Good morning SNC2P students, happy snow day! If you would like to submit your car ad electronically to me, write me a comment through this blog. Include your name and e-mail address. I will then send you my e-mail address so you can attach your ad as an attachment, that way I can mark it over the holiday. Otherwise, I am expecting that everyone who has not already handed in their ad will do so on the first day back to class on Jan 5th. Also, you SHOULD try to do the physics review you were given yesterday. You will have a test on Wed. Jan 7th so you will want to review those problems before the test, and I would suggest with two weeks off school, this would be the best time to do that review!
Have a merry Christmas and a safe and restful holiday. See you on Jan 5th.

On Thursday, students learned how to add vectors that lie along a straight line. You will need to know who to find resultant displacements by both the scale diagram and math methods. We will continue to look at these methods in the new year.

Today students learned about vectors....they defined some key terms, wrote the steps for drawing vectors, drew sample vectors and answered #2 and 4 from the Vector section of the textbook. Reminder: Your car ad is due no later than Friday. Why not get it done tonight?

Today, students continued to work on their average speed lab reports. This lab report is due tomorrow.

On Monday students worked on graphing their tobogganing data and finding slope of their lines.

On Friday we headed to the sliding slope and gathered distance-time data on 5 different crazy carpets. On Monday we will graph this data and determine the average speed for each crazy carpet. Students will then complete the lab report for this investigation.

On Thursday, we practiced distance-time graphs, interpreting them and calculating slope. We then wrote a procedure for Friday's speed lab involving tobogganing.

Today we discussed yesterday's homework and then copied a short note on instantaneous speed versus constant speed. We then went over a longer note on distance-time graphs. Students learned how to create these graphs and how to find slope of the line.

On Tuesday, students learned about average speed and how to calculate it. They also learned the "GRASS" format for problem solving in physics. A few sample problems were done then they worked on the homework problems, #2-6 on page 149.

On Tuesday Dec. 9th, BRING TO CLASS:
1) FOOD FOR THE FOOD DRIVE (like coffee/tea, juice, canned beans, rice or boxed potatoes, cookies)
2) YOUR TEXTBOOK
3) A CALCULATOR

Today we continued the note called Measurement and Calculations. We practiced solving equations. We then discussed the unit project...an advertisement for a car. The rough sketch of this ad is due this Friday and the finished project is due no later than the 19th. Students then worked on 2 questions about choosing a car from the textbook.

On Thursday, we practised rounding numbers and learned the "factor-label" method for converting units (i.e., m to km, m/s to km/h). We will continue these skills on Monday, and begiin speed calculations. Someone in the class has asked me to post the funny Toyota commercial that was shown on Thursday. I will try to post here....click on the link.
Toyota car commercial You'll need a media player to view it. Remember, you should be working on a sketch of your car advertisement. Gather info about the car....fuel economy, type of engine, base list price, etc.

Today students designed and tested 3 model paper airplanes. We discussed technological problem solving and the design process. We also discussed the measurement tools used and the importance of accuracy and precision when making measurements. Students answered the questions on the lab sheets. We will be getting into the calculation portion of the unit tomorrow.

Today we began the new Physic's unit on Motion. An application project was introduced. The sketch of your advertisement is due next Friday, Dec. 12th. The completed project is due no later than Friday, Dec. 19th. We then went over the main expectations of the unit, the key terms of the unit, and began filling out a summary table on the quantities of motion. We filled in the distance, time, and speed row. This handout is on the blog under physics notes. At the end of the class we began to work on an investigation into designing the perfect paper airplane. This will continue tomorrow.

On Monday, students wrote the chemistry unit test. Absent students will write the test on their first day back in class, either Tuesday or Wednesday.

Today, we reviewed nomenclature, types of reactions, balancing equations, and predicting products. Students received some practice questions to try over the weekend while studying for the BIG chemistry unit test which is on Monday. Good luck with your studying! Write me questions through the comment function if you need to.

On Thursday, we took up the acid precipitation homework questions. We then began an extensive review on the chemistry unit. This will continue on Friday.

Today, students finished the neutralization lab and answered the analysis questions. They then worked on some questions related to acid precipitation.

On Tuesday, students learned about neutralization reactions and then began a neutralization lab.

Today students learned about some common acids and bases and about the pH scale. Remember, some of you need to finish your Blast Off lab report, get the Failure to Complete a Summative Assessment form signed by a parent and hand all of this in tomorrow.

