Accelerated+Science+-+Grade+7

Welcome!

This page contains information about important things, such as notes, spreadsheet examples, web guides, and some general notes about class that I share. These entries will help students and parents follow what's happening in Physical Science so they can discuss assignments with students and ask them about their progress on particular projects and so on.

If you have questions or concerns, you can e-mail me at kramerd@arcadia.k12.wi.us.

Welcome back to school! In the first few days of class, we will be covering needed materials and classroom expectations.
 * 9-2 Wed **

First of all, items that will be needed for class are:
 * Pens and pencils
 * Loose-leaf paper (or notebook)
 * A ruler, preferably with metric measurements included.
 * A small pack (6-8) colored pencils or markers.
 * __Scientific__ calculator. This does NOT need to be a graphing calculator, but it needs to have exponent functions on it.
 * **Sturdy** pocket folder to house your lab papers, handouts and so on.
 * USB (Flash/Jump/Thumb/etc.) drive - 2 GB minimum



I will elaborate on classroom expectations in class as well.

Lab Safety Word version Lab Safety

Grading Scale (Google version)

Word version

Review classroom procedures and policies - tracker/planner Run a fire drill with students recording observations during the drill

Please go Quia web site and self-enroll in my Physical Science class using the code given by the teacher. Then do the survey titled "My Story".


 * 9-4 Fri **
 * **Focus for today - "Observing"**
 * Activities
 * Start a Google doc titled as: 6 AccelSci7Log-LastnameFirstname
 * Share the doc with me and allow me to comment, but **PLEASE MAKE SURE THE BOX TO NOTIFY OR E-MAIL ME IS __NOT__ CHECKED!** I do NOT need to be notified by e-mail!
 * ** Assignment **
 * ** In your log **
 * ** 1) Describe what we did in class today and the most significant thing you learned **
 * ** 2) Describe when a good observation made a difference in your life. **
 * **3) Explain the difference between qualitative and quantitative observations**
 * **4) Write 3 qualitative observations and 3 quantitative observations.**
 * *Please start dating your entries on your log. **

Review what it means to "observe" Discuss what it means to "infer" View the following video on observing and inferring media type="youtube" key="fBlR7taW9jk" width="560" height="315"
 * 9-8 Tue **

Finish working with the inference disks Discuss why we are doing the inference disk lab Explain the final part of the lab Do the final part of the Inference Disk Lab
 * 9-9 Wed**

Announcements Check the Inference Disk Lab results Explain “Estimate and Measure Lab” Start the Estimate and Measure Lab
 * 9-8 Tue **
 * Make sure all assignments are getting done and the Google docs are titled as requested (see the kramerscience1 wiki page) and shared with me to comment on them
 * Focus for today: **
 * ** Estimate **
 * Intro exercise - dots
 * ** What is estimating? **
 * ** Measure **
 * **What is measuring?**
 * **What are standard units and why is it important to have them?**

Work on Estimate-Measure Lab spreadsheet. Here is a [|spreadsheet sample] for you to follow. Then link your spreadsheet in your log document.
 * 9-14 Mon **

Football Throws activity outside today Keep the gather data to use tomorrow
 * 9-15 Tue **

IMPORTANT! Please do not add your comments to MY sample document! Google has apparently made some changes that seems to be messing up our spreadsheet procedures and until we get the problem solved, make sure you start with a NEW spreadsheet and DO NOT alter MY sample! Thank you.
 * 9-17 Thu **


 * Focus for Today **
 * You will create a spreadsheet from your football throws data.
 * Here is the Football Throws Lab sample spreadsheet PLEASE READ the important note above and make sure you create AND work on YOUR OWN NEW SPREADSHEET! Do not alter my sample.
 * Share it with me, allow me to comment and link it into your log page
 * Does your spreadsheet containing all data, and the two required graphs?
 * Did you answer the analysis items in a comment below the graphs, similar to how I posted the questions?
 * Is your spreadsheet titled **__HrFBThrows15-LastnameFirstname__**?
 * Did you share your spreadsheet (ss) with me allowing me to comment?
 * Did you put a link to it in your log?
 * Check out the Process Skills Word Wall activity on Quia


