Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Lab Reports, Climate, and Soil

Hi All,

Most of you got your lab reports (so far) typed up. If you did not finish this, it is homework for tomorrow, Wednesday, 3/23.

Tomorrow, we will resume our conversation on how climate affects soil.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Wow are we busy!

Hi All,

This week we took our Geology Tests on Tuesday, contemplating the finer qualities of rocks, minerals, and soil. ALL TESTS WERE TO BE SIGNED BY A PARENT BY YESTERDAY.

After the test, we reflected on how we prepared for the test, and areas in which we are demonstrating strong understanding and those that still have work to be done. See the list below for ideas on how to successfully prepare for quizzes and tests.

We have also begun a new experiment on sunflowers and soil. Students took the initial measurements yesterday for the seeds planted on Wednesday, March 2nd.

HOMEWORK FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 15: COMPLETE CONFERENCE PREPARATION SHEET WITH ACCOMPANYING WORK.
Content areas addressed have included:
Rocks (on the test)
Minerals (test and hands-on minerals lab)
Soil (Test, Soil Profile, Soil Lab)
Ecosystems (Desert and Amazing Journeys)
Scientific Method (Sunflower lab sheet)

Ideas for Quiz and Test Preparation
Pay attention in class.
Read over material (a lot).
Read questions and answers out loud.
Re-read information and highlight it.
Re-write information.
Get quizzed by a family member or classmate.
During free time, recite information in your head.
Repeat answers in your head.
Create a compiled study guide sheet.
Use flash cards.
Begin studying earlier than you think you should.
Study more than you think you should.
Continue your studying up until the test or quiz.
DO NOT THINK THAT CRAMMING WILL SUFFICE.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Quiz this Tuesday

Hope you all had a great weekend!

***Reminder that you have a quiz this Tuesday (3/8) on the main types of rocks and how they are formed, the distinguishing characteristics of minerals, and the basics of soil formation and structure (including soil profile).****

Sunflowers for our experiment have begun to sprout. YOUR ONE SOLID HYPOTHESIS FOR YOUR EXPERIMENT IS DUE ON WEDNESDAY, 3/9.