3rd-6th Science
Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 4/16/24 -- Sound Energy
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As we have for the past several weeks, we started class with a review of what they've learned so far about the five main forms of energy as a way to prepare for their quarter 4 test. We then covered the last letter in our MELTS acronym with "S" representing sound energy. We covered the main points with a note taking activity and had several demonstrations using tuning forks, a bowl of water, a slinky, tin can telephone, chimes, and more to further explain vibrations, sound waves, frequency, pitch, and volume. We ended class with a hands-on noisemaker craft as a reminder that sound is all about vibrations. A few classes ran out of time before this was completed, but they were given the supplies to complete it at home. They were also sent home with a balloon with a hex nut inside. (Some of the balloons in the package were defective so I ran out of balloons and the fifth grade class will get theirs next week). They are to blow up the balloon, leaving the hex nut inside, and then tie the balloon. This is a cool example of pitch and frequency. When the balloon is moved quickly in a circular motion it causes the hex nut to spin inside the balloon creating a high pitched sound. However, as it slows down, the pitch drops to a deeper sound. It was a noisy day, but a great one!
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With only one more class week to go they were given their last homework checklist, reading lesson with questions, and their last test for the school year! Hang in there! Please see the parent notes below regarding the test.
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Have a blessed week!
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Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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FOURTH QUARTER TEST: The test was sent home today and the envelope should be in the pocket of their binders.The test covers the basic ideas on the five main forms of energy of the MELTS acronym, energy vocabulary, as well as the main inventions/work of Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Graham Bell. In addition to the Factile review study aid posted below, they should review lab notebook pages 80-115. TESTS MUST BE PROCTORED AND SIGNED BY THE PROCTORIN ORDER TO BE ACCEPTED. AND PLEASE MAKE SURE THEIR TESTS ARE RETURNED SO I CAN FINISH GRADING IN TIME FOR REPORT CARDS.
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STUDY AIDS for Quarter 4 Test :
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Fun. of C&P--Forms of Energy Test Review.
Link: https://playfactile.com/luvz43zyhx/
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Play in flashcard mode until you have the information down and then play the jeopardy game to see if you are ready. A PDF of the game questions is also attached if you are not able to use the game link. In addition to this game please review lab notebook pages 80-115 being familiar with the MELTS energy fill-in pages, energy vocabulary, and the main inventions/works of Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Graham Bell.
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What's coming up:
• April 23rd: Last Day of Classes; Physics Wrap-up Party; turn in quarter 4 test, lab notebooks will be collected for grading
• April 30th: Field Day, lab notebooks returned, report cards handed out, 6th grade recognition ceremony
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework :
Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
Exploring Sound Energy (Miacademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ccPrhWgu_M
Sound Waves (Miacademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdUll9GIXsI&t=68s
Sound (StudyJams): https://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/energy-light-sound/sound.htm
Biography of Alexander Graham Bell for Children (FreeSchool): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsRt5lBdBfE
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OPTIONAL Digging Deeper Videos:
(Optional but highly recommended if you have time) How Your Ears Work (NemoursKidsHealth): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMXoHKwWmU8
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Week 27 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed.):
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 4/9/24 -- Thermal Energy
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We started class with a review of mechanical, electrical, and light energy and then learned the basics of thermal energy. I was very proud of how easily they were answering the review questions and recalling what was learned in chemistry as a set up to understanding how thermal energy works. We filled out the main points of thermal energy with a lab notebook note-taking activity and then went through several demonstrations to reinforce the concepts we covered. They were able to see the difference in molecular movement between hot and cold water and see heat rise and how it can be "put to work" to make objects move. We were not able to get to cutting out the cards for a vocabulary sort, but it is listed on their homework to play the game so they just need to cut the cards out first.
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Please see the parent note below about a lab that was sent home. It does not require a lot of time but does need parental supervision!
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Have a wonderful week. Two more class weeks left! Unbelievable!
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Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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SPINNING SPIRAL LAB: The students were told that they must not do this lab without the help of a parent since it involves a burning candle. That being said, some "experimentation" will have to take place in order to make sure that the spiral will balance on top of the skewer point. They want to make sure that the spiral does not fall off into the flame. I would suggest NOT cutting the solid line to the very end to leave a more complete circle in the middle for balance. Poking a hole is also NOT suggested as it prevents the spiral from moving as freely. This lab demonstrates convection, the transfer of heat through air molecules. I posted a pictures below for reference on the setup.
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FOURTH QUARTER TEST: The test will be sent home next week and will include the basic ideas on the five main forms of energy. To start reviewing they can look over the fill-in notes found in their lab notebooks. A review game will be posted next week to use as a study aid before taking the test.
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FIFTH & SIXTH GRADE LAB NOTEBOOKS: I had forgotten that the lab notebooks for fifth and sixth grade were only numbered to #101 so please have your students continue numbering to at least 140. I'm not sure yet how many more pages we will use before the end of the semester but up to page 140 should cover it!
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THIRD GRADE PARENTS: I meant to post this note last week and overlooked doing so. I love and am proud of all of my SHARE students but I did feel the need to brag on the third graders a bit this week. I know how scary and what a huge change it can be going from the K-2 hall to the 3rd-6th grade hall. I do put a lot of expectations on them from the start so they are challenged to grow as students, but I do this with the understanding that it is a training ground and is done in a nurturing way. It is at this point in the school year that I tend to notice their growth, and let me tell you, this group sure has grown! Taking written tests is one of the biggest changes for them and for this last test EVERY SINGLE STUDENT got an A+!! In addition, many of them are answering more questions than are asked of the third graders on their recall and connect questions. They are doing well keeping track of their papers during our morning “paper shuffle,” having their checklists signed, and are always eager to answer questions in class and add to the discussion. I am so very proud of them and wanted you to know how I have seen them grow in their independence and in their confidence. A huge part of that classroom success is the support and training from their parents so I thank you for hanging in there with them with the change in workload and in following instructions to make our class time go more smoothly. I hope you all plan on returning to SHARE. I am excited to see what the future has in store for this group for their remaining years at SHARE!
What's coming up:
• April 16th: Sound Energy; Quarter 4 test sent home
• April 23rd: Last Day of Classes; Physics Wrap-up Party; turn in quarter 4 test, lab notebooks will be collected for grading
• April 30th: Field Day, lab notebooks returned, report cards handed out, 6th grade recognition ceremony
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework :
Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
Heat (Study Jams): http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/energy-light-sound/heat.htm
Heat Energy (TurtleDiary): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGKg3TSO4v8
Conduction-Convection-Radiation-Heat Transfer (NextGeneration): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me60Ti0E_rY
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OPTIONAL Digging Deeper Videos:
Expansion and Contraction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FutJrhTWDA
Geothermal Energy-Harnessing the Power of the Earth (PBS): https://tn.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/kqedcl11.sci.ess.geothermalenergy/geothermal-energy-harnessing-the-power-of-the-earth/
Why Does it Look Like There’s Water on the Road? (ScienceABC): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fg-FpyBvcTg
How Do Hot Air Balloons Stay Up? (BeSmart): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqhnZz17amw
How a Steam Locomotive Works (NashvilleSteam): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUzmtnQGBYQ
What is Solar Energy? (SciToons): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inPtRWtvDaM
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Week 26 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed.):
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 4/2/24 -- Light Energy
What a crazy and chaotic Tuesday! I pray that everyone was able to get home safe and sound! Tennessee weather can be so unpredictable.
