CHEMISTRY!

In the ziplock lab you saw a complete chemical reaction which led to a chemical change. Crazy. The chemical and physical properties lab let you discover that it's the chemical properties of a substance that determines how that substance behaves. Today in class we'll look at states of matter as a physical change ---- and play with some really interesting changes!

State of matter 2013 from sinnes

Experimental Design

Our Experiments are Ready to Go!  If you want to see each class animal investigation, click on the picture of hamster head!  

To view the answer key for your test review - click here

Analysis of Data

The 6A Clinical Trial is complete and the data has been compiled!

- Create a double bar graph and embedd into your blog (taking a screen shot is the easiest way)

Analyze all results and write a complete summary of whether the FDA would approve this medicine. SUPPORT YOUR OPINION WITH EVIDENCE!  Use the notes from class to help you.

Oh... and by the way.... You might want to make sure you're VERY familiar with the good graphing guidelines as well.  Click Here for a reminder.

6A Clinical Trial Results

In good experimental design, the larger the sample size the better.  Today in class we worked with data from all 6A to

look at the effects of new headache medicine.

By doing this we jumped from a sample size of 20 to a sample size of 101. This information will be much more valid.

Following the guidelines for graphing from class, create a bar graph showing the 6A clinical trial results It should:
- be done in your journal
- be a double bar graph
- show percentages rather than raw data.

Clinical Trials

Clinical Research from ECRAN project on Vimeo.

Using Relevant Evidence to Make Trade Offs

Today in class we spent a good deal of time analyzing Dr. Goldberger's investigation of Pellagra. Writing an analysis of a scientific investigation is quite difficult; you need to be able to identify key evidence with the appropriate number of facts, data, and observation.  We practiced recognizing relevant evidence in class.  For homework, use relevant evidence and identify trade offs to support your opinion on the question below.  Remember that a trade off is giving up something in order to gain something.  Before any decision is made, you need to look at the trade offs and make sure it's all worth it.  Use the trade off rubric (same as the one in your journal) as a guide to answer the following question:

To investigate his hypothesis, Dr.Goldberger had prisoners volunteer to be fed a poor diet; as a result 7 out of 11 of the prisoners developed Pellagra.  What do you think about Dr. Goldberger's decision to experiment on people?  Support your answer with evidence and identify the trade-offs of your decision. 

 Make sure you write this on a GoogleDoc

Hint: To write a complete answer, first give an explanation of the experiment and state your opinion. Provide two or more pieces of evidence that support your opinion.  Then consider all sides of the issue and identify the trade-offs of your decision.

Studying People Scientifically

From Saving Fred to The Chopstick Challenge, approaching problems involves well thought out methods.

What if you're studying people instead of solving a problem like we did in class today?  Does the problem solving method change?  Do you need to think about what's ethical with human testing? What's right and wrong? Next class we will be looking into one doctor's attempt at solving a serious health problem which existed in the Southern United States in the 1900s.  Watch the video (click on Dr. Goldberger's picture) and think about these questions:
1.  What was the problem of pellagra?
2.  What did people think caused pellegra?
3.   What evidence did Dr. Goldberger observe or collect about pellegra?
4.  What did Dr. Goldberger conclude about the cause of pellegra?
5.  What are your thoughts about the right and the wrong in Dr. Goldberger's testing to solve this problem?

For more information on Dr. Goldberger and Pellegra - see  http://sepuplhs.org/students/sali/ 

Mr. Edmonds on Mass, Weight, and Density

This guy is AWESOME!  He makes me laugh and makes me sing!!  Singalong to Mr. Edmonds to understand more........ Singalong!!!

Eureka!

A naked guy running through the streets of ancient Greece!

Watch the video on Archimedes and work on the Eureka lab. 

 

Mass of Classroom Animals

Too Many Rats for Breakfast

Soon we'll be getting some 'baseline' data on the classroom animals.  To prepare for this, click on fat cat and it will take you to a data table.  Either copy the table in your lab journal or just print it out and bring it to class.

