Wednesday December 15

Today during class kids took some notes on atoms, elements, molecules and compounds. They took lots of notes during class today and started activity 17, modeling molecules.

HW: none

Tuesday December 14

Today we are finishing up Act. 16 with analysis questions 1-4. The kids then have a periodic table of elements they need to color code according the to one in the book on page B-27. They then will be gluing the table into their notebook.

Notebook quiz scores from Friday are updated on Edline.

HW: Analysis Questions, Act. 16 1-4.

Wednesday December 8

Sorry I haven't posted information in awhile but I have been out of school with a back issue. However, I just found out that I am fine which no skeletal issues and I have to quit running and jumping on the trampoline:).

Anyway, today we reviewed Act. 14, 15, and started Act. 16. Kids started a reading activity with Act. 16. There are six sets of questions will have to answer once they read the information in the textbook.

Friday: Kids will have a notebook quiz on Friday Dec. 10 over Act. 14, 15, and 16.

Tuesday November 30

Today the kids finished up their analysis questions for Act. 14. IF they don't get those finished they are responsible for finishing them.

We then started our Element Report Presentations.

HW: many kids didn't finish all of their presentations. Kids also should practice presenting before they actually present during class. Pronunciation of words, using written information you can easily understand.

Monday November 29

Great to have the kids back today! They looked like they wanted to sleep a little bit more though:).

Today we finished our Act. 14 experiment on Chemical and Physical Properties. Once kids were finished experimenting with the 99 different experiments they then needed to work on Analysis questions 1, 2, 3, and 4 (1/2 of purple paper). If they don't have them finished we will finish them in class on Tuesday.

Just a reminder: kids Element Reports and Quilt Squares are due at the beginning of the hour on Tuesday!

Monday November 22 and Tuesday November 23

Today was a busy day.

We had a notebook quiz over Act. 12 & 13

We then started our Element Report Project. Each student, who was present, received a rubric which explains what they need to research and what the task is. They also received an element to research. If you have any questions I will be checking my e-mail during the holiday break so I can respond if necessary.

The quilt square dimensions are 3 1/2 inches wide by 4 inches tall.

The rubric is on our website, under Science, at the very bottom. You can either view the information or print it out.
https://sites.google.com/a/nvps.net/templar-team-2010-2011/

The project is due on Tuesday, November 30. Kids will then present and attach their quilt square to the bulletin board in the back of our room.

Thursday November 18

Today students started Act. 14. They are to determine what types of materials should be used for different types of products. We started doing our 99 different observations and experiments today.

Friday: kids life cycle posters are due at the beginning of the hour.

Monday: we will have a quiz over Notebook Activity 12 and 13. We will also be starting a Periodic Table of Elements project on Monday & Tuesday.

Tuesday November 16

During Science class today kids discussed the life cycle of glass bottles, aluminum cans, and plastic bottles. Each one of them are assigned one of the types. They read some information about their container and filled out a chart with information gathered about raw materials, manufacturing, useful life and end of life. They then shared information with the other people in the class who had the same container.

We then discussed the life cycle diagram we will be starting tomorrow. They need to start thinking about a game plan for their diagram. When they come in tomorrow they will be able to start their diagrams.

HW: think of their design idea for their life cycle diagram

Monday November 15

Students will continue working on the three bar graphs about plastic, aluminum and glass containers. If they aren't finished by the time frame I give them in class, they are then due at the beginning of the hour on Tuesday! Analysis Question #3 in Activity 12 is due by Tuesday.

Start Act. 13 the Life Cycle of a Product. The products are plastic, aluminum and glass. Kids will be designing a life cycle drawing of one of the products starting on Tuesday and will be due by the end of the hour on Wednesday.

HW: Read above!

Tuesday November 9

During class today, kids were given a set of material data cards. They had 21 cards which gave information about manufacturing, production, and life of aluminum, plastic and glass containers. The kids had to read the information on the cards and then sort them into categories. They then gave their categories titles. The kids then added any new information to their advantages/disadvantages chart from Monday.

HW: None

Monday November 8

Today we discussed the starting of our new term. Reminding kids that they can start over and make some changes to be more successful than they were the first term or continue to be successful.

We started our Chemistry unit. Today we discuss what type of materials would be the best one to use as a drink container, plastic, aluminum, or glass. The kids brainstormed advantages/disadvantages of each type.

HW: None

Friday November 5

Today was the end of the first term. Our grades are due on Monday and report cards will be handed out during conferences next week.

Conferences are Wednesday November 10 from 5-8 pm and Thursday from 12:30-3:30 pm and 5-8 pm. We only have a 1/2 day of school on Thursday.

I hope the kids have enjoyed being in science class this term and are getting used to the way Crossroads works.

Monday we are starting our Chemistry unit.

