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MSSD
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Today's Message for 3rd period
SOAR-High    smiley
HONORS Earth Systems Science
Model Secondary School for the Deaf 
  Mary Ellsworth, Science Teacher
atom Good Morning Students!       jumper  
2nd
Quarter
Science Portfolios
~*~     "If everyone is thinking alike, someone isn't thinking."   ~*~                             
                                                                                                                                                         - George Patton                                                                                                                                  past quotes
GLOBE logo   GLOBE Measurements  
 
Frost Tube observations:  12/12, 1/18,
MSSD:      latitude     39.2833 N  
        longitude     76.600 W   
hi!
 Dr. Michele Cooke
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Faults in the Field Expedition to California 
May 6-12, 2008

Applications are due Feb 8, 2008
Apply now!

The San Andreas fault  
Science Article Summary:  Due  11/9,  12/7,  1/11,  1/25            Writing Guide.            Online articles           Ref formatrainbow line
arrowFriday, February 1, 2008          Work Update

1. Finish all make up work. Check the work update... is it accurate?
2. California Reminder:  Applications are due next Friday,Feb 8,  for the California trip.   No application will be accepted after Feb 8.
        Look at Dr. Cooke's web page about the trip:  here.  
       Look at Dr. Cooke's professional web page: here.
This is the LAST day of 2nd Quarter. Half of your Senior Year is done!  
 Done with everything?   Test your thinking skills....try this.                            Have a great weekend! 


Thursday, January 31, 2008        
Midterm Exam:  Investigating UV light
1.  Finish your lab report.  Add pictures from here.
    Make sure you have everything: rubric
2.  Link your report to your online portfolio.
3.  Use the time to complete any make up work.  Work Update.
If you want to improve your wave report I will grade it again. The wave reports were not good.
Monday, January 28, 2008        
Midterm Exam:  Investigating UV light 
Read the lab guide, here.  Discuss how to do an experience with your partner. Create a plan.

You have a double period today and a single period on Thursday to experiment and write a report.  The Final report is due by the end of the day on Thursday, 1/31. Link this lab report to your online portfolio.
Friday, January 25, 2008              Work Update
  
  1.   A Science Article Summary is due today
   2.  Take the EM SPectrum Test
   3.  We will get ready for the midterm practicum test - Monday (2 hr) and Thursday (1 hr)
   4.  Catch up time -  Check the Work Update link and make sure all your work is done.
Homework:   Is your Online Portfolio complete?    Is your EM report linked?  
                                I will grade your Portfolio and EM report this weekend.

hi! Have a great weekend!   Get ready for MIDTERMS & Good luck! hi!
Thursday, January 25, 2008               Work Update
Topic: Energy in the Earth System - Review for EM test
  1.   You can use a Key to check your review paper.
   2.  EM Spectrum test
        Many of you said you are not ready for the test.  Work on the review today and we'll have the test tomorrow.
   3.   I will explain the Midterm
Homework:   EM Spectrum  test on Friday 1/25.
                                A Science Article Summary is due tmw, Friday 1/25
                                 Wegahta - please return the Waves book.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008               Work Update
Topic: Energy in the Earth System - Review for EM test
  1.  Show me your review papers:.  This vocabulary.  This review paper.
   2.  Here are photos and results from the Frost Tube last Friday.
   3.  Meet at the tables for EM Review.
 
Homework:   EM Spectrum  test on Thursday 1/24.
                                A Science Article Summary is due Friday 1/25.
Monday, January 21, 2008       
         
Remember Martin Luther King, Jr
End Racism - Click here for great Quotes
Together we can make the change!
 Friday, January 18, 2008               Work Update
Topic: Energy in the Earth System - Review for EM test
  1.  Here are photos from installing our Frost Tube in December.
       Today let's go out and check the frost tube - we'll see if the ground is frozen.
  2.  Snow photos:  :0)      Look at real snowflakes here.
  3.  Compare your drawings of emission spectrum for each gas with this page.
  4.  Review for test:  Practice this vocabulary.  Complete this review paper.
 