Either way, make sure you have the table with you when you come to science class.

Fat Cat.
Very Fat Cat

Mass Tutorial

Click on the picture to watch Tim and Moby on mass, volume, and density. It should help with your homework!

For a tutorial in finding mass - click on the link to the right that says Measuring Mass Interactive

Quick Check - Reading a Graduated Cylinder

Just a quick check to see if you're ready to move on!  Look at the level of water in each graduated cylinder and write your answers on the scrap paper at your station.  You can easily enlarge the image in order to see it better.

Quick Check Graduated Cylinder

Look at the level of liquid in the graduated cylinder.  In the form below the picture, write your answer for each cylinder.

LET'S GET PRECISE!

In our recent labs we've continued to work on precision. From the 3cm ruler activity to the Rainbow Lab.... it's all about being precise.   But why?? Why is it so important to be precise?  Think about it!  So many reasons - in science... and in life actually.  Check out this video of Desean Jackson - he's talking about precision in football!  (Of course, I have no idea who Desean Jackson is... but Mr. Emerson shared this with me.  I guess he's some sort of famous wide receiver eh?)  PRECISION!  Skip to 2:05 to get to the precision part if you wish.



REFLECTION..... Create a blog post and do the following:
1) Label your post properly for science

2) Go to creative commons and find a picture of someone being really precise

3) Write a strong explanation of why precision is an important skill for science and life

4) Include an example from outside of school where being precise is important.  This can be from you or from an adult job or experience you or someone you know has had.

Observation and Inference Quick Check

Volume of Liquids

How would you find out the amount of coffee that is in this mug?  How would you measure it?

Today we'll learn how to accurately Read a Graduated Cylinder and work on a lab to find out just how accurate you are!

Rainbow Lab

Observation, Inference, and Precision in Measurement!

Today in class you went over your balloon observations - qualitative and quantitative.  Fun eh?  You also learned a new concept - Inference - making sense of the observations; an explanation of what that observation means.  For example, you saw bubbles as soon as you mixed the vinegar and baking soda. From that you would infer that a chemical reaction is happening and a gas is being produced.  Get it?  Start working on your observation/inference experiments this week at home.  They are due Friday for class C and E.  Monday for classes B,D,F. 

Practice precision in measuring by visiting the following website and working through it. You need to scroll toward the bottom of the site to reach the interactive measurement slides.  See how well you can do.   Click here for the Interactive Meausurement Website 

If you finish that, put in your ear buds and watch Bill Nye's clip on measurement

Observations

Today in class we finished up with the most common types of lab equipment and started talking about the importance of good observations and measurements in science.  If you weren't in class today, or if you'd like to share this video with your parents --- it's all about good observations!  Count the number of times the players in white pass the basketball. Cheerio!

Measurement

I LOVE BILL!!!! BILL, BILL, BILL, BILL!!!

Let's have a totally AWESOME Year!

Crime Scene Investigation!

Click on the picture to view profiles, fingerprints, and handwriting of your suspects!

Electricity and Magnetism

We're going to be moving from series and parallel circuits into understanding the relationship between electricity and magnetism.  Watch both of the brainpop clips below and again... take the graded quiz, print, and paste into your journal.  Do both quizzes - one for the electromagnetic relationship and one for electromagnets. The user name and password is singpapor.  Just click on the picture and it will take you where you need to go!

Electric Circuits

Today in class you were challenged to light a bulb in four different ways using only a battery, one wire, and a light bulb.  Hmmmm.
Watch Brainpop's Electric Circuits and take the graded quiz. Print it and bring it in to class.  Don't forget to also do the quiz sheet (see google calendar assignment for that)

Click on the picture to view. (user name and password - singapor)  - no e

Post Water Project Reflection

Please fill out this water project reflection. Take your time.  Give thoughtful answers.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

What We Know......

