May
25
Math Homework
May 25, 2008 | | Leave a Comment
5th - Textbook Review B
6th - Textbook Review C
May
23
Mars Phoenix Lander
May 23, 2008 | | Leave a Comment
From the Science Channel:
Science Channel will broadcast live coverage of mankind’s next major step in Mars exploration with Mars Live: The Phoenix Lands premiering Sunday, May 25, 2008, at 7 p.m. ET, 4 p.m. PT. Originating LIVE from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. and the University of Arizona’s Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, the program will give viewers a first look at photos sent back from the Mars surface, and exclusive, in-depth analysis and perspective of the mission’s historic scientific implications from NASA Chief Scientist Dr. James B. Garvin, as well as firsthand reactions from scientists including Phoenix Mars Mission Principal Investigator Peter Smith.
In what is designed to be mankind’s best effort to date to find life on Mars, the rover has covered 422 million miles over the past nine months. Its mission is to help answer questions about life-supporting conditions on the planet by analyzing ice from the northern Martian arctic using a suite of onboard, state-of-the-art instruments.
May
19
Math Homework
May 19, 2008 | | Leave a Comment
6th - Textbook Practice 5B (If not finished in class)
5th - Correct Graphs Test (if needed)
May
19
Early Oceans
May 19, 2008 | | Leave a Comment
Have you ever wondered what life in the ocean’s was like 540 million years ago in the
Download to find out.
May
19
Science Update
May 19, 2008 | | Leave a Comment
Sixth graders have continued their study of force and motion, using the work of Isaac Newton as their guide. They have examined gravity and balance, the relationship between mass and weight, force and acceleration. They have used parachutes to observe air resistance and compared how forces on earth differ from the microgravity environment of a space shuttle. This week and next we’ll be experimenting with speed, acceleration and friction, as well as how that relates to potential and kinetic energy.
The 5th graders have been experimenting with simple machines, in particular, the lever and wheel. They have observed the effects of friction and how force is magnified or diminished depending how a simple machine is used. Next up are gears, pulleys, inclined planes, wedges and screws.
Apr
29
Math Homework
April 29, 2008 | | Leave a Comment
6th grade - Workbook Exercise 20
Apr
28
Science Fair
April 28, 2008 | | Leave a Comment
Just a reminder, students need to inform me of the question/topic of their science fair project by Wednesday (4/30), including what the manipulated and responding variables will be. This is a real opportunity for students to be creative and indulge their curiosity. Encourage them to think outside the box and pursue an experiment that really pulls them in.
Apr
25
2009 - International Year of Astronomy Preview
April 25, 2008 | | Leave a Comment
Apr
22
Happy Earth Day!
April 22, 2008 | | Leave a Comment
Today is Earth Day and a nice follow-up to all of the environmental studies we have done over the last two weeks. The kids did great at OPI and received many compliments from the staff about their conduct, questions, and curiosity. Learning about the Elwha river and the upcoming dam removals was fascinating and should provide numerous learning opportunities over the next decade. Animations for the dam removals can be found here and here.
In science class the 5th graders are starting their final unit on Simple Machines, while the 6th graders are focusing on Newton’s Laws of Motion, using toys as a way to demonstrate them. These topics open many interesting areas of discussion (the 6th graders really wanted to know about black holes) and I encourage you to ask about what we’re doing at home.
The science weekly homework provides a link to learn about recycling in our area and some students have said it is not working. If that is the case, try Waste Management’s site for info regarding what can and cannot be recycled.
Apr
7
Environment Week
April 7, 2008 | | Leave a Comment
We kicked off the Senior Classroom’s Environment Week by watching the film An Inconvenient Truth. I was very impressed by the questions and discussion that followed. The students have lots of ideas and insights and seemed to take it all very seriously. We talked about what we can do locally to help mitigate carbon emmisions and what type of technologies are being developed to help make our country (and ultimately, the world) more sustainable.
We ended the day by clearing out the vegetable beds near the greenhouses, which we’ll hopefully plant with vegetable seeds later in the week. All in all, a great start.
