Test Preparation

The test on the scientific method and the labs we've been doing in class is drawing closer.  On Wednesday we are going to take a test on the work we've been doing for the past month.  In order to prepare for the test the students need to study

1. The scientific method notes
2. Units for matter
3. How to find density
4. How to use scientific tools like
1. Triple beam balance
2. Graduated cylinder
3. Microscope
5. How to read a graph

The list above is very general and I should say that I make my tests hard.  It is my intent to measure the learning that has taken place, not what the students already knew, so it is a good idea to study.

To prepare for the test we are going to watch a few brainpop.com videos today.  If you would like to review then the username is "elkinsms" and the password is "gearup" but I think the site limits the times students can access the video to before 5 p.m.  

We are going to watch the measuring matter and a few of the famous scientist videos.

The start up is "define density"

Intro to Science Book

Today we are going to work out of the book. The test next week deals with the scientific method and the labs we've done in class. The book review will be helpful for the students and the questions we go over today may appear on the test. The link for the book is found here.  It is a big file so please be patient as it loads.  The students will work on pg 6-11 and pg. 12-18. There are questions at the end of each section that will need to be wrote and answers in a complete sentence. This work will be added to their notebook so they can review it this weekend. The start up is "Rewrite the 5 scientific method steps in your own words."

Graph data

We are going to make a graph today.  We gathered data about our heart rate yesterday and the students made a bar graph by themselves for homework.  Today I'm going to provide data and the students will make a line graph.  They should graph time on the x-axis and heart rate on the y-axis.  The following is a picture of the data.

The graph you make should look like this.

The graph will be taken up for a test grade.  The start up for today is "what is a great way to organize data that is to be put into a graph?"

NOTE: There is a test on the 21st of next week.  The test will cover all the labs we've done in class and the notes we've gone over in class.  There will also be a start-up quiz and a notebook check on the 22nd.  The notebook includes the following

1. Seeing is believing
2. Scientific method/ T.A.L.K.S notes
3. Bill Nye Pseudoscience
4. Fossil Footprints
5. Beyond the Eye

There may be more papers in the notebook by next week.  Please make sure you are prepared for these upcoming grades.

How does your heart rate

There is a nation wide initiative to teach children to get more active.  Today we are going to explore different types of exercises and find the heart rate associated with each.  The idea is that tomorrow the students can graph their data and turn it in for a test grade.  The essential knowledge today is being able to find their heart rate.  I found this video online that explains it well.

How to Find a Resting Heart Rate -- powered by ehow

The lab documentation can be found here.  The startup for today is "how do you find your heart rate?"

Beyond the Eye

Today we are going to learn how to use a microscope.  I collected various samples of flower and water on my walk this morning.  These samples should contain many microscopic organisms that the students can observe under a microscope.  The lab paper we are using can be found here.
The specimens the students may see include the following.
Euglena:

Flower Petal:

It is important for the students to remember the proper way to hold a microscope.  

One hand on the arm and one hand under the base.

The start up for today is "what is the proper way to hold a microscope?"