Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Name _________________________          Rainbow Lab 
Date   ________________________                                               

Objectives:
1.     Demonstrate ability to follow lab procedures accurately.
2.     Develop skills for measuring liquid volumes with graduated cylinders.
3.     Follow safety procedures.
Safety:
-        Wear safety goggles at all times.
-        The liquids used in this lab can stain clothing.  Clean all spills immediately. Do not drink or taste the liquid.
-        DO NOT CROSS-CONTAMINATE any chemicals as this could cause a dangerous reaction.

Procedures:
Preparation
1.     Fill a flask halfway with water.
a.    This will be used to rinse your graduated cylinder, pipettes, and test tubes.
b.    All used rinse water should be disposed of in the “Waste Bucket” located at each table.
2.     Place 6 CLEAN test tubes in a test tube rack and label them in order A,B,C,D,E, and F.
3.     Locate three pipettes at your station.  They should be labeled “Y” (yellow), “R” (red), and “B” (blue).  These pipettes should ONLY be used to transfer the appropriate colored liquid.
4.     Rinse the graduated cylinder with water, swirl, and pour wastewater into the waste bucket.  Make sure to repeat this cleaning process between each measurement to avoid contamination.

Part A:
1.     Measure 25 mL of RED liquid and pour it into test tube A.
2.     Measure 17mL of YELLOW liquid and pour it into test tube C.
3.     Measure 21mL of BLUE liquid and pour it into test tube E.

Part B:
1.     From test tube C, measure 4 mL and pour into test tube D.
2.     From test tube E, measure 7 mL and pour into test tube D. Swirl gently.
3.     From test tube E, measure 4 mL and pour into test tube F.
4.     From test tube A, measure 7 mL and pour into test tube F. Swirl gently.
5.     From test tube A, measure 8 mL and pour into test tube B.
6.     From test tube C, measure 3 mL and pour into test tube B. Swirl gently.
7.     Obtain a score from your teacher before continuing to Part C.

Part C:
1.     Complete the data table below BEFORE cleaning up.
2.     Measure the actual amount of liquid in each tube before disposing in the waste container.
3.     Rinse all test tubes thoroughly and store each one upside down in the test tube rack to dry.

Data:
Test Tube
Description of Liquid Color
Expected Volume (mL)
Actual Volume (mL)
A



B



C



D



E



F



TOTAL Volume in Test Tubes A-F (mL)



Conclusion Questions

1.    How did your starting materials differ from your final product?  Give specific examples from the lab.


2.    What is cross-contamination and how can you prevent it from occurring?


3.    Was any liquid spilled during the lab?  What could you do to prevent chemical spills in the future?


4.    Describe and draw how to accurately read the volume of a liquid in a graduated cylinder.


5.    Scientists repeat experiments often and find the average of many data points because there is ALWAYS some amount of experimental error in any experiment.  Your goal in class is to minimize that error as much as possible.

a.    Calculate your percent error using the following equation:
                                                
                                                              Total Expected  - Total Actual
Percent Error =                 Total Expected                   x 100


          b.  What can you do in the future to minimize experimental error?


Monday, August 22, 2016

8th Grade Science Guidelines and Requirements - Sign, Remove, and Return the bottom slip

8th Grade Physical Science
Classroom Guidelines 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 Physics
Semester 2– Chemistry 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 without permission.
4.     No backpacks on the lab tables or lab aisles.
5.     No electronic devices out in class unless noted for a lab.  No charger cords across aisles.
6.     Treat lab equipment and materials with respect.  Please do not play with the gas jets.  Show me you are mature enough to do labs with fire.
7.     There is NO fighting over lab stools.  Lab stools will be pushed under the tables during most labs.

Requested Materials
1.     Sharpened pencils (please have more than one) and portable sharpener.
2.     Dedicated science composition book.  Bring this to class everyday. You may decorate the cover with a science theme.
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/Pens (optional)
8.      
Grades
10%    Homework
50%   Tests, Quizzes, and Assessments
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%   etc…
***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. 

NGSS Science Standards
In September of 2013 the state of California adopted new science standards called Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).  The state is in the process of adopting new curriculum to address these standards.  The final adoption vote is expected in early 2017.  The AEW science department has been preparing for years for the new standards.  We have new equipment and new labs that will engage students in thinking deeply about science and problem solving.  The current textbooks are not aligned with NGSS so I will not be sending a textbook home unless requested.  We may occasionally use textbooks in class but most reading assignments will be more applicable to the problem or phenomena we are studying in class.  Please let me know if you would like more information about the NGSS standards and what instruction will look like with the new curriculum.  A quick Google search for “NGSS” is a great place to start. 

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 if necessary. 
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
-       Do not eat lab materials or ASK to eat lab materials
-       Do not do any personal experiments without obtaining permission from Mrs. Jenner
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 content.

*****Absences – Please read!!  Important!!!
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. 

Late Work
I do allow late work for a loss of points but please remember that tests and assessments are a large percentage of your grade and completing work on time helps you understand concepts and prepare for exams.

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  95% 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.  Cut and return this part ONLY to class FRIDAY  8/26.

_________________________________________                         _________________________________________
Student Name (please print)                                       Parent Signature