Homework:  We will have a test on the EM Spectrum on Thursday 1/24.   Be ready to review on Tuesday.
Have a wonderful wintery weekend! 
Thursday, January 17, 2008               Work Update
Topic: Energy in the Earth System - The Visible Spectrum
    1.  Meet at the tables. - View the emission spectrum of each charged gas.
      2.  Be prepared to share information with the class about your specific wavelength.
      3.  Can you trust your eyes?  Do you think these brains are moving?
Tuesday, January 15, 2008               Work Update
Topic:. Energy in the Earth System - The Visible Spectrum
  smiley      1.  Be prepared to share information with the class about your specific wavelength on Thursday.
       2.  Read this page and complete this worksheet.
       3.  View a spectrum of visible wavelengths - meet at the tables.
       4.  Can you trust your eyes?  A cool optical illusion:  Look here.
Monday, January 14, 2008               Work Update            
Topic:. Energy in the Earth System - What is the Electromagnetic Spectrum?
       1.  Finish the work on your report.   Link it to your online portfolio.
           Your report is due Tuesday (tmw) at the start of class.
Friday, January 11, 2008               Work Update  
  Topic:. Energy in the Earth System - What is the Electromagnetic Spectrum?
       1.  This page shows scaled distances in our solar system. (scroll right to see Pluto).  Remember it takes LIGHT 5 hrs and 40 minutes to go from the Sun to Pluto!
       2.  Yesterday's ppt is here. if you'd like to look at it again.
       3. Continue work on your report.   Your report is due Tuesday at the start of class.
       4.  A science article summary is due today.
Have a warm and cozy weekend! 
Thursday, January 10, 2008               Work Update   

  Topic:. Energy in the Earth System - What is the Electromagnetic Spectrum?
       1.  Light & Waves - please meet at the tables.
       2. Continue work on your report.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008               Work Update   

  Topic: Energy in the Earth System - What is the Electromagnetic Spectrum?
       1.  Take notes on this web page: Intro to the Electromagnetic Spectrum
       2.  Pick one kind of radiation from the EM spectrum and create a web page report.
            Sign up on the blackboard for the wavelength you want to study
            Start writing your report today (open a new page in Dreamweaver).
 
Homework:  A Science Article Summary is due Friday 1/11/08
Monday, January 7, 2008               Work Update   

Topic: Energy in the Earth System:  Energy at the poles.
    1.  Review how to write a Science Article Summary
    2.  We'll finish the Movie:   The Snow Walker
   3.  It's time to apply for the Expedition to California, May 6-12.  See above.
 
Homework:  A Science Article Summary is due Friday 1/11/08
\
   
  Thursday, December 20, 2007      
Happy Winter Solstice everyone! 
We'll finish the movie today
I brought some snacks!   Enjoy!
And have a great holiday break.
and a merry new year!  Go 2008!

Tuesday, December 18, 2007    Work Update    

Topic: Energy in the Earth System:  Energy at the poles.
    1.  Take the Arctic Test
    2.  Movie:   The Snow Walker
Monday, December 17, 2007    Work Update        

Topic: Energy in the Earth System:  Energy at the poles.
    1.  Take the Arctic Test
    2.  Movie:   The Snow Walker
Friday, December 14, 2007        Work Update         Mike - measure surface temps
  Topic: Energy in the Earth System:  Energy at the poles.
    1.  Review information for the test.   I will share keys to the review sheets. 
        Ask about anything you do not understand.  
Have a great weekend everybody
Thursday, December 13, 2007        Work Update         Mike - measure surface temps

  Topic: Energy in the Earth System:  Energy at the poles.
    1.  I will return papers and share your current grade average.
    2.  Any questions about the vocabulary?
    3.  We will finish the ppt, then work on the Review paper.
 
Homework: All work on this topic is due by Friday (tmr).  
                    Finish the review paper.
                    Test on Monday.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007        Work Update         Benji & Breanna - measure surface temps

  Topic: Energy in the Earth System:  Methane
    1.  Give me your graph writing homework.
    2.  Decomposition:  Watch fruit decompose. Watermellon,
    3.  Anaerobic bacteria:  Read about one kind here.
    4.  Methane from permafrost.   Meet at the tables.
click for larger view =>
 
Homework: Find the meanings of these vocabulary words.
Monday, December 10, 2007        Work Update         Benji & Breanna - measure surface temps
     Topic: Energy in the Earth System:  The Arctic
    1.  Give me your graph writing homework.
   2.. We will go outside and set up the frost tube today.
   3.  Let's continue Dr. Jeffries' ppt about Arctic changes.  Meet at the tables.
Friday, December 7, 2007        Work Update         Benji & Breanna - measure surface temps & SNOW
Topic: Energy in the Earth System:  The Arctic
    1.  Show me your graph descriptions.
   2.  Our frost tube is ready - we'll put it outside on Monday.
   3.  Meet at the tables - Why permafrost is important.
 
Homework: Write your analysis of the permafrost graphs.

Have a good weekend everyone! 
Thursday, December 6, 2007        Work Update     Wegahta & Mike - measure surface temps & SNOW
Topic: Energy in the Earth System:  The Arctic
 
   1.  I will return the Seasons Test  - meet at the Smartboard.
    2.. Permafrost and the Arctic.  Give me your HW outline.  Class Discussion.
    3.  We will put the Frost Tube together.
 