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Today's topic was light energy. It is a topic that I could spend several weeks on, but unfortunately we only have one! They were introduced to the highlights of light energy with a few lab notebook activities and several demonstrations of the concepts such as white light being a reflection of all colors, what is an electromagnetic spectrum, light traveling in a straight line, what is a shadow, light reflecting at the exact angle that it hits an object (angle of incidence), how we see, difference between transparent/translucent/opaque, etc. As the day went along it got a little more chaotic as students left early (understandably) so our activities were a bit rushed but we still managed to fit most of it in.
Our hands-on project was supposed to be finishing a Newton's color wheel that demonstrates white light being a mix of all colors but I had to give it to them to finish at home. They are to color each section that is marked off on the CD with a separate color (except for black) using broad-tip markers if possible (bc it's the easiest). Then they are to hold onto the marble in the center and give it a good spin. If it spins fast enough, the colors should blend together to make it look white again. They were also sent home with a prism to hang in a window when the sun returns as a reminder that prisms bend the white light of the sun's rays to show the individual wavelengths of colors that are in it.
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We only have three more class weeks left....hang in there!
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Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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STORMY DAY CHAOS: With kids being picked up early over the course of the last two hours, I have NO IDEA who went home with what from class. Unfortunately there were some that went home early that I did not get homework papers to before leaving. I have my attendance sheet that is given out first thing in the morning, but it changed throughout the day so I don't necessarily have a record of who was in my later classes. Please send me an email letting me know if you did not get the reading lesson and recall questions and I will get it emailed to you AND make sure that the other handouts from class are put in your folders.
HOMEWORK NOTES: There are four videos this week to back up the reading lesson but I wanted to include them all because light energy is a very broad topic and we only have one week to cover it. These videos back up the fundamentals included in the reading lesson and will help them retain for a better understanding of future lessons. Light energy, both visible and non-visible, is such a big part of our everyday lives that I feel it important for them to take a little extra time this week to understand it well. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL MONDAY TO START YOUR HOMEWORK. IT WILL BE TOO MUCH!! Your science and history homework are meant to be broken up over the week to give you a full year of curriculum for these two subjects.
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FIFTH & SIXTH GRADE LAB NOTEBOOKS: I had forgotten that the lab notebooks for fifth and sixth grade were only numbered to #101 so please have your students continue numbering to at least 140. I'm not sure yet how many more pages we will use before the end of the semester but up to page 140 should cover it!
What's coming up:
• April 9th: Thermal Energy
• April 16th: Sound Energy; Quarter 4 test sent home
• April 23rd: Last Day of Classes; Physics Wrap-up Party; turn in quarter 4 test, lab notebooks will be collected for grading
• April 30th: Field Day, lab notebooks returned, report cards handed out, 6th grade recognition ceremony
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework :
Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
Exploring Light Energy (Miacademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tsWsovuq1U
Non-Visible Light (Miacademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7tK4lG76cU
Visible Light (Miacademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pzmp25usNlc
Electromagnetic Spectrum (Miacademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPp8ugirih8
Thomas Edison (PBS): https://tn.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/americon-vid-thomas-edison/video/
History of Thomas Edison for Kids (BedtimeHistory): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnkXrRVssLk
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Week 25 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed.):
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 3/26/24 -- Electromagnetism
First off, it was a strange day with ZERO absences in the 3rd-6th grade hall! I can't even remember the last time that happened! It was nice to see all of their smiling faces in one day!
Today’s science topic was exploring the relationship between electricity and magnetism. We observed the "invisible" magnetic force by sprinkling iron filings over a plate with magnets underneath so they were able to see the pattern of the force surrounding the magnets. They learned that electricity and magnetism go together like peanut butter and jelly because you can hardly have one without the other. They observed how magnetism can create electricity as we observed how motors work by making our own motor using a battery and magnets. They then observed how electricity can create magnetism by making an electromagnet. NOW, all grades should have come home with an electromagnet with the exception of fifth grade (my last class for the day). I don't know what happened in that class (I need to do some scientific sleuthing) but their batteries were getting much hotter than all previous classes and a few saw smoke so I made them leave their electromagnets with me so no one would get burned. All students were told to show their parents how the electromagnet works and then to take the battery off afterwards and not keep it taped onto the wire as an extra precaution.
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We have three more forms of energy to explore with light, heat, and sound! Have a wonderful week enjoying the warmer weather!
Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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HOMEWORK NOTES: First, I apologize for not having a printed checklist this week. I ended up having to print the reading lesson from home instead of the printer and it was just too many copies to include the checklist. The homework checklist is attached. I would prefer that you print it out but if you do not have a printer, then please have your student turn in a piece of paper with a note that all was completed and sign it.
Second, they do not have recall and connect this week. AND I did not give them a page of clipart to go with their scientist in the spotlight pages on Tesla, so they are to just gather their facts this week and they will add them along with the clipart next week.
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What's coming up:
• April 2nd: Light Energy
• April 9th: Thermal Energy
• April 16th: Sound Energy
• April 23rd: Last Day of Classes; Physics Wrap-up Party
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework :
Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
Electromagnetism (Miacademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY19Q4V_jnw
** Nikola Tesla (BrainPop): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1DqaqBiVRY
** Nikola Tesla: Genius Inventor (HistoryChannel): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIORO842NWk
Optional Resources To Dig Deeper on Tesla:
10 Amazing Nikola Tesla Facts (TrueStory): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOrg72uHQk4
Nikola Tesla for Kids (BedtimeHistory): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i_nLTHDOZE
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Week 24 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed.):
Will get audio posted this afternoon
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 3/19/24 -- Electrical Energy
Today’s science topic was electrical energy and exploring two forms of electricity, static and current. They learned that electricity is the flow of electrons. We had a hair-raising demo to talk about how static electricity is the result of an imbalance of charges when electrons are gathered and stored as potential energy. They learned that lightning or the shock you feel when touching a doorknob is the negative electrons seeking a positive charge in order to get back into balance. We had great fun learning about current energy by making a class-size circuit with the students as the conductors of energy. We ended class attempting to construct a simple circuit project but time was not our friend in the larger classes. Those that did not come home with a circuit project will bring it home next week. Those that DID bring it home were told to make sure that they keep their “switch” OFF when not playing with it.
We will continue our talk of electrical energy next week before moving onto light energy. It is the start of the whirlwind that is known as the fourth quarter so hang on for the ride of the next five weeks!
Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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Reminder about lab notebooks: There were several students that did not come to class with their lab notebooks despite being reminded on the homework checklist AND in the weekly email. Lab notebooks are vital to our class routine and when they don't have them they are less able to fully participate in class activities. PLEASE make sure they are in the habit of checking to make sure they are in their backpacks when preparing to go to SHARE. It is ultimately THEIR responsibility. Since it is happening too often I am going to start keeping track when they come to class without it.
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What's coming up:
• March 26th: Power Sources, Electromagnetism, and Motors
• April 2nd: Light Energy
• April 9th: Thermal Energy
• April 16th: Sound Energy
• April 23rd: Last Day of Classes; Physics Wrap-up Party
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework :
Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
Exploring Electrical Energy (Miacademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzSzbbeQ5bw
Electricity (StudyJams): https://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/energy-light-sound/electricity.htm
Great Inventors-Benjamin Franklin (Adventure Academy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN9hFfC0lz0
Leyden Jar Facts for Kids: https://kids.kiddle.co/Leyden_jar
***(optional resource if you want to learn more about the kite experiment and how Franklin used a Leyden Jar) Benjamin Franklin’s Kite Experiment-What Do We Know (HistoryChannel): https://www.history.com/news/benjamin-franklin-kite-experiment-electricity
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Week 23 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed.):
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 2/27/24 -- Simple Machines Lab Day
It was another fun day in the SHARE science lab putting simple machines to task to make our work easier! We combined classes with Mrs. Dawn so despite being a little crowded, it was great seeing the older students work with the younger students (especially sibling pairs)! We talked about how heavy their backpacks can be and they were challenged to figure out how to get a heavy backpack from the floor onto their shoulders without lifting it with their hands. They first worked with a lever and figured out how to move the fulcrum to be able to raise the backpack high enough to push it into a wheelbarrow. This was a great problem solving exercise to see how the three classes of levers can have different effects. The wheelbarrow was then pushed over to a pulley and they learned that two pulleys worked better than one to be able to raise it shoulder level to then slip their arms through the backpack straps. We then explored the use of screws, nails, hammers, and screwdrivers and how they make easier.
