FORENSICS

Today in class students watched a documentary about crime scene analysis.  The crime investigated involved several areas of forensics that we have studied this year including toxicology, ballistics, and blood spatter analysis.  This week the students will review for a test on toxicology & ballistics on Monday.  On Thursday the students will receive a study guide and vocabulary crossword to review for the test which will be composed of 40 multiple choice questions.  Friday will be the last day to turn in any late or make-up work

Homework
Complete make-up/review work

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

Today in class students took the open-response portion of their final.  This part was composed of 3 open ended questions where students filled in charts and labeled diagrams about topics we have studied this year.  Earlier this week students completed review packets and overviews from me as study materials.  All late/work & extra credit work was due today as well and no work will be accepted after today.  Tomorrow (Thurs) students will receive a grade report with their term grades for each term this year as well as their average total grade before the final is calculated in.  Students are reminded that the final (open-response + multiple choice) accounts for 20% of their grade

Multiple Choice Final Days

Thursday 6/20 - PERIOD D
Friday 6/21 - PERIOD C
Tuesday 6/25 - PERIOD E & PERIOD G

Homework
Study for multiple choice part of final

FORENSICS

Today we finished the documentary on the ballistics analysis in the JFK assassination and also took notes on ballistics basics.  Students should have tuned in the question packets that went along with the documentary by the end of class as well as their toxicology report which was due today.  This week we will read several articles about ballistics and its use in forensics, watch an investigation which utilizes ballistics to solve a crime, and review for the final test next Monday.  Remember, the final taken at the end of May will show up on the report card in the final exam column and the test we take on Monday (6/24) will be a final test for 4th term on toxicology & ballistics

Homework

None

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

Today we continued to work on review packets for the final.  Students are completing the reviews as part of classwork and homework and I have let them know that filling out and completing the packets will be worth 70 homework points and it is vital for them to study the material for the final.  I am also giving out review packet overviews to review the content for each unit with the students and we have been going over these together on the projector.  All students will take the open-response part of the final on Wednesday 6/19 and the multiple choice on the day assigned (all students received a schedule of this today at the start of class).  All make-up/late work & extra credit are due by Wed. 6/19 no exceptions !

Homework

C,D,E - Review Packets #2-#4 will be check tomorrow
G - Review Packets #1 & #2 will be checked tomorrow

HAVE A GREAT DAY

Hello everyone.  Here is what is going on in class today & the rest of the week

FORENSICS

Students in forensics took a quiz today on toxicology.  This quiz covered drug schedules, drug classes, role of the toxicologist, and alcohol information.  Toxicology will be a large part of the test students will take on the day of their final. After the quiz we started our ballistics unit with a video about the JFK assassination. This video will explore the ballistics that helped investigators determined what happened and will also delve into some conspiracy theories.  We will watch this video (and students should answer corresponding questions in their packets) until Monday when we take notes on our last section, ballistics. 

Reminder: Students took the final with the senior at the end of May.  That grade will show up on their report card as their final.  Students will take a class test on toxicology & ballistics on Monday 6/24 when their final is scheduled.

Homework

Work on Toxicology Report Due Monday 6/17

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

Students took a quiz on cell basics and cell organelles in class today.  This will be the last quiz of the year ! Tomorrow we will start reviewing for the final using review packets students will work on in class and for homework over the next few days.  We have one last bit of information to go over on cell membranes and cell transport which students read about after the quiz today and we will follow up with tomorrow as well.  All students received grade updates this week and should have a good idea of any make-up or late work they need to turn in as well as where they stand for Term 4.

Reminder: ALL STUDENTS will take the written portion of the final WEDNESDAY 6/19.  Students will be allowed to use a cheat sheet during the final (written & multiple choice) which I will explain tomorrow in class.  Students are responsible for filling the cheat sheet out and bringing it to class

Homework

Cell Membrane Article Summary

Reminders:
ALL LATE/MAKE UP WORK DUE BY WEDNESDAY 6/19

Have a good day :)

Hello everyone – Here is what is going on in class this week

FORENSICS

Students in forensics are currently writing a toxicology report on a famous celebrity with a history of drug abuse problems.  In this report they will detail the events leading up to the famous individuals overdose or drug related incident and then pick one drug the celebrity is/was abusing to profile.  In this profile they will classify the drug according to the schedules and groups discussed in class and look nto several other criteria as given on the instruction sheet.  The last part of the report is to explain the outcome of the abuse in a well-written paragraph.  Students had Friday and Monday in class to work on this and may potentially have some time Tuesday.  Tomorrow we will discuss the toxicology of alcohol and that will end the content for this unit.  There will be a quiz on toxicology later this week after review activities Wednesday.  Students are reminded that they already took their final a few weeks ago with the seniors but during the allotted final time in a few weeks students will just take a test on toxicology and ballistics which we will start later this week.

Homework

Work on Toxicology Report

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

This week in integrated science we are wrapping up our unit on cell organelles.  Students will work on a variety of review activities over the next few days (crossword, bingo, graded group classwork review packet) in preparation for a quiz on Thursday (last quiz of the year!).  Today the students worked in groups on a review packet and thought of helpful review question for the final after taking a look at all of the units we have done this year. After the quiz we will look into cell membranes and diffusion briefly and then into the weekend/all of next week we will start reviewing for the final exam.  Students are reminded to make up all work ASAP as most students received a grade sheet today with several assignments that should have been passed in since the last grade sheet they received.

