Finishing The Chapter

Today we finished reading the chapter on Minerals. We learned about how minerals are used in our everyday lives.

We had a reading worksheet that we completed as we read.

Reading Worksheet A2.3

Into the Crystal Caves

In class we began watching the video about the Crystal Caves discovered in Mexico.  Students were to take note of the different scientists that are involved in the expedition as well as what were the scientists looking for in those HUGE crystals?!  Friday there is a quiz over the mineral chapter.  It is mostly vocabulary.  Friday is also the last day to turn in late/missing work.  The quarter ends next Tuesday.  Have I mentioned yet that there is an amazing event planned March 27th for 8th graders only?!  See you then at 4:30 next Thursday!  

Into The Crystal Caves

Properties of Minerals

In class today, we read about the properties of minerals and their reliability when it comes to identifying minerals.  Some properties such as how a rock breaks, the streak it leaves and hardness are very reliable.  Other properties such as color are very UNRELIABLE!  Remember, we have a quiz on Friday!

Homework was also assigned!!  Internet use will be needed!  It is due next Monday!

Mineral Mania

Minerals!

We started a new unit today!  We are going backwards in the book.  We are back in Unit A Chapter 2.1.  Our focus today was the four characteristics of a mineral:
              *formed in nature
              *definite chemical make-up
              *crystal structure
              *solid

After completing the reading, we worked on the worksheet below.

Mineral_2.1 worksheet

Test Tomorrow!

Today and yesterday we worked on determining the epicenter of earthquakes using triangulation.  The packet is below.  It isn't an easy concept so if you were gone, I suggest you look on Youtube for videos that discuss this to help you at home and when at school, ask ME!  Quiz tomorrow, study sheets were passed out today in class along with a Mercalli/Richter scale assignment.  I will have to post that in the morning, I forgot!
Epicenter Triangulation Worksheets

Earthquakes Review

It's a review day in class today.  We are reviewing earthquakes and will have a test on Friday! I expect people to study and do well on it so they get a great grade for the quarter.  Did you know there is only 10 days left in the quarter?  The questions are below for the Chapter review.

Expectations:  #1-4 define all words
                      #5-20 all
                      # 24
                      B 73 1-8
                      Short answer:  Describe how energy and density play a role in earthquakes.

Earthquakes Chapter Review

Megaquake: Cascadia

We decided to pull the plug on the Spaghetti project.  It was on life support and not looking good.  So, we have moved on in our lives.  Today we watched the video below and during the video, we were to cite evidence that supports the theory of megaquakes happening in the past as well as in the future.  

We do have an earthquakes quiz on Friday!

Megaquake Video