 * 9-18 Fri**
 * Focus for Today - Graphing**
 * Discuss graphing notes given out yesterday.
 * July Temps class activity
 * Set up of graph and questions
 * Hand out graph paper
 * Model graph structure


 * Assignment:**
 * **Complete the July Temps graph and answer the analysis questions - Due Monday**t
 * July Temps graphing activity – Create a double-line graph (1 line for highs and 1 line for lows) using the temperatures that were compiled in class. The graph should have the dates on the X-axis (bottom) and the temperatures on the Y-axis (left side). You will have data missing for 7-5 and 7-10, but should fill in the missing line segments according to the pattern you see. The graph should show all the elements of a good graph. Answer the questions about the information on the graph. Everything should be on one side of the paper.

Here is the classroom data and related questions for the July Temps assignment in case you missed it July Temp Assignment __Date__ __High__ __Low__ 1-Jul 95 78 2-Jul 92 78 3-Jul 98 81 4-Jul 103 86 5-Jul ? ? 6-Jul 106 85 7-Jul 99 81 8-Jul 95 78 9-Jul 92 77 10-Jul ? ? 11-Jul 84 68 12-Jul 81 67 13-Jul 82 67 14-Jul 80 65 15-Jul 78 62

Questions: __Answer these ON THE FRONT OF YOUR GRAPH!__ 1. What is the high for 7-5? 2. What is the low for 7-5? 3. What is the high for 7-10? 4. What is the low for 7-10? 5. What is the average high for 7-1 through 7-15? 6. What is the average low for 7-1 through 7-15?


 * 9-22 Tue**
 * Focus for Today - Hypothesizing - What does it mean to "hypothesize"**
 * Practice some quick and simple application of forming a hypothesis using the "lamp activity"

__Announcements__
 * 9-23 Wed**
 * Use the Word Wall on Quia
 * Study the scientific method resources below to set the stage for your scientific investigation.
 * Here are a couple of versions of the additional info on scientific method that may be helpful to you
 * [[file:Scientific Method Overview.docx]]
 * Here is the Google version. [|Scientific Method Overview]
 * Focus for Today**
 * Brief classifying activity
 * Think of a fun experiment you could do as a group. The experiment should be something that can be done in class within the span of a 3 days or less. ALSO, your data must be quantifiable (measured with numbers) and be capable of being graphed and analyzed
 * **Check your basic idea of your investigation with the teacher before you start writing your procedure!**
 * ** Define your question or problem and state why you chose this investigation **
 * ** List your experimental factors (variables) – independent, dependent and constants **
 * **State your hypothesis**
 * **Write a detailed, step-by-step procedure for your investigation**
 * **Make arrangements within your group as to how you will get the needed materials for your investigation. They must be here to start as soon as your procedure gets approved!**
 * Here is a graphic we discussed in class. It is about setting up a good scientific investigation and controlling variables
 * [|Red Light v Blue Light?]
 * Check out the following document for possible ideas: Scientific Investigation Possibilities

*** THIS WEEKEND** *FULL LUNAR ECLIPSE OF A SUPER MOON SUNDAY NIGHT!*
 * 9-24 Thu**
 * Review the Red Light v Blue Light scenario
 * Discuss controlling variables
 * Independent variable
 * Dependent variable
 * Constants
 * In groups, discuss what the group would like to do as a scientific investigation
 * Determine independent variable
 * Determine dependent variable
 * Determine constants
 * This Sunday evening, there will be a full lunar eclipse of a super moon. A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes through the Earth's shadow (opposite side from the sun). It is called a super moon because the the full moon sometimes occurs at a time when the moon is closest to earth in its orbit around the Earth and both the size and brightness of the moon are greater than usual. Even though the moon is in Earth's shadow during a lunar eclipse, the moon does not go completely dark nor disappear, but has a dark orange or crimson (dark red) color to it. **
 * Although you probably won't watch the entire process as it takes hours, i t is neat to see the eclipse from the start until the moon is completely in Earth's shadow, or to see it go from completely shadowed back to the bright moon again. The eclipse is supposed to occur between 7PM and midnight Sunday night. FOR OUR AREA, IT IS SUPPOSED TO START AT APPROXIMATELY 8 PM. You can see much more about this event at the link for earthsky.org. There are a few interesting things about the eclipse right at the top of the Earthsky page. Enjoy! **
 * if you see this, please spread the word to as many classmates as possible. Thank you.


