Monday, November 17, 2014

Study Guide for Chapter 3 Test


Chapter 3 Study Guide
Chemistry – Properties of Matter
Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Study all Labs, Homework Sheets, Handouts, Graphic Organizers, and Notes.  You may also refer to Chapter 3 in your book.

Know definitions for the following terms:

Amorphous solid      Crystalline Solid           Solid
Fluid                            Gas                            Liquid                   Surface Tension        Temperature               Thermal Energy        Viscosity                Evaporation
Vaporization                Boiling


Know the definitions, molecular movement, and processes involved for each of the following:  (Example:  Melting – Solid to Liquid – Increase in Molecular Motion)

Melting                 Evaporation         Sublimation            Freezing
Condensation       Resublimation

Know that TEMPERATURE and PRESSURE are two factors that can affect the phase of matter.

Be able to explain the Gas Laws and give examples of each (Charles’s Law, Boyle’s Law, and Temperature/Pressure)
Know the effects of changing temperature, pressure, and volume of a gas.

Know that phase changes for water occur at 0 degrees C and at 100 degrees C in regular atmospheric pressure.

You will need to know and understand the concept of VOLUME (amount of space something takes up)!!!! 

FROM CHAPTER 2 KNOW THE FOLLOWING:

Be able to define, describe, and identify chemical changes, physical changes, endothermic reactions, and exothermic reactions.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Bungee Barbie Graph



Sorry about the shadow! Here is a sample of how to set up your graph.  You need lots of extra space to predict how many rubber bands you need to give Barbie or Ken a fun yet safe bungee jump.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Answers to Practice Test


Practice Test Chapter 1
Answers


1. 

Problem:  Galen wanted to discover the best insulator for keeping drinks cold.

Manipulated Variable:  Different types of insulating materials.

Controlled Variables:  Original temperature of the water, original temperature of the glass, same time in the Sun, same size of glass, same type of thermometer, 1 cm thick of each insulation, and 250 mL of water in each glass.

Quantitative Data:   Any of the final temperatures.  The temperature in the aluminum foil insulation was 18 degrees C after 30 minutes.



2.  To measure the volume of a liquid precisely you would use a graduated cylinder because it is divided up into 1 mL units.

3.  Mass is a measure of the amount of matter (atoms) in an object or substance.  Weight is a force determined by gravity’s affect on the mass of an object.  Weight is mass x gravity.  The units for mass are grams.  The units for weight are Newtons (kg x m/s2).

As gravity increases, so does weight.  As gravity decreases, weight decreases.  There may be no change in mass (no atoms gained or lost).

If I have a mass of 20 kg on Earth and I snapped my fingers and went to the Moon, my mass would stay the same (I haven’t gained or lost molecules).  My weight would go down because the Moon has a smaller gravitational pull than the Earth.  I would weigh about 44 pounds on Earth and about 7.3 pounds on the Moon.


4.  The graph shown below has uneven intervals on the x-axis for distance.  If you don’t make intervals equal, the trend shown in the graph (the slope of the line) will not match your data. 

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Requested Materials


Requested Materials

1.     Sharpened pencils (please have more than one)
2.     Dedicated science notebook (either a spiral or a composition book but I prefer a composition book).  Bring this to class everyday.
3.     Separate Section of Binder for science notes, handouts, corrected homework and labs.  This must be with you in class everyday.  You should have a folder or pocket divider for science too.
4.     Red pen.
5.     Notebook paper
6.     Organizer or Assignment Notebook
7.     Colored Pencils





Guidelines and Requirements for 2014-15 School Year


Macintosh HD:Users:grahamjenner:Desktop:science clip art:chemexp.jpg                       8th Grade Physical Science
Classroom Procedures and Requirements

8th Grade Physical Science is the study of the properties of matter and energy and how matter and energy interact.  We will also study the physical and chemical properties of the universe.

Semester 1– The Nature of Science and Chemistry
Semester 2– Astronomy, Physics, and Mousetrap Cars


Classroom Rules

1.     Be on time to class and bring materials and homework.
2.     Follow lab safety rules.  No eating in the lab.
3.     Show respect for others and their property.  Do not touch lab materials or teacher property.
4.     No backpacks on the lab tables or lab aisles.
5.     No electronic devices on in the class unless noted for a lab.