The grand finale at the end of class was how the use of simple and compound machines can help in getting tasty snacks! They were reminded that a knife is really a wedge simple machine and that it is very helpful if I wanted to peel and slice apples to serve all the students. HOWEVER, I probably would not have enough time during class to peel and slice apples for both my students and Mrs. Dawn's students. SO, I showed them how the compound machine of a manual apple peeler/slicer/corer would make my work even easier to be able to serve an apple snack to all. We looked at the different simple machines that were included to give us a greater mechanical advantage. BUT, could it get even easier? It can if we add a motor to the compound machine! I demonstrated how fast it can go with an apple peeler/slicer/corer attachment on a kitchen aid mixer. Needless to say, there were plenty of apple slices for all to enjoy in a matter of seconds! They also used a pulley system to move a bag of chips from one end of the room to the other. Learning is always made better when there is food involved! I will post a few pictures and a video in the pdf section of this post as soon as I am able.
They were sent home with a simple machines kit to play with for a homework activity and a quarter 3 test to take before they get into spring break mode. I did change my mind about collecting lab notebooks over the break so that the students could use them to study before taking their quarter 3 test. Please see the parent notes below.
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We are in the last quarter stretch for the semester! Our remaining lessons will center around more forms of kinetic energy (electrical, light, thermal, and sound) with many hands on demonstrations and activities.
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Have a Wonderfully Restful and Fun-Filled Spring Break!
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Love, Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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Homework This Week: The main part on their homework checklist is studying for and taking the quarter 3 test. As mentioned above, I changed my mind about collecting lab notebooks over the break so the students will have them to use as a study guide. Many questions were taken from the review pages, definitions in the title pieces, and the scientist in the spotlight pages. We spent a little time at the beginning of class making sure everyone had all the lab notebook pieces they needed for times they were absent. Pictures of the pages that need answers to the fill-in-the-blank pages are included at the end of this post. I will post a Factile game shortly to use for review for them to see if they are ready. If your student was absent I will contact you and email you the test when they are ready to take it. TESTS MUST BE PROCTORED AND SIGNED IN ORDER TO BE ACCEPTED.
I included a few short activities on their homework checklist list to learn the fun of Rube Goldberg machines that I think they will find fascinating. They were sent home with a simple machines kit that has 4 items for them to use to make a few simple machines to move the bucket and accomplish a task. This is an open-ended assignment for exploration and imagination. There is also an extra credit opportunity for them to design their own Rube Goldberg machine. If you are staying home over the break this might be a great way to occupy their time in an educational way. They are to email or text me a video in order to receive credit.
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What's coming up:
• March 5th & 12th: Spring Break Weeks, NO SHARE CLASSES
• March 19th: Return to SHARE; class topic will be Electrical Energy and fun with circuits
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework :
Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
Rube Goldberg-The Father of Inventions (CBSSundayMorning): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40AO2RdEixs
The Coolest Machine Ever! (SciShowKids): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mGn6mrlrfw&t=9s
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STUDY AIDS for Quarter 3 Test : (Check back at 11:30 for the Factile Review game. Refresh your page)
A FACTILE review game will be posted shortly for you to use as a way to see if you are ready for taking the test. In the meantime, go through your lab notebook, pages 56-90 (wherever it leaves off). Make sure you have filled in the answers to the lab notebook pages that are posted below if they are still blank. Many test questions were taken from the lab notebook material. Also be familiar with the accomplishments of the scientists we covered, as well as review simple machines and examples of the forces we covered.
Here is a link to the Factile Jeopardy-style game, Quarter 3 Physics Review.
Link: https://playfactile.com/lt5y2qs4ij/
Play in flashcard mode until you have the information down and then play the jeopardy game to see if you are ready. A PDF of the game questions is also attached if you are not able to use the game link. In addition to this game please review the different types of contact forces from Lesson 14 and be familiar with the different type of simple machines.
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Week 22 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed.):
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 2/20/24 -- Mechanical Energy
We started off class sharing what was learned about Galileo which led to a few conversations of what is in store for next year’s science study on space and earth science. So many of the scientists that we learn about have made impacts in several fields of science! After accomplishing a bit of gluing in the lab notebooks we dived into our introduction to the first of the five types of energy that we will explore for the remainder of the school year, mechanical energy. Remembering my power cord this week, we went through a slide show presentation learning about mechanical energy, machines, mechanical advantage, and simple and complex machines. We played a game on guessing the simple machines and ended class with some cartoon examples of traps using simple machines. 5th and 6th graders still had time left for us to “take a ride on a roller coaster” to experience potential and kinetic energy.
Next week is our last class before a two week break. We will have fun in a simple machines lab next week with hands-on demonstrations and problem solving. There will not be a reading lesson next week, but they will have their quarter 3 test sent home with them and I will collect lab notebooks next week to grade over the break.
Have a wonderful week!
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Love, Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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Homework This Week: It may seem like they have a bit more work this week than normal but I needed to get all the simple machine information into one week before spring break and the videos I found perfectly compliment what is in the reading lesson to reinforce everything that we are covering. I normally try to make the video watching less than 10-15 minutes total. Please make sure they are breaking the homework into 3-4 smaller chunks instead of all at once. If you have any issues please reach out. Next week's checklist will be much, much lighter!
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What's coming up:
• February 27th: Hands-on Fun with Simple Machines Lab Day; Quarter 3 take-home test sent home to bring back on March19th; will collect lab notebooks at this time
• March 5th & 12th: Spring Break Weeks, NO SHARE CLASSES
• March 19th: Return to SHARE; class topic will be Electrical Energy and fun with circuits
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework :
Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
What is Energy? (Miacademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgXexfm4wcQ
What is a Simple Machine? Levers (Miacademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WDfgZvs44A&t=7s
Simple Machines: Wheels and Pulleys (Miacademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5zJ80OWLUk&t=5s
Simple Machines: Inclined Planes, Wedges, & Screws (Miacademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlTX8rj98p8&t=5s
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Week 21 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed.):
If you were absent and did not get an email from me with your reading lesson, please reach out.
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 2/13/24 -- Work and Energy
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It was a festive day at SHARE to say the least! I love watching their excitement in handing out their treats to each other, much more than they were excited to receive. And how sweet they are in handing treats to their teachers. It was a SWEET day made sweeter with SWEET kids! Thank you for the candies, flowers, AND sweet notes (they are the best!)