Homework

NONE

Good afternoon everyone.  Here is what has been going on in class

FORENSICS

This week in forensics we have started our unit on toxicology. Students read an introductory article yesterday about toxicology and how we apply it to the legal system in forensics.  They should have turned in questions that corresponded to the article.  Today the class took notes on drug schedules and how we classify drugs according to specific criteria mandated by the federal government.  After the notes students read about different famous poisonings throughout history and how the drugs affected the body and were then discovered.  As the week continues we will learn about how a toxicologist performed his job, drug types and the affect on the body, and perform a lab using different chemicals to determine which drugs were present at the scene of a crime.

Homework

Finish famous poisonings assignment (summary & which you thorough were interesting)


INTEGRATED SCIENCE

This week in integrated science we have started learning about the cell.  Yesterday and today we have watched videos about cell basics and organelles and taken notes on the content.  Our last note packet of the year ! As the week continues we will do several activities involving cells including a station activity in which we recognize the appearance of an organelle and identify its function and also apply cell structure & function to something more familiar in a cell analogy partner project.

Reminder - Students had a paper on organic molecules that was due Monday 6/3(yesterday)
IF YOU HAVE NOT TURNED THIS IN YOU NEED TO DO SO
I will start contacting parents about missing paper later this week as it is a major portion on your grade. Feel free to email me your paper at sobrien@plymouth.k12.ma.us


**G - Organic Molecule paper Due FRIDAY 6/7

Homework

NONE

Here is what is going on in class today & tomorrow:

FORENSICS

This week students have been watching episodes of CSI and relating the forensic content to information we have learned in class.  Last week students took the final exam so this week is more of a make-up work week as well as a relaxing week especially with so many seniors leaving class.  Next week we will start toxicology

Homework

NONE

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

Today we started our next & final unit on cells.  We watched two introductory videos on cells and then students used the text to take a look at the scientists that contributed to the cell theory.  Students created a timeline of these historic contributions that they will continue working on tomorrow. 

Homework

Keep working on organic molecule essay

Hello everyone.  I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend ! Here is what is going on in class

FORENSICS

All students took the final exam last Friday.  The final exam was composed of multiple choice questions as well as a writing portion in which students had to analyze a crime scene scenario and explain what evidence to collect & techniques they could use to collect it.  Seniors will find their final exam grade on their report card.  All other students will see their final exam grade on their report card at the end of the year and during the final exam time in June they will take a general class test on whatever units we get through from here on out (toxicology & ballistics, most likely).  This week in class we will be watching episodes on CSI and analyzing the content tin the episodes for class related content (evidence collection, motives, blood stain pattern analysis, etc).  After the seniors last day the rest of the class will start learning about toxicology. 

Homework

NONE

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

This week in class students will be working on an organic molecules writing assignment.  This is the last formal writing assignment of the school year and is worth 60 assessment points so it is essentially the writing portion of the test they took last week (multiple choice/fill-in portion).  This paper is due next Monday 6/3.  Students will have class time on Tuesday & Wednesday (long periods due to senior exams) to work on their papers on the school laptops.  On Thursday we will start our next and final unit on cell biology.  Students will also receive grade report sheets this week showing them their current grade and all of the assignments for this half of the term.  Students should hand in make-up & late work ASAP.

Homework

Work on Organic Molecules Writing Assignment

Have a nice day :)

Happy Half Day ! Here is what is going on in class:

FORENSICS

Today we started reviewing for the final on Friday.  All students regardless of grade will take the final on Friday !  Therefore underclassmen will have a general test in place of another final in June. The final will be about 60 multiple choice questions and then a writing portion (more of a chart fill out) and students will have 90 minutes to complete the entire test.  Today we reviewed the crime scene basics, eye-witness accounts, handwriting, and chromatography units by going through the PowerPoint presentations and completing a review packet.  Tomorrow we will go over the packet for any questions and then will go through the remaining units.  I will collect both review packets on Friday before the test because i would like you to have them to study from.  Even if you are exempt from the final you are still responsible for completing the review packet work.

Homework

Review Packet #1 (Due Fri.)

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

Today in class we went over material for our test on organic molecules tomorrow.  The test will be multiple choice and fill-ins for format and will be worth 40 assessment points.  The other 60 points of the test will be in the form of a writing assignment that we will start on Friday and will work on in class.  Today we went through a study guide that gives an overview and image of each organic molecule and went over the homework chart on the board.  Students then used the remainder of class to work on a vocabulary review crossword puzzle in preparation for the test.

Homework

Finish crossword & study for test

Reminders
Homework Club - Room 218 after school
Late Buses - Tuesdays & Thursdays
Six Flags Trip - get permission slip & $ in ASAP

I hope everyone had a great weekend.Here is what went on in class today:

FORENSICS

Today in class we continued reviewing for the Test on Blood tomorrow (Tues. 5/21).  This test will be comprised of mainly multiple choice and fill-in questions about blood basics and blood spatter.  Today in class students filled in a review packet in anticipation of the quiz and we went over a study guide tat outlined what important concepts will be covered on the test.  As a class we then played review BINGO which goes over the main ideas in the review packet.  Students will take the test tomorrow and then we will start reviewing for the final

Homework
Study for Blood Test

Final News
All students will take the final on Friday 5/24 whether no matter what grade you are in.  The underclassmen will still have class after the seniors leave but we will just be working on the toxicology unit so the "final" in June will just be a general test.  Seniors that qualify for final exemption will be notified on Wednesday after i have graded the blood tests but will be responsible for final review work


INTEGRATED SCIENCE
Today in class as started reviewing for our test on organic molecules which will be on Friday 5/24.  Today we compared and contrasted proteins & nucleic acids viz a Venn-Diagram on the board and then finished questions from our organic molecule lab last week. Students then worked in groups to complete a review packet which i will grade for accuracy and serves as a good tool for review.  The rest of this week we will review for the test Friday and tomorrow I will introduce a writing assignment about organic molecules.