Required Materials

1.     Sharpened pencils (please have more than one)
2.     Dedicated science notebook (either a spiral or a composition book but I prefer a composition book).  Bring this to class everyday.
3.     Separate Section of Binder for science notes, handouts, corrected homework and labs.  This must be with you in class everyday.  You should have a folder or pocket divider for science too.
4.     Red pen.
5.     Notebook paper
6.     Organizer or Assignment Notebook
7.     Colored Pencils

Grades

10% Homework

50% Tests and Quizzes

40% Labs, Projects, and In-Class Work

Please note that your grade in science is weighted.  Grades on tests count for more than grades on homework. 



Letter grades will be assigned on a standard scale  
For example:  A- = 90%-92%,  A= 93%-99%,  A+ = 100%+
                           B- = 80%-82%,  B= 83%-87%,  B+ = 88%-89%

***Very Important:  I do NOT round grades.  An 89.99% is a B+.  Please make sure that you are consistently doing the work to earn the grade that you would like at the end of the semester.  Check AERIES frequently.  No extra credit.  Your grade is based on your knowledge and application of 8th grade science standards. 

Homework - Notes

Homework will be assigned a few times a week.  Most homework will require you to take notes and watch videos online.  You will have many days to complete assigned notes.  Please use the note format I show you in class.  You may always complete online homework in the school library.   

DO NOT cut and paste notes into your notebook.  You may print pictures or diagrams and glue them into your notes.

Labs

Labs and experiments will make up the majority of work in 8th grade science.  Some labs will be student designed and others will be teacher directed.  I expect safe and controlled behavior in the lab at all times.  I will assign lab groups.  In labs you should:
-       Be focused on the problem and complete work
-       Be respectful of group members
-       Follow lab safety rules always
-       READ and follow directions
Labs are usually not assigned as homework.  You will need to complete labs in the time allotted.  If you are absent you will be held accountable for lab material.  Students must complete a special extension activity for every missed lab. 

Absences

Students should avoid absences when possible.  When you are absent I am less concerned about you making up homework and more concerned with the class time you have missed.  You may need to make up labs, lecture notes, warm-ups, and discussion notes.  You are responsible for following through with this.  I will not be checking up to see if you have completed something or are up-to-date with notes.  I am not able to provide early work.  If you are going on vacation you will need to plan time when you get back to complete work unless you are on an independent study plan. 






High School Recommendations

At the end of 8th grade, teachers recommend students for placement in high school classes.  Students have the option of taking Honors Biology in 9th grade.  Honors Biology is a challenging class that uses a college-level textbook.  Students are expected to be able to read and write at a college level.  To be recommended for Honors Biology, a student must earn a grade of  93% or higher in 8th Grade Science and 90% or higher in 8th Grade Language Arts (there is no special consideration for Honors or GATE coursework). I will not write special letters of recommendation or sign waivers for students who do not meet these criteria.

Technology Policy

Photos and recordings are not allowed at school.  I will allow you to take pictures of certain labs but please ask before taking pictures.  There are times when you will be able to use electronic devices for calculations and as timers.  If you want to use the Internet in class to look up a topic we are discussing, please ask first. No texting, emails, phone calls, etc…

Final Important Notes about Grades

Although I am always here to help you and I will offer ample opportunity for you to demonstrate knowledge in science, YOU are ultimately responsible for your learning and your grade.  If you want to be a part of groups like Honor Society, you need to do superior work to EARN your acceptance into honors groups and classes.  It is not my responsibility to round grades and gift you with scores that you didn’t earn.  Set your goals now and do the work necessary to achieve those goals.

There is no extra credit available.  Your grade is based on your knowledge of 8th Grade Science Standards only.

Please sign that you are read and discussed the requirements for 8th grade science.  Return this portion to class tomorrow.

