My Science Homework

Class started with a quick review of metric conversion principles as we swapped papers and corrected the “metric conversions” homework problem set that was assigned on Thursday. We then took a brief quiz on the content from this past week: variables, experimental design, and the metric system.
Following the quiz, students worked on a […]

How do mass and weight differ? That was the opening question of today’s lesson and led into a discussion of gravity, forces, and matter. Students were reminded that the daily opener questions always make great test questions (hint) so being involved in those discussions is very beneficial in more ways than one.
We then […]

In a topic already familiar to high school students, today we began a review of the metric system of measurement. Although it is not the most commonly-used system of measurement in the US, it most certainly is in the scientific community, not to mention the public of much of the rest of the world.
We […]

This morning’s lunar eclipse was a spectacular one. Several dozen students took the time to step outside (or at least peel back a curtain) and peek out at the moon in the early morning hours (4-6am) to view the total lunar eclipse this morning. All were greeted to spectacular copper-red hues covering the […]

After briefly discussing the definition and importance of Peer Review in science in class today, we took some time to discuss tomorrow morning’s lunar eclipse that is set to occur. All students were encouraged to take the time to check out the moon early tomorrow morning on the western horizon as it will be […]

We started today’s class by discussing the final two steps of the “UPIC” scientific method. Remember: the goal was not to memorize each bullet point from each step, but rather have a good understanding of the “big picture” of the processes in science. A great potential test question would be “Explain the […]

Wrapping up our work on observations today, students completed the “Window to the World” lab activity. This activity had students cutting out a small 2″ square from a sheet of paper and then moving around the room to find an interesting location in the room. They then placed the paper against the interesting […]

Today began with a brief discussion of the scientific method. Instead of memorizing several steps and details, we discussed what “a” scientific method is - that is, what are some common approaches to scientific problems. We examined the first half of the steps involving understanding and planning. Later this week we’ll […]

What does it mean for a scientist to record observations?  What should and should not be included in an observation?  These were the questions that steared today’s discussion on scientific observations.  Included in today’s activity was a demonstration involving a “candle” that students observed at the front of the room.  We then compiled all observations […]

Science is making big news this week with such newsworthy events as Hurricane Dean and Tropical Depression Erin. The rain that we got yesterday was from Erin as it weakened and continued to move north! It dumped 6-12″ on Oklahoma, causing massive flooding and forcing many rescues. Read more about Erin and […]