Homework

NONE

Reminders

Late Buses ! Tuesdays & Thursdays
Homework Club ! Tuesdays
Six Flags Trip - get $ in to Ms. Osberg ASAP (Trip is Sat 6/15)

Have a great day.

Hello everyone.  Here is what is going on in class so far this week:

FORENSICS

In forensics this week we have been analyzing blood spatter and learning about how crime scene investigators test surfaces for blood.  On Monday we took notes on blood spatter and learned specific blood stain vocabulary and the parts of blood spatter.  Yesterday and today we have completed blood spatter experiments by looking at how height, velocity, and angle affect blood drop shape and patterns.  Tomorrow we will read an article about blood spatter and review the material from the lab.  The test on the entire blood unit (basics & spatter) is planned for next Tuesday 5/21 and our final for the semester for all students is on Friday 5/24.  Therefore the days in between the test and final we will review all of our units so far.  Underclassmen will take the final now and then will learn about toxicology afterwards and have a culminating test on that unit in place of their semester final in June.

Homework

NONE

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

This week in integrated science we finished up our section on carbohydrates and basic carbon chemistry.  On Monday we went through a review study guide for a quiz and played BINGO to review concepts.  Yesterday we took a quiz on carbohydrates and then read an article about the remaining organic molecules we still need to cover. Today we watched an introductory video on lipids and took notes on this molecule.  Tomorrow we will cover proteins and nucleic acids with a lab on all organic molecules on Friday.

Homework

Lipid Worksheet

Reminders
Homework Club !
Late Buses !
Six Flags Trip !

Hi everyone – here is what is going on for the rest of the week

FORENSICS

Today in forensics students took a quiz about blood basics after reviewing blood typing and going over review questions.  After the quiz students should have read the article about blood spatter and answered the corresponding questions.  Blood spatter is out next section which we will start looking into in depth on Monday.  Tomorrow in class I will check these questions and we will watch an episode of CSI that uses blood spatter analysis to solve the crime. Students will also be allowed to make up labs and quizzes while the video is being shown and catch up with missed classwork due to AP exams and field trips just in time for progress reports.  In the blood spatter section we will perform several experiments taking a look at how velocity and angle affect blood spatter patterns and how they can be used to interpret a crime scene.  The blood unit will culminate with a test on both blood basics and blood spatter analysis.

Homework

Finish article questions for tomorrow

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

Today in science students completed a lab investigating the types of carbohydrates found in common foods.  Students determined whether or not monosachharcides or disaccharides were found in the food using qualitative testing.  They interpreted color changes when a reagent was added and used the color changed to understand what sugars compose each food and why.  Today students should have filled in their data tables and tomorrow students will work on the corresponding questions in their groups.  We will go over these questions together and I will collect them for a laboratory grade tomorrow by the end of class.  The students have a quiz on carbohydrates on Tuesday and we will also start reviewing tomorrow (and Monday of course).

**Tomorrow is the last day students can hand in late work from the first half of Term 4 as progress reports come out tomorrow 

Homework

Have all late work completed to hand in for partial credit tomorrow

G – Micrograph due tomorrow (carb picture)

Hi everyone. Here is what is going on so far this week:

FORENSICS

This week in forensics we are continuing on with our unit on blood.  So far we have learned about the components of the blood, the function of blood, and some diseases associated with blood. We have also looked at several situations involving blood typing and which blood types may receive blood transfusions from one another. It is important we learn the basics of blood so we can understand how scientists use the blood content and blood make-up in forensics.  On Monday we performed a blood typing lab in which students used different anti-serums containing antibodies and added them to several blood samples to determine which antigens the blood samples contained.  Students should have filled out the data tables that corresponded to the blood samples and typed them appropriately.  Today we focused on vocabulary by filling out a crossword puzzle defining important terms and went over a study guide for a quiz.  The quiz on the blood basics information will be on Thursday 5/9 on which the format will be fill-ins and short answer questions. Today in class we also had some time to catch up on late work/make-up work and students received back several pieces of work and a grade update sheet. Tomorrow in class we will continue to review for the quiz and will then begin blood spatter analysis.

Homework

Finish crossword puzzle/Complete make-up work

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

This week in science we are continuing with our unit on organic molecules in particular the section on carbohydrates.  So far we have learned about the atoms the make-up carbs, the function of carbs, and ways to classify carbs.  We have also looked at the different processes that create or break down carbohydrates and have focused on this specific content for the past few days.  Students started working on a poster in which they took monosaccharides and combined them via dehydration synthesis to make disaccharides and polysaccharides.  We also emphasized the significance of these carbs in our lives and how foods in our diet are comprised of a variety of different types of sugars.  Today students continued working on these posters and answers follow up questions to fully assess the purpose of the activity.  Students should have handed in their poster by the end of class today but they can also hand it in tomorrow with no penalty.  The rest of the week we will review vocabulary and complete a laboratory experiment assessing foods for their carb content.  Students were reminded they should hand in make-up/late work by Friday 5/10 (progress reports) in order to receive credit.

Homework

 Carbohydrate Worksheet

*Finish classwork from today

Reminders

Late Buses = Tuesdays & Thursdays – Take advantage of this !

Homework Club = Tuesdays in Room 219 – Get help with homework from experienced upper classmen

Hi everyone.  Here is what is going on in science:

FORENSICS

This week in forensics we have started our unit on blood as we finished up the unit on DNA last week.  The blood unit discusses blood basics in terms of what blood is composed of and how it functions and then we get into blood spatter and look at patterns in blood to interpret what may have happened in a crime.  So far this week we have watched an introductory video about blood and blood cells and taken notes on blood types and blood cells.  Tomorrow we will do some more practice with blood typing and understanding which blood types can receive blood from one another or which would cause definite problems and rejection if mixed. 

