Writing Chemical Compounds Videos...

Just before we recessed for Thanksgiving Break, the 11th an 12th Chemistry class was learning to write chemical compounds for covalent bonds, ionic bonds, and acids. Below are the two videos we watched in class that are a great review for what we've already studied. Pay close attention to the rules for each bonds as this will be a key component on the next test.

 Here is part two...

Acids follow their own set of rules. The following video will show a pneumonic device to help you remember all those tricky guidelines...

If you have any questions please be sure to ask!

Thanksgiving Party...

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is less than two week away! That means that Wednesday, November 23rd, will be a party day. Come ready to play Family Feud: Thanksgiving Edition and some Minute-to-Win-It, crazy activities! This is to remind both the 11th and 12th as well as the 9th and 10th about their dishes for the Thanksgiving party. The 11th and 12th Government class must bring a traditional Thanksgiving dish while the list below describes the Civil War dish the 9th and 10th will be bringing:

• Ariana-Civil War Mac and Cheese
• John-Beans with Molasses
• Daniela-Robert E. Lee Orange Cake
• Angela-Hot Milk Sponge Cake
• Seth-Johnny Cakes

Even if you will not be here on that Wednesday, your dish must be brought in the day before. I will be taking a participation grade: 100% if your dish is there or 0% if it is not. Easy way to bring up some low scores. If you have any questions please be sure to let me know!

Can You Find...

It's been awhile since I've done any extra credit pictures and since this is the last full week of school before Thanksgiving, let's see what we can do about getting five extra quiz points. Can you find the picture below hidden somewhere on this blog?

What Happens During an Atom Bomb Explosion...

In science class a few weeks ago we were studying the power of splitting an atom...much like what happens when an atom bomb explodes. This video below depicts the horrific power of such an explosion...

Quantum Numbers Explained...

Still not sure about those Quantum Numbers? Hopefully Mr. Anderson can help in the above video. Remember there are four numbers along with electron configuration that will be taught in this section and introduced in the video below . Please leave a comment when you have watched both videos. Thanks!

Speed, Velocity, and Accerleration...

It's important that you understand the difference with speed, velocity, and acceleration. Mr. Anderson does an excellent job describing this difference. Please leave a comment below once you have watched the video so I know you have completed your assignment. Thanks!

Spanish Quiz Reschedule...

The Spaish vocabulary quiz scheduled for Wednesday, October 5th, will be given on Thursday, October 6th  Be prepared to do both the Verse Test and the Vocabulary Quiz.

Kinematics....

In Section 4A we learned that mechanics (the study of motion) can be broken down into three categories: Kinematics  (the description of how things move), Dynamics (the description of what causes things to move), and statics (the description of how stationary things react to pushes and pulls--stationary being the key word here).

Section 4B introduces us to Kinematics or the description of how things move by measuring positions, speed or velocity, and acceleration of the objects being observed. Let's deal with the objects position to start with. This leads us to the difference between distance and displacement. Distance is a scalar quantity where you take the individual lengths in your trip and add them up to get a total. On the other hand, displacement is a vector quantity is measured as the shortest distance between where you started from to where you ended at. Looking at this mathematically, distance uses addition of the total lengths involved in the motion while displacement deals with the difference from the start to the finish. Calculating these two is described in the video below.

Scalars and Vectors...

In Chapter 4 we are learning the very basics of mechanics, or how objects move. When we first look at a moving object we must take into account the system (a boundary that clearly defines the limits of the objects or processes being studied) before answering the questions "How" the object is moving. Once the system is defined we need to determine the point of reference, or the space where we are making our observations from.  There are several different types of points of reference: inertial (movement in a straight line or simple curved path), accelerated (when observational point that is not moving at a constant speed or direction), or a rotational (forces felt while on a spinning reference frame, i.e. The earth).

Motion occurs over a period of time measured in seconds (s) and the length of that time span is known as an interval (represented by delta [triangle] t). We must correctly identify the time interval  as an important part in understanding how things move.

In a system a scalar or a vector are used to describe the motion of an object. The above video by Mr. Anderson at Bozeman science will give you a good understanding of the difference between these two and how they relate to motion.