 * 9-28 Mon**
 * Announcement**
 * Check out the Process Skills Word Wall activity on Quia
 * Focus for Today - Your scientific investigation**
 * Decide on an investigation and address the following items regarding your investigation. This should all be in place by the end of class today!
 * **Check your basic idea of your investigation with the teacher before you start writing your procedure!**
 * ** Define your question or problem and state why you chose this investigation **
 * ** List your experimental factors (variables) – independent, dependent and constants **
 * **State your hypothesis**
 * **Write a detailed, step-by-step procedure for your investigation**
 * **Make arrangements within your group as to how you will get the needed materials for your investigation. They must be here to start as soon as your procedure gets approved!**
 * Discuss storing lab item in class
 * Make sure they are secure - out of the way, not leaking, etc
 * Make sure items are labeled and identified
 * Get started!

**10-2 Fri**
 * Focus for Today **
 * Today we will focus on that newsworthy topic: Hurricane Joaquin is raging at Category 4 level!
 * Here is a little news article on it with some video - [|News on Joaquin]
 * Here is a very educational page plump full of lots of interesting information [|Hurricane Info Page]
 * Create a Google doc and share it with me as __//Hr//**HurricaneJoaquin**-//LastnameFirstname//__
 * **List at least 10 important/interesting things** about hurricane Joaquin and/or hurricanes in general that are meaningful to you. These can be driven by questions that pop into your mind as you hear and read about it. **Number each question/item**, make a **key statement for each** and then **add supporting information** to your key statement **IN YOUR OWN WORDS**! Feel free to add or paste in some pics that enhance your information. PLEASE UNDERSTAND that this means I want some **information with depth**! Just mere shallow facts with get you NO credit. This is an open-ended activity with the intent of making you more aware of a science-related topic in the news and letting YOU determine what is interesting about it and what YOU think you can remember from this event as well as some things that will stick with you and help you understand more about hurricanes in future events.

__**Anouncements:**__ __** Focus for Today **__ Continue working on your scientific investigation experiment.
 * 10-5 Mon**
 * I have already read all the survey responses submitted from last week. Thank you for doing that! Please complete the survey that was posted above on 10-1 Thu if you have NOT already done so.
 * The Hurricane Joaquin assignment should be completed by the end of tomorrow (Tuesday) and shared with me titled as mentioned in last Friday's post. Remember that this should be in YOUR words, not a bunch of copying and pasting - that will get you no credit.
 * Use the review tools I provide for you on Quia
 * [|Word Wall - Science Process Skills and Scientific Method] This is a good review tool for terms/definitions and concepts/descriptions
 * Science Process Method Riches This is a game like jeopardy
 * Science Process/Method Review- This is like testing yourself on material covered in class. //If you need to interrupt your review, you simply click "End Quiz" and then you will have the option to "Save for Later". This will allow you to come back in later and answer any questions you did not answer previously. This review is also set to give you feedback and let you know when you get an answer incorrect, so you have a sense of what you need to focus on. You can take the review up to 3 times.//
 * Keep up with your knowledge of spreadsheets - setting up a table, writing a calculation formula using cell references (addresses), and graphing the data. It would be wise to look back at your spreadsheets for a refresher on these things. Ask questions about anything you are not sure about.