Homework: Read
Tuesday, December 4, 2007        Work Update     Wegahta & Mike - measure surface temperatures pls.
 Topic: Earth's seasons - test
   1.   Take the Seasons test.

Topic: Energy in the Earth System:  The Arctic
Read and Learn about Frozen Ground in the Arctic....
   2.  Why is the Arctic cold?  Read here.
   3.  Remember we learned about permafrost?   Click here and read "About Permafrost". 
   4.  Here is a map showing Northern Hemisphere permafrost.
   5.  Pictures of snow and ice:  Click here, again and click Picture Science, then click on "snow and ice".  
   6.  FYI:  On Thursday we will setup our Frost Tube. The purpose of the frost tube is to monitor the depth of freezing in soil.  
Homework: Read about the permanently frozen ground and write an outline 
                    for the information
Monday, December 3, 2007        Work Update     Wegahta & Mike - measure surface temperatures pls.

Topic: Earth's seasons - test prep
   1. Show me your Review papers #1 and 2.
   2. I will give you back papers and current grades
   3. Use the keys to check your reviews for the Seasons Test.
   4. Questions?   
Homework:  Seasons Test is tomorrow.   Study your review and homework papers
Friday, November 30, 2007      Work Update    Ram and Joanna - measure surface temperatures pls.
Topic: Energy in the Earth System
   1. Read this paragraph about energy flow in the Arctic.  Send me an email - what factors are involved with how energy moves around in the Arctic? 
Topic: Earth's seasons
   1.  Take a Quiz on the Earth/Sun diagram - Seasons
   2.  Add this page to your review
   3.  All seasons work is due today.
 
Homework:  1.  Finish the Seasons review paper
                    2.  Season's test on Tuesday, 12/4
Have a GRRRRREAT WEEKEND!  

Thursday, November 29, 2007      Work Update    Ram and Joanna - measure surface temperatures pls.
Topic: Energy in the Earth System
   1. Polar Bears are an important part of the Arctic environment.
      Learn about Polar Bears here.   Watch bears here.


Topic: Earth's seasons

    1.  Work on this review paper - due Monday 12/3  (I'll give you another page tmr).
Homework:  1.  Make sure your graph web page is complete.
    2.  Make sure your web portfolio page is complete (including link to the graph page)
    3.  A Seasons work is due this Friday 11/30. 
    4.  Season's quiz on Friday.      Season's test on Tuesday, 12/4.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007      Work Update    Ozone Measurements - finished (we'll write a report soon)
New Topic: Energy in the Earth System
  1.  Read about the GLOBE Surface Temperature Campaign here.
  2.  Meet the surface temperature scientist, Dr. Kevin Czajkowski here.  (Dr. C )  We will send out data to him.
  3.  We will start Surface Temperature Measurements to day.  Meet at the tables please.
.
Topic: What causes Earth's seasons?
Homework:  1.  Make sure your graph web page is complete.
    2.  Make sure your web portfolio page is complete (including link to the graph page)
    3.  A Seasons work is due this Friday 11/30.  I'll give you a review sheet on Thursday.
    4.  Season's quiz on Friday.   Season's test on Tuesday, 12/4.



Happy Thanksgiving!

Friday, November 15, 2007    Work Update         Work Update Mike & Breanna pls measure ozone (expose it)

Topic: What causes Earth's seasons?
  1. Seasonal changes in Insolation. Add this graph to your new seasons web page. Write a clear explanation for the three lines on the graph. (your answers for #7, 8, and 9 from these questions.)
  2.  Read about insolation.  Add the definition of Insolation to your web page.
   3.  Seasons on other planets.... compare Earth's seasonal patterns to what happens on other planets. 
      Do this worksheet.
  4.  Take some time to look at other student's Portfolio pages. 

    Bye. Have a great week!

Thursday, November 15, 2007    Work Update     Work Update Mike & Breanna pls measure ozone (expose it)

Topic: What causes Earth's seasons?
  1. Take 15 minutes to finish the worksheet about seasons.
  2.  How big are the planets and stars?  Read this.
  3.  Create a new web page about Seasons.  Start with the graph on page 352.  Add an explanation:  write your answers for #7, 8, and 9 from yesterday's questions.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007    Work Update        Work Update Mike & Breanna pls measure ozone (expose it)

Topic: What causes Earth's seasons?
  1. Meet at the tables for a brief discussion about seasons..
  2.  Understanding Seasons: Answer questions about the seasons.

