My intention of making daily reports is not turning out to be a reality. That is a testament to the activity in the Science Lab. I will keep posting as often as I am able.
Today the Sixth Grade came to continue their study of "Deserts of the World"
They started with viewing portions of "The Baking Desert" with David Attenborough. They were observing different animals that live in desert areas and what adaptations they have to survive the climate.
Next they investigated the effect of black vs white background on light intensity and temperature. To do this they set up light intensity probes and temperature probes in black and white bowls to collect data. While the probes were monitoring the temperature and light intensity, the began their next activity; "Using Everyday materials to Build a 3D model of a Desert". They had to leave for lunch but returned afterward to record their data on temperature and light intensity. They discussed the trend that appeared after averaging the class data and were assigned the conclusion for homework. Their work on the desert model continued until it was time for PE. They returned after P.E. to finish and share their models as well as hear about a special assignment to write a proposal for the Science Lab Desert Biome terrarium (not due until Thursday).
NEW ITEMS IN THE SCIENCE LAB:
-The Glofish are thriving in their 1.5 gallon aquarium courtesy of the "Pets in the Classroom" grant.
-We have 4 young carnivorous plants; 2 sundews a butterwort and a Venus fly trap. They are located under the new grow light on the specimen shelf.
The tables have been rearranged and the metal cabinets have been used to create a lab prep area.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
September 18, 2012
The Kindergarten Class came to the science lab today to learn about why we have seasons. First, though, they watched Google Earth to see the Earth from space and moved in closer and closer until they reached our school.
They learned that the Earth is spinning or rotating and they even tried rotating like the Earth. They learned that the Earth, while rotating, is also moving/revolving around the sun.. The students practiced rotating like the Earth and then they rotated while revolving around the center desk.
Ms. Brunning used a lamp to represent the sun and a beach ball Earth with a light sensor attached, to collect data on how much light the Earth received while rotating and revolving around the light. The sensor sent a signal to the computer and displayed a number for light intensity and a line graph showing the increase and decreaes with the seasons. Students observed that the light from the sun was always there and the darkness came when the Earth turned and one side was not getting light.
Ms. Brunning used two digital resources with the students:
http://astro.unl.edu/naap/motion1/animations/seasons_ecliptic.swf a season simulator
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/images/imageshtml/earth-tilt.gif an image of the earth position with change in season.
The science lab has been rearranged so that there is a closed off prep area in the back of the room and more white board in the front of the room. Watch for the addition of more book shelves and terrariums with different habitats.
They learned that the Earth is spinning or rotating and they even tried rotating like the Earth. They learned that the Earth, while rotating, is also moving/revolving around the sun.. The students practiced rotating like the Earth and then they rotated while revolving around the center desk.
Ms. Brunning used a lamp to represent the sun and a beach ball Earth with a light sensor attached, to collect data on how much light the Earth received while rotating and revolving around the light. The sensor sent a signal to the computer and displayed a number for light intensity and a line graph showing the increase and decreaes with the seasons. Students observed that the light from the sun was always there and the darkness came when the Earth turned and one side was not getting light.
Ms. Brunning used two digital resources with the students:
http://astro.unl.edu/naap/motion1/animations/seasons_ecliptic.swf a season simulator
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/images/imageshtml/earth-tilt.gif an image of the earth position with change in season.
The science lab has been rearranged so that there is a closed off prep area in the back of the room and more white board in the front of the room. Watch for the addition of more book shelves and terrariums with different habitats.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
September 13, 2012
Today there was big excitement in the science lab. Ms. Brunning decided to let Bunny out of the cage to stretch her legs during the Advanced Math class. Bunny found her way into the back of the lab and squeezed herself behind the closet in a small space. She refused to come out except when everyone left the room. She spent most of her day coming out for a peak and running back to her hiding spot. After lunch while Ms. Brunning was working on her computer, Bunny came out and laid down near the back table. Ms. Brunning was able to sneak up behind her and block off the hiding spot. Then Mrs Brunning laid out a cardboard path to help direct bunny to the front of the room where she was finally captured. She is resting safely in her cage now.
Ms. Brunning visited the 8th grade to explain about the science fair. All information is available on this blog home page.
In other news, Mrs. Adam's 7th grade class came to explore atomic structure again. Almost every student demonstrated their understanding of the location of protons and neutrons in the atom nucleus. At least half of the class understood the location and number of electrons surrounding an atom. Of those that did not demonstrate that knowledge, most of them were confused on how many electrons were in each energy level. At the middle school level students learn that there is room for 2 electrons in the first energy level and 8 each in the second and third energy level. Students only study the structure of the first 20 elements. In high school they will learn about the orbital shapes and overlap.
Back in there classroom Mrs. Adams gave them an assignment on elements to prepare for next Thursday and the study of the periodic table:
Element Assignment:
You will be given two picture i, each is a different element . Each picture has the name, symbol and atomic number of the element.
You will prepare a 3X5 card to go with each of your elements that show the
This assignment is posted on the family science blog at chpcsscience.blogspot.com
Your two cards and two pictures are to be brought to science class on Thursday September 20.
