She's baaaaack!!!!

After a year-long hiatus, I am back on my science blog. I must admit that my motivation to return stems from the many interesting comments and questions in my classes about topics we have covered. Please check in occasionally for extra resources, ideas to help with projects, and general science news. This will not be a posting place for homework, please make sure to write down that information along with due dates in your agenda. I will send out periodic remind101.com messages to help you keep focused.

I need your help. If you run across interesting science articles or interactive websites please send the links to me and I will post them in this blog . . . if the content is appropriate to our learning goals. The internet is a wonderful place to gather information related to the natural sciences. There are thousands of good websites with an enormous amount of information. I can't possibly begin to do a complete search. So, any useful contributions by my students will be greatly appreciated.


Inventions
http://www.kidsinvent.org/
http://inventors.about.com/od/articlesandresources/a/great_thinkers_2.htm
http://pbskids.org/designsquad/parentseducators/guides/invent_guide.html
http://www.inventivekids.com/
http://www.inventorsdigest.com/archives/2208
http://www.womansday.com/life/7-things-you-didnt-know-were-invented-by-kids-107168
http://articles.cnn.com/2011-07-18/tech/teen.scientist.kudzu.killer_1_kudzu-helium-plant-list?_s=PM:TECH
http://www.inventnow.org/
http://www.cnbc.com/id/42497934/Inventions_By_Kids
http://www.uspto.gov/kids/
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/west-african-teen-invents-gadgets-scrap-metal-visits/story?id=17877827
http://www.inventored.org/k-12/
http://www.kidinventorsday.com/links.htm
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/west-african-teen-invents-gadgets-scrap-metal-visits/story?id=17877827
http://kids.usa.gov/teens-home/science/scientists/index.shtml
http://www.youtube.com/user/inventorseries?feature=watch


Energy, Force, and Work sites:
http://sciencegames.4you4free.com/force_motion_gravity.html
http://www.eia.gov/kids/
http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=kids.kids_index
http://www.kids.esdb.bg/basic.html
http://tiki.oneworld.net/energy/energy.html
http://www.energyhog.org/
http://www.olliesworld.com/club/gamehouse.htm
http://www.vectorsafety.co.nz/sustainable-energy-world/games1.html
http://www.learningscience.org/psc2bmotionforces.htm
http://mrescience.com/physical_powerpoints.php
http://www.nmsea.org/Curriculum/Primer/what_is_energy.htm
http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/story/index.html
http://www.youtube.com/user/minutephysics


General Science News
http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/
http://kids.usa.gov/teens-home/index.html
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/
http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/

Invention Fair: STEMs Project

Due: Tuesday February 12 – 13, 2013

The following information should be on the front of your poster. (More can be on there, but the following things are required):

Problem (Why did you choose to invent this?) Materials (list) and cost

Title of Invention Pictures (Can be printed or drawn, but should show your process and/or people using the invention)

Solution (Did your invention do what you wanted it to do? How?) Diagram (Make a DRAWING of your invention and label the parts.)

STEPS FOR STUDENTS

Step 1: Learning About Inventors

When you read about inventors, you will learn that their inventions were made to fill a need. Successful inventors:

· Keep an open and curious mind. They look for better ways to do things and do not resist change.

· Gather as much information as they can before they begin to invent.

· Go through a lot of trial & error as they seek a solution. They do not give up.

· Continue to improve their products.

 

Step 2: Finding an Idea

“Necessity is the mother of invention.” Your idea for an invention will come from something that you or someone you know needs. Ask people what they need, or brainstorm (Name a object, in 10 minutes list everything wrong with it, and find a way to correct some of the problems.) Your ideas for solving the problems can be a big step toward inventing a new or improved product. It may also be a new process for doing something instead of a product. For example, it may be a better way of memorizing a list of objects, or a new card game.

