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Mini Unit 1 - What is Science? Days 1-2:
Classwork: Today in class the students learned about the difference between Observations and Predictions by working on the "Box of Mystery" Lab. In this lab, the students used some of their senses to make observations and collect data to try to determine what object(s) are in the Box of Mystery.
Days 1-2:
1. First, the students were introduced to 8th grade science.
2. Next, the students reviewed how to make an observation using their five senses.
3. Finally, the students used their observations to make a prediction.
Homework:
1. Complete "Box of Mystery" Lab by Monday.
2. Review and sign "8th Grade Science Syllabus".
Resources/Handouts:
Box of Mystery Notes Slides 3-8
Mini Unit 2 - Lab Safety
Classwork: The students learned how to safely work in a science lab.
Hand outs/Resources:
Lab Safety Notes Slides 1-30
Day 1:
1. First, the class discussed the locations and purposes of safety and emergency equipment found in the science lab.
2. Second, the class reviewed the Do's and Don'ts in a science lab.
3. Next, the students watched the "Improper Lab Techniques" video and observed Mr. Hildebrand conducting an experiment while breaking several safety rules. The class discussed what rules were broken after the video ended.
4. Mr. Hildebrand then performed various demonstrations illustrating the importance of lab safety.
Day 2:
5. Then, the students reviewed a list of safety rules, and made a "Top Ten" list of the most important safety rules that must be followed while working in a science lab.
6. Finally, the students took the Lab Safety Quiz and signed the Lab Safety Contract.
Mini Unit 3 - Scientific Method
Classwork: In class, the students learned how the Scientific Method can be used to solve problems.
Day 1
First, the class brainstormed what the scientific method is and what steps there are.
Next, the class reviewed how to set up a controlled experiment focusing on variables, multiple trials, and how to make a data table.
Finally, the students looked at the Designing an Experiment Rubric which will be used throughout the year.
Homework:
Writing an Experiment 1
Handouts/Resources:
Scientific Method Notes Slides 1-4
Day 2
First, the class reviewed the three types of variables in an experiment including independent, dependent, and controlled variables.
As a class, the students discussed how to solve a simple problem: "Does the height an object is dropped from affect the speed in which it falls?"
Homework:
Writing an Experiment 2
Handouts/Resources:
Scientific Method Notes Slides 5-7
Day 3
Teacher reviewed how to write an experiment using the six steps of the scientific method. Teacher focused discussion on the difference between variables and how to correctly set up a data table.
Teacher will lead a class discussion on determining if temperature affects how many seeds germinate and use Seed Germination Gizmo to collect data and form a conclusion. Students will record the data that they collect on Seed Germination Gizmo Experiment.
Students will extend the experiment and test if sunlight affects how many seeds germinate and use Seed Germination Gizmo to collect data and form a conclusion. Students will record the data that they collect on Seed Germination Gizmo Experiment.
Homework:
Writing an Experiment 3
Handouts/Resources:
Scientific Method Notes Slides 8 and 3
Day 4
Students will extend the Seed Germination experiment again and test if the amount of water affects how many seeds germinate and use Seed Germination Gizmo to collect data and form a conclusion. Students will record the data that they collect on their lab paper.
Homework:
Writing an Experiment 4
Handouts/Resources:
Scientific Method Notes Slides 8 and 3
Day 5
The students completed the "Swing Time" Lab where they determined if the complete swing of a pendulum is the same for bobs of a different length. The students followed a procedure, collected data and formed a conclusion.
Homework:
Finish Swing Time Lab (data analysis and conclusion).
ABSENT: Use this Swing Time Lab Video to complete the assignment.
Handouts/Resources:
Scientific Method Notes Slides 9 and 3
Day 6:
The students worked on the "Swing Time" Lab Extension where they determined if the complete swing of a pendulum is the same for bobs of a different weight. The students wrote their own procedure, collected data with their lab team and formed a conclusion.
Homework:
Complete "Swing Time Lab Extension" assignment.
