Science Classroom Connection

Due to the fact that our school district has been given a very short window to test students on the ACT Aspire (formally know as “The Explore”), we will be having our test on Environmental Problems & Solutions sometime next week to be announced only one day in advance. Students had already been informed that they would be evaluated upon Environmental Problems & Solutions on Tuesday, the 15th of April. BUT SINCE THE ACT ASPIRE TAKES PRECEDENT OVER OUR CLASSROOM TEST, THE SCHEDULED TEST WILL BE DETERMINED FOR LATER IN THE WEEK, POSSIBLY WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16TH OR THURSDAY, APRIL 17TH, JUST PRIOR TO OUR EASTER BREAK!

Students will be assigned to track their daily trash for a period of seven (7) days to determine not only the volume that each individual disposes of, but rather of the variety that is being disposed of and what steps can be taken by each individual to alleviate our planet Earth from having the ongoing burden of dealing with our shortcomings on a daily basis.

Students will be expected to classify their daily trash into two categories: Recyclables and Non-Recyclables. The trash will range from a simple piece of paper to a plastic bottle to a full garbage bag as it has been estimated that a person puts out a daily average of 4.5 pounds (2.04 kilograms) of solid waste as 2008 [source:EPA].

Each student shall use a graphic organizer in the form of a T-chart and list all the disposal materials that s/he considers a waste product that can no longer be put to IMMEDIATE use and classify it as a Recyclable item or a Non-Recyclable item for each of the seven days. Once the seven-day period has been completed, each student will embark upon the graphing and analysis of his/her “trashy” document, reflecting upon all seven days and stating what steps (supported by detailed examples) can be taken to produce less of the 4.5 lbs of trash each day.

Each student will be given a rubric to understand the evaluation process!

“An event like game night is another great way to build the connection between home and school.  Remember Yogurtown will be there, $3 for the ice cream and 25% of sales for our school. Prizes will be given out.”

“A robo-call will also be sent out as a reminder as well as reminders during morning announcements.”

“Reminder: Students will receive a ‘game card’. Welcoming remarks in the auditorium. Before they leave, they turn in the game cards. Their names will be sent to the building via email.”

Due to the high school assembly on Tuesday, students will be evaluated on Section 3: Causes of Volcanic Eruptions on Thursday, March 27, 2014. Students are to study their notes, guided reading, and the review questions that were assigned last week.

Students are to read Chapter 6, Section 3 on the Causes of Volcanic Eruptions and pay close attention to the visuals in the text based upon what we have discussed in class  to enhance the learning process. Next week, we will be doing further reinforcement of the material through a gallery walk as well as a study guide of the material as a means of preparation for the quiz, possibly on Wednesday.

Students will be evaluated upon the effects of volcanic eruptions in terms of the types of volcanoes and their characteristics as well as the different landforms that result from volcanic eruptions. Students are to study their PowerPoint notes, reading guide, and redo section review questions as a further reinforcement to be better prepared for the quiz on Thursday, March 20, 2014.

The student will demonstrate the analysis of the effects of volcanic eruptions by identifying the characteristics of those volcanic types as well as landforms by viewing and commenting upon the material through a gallery walk.

Students need to review their PowerPoint notes that were given today in class as well as review their double journal entry as a means of preparation for Section 6-1 quiz later on this week, probably on Friday!

Students who feel that they can do better on the retake need to study the vocabulary once again for retake on Wednesday.

Students will be evaluated upon earthquake measurement based upon the earthquake locations, their strength (Richter scale 1-10) and intensity (damage). Students are advised to study their PowerPoint notes, guided reading, and review questions that were done in class as a means of preparation for this summative evaluation on Monday.