 

Step 3: Research and Planning

To be successful, you need a plan which should include all the steps you can think of from beginning to end. Ask questions like: What can I read about that will help? Who can I talk to about solving problems and planning? What materials will I need? How can I control the cost? What steps should I follow? How much time should I allow for each step? How can I test my invention? Don’t be surprised if you have to change your plans along the way, so keep an open mind for change. You may even discover a better way of completing a certain step.

 

Step 4: Developing and Testing

· Follow your plan step by step. If you come to a difficult part, find an expert to talk to. Try different things until you overcome the difficulty. DON’T GIVE UP!

· If your invention is a new way to do something, describe your process in a written one-page brochure. Give ALL important details of your process. Test your idea to show it works and results of testing should be in your report.

· Make plans to display your invention poster.  Your display should attract people. Eye-catching materials help. An inventor has to sell people on his/her idea. You are judged on this.

 

 

INVENTION FAIR: STEMs GRADE REPORT

 

Inventor________________________ Period_____

 

 

Name of Invention__________________________________

PROJECT POSTER

Name/Teacher/Period on Back	5 pts.
Research & Development Form on Back	5 pts.
Problem (front)	5 pts.
Materials and Cost (front)	5 pts.
Title (front / center)	5 pts
Pictures (printed/drawn on front under title)	5 pts.
Solution (front)	5 pts.
Diagram (front)	5 pts.
INVENTION
Useful / Solves a problem	10 pts.
Creative / Original (Hasn’t been done)	10 pts.
Evidence of a working Invention (in class)	10 pts.

PRESENTATION/OTHER

On Time (1-2 days late is -10 / 3-5 days late is -20 / Zero if not in a week after due date)	10 pts.
Voice Projection	5 pts.
Explanation / Answered any questions	15 pts

Final Grade____________________

 

 

SCHOOL INTENT TO INVENT FORM

 

 

 

INVENTOR

(Student: FIRST & LAST NAME): _________________________________

GRADE: _____________  

SCIENCE TEACHER (FIRST & LAST NAME): ________________________________

SCHOOL Hopewell Middle School

 

Parent/Guardian Name: ________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Phone Number(s): _______________________________________

 

Invention Name: ______________________________________________________

 

A brief description of the invention: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

I have ensured to the best of my ability that my invention is original by taking the following steps: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

I will be using the following materials in my invention: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

I will practice science safety rules at all times.

 

Student’s Signature: ___________________________________________________
Date: ______________________

 

 

 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Student Full Name: _________________________________________

 

Answer each of the following questions briefly to provide a short overall description of the research and development work done on your invention. Use additional pages if necessary. Be sure your answers are readable.

1. What did I read that helped me with my invention?



2. Who did I talk to about solving problems and planning properly?



4. How did I control the cost of my invention?

5. What steps did I follow; what problems did I have to overcome?



6. How did I test my invention or process?

 

Motion and Force

Hello Students!!!

We are quickly approaching the midpoint of the academic year. Our Unit on Matter has just ended, but the fun of learning science will continue. It is time for us to extend our learning adventures in Physical Science to the concepts of motion and force. Below are some wonderful websites that deal with these topics for you to peruse, explore, and hopefully enjoy. I have also included some websites that deal with matter. Have fun!!!

Matter
http://education.jlab.org/indexpages/elementgames.php
http://www.chemgametutor.com/
http://science.k12flash.com/statesofmatter.html


Motion and Forces
 http://www.learningscience.org/psc2bmotionforces.htm
http://primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/revision/Science/physical.htm
http://www.wartgames.com/themes/science/motion.html
http://science.discovery.com/interactives/literacy/newton/newton.html
http://www.kineticcity.com/mindgames/terrora/
 http://www.engineeringinteract.org/resources/parkworldplot/parkworldplotlink.htm
http://www.arcadephase.com/puzzle/play-bird-feather

Welcome to my website!!!
I am so excited to be at Hopewell Middle School this year. We are going to have a wonderful time exploring the mysteries of Physical Science. Chemistry, physics, and electricity will be the major topics . . . . so be prepared for many hands-on experiences that will both challenge and intrigue you throughout the year. I look forward to working with each one of you!!!

