Once again, the better you understand...the more you are geek...
Bruce Campbell Soup Labels
6/22/10
6/19/10
6/14/10
Exams - Day 1
Today was mostly a normal day, except for the lack of Physical Science E block. Honors Physics competed their circuits work, Physical Science B reviewed for the final exam and Physics F put the finishing touches and submitted their circuits project. Hopefully, everyone had a successful G Block exam. Tomorrow - all exams, all day!
6/11/10
Freekie Fryday
It's pretty much all over but the cryin'...
Physical Science worked on reviewing for their final exams and Honors Physics continued to work on their circuit projects. Physics F has completed the hands-on portion of their electronics work and is now working on the outside research portion. On Monday, things will pretty much be the same, but Physical Science E will not meet. It is especially important, therefore, for those students to schedule time with me, if necessary, to prepare for the final exam or email me with questions.
Homework
None for anyone!
Physical Science worked on reviewing for their final exams and Honors Physics continued to work on their circuit projects. Physics F has completed the hands-on portion of their electronics work and is now working on the outside research portion. On Monday, things will pretty much be the same, but Physical Science E will not meet. It is especially important, therefore, for those students to schedule time with me, if necessary, to prepare for the final exam or email me with questions.
Homework
None for anyone!
6/10/10
The End of Radiation
Today marked the last new material for the Physical Science sections. We completed our introduction to radiation with a comparison of nuclear fission and fusion the practical applications (or proposed applications)of these technologies. We also discussed the dangers of radiation and the current uses. Starting tomorrow, students will be given time to get individual help for issues concerning next week's final exams.
Honors Physics and Physics continued to work on their circuits, building water alarms, conductivity probes and Morse code generators. Stuff = fun.
Homework
None for anyone!
Honors Physics and Physics continued to work on their circuits, building water alarms, conductivity probes and Morse code generators. Stuff = fun.
Homework
None for anyone!
6/9/10
Closing Up Shop
Today was the last time, in the 2009-2010 school year that the Vernier lab equipment will be used. Now, time to pack everything away and wait for September.
Honors Physics and Physics worked on their circuit projects. Good time being had by all.
Physical Science B conducted their radiation investigation. Students tested how both distance and shielding affect radiation intensity. For both factors, an inverse relationship was seen, with the distance relationship very nicely playing out as an inverse-square relationship. /for the shielding experiment, more shielding definitely lowered the number of counts/time interval, but the relationship was more linear. We';; discuss the lab tomorrow and finish up with radiation by discussing fission, fusion and radiation uses and safety,
Physical Science E returned to radioactivity with a description of gamma rays and the nature o decay series. Attention was then turned to radioactive half-life an dhow it can be used to assess the age of materials. Tomorrow, we'll go over the half-life problems assigned for homework and finish up with our radiation unit.
Both Physical Science sections received a copy of last year's final exam and the solution key. With the extensive preparation for MCAS that we recently completed, students have already had their final exam review. Take the exam, score your test and make note of items and topics for which you need extra help. Schedule time with me between now the and your exam period to get the help you need and email me if you have questions.
Homework
Physical Science B: None
Physical Science E: 9.1 Section Review #6-8 and the Practice on p. 292
Honors Physics and Physics worked on their circuit projects. Good time being had by all.
Physical Science B conducted their radiation investigation. Students tested how both distance and shielding affect radiation intensity. For both factors, an inverse relationship was seen, with the distance relationship very nicely playing out as an inverse-square relationship. /for the shielding experiment, more shielding definitely lowered the number of counts/time interval, but the relationship was more linear. We';; discuss the lab tomorrow and finish up with radiation by discussing fission, fusion and radiation uses and safety,
Physical Science E returned to radioactivity with a description of gamma rays and the nature o decay series. Attention was then turned to radioactive half-life an dhow it can be used to assess the age of materials. Tomorrow, we'll go over the half-life problems assigned for homework and finish up with our radiation unit.
Both Physical Science sections received a copy of last year's final exam and the solution key. With the extensive preparation for MCAS that we recently completed, students have already had their final exam review. Take the exam, score your test and make note of items and topics for which you need extra help. Schedule time with me between now the and your exam period to get the help you need and email me if you have questions.
Homework
Physical Science B: None
Physical Science E: 9.1 Section Review #6-8 and the Practice on p. 292
6/8/10
Back in the Saddle
There should be a law against getting a cold in June…anyway, students carried on yesterday without me as well as they do with me (which is depressing).
Today, Honors Physics and Physics continued building and testing their circuits. Physical Science
B discussed the concept of half-life and how it can be used to determine the age of materials. Tomorrow, students will conduct a lab experiment that investigates the effects of distance and shielding on radiation intensity.
Physical Science E reviewed their labs and then launched into a discussion of the nature and types of radiation. We contrasted alpha, beta and neutron radiation and will tackle gamma tomorrow, before taking up the topic of radioactive half-life.
Homework
Physical Science B: Read lab protocol packet
Physical Science E, Physics F, Honors Physics: None
Today, Honors Physics and Physics continued building and testing their circuits. Physical Science
B discussed the concept of half-life and how it can be used to determine the age of materials. Tomorrow, students will conduct a lab experiment that investigates the effects of distance and shielding on radiation intensity.