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The science topic for the day introduced where we will spend our time for the remainder of the semester...ENERGY! They learned that the universe is not only made up of matter, it is also made up of many forms of energy that make it "work." We will explore the many forms of energy in the coming weeks, but today they learned what energy is, what "work" is AND that all forms of energy can be put into two main categories, potential (stored) and kinetic (in motion). I had an interactive slide show prepared with the intention of bringing them into the spare room with a projector and big screen set up, THEN discovered at the last second that I had forgotten my power cord to the projector. Bummer! But we made do with my computer screen. To test what they have learned we ended class watching several cartoon clips of Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner to spot the concepts that we have learned! This classic cartoon is such a fun way to test physics knowledge. Some of it is spot-on while other examples can only occur in cartoon world, but being able to spot the differences tests their knowledge. So yes, I am assigning them to watch cartoons for homework but only ONE and would like them to stick to classic Roadrunner (or Tom and Jerry if allowed, but roadrunner is better).
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Next week we will look at mechanical energy and the use of simple machines. We will once again look at cartoon examples since Wile E. Coyote uses them all! Makes you wonder why he doesn't just order Uber Eats if he can order his trap supplies from the Acme Company!! I will remember my power cord for next week and will not only show examples of simple machines in action, but will also take them on a roller coaster ride to test out what we've learned about motion and energy!
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It's a blue sky today, enjoy!
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Love, Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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What's coming up:
• February 20th: Mechanical Energy and Simple Machines; will share Galileo lab notebook page in class
• February 27th: Hands-on Fun with Simple Machines Lab Day; Quarter 3 take-home test sent home to bring back on March19th; will collect lab notebooks at this time
• March 5th & 12th: Spring Break Weeks, NO SHARE
• March 19th: Return to SHARE; class topic will be Electrical Energy and fun with circuits
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework :
Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
What is Energy? (Miacademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgXexfm4wcQ
Potential and Kinetic Energy (AdventureAcademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCKeniklH_c&t=15s
What’s the Difference Between Potential and Kinetic Energy (DaVinci): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quxEz2qxo9s
(if they have not completed the Gailieo lab notebook page this is being reposted--) Galileo Galilei for Kids (LearnBright): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI36dazqEwU
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Week 20 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed.):
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 2/6/24 -- Non-Contact Forces
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First off, I must say that I was DELIGHTED to actually have two classes with zero absences AND only limited absences in the other two classes! WOO HOO! Maybe we are finally on the other side of all the illnesses that have kept so many away over the last several weeks.
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We had great fun in the SHARE science lab today learning about the non-contact forces of gravity and magnetism. After a quick review of what we have learned about physics so far and sharing their catapult-making experiences, they were introduced to two forces that require no physical contact. We explored the many contributions that Isaac Newton and Galileo Galilei made to our understanding of gravity while also learning of Galileo's many disagreements with the ideas of Aristotle and how it finally landed him in jail and under house arrest for the remainder of his life. Through several demonstrations on gravity they learned: how gravity pulls things toward the center of the earth, how heavier objects and lighter objects will still hit the ground at the same time when dropped, the meaning of Newton's law of universal gravitation, and that all objects have a center of gravity and how it can be changed. They then learned about magnetic force and were amazed at the demonstration showing how magnetism can pull and hold objects without touching them. We ended class by "playing with gravity" with homemade marshmallow shooters demonstrating how objects that go up, must come down towards the center of the earth. They had fun shooting pom poms, cotton balls, and marshmallows up in the air and then catching them back in their cups as they fell down. Some were even able to catch the marshmallow in their mouths! I caught one on video and it is posted below!
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Have a wonderful week enjoying the warm weather!
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Love, Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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Homework Checklist Notes:
• There are 19 questions on this week's recall and connect questions, but several are yes/no and they all come directly from the reading lesson. Please pay attention to the checklist as to the required number of questions to answer per grade. It is only the sixth graders that are assigned all nineteen questions.
• There are pictures posted at the end of this summary that show the positioning of the Isaac Newton tree and what I am meaning by making a "booklet" with the apple. They will need a piece of blank copy paper (or similar) to make the folded piece and use the apple picture as the cover. Please reach out if you have any questions.
• I am giving an extra week to complete the Galileo scientist page if needed since there are many that will be working on history presentations. Just don't forget to do it since we will be sharing them in class on the 20th.
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework :
Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
Forces-Gravity (Miacademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M3Fzdb1b9g&t=5s
Forces-Magnets (Miacademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kll5A6xX9cY&t=7s
The World’s Largest Vacuum Chamber (BBC): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E43-CfukEgs
Galileo Galilei for Kids (LearnBright): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI36dazqEwU
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Week 19 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed.):
Sorry for the delay on the audio lesson. I actually had it done and ready to post at 10:30 and then totally forgot to add it to the webpage... oops!
Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 1/30/24 -- Contact Forces
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Today we learned that all forces can be categorized into two main groups, contact and non contact. After reviewing the key words of Newton's three laws of motion, we focused on learning about different types of contact forces and brainstormed how we see and use these forces in everyday life. The students came up with some GREAT examples that I had not thought of and wish that I had included them in the reading lesson! We then focused on frictional force and how it moves in the opposite direction of motion. The students then did a hands-on lab testing different surfaces to see which one creates more frictional force.
They were sent home with a parachute toy to observe drag force/air resistance AND a lab kit to make a catapult that will demonstrate all three laws of motion. Please see the parent note about the catapult in the parent notes section below.
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Hopefully we can all find a little sunshine this week and get a dose of Vitamin D! I think it is much needed by all!
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Love, Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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Homework Checklist Notes: As mentioned in last week's post, they were sent home with two reading lessons this week. I will have the audios for these lessons posted later this morning/early afternoon. The laws of motion lesson will serve as a review of what they have learned over the past two weeks with no review questions to go with it. Please have them listen to the audio and follow along with their printed lesson. The second reading lesson is shorter and does have recall and connect questions to be turned in. The remaining homework was adjusted with only one video and minimal additional activities (but they are fun ones!). As mentioned last week, PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL MONDAY TO DO ALL OF THE SCIENCE HOMEWORK! The science and history classes at SHARE are designed to be a complete curriculum (not enrichment) and the homework should be spread out throughout the week in smaller chunks. We do our best to try and balance not overwhelming you during the week, WITH also trying to prepare and step them towards their independence, ownership of their work, scheduling, and study habits for middle school/high school tutorials. I understand that things happen to disrupt schedules and we must adjust the best we can, but if the habit is to always do science and history all in one day then the learning is not very effective.
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Catapult Lab Kit: The students were sent home with supplies to construct a catapult. A weblink on how to construct the catapult is posted in the video section below. The smaller sticks they were given are meant to be used for the inside part and the bigger sticks are for holding the spoon and used as the base. They are more than welcome to modify the design with things they have at home. I encourage them to improve upon the base design, but they can also just follow the instructions and do a basic catapult. Their homework checklist instructs them to try out different things to launch and think about how the laws of motion apply. They can also try launching their parachute toy. They are to bring their catapults to class next week. Fifth and sixth graders were given the assignment to write about how the catapult demonstrates all three laws of motion in their lab notebook.
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework :
Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
Forces-Friction (Miacademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPbMpGyV7Ps
Build a Catapult: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6hQsJxzIws (there are other resources and designs for building a catapult but this is a basic design. Only search for other resources with a parent's permission)
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Week 18 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed.):
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 1/23/24 -- Laws of Motion in Action!
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We tried to "get moving" today with Newton's three laws of motion, but I must say that I think the extra week off from a school routine put many in SLOW MOTION (possibly myself included)! We started class by sharing what we learned about Newton's early life and discussed the similarities of his experiences with being sent home from college because of the Bubonic plague and our experiences with life being disrupted by Covid. Newton enjoyed the solitude and isolation and spent all of his time observing, writing, experimenting, and inventing things. We went through each of his three laws of motion and explained them in detail with many demonstrations. Some of the favorites were: "crazy grandma and her roller skate car" explaining inertia, the "Jedi delivery service" for the second law, and Newton's cradle for the third law. There were several demos for each law so hopefully they now have a good understanding of them. Ask them about their favorite demo and what they learned from it. (see the video and picture below)
Next week we will start exploring contact forces and have some fun with cartoons. Hopefully we will all be able to get settled into a normal routine this week and everyone will look less sleepy and more prepared for class! Please read the parent notes below.