The Electoral College Explained...

Not understanding what the Electoral College is and how it functions? This video published by TedEd will explain exactly how our voting system works!

History of the Atom...

Chapter 4 in Chemistry takes us back to the very foundation of our periodic table. Since we will be dealing with elements, and more elements, compounds of these elements in different shapes and forms, including equations, we need to understand how each element is identified. We call this the "fingerprint" of each individual element and that is the atoms that make them up. So here is the history of how the atom was discovered done by Mr. Anderson from Bozeman Science. Be sure to pay close attention to the names and the particular experiments used to discover the tiniest particles of matter.

Happy First Day of Fall...

Aren't we all just ready for some cooler weather? No more sweating, no more short sleeves! It's time to pull out the sweaters, boots, and pumpkin spice! Happy First Day of Fall, Y'all!

Change in Government Schedule...

The Preamble Quiz scheduled in 11th and 12th Government for Thursday, September 22nd, has been moved to Friday, September 23rd. Then Test 2 scheduled for Friday, September 23rd, has been moved to Monday, September 26th. Study hard!

Using Significant Digits...

In both Physical Science and Chemistry we are learning to use precise calculations in the math portions of our work. Please watch the above video by Mr. Anderson as he explains the rules for what  numbers are considered significant and which ones are not and how to calculate in addition/subtraction and multiplication/division using correct significant digits. Remember: your answer cannot be more precise than the measurements used in the calculations.

Progress Report Time...

Just a reminder that Progress Reports will be going home on Wednesday, September 21st. Don't forget that if you are able to bring your grades up in my classes only by the end of the nine weeks when report cards go home, then you can earn yourself a +5 Quiz Points and Homework Pass coupon. Check out my detailed post HERE for more details! Work hard!!

Schedule Change in Spanish 2..

UPDATED: Monday, September 19, 2016-
On our last Spanish 2 test last Thursday one fact came to light: We need to spend a little more time on the Present and Preterite tense verb conjugation. That means that what was on the schedule for homework has now been changed until we can master those verbs!  Here's a look at what we can expect this next week:

• Monday, September 19th: 
• Present Tense Irregular Verb Conjugation p. 204, 183
• Study Vocal Quiz B
• Tuesday, September 20th:
• Vocal Quiz B
• Present Tense Irregular Z and G Verbs Conjugation p.247, 279
• Study Quiz Present Regular/Irregular & Z Verbs Conjugation
• Wednesday, September 21st:
• Quiz Present Regular/Irregular & Z Verb Conjugation
• Present Tense Irregular I & IE Verbs p. 313, 325
• Study Quiz Present Irregular G & I Verbs
•  Thursday, September 22nd:
• Quiz Present Irregular G & I Verbs
• Present Tense Irregular UE Verbs p. 363, 372
• Study Quiz Preesnt Irregular IE & UE Verbs
• Friday, September 23rd:
• Quiz Present Irregular IE & UE Verbs
• Preterite Tense Regular Verbs p. 413, 469
• Monday, September 26th:
• Preterite Tense Irregular I p. 473, 496
• Study Quiz Preterite Regular & Irregular I Verbs
• Tuesday, September 27th:
• Quiz Preterite Regular & Irregular I Verbs
• Preterite Tense Irregular II, p. 484
• Wednesday, September 28th:
• Preterite Tense Irregular III, p. 517
• Study Quiz Preterite Irregular II & III
• Thursday, September 29th:
• Quiz Preterite Irregular II & III
• Review Re-Take Test 1 (Verb Conjugation Only)
• Friday September 30th:
• Re-Take Test 1 (Verb Conjugation Only)

As soon as I am able to, I will also update the Weekly Schedule under the Spanish 2 heading to the right of the screen. If you have any questions please let me know!!

All About the NASA Rover Curiosity...

In beginning a new chapter of Physical Science today, we are now studying the measurement of matter. From the basic units to the derived units, from the micro- to the mega-, correct mathematical measurements of matter are extremely important. An example of this great importance can be found in the ingenuity and construction of the NASA rover Curiosity. Here is the video that we watched the first three minutes of in class showing exactly how the Curiosity landed on the surface of Mars as well as it's construction and mission. Enjoy!