Friday November 5

Wed/Thurs. November 3,4

I will have a sub in my class for the next two days.

The kids will be working on a RAFT
R: role: they are the Safety Officer for Sunnyvale Hospital
A: audience: President of the Hospital
F: format: Business Letter
T: topic: Letting the President know what type of glass cleaner the hospital was going to purchase

The kids will get a rubric that tells them EXACTLY the information that needs to be written in each one of the paragraphs.
They will also received a business format letter to look at to write their first business letter for Science class. The format letter gives them sentences that they need to use in their letter and then some spaces where they will need to write their own information.

This will probably be one of the easiest writing assignments the kids will have in my class. They have everything laid out for them because I want them to correctly do the assignment. I hope they can follow the directions well:)

HW: The final draft is due on Friday, November 5. They do not need to type it, they can write it.

Tuesday November 2

Yesterday kids finished their science test. They took information they have gathered throughout the unit and had to apply it.

Today we started working on Act. 11. Kids had to put themselves in the shoes of a Safety Operations Manager of Sunnyvale Hospital. They have to analyze some product labels and they need to determine what glass cleaner the hospital could use. The filled out a chart and then had to answer analysis questions 1,2, and 3. Then they had to write information on why they didn't choose the other three. This gets them ready for the their writing assignment we start tomorrow.

HW: finish analysis questions and other question from the board.

Thursday October 28, Friday Oct. 29 and Monday Nov. 1

Today the kids played Jeopardy for our Science test on Friday and Monday.

HW: Friday, multiple choice test and Monday, essay test.

Wednesday October 28

Today we went over our study guides for our test on Friday. We then did a practice clicker test. Tomorrow kids will be playing a game of jeopardy to get ready for their test on Friday.

HW: Study for the Science test. The multiple choice part is on Friday, Nov. 29 and the essay part is on Monday Nov. 1.

Tuesday October 26

Students finished up on their analysis questions 1,2 and then had to turn in #4.

Students then needed to complete a gray chart with information from experiments we have worked on in class.

They all received study guides for their test on Friday.

HW: Study Guide should be finished by Wednesday

Monday October 25

TEST on Friday Oct. 29 over Activities 1-10.

Today we worked on finding the densities of the two solids that were in our hazardous materials mixture. By the end the kids will be able to determine the make up of the material in the cylinders by using the density of the objects.

There are some kids who didn't do so well on the density/volume quiz on Friday. They will be given the opportunity to practice with me this week either at lunch or after school on Tuesday. They will need to retake their test by Thursday, Oct. 28.

HW: TEST ON FRIDAY!

Friday October 22

Today we finished up Act. 9 finding the density of solids. The kids took a quiz over density and volume.

HW: NONE

Thursday October 21

We started working on finding the mass of the six objects from activity 8. Once the kids find the mass of the objects they can use the volume of the object, which we found in activity 8, to calculate density of the object. Density is calculated by taking the mass/volume. We will continue to work on Act. 9 and finish it on Friday.

HW: BIG quiz on Friday over the formulas and being able to calculate: density, volume of cylinders, and rectangular solids.

Wednesday October 20

Today we either finished up the measuring the boxes and cylinders or the class started Act. 9 learning about density and how to use a triple beam balance.

HW: The formula for Density is now added to quiz on Friday which is mass/volume=density. Cylinder and rectangular solid formulas are being tested too!

Tuesday October 19

Today we worked on finishing up our measuring of our rectangular solids and cylinders. We then compared our answers and looked at our measuring skills to see how accurate the kids where compared to me. They realized they needed to be more precise in their measuring.


I gave the kids an exit slip out the door to see whether they knew the formulas for cylinders and rectangular solids. Hopefully by Friday will they will now them and be able to calculate them when they come to class.

HW: quiz on Friday over volume formulas and calculations of them.

Monday October 18

Today during class we worked on measuring cylinders and rectangles using the formulas for volume. The formula for a rectangle is length x width x height. The formula for a cylinder is

. The kids will have a quiz over the two formulas and measuring the volumes of each type of container at the end of the week.

Friday October 15

Due to MEAPs many of our classes are in different places.

1st and 3rd hour we worked on our experiment and getting them completed. HW for the class is to finish analysis questions for Act. 8, #2,4, and 6. Would like to have them finished by Monday.

5,6,7 Hours we worked on finishing analysis questions 2,4,6 and then we used the netbooks to look up recent information about the Hungarian Toxic Spill. The requirement is a paragraph of 5/6 sentences.

Thursday October 14

Today we worked on Activity 8 measuring volume. We used rulers and water displacement to find the volume of a cube, bar, and a cylinder. The kids should have their salmon colored chart finished when they come into class.