Evolution
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/sex/mating/
http://biologyinmotion.com/evol/index.html

Ecosystems
http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/index.cfm
http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/explorer/ecosystems/be_an_explorer/map/form.htm
http://schools.dcsdk12.org/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectiondetailid=62736
http://www.bellmuseum.org/distancelearning/prairie/

The Diversity of Life
http://www.studystack.com/flashcard-92915
http://quizlet.com/188614/the-six-kingdoms-flash-cards/
http://quizlet.com/188614/the-six-kingdoms-flash-cards/

http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/schauvin/classificationwebquest2.htm

Welcome back McNair students and welcome to the 7th grade!!!!



This year I will be teaching Life Science. To get us started on the right track, please visit some of the websites posted below.

Cells

http://www.cellsalive.com/cells/cell_model.htm
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/begin/cells/insideacell/
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/begin/cells/insideacell/
http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/cells/plantcell.html
http://www.tvdsb.on.ca/WESTMIN/science/sbi3a1/Cells/cells.htm
http://www.williamsclass.com/SeventhScienceWork/CellTheoryParts.htm

Mitosis
http://www.accessexcellence.org/RC/VL/GG/mitosis.php
http://www.cellsalive.com/mitosis.htm
http://www.stolaf.edu/people/giannini/flashanimat/celldivision/crome3.swf
http://www.sumanasinc.com/webcontent/animations/content/mitosis.html

Endocytosis/Exocytosis
http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/biology/bio4fv/page/endocyta.htm
http://www.coolschool.ca/lor/BI12/unit4/U04L05.htm
http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/olcweb/cgi/pluginpop.cgi?it=swf::535::535::/sites/dl/free/0072437316/120068/bio02.swf::Endocytosis%20and%20Exocytosis
http://www.maxanim.com/physiology/Endocytosis%20and%20Exocytosis/Endocytosis%20and%20Exocytosis.htm
http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/biocoach/biomembrane2/cytosis.html

. . . . And now for the Grand Finale -- the Academy of Scientists!!!!!

1. You have been assigned a scientist. Research the life of your person.

• The teacher must approve your selection prior to beginning the work. No two students in the same class will have the same scientist.
• You may use dictionaries, encyclopedias, the internet, books, almanacs, etc.
• Plan your time wisely. The due dates for this project are May 4th and 5th.

2. Complete a poster about their life which contains all of the following information. (30%)

• A creative title that can be read from across the room.
• A large picture of the person. (This may be neatly drawn or printed from the internet.)
• At least three additional pictures that are related to this person’s life. (These may be neatly drawn or printed from the internet.)
• A large map with labels showing where the person lived during his or her life. (This may be neatly drawn or printed from the internet.)
• A timeline of the person’s life with at least 6 significant life events.
• Neatly printed (or typed) information about his or her parents. (25 words or more)
• Neatly printed (or typed) information about the person’s education. (25 words or more)
• Neatly printed (or typed) information about the person’s scientific work. (50 words or more)
  

3. Create an artifact that represents some aspect of the person’s work. (30%)

• The artifact must be hand-made by you.
• It must be something related to the scientific work of your person.
• It must be a three dimensional object, not Just A Picture.
• It must show the use of your creativity and significant effort.
  

4. Make a presentation dressed as the person. (40%)

• Total time should not exceed 3 minutes.
• You must have both the poster and the artifact.
• You must use the skeleton script that will be discussed in class.

Links for famous scientist activities:

http://www.adherents.com/people/100_scientists.html

http://www.funbrain.com/who/index.html

http://www.sciencewithme.com/worksheets.php?cid=3

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/list-of-famous-scientists-in-history.html