Today I am discussing The Science of Finding the Perfect Christmas Gift in a podcast, in light of the Holidays! (You will hear music for the first 35 seconds, then I will begin speaking). Enjoy and happy shopping! Season's Greetings!

The Science of Finding the Perfect Christmas Gift

Below is the latest addition to a household Science activity that would be great for beginning Science students or even children and friends.

Cloud in a Bottle

Hello everybody,

Below you will find the link to the latest vocabulary terms and defintions for technology from the book Instructional Technology and Media for Learning by Sharon Smaldino, Deborah Lowther, and James Russell.

Chapter 7 Vocabulary

After carefully reading all direction for assignment one, my PowerPoint presentation successfully played my video during the slide show! :)

Physical change is known as a change in physical properties of a substance that can be reversible. Chemical change is known as a change in chemical properties, or composition, that is usually irreversible; this involves the rearrangment of atoms in two or more substances in which a new substance is formed. Based on this short explantion, watch the video below and try to identify which changes mentioned are physical changes and which changes are chemical changes.

Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic Rocks and the Rock Cycle

Igneous Rocks, Sedimentary Rocks, Metamorphic Rocks, and the Rock Cycle

NV State Standard: Grade 7 - Earth Science

Standards:

E.8.C.1 - Students know sedimentary rocks and fossils provide evidence for changing environments and the constancy of geologic processes. [E/S]

E.8.C.2 - Students know rocks at Earth’s surface weather, forming sediments that are buried, then compacted, heated and often recrystallized into new rock. [E/S]

Objectives:

5.1 - The student will distinguish between sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.

5.2 - The student will diagram the rock cycle.

Background:

The rock cycle is the formation, breaking down, and reformation of rock described in a model by the processes of sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous. Rocks are created and destroyed in these processes creating three types of rocks: igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks. The rocks can be created by high pressure, high heat, freezing, or melting.

Lesson:

1. Read about the rock cycle and how weathering has an effect on a rock’s process here

2. Explore how rocks change and how heat and pressure can alter a rock here

3. Click here and discover the three types of rocks and how rocks undergo change with an interactive rock cycle animation

4. Observe the differences in texture, shape, and color between igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks here

Group/Independent Work:

Take out a piece of paper and title it “3 Types of Rocks and the Rock Cycle”. Make 3 columns and name the columns Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic. Number 1-8 in each column. Using the pictures here, list eight names of each type of rock under the Igneous column, Sedimentary column, and Metamorphic column. (There should be 24 names listed, 8 for each rock type). Using the key characteristics chart at the bottom of the page here, list at least 2 characteristics next to each name of rock (crystals, fossils, sand or pebbles, gas bubbles, glassy surface, ribbonlike layers). There should be 2 characteristics for each of the 24 names of rocks.  

On the back of your paper, create your own model of the rock cycle. Be sure to include the different types of weathering, the 3 types of rock, and the processes for each rock. You will be graded on proper labeling, coloring, and creativity. Share and discuss with a partner.

Post:

Once you have completed the list of rocks, characteristics, and model of the rock cycle, search the website for your idea of the perfect rock cycle. (Hint: perhaps it will have pictures of the different types of rocks or animations). Post the website address and explain in a paragraph why you chose this rock cycle model to portray your idea of the perfect rock cycle. 

Extension:

Test your skills! Correctly identify each rock’s characteristics and then pick which rock type the rock belongs to. You have one chance to get the answer correct and each question is worth one point. Complete this activity here in six minutes.