Physical Science E reviewed their labs and then launched into a discussion of the nature and types of radiation. We contrasted alpha, beta and neutron radiation and will tackle gamma tomorrow, before taking up the topic of radioactive half-life.
Homework
Physical Science B: Read lab protocol packet
Physical Science E, Physics F, Honors Physics: None
6/4/10
Radioactive Wasteland
Honors Physics and Physics continued working on their circuit projects and produced some strange and disquieting noises, much to the delight of all involved.
Physical Science B began the last unit for the year – Nuclear Changes. Students were introduced to the nature of radiation and the types of radiation that are produced. On Monday, we’ll take a closer look at how the release of radiation affects an atom.
Physical Science E conducted a lab investigation on how distance affects radiation intensity. Students used NRC-certified non-hazardous materials as sources for radiation and radiation monitors to track the emission of radioactive particles. Despite the lack of hazard, anyone handling the samples was required to wear gloves as a precaution. Students predicted, quite rightly, that increased distance would lessen radiation intensity and the collected data backed up their prediction. Also making an appearance was our old friend the intensity formula, and the characteristic curved shape of the intensity graph. Oh, that familiar inverse-square relationship…
Homework
Physical Science B: Chapter 9 Chapter Review items #16-20
Physical Science E: Complete lab write up
Physical Science B began the last unit for the year – Nuclear Changes. Students were introduced to the nature of radiation and the types of radiation that are produced. On Monday, we’ll take a closer look at how the release of radiation affects an atom.
Physical Science E conducted a lab investigation on how distance affects radiation intensity. Students used NRC-certified non-hazardous materials as sources for radiation and radiation monitors to track the emission of radioactive particles. Despite the lack of hazard, anyone handling the samples was required to wear gloves as a precaution. Students predicted, quite rightly, that increased distance would lessen radiation intensity and the collected data backed up their prediction. Also making an appearance was our old friend the intensity formula, and the characteristic curved shape of the intensity graph. Oh, that familiar inverse-square relationship…
Homework
Physical Science B: Chapter 9 Chapter Review items #16-20
Physical Science E: Complete lab write up
6/3/10
Free at Last!
Well, from MCAS, at least. Physical Science had their final MCAS session this morning and no one was found weeping and rending their garments in the hall - I take this as a good sign. B Block did not meet today, but E Block did and students were given time to complete the MCAS review work that is due tomorrow.
Honors Physics and Physics carried on as, as they will carry on until year's end.
Homework
Physical Science B and E: Complete all MCAS review work
Honors Physics and Physics carried on as, as they will carry on until year's end.
Homework
Physical Science B and E: Complete all MCAS review work
6/2/10
Another Wacky Day
With MCAS beginning today and the senior breakfast and awards, the schedule was topsy turvy. Also with the senior awards, MCAS participants could not be released, even when the entire group had completed their tasks. So we basically all sat around for an hour waiting for lunch.
Physical Science E did not meet due to MCAS and B Block had another LONG block. Students were allowed to decompress by working with the Snap Circuits kits or study for other classes. Feelings were mixed about the exam - some said it wasn't bad, others said it was hard. A number of folks said that it was harder than the exam that was administered last year. We'll see, but I'm sure that people did better than they think.
Honors Physics and Physics worked on their final project of the year, which is using the Snap Circuits kits to investigate electronics. They will construct, test and evaluate a variety of electronic devices and conduct out-of-class research to give their work a broader scope. Students will continue with this project until the end of the year.
Homework
None for anyone!
Physical Science E did not meet due to MCAS and B Block had another LONG block. Students were allowed to decompress by working with the Snap Circuits kits or study for other classes. Feelings were mixed about the exam - some said it wasn't bad, others said it was hard. A number of folks said that it was harder than the exam that was administered last year. We'll see, but I'm sure that people did better than they think.
Honors Physics and Physics worked on their final project of the year, which is using the Snap Circuits kits to investigate electronics. They will construct, test and evaluate a variety of electronic devices and conduct out-of-class research to give their work a broader scope. Students will continue with this project until the end of the year.
Homework
None for anyone!
6/1/10
Facing MCAS
Our first full day without seniors finds me also without juniors due to a field trip…so no Honors Physics or Physics F/G.
Physical Science B and E went over the last bit of MCAS review material – electromagnetism. Tomorrow and Thursday are the big days, so make sure to stay rested, well-fed and in good spirits. We talked about what to expect about the exam procedure, so there shouldn’t be any surprises. Keep in mind that you have covered all the material relevant to the exam and that you haven’t bombed the practice sessions. Stay confident and remember all the little tips we’ve discussed for maximizing your performance. Take the time you need – don’t feel bad about not finishing during the scheduled time if that happens. This is your test and you should take the time you need to do your best job. Good luck!
Homework
Physical Science - None
Physical Science B and E went over the last bit of MCAS review material – electromagnetism. Tomorrow and Thursday are the big days, so make sure to stay rested, well-fed and in good spirits. We talked about what to expect about the exam procedure, so there shouldn’t be any surprises. Keep in mind that you have covered all the material relevant to the exam and that you haven’t bombed the practice sessions. Stay confident and remember all the little tips we’ve discussed for maximizing your performance. Take the time you need – don’t feel bad about not finishing during the scheduled time if that happens. This is your test and you should take the time you need to do your best job. Good luck!
Homework
Physical Science - None
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