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Stay Dry and Avoid the Germs!!
Love, Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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Homework Checklist Notes: As described on this week's checklist, I did not give them their reading lesson on the three laws of motion yet since I gave them several videos and lab notebook assignments for the week. They will get two reading lessons next week, the laws of motion as a review AND a lesson on contact forces which will be the new material for the week. Since I offer audio recordings of the lessons each week, I would suggest that all grades listen to the audio version of the laws of motion to make it easier, but it will be good for them to follow along and highlight main points as they listen. This week's checklist is designed for them to focus on one law at a time and complete the activities for it. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL MONDAY TO DO ALL OF THE SCIENCE HOMEWORK! They are to make observations of their own weekly playing and sports activities and record how they personally experience the three laws of motion. I want them to spend time and be thoughtful in their observations so have them split up the work throughout the week into small, focused sessions for each one. Additionally, I gave very specific instructions for their lab notebook pages so I will be looking for the instructions to be followed. If anything is unclear please reach out by text or email.
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Week 16 Checklist: Despite not being able to get to the building last week, a homework checklist was posted for last week and contains items on it that need to be completed (Newton's early life). If you did not get this done, please check last week's post for the checklist pdf.
Lab Notebook Reminder: Despite Mrs. Christy's Monday email including a reminder for 3rd-6th science students to be sure to have their lab notebooks, I had several from each grade that did not have it for class, which is the most that I have ever had missing for one day! We use the lab notebooks every week and those that did not have it were not able to keep up in class the same as their fellow students. I understand that occasionally something is left behind and forgotten but it is starting to happen a little more often lately. Please make sure that your student is getting into the habit of checking their backpacks on Monday afternoon/evening to make sure that they have all their supplies ready to go for Tuesday morning.
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework :
Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
Newton’s First Law of Motion (LearnBright): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwukMqwBB_s&t=1s
Forces-Inertia (Miacademy):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAHBsvC8XZM&t=20s
Newton’s Second Law of Motion (LearnBright): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJkPF21tORE
Newton’s Third Law of Motion (LearnBright): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-wh3fJRdjo
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Week 17 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed.):
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 1/16/24 -- Snow Day!!
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Hope you are enjoying the snow! I was planning on going over Newton's Three Laws of Motion in class today. This is something that I think is best introduced in person for this age range, so that is where we will pick up next week. For homework I will have them explore the life and accomplishments of Sir Isaac Newton, a physicist that Albert Einstein held in high esteem! So much of what we will learn this semester was first discovered and studied by Newton. I will post the homework and videos tomorrow morning by 10am, as normal. It will be light homework, but it will be this week's homework and due next Tuesday. Between illnesses, travel, and a snow day, we are getting a really slow start to our semester, so please make sure they are getting the homework done and are ready to "get moving" next week!
Extra Credit Opportunity: It might be fun to look up some snow science experiments and give them a try. One that we will be trying out is trying to freeze bubbles since the temperatures are so very cold! I will give up to 5 extra credit homework points if you give a snowy science experiment a try. You must send me a video or pictures and a brief summary of your hypothesis, procedure, and your results.
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Stay Toasty!! Love, Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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Homework Videos: Please note that I am NOT assigning the videos on Newton in their entirety. They are marked to include only the information on his early life, which is what their assignment is focused on. There are references to the bubonic plague which sent him home from school to isolate. Letting you know in case this is something that is sensitive for your child.
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework :
Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
The Quick Story of Isaac Newton (NowYouKnowAbout): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vTbtna25j8 (Watch only until 6:52 mark)
Isaac Newton for Kids (Bedtime History): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sdCy1ymc9A (Watch only until 3:13 mark)
Forces and Motion (Miacademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-6ERzL9QsE
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Week 16 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed.):
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Extra Credit Opportunity: It might be fun to look up some snow science experiments and give them a try. One that we will be trying out is trying to freeze bubbles since the temperatures are so very cold! I will give up to 5 extra credit homework points if you give a snowy science experiment a try. You must send me a video or pictures and a brief summary of your hypothesis, procedure, and your results.
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Newton "Lapbook piece" Explanation: I apologize for not explaining this better on the checklist. All I am looking for is something that tells about Newton's early life and can be glued into the lab notebook at a later time. By "lapbook piece" I mean that it is something that can be creatively condensed to a smaller size (around 2"x3" in this case) and still contain the information requested. Examples would be to cut out 2"x3" pieces of paper for each fact and staple them into a tiny booklet with a page on top titled "Early Life." OR constructing a "pocket" that can be glued in to hold the facts. OR writing the facts on a smaller piece of paper and folding it into a 2x3 size and labeling the top with "Early Life." How it is done is up to you as long as it contains the number of facts asked for your grade level, can be glued in without covering your information, AND will be somewhat within the guidelines of the final size (I won't be getting out rulers to measure!). We will be adding things to Newton's pages as we study about him which is why I am asking for it to be of a certain size and that we glue them in together in class. You can look up "lapbook pieces" for ideas if you need a better visual. Please reach out if you still need clarity.
Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 1/9/24 -- Intro to Physics and Force
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Despite the gray, rainy weather and lingering "holiday brain syndrome" (which makes it hard to get back in a routine) there was a lot of joy and excitement to be back in the classrooms of SHARE!
We started off the semester with a playful introduction to physics, our science adventure for the remainder of the school year. We discussed how physics is often referred to as the cornerstone of all sciences since it's the study of how everything in the universe works from its tiniest parts to its biggest. We did some brainstorming of how physics plays a role in our everyday lives as a way to get an overall idea of the topics we will be covering. A tiny friend of mine then introduced the first branch of physics we will cover, classical mechanics/motion, and the concept of force with a lab notebook activity. We ended class exploring just how much physics is a part of their everyday life by playing with various types of toys! It was quite a noisy way to end class, but a fun one AND I think they are now excited to see what the semester has in store!!
If you were absent, we missed you and please read my note below so you can jump right in with us next week. Hope you have a wonderful week getting back into the swing of things!
Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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If You Were Absent: We had quite a few absent for our first day back. Since our website is not private I will email the reading lesson to you, but the homework checklist and audio version is posted below. Please remember that the science lessons are designed to build off of each other. I introduce the concept in class, send home a reading lesson that explains it in greater detail, and assign videos and homework to reinforce the concepts. If your child is absent and misses the introduction of the material and then doesn't read the lesson or do the homework, there will likely be a big gap in understanding and they may feel lost as we move on. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need grace in adjusting the homework due to illness or some other life distraction, but do please try and have your child keep up with the reading lessons and the homework the best they can so that they get the full benefit of what has been prepared for them.
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework :
Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
What is Physics? (ABC Kids): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muyS5oRfqag
Forces—Push and Pull Motion (Learn and Play): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sva0ZRfFx4k
Newton’s Three Laws of Motion for Kids (FreeSchool): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aA_mqSzbkM0
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Week 15 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed.):
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Christmas Village Walk-Thru 12/5/23
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It was great fun yesterday getting to see ALL of the SHARE students and getting to meet many parents that I have not yet had the opportunity to meet. This is the first time that any of us teachers can remember that we have had 100% attendance at our Christmas celebration. We hope that the festivities helped to kick off your holiday break from tutorial work!