Assignment Rubric:

CATEGORY	4	3	2	1
Identifies important information	Student identifies all 3 different types of rocks and steps of the rock cycle without having information or illustrations in front of him/her.	Student identifies all 3 different types of rocks and steps of the rock cycle but uses information or illustrations for reference.	Student identifies all but one of the 3 different types of rocks and steps of the rock cycle and uses information or illustrations for reference.	Student cannot identify any of the 3 different types of rocks and steps of the rock cycle with accuracy while using information or illustrations for reference.
Identifies characteristics	Student accurately identifies at least 5 different characteristics of rocks and gives a clear explanation of why these are characteristics.	Student accurately identifies at least 4 different characteristics of rocks and gives a reasonable explanation of why they are characteristics.	Student accurately identifies at least 4 different characteristics of rocks however explanation of why they are characteristics is weak.	Student has difficulty identifying characteristics of rocks.
The rock cycle model	Student accurately explains how rock cycle graphic/diagram is related to the text and creates a clear and accurate model of the rock cycle.	Student accurately explains how rock cycle graphic/diagram is related to the text and creates a somewhat clear model of the rock cycle.	Student somewhat explains how rock cycle graphic/diagram is related to the text and creates an inaccurate model of the rock cycle.	Student has difficulty explaining how rock cycle graphic/diagram is related to the text and does not create a model of the rock cycle.
Summarization	Student uses paragraph to describe clearly the chosen rock cycle model web address.	Student uses several sentences to accurately describe the chosen rock cycle model web address.	Student summarizes most of the chosen rock cycle model web address, but has some slight misunderstanding.	Student has great difficulty summarizing the chosen rock cycle model web address.

Extra Resources:

EasyBib - Website to assist with citing instantly!

Tutor.com - Online tutoring site that provides a tutor one-to-one!

Interactive Rock Cycle - Explore the rock cycle diagram with illustrations and animations!

Discovery Channel - Learn about earthquakes and how to make one with the earthquake simulator!

Volcanoes - Read about how volcanoes form and watch the short video on viscosity!

Welcome

Hello! Welcome to Ms. Thompson's 7th grade Earth Science. We will be learning about our Dynamic Planet and the many things that occur on Earth including earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountains. We will discover the possible hazards of an earthquake and volcanoes as well as rock content and types of rock formation. This year we will focus on learning about our continents and Pangea and use our creative and critical thinking skills to enhance learning, sharing, collaborating, and participation in the classroom.

Expectations

As a new student entering middle school I will expect for students to complete the Science expectations form and sign along with parents. I have high expectations for my students which include respecting one another, respecting the lab and all property in the lab, remaining safe at all times by using proper safety gear, listening to all instructions before beginning classroom work, showing and treating those who speak with respect, and doing the very best you can in my class. If anybody has any questions or concerns regarding classroom expectations, please feel free to contact me.

Grades

Students in my class with automatically be given an A+. It is the student's responsibility to maintain that A by completing all assignments on time, participating as often as possible, and remaining on task as the majority of points will be generated in the classroom. Lack of participation, incomplete assignments, and working off-task will reflect in the student's performance and grade for each quarter.

Calendar

I will be sure to update the classroom calendar at the beginning of each week to reflect the agenda for the school week as well as assignment due dates and important school dates such as staff development days, holidays, and student progress and report cards.

Participation/Make-up work

Participation is an important part of the student classroom grade. I expect students to engage in classroom debates and conversation, reading, and assignments. If a student is absent, make-up work can be collected and returned for full points if the work is returned by the end of the week. If there are any questions regarding missing assignments or test re-takes please contact me as soon as possible for the maximum amount of points possible.

Classroom Supplies

Students are expected to come to my class prepared. As a note, the following list of supplies will ensure all students come to class with the materials they need to be successful: pencils, lined paper, one spiral notebook per quarter (total of 3), markers, colored pencils, glue, scissors, and tape. I will supply a color box which will consist of colored pencils, markers, glue, scissors, tape, and pens; however, showing up prepared will always assure students are ready on account that a color box may not be available.

School District Calendar

The link to the school district calendar will give all students important dates throughout the 2012-2013 school year.

Parent Involvement

Our school district, as well as myself, encourages parent involvement in student progress and the educational needs of our students. Getting involved with student education is a great way to promote great learning habits, motivation, encouragement, and an increased life-long love of learning. To view the document in regard to parent involvement and how to stay partnered please view the parent involvement link.