Can You Find....

This is the first "Can You Find..." post that means you could earn five extra bonus points on a quiz this week if you can find this picture somewhere on this blog. It could be anywhere. Can you find it? Happy hunting!!

Bonus Coupons for Improved Grades...

On Friday, September 16, 2016, four weeks grades will end and Progress Reports will go home on the following Wednesday, September 21st. I am offering to any of my students in the 9th through 12th grades that if they can bring their grades up from the four week Progress Report to the report cards five week later, I will award that student one +5 Bonus Quiz Point coupon and one Homework Pass coupon for that class. Now this is only for the five classes that I teach and not for Mrs. Ross or Mrs. Allison's classes. Hope this gives you an incentive to work hard at bringing your grades up!!

Spanish Vocal Review Outloud...

While doing Spanish vocabulary review outloud I caught one of my students determined to block out everyone else's voices...

Better than ear plugs! Thankfully I wasn't teaching or this would be a completely different story! :)

Counting Down...

My fellow teachers and I are busily preparing for this next school year. It's hard to believe that summer is over and we are quickly approaching the start of our first day back. Hope you are as excited as we are! Be sure to check out all the different projects we'll be doing this first semester! Looking forward to a great new year!!

9th and 10th iAmerica Projects...

Way to go, 9th and 10th! Your last project on a Northern State turned out fantastic! I hope you enjoyed creating "apps" for highlighted points of your state just as much as I enjoyed reading the information under each picture. Many of you were worried about your drawing abilities but the pictures turned out great!

Here are each of the iAmerica projects:

Seth and the state of Vermont...

 The state of Maine done by Angela...

 Dylan's state of Massachusetts (also called "iMassuachusetts")...

 New Hampshire comleted by Christian....

And Ben's state of Maryland...

Altogether these iAmericas make a statement piece!

Southern State Workbook Project...

Just a reminder to my 9th and 10th US Geography class that your Southern State Workbook will be due Friday, April 29th, at the beginning of class. I will also be handing out the information for your next project which will be over a mid-western state of your choosing. There are twelve states to choose from for this next project and a list of these states can be found on p. 171 of your textbook. Al information regarding this project can be found by clicking on the link to the right entitled: PROJECT: Mid-Western State Float. You will receive a handout of this syllabus in class tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing your finished projects!

Last World History Project...

We are winding down to the last few weeks of school! The excitement over graduation and summer break is certainly building! But before we go we have one more project to complete for the 11th and 12th grade World History class. Be sure to check out the last project listed under World History to the right entitled: Russian Czar Un-Birthday Gift. By Friday, April 29th, you are to have chosen which czar you would like to decorate your box with. Be sure to be creative, neat, and inclusive on key information about your chosen czar! Can't wait to see the final project by the end of class on Friday, May 13th!!

Coulomb's Law...

With the amount of students who have been gone due to illness I wanted to post the video that we watched in Physics class on Wednesday, April 13th, that describes Coulomb's Law. At the beginning of section 18B we learned how a charge can be detected by using an electroscope and what type of charge that's induced. For a review of this concept watch this video:

An electroscope, however, cannot quantify the charge. This is where Coulomb's Law comes in to play. Please make a note of the equation associated with Coulomb's Law and how closely it resembles the law for Gravitational Force. This video from Bozeman Science will explain the law by using an atom's electrons and protons:

Now Electrostatic Force and Gravitational Force, though closely resembling each other in form, are in fact different. There are two differences noted which will key to know for the test on Friday, April 15th. Whereas Electrostatic Force is both a repelling and attracting force, Gravitational Force is simply an attracting force. Also, Electrostatic Force deals with the charges of the objects while the Gravitational Force deals with the masses of the objects.

You will also notice in Coulomb's equation that there are absolute value signs encasing the charges (q). Remember that this means the charges will always be positive.

As for the very last section under 17B, be sure to pay attention to the SI units for the electrostatic force. This will also be on the test. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Physics 17B Video Summary...

