METRIC RULER

metric ruler
If you click on this link you can print off a metric ruler onto letter size paper. You never need to be without a ruler!

http://www.vendian.org/mncharity/dir3/paper_rulers/UnstableURL/ruler_foot.pdf

09/30 QUIZ/metric lab

In-Class:
Scientific Method Quiz (20 points.) Students completed measurements for the metric lab and are required to complete the conversions before submitting the assignment in the BIN.
Homework:
Complete conversion of cm to mm, dm, M and submit IN BIN before class period starts.

09/29 metric lab

In-Class:
Students used meter sticks, rulers and string to take measurements of everything from the laboratory doorway to their wrists. Some of the items used to estimate the size of a centimeter included the width of an index finger, a penny, and the width of a large pencil. Students were given specific items to study for the upcoming quiz.
Homework:
Study notes and handouts for the scientific method quiz.

Tuesday, September 30: Scientific Method Quiz (20 points)

09/25 & 26 book browse

In-Class:
Thursday, students skimmed through some of my classroom lending library books on science and presented their brief summaries Friday. Many of the books were donated by PTA. Thank you!
While students skimmed through books Thursday, I pulled groups of students a few at a time to demonstrate their Bunsen burner lighting skills for me. I'm happy, and relieved, to say that all students maintained safe science procedures.
Homework:
Study for Scientific Method Quiz.

Tuesday, September 30: Scientific Method Quiz.

Thank You Parents

Wow! I have received some of the most polite and friendly emails from parents who checked out this site. It feels great knowing that the site has been helpful to you and your students.

Thank you so much.

Susan Grumbine

09/24 scientific method

In-Class:

Sections that were not testing began where they left off yesterday.

Hour 1 - Did not meet due to testing.

Hour 2 - Completed portions of pre-quiz and reviewed work.

Hour 3 - Reviewed pre-quiz. Discussed outcomes.

Hour 7 - Were attentive and able to earn their filter lab privilege!

Hour 8 - Began class fifteen minutes late due to testing. We experimented with the positive effects of short bursts of aerobic activity on their ability to concentrate.

Hour 9 - Completed the first portion of the pre-quiz and reviewed work.

Homework:

Review notes and handouts for 10 minutes.

Reminder - Grade reports go home Friday, September 26 and must be signed and returned by Monday.

09/23 Scientific Method

In-Class:
Think Link testing continued for some students.
Hour 1 - Reviewed Measurement - A Common Language and began the Benchmark "pre" Quiz over The Nature of Science and Technology as a way to limit my repeating information they already understand.
Hour 2 - Received Measurement - A Common Language which we completed in class. All work will be kept in student notebooks.
Hour 3 - Reviewed Measurement... and began work on the Benchmark "pre' Quiz.
Hour 7 - Reviewed Measurement... Students need to reinforce basic math skills including multiplication and division. Density = mass/volume. Began Benchmark "pre" Quiz.
Hour 8 - Reviewed Measurement... Began Benchmark "pre" Quiz. Students worked so cooperatively that they were rewarded with a game and free time for the last few minutes of class!!
Hour 9 - Received Measurement - A Common Language which we completed in class. Viewed video clip of Scientific Method.

Homework:
Review notes in notebook and organize handouts in folder.

09/22 THINK LINK

In-Class:
Due to testing, I did not meet with hour 2 or hour 9. Hours 1,3,7, and 8 completed six questions related to Measurement - A Common Language and viewed a 17 minute video clip about measurement and the scientific method. Hours 2 and 9 will complete this work on Tuesday.
Homework:
NONE

09/19 team building

In-Class:

Team Superstars elected to use the half day schedule to participate in team building activities. The four groups of students who were scheduled in room 110 used cooperation and communication in the following activities:

small groups: Pass the hula hoop.

small groups: We stand up for ourselves.

one large group: Her name is Ms. Grumbine and she likes grapes....

Thank you to 8th graders Jaquirrha and Julia for their assistance with the activities!

Homework:

None

Think Link testing will take place next week in the computer labs. Scheduled tests include Math, Reading, and possibly Science. Students will maintain their usual schedules for all but one hour each day.

09/18 computer lab review

In-Class:
Students used the following sites to review and quiz themselves over the scientific method.


www.quia.com/jg/1420784.html (matching, concentration)
www.quia.com/quiz/1381851.html
www.quia.com/rd/7331.html (ordered list)
www.quia.com/quiz/1490054.html (This is advanced and may include terms we have not used.)
www.quia.com/quiz/1490062.html (working ahead in unit) very funny quiz
www.quia.com/cb/345860.html (jeopardy; it's tricky)
www.quia.com/cb/345884.html

Homework:
Study Scientific Method and Laboratory Techniques

2008-2009 Procedures in Detail

The following information will be provided at Open House:



Homework



Homework is due on its assigned day.

Work may be submitted one day late for half credit.

Work will not be accepted more than one day late.

Class time is often available to complete assignments.

Students are expected to spend 10 minutes each evening reviewing their science notes and handouts and organizing their assignments.