Just a check.... Make sure you have a handle on these questions.  WHAT WE KNOW

 Be sure to make a copy of the document.....here's how....
1. Click on the link
2. File - make a copy
3. Put it in Mrs. Hill Dropbox
4. You can continue to edit it even though it's in the drop box.

Your presentation is coming up soon.  Be sure to review the guidelines (We went over these in class when we first talked about the project. We also went over them in class today)  Water Project Presentation

Sungei Buloh Nature Walk- April 19

Click on the image to sign up for your hike of choice

Click on the image to sign up for your hike of choice

How Singapore is Making Sure it Doesn't Run out of Water

Singapore is one of the world's leaders in water resources.  We watched this video in class - but if you missed it or want to view it again - Click on the picture to see the CNN report on how Singapore is making sure it doesn't run out of water.

Student Project Data Sheet

Click on the data sheet and update

Solutions

We've discussed global water problems, shared facts, looked at causes and now let's look at some of the things people and organizations are doing to help. Check out these websites - and any others you find on your own. When you find a piece of information you'd like to share, put it on the padlet wall below, as I showed in class. Hopefully this will work! If not, then just comment on the post and share your information. There are so many wonderful organizations and inventions out there!  Here are a few.....
ICT
The water project, 
Global Water Challenge,
The Other 90 Percent,
Water.org .

When you share your information on the wall below, PLEASE TRY NOT TO OVERLAP ENTRIES ONTO EACH OTHER.  You can move the wall around by dragging it and moving it right or down.  That way we'll have plenty of room for everyone.
Just move it until you find a good bit of blue, then double click and begin typing your information..Make sure you write the name of the organization or invention and also write a bit of information about it.   You can upload a picture or even video if you wish as well. Let's try to see if we can get everyone posting something different.
THAT will be just a bit too hard. One of my favorite inventions is The Hippo Roller -imagine how much easier it must be for these women than before.

Created with Padlet

Causes

Oxfam is an organization that dedicates itself to solving global issues.  Check out their slide show to find information about some of the causes of the water problems we face today.  Read about them - it's pretty basic, but gives you a general picture.  Write a blog post explaining a few of the causes - and of course include a picture to help your reader understand the post.

Causes of our Global Water Problems

Microlife in a Drop of Water

            Microlife in a drop of water!  (A video from under the microscope)

Yesterday we discovered that many of the infectious diseases we've been talking about in class are waterborne. For the next few days in class we'll be looking at some of the 'wretched beasties' that live in water.  

 For homework tonight, find three facts about our global water problems and waterborne infectious disease.  Post them to your blog - including a supporting picture.  Here are a few suggested sites - but you can research your own as well.   You might find better sites!                          

http://water.org/learn-about-the-water-crisis/facts
http://blueplanetnetwork.org/water/facts
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_crisis

Microscopes - Part 2

Cell Theory, Germ theory - It's all going to come together soon!  In class,  after you get your LICENSE to operate the microscope, you'll be preparing and looking at plant cells from an onion skin, as well as animal cells from YOUR skin!  Here's a video to prep you for lab.  Click on How to Prepare a Slide.

Wow! Thanks, Catherine!!

AIDS patient cured!?  Catherine Edds shared this in class today.  You can read a full report from CNN here

Germ Theory of Disease

If you weren't in class today, be sure to watch the video (click on the picture) on the cell theory

This leads us to germs.  Some are cells, some are not - But - We do know that germs cause infectious disease.  It's a no brainer!

However, for hundreds of years people had no idea what caused infectious disease.  Many scientists and discoveries led to what is now known as The Germ Theory of Disease.   Your assignment is to read about the germ theory of disease and create something that shows your learning on this.  It's pretty straight forward.  We give you three options, and if you don't like those - then do your own!  This is due in two blocks so don't put it off!