_________________________________________                         _________________________________________
Student Name (please print)                                       Parent Signature



Sunday, August 10, 2014

Scientific Inquiry Notes

Click HERE to view notes on Scientific Inquiry, Controlled Experiments, and Data.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Materials for the New School Year

I hope everyone is having a great summer!  I will be updating my website soon with a list of required materials.

Monday, May 5, 2014

Watch Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower Tonight

Halley's Comet


The Eta Aquarid Meteor shower created by debris from Halley's Comet, will peak tonight and early Tuesday.  Watch webcasts HERE.

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Review for the Science STAR Test




Click HERE to take the practice test.  Remember that these questions are "released" questions so some of them are not the best questions but at least are close to what you will see on the test next week.

Cool Articles on Astronomy, Dark Matter, Gravity

Spiral vs. Barred Spiral Galaxies




1.  10 Strangest Things in Space

2.  Quantum Theory of Gravity

3.  All About the Milky Way

4.  Live Camera of the Earth from the International Space Station (If the ISS is on the "night"side of the Earth, you won't see anything.)

5.  Reducing Friction Helped Build the Great Pyramids of Egypt

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Science Fair Grade Sheet


Name  ________________________________________________________________________________________

Name(s) on Board:                                               / 5 points
Title / Question:                                                   / 5 points

Hypothesis:                                                           / 10 points
(Is your hypothesis and/or project idea
well defined? Did you have a clear goal
or objective and is it clearly communicated?)

Materials (List):                                                    / 5 points
(Did you list the main materials
used to complete your project?) 

Procedures (List):                                               / 5 points
(What steps did you follow to
test your hypothesis or project
question? )

Results, Graphs,
Data Tables, Log Book:                                    / 40 points
(Are your results clearly
communicated in paragraph form,
data tables, graphs,  etc…?  Is both
quantitative and qualitative data
clearly stated and defined?  Are axes
on graphs defined and units given?

Pictures and other  
Project Visuals                                                   /20 points
  
Conclusions:                                                       / 50 points
(What did you learn from
your project?  What does the
data and results show?  Did you
encounter any problems?  How
did  you solve the problems? )

Background:                                                      / 25 points
(What is the science behind your
project?  2-3 paragraphs

Overall Effort
(Board effort and presentation)                        / 20 points


Total                                                         /185 points     grade   _____________

Monday, March 31, 2014

Power Point Slide Links Chapter 10

Chapter 10 Notes #1:  Forces and Friction click HERE

Chapter 10 Notes #2: Gravity click HERE

Chapter 10 Notes #3: Newton's First and Second Laws click HERE

Chapter 10 Notes #4: Newton's Third Law of Motion click HERE

Monkey and the Hunter

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Easy Science Fair Projects to Do at the Last Minute

Click HERE

or HERE

or HERE (although some of these are more involved and would take lots of interviews- the personality type tests are not last minute.  You need to interview over 30 people for me to accept these projects).

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Post A Question About Forces and Chapter 10

Here is the link to the Padlet Wall for Chapter 10.

Post a question you have about a term, concept, or lab!


Sunday, March 9, 2014

Kinetic and Potential Energy with Paint Cans

Click HERE to convert Gravitational Potential Energy into Kinetic Energy.

Law of Conservation of Energy

Click HERE to see an example of how the Law of Conservation of Energy is true for a roller coaster.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Last Minute Ideas for Science Fair

Go HERE for some interesting science fair ideas.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

A Gas Cloud is Consumed by a Black Hole




Read the article HERE.


Image is from the New York Times

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Carbon Bond Angles in Nanotubes and Fullerenes

Here is a website that explains Carbon Bond Angles:

http://www.docbrown.info/page03/nanochem04.htm

And some fullerenes ARE made of hexagons....

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Geometry of Nanotubes

For Ryan:

http://www.rose-hulman.edu/math/seminar/seminarfiles/2006-07/abstract2006-11-01.pdf

An explanation of the geometry of nanotubes.

