Science Class 8A got to put together all of their physical science knowledge and build return capsules, modeled after the NASA return capsules that are returned back from space. 

In groups of 3, students researched and reviewed velocity, acceleration due to the speed of gravity, mass, air resistance and g force, and created capsules that would allow a raw egg to be dropped from the front of the school, in tact. Students cushioned their eggs with styrofoam, paper towels, cottage cheese, peanut butter, or jello.  All attached some type of parachute or helium balloons as well.

Today, on a beautiful Spring morning, our beloved Mr. Kuchinskas climbed to the top of the roof, in the front of the school.  Using bucket and rope, he hoisted up each capsule, and with timers in hand, we watched, as each capsule was dropped to the ground. 

All the return capsules safely landed, and more or less protected their precious cargo.

Check out this cool interactive website, that shows you the relative sizes of everything from atomic particles to stars!!!

The students loved this site!

http://scaleofuniverse.com

How to impact my science grade?

I often have students that ask if I give extra credit, or how can they raise their grade. Here is my advice:

1.  Do careful work daily. Consistent effort and neatness and accuracy will pay off.

2.  Read the chapters. This seems very difficult for some, who state, "it just doesn't make any sense." I would suggest that they read the main headings first, to get an idea of what the chapters will cover.  Then, try to break down the total amount of reading into 15 minute time slots, where they can take their time and just try to get the general concepts.  Sure, there are sections that go over their head, but there are also sections that do not! I am really emphasizing chapter reading this year.  It also helps to go back and read the section in the text book again, after we have talked about it in class.

3.  Know the material for the quizzes inside and out. I give weekly quizzes in all my science classes, to help insure that students have gotten the main points, so that the finer details are manageable for them.  Many times students think they have "read over" the quiz material, and that they will be fine for a quiz. This is NOT true. The quizzes are no more than 5 to 10 points, so missing even one, means an A grade on that quiz is out of reach.  They always know exactly what the quiz is over, and usually they have 2 days to prepare.  In addition, I send emails to all the parents, notifying them of an upcoming quiz or test.

4.  Don't try to cram for tests. Students should divide the test material into at least 3 sections, and learn one section of material each night, during the days before a test.

The breakdown for final science grade is:

40% tests

30% quizzes

20% daily homework/labs

10% participation/lab behavior/following directions

Happy Fall!

Today, we watched the video, "Seven minutes of terror," about the precise sequence of events that all had to occur for the rover, Curiosity, to land on Mars, earlier in August.  The students got an appreciation of how it takes years to plan and build toward such an event, and the jubilation that these scientists felt.  If you would like to watch the video, click on these links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISmWAyQxqqs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zervvVw2dnU

HERE WE GO!!!

Baby praying mantids which hatched in our room last spring, after over-wintering.  We had hundreds of baby mantids.