Homework

Worksheet describing and drawing blood components (plasma, RBC, WBC, & platelets)

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

In science we have started our unit on organic molecules this week and continue to make connections between what we have learned in chemistry to these biological compounds.  We will go into detail about how carbon is the basis for life and how carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids are the major carbon-containing molecules that make up living things.  So far this week we have watched several introductory videos about organic molecules and students have listened to a presentation about carbon chemistry and the first organic molecule we will go into detail about: carbohydrates.  We have read articles about the importance of carbs to one's fitness and health and emphasized how carbs contribute to energy levels.  As we continue on with the carbohydrate section we will test familiar foods and assess the different sugars they must contain and also discover more foods that are made up of carbs and express that creatively with a micrograph assignment. 

** All students received a grade printout yesterday about their current standing in science and assignments they may be missing.  Assignments on this sheet will be accepted for partial credit or make-up credit bu FRIDAY 5/10


Homework

C,D, E - "Carbohydrate Homework" Worksheet
G - Read Carb articles and answer corresponding questions

REMINDERS

Late buses - Tuesdays & Thursdays
Homework Club ! Get help and a quiet place to study - Tuesdays in 218
PROGRESS REPORTS - FRIDAY 5/10

Have a great day !

Good afternoon everyone - I hope everyone had a relaxing break :)

Here is what is going on in class:

FORENSICS

In forensics we are finishing up with our unit on DNA this week.  We have discussed the basic structure of DNA, implications in solving crimes, and how to process the DNA with different techniques.  We have looked at a variety of cases studies and applications for DNA use and have discussed why it is so useful and significance to forensics.  Yesterday in class we watched  a video clip about how parents are cataloguing their childs' DNA for protection purposes and how they are able to obtain a sample.  After the video clip students worked together on a review worksheet about DNA for the upcoming quiz on Friday in this section.  Students will receive more study/quiz info later this week.  Today in class we too notes and considered the advantages and disadvantages of certain DNA processing techniques.  After taking notes students used the laptops to access and complete an online tutorial about gel electrophoresis, one of the most common and simple DNA processing methods.  We will finish this activity tomorrow and start reviewing vocabulary as well.

Homework

NONE


INTEGRATED SCIENCE

In integrated science we are continuing on with our section about water and its properties.  studying water is an effective transition between our units on chemistry and biology as we need to consider water at a molecular level to understand its implications and significance to life in biology.  Yesterday in class students watched several video clips about water to reinforce concepts and were presented with a mini project about a property of water.  In this assignment students (due Wed.) will choose a property of water and illustrate the property on a standard sheet of paper, making sure to give it a caption and a thorough explanation.  the students received a rubric about the assignment and should utilize it to make sure they are covering all the information required.  Students also completed a worksheet on water in class to reiterate the important properties.  Today in class students observed several demonstrations a out water properties and used classtime to complete a review worksheet on water as we will be having a quiz on this section on Friday.  Tomorrow we wills start reviewing vocabulary more and will review for the rest of the week.

Homework

Water image assignment due tomorrow

Reminders
Late Buses = Tuesdays & Thursdays
Homework Club = Tuesdays in room 219 for homework help from experienced students

Have a great day !

Good afternoon,

Here is what is going on in class so far this week:

FORENSICS

This week in forensics we have started our next unit on DNA after finishing up our unit on fingerprinting last week. So far we have taken notes about how DNA can be used in forensics, the  general structure of DNA, and the significance of DNA to biometrics. We watched a quick video clip about a cold case in which DNA may have helped solve had the technology been developed yet.  Today we will continue with this unit by taking a look at famous cases in which DNA was a critical factor in solving and will read an article about the OJ Simpson case and how DNA evidence can be compromised.  Throughout the week we will take a look at a variety of case studies and continue getting into detail about DNA in our notes.

Homework

Finish OJ Simpson articles response

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

This week most classes are finishing up with our section on chemical reactions.  For the last week we have defined different chemical reactions and identified equations as different types.  We have looked at a variety of video clips that show examples of chemical reactions/changes taking place and have seen a few demos preformed in class.  Classes have also done a lot of practice with balancing equations and we will conclude this section with a quiz on all of this content today. After this section on chemical reactions we will delve into information about water and link our units about chemistry and biology together focusing on this important molecule.

Homework

C,D, & E - Read article about Water and answer questions to discuss tomorrow
G - Worksheet about balancing equations

Reminders
Homework Club - Tuesdays in room 218 !
Late Buses - Tuesdays & Thursdays

Have a great day & be kind to others !

Here is what went on today in class:

FORENSICS

In forensics we are finishing up our unit on Fingerprinting.  Today we finished a documentary that delves into how reliable fingerprint evidence is and certain errors that can be made in this field.  the documentary also gave several case studies as examples.  You should have finished the question packet that goes with the documentary and handed that in for class credit.  We then went over the study guide for tomorrows test.  The test covers fingerprint basics, developing prints, and lip prints.  I suggest you read through your notes, review worksheets, and look over the study guide in order to study all the material effectively.  As a class we went over a review worksheet at the end of class that summarized every section. The test format will be multiple choice questions, fill-ins, and short answer questions.  On Monday we Will start the DNA unit

Homework

Study for Fingerprint Test

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

WE have started our new unit on chemical reactions.  Everything we have learned thus far about atoms and bonds will come into play as we discuss reactions in which new substances are created but mass is always conserved.  We have taken notes and watched several video clips about chemical reactions and continue to practice balancing equations.  This can be a difficult concept to grasp so we will spend a few days practicing this.  Today everyone traveled to different stations and answers questions at each station with a group.  Tomorrow we will finish this activity and do some more practice in classwork/group work.  All students received a print out of their assignment grades and their averages yesterday and were reminded that  all late work and make up work (including making up tests) is due by tomorrow 4/5 as Term 3 ends tomorrow.

