This year in chemistry class our juniors have worked through the concepts of Periodic Trends, Chemical Reactions, and the Mole to name a few. We started at the level of individual atoms and have progressed into reactions between compounds on a larger scale. Students have performed weekly labs to hone in on key concepts and also relate class material to real, tangible substances. For instance, recently students explored the science behind desiccants, or substances that remove water from the air and how that impacts our food and shipping processes. Students have also made slime to explore intermolecular forces, created decorations using supersaturated solutions, and viewed color changes that chemicals have when exposed to flames.
The second half of the school year will focus on more specialized topics such as electrochemistry, and organic chemistry. We will continue to connect topics and use prior knowledge to investigate concepts such as Acids and Bases, Oxidation-Reduction, and factors that affect the rates of reactions!
Sunday, January 27, 2019
Thursday, January 24, 2019
High School Science Curriculum update
Biology students continue to model biological concepts using models of the cell and transport. Students designed a cell membrane using a variety of materials provided in class. Students used their models to investigate which materials simply diffused through the membrane and which materials required assistance. Students evaluated the models and practiced engineering concepts by suggesting redesigns.
Physics students have investigated the nature of sound, light, radiation, earthquakes, and electricity. Students have conducted experiments with lasers, mirrors, lenses, and even slinkies to uncover the mysteries of the universe. They have calculated the speed of sound using a tuning fork, and have discovered several ways to bend a ray of light. They have tested the capabilities of small electrical systems, determining through experiments what factors affect the amount of electric current in a circuit. Recently, Physics students learned how electric circuits make our homes, cars, and cell phones work. Students constructed simple and complex circuits during lab investigations, using precise scientific measuring tools to determine how electricity works. Students began the new year learning about outer space, planets, stars, and gravity, opening their minds to the possibilities of future human exploration into the solar system!
Blake Curriculum update Dec 2019
In 8th grade Science, the students are wrapping up the Physical Science Standards. We will soon be exploring the Earth and Space Science standards for term 2. We are excited to pilot a new project using Zing Shot Crash Cars to teach our new physics standards on Newton’s 3rd Law. In Intro to Engineering, the students have shifted gears and are beginning the term II projects. Stars are working with the Lego Mindstorm, Eagles are working on Solar Cars and the Stripes are beginning their Genius Hour projects.
Seventh-grade students have finished their solar cooker design and modifications following our study of thermal energy and heat transfer. Next up seventh-grade students will begin a study of various geoscience processes and how these processes shape Earth’s surface. Our unit began with an engineering and erosion workshop from the New England Aquarium (many thanks MCPE!!). Preventing coastal erosion was the problem with which students were challenged. Given a tool kit and a budget, students designed various barriers and walls to prevent coastal erosion and tested them using a coastline model. We will continue our study of processes that shape the Earth’s surface by studying other processes such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and weathering/erosion through a series of lab and web-based activities.
In Science Exploration we are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Trout eggs. Students have been studying the trout habitat, water quality, and conditions that trout need for survival. Studying trout anatomy and building models of trout organs is next in our study of the Trout.
Sixth grade has been studying the difference between physical and chemical changes to matter. We have had hands-on experiences with separating mixtures, using a number of physical processes. And now, we are working to identify the indicators of chemical changes. In particular, kids will work to understand endothermic and exothermic chemical reactions.
They’ll conduct experiments, measuring the release and absorption of heat energy, and work to explain the evidence. In the new year, we will enter into explorations of the universe in which we live!!
Seventh-grade students have finished their solar cooker design and modifications following our study of thermal energy and heat transfer. Next up seventh-grade students will begin a study of various geoscience processes and how these processes shape Earth’s surface. Our unit began with an engineering and erosion workshop from the New England Aquarium (many thanks MCPE!!). Preventing coastal erosion was the problem with which students were challenged. Given a tool kit and a budget, students designed various barriers and walls to prevent coastal erosion and tested them using a coastline model. We will continue our study of processes that shape the Earth’s surface by studying other processes such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and weathering/erosion through a series of lab and web-based activities.
In Science Exploration we are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Trout eggs. Students have been studying the trout habitat, water quality, and conditions that trout need for survival. Studying trout anatomy and building models of trout organs is next in our study of the Trout.
Sixth grade has been studying the difference between physical and chemical changes to matter. We have had hands-on experiences with separating mixtures, using a number of physical processes. And now, we are working to identify the indicators of chemical changes. In particular, kids will work to understand endothermic and exothermic chemical reactions.
They’ll conduct experiments, measuring the release and absorption of heat energy, and work to explain the evidence. In the new year, we will enter into explorations of the universe in which we live!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)