Since there were a few students who were absent from class on Thursday, March 31st, and Friday, April 1st, the 11th and 12th grade Physics class finished section 17B. We had been discussing some basic properties of fluid mechanics in section 17A butt 17B presents fluids now in motion (hydrodynamics). For this we use ideal fluids as they flow through a flow tube. Pay careful attention to how they flow: laminar or turbulent. The Equation of Flow Continuity helps explain the flow of fluids through a flow tube as demonstrated by Mr. Anderson on the following Bozeman Science video:

Bernouilli's Principle demonstrates the conservation of energy as it flows from one point through another. This equation accounts for the pressure, potential energy, and the kinetic energy. This second video by Mr. Anderson and Bozeman Science will demonstrate this principle and equation.

Now we come to the last few segments of section 17B dealing with the flow of fluids, mainly gas in this instance, that provide lift for an airfoil. Basically we're talking about the mechanics of an airplane wing and how the plane is able to fly due to what is known as the Coanda Effect. The following video will demonstrate how the Coanda Effect and Newton's 3rd Law, for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction, work together to achieve lift.

In closing, the viscosity, or the measure of the resistance of a fluid to flow, will ultimately determine how freely a fluid will actually flow. We see fluid mechanics used today in wind turbines, for example. These are built tall enough to expose their blades to the smother winds rather than the more turbulent winds closer to the ground. In turn wind energy is converted into mechanical energy with an efficiency of up to 50%!! Cars are also manufactured with aerodynamics in mind to allow fluids (air) to flow over the car to help with fuel efficiency.

If you have any questions concerning this section, please be sure to ask me in class. There is a quiz scheduled over 17B for Wednesday, April 6th, and the test will be Thursday, April 7th.

(Videos are courtesy of YouTube)

History of the King James Bible Video...

On Thursday, April 7th, 11th and 12th World History class will be watching a documentary about the history of the King James Bible done by the BBC and posted on YouTube. If you would like to watch again simply click on the video link above.

Change in Research Paper Due Date...

Research papers are due this week but because I had an old school calendar when I made out the schedule I originally had it down for papers to be due on Tuesday, April 5th. Unfortunately that falls right in the middle of SAT testing. So I have moved the date to Friday, April 8th. Please have you paper completed and in a bracketed folder when you come to Physica on Friday. I look forward to reading them!!

World History Workday...

On Wednesday, March 16th, there will be an IN-CLASS WORKDAY for our project entitled The Explorer and His Ship. This project is due Friday, March 18th, by the end of the class period. Be sure to bring in materials each day to work on after I get done going over the lesson. I look forward to seeing your creativity!

Review First Half of Physics 16B...

We began Friday with a review of the Zeroth and First Law of Thermodynamics and the work that heat is capable of producing. Section 16B introduces the Second and Third Law of Thermodynamics. The Second Law establishes the fact that heat flows from a "higher concentration" or hotter object to a cooler object or "lower concentration. This principle is the behind the functions of internal and external combustion engines. This video does a great job of explaining the use of this Second Law and how an engine works.

Remember to study the names of the men that were responsible for the study and development of the engine.

This section of Physics also used the Carnot Cycle to show the idea of what an ideal machine would look like--meaning a machine that has 100% efficiency. You will have to remember the four steps of this cycle for the test as they are described in the video below.

On Monday we will be finishing this section and then continue with 16C on  "Entropy and the Heat Death of the Universe."

Can You Find...

Only one more week until Spring Break! Are you as excited about the week off of school as I am? Well, in honor of this wonderful break from school here is a new picture to find. When you do find it, tuck that little piece of information away for the next quiz and an extra five points!!

Products of Our Greek/Roman Craft Project...

I'm sorry that I haven't posted these pictures sooner. Everyone did a fantastic job the Greek/Roman Craft project. These crafts ranged from a shield...

 ...a Roman house...

 A Greek Lier...

 ...to a Roman structure.

There was even a replica of Mount Olympus and another Roman structure complete with ivy! Way to go, Everyone! I am looking forward to this next one: The Explorer and His Ship.

Be sure to bring materials to work with tomorrow. There will be time to get some things started with this new project after the test is taken!