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Again, to the sixth graders... I apologize for not having your lab notebooks finished and your grades ready. I was a "grading fool" over the course of the last two weeks, but a fool without enough time to get it completely done along with the STEAM kits. I figured you would rather have your Christmas present over a science grade!! I will email grades individually by the end of the week so please check your email.
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12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS STEAM INSTRUCTIONS: The 12 days of Christmas STEAM instructions are posted below. In general, please be mindful that the kit does include some things that need to be handled with care when disposing of them after they are played with AND be mindful if you have little ones in the house: the magic candle supplies include water beads which cannot be swallowed, the oobleck should not be disposed of in the sink, and the crystal candy cane supplies include borax and the use of hot water (so adult supervision is encouraged). Each activity will have instructions given, as well as some including web links for further details, learning, or extended activities. Dawn and I hope you enjoy the science kits that will either keep them busy while you are doing other things OR can serve as an opportunity to have fun exploring them as a family!
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Have a safe and wonderful time of rest with your family this holiday season. We look forward to seeing you in January!
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Mrs. Sonya and Mrs. Dawn
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A BIG thank you for all the sweet treats, precious written letters (my favorite), and thoughtful gifts you gave yesterday. We will reach out individually, but I wanted to let you know now how much you blessed our hearts with your kindnesses and encouragement. We LOVE our SHARE family!
Your 12 Days of Christmas STEAM Instructions are posted below. Have fun and send us pictures of your favorite activities!!
Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 11/28/23 -- Polymers
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Today was one of those days that I had to ask myself, what have I gotten myself into?! BUT, despite the mess, it was great fun learning about polymers in a very hands-on way. The students learned that polymers are chains of molecules linked together in a repeated pattern. We then made Grinch slime where they could see how saline solution is the activator that links the molecules together transforming the glue solution into stretchy slime. Then each student made their own bouncy ball, another example of a polymer. Both polymer examples were put into a paper bag and stapled with the strict instructions that they were NOT to open it until given permission by their parents as to where and when they could play with their slime. I hope this was obeyed! AND there was a little mishap in the third grade class with adding the food coloring to their glue mixture, so I apologize if anyone's hands are still not their natural color!
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It is unbelievable to me that it is the end of our chemistry unit and the first semester of SHARE. When we return we will explore the fascinating world of physics. I did not hand out a homework checklist, but I am including some light homework to go along with the polymer lesson. It is listed at the end of this post.
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Please read the parent notes regarding lab notebooks and grading. AND PLEASE be sure to come next week for our Christmas celebration. We have prepared lots of treats and goodies for the students and will transform the SHARE hallways into a festive walkway, not crammed with backpacks and lunchboxes! Since I do not help with the drop off and pick up I do not often get the opportunity to put parent names and faces together, so I look forward to meeting many of you next Tuesday.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your precious children’s homeschool journey. It has been a true joy seeing them each week and I look forward to continuing our studies next semester.
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Have a safe and wonderful time of rest with your family this holiday season. See you Tuesday!
Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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NOTES ABOUT LAB NOTEBOOKS AND GRADES: Lab notebooks will be returned next week along with their graded tests and report cards. Catching up on all the grading AND hosting Thanksgiving dinner proved to be more than I could fit into one week so I will finish up the lab notebooks this week. They will be given a manila envelope with their lab notebook and graded assignments (may also include IEW and history papers) next week so PLEASE make sure that the lab notebook is put into their backpacks for next semester right away so it doesn't get lost (it has happened a few times).
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Their report card grade this quarter will be more reflective of their work in class since there was more to include. I will be dropping their lowest homework assignment grade, so if they did poorly on an assignment or are missing one from either being sick, traveling, or simply didn't do it, it will not be counted against them. BUT I am only excusing ONE assignment unless other arrangements were made prior. They were told yesterday if I was still missing checklists or recall & connect questions.
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CHRISTMAS GIFT FROM THE SCIENCE TEACHERS: Mrs. Dawn and I started a tradition a few years ago of giving the kids a gift of several holiday-themed science activities that we try and make as all-inclusive as possible. I did want to give you a heads up that this year's kit will require having white vinegar at home and a quart-size canning or pasta jar. Some of the activities will need parent supervision with the use of hot water and the oven. Also wanted to let those that are new to SHARE know that the instructions for each activity will be posted on the class webpage next week so please check back here after our festivities next week!
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HOMEWORK:
____ For Reinforcement and Review—Polymers
In class we discussed that polymers are chains of repeating molecules (or monomers). Watch the following two videos to reinforce what you learned in class.
Slime-Polymer (ScienceMax): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZBh_h894IA
What’s in SLIME? (Tidlybit): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTJbJMsfcx8
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____ Sometime over the break show your lab notebook to a family member and show them what you have learned about chemistry. AND practice using some of the new science vocabulary you have learned this semester.
____ End of Semester Housekeeping!
File your graded papers and check your supplies. If your binder is getting too full you may take out the graded checklists and reading lessons from the first semester before the start of the second semester in January. Get everything ready in your backpack now for our return in January! MAKE SURE YOUR LAB NOTEBOOK GETS PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK WHEN YOU GET IT BACK NEXT WEEK!!!!!
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____ Be sure to come to the Christmas Village Walk-Through Celebration next week! Mrs. Dawn and I have worked hard to prepare a special science gift to keep you busy through the holiday break!
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_____ Have a wonderful and safe Christmas break! Be helpful to your parents. Be active and creative, exercising your body AND your brain! Spend your time wisely and don't let your brain cells get too mushy playing video games or watching TV! Be ready to explore the world of physics with me in January!
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 11/14/23 -- Mixtures
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We had great fun "mixing it up" today in chemistry! We discussed different types of mixtures and several ways they can be separated since they are not chemically bonded. They learned why knowing the physical properties of matter are important in problem solving when it comes to separating mixtures. We finished class with a visit to the "SHARE science laboratory" (aka the spare room) where they made their own personal heterogenous mixture of snacks and enjoyed a tasty mixture of hot cocoa. While they enjoyed their science snacks they watched demonstrations on different methods for separating mixtures, the hands-down favorite being the use of a magnet!
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Lab notebooks were collected today and they were sent home with their last reading lesson for the semester and a second quarter test to be returned on the 28th. Please see the notes below about the test since there are special instructions for allowing 30 minutes to refer to their reading lessons.
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When we return from break we will have one more class day which will be spent wrapping up our chemistry unit with Christmas chemistry concoctions! Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving Break!
Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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IMPORTANT!! NOTES ABOUT THE TEST: Two review games are posted below that cover lessons 4-10. I also posted the game questions in pdf format if you prefer not to use the games. I suggest doing the games in flashcard mode first and "starring" the questions that are not as familiar, which you can then review separately. The test questions will be taken from the material covered in the review games. It was too time consuming to break the review material down by grade, but in general 6th graders are responsible for knowing ALL of the review material where as grades 3-5 will have shorter tests with the less difficult terminology depending on their grade level. I TRY to format the jeopardy questions on the game board so that the 100-300 questions are the easier concepts for the 3rd&4th graders, with the 400-500 questions added on for the 5th&6th graders. This is not always the case and there may be some more simple questions in the higher categories, but I generally do not put the harder questions in the 100-200 categories. Hope that makes sense. NOW THE IMPORTANT PART.... Tests must be proctored and signed or they will not be accepted. AND Since the test covers seven reading lessons I am allowing for the students to have 30 minutes to refer to their reading lessons to find or check their answers AFTER they have taken the test without aid. There is no time limit on taking their test, but ONCE they have answered all they can and are ready to look at the reading lessons I ask that you set a 30 minute timer. If they have taken the time to study before taking the test, 30 minutes should be plenty of time to check their answers and maybe find one or two that they can't recall. THEY ARE TO USE THE READING LESSONS ONLY and NOT the PDFs of the review game questions. If you are missing any of the reading lessons please email me and I will send them to you. Remember...reading lesson nine was posted on the webpage and not sent home so it is still posted for you below for weeks 10/24 & 10/31.