Homework

Chemical Reactions with Balancing Equations Worksheet

REMINDERS
Homework Club = Tuesdays for help with homework or a quiet place to get work done
Late Buses = Tuesdays & Thursdays

Here is what went on today:

FORENSICS

This week we have been learning about how to develop fingerprints and also discussed the different types and applications of lip prints.  We will have a test on this unit on Friday April 5th.  Today we watched a clip from MythBusters about how easy it is to copy someones fingerprint and gain access to secure areas.  We also worked on a crossword puzzle as vocabulary review in preparation of the test Friday.  Tomorrow we will watch a documentary on fingerprinting and on Thursday we will go over review worksheets and go over the study guide for the test. 

Homework

NONE

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

This week we have started our new unit on Chemical Reactions.  Today we watched a quick video clip on chemical reactions and then started notes on this section.  Tomorrow we will continue with notes and practice how to balance chemical equations.  I will also hand back the ionic & covalent bonding tests and we will go over this as a class and students will also receive their essays on this subject matter.  The rest of the week will focus on chemical reactions and we will do several activities and watch several video clips to reinforce concepts.

*** If you have not handed in an essay you have until Friday to do so.  You DO NOT want a 0 on a 55 point assessment assignment !

*** You have until Thursday 4/4 to hand in any late or make-up work

G - Test on Ionic & Covalent tomorrow, Wed 4/3

Here is what is going on in class:

FORENSICS

This week in class we have been doing activities and reading articles about fingerprinting.  On Monday we worked on a worksheet where students had to identify fingerprints by the three main patterns: arches, loops, and whorls.  Students then read an article together about famous fingerprinting cases and wrote a short essay together describing the cases they found most interesting and why.  Today students went online and worked on an interactive fingerprinting activity where they had to identify prints and go through tutorials about how professionals fingerprint people/how they are assessed. Tomorrow and Thursday we will do lab activities in class in which we take our own fingerprints and see if the class matches worldwide fingerprint pattern statistics.

Homework

NONE


INTEGRATED SCIENCE

This week in integrated science we have been working on a writing assignment comparing and contrasting ionic and covalent bonds and also reviewing for a test on these concepts.  The paper and test are both due/on THURSDAY 3/28 (Classes C,E,G).  Yesterday we reviewed concepts and ionic compounds in our group classwork activity (multiple choice/fill-in packet & chemical formula sheet) & today we went over vocabulary with a crossword puzzle.  Students also had some time to work on their paper today on the laptops as well.  Tomorrow we will continue to review and specifically go over covalent binds and electronegativity (polar & nonpolar).  We will then play a review game that goes over all concepts.

Homework

Work on paper/Study for Test

** G Class - paper is due TUES 04/02 & test date TBA

REMINDERS
Term 3 ends of FRIDAY APRIL 5th - you need to have all make-up assignments in by THURS 4/4
Homework Club = Tuesdays in Room 218 for extra help !
Late Buses = Tuesdays & Thursdays

Here is what is going on in class

FORENSICS

Yesterday students took a test on handwriting analysis & chromatography.  Those grades are on Aspen and we will go over the test in class tomorrow.  Today we started our unit on fingerprint analysis.  We watched a quick video about fingerprint comparison and general patterns.  Students then read an article about the history of fingerprinting and answered article questions.  These could have been passed in today but also could be finished for homework.  Tomorrow we will continue on with notes about fingerprinting

Homework

Finish fingerprinting history article questions

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

Yesterday in class students completed a lab that demonstrates ionic & covalent compound characteristics.  In this lab we specifically investigated conductivity & solubility of the compounds to determine their bonds.  The lab questions that correspond to the experiment are due in class on Friday 3/22. Today in class we applied this information to comparing and contrasting ionic & covalent compounds.  Students received information about a 3rd term writing assignment on this very concept.  We discussed the essay specifications in class and what to include in the paper.  Students should utilize the direction sheet, rubric, and essay checklists to make sure they are completing the paper completely.  In class students used the laptops to start typing their essay which is due next Thursday 3/28.  Tomorrow in class we will work on the papers again. Period G has been learning about electronegativity and practicing this concept.  Period G will complete the ionic/covalent lab tomorrow afternoon.

Reminders
C,D,E: Late work from before 3/15 is due by TOMORROW MARCH 22 or it will receive no credit
 Ionic vs. Covalent Essay = DUE THURSDAY 3/28
Test on Ionic & Covalent Bonds = THURSDAY 3/28

G: Late work from before 3/15 is due by MONDAY MARCH 25 or it will receive no credit


Homework

C,D,E: Finish lab questions & start writing your ionic vs. covalent paper
G: Electronegativity worksheet

Here is what went on today:

FORENSICS

Monday and today students have been reviewing for a test on handwriting analysis and chromatography on Wednesday (tomorrow).  Yesterday we first finished up the crime scene basics analysis of the Amanda Knox murder trial.  We then went over a detailed study guide for the test on Wednesday which is on Handwriting Analysis, Chromatography, and Case Studies (Lindbergh & Jon Benet).  Students then completed a review crossword.  The Amanda Knox trial questions and the crossword should have been stapled together and handed in for credit by the end of class yesterday.  Today we went over a review question worksheet and played Bingo to review for the test.  The test will have multiple choice, fill-ins, and short answer questions.  On Thursday we will begin our unit on Fingerprinting.