On Friday, the Blast Off lab report was collected. A few students did not hand it in....this is a summative assessment, therefore, it MUST be handed in on Monday, or a Failure to Complete a Summative Assessment letter will be sent home on Monday. Students who were absent on Friday are expected to hand in the lab report on Monday as well. The class then went to the pep rally and student-teacher hockey game....where the teachers kicked student butt again! Have a nice weekend :)

On Thursday, we reviewed the components of the Blast Off lab report and questions about the lab report were answered. Then, students read two pages in the textbook about Acids and Bases and used this information to fill out a "T-chart" with details on the Properties of Acids and Bases. They then filled out a second T-chart listing examples of common acids and bases. Students were then shown a video on acids and bases.

On Wednesday, students worked on writing rough drafts of their Blast Off lab reports.

Students finished gathering their results from Blast Off! today. Congratulations to Devin, Dana and Amanda for winning the challenge. Hope you enjoyed your ice cream! Tomorrow, students will have some time to work on writing up the lab report, which is due on Friday, so don't forget to bring your lab sheets to class.

Today students finished designing Blast Off. Most groups had time to try one or two trials. The experiment will continue tomorrow.

Today students performed and shared their product demonstrating understanding of the four factors that affect rates of reactions. We then took a short note on controlled experiment, including the definitions of the types of variables in experiments. We also examined the parts of a lab report and did a matching activity on this. Then students began planning and designing their "Blast Off" investigation. This will continue on Monday and Tuesday, so be sure to bring your lab sheets with you to class on Monday!

On Thursday, students worked in their groups to create an activity or product that shows their understanding of the 4 factors that affect the rate of a reaction. These activities or products will be demonstrated to the class on Friday.

On Wednesday, students completed the balancing equations quiz and then began working on the group activity where you will show your understanding of the 4 factors that affect the rate of a reaction.

BREAKING NEWS....
Extra help on balancing chemical equations will be available in room 228 with your teacher on Wednesday Nov. 12th at 12:15 pm. Eat your lunch, then come for extra help! It's too cold to be outside!

Students practiced balancing chemical equations again today. There will be a quiz on this on Wednesday. Students then completed a fill in the blank activity on Factors that Affect Rates of Reactions. This topic will continue tomorrow in class with a group activity.

Today we had a shortened class. In that time we reviewed balancing chemical equations. Students MUST finish the two sided worksheet on balancing that was given last week. There will be a balancing quiz on Wednesday.

Today students finished their project from yesterday. Then they completed a worksheet about counting atoms in chemical formulas. This skill be necessary for tomorrow's lesson on balancing equations. Remember, you have a quiz tomorrow on classifying chemical reactions and predicting products.

On Tuesday, students completed a group activity called "Putting It All Together". In this activity students created a graphic organizer on the 4 main types of chemical reactions, including examples of each. This project must be finished by the start of next class.

Today we discussed the answers to the lab questions from the Measuring Masses in a Chemical Reaction lab from Friday. We then completed the note called Describing Chemical Reactions. Then students completed a set of questions that required them to classify reaction and predict products in reactions. There will be a quiz on these skills on Thursday. Please bring scissors and a glue stick tomorrow.

On Friday, the students performed the lab called Measuring Masses in a Chemical Reaction. If not already handed in, the lab questions for this must be done for homework and handed in on Monday. The note from Thursday will be finished on Monday as well.

The nomenclature quiz was handed back today and discussed. Then the note called Describing Chemical Reactions was copied and discussed.

The nomenclature quiz was written today after nomenclature was reviewed. Students then read pp. 86-87 on Describing Chemical Reactions and 5 literacy test style questions were answered for this reading selection. Please print off and bring the chemical reactions note to tomorrow's class.

Today we reviewed chemical nomenclature for ionic, polyatomic, and covalent compounds. Quiz on this is tomorrow.

Today students viewed a film on the Periodic Table. Then the covalent compounds homework was taken up. We began to do a review on chemical nomenclature...this will continue tomorrow and then on Wednesday, there will be a quiz on nomenclature.

Today students viewed a film on the Periodic Table. Then the covalent compounds homework was taken up. We began to do a review on chemical nomenclature...this will continue tomorrow and then on Wednesday, there will be a quiz on nomenclature.

On Friday, students were given their marks for the ecology projects. Then Mr. V. taught the class about covalent compounds using a Gizmo and a handout. There are a set of sample formulas and names on the back side of the worksheet that must be done for homework this weekend.

On Thursday, students performed the Testing for Ions lab. They then answered the lab questions that followed. This was handed in for marking. Absent students must get this lab handout and all the results from another student in the class.

