Happy Holidays!!

To all my students, have a most wonderful break!  Get some rest and be ready to go when you come back from break!  Merry Christmas!

~Mrs. Kettner~

Energy Presentations

    Today is presentation day!  See yesterday's post as to expectations of the presentation if you were absent.  Only one more school day until break!  Remember if you are signed up for Remind101 tomorrow then I'm paying out candy canes!  If you want to sign up, check out the Remind101 tab on the left! 

Group Work Day-Alternative Energy

In class today, we worked in our Alternative Energy Groups.  Our goal was to create a presentation for tomorrow that included these key concepts for EACH energy type represented in the group: solar energy, geothermal energy, wind energy, hydroelectric energy and biomass energy.  For each energy type, the minimum that should be shared in your presentation for EACH energy is the following:

*What is it?
*How does it work?
*Where do you find it?
*Advantages of using it?
*Choose one type that is the BEST-state Why it's better than the rest.  Sell it!

As a group, they will be presenting their information to the class and Post Falls Energy Committee tomorrow!  Be prepared.  The rubric on how you will be scored is below as well.


Energy Group Presentation Rubric

Energy Webquest

Today and tomorrow in the computer lab we will be working on an Energy Webquest in order to determine the best renewable energy source for the future!  All papers required for the Webquest are under the evaluation tab of the webquest.  Every student will be working in groups of five and then completing a presentation to the Energy Committee of Post Falls.

Renewable Energy Webquest

Lab Completion Day

Today, Friday the 13th, we completed our Hot Wheels Lab and then applied our knowledge gained from the lab in order to race our cars and come up with the fastest car.  Conclusions based on the lab data were also written.  Have a great weekend.  If you forgot how to write a conclusion, the link to the template is below.

Conclusion Template

Distance=Rate/Time: Hot Wheels Style

Hot Wheels lab today in class to test either the height of the ramp or the mass of the car and what effect it has on speed.  Fun times in science class.  We will complete the lab tomorrow with conclusions and then maybe a few races to see who the real Speed Racer is!  

Investigative Planning!

 
In class today, we worked in groups planning out how we were going to test one of two questions about speed.  We will be using Hot Wheels track and cars tomorrow and Friday in a lab format trying to find the answers to our questions.  Each group must supply their own car. 



Investigative Plan Template




Energy Transformation Homework

Mythbusters!

Mythbusters today in class. We watched the Border Sling Shot episode.  In addition to completing the worksheet below.  On the back, we identified examples in the episode of potential/kinetic energy as well as various forms of energy like mechanical, thermal, etc.  If you were absent, you can watch any episode of Mythbusters on Discovery Channel and complete the worksheet below with all the above requirements.  

Mythbusters Worksheet

Congratulations to our Balloon Racer Extraordinaire!

Congratulations to our long distance winner for the whole grade level, Brandon!  His car traveled a whopping 63 feet!  Hard work definitely paid off!  Way to go!  Below is a picture of his car.

Race Day!

 Today was race day here in the Science Wing!  There was some great improvements made to the cars over the weekend!  Nice work.  After the races were over, we had a follow up worksheet over the race and the concepts covered.  The link is below to the worksheet.  Remember, we NEED HOT WHEELS STRAIGHT TRACK for this week's lab.  

Post Balloon Race Worksheet

Balloon Racer Rubric

Balloon Powered Race Cars: Race Day

Today, we began to race our cars.  I saw some really good models and others that could use some more time and effort.  Thus, I will allow for over the weekend for kids to reconstruct their vehicles and race again on Monday.  Those that raced today were given extra credit for preparedness.  So, check out the rules (see Monday's post) and build the best car you can!  Prizes for greatest distance covered, fastest car and coolest car.  Check out Google Images:  Balloon Powered Race Cars as well as YouTube for some great ideas.

Energy Presentations

     In class today, we finished our group work on energy forms and then presented them to the class.       Tomorrow you need to have your supplies for your balloon race cars in hand!  We will build them tomorrow.  The race is Friday!  See Monday's post for details about the Balloon Racers if you forgot the materials list and/or details.  

Energy Mini-Lesson

Today in class we broke out into groups and divided the different forms of energies for each group to become experts on.  Each group will make a presentation and present to their classmates tomorrow.  The link below has ALL 6 different types of energies.  If you are absent, choose one to work with.

Energy Student Teacher Project

Energy: Potential and Kinetic

In class today we discussed energy, the ability to do work.  Energy can be divided into two categories.