Continue working on your Scientific Investigation spreadsheets and reports Clean up any materials from your scientific investigations and your work area! Scientific Investigation spreadsheets will be a part of your report and should include:
 * 10-12 Mon **
 * o A list of all group members in the spreadsheet
 * o A table for your data __DO NOT PUT UNITS IN THE SAME CELLS WITH YOUR DATA NUMBERS! It will not let you graph or write a calculation formula!__
 * o A graph generated from your data
 * The name of this spreadsheet activity is **SciInvSS15**

Finally, each group will need to generate a __Scientific Investigation Report__ * After conducting your investigation that employed scientific method of problem solving, you will write and hand in a detailed report of your investigation. The report should be done collaboratively on a Google document. Your group will need to:
 * Create a __SciInv15__ document
 * Share it among all group members so each person can edit
 * Share it with me so I can comment on it.
 * The goal in doing this is for everyone to be involved in doing their own parts to create and produce a high quality report (collaborate).

The **__Scientific Investigation Repor__t** should have all of the following parts included and clearly labeled in order.
 * ** __ Part 1 __ **
 * A) Define your __ question or problem __ and state why you chose this investigation.
 * B) State your __hypothesis__.
 * C) List and describe your experimental variables – __independen__t, __dependent__ and __constants__. Make sure your report clearly states how you controlled these variables.
 * ** __ Part 2 - __ ** Describe any problems or modifications that you had during the course of your investigation.
 * __** Part 3 - **__ Write a **__detailed, step-by-step__ (Step 1, Step 2, Step 3…)** procedure that would allow anyone who reads it to properly conduct your experiment. This procedure should be the “final procedure” that implements any modifications you had to make during your investigation to deal with problems along the way.
 * __** Part 4 - **__** Set up a one-page spreadsheet ** with **at least one table** and **one graph** that shows your data. Write **at least one calculation formula** that fits what you did with your data. More than one table and/or graph may be needed to properly represent your data and it may make your report look more impressive as well, however, make sure the spreadsheet is only one page. The choice of graph should also appropriately represent the data. Title your document as //Hr//**SciInvSS15**-//LastnameFirstname// and share it with me on Google. __** PART 4 SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE A WRITTEN SUMMARY OF YOUR FINDINGS THAT REFERS TO YOUR DATA AND IS BASED ON YOUR DATA. Include a link in your document that will take me to your spreadsheet. **__
 * __** Part 5 - **__ State your conclusion in terms of whether your **hypothesis** is **valid** or **invalid** __AND how your data supports your claim__. Hand in any notes with raw data with your name of them and be prepared to answer any questions the teacher may have regarding your investigation. If the teacher asks anyone in the group a specific question and it cannot be answered, it may result in a point reduction!
 * **__Part 6__ -** State each of the following as they pertained to your scientific investigation and clearly list and label them.
 * one direct relationship
 * one inverse relationship
 * Some qualitative observations and some quantitative observations - label them
 * ** Describe one correlation and one causation within your investigation **

** To complete this Scientific Investigation project, you should meet all of the following requirements: **
 * Have a **Google word document** with a title **//Hr//SciInv15-//LastnameFirstname//**
 * Have all group names and your hour on top of the first page of the report
 * Have all report parts (and subparts) present and clearly labeled in your document. The person who wrote a given portion should have his/her name at the beginning of that portion
 * Have a **Google spreadsheet** with at least 1 table, 1 graph and 1 calculation formula (using cell addresses) in it. It should be shared as **//Hr//SciInvSS15-//LastnameFirstname and linked in your report!//**
 * Share the final Google document with the teacher and allow the teacher to "Comment" on it

Here is a nice video that helps to understand how to convert using the metric scale media type="custom" key="27959087"
 * 10-26 Mon**

__**Focus for Today - Introduction to Mass and Weight**__ media type="custom" key="28040463" Here is a NASA video: [|Mass v Weight aboard the International Space Station (ISS)]
 * 11-18 Wed**
 * Check and discuss the Temperature Scales conversions worksheet.
 * Read the Mass and Weight notes below
 * [[file:mass n weight notes.pdf]] Word version
 * Mass v Weight Notes - Google
 * View the ppt to prepare
 * To get ready for our next lab, answer the questions given out in class for Wednesday.
 * Here are a couple more resources to add to our notes and discussion