Mr. V. taught the class about polyatomic compounds today. Students must complete the worksheet on ionic compounds, from yesterday, and the sheet on polyatomic compounds from today. These are due tomorrow. Then Mr. V. demonstrated a variety of chemical reactions involving ionic and polyatomic compounds in solution. The production of a solid precipitate was evidence of the presence of certain ions (like group 17 ions and positive ions). The results of these demonstrations must be understood and used tomorrow in a lab.

Students took up last night's homework then their quiz was handed back and Mr. V. went over it. Then, Mr. V. gave the class a handout on ionic compounds and showed the class how to name ionic compounds and how to write their formulas using the "criss-cross" method. The back side of the handout must be done for homework.

Students took up the worksheet from Friday and then completed a short quiz on atomic structure, valence electrons and ions. Ionic bonding was then discussed and will be completed tomorrow.

On Friday, the final ecology project was presented then Mr. V. continued working with the class to help them understand how to use the Bohr model of atoms to predict # of valence electrons, type of ion forming and the charge on the ion. A worksheet was given for homework.

A few more ecology groups presented on Thursday and then Mr. V. reviewed atomic structure and Bohr diagrams with the class.

Check out this great website that will help you understand topics in chemistry:
chem4kids.com

6 groups presented their ecology projects today. The remaining 3 groups will present tomorrow.

Today, Mr. V went over lab safety rules, WHMIS and HHPS symbols, and students completed a short safety quiz and signed a safety contract. Students then examined a variety of household chemical products for their safety information. Remember, you and your group members are "teaching" the class tomorrow you assigned ecology topic. Lunch help is available in 226 and 228 tomorrow if you need it in order to finish up any last minute details.

Today students worked on their ecology projects. Remember, these projects will be presented to the class on Wednesday next week, so each and every one of you should be working on it over the weekend. If you really want to do an interactive lesson or game, I would suggest you find templates on the internet that do not require the Smart Board software. Come and talk to me on Tuesday morning if you have any questions about your project. Have a safe and enjoyable long weekend!

Today Mr. V. reviewed some grade 9 chemistry with some cool demos and then 2 activities on the particle theory and how matter is classified. You have no homework so you should be working on your ecology project tonight.

Today was a work period on the Ecology project. On Friday we will have a short period to also work on the project, but they will be due for presentation on Wed and Thurs of next week. There is no other homework this week, so you should be working on your project and communicating with your partners.

Today we completed our discussion on acid precipitation. Then project topics were chosen after groups of 3 students were picked. Mr. V. began the chemistry unit with a "quiz" that reviewed chemistry concepts from grade 9 science. Finally, the ecology test was given back. Please bring that test to class on Thursday as we will be discussing it.

Today it became apparant that many students in this class really need to begin doing homework and following basic classroom rules...after a bit of a rant about student responsibility, we then took up the soils homework from Friday and began examining the issue of acid precipitation. This will continue tomorrow, and then Mr. V. will begin the new chemistry unit.

Today we took up the homework about populations and biotic potential. Then we discussed, and students copied a note on soils and how soil forms. There is a short amount of homework related to this note. Have a great weekend!

Today we went through the note on Populations (it is posted under notes at the right). Students then began working on the assigned homework, which is due tomorrow.

On Tuesday, we learned about invasive species and the effects of the zebra mussels on the Great Lakes. We then watched a Bill Nye video on Populations. There is a new note at the right called Populations Note. You might want to print it before Thursday's class. Enjoy your day off school!

Students wrote the ecology test today.

Today we reviewed for Monday's test. We talked about the most important concepts and then we played a team Jeopardy game to review terms. Be sure to study hard for you test this weekend! Don't just read your notes over, do something with them!

Today we took up the pesticides case study questions. Then we began reviewing the ecology topics in preparation for Monday's test. If you haven't finished writing your report on the health of the Belgrave Creek, you should finish that tonight.

Breaking News!!!! The ecology test originally scheduled for Friday has been rescheduled for Monday due to the fact that many students will be missing the review session tomorrow because of a field trip.

Today students wrote a 5 paragraph opinion essay on whether they think the Belgrave Creek is a healthy aquatic ecosystem or not. Students who did not finish this today can complete it home and hand it in tomorrow. Your worksheets also need to be handed in with it.

Today students worked in their groups from the Wawanosh trip and completed all sections of the worksheets. Then we had a class discussion about the significance of each of the tests performed there. You will need to bring your worksheets to class tomorrow as we will be using them to complete an in-class ecology assessment.

Today we went to Wawanosh to complete the Belgrave Creek Study. Bring your worksheets to class tomorrow, as you will be completing all the parts of it then.

Today we read through the worksheets for the Wawanosh Belgrave Creek Study field trip. We also worked on the pesticide case study. Remember the following info for Monday:
-bring a lunch
-be on the bus no later than 11:45
-wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear for going in the water
-bring bug spray
-you may want to bring a water bottle too.

