End of this blog

I will no longer be using this blog to post what will be going on in Physical Science.  Instead announcements will be embedded on the P.S. page of my website.  Check it out and let me know what you think!

Week of 11/1

This week we will be wrapping up Chapter 6 before moving on to Chapter 7 (possibly by the end of the week)

There will be no vocabulary quizzes this week
NO school on Tuesday

Important assessments to be aware of:
1. element names and symbols quiz Mon/Thurs
2. Chapter 6 quiz Wed/Fri
***Instead of having a large test on Chapter 6, we will have a large quiz.  Chapter 6 will be combined with chapter 7 for one test.
3. Webquest (if you had difficulty completing it last week turn it in this week for full credit)
4. Students should be getting their tests signed and turned in for a homework grade

Academic Assistance -MONDAY
AIP students will be reviewing chapter 6 this week
Students coming for the Chapter 4 and 5 test will be doing test corrections (bring your answer sheet)

If you would like to be a peer tutor for AA please speak with me.  Students can receive service hours for helping out struggling students.

Week of 10/25

We're really getting into the new unit this week,  Chapter 6- Chemical bonds. 

Vocab words for the week:
1. electron dot diagram
2. ion
3. anion
4. cation
5. chemical bond
6. ionic bond
7. chemical formula
8. crystals
9. covalent bond
10. molecule
11. polar covalent bond

Assignments:
1. Element names and symbols quiz Mon/Tues
2. Vocab quiz Wed/Thurs
3. If students have finished all worksheets in class then they should be reading in the chapter and taking notes at home.

Be sure to look in the file cabinet for any worksheets, study guides, powerpoints, etc. 

Check out these websites for online help and reinforcement
http://bcs.whfreeman.com/thelifewire/content/chp02/02020.html
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/atom_intro.html

Week of 10/18

This week the students will be taking their test on chapters 4 and 5 (Wed/Thurs).  I backed the test day up because I had not seen any of the students since before Camp Greenville.  Study guides can be found on the website in the file cabinet.  There are two study guides (one the students fill out and one that has all the info listed out for them to read).

The students will have an elements name and symbols quiz when we come back on Monday/Tuesday next week and we will also resume the vocab quizzes next week.

The next unit will be on Chapter 6.  The study guide will be posted to the website soon.

Posts

Sorry I have not posted to the blog in quite a while. I have realized that a daily post will be a bit much. I will post once a week with an overview of the week and what to expect.

This week the students have a vocab quiz on the following terms (on quizlet):
1. period
2. group
3. metals
4. transition metals
5. nonmetals
6. valence electrons
7. alkali metals
8. alkaline earth metals
9. halogens
10. noble gases

They will be finishing up Chapter 4 (atoms and elements) and starting chapter 5 (the periodic table). Their test will be the week after Camp Greenville (Oct 18th and 19th). They will be having an element names and symbols quiz at the beginning of each week for the next 8 weeks.

HW- the students should be reviewing notes on a regular basis, studying for quizzes, and completing any assignments not finished in class (ex. M&M lab, coloring the periodic table, etc.)

Projects- the element project is due this week

9/13 & 9/14

9/14 B day

The students copied down their words for the vocab quiz on Thursday. They handed in their first project- the matter scavenger hunt. We reviewed chemical and physical properties and observed some chemical reactions in class. They then took notes on phase change. HW- study for vocab quiz, and complete internet assignment (due 9/21- next Tuesday)

9/13 A day

The students copied down their vocab words for quiz on Wednesday. They took notes on the Properties of Matter and took notes in class on 2.2 and 2.3

9/8, 9/9, & 9/10

Sorry some of these are late

9/10 A day

The students did a mini activity describing the physical properties of common items and then we discussed how they would be classified.  They took notes on classifying matter and were assigned their first project.  The assignment is in the file cabinet.

9/9 B day

The students took their vocabulary quiz and then completed a mini activity describing the properties of common items.  We took some time also making a web to organize what they have learned so far about classifying matter.  Their shoebox project is due on the 14th, next Tuesday.  All items should be in a sealed container and labeled.

9/8 A day

The students took a vocabulary quiz to start the period and then got started with a lab on density.  Those students who were not working on the lab should have been working on some density practice problems. 
The lab, worksheet, signed test, and notes on 2.1 due.

9/7 B day

We started a new unit in Physical Science. The students were assigned their first project (due 9/14- in file cabinet) and were given notes on the new topic. Test grades were also given out. If a student scored below an 80 they must attend AA next week. HW- read 2.2 and take notes using the cornell system. Vocab quiz Thursday

9/2 B day

TEST TOMORRROW

The students worked on practice problems with density and they completed a lab on density. We also spent some time answering questions about the study guide. Please study tonight and finish the lab/ density problems after the test.