Potential energy, stored energy based on position.  Kinetic energy, the energy of movement.  You can view the Prezi that has more specific information about energy below and access the worksheet as well.  It is due tomorrow first thing and we will go over it in class.  Also, on Thursday we will creating Balloon RaceCars.  You must bring in your supplies and all cars will be created in class that day.  Prizes will be awarded for fastest car, best looking car and the car that travels the greatest distance.  So, start getting those creative juices flowing, I want to see some awesome cars!

Energy Presentation

Potential Kinetic Energy Worksheet

Balloon Race Cars Instructions/Rubric

Make Up Day/Alien Periodic Table Day

Worked on missing assignments today for those that needed to and those completed with everything got to work on an Alien Periodic Table followed by coloring of their favorite alien.  Have a great break, be safe and see you soon!  Be kind to the turkey!

Mrs. Kettner

Chemistry Test Day

Today we took a test over the Chemistry concepts we have been learning the past three weeks.  Hoping all were successful.  We will be studying Energy after Thanksgiving Break.

Chemistry Bingo Review!

Chemistry test TOMORROW!

The following link has the test review. 

Chemistry Test Review Sheet
Top Secret Review Sheet

In class today we played BINGO in order to review what we need to know for the test.  You must be able to read the periodic table and understand how atomic mass is calculated as well as how to find the number of protons, neutrons and electrons!  Study!  It's in your best interest!

Bohr Model Activity

In class today, we worked on creating models of various elements and then answered questions about the models.  This was intended to be a review of Bohr models as well as reinforcing concepts already learned in preparation for the test on Thursday.  The worksheet we worked on is below.

Element Building Worksheet

Review/Catch Up Day

In class today, we finished up our Element Trading Cards and worked on the worksheet below.  This worksheet is REVIEW.  You should have a pretty good handle on identifying mass, atomic #, protons, neutrons and electrons at this point.  We have a test on Thursday!  I have included a review sheet below for you to begin studying for the test if you choose.  The Element Trading Card is due tomorrow or it's considered LATE.  Late, will lose 10% of their overall grade for the assignment. 

Chemistry Test Review Sheet

Atomic Math Challenge

Trading Card Template

Day 2 in the computer lab.  Today we worked on creating a trading card for an element.  The following links will help you see what the finished product should look like as well as a rubric so you know how you will be scored on your card.

Trading Card Instructions/Rubric

Trading Card Element Template

November 14, 2013 - Element Research

Use the following links in order to complete the worksheet that was passed out in class today.  If you missed class, or just need another copy of the assignment, click here.

Interactive Periodic Table websites (to get more  information about each element, just click on that element in the table).
Also, you must identify why the following elements have their symbols.  Potassium=K  Iron=Fe
Gold=Au   Silver=Ag    Lead=Pb    Mercury=Hg     Antimony=Sb    Sodium=Na    Tin=Sn   Tungsten=W

http://www.webelements.com

http://periodictable.com/

http://periodic.lanl.gov/index.shtml

http://www.ptable.com

Bohr Model Day 2

In class today we reviewed the Bohr Model activity by completing a worksheet that had a table and 18 Bohr models for students to complete.  This was done in class but if not finished, it becomes homework.  If you are having trouble, please look back at previous posts and/or search the internet.

 Bohr models are the typical drawings of atoms where the nucleus contains protons and neutrons that are encircled by electrons.

          

Using the periodic table, you can determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons.  Here is a quick review:

Atomic Number = number of protons
Atomic Mass - Atomic Number = number of  neutrons
Atomic Number = number of electrons 
 


Bohr Model Worksheet

Bohr Model Activity

Today we created Bohr models using tennis balls, golf balls and students.  Bohr models are used in order to model different elements.  We practiced making the elements at least Hydrogen through Boron as well as some ions and isotopes as well.  From the activity, I wanted students to see the correlation between the Group # and the # of valence electrons as well as the Period # equal to the number of shells the element had.  Once done with this activity, we had a worksheet that just reinforces using the periodic table.  Tomorrow we will have a paper to review what we did with Bohr models.

Identifying Elements/Periodic Table Crossword

Ions and Isotopes...Oh My!

Can you guess from the title of this post what we did in class today?  We learned about ions and isotopes!  We viewed the Brainpop videos for each topic, then completed a "cheat sheet" to help us remember the differences between them.  Lastly, we had a worksheet to complete over the topic.  All of the links are below.
UserID: rachaelkt
Password: donorschoose
Brainpop-Ions

Brainpop-Isotopes

Ions/Isotope Worksheet

Ion/Isotope Cheat Sheet

Friday!