ABSENT: Pendulum Simulation: (Click Use this simulation to explore pendulums using a photogate timer to measure the time for one complete swing. You can change the weight but keep everything else the same, you can change the length but keep everything else the same or you can try changing something else and learning more about pendulums. After clicking the Pendulum Simulation link, select on the Intro icon to load the simulation.
Watch the "Swing Time Lab" Video below.
Handouts/Resources:
Scientific Method Notes Slides 9 and 3
Foundations of Science Quiz will cover:
-Observations and Predictions
-Scientific Method
-Can you identify Independent, Dependent and Controlled Variables?
-Can you write a step by step procedure using variables, multiple trials and averaging?
-Can you find errors in an experimental procedure?
-Can you average data, compare the results and form a conclusion?
Mini Unit 4 - Measurement
The students learned how to convert between metric units and how to accurately measure using metric units.
Resources:
Measuring Activity Data Tables.docx
Day 1:
The students took the Foundations of Science Quiz.
2. First the students compared metric units.
3. Next, the students converted between metric units. For example, 55 centimeters is equal to how many meters?
Homework:
1. Complete "Metric Conversions" assignment.
Handouts/Resources:
Measuring Notes Slides 3-9
Day 2:
1. First, the students learned how to accurately measure time using a stopwatch.
2. Next, the students used a stopwatch to measure various times by completing the Measuring Activities chart. The students measured the various times using different tools for measuring time (stopwatch, photogate timer).
Homework:
1. Complete "Measuring Time" assignment.
Handouts/Resources:
Measuring Notes Slides 10-21
Day 3:
1. First, the students learned how to accurately measure distance using rulers, meter sticks, tape measures, calipers and a trundle wheel.
2. Next, the students worked on the Measuring Activities chart and measured the length of three different objects using three different tools.
Homework:
1. Complete "Measuring Distance' assignment.
Handouts/Resources:
Measuring Notes Slides 10,11 and 22-35
Day 4:
1. First, the students were introduced to the three main temperature scales (Fahrenheit, Celsius and Kelvin).
2. Next, the students learned how to determine the scale on a thermometer.
3. Finally, the students learned how to accurately measure temperature using a thermometer. They worked on the Measuring Activities chart and used two thermometers to measure the temperature of hot, cold and room temperature water.
Homework:
1. Complete "Measuring Temperature"assignment.
Handouts/Resources:
Measuring Notes Slides 10,11 and 36-48
Day 5:
1. First, the students learned what mass is and what tools are used to measure mass.
2. Next, the students learned how to accurately measure the mass of an object using a triple beam balance, a digital balance and an equal arm balance.
3. Finally, the students worked on the Measuring Activities chart and measured the mass of three objects (a cube, a cylinder and a sphere) using different tools for measuring mass (triple beam balance, digital balance).
Homework:
1. Foundations of Science Test is TBD.
2. Complete "Measuring Mass" assignment.
Handouts/Resources:
Measuring Notes Slides 10,11 and 49-59
Day 6:
1. First, the students defined volume including units and tools used to measure volume.
2. Next, the students learned how to accurately measure the volume of an object using math formulas.
3. Finally, the students worked on the Measuring Activities chart and used ruler and/or calipers and the math formulas to measure the volume of three objects (a cube, a cylinder and a sphere).
Homework:
1. Complete "Measuring Volume using Math" assignment.
2. Foundations of Science Test.
Handouts/Resources:
Measuring Notes Slides 10,11 and 60-71
Day 7:
1. First, the students learned how to accurately measure the volume of liquid in a graduated cylinder.
2. Next, the students learned how to find the volume of an objects using displacement.
3. Finally, the students worked on the Measuring Activities chart and used graduated cylinders to determine the volume of three objects (a cube, a cylinder and a sphere).
Homework:
1. Complete "Measuring Volume using Displacement" assignment.
2. Foundations of Science Test.
Handouts/Resources:
Measuring Notes Slides 10,11 and 72-84
Foundations of Science Test
To prepare for the test you can:
-Review your notes, labs, homework and quiz.
-Review websites, simulations and videos posted on the website.
-Review the Foundations of Science Test Study Guide
-Play the Review Games below:
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