__**Announcement**__ Make sure your Vector Airtrip is completed and handed in.
 * 12-8 Tue**

__**Today**__ Demo how to add vectors using the site link below. Vector Addition Grid

Try using the vector addition grid link above to add the following vectors and record your answer in your notebook to see if you arrive at the correct resultant vector. I will give the answer(s) later. Add the following vectors: **35 N, 42.4 SE, 20 N, 13 E, 25 S, 43.8 NW, 21.25 SW, 42 E, 16 S** You can try another one if you want: **10 E, 20 N, 21.2 SE, 28.3 NE, 14.1 NW, 20 W, 14.1 SW, 7.1 NW**
 * __Assignment__**
 * IMPORTANT:**
 * **Start your first vector with the tail at the X-Y intersection.**
 * **Watch out for the 45 degree NE, SE, NW, SW angles! When doing those, the Rx and Ry component values should be the same magnitude and do not be concerned whether they are (+) or (-). The plain R value is the magnitude of your arrow.**
 * **To get the resultant vector in the end, you must add a new vector that goes from the origin to the tip of the last vector given to add.**

**1-6 Wed**
__**Focus for Today - Intro to energy**__
 * Go to the following sites and answer the following questions in your notebook.
 * Energy Basics 1
 * Energy Basics 2
 * Energy Basics 3


 * 1) Where did the term "energy" come from?
 * 2) How is energy defined?
 * 3) What is potential energy?
 * 4) What is kinetic energy?
 * 5) Give an example of how they might be related?
 * 6) List and describe other forms of energy.
 * 7) What happens when energy is transformed?
 * 8) What is ,meant by "conservation of energy"?
 * 9) What is meant when it is said that energy is "wasted" as it gets used?

*FOUR new elements have been officially added to the periodic table. Read more about it [|here]


 * 1-8 Fri **

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 * 1-11 Mon**
 * Hand out notes on potential energy and kinetic energy
 * Discuss potential and kinetic energy using the bowling ball pendulum

Discuss the PE and KE problems from Monday
 * 1-12 Tue**

Hand out and discuss the Speed, Velocity and Momentum Lab
 * 1-13 Wed**


 * 1-14 Thu**
 * Continue with the Speed, Velocity and Momentum Lab

[|Semester Test]

When done with test, view the following video to get ready for next week. Be able to discuss what "frame of reference" is and what it means when we say "motion is relative". media type="custom" key="28194899" Use this link if the embedded video above does not work [|Frame of Reference Video] media type="custom" key="28194901"
 * 1-15 Fri**

View the following videos to add to our class discussions media type="custom" key="28203063" media type="custom" key="28203069"
 * 1-22 Fri**

After viewing the last few videos that are posted, be ready to discuss the following:
 * 1) What is frame of reference?
 * 2) What does it mean when it is said "motion is relative"
 * 3) How is speed calculated?
 * 4) What is velocity
 * 5) How is momentum calculated?
 * 6) What is acceleration?
 * 7) What is required for any acceleration of an object to occur?

Explain and start the Acceleration Lab
 * 1-25 Mon**

MS gone today
 * 1-26 Tue**

Continue the Acceleration Lab
 * 1-27 Wed**

Complete the trials for the Acceleration Lab. If time permits, start discussing the spreadsheet for the lab. [|Acceleration Lab Spreadsheet Sample]
 * 1-28 Thu**


 * 2-2 Tue Snow Day!**
 * 2-3 Wed - Snow Day!**

Acceleration Lab Questions: (Remember to enter "Question 1, Question 2, etc in the cells with the answers to each as a comment.) 1. Which ball showed the greatest speed in a given second and where was it? 2. Which ball showed the greatest acceleration and where was it? 3. Which ball showed the least acceleration and where was it?
 * 2-4 Thu**

To get ready for next time, watch the following videos and read the notes on Newton's Laws
 * media type="custom" key="28247983"
 * media type="custom" key="28247985"

2-29 Mon
Make sure your spreadsheets are completed and shared with me!