Today we watched a movie over atoms and answered questions based on the video.  If you are absent, you will need to watch that and/or find the answers on the internet.  We also worked on familiarizing ourselves with the periodic table by answering questions using the periodic table we colored and the one in our agendas.  Both papers were due at the end of class.  All grading will also be completed over the weekend, so make sure you have everything in this week!

Periodic Table Activity

Video Questions

Periodic Table of Elements

Today in class we reviewed the Periodic Table of Elements and how to read it.  Groups are in columns, Periods are in rows.  We also discussed how to read each each box on the Periodic Table and how to identify atomic number, atomic mass (or weight), protons, electrons and neutrons.  All of those clues are on the periodic table paper I handed out today in class.  There is a video to watch on Brainpop.  You will need to sign in to view it.  User ID: rachaelkt  Password: Donorschoose

Below are the links to what we did:

Brainpop: Periodic Table of Elements

Periodic Table of Elements worksheet:  Please color like the Periodic Table in the back of your agenda
pg. R-7

Tomorrow:  If you are signed up for REMIND101, you get CANDY!

States of Matter

Ok, today I was out and totally forgot to post!  It's a little late.  I will also have to add a paper tomorrow when I'm back at school so check back for that.  Today in class we read about the states of matter and compared and contrasted them using a Venn Diagram. We then worked on a crossword after completing the reading worksheet.  Below are two of the three things needed for today's class. Also, if you haven't signed up for Remind101 yet, get that done! Treats Friday for those that have!  I have a page to the left that tells you how to sign up.

Reading Scienceasaurus 253-254

Scienceasaurus Reading worksheet

States of Matter Crossword

States of Matter Review

Today in class we reviewed the states of matter once again after viewing the following video: States of Matter we completed the following worksheet. Video Worksheet: States of Matter  We also finished up the vocabulary from yesterday which is located on yesterday's post.  

1st Quarter Winners for Science Student Of The Quarter

Every quarter I select 10 students who are performing well in class.  Each winner receives a Certificate of Awesomeness, candy and a $10.00 gift card to Noodles Express!  Congratulations on being AWESOME!

1st Period:  Devin Eckness, Josie Booth, Bayley Brennan

2nd Period:  Dakota Stevens, Alessio Lemmon

4th Period:  Bailey Massender

5th Period:  Chase Cripps, Ashley Ball

6th Period:  Shawn Hodgson, Caitlyn Streeter

Once again congratulations and thanks for working so hard!

Intro to Chemistry...

Today we reviewed the States of Matter.  Solids, liquids and gasses.  We viewed a Prezi over it, watched a Brainpop movie and then did some vocabulary.  All three things are available below.

Note:  If you need to view a Brainpop Video either for science or ANY subject feel free to use my userid and password!
userid: rachaelkt  password: donorschoose

States of Matter Prezi

BrainPop Video: States of Matter

Chemistry Vocabulary 11/4/13

Happy Halloween and Last Day of the Quarter

Congratulations on making through the 1st quarter of your 8th grade year.  Be safe tonight and this weekend and we will see you back next week when we will be starting on Chemistry.  Just a little chemistry to help understand Earth Science better.

IPad Funding Opportunity

Check the Funding Opportunity Link for more info!  Share the link with your friends via email and Facebook!  Any donations are TREMENDOUSLY appreciated!

Helicopter Lab and Conclusions

First of all, the students are doing amazing studying for their conclusion quizzes and getting A's!  Remember students will continue to take the conclusion quiz until they "master" it by getting an A.  I have all the review materials on my blog for students to access to study. 

For the rest of the week we will be designing paper "helicopters" - students will work in teams to design helicopters using 3x5 index cards.  On Thursday, students will enter their helicopters into four competitions - slowest descent, fastest descent, most accurate, and farthest lateral distance.

You can access the link to the lab paperwork by clicking here!

Conclusions...Labs and More

It's been a few days since I have posted.  I as well as a few colleagues were lucky enough to attend the NSTA conference in Portland thanks to the PTSA.  Today we finished up our gum lab and the data that went along with it.  We also took the conclusion quiz over for anyone with a B or below.  We are working towards mastery with the concept so students will continue to take the quiz all week or until mastery, whatever comes first.  This week, we have great review lessons using the scientific method and applying it to engineering helicopters.  On Thursday, anyone with a C or above will get to watch a movie and others will work on make-up work.  End of the quarter is Friday and NO SCHOOL FRIDAY!