HW: notebook quiz on Friday over Act. 7 and first part of 8

Wednesday October 13

We finished up with Act. 7, Identifying the Solids. We figured out what each of the solids were according to the table in our text and then they had to provide evidence from the table for proof. Kids were required to complete analysis questions 1 and 3. We discussed them during class today.

We then started activity 8, Measuring Volume. We started writing in our notebooks and glueing our charts and other information into our notebooks. I explained how to measure the volume of a cube, rectangular bar, cylinder and also discussed water displacement.

HW: None!

Monday October 11

What a busy day we had!
First, we turned in our Hungarian Toxic Spill Cause and Effect papers. Kids were asked to highlight the effects, their theisis, and transitions words within their essay.

We then had a notebook quiz over Activities 3,4,5, & 6.

Then we started Activity 7 Identifying the Solids. Kids will be conducting 16 different experiments to test the solids to see what they actually are.

HW: if you haven't turned your paper in, you need to get that finished.

Friday October 8

Today students worked on their Cause and Effect paper during class. They were able to finish up their research and then get started on writing their paper.

The rubric for the paper is located on the team website under science attachments.

HW: The cause and effect paper is due on Monday with a final draft either typed, ink (blue or black) or pencil.

Thursday October 7

Change in plans today!!!!

Instead of starting Act. 7, I thought I would interest the kids in working on the netbooks our school has to offer. There was a toxic spill in Hungary that happened on Monday of this week so I thought it might be fun for the kids to gather information about it. Seeing as we have been talking about Hazardous Materials. The kids were given the opportunity to search articles and write down impacts/effects the spill is having and will have in the future.

HW: to continue to gather information about the spill if you have internet access.

Wednesday October 6

Science today was pretty laid back. Finished our experiment trying to figure out the two different liquids in the hazardous materials container. Then the kids needed to work on Analysis questions 1-3 on page A-24. Get involved and ask your child what the two liquids were and what types of experiments did they do to figure it out.

HW: finish analysis questions 1-3 page A-23 if not finished. Be ready for the notebook quiz on Friday.

Tuesday October 5

Today we had a very successful lunch homework time. There will be times throughout the month when I will hold kids during lunch, allowing them to eat though, and they will need to work on missing assignments. Today I had lots of kids get their assignments in and no longer have missing ones.

During class today the students worked on an experiment to figure out what the liquids were in the hazardous container jar. They had to do 5 different experiments.

HW: None

Monday October 4

Today during Science kids first had to turn in their bar graph and line graph.

We then did an observation exercise during class. Someone in the group was given an object and they had to describe the objects physical characteristics to the people in the group. The group then had to guess what the object was.

We worked on Act. 5 and made the observations on the data sheet about the solid materials we separated in our mixture.

HW: Analysis question #3 on page A-20.

Friday October 1

TODAY IN SCIENCE...
We learned how to make bar and line graphs. Kids participated in making and designing both types of graphs in class and then we collected data to make their own graphs. Many kids did not finish their graphs in class so they will need to finish over the weekend and turn in on MONDAY!

HW: finish the bar and line graph for Monday.

Thursday September 30

I wasn't in school today due to my 3 yr old having strep:(. However, the kids worked on a role play about a boy who was trying to figure out what to do with hazardous materials he found in his house.

Students then had to work on Analysis questions 1-4 in Activity 4.

Wednesday September 29

In Science today we did the following:
1. Kids needed to write their experiment plan in their notebooks.
2. Analysis Questions were written on the board for kids to answer in their notebooks.
3. Challenge Reflection questions were on the board and the kids needed to write on a lined paper and turn in during class time.
4. Started Act. 4

No HW!

Tuesday September 28

Today was a busy day in Science class!
1. Took a notebook quiz on Act. 1 & 2. Overall scores were GREAT!
2. Kids had to finish up their plans to separate the unidentified liquid.
3. Kids actually separated the liquid into all the different substances. It was a pretty messy lab but kids had fun.

Grades will be posted on Edline by the end of the day tomorrow.

Monday September 27

Hazardous Material at Home Homework was due at the beginning of class today along with the analysis questions at the bottom.

Today we started on activity 3, A Plan to Separate the Mixture. Kids had to come up with a step by step plan to separate the unknown substance in the jar we have been using in class.

HW: none...make sure you start checking edline to see grades! Notebook quiz over Act. 1/2 on Tuesday!

Thursday September 23

Today we worked with Chemical Data cards. The kids had to analyze the information on the cards and determine what category each chemical would go in and then determine the safety precaution you would use when handling the chemical.

HW: kids received a salmon colored sheet to analyze some hazardous chemicals that are present within the home. Please make sure they wash their hands when finished with the assignment. There are also 3 analysis questions at the bottom of the paper the kids need to answer. Please answer them on the sheet not in the notebook.