FRIDAY IS THE FINAL DAY TO BRING IN WAWANOSH PERMISSION FORMS AND THE $10 FEE.

The questions from the David Suzuki article "Too Much of a Good Thing" were collected. A short lesson on pesticides was viewed and then students were placed in groups and began answering all the case study questions from the textbook section called "Pesticides" on pages 34-37. This will continue tomorrow.

Today we reviewed the Carbon Cycle and went through the note on the Nitrogen Cycle. There are 3 questions on the nitrogen cycle to do and also, you must read the article called "Too Much of a Good Thing" and answer the 5 questions that go with it. Use complete sentences and explain your reasoning in each case. This is due on Thursday. If you haven't brought in your Wawanosh permission form and $10, please do so on Thursday...Friday is the last date to do this!

Today we finished discussing the carbon cycle (photosynthesis, cellular respiration, global climate change, role of decomposers, fossil fuels, etc). There are some textbook questions to do for homework if not already done. Be sure to print off the Nitrogen Cycle note for tomorrow's class.

Note: there is a new class note at the right titled The Nitrogen Cycle. You can print this for Monday's class.

Today we took up the five questions from yesterday's lesson. We continued looking at the carbon cycle (note is attached at the right) by examining the two processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. There is no homework this weekend. Please get your Wawanosh permission forms and $10 in on Monday. Also, if you want to go to the International Plowing Match on Wednesday, I'll need that permission form and $5 on Monday.

Today we examined the note on Energy in Ecosystems. 2 online quizes were completed by the class. The terms used to label the organisms in a food chain were practiced. Absent students will need to get this note from someone in class. The 5 questions to ponder are to be completed for homework.

Today we corrected and added to the Ecological Reach for the Top sheet from yesterday. We then read about the Wolves in Yellowstone Park case study and created a concept map on how the removal of wolves from that ecosystem affected other species there. Be sure to print off the two notes "Energy in Ecosystems" and "The Carbon Cycle".

Today we reviewed the Classification System for Species at Risk. Then students completed the sheet called Ecological Reach for the Top. There was a short note on ecology copied. This note is NOT on the blog. Be sure to print off the last two ecology notes for Wednesday and Thursday's classes (Energy in Ecosystems and the Carbon Cycle note).

Today we discussed student's concept maps on the disappearance of frogs. We then went through the note called "Extinction of Species". There are 2 homework questions and a sheet on the classification system for at-risk species to fill out. Some of you still need to bring in your student fees and important signed forms!!! Let's get that done please. Also, you can begin bringing in your signed permission form and $10 fee for our Wawanosh field trip. Deadline for this is Friday Sept. 19th.

Today we read a newspaper article about frog species disappearing around the globe (see the link at the right). Then students read pages 8-10 in their textbooks and began creating a concept map about the disappearance of frogs. This is due on Monday. We then watched 20 minutes of "Planet Earth". Please bring in any forms, student fees, or learning styles profiles that are still due from some of you.
You should print the article at the right called "Extinction of Species".
Have a great weekend!!!

Today we reviewed ecological terms and completed the ecology diagnostic quiz. We will finish taking up the quiz tomorrow. No homework, but don't forget to bring in your signed documents and student fee tomorrow. Some of you also need to hand in your learning styles profile.

Today we finished the learning styles questionaire in the library. If you did not hand yours in (with a summary of strategies that will work for you), then this is homework and must be handed in tomorrow.
Don't forget to get any necessary paperwork signed and your student fee ($60 with yearbook, or $35 without) brought in tomorrow.
You may want to print off the 2 notes posted at the side under "Ecology Notes".

Ecology Diagnostic Quiz

Click here to print off a copy of the ecology diagnostic quiz. Diagnostic quizes DO NOT count for marks. They merely indicate to you and your teacher what you already know and what you need to learn more about in a new unit.

Tuesday September 2, 2008

Today students received their locker assigments, student information forms, agendas and timetables. The code of conduct was reviewed. SNC2P was discussed, classroom expectations were reviewed. Students then completed a learning style questionaire.
Students are expected to use the results from the questionaire to evaluate their own learning style and prepare a list of learning strategies to help them be more successful in this course.
The Ecology unit will begin tomorrow.
The Course Information sheet for SNC2P can be downloaded here.
The learning styles questionaire can be found at http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html.
A description of the various learning styles can be found here.

Welcome back!

Hello SNC2P students! Welcome back to school. In this blog you will find useful information in the form of daily updates, as well as attached notes.