QUIZ Review

Thursday there will be a quiz over Investigative Plans and Conclusion writing.  Below, you will find links to an example of each with the requirements for each.  You will need to know this by memory, no notes will be allowed for the quiz.  Study hard!  I will see you all on Monday.  Also, be prepared to take a conclusion quiz each day next week that will be different each time until you get an A.

Investigative Plan
Conclusion Writing-How To

Gummi Bear Results

So, we have completed the actual Gummi Bear Lab and have all this data.  What do we do with it?  We graph it!  We write conclusions with it!  Then, we can discuss it and any patterns we may have seen.  So, that's what we did today.  It is due by Wednesday if not completed in class.  Each student is responsible for a data table, an investigative plan, a conclusion and a graph each.  We are heading into our next lab which is the bubble gum lab!  Remember, I need gum for the class to make it a go!

All Gummi Bears Into the Pool

Today was the first day of the Gummi Bear Lab.  We had to measure the volume and mass of the gummi bears and then calculate density.  Then the gummi bears were placed in a cup of water for different amounts of time.  Once the given time has elapsed that each group decided upon, they will then calculate the density of the gummi bears again and see what change, if any there was for the gummi bears.

Gummi(y) Bear Lab Prep

Gummi Bears are here in Rm. 106 waiting to volunteer their efforts for the benefit of the student's learning!  Thank you gummi's.  So, today in class we wrote a procedure based on the investigative question:

How does the amount of time in water affect the gummy bear's density?

In order to do the lab, the procedure paper MUST be completed and accurate.  Without this, you will not perform the lab.  Homework was also assigned.  It is to write a conclusion based on the data given.  It is below along with a Investigative Plan paper if you need a copy.  

Homework Oct. 16

Investigative Plan-Blank

Tuesday!

Today, we worked on scoring each other's conclusions that were done as homework last night.  The homework and rubric samples are on yesterday's posting.  We will be moving to writing procedures for the Gummy Bear Lab tomorrow.  We will actually begin the lab on Thursday once our investigative plans are completed.

Scoring a Conclusion Using a Rubric

It's Monday! I don't think anyone would argue that fact today! So, in class today we learned how to score a conclusion based on a given rubric.  The thinking behind this is that it provides you with the complete understanding of what is expected of you when you write a conclusion.  It also allows you to provide specific feedback and/or receive that specific feedback in order for conclusion writing to improve overall.  When we write conclusions in my class, I expect that soon they will be close to perfect!  When I test you on them, you will continue to take the the quiz until you receive an A.  So, practice makes perfect!

Practice, practice, practice!
Conclusion class work/homework


Conclusion Rubric Sample

Quiz Review For Friday

What do you need to know for the quiz?

Be able to define the following:
Controlled variable
Dependent variable
Independent variable
Hypothesis

Be able to list the things needed in every procedure.
Be able to to find the independent and dependent variables in an investigative question.
Be able to write a hypothesis based on an investigative question.
Be able to write an investigative question based on a hypothesis.

All formats and information for this quiz is located in this blog!  You can also view the variables video on this blog as a good reminder.

Side note:  Orange and Black Day tomorrow!

Conclusions-A Written Summary of Your Data

Conclusion writing!  It's the best!  The purpose behind writing conclusions is to put all your data from your investigation into words.  When writing conclusions, we use a standard format in my class.  You will need to use this format every time!  You will be tested on it until you master the concept (you must get an A on the quiz for mastery).  We will discuss that part more later on down the road.

I have placed a link to the expectations of what a conclusion should look like as well as the homework for today.  The homework is due tomorrow!  Be prepared to write your own conclusion with the help of your half sheets only.

How To Write a Conclusion Half Sheet

Cut the following up and paste back down in proper order using the How to Write a Conclusion Half Sheet to complete.

Cut Paste Conclusion-Classwork

Conclusion Writing With Word Bank Homework


Questions?  Concerns?  Comment below.

Wood Density Lab-Day 2

Today we finished doing the Wood Density Lab.  Once completed, we graphed our data.  All paper work for the lab will be turned in together once we learn how to write a conclusion tomorrow.  The proper way to build a graph for data is below.  If you have any questions, you can comment below or ask me in class!

Wood Density Lab

           Today we went over how to complete a Scientific Investigative Plan properly.  All formatting issues and/or definitions are in parenthesis for your use.  We also learned how to fill out our data table in order to record our data accurately.  The first column of the data table is reserved for your independent variable and all the others are reserved for your dependent variables.  In today's and tomorrow's investigation we will be testing the question "How does the volume of the wood affect the density?"  once complete, we will graph our data and write conclusions based on them so stay tuned!  