Virtual Microscope

You're going a great job in class guiding your learning. For extra practice - do some virtual work using the same website as we used in our manual - virtual urchin. Click on the microscope icon to take you there. Peruse and work through the list of items on the left hand side of the site. It's kinda fun!  Scan the QR code for an extra little piece of information.

Microscope Practice

If you want to do some virtual work with the microscope - virtual urchin is a great site to use.  Click on the icon and peruse through the many options on the left of the site.

Cell Webquest

CELL.... WHAT'S A CELL?

*The cell is the smallest unit of all living things.
*They are the building blocks of LIFE.  
*IF IT'S EVER BEEN ALIVE - IT'S MADE OF CELLS!

**ALL LIVING THINGS ARE MADE OF CELLS**

In order to understand microbes (germs) we need to first understand cells and in order to understand cells we need to  quest - and in order to quest we need to click on the cell!
Homework:  Fill out the cell quest document.  You will have until next week to do this.  Make sure you "make a copy" if you are going to edit on the document.  Otherwise, just print it off and fill it in by hand.

Reading Writing Thinking Day

Leprosy

A number of you have had the opportunity to go to the leprosy home here.  Learn more about it as we continue our study of infectious  disease.  Keep the key questions (from C21) in mind as you watch the video and read through the articles.

Click on this link to see the Leprosy Video about India

But.... There is hope!  Read this article about an exciting breakthrough.
New Hope for Leprosy

Questions for today's assignment can be found here.

Video Clips

Coming up we'll be exploring the germ theory of disease.  I'm looking for short, informative video clips of the following scientists:  Hooke, Leeuwenhoek, Schleiden, Schwann, Siebold, Semmelweiss, Virchow, Nightingale, Pasteur, Lister, Koch, and Halsted. If you find one, please embedd it to your blog and then email the embedd code to me. Thanks!

Bubonic Plague

Typoid Mary was certainly the most famous carrier in the world, but what about the most famous vector?  Is there a most famous vector too?  The mosquitos which carry dengue and malaria are well known culprits, but in the late 1800s and early 1900s it was a little fellow that lived on the rat that came to stardom.  Watch this very short segment on the bubonic plague by clicking on the picture (adapted from Science Odyssee).

Click for Homework reading and questions

The full video of the the bubonic plague.  The episode starts around 4:50.

Typhoid Mary

In class we played the role of epidemiologists, trying to find the carrier of a disease that is spreading through Sauk Junior High School.  The most famous carrier in the world was a lady by the name of Mary Malone, more commonly called "Typhoid Mary".  if we didn't finish in class or if you are absent be sure to view it.  It is a fifty five minute documentary on Typhoid Mary.

How do Viruses work

Germs

We're beginning our study of microlife and infectious disease. Bill Nye gives us an overall view of the microbes we'll be studying - in true Bill Nye fashion. Enjoy.

 

Buzz for Bergren

Early this year eighth grader, Nils Bergren, was diagnosed with stage four Lymphoma.  In December a number of eighth grade students, parents, and peer council members organized a fundraiser for Nils' family to help cover the exorbitant costs involved in his treatment.  This is a video of the Buzz for Bergren campaign organized by the students.   Our very best wishes are with you, Nils!

A Sweet Reunion

Acid Base Jeopardy!

Change of Test Date

Please note that the acid/base test next week will be on THURSDAY  and FRIDAY.  You have an extra class block for review and labs.  In addition to notes, labs, and review sheets (on lessons and notes tab)  be sure to check out Tim and Moby's explanation of acids and bases.  Watch a Brainpop or two.  Happy Weekend!

Understanding acids and bases.ppt 2012 from sinnes

Extra Credit?

Scan with QR code reader and find out what you can do for a little extra credit to get you started with semester 2!

The Importance of pH

Here's a pretty good website with information on the pH of our body.  You might find it interesting.
Body pH

If you do use the pH strip at home - Please don't bring the strip into class!