year to its fullest. Don't forget to grow...

Comprehensive Science

Check this out next time you are bored...Purposegames.com

Ecosystem project for Period 4B and 5B

Homework for 4B/5B

More links

Here's a link to the different relationships that inhabit a reef colony.

Another pyramid idea

How to make the energy pyramid (just one idea I had)

Energy Pyramid and Pedigree project due dates and info

4B/5B homework(due Friday)

Period 2A, 3A, and 6B homework

4B/5B Homework- complete the Punnett Square sheet

Upcoming Periods 2A, 3A, 6B

Current/Due Assignments for 2A, 3A, and 6B

Period 3A Plant VS. Fungi

per. 3A Plants vs. Fungi

Per. 3A Plants vs. Fungi

Period 2A: Plants vs Fungi

Period 2A

Period 2A: Plants vs. Fungi

Galaxies webquest link

Advanced homework

The "Previous Slide"

Homework for Periods 2A, 3A, and 6B

Upcoming Assignments/Close of second nine weeks

Here's somethng I found...

Science Fair Timeline

end of the 1st nine weeks

Review, Upcoming events

mini project 2

Week-In Review

Online Textbook access

Mini Project #1

GIZMO Codes

Week-In Review for week of 9/18

Tentative Science Fair Timeline and Due Dates

Week-In Review

More updates/ Week-In Review

Upcoming events/ wish list update

Welcome to a new year...