Homework

Study for Test tomorrow


INTEGRATED SCIENCE

We have been continuing on with our unit on chemical bonding.  Students learned how to name covalent bonds on Monday in class and did a lot of practice with this.  We had a stations activity in which students analyzed compounds posted around the room and decided whether or not they were covalent or ionic based on the characteristics of the elements bonded together.  Today we continued practicing this and also learned how to decide whether or not a covalent bond is polar or covalent based on the electronegative value difference of the elements involved.  Each student also received a progress report of their grades for term 3.  This report showed what they are missing and the point value of each assignment.  Students were reminded that they need to make up all late and make-up work from this progress report  by this Friday 3/22.  Any work from this week and next week that is missed can be turned in by the end of the term however I would like the work from the progress reports by Friday.  Tomorrow we will conduct a lab in which we look at characteristics of ionic and covalent bonds and classify certain compounds

Homework

C,D,E: Electronegativity Practice Worksheet
G: Naming covalent compounds wkst

REMINDERS
*** Late work from progress reports (so anything from 3/15 and before) = Due this Friday 3.22
No more food in class !

Have a nice day ! :)

Here is everything we have been doing in class:

FORENSICS

On Thursday we completed the chromatography lab.  In this lab students used the technique of paper chromatography to distinguish if a check had been forged or not.  The looked at the ink separation of different markers and took samples from the check to see if the same marker was used to write the entire check or if something was added to it.  In class today students finished the questions that go along with the lab and should have handed those in for credit.  We then watched a documentary about Amanda Knox, a US college student accused of murdering her roommate while studying abroad in Italy.  Students worked on a crime scene case study that corresponded with this documentary.  We will finish the last 10m minutes of the documentary on Monday and then review for a handwriting analysis & chromatography assessment next week

Homework

None

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

After completing a quiz on Ionic bonds on Wednesday, students have started the next section on covalent bonds.  On Thursday we watched a few video clips & animations about covalent bonding and then started notes with a presentation.  Students were given fill-in notes that go along with the PowerPoint i presented in class.  Today we continued with these notes and also discussed how to name covalent compounds (handout).   Students then worked on a worksheet in class which they should finish for homework if they did not hand it in by the end of class.  This worksheet was a review of the covalent notes and how to name covalent compounds.  Block G is taking their Ionic Quiz today and then will read over the section on covalent bonds but we will start those notes on Monday.

Homework

C,D,E - Finish covalent worksheet if you did not finish it in class
G - None

Have a GREAT weekend ! :)

Hi Everyone. Here is what has been going on this week !

FORENSICS

This week in forensics we finished up our handwriting analysis section and started chromatography.   On Monday we finished the JonBenet Ramsey case study and completed a review packet (crossword & questions) for the handwriting analysis quiz on Tuesday.  You should have handed in both of these assignments for classwork credit.  On Tuesday we had a handwriting analysis quiz.  The quiz was worth 44 points and the format was fill-ins.  The quiz grades are up on Aspen however I have not returned the quizzes yet because several students still need to take it.  If you are one of those students please come see me ASAP so we can plan a time for you to take the quiz soon (I am here most days after school & in my room during the K block except on Thursdays).  After the quiz you should have completed a handwriting analysis on your own writing and handed in that sheet for classwork credit as well.  Today we began talking about chromatography which relates to the handwriting unit as we can use this technique to discover forgeries if information is added in with a different type of ink.  We took notes on this section and read a short article about how chromatography can be used.  Tomorrow we will complete a lab using chromatography to discover a forgery.

HOMEWORK

None

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

This week in science we have been finishing up our section on ionic bonds.  On Monday we did an activity were students partnered up and created "ion cards" where one student made cards for metals and one students made cards for nonmetals.  Students then picked one from each pile to create an ionic compound between a metal and nonmetal.  You should have written down 5 pairs and created compounds from these pairs.  I collected your written out compounds as well as the station activity from the end of last week on Monday.  On Tuesday we reviewed ionic bonding and compounds information for a quiz on Wednesday (today).  In class we worked on a review packet consisting of a crossword and chemical formula questions which i checked off for completion at the end of class.  We also went through a study guide detailing what was on the quiz Wed.  Students took the quiz in class today and then read through the next section on covalent bonding and completed a summary sheet (book wkst) with the reading. The quiz for Block G is on Friday and we will continue to review for it tomorrow. 

HOMEWORK

None

REMINDERS
Homework Club - Tuesdays in Room 218 (homework help !)
Late Buses - Tuesdays & Thursdays (take advantage of this to take part in clubs and get extra help)

HAVE A NICE DAY :)

FORENSICS

Today in class we watched a documentary about the JonBenet Ramsey murder case.  This case study ties in to our handwriting analysis unit as a ransom note left at the scene was specifically scrutinized for any clues that would lead detectives to a suspect/the killer.  Students should have answered questions on a worksheet that goes along with this documentary.  We did not finish the documentary completely and will resume tomorrow.  Tomorrow we will also discuss the topics and concepts for a small handwriting analysis quiz on Monday and review for that accordingly.

Homework

None

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

Students continue to work on our ionic bonding and ionic compounds section.  Today we went over homework detailing how we go about considering where to move electrons in an ionic bond and how the charge of the atom will be affected.  Students then participated in a station activity in which they wrote different chemical formulas for different ionic compounds.  Students travelled around the room doing different examples.  I collected the station activity work from block D but students from blocks C & E should have held on to their work for me to look at tomorrow.  I think everyone seems to be getting a much better handle on how to create ionic compounds from the excellent work done today!  Tomorrow we will do some more practice :)

Homework

C, D, & E - None
G - Worksheet

Have a great day !

