Calculators and Culminations

Physical Science - calculator problems are fun...No, really! Use your homework sheet as a good way to find out about your calculator. It may take some trial and error. That is to be expected. Every time I get a use a different calculator, I have to fiddle about with it in order to figure out to perform certain functions. If you are unsure about the keystroke order for certain keys (such as the cube root key or the key that allows you to take any degree root of a number) check it out using values you know. For instance, you know that the cube root of 27 is 3, so use that relationship to figure out how to take the cube root of a value. The 4th root of 16 is 2, the 5th root of 32 is also 2, etc. Try to work the problems in as few discrete steps as possible. Experiment with those parentheses! Most calculators allow you to nest a series of parenthetical expressions. For instance:(((5x7)/3)-4). There will probably a few equations that you just can't figure out. That's ok. We will go over these in class tomorrow. The need to have your calculator in class each day really begins now, so get used to carrying it with you.

Physics and Honors Physics - Test this week on Chapter 1. For Physics, there will be less emphasis on significant figure rules and complex dimensional analysis than for Honors Physics. Generally, exams offer multiple-choice,completion and/or short answer questions. Sometimes, there are items specifically designed to assess your understanding of the lab experiments. Honors Physics, remember, no calculator for this first exam so remember those prefixes and their values and the basic rules for operations using values in scientific notation. Physics - we will discuss 1.3 tomorrow and tie up loose ends for the chapter. Honors Physics - tomorrow is the lab at the end of your chapter (remember to read and mentally-modify Part B) and Thursday is the review day. We will go over the Chapter Review items assigned today and discuss the lab investigation. Regardless of course or section, don't hesitate to get help before or after school if you find the need. I can't always stay after school on a moment's notice, but I can usually make time the next day.

20 minutes until the first pitch in the Sox game - just time to walk the dogs, make popcorn and settle in to watch us stomp Tampa Bay. I am sure the rain we got today was brought by the Rays - Florida is a very rainy state, you know...