Physics 16A Recap...

If you are interested in refreshing or reviewing the information on thermodynamics that we have started studying in chapter 16, here are the videos that we have watched in class and discussed at length. If you have any questions please be sure to ask!!

To understand more about what the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics is (and one I had never even heard about until teaching this book) sets the parameters for temperature in relation to a gas. Now gases seek thermal equilibrium and according to this law if Gas A is in thermal equilibrium with Gas B and Gas B is in equilibrium with Gas C; then Gas A and Gas C are also at thermal equilibrium.  Here is the first part animation of this concept.

For the 1st Law of Thermodynamics (the "conservation of energy" law) describes the fact that thermal energy is neither created or destroyed. It is simply converted into another form of energy. Usually when Heat (Q) is added to a system, there is a change in Mechanical Energy (delta U) plus Work (W) that is done.  Mr. Anderson explains this law along with other thermodynamic processes (in relation to gas using our gas equation PV=nRT) and how they can be charted on a graph when 1) pressure is constant, 2) when volume is constant, 3) when temperature is constant, and 4) when there is no change at all or an adiabatic process (NOT bolded in your book but is still a thermodynamic process even though nothing changes). These are all graphed differently on a P-V diagram. It will be imperative that you remember the names of the processes and how they are graphed.

And last but not least this video by Doc Physics will put together both laws and how they relate to work and mass-less piston. The key to this is understanding what the negative signs for both heat and work indicate in the equation.

Again if you have any questions be sure to let me know. Hope this will help in your review for the quiz over 16A tomorrow and the test next Friday.

Can You Find...

Ready for a new bonus? If you can find the above picture hidden somewhere on this blog and then write down where you find it on the next quiz, you can earn yourself +5 points! Ready? Set? Go!

11th and 12th Project...

On Friday, March 4th, explorers will be chosen for our next project for part of the month of March. Be sure to check out the requirements over to the right hand side under PROJECT: The Explorer and His Ship. All information including due dates are found on that page.

As for the creativity of the project, I want each of the students to think outside the box. In fact, their goal should be to impress the teacher. We're studying about the rise of England, France, Spain, and Portugal this chapter and the impact they had exploration. Wow me!

Be sure to check out other projects done by the 9th and 10th Grade back in September. Simply click HERE to go to the post with pictures from their ships. If I can help in any other way be sure to ask.

Now get out there and get those creative juices flowing!!

Can You Find...

Time for a change in our bonus picture. Can you find the Snoopy Valentine's picture from above? If so be ready for the next quiz to score five extra points!

Work History Project Workday...

Since we have been full-steam ahead to finish chapters 7-10 for our test on Friday, there has been little time to work on our new projects on a craft depicting the Greek or Roman Empire. The choices have been awesome and I am certainly looking forward to the finished products. These choices include: a Roman shield, helmet, a roman structure, Mt. Olympus, an aqueduct...should be great creativity going on! So with this in mind I have scheduled a workday for this Monday, February 15th. Be sure to bring materials to work on your project!!

8th Grade Pre-Algebra Assignments...

In our 8th Grade Pre-Algebra class we had a change in schedule, not just due to the snow day but to also a day taken to re-working some missed problems from our last test. I have reworked the lesson plans and everything is now up to date under the Weekly Assignments. If there are any questions as to what assignments to complete, be sure to check there!

Can You Find...

I know the temperature is getting up into the 60's after a week of 18 to 20 degree weather, but here goes for wishful thinking! This time be on the lookout for snoopy in the snow. Can you find where he's at? It will mean +5 on the next quiz! Let the search begin...

World History Teaching Project...

Since the first several chapter of our 11th and 12 World History book are review from Geography last semester, the class has been divided into groups to each teach a chapter. They must use a visual as they teach, have an activity to be completed in class after the lesson, and a homework worksheet. At first there was some nervousness but overall everyone has done a good job!

For the chapter on the beginnings of nations due to the language mix-up at the Tower of Babel, one group had an activity of coloring and putting together paper dolls from different countries!

When we studied the history of writing the students answered questions in cuniform!

