Weekly Schedule May 12th – May 16th

This is our schedule for the week ending May 16th, 2008. If you have any questions, please contact me at extension 38.

1st Year Science (Period 2 & 3)

Monday: Work Due: none

A Spin around the Solar System:

How the Solar System Works

This is a primer on the solar system. The program describes the parts of the solar system (the sun, planets, moons, asteroids, etc.) and explains how they piece together with universal forces and various types of energy to form a complete system. The show also presents current scientific thought on how the sun and planets developed and shows where the solar system sits in relation to the Milky Way Galaxy and the universe. Worksheet is due Tuesday. There will be a quiz.

Tuesday: Work Due: How the Solar System Works

Spin around the Solar System:

The Sun: Our Star Attraction

The sun takes center stage of the solar system as its biggest, brightest object. The show explains how the sun's size and position help it do what it does - generate energy and hold the solar system together. Special attention is given to the sun's vital process of nuclear fusion. Students also learn about sunspots, solar flares, and solar wind. This show presents the sun inside and out, and follows its influence across the solar system. Worksheet is due Wednesday. There will be a quiz.

Wednesday: Work Due: The Sun: Our Star Attraction

Spin around the Solar System:

Our Rocky Neighbors: The Inner Planets

The four planets closest to the sun - including Earth - are small and dense, made of rock and metal. As a group they are often called the Inner Planets, the Rockies, or the Terrestrials. This program compares and contrasts members of the group - Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars - to each other and to the planets beyond. Students also learn about orbit paths, planet rotation, atmosphere, gravity, and other general solar system principles. Worksheet is due Thursday. There will be a quiz.

Thursday: Work Due: Our Rocky Neighbors: The Inner Planets

A Spin Around the Solar System:

There's No Place Like Earth

This overview of the planet Earth covers a wide range of topics: how the Earth formed, why it has a hot metal core, how the atmosphere and oceans move, the theory of plate tectonics, the origin of life, and more. Our home is compared to other planets to help show how different and specially suited it is for life. Worksheet is due Monday. There will be a quiz.

Friday: Movie

2nd Year Science (Period 1 & 4)

Monday: Work Due: Our Restless Atmosphere

Water Smart: Water on Earth

The majority of Earth’s surface is covered with water, but most if it is saltwater. Through vivid examples, students discover the varied types of bodies of water and how they are connected. Different phases and properties of water are presented as students compare and contrast glaciers, groundwater, wetlands, aquifers, lakes, estuaries, oceans and streams. The program ends with a true-false video quiz, and it includes eight experiments and demonstrations that students can duplicate using simple materials. There will be a worksheet that is due Tuesday. There will be a quiz.

Tuesday: Work Due: Water on Earth

Water Smart: Water as a Natural Resource

Take away water from Earth and what do you have? Not much! That’s the focus behind Water as a Natural Resource. This program raises awareness to the value of clean water on Earth. Concepts of non-point source pollution and wastewater are revealed to students. Kids see how the water cycle links and provides a life source for all creatures. We examine how wetlands, watersheds and ecosystems are affected by poor water quality. Different forms of water pollution are presented. Most importantly, a long list of examples is shown so that kids can take an active role in preserving good water quality and reducing water waste. A true/false quiz at the program conclusion provides instant measurement of learning. A dozen unique Internet links provide ample opportunity for kids to learn more about their local water resources. Teachers will use the Internet resources to go beyond material presented and elaborate on water safety. The substantial written materials will strengthen vocabulary with words like turbid, pesticide, potable, and solvent. Numerous experiments and demonstrations not only demonstrate water resource principles but they offer opportunity for graphing, calculating, and charting data. There will be a worksheet that is due Wednesday. There will be a quiz.

Wednesday: Work Due: The Water as a Natural Resource

Water Cycle or Atmosphere Poster

Students will create a poster illustrating either the water cycle or the atmosphere. Presentations will be made on Thursday.

Thursday: Work Due: Water Poster

Posters will be presented to class.

Friday: Movie