Monday, March 18th
Today in science: After giving their 1-page weekend homework assignment to Dr. M at the start of the lesson, students were asked to add the first two of three new ‘reference’ pages to the back of their lab notebook. These reference pages detail the behavior of atoms in two of the three main states of matter: gases and liquids. In addition to a drawing, each page lists the special characteristics of atoms in these states in terms of their attractions, motion, and arrangement. Students can see Dr. M’s drawings and notes in the Notes Portal.
Homework: There is no science homework tonight.
Tuesday, March 19th
Today in science: After inviting students to turn in any late homework assignments to the class Inbox, students were asked to add two more ‘reference’ pages to the back of their lab notebook. Together, these reference pages detail the behavior of atoms in the three main states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases. Students can see Dr. M’s drawings and notes in the Notes Portal. After finishing the written notes, students were asked to watch a short video (cartoon) that shows the Kinetic Particle Theory in a simplified visual form.
Dr. M also announced that there will be a Kinetic Particle Theory quiz on Monday, 25 March. Some examples of questions that Dr. M mentioned in class have been added to the Grade 6 Review Portal.
Homework: Some students might want to spend 20 minutes beginning to review for next Monday’s quiz. To study for this quiz, students can use the four pages added to the ‘reference’ section of their Lab Notebooks on March 18-19, but also pages 58-60 in their new Blue Books.
Wednesday, March 20th
Today in science: We began a new investigation by preparing a new page in our Lab Notebooks and updating our Table of Contents. The investigation is called the “Metal Cube Investigation” and involves measuring the mass (m), length (l), width (w), and height (h) of metal cubes made from five different metals (aluminum, steel, lead, copper, and brass). Since this investigation required the use of an electronic balance, Dr. M spent a few minutes showing students how to responsibly use the classroom balances. After collecting their dimension measurements, students were asked to calculate the volume (V) of each cube by using the volume formula (V = l x w x h). All data and calculations were recorded in students’ Lab Notebooks.
Homework: In today’s metal cube investigation, students discovered that 5 metal cubes, which all had almost IDENTICAL length sides (and thus almost identical volumes), also had DIFFERENT masses when measured in grams. Students have been asked to use what they know about ATOMS to try and explain how this is possible. In other words, what must be true about the ATOMS found in each of the five similar sized cubes to make the masses of the cubes different from one another? The 5 cubes were made from ALUMINUM, COPPER, LEAD, STEEL (Fe + C), and BRASS (Zn + Cu). Students might find that their new Blue Book contains some useful hints/answers, but Dr. M isn’t expecting students to use any resources other than their minds/brains. Answers should be written on a single piece of lined paper. Students can include drawings/diagrams too.
Thursday, March 21st
Today in science:
Homework:
Friday, March 22nd
Today in science: Unfortunately, A period science does not meet on Fridays. 😦
Homework: —
