Laguna’s Lessons

Today we had a discussion in class about digital citizenship.  We will be using wikis in the classroom and I want the students to be sure that they understand their responsibilities as members of a global community.  We are trying to make a positive contribution  and so need to be aware of issues of respect, responsibility and safety that come with uploading material on the internet.  These students really impressed me with their discussion.  They have already begun making a positive difference by creating a daily podcast to help the absent students, creating podcasts that teach the concepts we are learning, and adding their ideas and the things they learn on their wiki pages. 

We will try to be aware of our “digital footprints” as we work this year and we will try to blaze a path as leaders who set the rules rather than followers who simply adhere to the rules laid down in the past.  I’m excited about the creative energy that my students are bringing to our science class this year!

This week we are working on learning metric measurement.  Why does it matter how we measure?  Well, it wasn’t until someone began making very precise measurements that scientists learned about the conservation of mass in a chemical reaction.  Antoine Lavoisier was able to measure the oxygen gas produced in Joseph Priestly’s famous experiment and revealed an important secret of chemistry – matter isn’t created or destroyed in a chemical reaction…it simply changes from one form into another.  You may be surprised to find out that when we make precise measurements as part of our observations some very interesting questions can arise!  One lab group saw today that 50 mL of one liquid added to 50 mL of another liquid resulted in a total volume of only 98 mL.  If you have an inference about these observations you can share it by commenting on our blog!

The lab this week was a real team effort.  Period 1 class introduced us to the “crime”, period 2 began making observations, and period 3 recorded a heating curve of the “mystery drink” that sent poor Cody (only acting) to the hospital!  Today, period 1 identified the poison as Isopropyl Alcohol, period 2 used fractional distillation to isolate the compound, and period 4 put the rest of the pieces together by testing the density and flammability of the liquid.  Everyone collaborated on the movie that documents our project.  We had the help of directors, script writers, narrators, artists, technicians, computer helpers, and even the music specialist!  Watch the movie here!

 What science did we put to use for this project?  Let’s hear what you learned…

I have an assignment for you to complete on your own.  You can do this assignment from school computers or at home if you have a computer at home.  It will take about 15 minutes to complete.  Your task is to learn about a career in science called a Conservation Biologist.  While you read you need to find the answers to some questions I have posted below and answer one by adding to the discussion on the wiki.  Here is the link to the article!  Click on the arrows to move through the website.  And here are the questions…you should pick one or two that interest  you and comment in detail on those.  Post your answers on our wiki by clicking this link. 

1.  What did you find interesting or surprising about Eleanor’s education or her experiences with her education?

2.  What types of responsibilities does Eleanor’s job involve?

3.  What aspects of the job of Conservation Biologist would you find most appealing and why?

4.  What challenges has Eleanor had to face in her work?

5.  What do you hope to remember about Eleanor and her job after reading the article?

The Transition Metals were the biggest family at the social as you can see in this Family Photo! 

What a great time!  We mingled with the Metalloids and hobnobbed with the Noble Gases!  We made compounds and crowned the King and Queen Element.  Sometimes we learn best when we create something silly and fun.  I hope all the students will remember how individual and unique each element is.  I think it is amazing that all that variety stems from simply varying the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in the atoms.    Nice work on the poster projects and great participation!  Everyone did a fantastic job!

Let’s try something new…a lab you do at home.  This one doesn’t require you buy anything, just that you exercise your curiosity and inquiry skills. 

Step 1:  Read the lab found at this link.

Step 2:  Make observations as you try the lab and list them in your lab notebook (write the date and use the lab notebook skills you have learned this year.)

Step 3:  Ask your own question to further your understanding of what is happening in the experiment.  Your question should be in the form:  “How will changing the independent variable, _________________ ,affect the dependent variable, ______________?”

Step 4:  Write your procedure and conduct the experiment.  Be sure to record the data in a data table.

Step 5:  Write a conclusion for the experiment.  Follow all the guidelines for writing a lab report. 

Due Date – Let’s make this lab due on Monday, March 16th.  Tell us how it is going or share your research questions by commenting to this post.  It would be great if you could take pictures of your experiment for your lab report.  I’m looking forward to seeing what you learn!

My savvy students feel right at home with Algebra.  They love Algebra so much that they started emailing me pictures from home that showed the concept of linear equations in their stair cases, a decorative plate, a tire iron, and even in a mounted deer. 

Ok, in actuality the students were taking part in a photo contest.  Their submissions were required to depict linear equations in common places at home.  If you’re not sure what linear equations are, you can read the notes that the students added to their pictures.  The winner will be announced later in the week.  I entered the contest myself so I cannot be a judge!  View the pictures and come back here to comment on your favorites!

The energy projects are in and wow…I have to say I’m impressed.  Everyone thought my ban on all premade graphics was too extreme but Team 8 Blue came through with the most amazing homemade graphics I’ve ever seen!   I hope you can visit our wiki and view some of these projects.  Such a great assortment!  Now…I hope you’re happy with how your project turned out.  I am!

This picure was intended to make the students laugh but the motto of our school in the background is an important reminder.  How can we use what we learn at school to serve our community? 

I attended a webinar today.  The speaker encouraged the teachers in our group to take students beyond the curriculum.  She said that we should help the students to apply what they are learning in a way that makes a difference in the real world.  Wow.  I’m not sure how to do that! 

Right now we are studying alternative energy resources.  How could we apply what we are learning and really make a difference?  Let’s brainstorm some ideas…

View our Heat Technology Projects

The heat technology presentations were very impressive.  While the students were given some choices, they designed projects that were original and innovative.  Students made their own computer graphics or used their artistic skill to draw intricate diagrams.  They made podcasts, movies, Power Points, and cartoons.  We were able to share projects across the class periods and we were able to appreciate the unique differences between our projects. 

What types of projects do you prefer making?  What types of projects do you prefer watching?  I would like us to try to make our projects more interactive.  Any ideas how to make a project that the viewer interacts with?  Share your ideas!