Ms. Brunning visited the 8th grade to explain about the science fair. All information is available on this blog home page.
In other news, Mrs. Adam's 7th grade class came to explore atomic structure again. Almost every student demonstrated their understanding of the location of protons and neutrons in the atom nucleus. At least half of the class understood the location and number of electrons surrounding an atom. Of those that did not demonstrate that knowledge, most of them were confused on how many electrons were in each energy level. At the middle school level students learn that there is room for 2 electrons in the first energy level and 8 each in the second and third energy level. Students only study the structure of the first 20 elements. In high school they will learn about the orbital shapes and overlap.
Back in there classroom Mrs. Adams gave them an assignment on elements to prepare for next Thursday and the study of the periodic table:
Element Assignment:
You will be given two picture i, each is a different element . Each picture has the name, symbol and atomic number of the element.
You will prepare a 3X5 card to go with each of your elements that show the
- atomic mass or atomic weight
- group number
- group name
- history of the name and/or who discovered the element
- state of element at room temperature and pressure (is it solid, liquid or gas)
- at least two uses of the element
This assignment is posted on the family science blog at chpcsscience.blogspot.com
Your two cards and two pictures are to be brought to science class on Thursday September 20.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
September 11, 2012
The Advanced Math students, those in Algebra 1 and Geometry, now have their own blog to keep track of their daily activities, assignments and class information. It is at chpcsalgeobro.blogspot .com.
Ms. Cantin brought her 4th grade class to the lab today and led them in preparing their own vial of a model of blood. She used different color and size of beads for the cells and water dyed yellow for the plasma. The purpose of the model was to show that blood is made of different components in different quantities. Students will learn the function of each component. This activity also gave students practice in counting to 1000 and dexterity.
Ms. Cantin will be bring here class back on Thursday for more investigation into blood.
Ms. Hans brought in the 5th grade class for an introduction to the science lab. They also were introduced to the science research project process. The information about assignments is in the CHPCS K-8 Science and Engineering Fair Guide. The sciencebuddies.org site is a great resource for the project and has a topic survey for students to complete to help discern which project may be of interest. There is also a list of over 1000 project ideas.
Ms. Cantin brought her 4th grade class to the lab today and led them in preparing their own vial of a model of blood. She used different color and size of beads for the cells and water dyed yellow for the plasma. The purpose of the model was to show that blood is made of different components in different quantities. Students will learn the function of each component. This activity also gave students practice in counting to 1000 and dexterity.
Ms. Cantin will be bring here class back on Thursday for more investigation into blood.
Ms. Hans brought in the 5th grade class for an introduction to the science lab. They also were introduced to the science research project process. The information about assignments is in the CHPCS K-8 Science and Engineering Fair Guide. The sciencebuddies.org site is a great resource for the project and has a topic survey for students to complete to help discern which project may be of interest. There is also a list of over 1000 project ideas.
Monday, September 10, 2012
September 10, 2012
Today in Geometry we made it to lesson 3 and in Algebra, lesson 4.
For music appreciation we started off by looking for examples of legato and stacatto in music by Johannes Brahms and Franz Liszt. Then we explored waves using the pHet website, slinkies and jump ropes. After that we looked at hearing and what can cause someone to lose their hearing, the science of singing and the McGurk Effect.
The science room received a grant from "Pets in the Classroom" . The 1.5 gallon fish tank for our "Glofish" pets has arrived. The pet fish should be here next week.
For music appreciation we started off by looking for examples of legato and stacatto in music by Johannes Brahms and Franz Liszt. Then we explored waves using the pHet website, slinkies and jump ropes. After that we looked at hearing and what can cause someone to lose their hearing, the science of singing and the McGurk Effect.
The science room received a grant from "Pets in the Classroom" . The 1.5 gallon fish tank for our "Glofish" pets has arrived. The pet fish should be here next week.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
September 7, 2012
The new science lab tables arrived today! Take a peek in the Science Lab the next time you walk by. We now have a room furnished for science investigations and collaboration. Thank you to the PTA!
Thursday, September 6, 2012
September 6, 2012
Big day in the science lab!
The Algebra 1 and Geometry students had their first class and were the first to sit on the new stools for over an hour.
At 9:40am Mrs. Cantin brought her 4th grade class in to meet the lab. After checking out the variety of specimens in the room the students had a taste of the microscopic world with the new digital microscope.
At 11 am Mrs. Adams came with her 7th grade students for the first of four lessons in the lab on atomic structure.Go here for more information about the lesson.
At 1:45 pm Miss King arrived with the 6th grade class to learn about what there is to do in the science room and how to get started on the school science research project.
The Algebra 1 and Geometry students had their first class and were the first to sit on the new stools for over an hour.
At 9:40am Mrs. Cantin brought her 4th grade class in to meet the lab. After checking out the variety of specimens in the room the students had a taste of the microscopic world with the new digital microscope.
At 11 am Mrs. Adams came with her 7th grade students for the first of four lessons in the lab on atomic structure.Go here for more information about the lesson.
At 1:45 pm Miss King arrived with the 6th grade class to learn about what there is to do in the science room and how to get started on the school science research project.
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