**3-8 Tue**

 * We will have a pop test tomorrow on all the motion stuff thus far! This will be on speed, velocity, acceleration, PE, KE, momentum, centripetal acceleration, centripetal force, and Newton's laws. Know how to use the appropriate equations to solve problems such as calculating speed, acceleration, etc and know the corresponding units
 * Introduce the [|Projectile Simulation] and explore the changes in the path of a projectile when variables are manipulated. We will discuss it more tomorrow before the activity begins.

Motion Test today!
 * 3-9 Wed **

Complete the Motion test today. Watch the following videos and take notes on the people involved and what their majors ideas and contributions were to human understanding of the order of the solar system. What was the position of the earth and sun in their views? What is a geocentric system versus a heliocentric system? How many planets did they know of in their time? media type="custom" key="28346091" media type="custom" key="28346093" media type="custom" key="28346097" media type="custom" key="28346101" media type="custom" key="28346103"
 * 3-10 Thu **

[|Projectile Simulation]
 * 3-16 Tue**

When the projectile simulation trials are done, write a short paper that addresses the following; Your paper should be well-organized and the items above should be addressed and integrated into a well organized paper that analyzes the results of your data from the simulation.
 * 3-21 Mon**
 * 1) How did the flights of the baseball and bowling ball compare with no air friction?
 * 2) How does gravity affect objects of different masses?
 * 3) How did the flights of the baseball and bowling ball compare with air friction?
 * 4) Which one the two objects flew through air friction more like it did without friction? Why do you think that was?
 * 5) Describe what happened to the SHAPE of the trajectory as air friction affected the object's flight more.
 * 6) How does mass seem to influence the flight of a projectile when air friction is present?
 * 7) What is the optimum angle of launch to achieve maximum distance if only gravity is acting on it?
 * 8) What is the optimum angle of launch to achieve maximum distance if air friction is present?

Use the following resources to learn about physical and chemical properties. Feel free to Google them as well. media type="custom" key="28380083" media type="custom" key="28380085" media type="custom" key="28380087" media type="custom" key="28380091"
 * 3-23 Wed**

**4-5 Tue**
Read the states of states of matter notes given in class and then watch the following.

media type="youtube" key="21CR01rlmv4" height="510" width="854"

Read the Pressure notes and then watch the following videos media type="youtube" key="xJHJsA7bYGc" height="510" width="854" media type="youtube" key="JsoE4F2Pb20" height="510" width="854"

**4-26 Tue**
__**New Assignment**__ - This is not due at this time [|30 Years After Chernobyl] [|Sealing Chernobyl] [|A Ghost City] media type="youtube" key="VvH7BRubFIg" height="480" width="854" media type="youtube" key="QoyZ3iW2AKs" height="480" width="854" media type="youtube" key="TG-nwQBBfmc" height="480" width="854"
 * Today marks the 30th anniversary of the worst nuclear power plant disaster in history - April 26, 1986. To learn about it, read the articles and watch the videos posted below. Then do the following assignment.
 * On your own paper, hand-write a well-organized paper that addresses the following:
 * 1) What did you know about Chernobyl before today?
 * 2) Explain how extensive the damage from the incident was?
 * 3) What did you find to be the most interesting or surprising aspects from the articles and videos?
 * 4) Briefly compare/contrast the Chernobyl and the Three Mile Island events.
 * 5) What are some questions you have about nuclear power or its use?

media type="youtube" key="eGI7VymjSho" height="480" width="854"
 * And... here is some background on our own U.S. Three Mile Island incident**
 * [[file:Three Mile Island Article.docx]]
 * Google version - [|Google version of Three Mile Island]

media type="youtube" key="_0P9S4F4KpQ" height="480" width="854"

History of Atomic Structure
media type="youtube" key="EMDrb2LqL7E" height="510" width="854" media type="youtube" key="8ypo6wGqIGY" height="510" width="854" media type="youtube" key="kBgIMRV895w" height="510" width="854"

[|Car run]