Graded assignments are to be kept in the student's folder until completion of the unit of study.



Assignments



All written assignments are to be completed in black pen, blue pen, or in pencil.

Laboratory drawings must be completed in pencil.

Student's first and last names must be written in the upper right hand corner of all assignments along with their science hour number.

If a student has lost his/her assignment prior to completion, he/she may request a second copy and receive a one point reduction in their score.



Student Planners



Students must write homework assignments in their planner whether completed in class or at home. Also, students are required to fill out their planner each day in science with a short summary of the day's lesson. (Example: Skeletal System review.) Please check your child's planner to see what assignments have been completed in class. Feel free to contact me if you find your child is not filling out their planner routinely.

A graphic organizer is located on the south wall of the classroom that provides the summarized information for each day.



Rationale:The process of writing helps students to recall information even if they never refer back to the planner. If a student has a question about when an assignment was due or whether they missed an assignment during an absence, this allows them to look it up.



Bathroom Passes



Students are allowed 2 passes each quarter to use the restroom during science class. They must fill out their handbook/planner to use as a pass.

It is expected that students will use the restroom during their lunch break. In class passes are for urgent needs only.



Lockers



Students will not be sent to their locker during class time. If an assignment is left in a locker, it may be turned in immediately after school for full credit. Abuse of this privilege will result in loss of the privilege for that student.



Lab Exclusion



Individual students may be excluded from participating in a laboratory for the following reasons: Failure to complete related homework assignments; inappropriate or unsafe behavior in the classroom.A student who is excluded from a laboratory will be given a written alternative to the laboratory to be submitted in place of completing the lab. A student will not receive credit for a lab if he/she is removed for violation of safety procedures.



A parent/guardian may request that his/her child be excluded from a lab if there is an objection to some aspect of the lab. (Example: objection to using lab animals for dissection.) The request must be in writing and signed by the parent prior to the lab.



Contact information



Please contact me if you have questions or concerns about your child's progress in science. Contact information is provided at the school's website and staff directory.

09/17 filter lab/scientific method

In-Class:
All hours reviewed the Laboratory Checkups and corrected their work. Hours 1 and 9 listened so well that they had time to complete the entire filtering laboratory. Classes that did not have time will complete the laboratory at a later date.
Homework:
Study notes on the scientific method.

09/16 scientific method

In-Class:
Completed viewing the last 10 minutes of The Scientific Method video. Students began Laboratory Checkups 2, 3, 4, and 5.
Homework:
Complete any of the Lab Checkups not completed during class time.

09/15 scientific method

In-Class:
We discussed some difference of opinion among scientists regarding the scientific method. Viewed steps 1-4 of The Scientific Method video. Students took notes in their notebooks.
Homework:
Study lab techniques handout for filtering lab procedure.

09/12 mass lab

In-Class:

Students in hours 1, 2, and 3 were able to complete a lab using triple beam balances to assess mass. Students in hours 7, 8, and 9 are working toward earning the priveledge of completing laboratories. They worked on a written instructional sheet to practice massing material on the balance.

Homework:

Students in hours 7, 8, and 9 will complete the paragraph describing how perseverance relates to science if not completed during class time.

Special Thank You to my homeroom class for their assistance in organizing the laboratory equipment used this week.

09/11 quiz/computers

In-Class:
Students competed the laboratory equipment quiz and some groups had the opportunity to visit the computer lab.

sites: www.ohaus.com/products/education/weblab/TBBins.html
www.quia.com


Homework:
Review equipment techniques

09/10 patterns&evidence

In-Class:
Viewed Evidence and Patterns video clips related to the scientific method.
Homework:
Review laboratory equipment for quiz tomorrow.

09/08 safety review

In-Class:
Students received textbooks, Cells and Heredity and reviewed the nine basic topics in laboratory safety for the quiz tomorrow.
Homework:
Study for Safety Quiz

THURSDAY, September 11: Laboratory Equipment Quiz

09/05 Lab Equipment

In-Class:
Students listed, identified, and stated the purpose of 13 pieces of common lab equipment. Some sections earned the opportunity to participated in an activity using the equipment.
Homework:
Have a great weekend; come back Monday ready to learn!

09/04 safety equipment

In-Class:

Students took a tour of the safety equipment located in the classroom; identified the safety items; and stated their purpose.

Homework:

Copy your choice of one safety symbol from page 31 of the Science Safety Rules handout onto 81/2"x11" paper. Symbols are graphic representations and do not require words. This is a copy of one symbol not an original.

REMINDER: SQUOD is completed in the student notebook as soon as students enter the class.

09/03 "Starting With Safety"

In-Class:
Viewed video Starting With Safety and completed cloze (fill in the blank) worksheet DUE in bin Thursday.
Homework:
Complete worksheet if not done in class. Study Safety notes and handouts.

09/02 safety posters and summaries

In-Class:
Students completed their safety posters and submitted them.
Homework:
Summarize each of the nine categories of safety from the Science Safety Rules handout. Summaries should be brief (four to six sentences per category) and help you remember the topic. DUE in notebook Wednesday.