Here is what went on today:

FORENSICS

Today class discussed the Lindbergh kidnapping which ties into our Handwriting Analysis unit.  The Lindbergh baby, the child of famous pilot Charles Lindbergh, was kidnapped and supposedly murdered in 1932 after he was taken from his bedroom and a ransom note was left behind.  We read an article on this case yesterday and today watched a documentary presenting evidence and facts in the case.  There is much speculation as to whether or not the man convicted, Bruno Hauptmann, actually killed the child as the evidence against him was very controversial and circumstantial.  Students watched the video presenting both sides of the story (the defense & prosecution) and wrote a 2 paragraph response at the end of class giving their opinion of the case using evidence to back up their perspective.  Tomorrow we will continue on with the handwriting analysis unit and delve into more case studies that have utilized this aspect of forensic science in crime analysis.

Homework

NONE

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

This week we have started our new unit on Chemical Bonding.  Yesterday we discussed electron dot diagrams and several students came up to the board and drew examples after watching a video.  Today we finished our notes on this section and also discussed oxidation numbers and how to balance ionic chemical formulas.  This section can be somewhat difficult to grasp at first so we will do a lot of practice this week! We also did a few examples in class of ionic bonding and students had several minutes to begin their homework which applied today's lesson.  Tomorrow we will continue with this section

Homework

C, D, E - Section 6.1 Review Questions Worksheet (double -sided)
G - Electron dot diagram worksheet

REMINDERS
Homework Club - Tuesdays in Rm 218 ! Homework help & quiet place to get things done
Late Buses - Tuesdays & Thursdays (leaves at 4:15)

Have a great day & be kind to one another :)

Here is what went on today:

FORENSICS

Today in class we finished the eye witness testimony documentary.  There is a question sheet that goes along with this documentary that you should have been filling out along with the video.  On the back of this sheet are directions for writing a response about how you feel about the reliability of eye-witness testimony.  I will collect this response (write it on the sheet) as well as the video questions on Monday 3/4. After the video we worked on a review packet for tomorrow's test on crime scene basics and eye-witness testimony.  I will be collecting this tomorrow for homework credit ! Then we played BINGO to review for tomorrow's test.  To study for the test I suggest you read through your notes, look over the study guide you received yesterday, and look through the review packet from today.  Before the test tomorrow I will allow you a few minutes to study and ask me any last minute questions that you need clarified.

Homework

Finish the review packet & study for test

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

C & E - Today we did some review of past units.  Remember science is a subject where topics build off of one another so it is important we stop every once and a while and recap everything.  Not only that but you will have to know this information for the final !  We went over these as a class and you should have handed in your answers for classwork credit for the day.  I then introduced the next section of chemical bonding and electron transfer and we watched a video about drawing electron dot diagrams.  Tomorrow we will continue on with this new unit

D - Today we had a test on Unit 5 - The periodic table.  We will start the next unit, chemical bonding, tomorrow.

G - Today we reviewed for tomorrow's test on Unit 5 - The periodic table.  In class we did a few problems on the board and a review crossword puzzle which i will check tomorrow.  We then played bingo as a review game.  I suggest you read through your notes, look over the study guide, and review your crossword to study for the test !

Homework

C, D, E - NONE
G - Study for Test

Reminders

Homework Club - Tuesdays in Room 218 = go for homework or organizational help !
Late Buses - Tuesdays & Thursdays

Have a nice day and be kind to one another :)

Hi everyone

I hope you all enjoyed February vacation ! Here is what went on today

FORENSICS

Today in class we reviewed crime scene basics (people involved,steps taken, specific vocabulary) and discussed Locard's Exchange Principle which basically states that every time their is an interaction between people or their surroundings, something is left behind.  We can use these things that are left behind like hair, fibers, fingerprints, as evidence to establish what actually happened.  We did a lab focused on this principle in which students looked at different t-shirt fragments and used evidence collecting techniques to assess evidence and make connections between possible suspects.  You should have handed this packet in (data table complete and questions answered) by the end of class however I will take it tomorrow and not take off any points.  If you have not handed in you history essay or any other late work you should do so.  I always give partial credit.

Homework

Finish LEP lab packet if you did not do so already

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

Today in class we started reviewing for our Unit 5 test on the periodic table later this week.  For students in Block C & E the test is on Wednesday along with a  starter quiz.  Today we recapped this unit and went over a study guide about the test.  Students then worked on a review packet that you should have handed in by the end of class but i will also accept tomorrow with no points lost.  Students in C & E also had a 9 question review worksheet for homework.  Students in Block D finished their science fair presentation today ! I will give back presentation/presentation board grades tomorrow in class but do not expect the science fair essays this week ! I am proud of all the work you guys did on science fair.  Block D students also watched a video & started notes on the last section on unit 5 and their test will be on Thursday 2/28 (no starter quiz). Students in Block G watched a video & started notes on the last section on unit 5 and their test will be on Thursday 2/28 (no starter quiz).

Homework

C & E = Finish classwork packet & 9 question review worksheet
D & G = NONE

Reminders

Homework Club = Tuesdays ion Rm 218
Late buses = Tuesdays & Thursdays
* Always hand in your work even if it is late

Have a nice day.

Hi everyone - Apologies for not posting in awhile !

I hope everyone is off to a good start Term 3 in all of their classes.

Here is what went on this week and what is coming in the future:

FORENSICS

Students have been going over proper protocol at a crime scene as well as different types of evidence.  Students also went through the history of forensics and wrote a 2 page paper describing three specific events/people in history that effectively contributed to the modern study of forensics.  The history of forensics paper was due today Feb 15th.  Students have been investigating the Lizzie Borden case and applying it to evidence collection and crime scene techniques discussed in class.  Today we finished the history channel documentary on the Borden case and students wrote a 1-2 paragraph response about the case and trial.  After vacation we will delve into eye-witness accounts and different bias people have when retelling their view of things that happened.  There will be a test on the eye witness accounts, crime scene basics, and history information on March 1st (Friday when we return from vacation

Homework

NONE - Enjoy vacation !