9/1 A day

The students took their first test today and hopefully did very well. The vocab for next week's quiz is:
1. pure substance
2. element
3. atom
4. compound
5. mixture
6. homogenous mixture
7. heterogeneous mixture
8. solution
9. suspension
10. colloid

The quiz next Wednesday will include ALL ten of the above words as well as words from the previous chapter. We cannot forget the previous material (it will all be on the final).

HW- study the vocab words for quiz and take notes on 2.1 using the cornell note taking system. Templates are posted to the file cabinet and here is a great link for guidance:  http://coe.jmu.edu/learningtoolbox/cornellnotes.html

8/31 B day

The students started off the day with a review of how to create graphs. They learned what it means to extrapolate and interpolate data. We then took notes on density and how to calculate it. The powerpoint is in the file cabinet. The students were notified that their test is on Friday and they were given their study guide today to begin reviewing. Come to class on Thursday prepared to ask questions! If you are struggling with dimensional analysis please come after school for extra help

8/30 A day

Today the students completed a worksheet on graphs (Graphing WS-and handed in). We also went over the sheet that was assigned for homework (more difficult). We then moved on to the notes on density (also in file cabinet) and then the students began reviewing for their test on Wednesday. Study hard and come in for extra help if needed.

8/26 B day

The students took their 2nd vocab quiz. Don't forget about studying on quizlet! We then talked about indirect measurements and the students practice by determining the height of some flag poles outside. We then jumped into the section on graphing. HW- finish graphing worksheet. Warning- test will most likely be next Thursday

8/25 A day

The students took a vocab quiz today and then we did a lab on measurement. They need to finish the lab for HW as well as the worksheets (in file cabinet) handed on at the end of class.

8/24 B day

The students copied down vocab words for the week (refer to 8/23 post). We then reviewed conversion factors before jumping into the measurement lab. If they did not finish they need to work on it for homework.

8/23 A day

The students copied down their new vocab words for the week:
1. scientific notation
2. precision
3. accuracy
4. direct proportion
5. inverse proportion
6. mass
7. volume
8. length
9. slope
10. density

We then took notes on measurement and did some practice problems with dimensional analysis. Many students struggled with DA - please practice at home and we will spend a little more time in class. Don't give up!

8/20 B day

Today the students did a mini lab on accuracy and precision. They also were given notes on measurement (see file cabinet). Their homework was to read p14-18

8/19 B day

The students took their first vocab quiz and then took notes on Accuracy, Precision, & % Error (powerpoint in file cabinet) They then worked on some practice problems in class (two worksheets in file cabinet)

8/18 A day

The students took their first vocabulary quiz and then we finished working on the practice work for scientific notation and accuracy & precision. Some students may need more practice at home (practice problems can be found in the book). We also did a mini-lab on Accuracy and Precision in class.

8/17 B day

Today the students were given 10 vocab words to study for their vocab quiz on Thursday. We then finished notes from last week (posted to file cabinet) and started an activity on designing experiments. The "apple a day keeps the doctor away" HW assignment is also posted on the file cabinet. Study for your vocab quiz on Thursday!

8/16 A day

The students were given 10 vocab terms for a quiz on Wednesday. We then moved on to notes on precision, accuracy,% error, and scientific notation (powerpoint in file cabinet). They did practice work in class (2 worksheets found in file cabinet) and will be doing a lab on Wednesday. Bring a textbook and calculator to class every day.

8/13 A day

1. Finished notes on science (posted to file cabinet)
2. "An apple a day activity" done in class to prepare for HW (posted to file cabinet)
3. Observation game

Those students that failed science last year need to attend AA on Monday

8/12

B day
The students did the same as 8/11 A day. 
Textbooks distributed,
textbook survey
Started notes on science

8/11

Today students handed in their course policies and safety contract page. (safety contract was distrubuted today for 1A- hand in by Friday please) Textbooks were distributed and a survey was done of the book. For those that did not finish this is homework. We then jumped into the first lesson on science. (1A did not finish, more to come on Friday)

First day 3A

We had more time in 3A today so we were able to get further into the lesson.  We talked about safety and handed out the safety contract - this needs to be signed by student and parent and handed in this week.  We also started a group discussion about science and what it is.  We will continue Wednesday.

First Day!

Today we went over the course syllabus and some classroom procedures. They also took a pre-test to assess their math and measurement skills. Parents, please fill out and sign the class policies page. It is due this week for a grade.

Welcome to my blog

Welcome to the blog for Mrs. Duncan's physical science classes.  I will be using this site for various purposes so check back regularly.