Below is a link to the Investigative Plan used in class today and a link for the homework handed out.

* If you are struggling with variables, you can watch the Variables Song located to the left under the Videos tab.  

Data Table Blank

Wood Density Lab-Investigative Plan

Homework

Remind 101

Remind101

A valuable tool that you may be missing out on!  With this tool, you can receive messages about important things like 3 day weekends, homework reminders, quiz day reminders as well as links to web pages that may be a valuable resource to you in being successful.  If you are already signed up, then great!  If not, get your classmates to sign up!  Surprise for all signed up on Friday, October 11th!  Don't let your friends miss out on the surprise!  Instructions how to sign them up are located on the left toolbar of my blog under "Remind 101."  

Procedure Writing 101

     Today we practiced writing a procedure from an investigative question.  It was difficult for most and not perfected by many.  The key things to include are: gather materials, record data, multiple trials, independent variable, dependent variable, controlled variable, logical numbered steps.  You must test each value for your independent variable 3 times.  So, you would end up doing three different values for your independent value, thus 3 times 3 is 9 total trials.  

Below is an example of a procedure written correctly.  It is written from the investigative question:  How does the volume of the wood affect its density?

1. Gather materials.
2. Using a metric ruler, measure the volume of the small piece of Cherry wood. (cm3)
3. Record volume.
4. Using a digital scale, measure the mass of the small piece of Cherry wood. (g)
5. Record mass.
6. Calculate density.  (d=m/v)
7. Record data onto data table.
8. Repeat steps 2-7 two more times.
9. Repeat steps 2-8 with medium piece of Oak wood.

10. Repeat steps 2-8 with large piece of Bubinga wood.  

Procedure Writing

     Today we learned how to write procedures in class.  In order to write a procedure correctly, the following need to be included: independent variable, dependent variable, controlled variables, clear numbered steps, the phrase "record data", the phrase "gather materials", multiple trials.  That is it!

From this point on, we will be writing our very own procedures before we do labs.  Like anything, it's hard at first but with practice, it gets easier each time.

Below is a form in which to complete to write your own procedure.

October 1st classwork:

Procedure Writing Practice

Directv Funding Possibility!

Directv Funding Possibility!

Guys get on your Facebook accounts and SHARE the link to my project:
Mrs. Kettner's project link


Use the hashtag #DIRECTVGives  in your post and increase the chances that our project gets funded!

How to Write an Investigative Question

For anyone struggling with the format of how to write an investigative question in the proper format, here it is:

                        How does (independent variable) affect the (dependent variable)?

Remember the independent variable is what you would change, the dependent variable is what you measure.

Hypothesis Writing

     Today we learned to write hypotheses.  You can watch the Hypothesis Rap at the following link:Hypothesis Rap

     Hypotheses are scored solely based on format and that all key parts are included, not based on results of your data. The proper format would look like this:

If (independent variable) increases/decreases then (dependent variable) will increase/decrease/stay the same because (logical reason that supports your statement.


If you were absent, you can get your work that you missed here:
Forming a Hypothesis Worksheet

Grades!

Grades are up to date!  All papers turned in through Friday, September 27th are graded.  The only exceptions are no name papers which are left in the turn in folder waiting for their rightful owners to claim.  You can follow the link under Contact Us to check grades!  Also, you can subscribe to my blog and get notified when I have a new post!

Metric Quiz Review

Below is the review sheet for the metric quiz taken on Friday, September 27th

Review for Measurement Quiz

You must know the definitions of the following:  density, volume, mass, meniscus, water displacement, as well as the values of the metric prefixes.

Know the following formulas:  Formula for a rectangular prism, for a cylinder, for density.

You must be able to convert from one metric unit to another.

You must understand the concept of density.

You will need to be able to read a graduated cylinder accurately including the UNMARKED lines values (graduations)

You will need to be able to read a metric ruler accurately and convert.

You must be able to apply the formula for density.

Welcome to the blog!

So, I've been encouraged to do a blog!  I had some thoughts about starting a web page but I'm web page illiterate and too cheap to buy a domain name, etc.  I want to be able to make what we are doing in the classroom accessible to parents and students as well!  I'm excited to get started.  Stay tuned, it'll only get better!

Watch the video below and then complete the Variables Practice Worksheet below. 

From Wednesday in class: Variables Worksheet