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

Students have been learning about the periodic table in our 5th unit.  We have learned about the need for the creation of the table/history, different ways we can classify elements, the general set-up and significance of the table, and what properties different groups have in common on the periodic table. The honors students just finished presenting their science fair presentations and will start the properties section upon returning from vacation.  When we return from vacation students will review all of this information via interactive classwork, games, and puzzles and there will be a test either on Wednesday or Thursday about the periodic table

Homework

NONE - Enjoy vacation !

Reminders

* Make up work/quizzes as quickly as you can ! You can always come after school or during the study block (except Thursdays)

*Homework Club on Tuesdays in 218 - utilize this important help resource !
* Late Buses = Tuesdays & Thursdays

HAVE A FUN AND SAFE VACATION ! See you the 25th :)

Hello

Here is what went on today:

Forensics

In class we have been reviewing for the Final.  Remember the final is a 2 DAY FINAL - On Friday 01/18 you will take the WRITTEN portion of the exam and on Tuesday 01/22 you will take the MULTIPLE CHOICE section.  We have reviewed several of the units so far and will continue to do so this week.  Tomorrow you will have the opportunity to work on your Toxicology Reports too which are due on Friday 01/18 as well. To study I suggest you read through your notes and look at old tests/quizzes.  The review sheets from this week should also sum everything up nicely and pinpoint the main ideas. Let me know if you need any help and/or materials

Homework

Review sheet #3 & Work on Tox. Report

Integrated Science

Today we finished notes on Section 4.2 The Structure of the Atom.  You also should have completed a classwork sheet about this section and handed it in by the end of class to get credit. Tomorrow you will work with a group to complete a packet on this section !

Homework

Section 4.2 Worksheet (7 questions)

* Reminders

Int. Sci will have a Unit 4 test on Friday 01/25 (will count toward Term 3)
Int. Sci Rutherford Journals are due Friday 01/18

D: Science Fair notebook check on Friday 01/25

ALL

* Late Buses on Tuesdays & Thursdays !
* 9th Grade - Stay for Homework Club on Tuesdays in Room 218 if you need help !
* Always be kind & courteous to others :)

HAVE A NICE DAY

Here is what went on today/this week

Forensics

Today we played a review game for the quiz on the toxicology unit.  The quiz is on Monday 01/14. You received a study guide in class about what is on the quiz and the quiz format.  The quiz will be the last major grade for the term other than the final which will be next Friday 01/18 & Tuesday 01/22.  Please come see me if you need any help with organizing or reviewing your materials.  I will let seniors that may be exempt from the final know by Tuesday but you should have a good idea who you are from last term's grade and the grade print-out sheet I gave out earlier this week (and as long as you hand in the tox. report next Fri). 

Reminder: Toxicology Report Due next Friday 01/18
You have the expectations for this and I will give you a grading rubric Monday

Homework

Study for Quiz on Toxicology

Integrated Science

Today we played a review game for the quiz on Section 4.1 Studying Atoms.  The quiz is on Monday 01/14. You received a study guide in class about what is on the quiz and the quiz format.  Please come see me if you need any help with organizing or reviewing your materials. Next week we will begin the next section on the Atom.

Reminder: Rutherford Journal Due next Friday 01/18
You have the expectations & rubric for this

D: Work on science Fair ! You have the information for the Tri-Board Presentation and I will give you follow-up information about the paper ion Monday (same information included as the presentation board just in essay form) You should be collecting data and writing all data and notations in a notebook (preferably a bound composition book).  We will pick the order form presentations next Friday and I want to see data you have collected on Friday 01/25

Homework

Study for Quiz on Section 4.1

ALL

* Hand in Late/Make-up Work ASAP !
* Come see me if you need help ! (I am after school most days unless I have a meeting)
* Late buses Tues & Thurs
* treat each other with respect and  be courteous :)


HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND !

Here is what went on today:

Forensics

We continued with Toxicology notes today, specifically drug types and the role of the toxicologist.  We will continue with this unit on Monday

Homework

NONE

Integrated Science

Today we started notes on Section 4.1 Studying Atoms. We went over review questions from the past 3 units and for homework you can fix the mistakes on your review packet to earn back points.  We will continue notes on Monday !

Homework

ALL: Fix corrections on review packet (write out question & answer) on separate sheet
G: Review Sheet #1-5
D: Work on Science Fair too !

* ALL - you will all receive a grade sheet on Monday that tells you all your grades so far as well as anything you are missing and/or need to make up

Have a great weekend !

Hello everyone ! I hope you all had a fun & restful vacation.  Here is what is going on in class:

Forensics

Today we started our unit of Toxicology by reading an article and answering corresponding questions.  Tomorrow we will begin notes on the unit.  I handed back the Blood Test today and went over that as well.  Please see me with any questions.  Class ends after Term 2 and we will be having a final so make sure you are keeping all your information for each unit.  Of course we will review extensively in class but everything we have done is obviously a good resource to use to study !

Homework

Finish article questions

Integrated Science

Today I went trough all of the units we have done thus far and what you are expected t know from them.  We went through the list of learning objectives for each unit.  In class you started a review packet and should finish that for homework.  Remember it is going to be graded classwork so make sure you are filling everything out correctly. Don't be careless !

D: Keep working on science fair.  More information on what the final paper and presentation board should include early next week

Homework

C,D,E: Finish the review packet & start other review worksheet (Due Fri)

G: Finish review packet


Have a fantastic day.  Individual grade updates coming in the near future ! As always please see me with any questions or concerns !

Reminders
Late Buses = Tuesdays & Thursdays
Homework Club = Tuesdays