Wednesday Sept. 22

Today we finished the Activity 1 analysis questions #'s 3 and 4. We did them individually and then shared them as a group. You could then add any information from others you wanted to your own answers.

We started Act. 2 today called Types of Hazards. We discussed different types of hazard signs and then got started on a class demo. Key terms used today were corrosive and flammable.

HW: finish Analysis questions on A-5 #'s 3 & 4.

Tuesday September 21

We actually started working with our science textbook and science lab books. The students received a science notebook yesterday to use for the remainder of the year. All of their notes and worksheets will be within the notebook.

Today we started discussing the term Hazardous and what precautions you would need to take if you saw something you thought might be hazardous. We then watched a DVD of a Hazmat team who was trying to determine what substance was within the barrel. Students filled out a warm up question, three vocabulary words, a challenge question and a list of precautions from the DVD.

If you feel your son or daughter is falling behind with notes, they can come in for lunch, sometimes during 2nd hour Inspire, or after school to get caught up. Also remember our textbook is online but it doesn't always have everything we do in class in the book.

HW: none

Monday Sept. 20

Today during class I handed out permission slips to Spirit of America for Friday Sept. 24 at the Van Andel, Edline codes, and postcards.

The postcards have all of our contact information and different websites for our team, edline, and Northview's website on it. I gave the kids a tour of our team website and what information was included in it.

Class consisted of working with graduated cylinders to measure the volume of water and using a ruler and measuring some paper. The kids started using science notebooks which were given to them to use for science. This notebook will contain everything we do in class. They will paste worksheets into the notebook when we are finished with them so they don't loose them. All information for testing and quizzes will come directly out of the notebook. Hopefully the kids are able to hold on to them the whole year!


HW: finish up the Measuring Volume and Length Worksheet due Tuesday

Friday September 17

Today we did a quick camp evaluation.
Tried to finish up presenting the Ultimate Science Classroom posters but still have a few for Monday.
Then read an article in Science World, which was funded by the NEF, about Bedbugs. The class read the article together and then came up with 5 interesting facts about the article.

Wednesday/Thursday September 15,16

Camp Roger:
What a great two days we had at Camp Roger. Unfortunately it rained on Thursday but for the most part kids had a great time! It is always nice being able to interact with kids in a setting other than school.
Thank you parent volunteers for helping us out this year. We couldn't do it without you.

Tuesday September 14

Today during class kids presented their Ultimate Science Classrooms. We had anything from swimming pools to lazy boy recliners to pie machines. They all wish they had all of those items:) It was pretty interesting listening to what the kids were thinking. Friday we will finish up with the presentations.

Friday and Monday September 10/13

Friday and Monday:
We started designing the Ultimate Science Classroom. Kids were to do a brainstorming activity first to determine what they wanted within their classroom. They then had to design the space and objects within the classroom. Once finished with the previous activities they will then create the final drawing with labels of their Ultimate Science classroom.

HW: picture is due on Tuesday September 14! Preferred to have it colored with colored pencils.

Thursday Sept. 9

During Science class today we went over classroom procedures. We then worked on a getting to know you writing activity.

HW: if the Getting to Know you activity wasn't finished in class it needs to be turned in by Friday Sept. 10 at the beginning of the hour.

Wednesday Sept. 8

Today in Science we discussed a social contract amongst the members of our class. Basically the questions dealt with the fact that we all need to respect each person in the class even the teacher. How do we go about resolving conflict within our classroom and how we work with others. Good day today and many of our bumps were flattened today. A few more will be taken care of tomorrow and hopefully they will all be gone!

No Homework today!

Tuesday Sept. 7

Our first day is now complete here at Crossroads. We had a few bumps along the way but we are hoping they will all be flattened by tomorrow. Today in class we discussed three different types of animals: Lions, St. Bernards, and Fox. The kids had to determine what animal they were most like. They then wrote information on the activity sheet why they think they are that animal. When we were finished with this part of the activity we discussed how we need all types of of personalities within the classroom and people can't overpower others and we can't allow people to sit back and do nothing.

Our new science curriculum is based around interactive experiments in groups. So the activity played right into our group work.

No Homework today!

Tuesday Sept. 7

Welcome to Crossroads

I am so excited to start the new year with all of you! This year is going to be filled with fun and excitement. We start off with Camp Roger and then another field trip to the Van Andel Arena for a history reenactment on the 24th of September. All sorts of things will be happening the first few weeks of school.

This site is going to help you stay organized in science class. I will post daily classroom activities and information on the blog in case you need to use it to remember what we did in class or if you were absent that day. I am open to suggestions if there is anything else you would like to see on it.

Let's have fun and enjoy our school year together!

Our team website: https://sites.google.com/a/nvps.net/templar-team-2010-2011/