December 3-14

Upcoming:

Vocabulary Quiz on Words 1-8 on the Life Science Vocabulary list. Quiz on December 19.

Current work:

This week we began the study of ecosystems.
Last week we reviewed chemistry and density and took a benchmark test.

Monday Nov 27 - Friday Nov 30

UPCOMING:
Benchmark on Chemistry on Dec 6.

This week we are wrapping up the relationship between properties of matter and the changes that happen to that matter.

We performed multiple labs to prove the possible signs of a chemical change, including gas, color changes, precipitates, and heat and light.

Precipitate

Instant Sunshine: 2 clear liquids mix and form a yellow solid and yellow liquid in a chemical reaction

Glow Worms: 2 yellow translucent liquids were mixed together in a chemical reaction

Color Change

 Universal indicator mixed with milk of magnesia shows the series of color changes that happen when we add vinegar

Gas

We blew up a balloon by mixed vinegar and baking soda in a test tube and placing the balloon on top to fill it. We also mixed calcium chloride with baking soda to create a bag full of gas.

North Pole Bureau of Investigations: Case 1225

We also solved a mystery about mixed-up cookie ingredients, by testing for reactions with iodine, vinegar and water. Ask yourself or your student, what the mystery ingredients turned out to be.

Wednesday November 14 - Friday November 16

We went back to Earth Science and our study of minerals to add to our Chemistry discussion of physical properties and the difference between elements and compounds. Many minerals found in the lithosphere of the earth are chemical compounds of elements. We examined samples of 15 minerals, cataloging their physical properties (like luster, translucence, and color) and then their chemical formulas to show the elemental particles.

Monday Nov 12 - Wednesday Nov 14

We are continuing with our Chemistry study by focusing on the difference between elements and compounds and the fact that our world is mainly composed of 18 elements---a very limited number of elements make up most of our biosphere, atmosphere, oceans, and solid earth. The eight most common are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, silicon, aluminum, iron and calcium.

UPCOMING: Vocabulary Quiz on Friday Nov 16 --- the remainder of the lists for Chemistry---list 1 and 2 for a total of 25 words, as students were reminded of this last Monday.

Monday November 5 - Friday November 9

We continued our discussion of Chemistry, including a lab using samples of metals and nonmetals. In the lab, we tested and observed the physical properties of metals vs. nonmetals; such as conductivity, magnetism, luster, color, malleability (ability to be shaped into sheets). 

metals and nonmetal lab data sheet

We discussed the structures of matter, starting with elements.

We then distinguished between a substance made of 2 or more elements (compound) and elements.

We added further information about the limited number of elements that make up life and earth as we know it: Our world is mostly comprised of 18 elements---with Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Nitrogen (N), and Oxygen (O) being 4 of the most common elements.