Mr. Blythe

Thursday

Current standard: Students will be familiar with the forms and transformations of energy and describe how heat can be transferred through matter by the collisions of atoms (conduction) or through space (radiation). In a liquid or gas, currents will facilitate the transfer of heat (convection). How is the motion of particles in a substance related to the thermal energy of the substance? We took notes today on the three methods of heat transfer and then saw how conduction is affected by various materials. Chapter 14 workbook was then used for reinforcement.

Tuesday

We are working towards the end of our study on the Periodic Table of Elements but we will revisit it many times throughout the school year as it relates to so much of the science that we do. Progress reports were distributed today. Many of you have an opportunity to improve your grades so jump on this as soon as possible because there are only 18 more days until the 9 weeks is over.

Monday

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with family. We will continue to work on the nature of matter and the table of elements for a few days this week. The last test that we had on the states of matter was a little more difficult then the ones the students were used to having. The questions were written in a format like the CRCT questions and students have to really understand the material and the question before answering instead of just repeating the information from the teacher or the textbook. This is higher order thinking and to be successful, the students need to start taking notes and working outside of class by reviewing these notes along with their textbook and their workbooks. I will be adding some other resources soon to give them access to some state sponsored sites for reinforcement. We have many resources but the best methods are the tried and true ones such as keeping up in class, asking questions when needed and reinforcement outside of the classroom. Only four weeks left in this nine weeks!

Monday

How can elements be grouped based on their physical and chemical properties? Today we began discovering how the periodic table of elements is arranged. Students determined their own classification systems before using standardized properties to change their thoughts. We will continue the process tomorrow. Our current standard is for students to examine the scientific view of the nature of matter to recognize that there are more than 100 elements and some have similar properties as shown on the periodic table of elements.

Thursday

A long time since I posted but we have been very busy with the basics of chemistry. We have a test/quiz tomorrow and you can use the chapter 2 workbook along with 2-3 and 2-4 review and reinforce for a study guide. There will also be a study session tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM to prepare!

Thursday

We are working hard are determining the differences between physical and chemical changes of matter. We completed a group of labs today that demonstrate chemical changes so hopefully things will become much more clear. Tomorrow the convention will interrupt the afternoon classes but the morning classes will have the opportunity to work with buoyancy and the effect of density on the ability of things to float.