Study Guide for Chapter 7 and 8 Test


Study Guide 
Acids, Bases and Neutrals  Chapter 7                                                  
Solutions  Chapter 7
Carbon Chemistry  Chapter 8


Vocabulary to Know

Acid
Base
Neutral
H+ ion
OH- ion
Salt
Neutralization
pH and pH scale
solution
solvent
solute
concentrated solution
saturated solution
chromatography as a method to separate a solution
indicator
litmus paper
phenol red
carbon atom
forms of pure carbon: diamond, graphite, fullerenes, nanotubes
organic compounds
hydrocarbons
polymers
isomers
molecules in living organisms: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, DNA

Concepts to Know


  1. 1. What are the characteristics of acids, bases and neutrals?
  2. 2. What is pH?  What is the pH of acids, bases and neutrals?  What do we use to measure or determine pH?
  3. 3. What are examples of acids, bases and neutrals?
  4. 4. What happens when you put acids and bases together?  What do they form?  What is a neutralization reaction?
  5. 5. What are some common indicators of acids, bases and neutrals and how do they work?
  6. 6. What is a solution? Solvent? Solute?  Saturated solution? Supersaturated solution?  Describe chromatography as a method to separate a solution (mixture).  
  7. 7. Why is carbon so important?
  8. 8. Why can it form so many kids of bonds?
  9. 9. What are the forms of pure carbon? Be able to identify from pictures.
  10. 10.   What is an organic compound?  What are properties of organic compounds?
  11. 11. What are some chemical and structural formulas containing carbon?
  12. 12. What is an isomer?
  13. 13. Why is carbon so important to living things?
  14. 14. What are some important organic compounds for life? How do we use these compounds (like carbohydrates are sugars like sucrose and they are used for energy in our bodies/cells)?


Sunday, January 12, 2014

Vocabulary List - Semester 1 Final


Study Guide – Semester I Final                                                 

You will need to know the definitions for each vocabulary word below.  You will also need to know how to apply all of the terms and concepts to unique situations.

Chemistry
Matter
Physical Property
Chemical Property
Element
Atom
Chemical Bond
Molecule
Mixture
Compound
Heterogeneous Mixture
Homogeneous mixture
Physical Change
Chemical Change
Law of Conservation of Matter
Thermal Energy
Endothermic Reaction AND Change
Exothermic Reaction AND Change
Solid, Liquid, and Gas
Fluid
Surface Tension
Viscosity
Melting Point and Boiling Point
Freezing
Vaporization
Evaporation
Condensation
Sublimation
Volume, Mass, and Density
Pressure
How temperature and pressure and volume are related:
        -Boyle’s Law and Charles’s Law
Bohr model of the atom
Periodic Table
Mendeleev
Be able to “read” the periodic table.  Be able to find protons, neutrons, and electrons for an atom of an element
Chemical symbol
Atomic Mass
Atomic Number
Metals and Nonmetals
Alkali Metals
Alkaline Earth Metals
Halogens
Noble Gases
Valence Electrons
Electron Dot Diagram
Ion
Ionic Bond
Ionic Compound
Chemical Formula
Covalent Bond
Polar Bond
Reactants
Products
Precipitate
Balance Chemical Equation
Synthesis Reaction
Decomposition Reaction
Single Replacement Reaction
Double Replacement Reaction

Physics and Scientific Method
Density
Buoyancy
Hypothesis
Controlled Variables
Manipulated Variables
Responding Variables
Reading a graph


Study Guides - Semester 1 Final


Semester 1 Final
Chemistry
Scientific Method
Scientific Measurement
Density and Buoyancy

Chapter 6 Study Guide
Chemical Reactions


1.     You should know how to write a chemical formula using your valence sheet.

Example:  Sodium chloride     Na +1   Cl -1   =     NaCl

       2.  A chemical change is when two or more substances react, or one substance
           decomposes.  In both cases something new is formed.  Evidence of a chemical
           change: 
         -  Temperature change (exothermic or endothermic)
         -  Color change
         - Precipitate forms
         - Gas produced (bubbles)
         - Fire/Explosion
3.     A physical change is a change in matter that does not produce a new substance like cutting paper or mixing salt and pepper.

4.     You should know the structure of a chemical formula.  Be able to label reactants, products, yields sign, subscripts and coefficients.