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MISSING OR MAKE-UP WORK: Semester report cards will be handed out at our Christmas Village Walk-Through Celebration so I need to have all missing and late assignments turned in on the 28th in order to complete their semester grades. If there are any homework checklists in their binders that do not have a red check showing that I have checked and recorded their points OR any incomplete recall & connect question sheets please have them complete these and turn them in on the 28th. They will receive a zero for any missing assignments unless otherwise discussed. Since I collected their lab notebooks I am hoping that all assignments are complete within the notebooks.
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WHAT'S COMING UP!: Here is a run down of what to expect for the next several weeks:
• November 21st: NO CLASS--THANKSGIVING BREAK. Have a safe & wonderful holiday!
• November 28th: Christmas Chemistry Concoctions! We will wrap up our chemistry unit by having some fun with labs and demonstrations reviewing topics we have covered with a "holiday twist!" Lab notebooks will be returned and their quarter two tests will be collected for grading.
• December 5th: Christmas Village Walk-Through Celebration. This is NOT a regular class day. Mrs. Christy will send out information for the details and time frame for this event. Report cards will also be handed out at this time.
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework:
Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
Mixtures (StudyJams): https://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/matter/mixtures.htm
All Mixed Up Solutions and Mixtures (Miacademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WpRELNo7k8&t=48s
How to Separate Solutions, Mixtures, & Emulsions (FuseSchool): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC1RxloV0Mo
(Optional for 5th/6th grade) How Do We Separate the Seemingly Unseparable? (TEDEd): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8Ent5CXhfY
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Video Links to use for Test Review:
For the 5th/6th grade: Periodic Table Basics (Miacademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAvYkNSyIfg
For the 3rd/4th grade: Periodic table (StudyJams): https://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/matter/periodic-table.htm
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Study Guide Game Links to use for Test Review:
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Test questions will come from these review games. The game questions are posted above in a pdf file. Test will be "open book" (reading lessons only) for 30 minutes since it covers lessons 4-10, but they are expected to study and not rely on just looking up answers.
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Week 12 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed.):
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 11/7/23 -- Bonds
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Today we learned how and why atoms bond. We discussed the importance of knowing how many valence electrons an atom has when it comes to bonds and reviewed how we can find this information on the periodic table. They then learned how to draw Lewis Dot Diagrams that show you at-a-glance how many valence electrons an atom has and then discussed the Octet Rule and how atoms want a full valence shell, which is most often eight electrons. We then discussed two types of bonds, covalent and ionic. These can be complicated topics, but it explains how atoms "snap together" to make molecules and start the process of building things using the tiny building blocks to make everything we see in Creation. I try and present them with the "big picture" so they know how the basics of what they are learning matter. I was quite amazed at how well the students seemed to pick up on the concepts. If they learned one thing from today's lesson I hope that they now understand that atoms form bonds with their valence electrons to build molecules. We ended class making models of two molecules, H2O (water) and NaCl (sodium chloride, aka table salt).
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Our last two classes in our chemistry unit will be less complicated, but messy, as we explore mixtures and acids/bases.
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Please read the notes below so you know what to expect in finishing out the semester! Have a great week!
Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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WHAT'S COMING UP!: It is very strange to say, but there is only one more class day before Thanksgiving and only one more after that, then we have our Christmas Walk-Thru Celebration and are on break for the holidays! Here is a run down of what to expect for the next several weeks:
• November 14th: We will cover the topics of mixtures, as well as acids/bases. I will collect lab notebooks at the end of class to be graded over Thanksgiving break. Please make sure everything is up to date; paying special attention to any assignments on the homework checklists that are marked in red to be graded separately. Quarter 2 take-home tests will be sent home and are to be returned no later than the 28th so it can be included in the semester grading.
• November 21st: NO CLASS--THANKSGIVING BREAK
• November 28th: Christmas Chemistry Concoctions! We will wrap up our chemistry unit by having some fun with labs and demonstrations reviewing topics we have covered with a "holiday twist!" Lab notebooks will be returned and their quarter two tests will be collected for grading.
• December 5th: Christmas Village Walk-Through Celebration. This is NOT a regular class day. Mrs. Christy will send out information at a later time for the details and time frame for this event. Report cards will also be handed out at this time.
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework :
Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
How Atoms Bond: Ionic Bonds (NBCNewsLearn): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ4JOBZRAKQ
How atoms bond (TEDEd): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgD9yHSJ29I
Elements & Compounds (StudyJams): https://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/matter/elements-and-compounds.htm
The Octet Rule Song (ScienceMusicVideos): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzWk-mx_14E
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Video Links to use for Test Review:
For the 5th/6th grade: Periodic Table Basics (Miacademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAvYkNSyIfg
For the 3rd/4th grade: Periodic table (StudyJams): https://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/matter/periodic-table.htm
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Study Guide Game Links to use for Test Review:
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Test questions will come from these review games. I will also post the game questions in a pdf file. Test will be "open book" (reading lessons) since it covers lessons 4-10, but they are expected to study and not rely on just looking up answers. Game links will be posted HERE on Thursday. Always be sure to refresh your page when checking back for later postings. AND if you check this website on your phone, be mindful that attachments sometimes get moved around. Don't know why, they just do!
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Week 11 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed.):
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 10/31/23 -- Periodic Table Escape Room
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Today was our big periodic escape room challenge and I do believe it was a big success! Each class was divided into four teams to work on the five challenges together. Each challenge had an activity to complete that explored a different part of what makes up the periodic table. Then they had to “crack the code” that would give them the combination to a lock to collect a key. If they collect all five keys they can move onto the final challenge to open the last lock and “escape!” All classes had a great time solving the puzzles and collecting the keys, but only two teams worked fast enough to complete the final challenge and escape the room, although there were several that were very close! Time is never our friend in SHARE science!
As promised, I did not hand out a new reading lesson, nor did I even give them a homework checklist for this week! They are to use this week to make sure that their week 9 checklist is complete to hand in for next week and that they have read/listened to reading lesson 9, as well as catch up on any other homework they have fallen behind on. I am reposting the checklist, reading lesson, and audio for week 9. We will start class next week sharing what they learned about Democritus and then talk about how atoms bond together to form molecules and compounds.
I apologize for getting reading lesson 9 and the audio posted so late. Thank you for your grace as I worked through all the distractions of the past two weeks and got myself back on track. Only three more class days until the end of the semester! I will post a run down of what to expect for our remaining classes later today as well as some pictures from our escape room fun!
Keep warm and enjoy the fall weather!
Mrs. Sonya
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Week 10 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed.):
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 10/24/23 -- Periodic Table Introduction
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Today we explored one of the most incredible examples of classification in science, the periodic table of the elements. We started class off with sharing what they learned about the different scientists they researched that were involved in developing the atomic theory. We then classified small boxes of Legos into groups based on their similarities and shared each other’s ideas on the many different ways this can be done. This was our segue into discussing Dmitri Mendeleev, the Father of the Periodic Table, and learning how his classification and choice of placement for the elements on the periodic table tells us MANY things about them, making it a very handy chart for scientists. We then went on a periodic table scavenger hunt to have fun while becoming familiar with the famous chart. The answers to the first page of their scavenger hunt paper are posted below since they were more focused in class on solving the cheesy riddles using the element names and chemical symbols. Please have them fill these answers in at home if they are incomplete so they can study the main parts of the chart that I want them to be familiar with.