Monday, November 12, 2007         Work Update           Work Update Wegahta & Ram pls measure ozone (expose it)

Topic: What causes Earth's seasons?
  1. What causes the Seasons?  Read this page.

   2. Partners:   Make a drawing showing the position of the Earth & Sun at each season.
Follow pages 432 and 352 in the Laing book. 
Include;
     1.  show the correct tilt of the Earth on it's axis.
     2.  show the light and shadow on the Earth (day and night)
      3.  show the Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn, and the equator,
     4.  the location of the subsolar point (SSP)
     5.  the soltices and equinoxes (include all dates),
     6.  label the seasons
  3. After 11:00 - follow my feedback to revise your Science Portfolio webpage.

Friday, November 9, 2007                                                 Work Update                           Jo and Ben, pls measure ozone (expose it)

Topic: What causes Earth's seasons?

1.  Give me your Science Article Summer for today.
2.  Meet at the Smartboard - quick explanation.
3.  Catch up time:  Goldilocks, online portfolio, Blue Planet assignment, etc.

 
Homework:   Make sure your river report is complete. The files must be on the server.
                In the Blue Planet book:  Read A Habitable Planet:  pp286-289. 
                    Send Mary the asnwer:  What are the 3 basic requirements for a habitable planet?

Thursday, November 8, 2007      Work Update                                               Jo and Ben, pls measure ozone (expose it)


Topic:   Earth's Seasons
   1.   Use about 20 minutes to finish your cover page and links.  Transfer the files to the server.
   2.   10:40  Meet at the tables:   What causes seasons on Earth?


Homework:   Make sure your river report is complete.  The files must be on the server.
                In the Blue Planet book:  Read A Habitable Planet:  pp286-289. 
                    Send Mary the asnwer:  What are the 3 basic requirements for a habitable planet?  
                              =>   A Science Article Summary is due this Friday, 11/9.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007      Work Update                              Jo and Ben, pls measure ozone (expose it)

Topic:   Earth's Seasons 

       1.   Give me your Goldilocks Questions.
 
 2.   Create a cover page for your online science portfolio.   Follow these directions.
        Make links to two projects:   Your Satellite ppt, and the Anacostia River report.  
                Which is a project and which is a Lab Report/rResearch?   Put your work under the correct category.

Homework:   Make sure your river report is complete.  The files must be on the server.
                In the Blue Planet book:  Read A Habitable Planet:  pp286-289. (GET A BOOK TODAY!)
                    Send Mary the asnwer:  What are the 3 basic requirements for a habitable planet?  
                                 =>   A Science Article Summary is due this Friday, 11/9.

Monday, November 5, 2007      Work Update  Work Update -1st Q    Mike & Breanna, pls measure ozone (expose it)

Topic:   Earth's Seasons and IPY: Seasonal Change in a River

       1.  Meet at the tables.  I will pass back papers, review, and explain a couple things 

       2.  We will continue to improve your report.  The full report will count as a 
            grade for 2nd quarter.  Your grade will be decided with this checklist.
            A new section:   Add an equipment list to your report.  Review the pictures and 
            remember all the equipment we used.   Add the list to your river report.
          You have time to work on it today.   The final is due Friday, with one other day (Thursday) to work on it.

 Homework:   What is the Goldilocks Zone?   Remember the story?  Why is Earth in the Goldilocks Zone?
                Read the article about the Zone.  Type answers  to these questions.
                        =>   A Science Article Summary is due this Friday, 11/9.


Past Messages:    [ 1st Q ]     

SOAR-High - Computer Guidelines 

Take good care of our computers
    You may not use chat or IM.  DO NOT download,  install or use chat programs.   AOL Instant Messenger and IRC, etc. are not permitted, during class or after school.  AIM chats with friends and family are not appropriate use of the school day -  chatting does not help you learn or enhance your education. 

    You may not read or write personal email during class time.  Students who are finished with all class responsibilities may request permission to read personal email in class during the final few minutes of class.

   Do not download files onto any MSSD computers.
   Do not open attachments in email.
   Absolutely NO rough play (pushing, shoving, running, chasing) is permitted in this science classroom.   The computer you break will be the one for you to work on for the rest of the quarter.
Only YOU can keep our computers safe and happy!

Made on a Mac
Climate Change: http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/earth/climate/climate.html
Fun:  http://www.brl.ntt.co.jp/people/hara/fly.swf

fun: http://public.hbk-bs.de/%7Ebaumgarn/zoomquilt/zoom.htm

 
2.  Observe the visible spectrum directly:
           Study the spectrum on the blackboard and answer these questions.