5.     Know that subscripts tell us the number of atoms of an element and coefficients tell us the number of molecules of a substance.

6.     Law of Conservation of Mass:  Matter is not created nor destroyed.

7.     You should know how to balance chemical equations.

8.     You should be able to identify the four major types of chemical reactions: Synthesis, Decomposition, Single Replacement, and Double Displacement.

9.     A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a reaction but is not involved in the chemical reaction.  Be able to identify the catalyst in a reaction.
Chapter 5 Study Guide
Chemical Bonding

1.     Using the Periodic Table, you should be able to draw the electron dot diagram for all of the elements covered in class.

2.     Ionic Bonds
A.     Know that an ion is a charged atom or group of atoms
B.     A polyatomic ion is what we call a charged group of atoms
C.      Atoms become charged when the gain or lose electrons.
D.     Atoms have positive charges when the lose electrons (mostly metals) and negative charges when they gain electrons (mostly nonmetals).
E.      Ionic Bonds form when electrons are transferred from one atom to another resulting in ions.  The opposite charges of the ions attract each other.  This is a very strong bond.
F.      You should know how to write chemical formulas using ion charges.  You should know how to name compounds using the chemical formula.  I will give you an ion list to use on the test.
G.      You should know the characteristics of ionic compounds:
1)     Ionic compounds form crystals because of the regular repeating pattern of ions.
2)     Conduct electricity when dissolved in water.
3)     High melting points
4)     Not flammable
5)     Almost all ionic compounds (salts) are formed from
a metal and a nonmetal bonding.

3.     Covalent Bonds
A.     Know that covalent bonds form when atoms share electrons.
B.     Usually form when nonmetals bond to other nonmetals.
C.      Sometimes atoms have to share lots of electrons when they bond (example: Nitrogen gas forms with a triple bond).
D.     Covalent molecules often have low melting points and burn easily (more flammable).
E.      Most covalent compounds do not conduct electricity in water like ionic compounds do.

Study Guide
Chapter 4 – The Periodic Table

Atomic Number if given the name, symbol, # of protons, or # of electrons
Number of Protons if given the name, symbol, atomic #, or # of electrons
Number of Electrons if given the name, symbol, atomic #, or #of protons
Atomic Mass (weight) if given the name or symbol
Element Symbol if given the element name
Element Name if given the symbol, atomic #, # of protons, or #of electrons
Period Number if given the symbol, atomic #, or # of protons or electrons
Number of Energy Levels if given the name, symbol, atomic #, or period
Group/Family if given the name, symbol, or atomic number
Number of Valence Electrons if given the name, symbol, or group/family
Properties and Valence Electrons for Alkali Metals, Alkaline Earth Metals, Halogens and Noble (Inert Gases)
Dmitri Mendeleev
Know where to find metals, nonmetals, and synthetic elements on the Periodic Table
Know that semimetals (metalloids) are good semiconductors because they can conduct electricity but not as well as metals (example: silicon)
Periods are horizontal rows that tell us the number or energy levels
Know major properties of metals and nonmetals
Bohr Models:  Be able to draw Bohr models for all elements up to 20.


Chapter 3 Study Guide
Chemistry – Properties of Matter
Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Study all Labs, Homework Sheets, Handouts, Graphic Organizers, and Notes.  You may also refer to Chapter 3 in your book.

Know definitions for the following terms:

Amorphous solid      Crystalline Solid    Solid
Fluid                            Gas                            Liquid                   Surface Tension        Temperature               Thermal Energy        Viscosity                Evaporation
Vaporization                Boiling


Know the definitions, molecular movement, and processes involved for each of the following:  (Example:  Melting – Solid to Liquid – Increase in Molecular Motion)

Melting                 Evaporation         Sublimation            Freezing
Condensation       Resublimation

Know that TEMPERATURE and PRESSURE are two factors that can affect the phase of matter.

Be able to explain the Gas Laws and give examples of each (Charles’s Law, Boyle’s Law, and Temperature/Pressure)
Know the effects of changing temperature, pressure, and volume of a gas.

