Welcome to my science class! This year as eighth graders, you will get to experience a lot of fun and exciting lessons in the world of science. We will learn about chemistry, biology, physics, geology and astronomy. We will also get to complete many interesting experiments as we go. Please use this webpage as a resource in my classroom. Check it on a regular basis to find helpful links to other cool webpages, videos, assignments, and information on what we are covering each week. If you have any questions, feel free to email me. I am looking forward to learning with you this year!
Day 1: Scientific Method January 1, 2008
Today we will be learning all about the scientific method in class. The scientific method is a systematic process that scientists use to answer questions about the world. It involves five steps.
1. Ask a question based on your observations.
2. Develop a hypothesis.
3. Design the experiment. Be sure to include what resources and equipment you will need to do the experiment.
4. Run experiment and collect data. Your data should be in an organized format.
5. Make a conclusion. Was your hypothesis right or wrong and why?
Your assignment is to write out a definition and an example for the vocabulary words that are listed in bold. Please email me if there are any questions.
Day 2: Apples and Oranges Experiment January 1, 2008
We completed the Apples and Oranges Experiment in class today. If your group did not complete the handout in class, your assignment is to complete it and return it to me tomorrow in class. You may download an extra copy if needed from the link I have attached. Email me with any questions. apples-oranges-exp.doc
Day 3: Science in the World Around Us January 1, 2008
Science is such an interesting subjec to study because it is all around us! It affects so many things that we do in our daily lives and you may not even realize it. Your assignement for today is to find one articles or report that discuss the use of the scientific method (hint: it will not necessarily use the exact phrase “scientific method”) OR an article about science that discusses an issue or problem that you think could be solved using the scientific method. Note that you do not have to apply the scientifc method yourself, you just need to be able to explain why you think the scientific method could be used. You may use any of the websites I have listed in the “resources” tab at the top of the page or if you want to use an additional site, email me to double check. Good luck!
Day 4: Video Day January 1, 2008
Please view the video link about the states of matter as discussed by Dr. Loopy. List each of the five steps in the scientific method. You may summarize on the procedure step. http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=af22a58598d1e0583ece
Day 5: States of Matter January 1, 2008
Here is the link for the handout on the states of matter that we looked at in class. You may use this handout to take the quiz that you will find at http://quizstar.4teachers.org/ . Please login and search for “Eighth Grade Science” class and take the assigned “States of Matter” quiz.