This week we'll be finishing up chapters five and six with a test projected for Thursday, January 28th, over chapters four through six. For those of you who have yet to teach, simply tell the story from what you have read. You do a great job pointing out important facts but tell it as a story and not disjointed facts. History can be so fascinating!!

Salt Dough Dioramas...

Beginning Friday, January 15th, the 9th and 10th US Geography class will have their first workday on their Shoebox Landforms Dioramas. There are already five shoe boxes ready for use but if you would rather have a larger or wider box then you are more than welcome to bring in your own box.  Something else that will be needed is salt dough. The following recipe was used by the 11th and 12th grade World Geography class last September:

What you will need:
1 cup salt
2 cups flour
3/4 cups of water

Instructions:
1.  In a large bowl mix salt and flour together.

2.  Gradually stir in water. Mix well until it forms a doughy consistency. Slowly add more water until the desired consistency.

3.  Turn the dough onto the counter and kneed with your hands until smooth and combined.

4. Store in air tight container.

You can also click HERE to see the projects completed by the 11th and 12th grade. If you have any questions, please be sure to ask!

Lines of Latitude and Longitude...

Today in US Geography we studied parallel lines of latitude, the major one being the equator which divide the earth into a northern and southern hemisphere; and meridians of longitude, the major one being the Prime Meridian which divides the earth into eastern and western hemispheres. Now in that sentence I've just reviewed about 10 different facts that may just show up on the our next quiz or test!

To study these lines in more detail we did an activity today using brightly colored wrapping string to define and label these particular important lines. Thanks to Layers-of-Learning for this idea and printable. Here are just a few photos of the 9th and 10th hard at work:

Now the only thing left is to make sure you don't confuse them: parallel lines of latitude include the equator, dividing the earth into north and south hemispheres; meridians of longitude include the Prime Meridian, dividing the earth into east and west hemispheres.

If you need a refresher, check out this 3-minute video we watched today in class...

Good luck!

Research Paper Topics...

It's that time of year again: time for Research Papers!! Now don't get too excited. We have a few months of working through different deadlines before we get to all the good stuff. And before we begin we need a good list of topics to choose one that would be interesting to research about. So below is a list compiled by the 11th and 12th Physics class of 24 topics that would make interesting research paper topics. They are:

1. The Manhattan Project and the Atomic Bomb
2. How does an airplane fly in automatic mode?
3. Is the presence of aliens feasible in this solar system?
4. The Physics of Rainbows
5. The Physics of Amusement Parks
6. Solar Cooking
7. The Butterfly Effect
8. Why the Earth has Seasons
9. Mirages: Seeing is Not Believing
10. Black Holes
11. Cloud Iridescence
12. Behavioral Epigenetic
13. Life Cycle of Stars
14. Pesticides
15. Electric/Solar Cars
16. Time
17. Do cell phones or microwaves cause cancer?
18. Thunderstorms and the Physics of Lightning
19. Climate Change
20. The Science Behind the Bermuda Triangle
21. Why do we fall asleep?
22. Paleo Diets
23. Using 10% of Your Brain

Your final topic is due Monday, January 11th! Looking forward to some very interesting reading!!

Can You Find...

Since we're starting out a brand new semester, it's time we had another "Can You Find?" picture for extra credit. So here goes. Can you find the lovely snowflake picture up above? If so, be sure to file that bit of information away for five extra points on your next quiz!

Ready, Set, Go!

Are you ready to go? Made any New Year's resolutions for this coming year? Just think! You're starting out with a clean slate! I for one am looking forward to a GREAT second semester with a whole new batch of projects for all you creative geniuses to sink your teeth into! So let's get going on this brand new year!

State Float Project...

Since December was a crazy month for me in terms of school, ministry, and family I am just now getting caught up on some of the wonderful projects that were completed in December.

Thank you so much for all your hard work for your project boards in both World Geography and US History! I know many people stopped by the tables after the Christmas cantata to look over each student's work.

For the 11th and 12th in World Geography, their last project was a South American country float. Check out some of these creative floats!

Congratulations on a job well done! I look forward to doing a similar project with my 9th and 10th US Geography class!