Know that water freezes at 0 degrees C and boils at 100 degrees C.

Know your labs – why we did the labs and what they showed. Labs to know:  Freezing point lab, Marshmallow Madness Lab, Endothermic and Exothermic Lab, and all gas demos.

FROM CHAPTER 2 KNOW THE FOLLOWING:

Be able to define, describe, and identify chemical changes, physical changes, endothermic reactions and changes, and exothermic reactions and changes.
Know that electricity can be used to break molecules apart.  This is called electrolysis.  We used electrolysis to break bonds in water.  We saw gas bubbles produced and acids and bases produced.  That was the evidence that new substances had been formed – a chemical change.


                                                 Chapter 2 Test Study Guide
Properties of Matter

Concepts to Know:

1.     Everything is either energy or matter.
2.     Properties of matter are characteristics of a substance that help to identify that substance.  Physical properties are characteristics that can be observed and measured without breaking bonds or changing the substance chemically.   
Examples:  Color, shape, density, boiling point
Chemical properties can only be observed when a substance is changes chemically.
Examples: Reactivity with other chemicals, flammability
3.     An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into any other substance.  There are 92 naturally occurring elements in the universe.  Elements are organized on the Periodic Table of the Elements. 
4.     Atoms are the smallest particle of an element.
5.     Molecule – Two or more atoms chemically bonded.  Examples:  NaCl, CaCl2, O2, H2O, H2
6.     Compound – Two or more DIFFERENT types of atoms chemically bonded.  Example:  All of the examples for molecules BUT H2.  H2 is only made of one thing, Hydrogen.
7.     A mixture is two or more things combined together that have not been chemically bonded.  Solutions are a type of mixture where one thing dissolves into another. Examples: trail mix, salt water
8.     Heterogeneous Mixture – You can see the parts of the mixture
9.     Homogeneous Mixture – You can’t see the parts of the mixture.
10.  A physical change is a change in a substance that does not alter a substance chemically.  It’s still the same substance.
11.  A chemical change is a change where bonds are broken and new substances are formed.  Example: Burning wood, reacting Sulfuric Acid and Sugar.
12.  Law of Conservation of Matter says that whatever matter goes into a chemical reaction has to come out.
13.  Thermal Energy is the measure of the amount of movement of molecules in a substance.  The more movement, the more thermal energy, the higher the temperature.  Temperature is a measure of the thermal energy of an object.  We measure thermal energy (temperature) with a thermometer.
14.  Chemical Energy is energy stored in chemical bonds.
15.  Know the indicators of a chemical change and that a precipitate is a solid formed from a chemical reaction between two or more substances.

Study Guide – 8th Grade Physical Science
Chapter 1 Test

To prepare for this test you will need to use your notes, labs, homework, and class work as well as your textbook. 

Scientific Inquiry (pages 6-15)

1.     Know what an inference is.  Be prepared to make inferences about a picture similar to the class and homework examples.
2.     Know what a hypothesis is.
3.     What are parameters in a scientific investigation?
4.     Know the definitions for manipulated and responding variable and be able to identify each in a given example.
5.     What is a controlled experiment?  Why is it important for experiments to be controlled?
6.     What is a scientific theory?  Know how theories and hypotheses are different.

Measurement and Equipment (pages 16 – 26)

1.     What is length?  What units do we use to measure length in science?
2.     What is weight?
3.     What is mass?  What units do we use to measure mass?
4.     How are weight and mass different?
5.     What happens to weight as gravity increases or decreases?
6.     What is volume?  What units do we use to measure volume?
7.     What is density?  What are the units for density?  What is the formula used to measure density? 
8.     Be ready to compare the relative densities of common objects discussed in class.
9.     Know graduated cylinder, beaker, balance, ruler, and Erlenmeyer flask.

Graphing in Science (pages 34 – 41)

1.     Know how to identify manipulated and responding variables in an experiment.
2.     Know how to take the data from a data table and graph the data putting the manipulated data on the horizontal axis and the responding variable on the vertical axis.  Label each axis.
3.     Know how to read a line graph.