I had decided to change my lesson plans a bit to give them two weeks with the periodic table instead of one. The last time I taught this I was surprised at how fascinated the students were, especially the boys, with learning about the different elements and this week seemed no different. So, this week I wanted to introduce the table in a fun way to get somewhat familiar and next week we will “test” what they’ve learned by working in teams in a “periodic table escape room!” They are welcome to have a little more fun with this by dressing up as a scientist if they wish. It will be a festive and playful class day learning more about the elements.
PLEASE READ THE PARENT NOTES BELOW FOR READING LESSON AND HOMEWORK CHANGES---VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!!!
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Have a great week!
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Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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READING LESSON AND HOMEWORK CHANGES: I was involved in an event last week that dominated my week and weekend and I had to completely set school aside so I am now playing catch up with my normal responsibilities and am feeling very behind and scattered with my thoughts and plans for science class. I ask for your grace this week as I get back on track. That being said, I will not have the reading lesson posted until over the weekend. I really want the kids to know the basics of the periodic table because I think it is valuable in being able to pick up on higher concepts in science classes down the road if they are exposed to and have some familiarity with the foundational material at a younger age. SO, I don't want to rush it and overwhelm them and have them get nothing out of the lessons. Therefore, I want to take a little more time to redo the reading lesson for this week to break things down better AND then give them a break from new material with no reading lesson for next week so they can soak these concepts in and have fun doing it. They WILL have a homework checklist for next week, but it will be activities that reinforce what they've learned about atoms for the past two weeks before we move onto how atoms bond to make molecules and compounds. I will NOT collect this week's checklist until the following week in case they need a little extra time to finish a few things since I will be late with the reading lesson. I do ask that they don't put it off without reason and at least listen to the lesson and study the pages that I asked them to study before class Tuesday to prepare for the escape room so they can get the most they can out of our class activity. This is a good opportunity for those that have been out of town or sick to get caught up so we are ALL back on track and can finish the semester strong! We only have four more class days left! YIKES!!
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework :
Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
Periodic Table of the Elements for Kids (LearnBright): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgaphzFWDtw
The Periodic Table Song (ASAPScience): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz4Dd1I_fX0
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Video Links to use as resources for Mendeleev Scientist in the Spotlight assignment:
Mendeleev: https://academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Dmitri_Mendeleev
Mendeleev: https://science4fun.info/dmitri-mendeleev/
Mendeleev: https://www.famousscientists.org/dmitri-mendeleev/
The Story of Dmitri Mendeleev and the Periodic Table: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfoGeyWGLgI
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Week 9 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed.):
I apologize but this school week and weekend has not gone as I would have liked in getting caught up with the addition of some doctor's appointments. Reading lesson and audio are now posted below. Again, they will NOT have a new reading lesson for the coming week and will have an extra week to turn in this week's checklist since I am behind in getting them what they need to finish it for this week. Thank you for your grace as I continue to get caught back up from losing a week and prepare for the upcoming escape room escapades!! I KNOW THIS MATERIAL IS DIFFICULT, SO PLEASE ASSURE YOUR STUDENTS THAT IF THEY FEEL CONFUSED BY ANY OF IT (ESPECIALLY THE INFORMATION ABOUT PERIODS AND GROUPS) THAT IT IS COMPLETELY OK. I WANT TO PRESENT IT ALL TO GIVE THEM SOME CONTEXT, BUT I ONLY EXPECT THEM TO RECALL THE SIMPLEST PARTS THAT I WILL REPEAT OFTEN SO THEY GET IT DOWN. THEIR TEST THIS QUARTER WILL BE OPEN "BOOK" AND WILL BE MUCH MORE BROKEN DOWN BY GRADE. TOMORROW'S ESCAPE ROOM WILL BE ALL ABOUT HAVING FUN AND NOTHING TO BE ANXIOUS ABOUT! IF THEY ARE UNABLE TO LISTEN OR READ THE LESSON BEFORE CLASS, PLEASE HAVE THEM DO SO IN THE COMING WEEK.
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 10/17/23 -- All About Atoms
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It was nice to be back with the kids and from how bubbly they were today, I think they were glad to be back too! We started our study of atoms with a little LEGO building activity. From this they were able to see how each team built something completely different using the same type and amount of legos. They were then reminded that everything is made of matter and that matter is made up of atoms. They then learned that there are only 118 known types of atoms, so everything in the Universe is made up of some combination of only 118 different building blocks! We then briefly discussed the history of the discovery to atoms, which is amazing since they are not visible to the naked eye. We ended class with discussing the anatomy of atoms. Atoms can be a little hard to understand since they are not visible, but I was very impressed with how engaged the students were AND with some of the questions they asked. There are some deep thinkers this year! If your student is a little overwhelmed with the material this week, please reassure them that I will always highlight the very basics of what I want them to learn, but I always want them to have some context to why they are learning it!
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Next week we will learn about the Periodic Table of Elements with a fun escape room activity!
Have a great week!
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Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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A NOTE ABOUT LAB NOTEBOOK CHECKS: Well, my fall break did not go as planned and I did not have a chance to grade lab notebooks. They were returned and I will collect them again the week before Thanksgiving break to have it all graded for the next report card.
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READING LESSON CORRECTION: Schrödinger's first name is Erwin, not Ernest. I was so focused on how to get his name spelled correctly with the umlaut (two dots above the o) that I didn't realize I had his first name typed in wrong in the reading lesson AND then I copied it onto the homework checklist!
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LAB NOTEBOOK PAGE 37: In most classes we were not able to get to the "What Do You Need to Know About Atoms" questions on page 37 of the lab notebook. The answers are posted below for them to fill in.
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework :
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Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
Atoms for Kids (LearnBright): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVVDP_XJHkA&t=1s
The Atom Song (SillySchoolSongs): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFLH_0B4ZLg
Just How Small is an Atom (TEDEd): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQP4UJhNn0I
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Video Links to use as resources for Scientist in the Spotlight assignment: (I will add more resources shortly)
Democritus:
• https://www.coolkidfacts.com/democritus/#more-8147
John Dalton:
• https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/John-Dalton/320923
J.J. Thomson:
Ernest Rutherford:
• https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Ernest-Rutherford/630185
• https://www.ck12.org/book/ck-12-chemistry-concepts-intermediate/r7/section/2.13/
Neils Bohr:
• https://www.coolkidfacts.com/niels-bohr/
Erwin Schrödinger:
• https://easyscienceforkids.com/erwin-schrodinger/,
• https://kids.kiddle.co/Erwin_Schr%C3%B6dinger
James Chadwick:
• https://www.coolkidfacts.com/james-chadwick/#more-7778
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Week 8 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed. Reading lessons will be emailed to those absent.):
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 10/3/23 -- Changes in Matter
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What an exciting day we had in the SHARE science lab! To learn about the differences between chemical and physical changes in matter we role-played a game show where the “contestants” had to decide what kind of change it is before the answer was revealed. We were able to pack in 26 examples of changes in matter! We discussed the differences between the two types of changes and some signs that are good indications of a chemical reaction. There were some tricky examples that hopefully got them thinking, but the obvious chemical changes were, of course, the most exciting with lots of exploding liquids, fizzes, and bubbles. It was a little too breezy for the sugar snakes to develop as big as I would have hoped but there were still flames involved so still impressive to some! Ha! As a “parting gift” to the contestants, they were sent home with their own Alka-seltzer rocket kit, which I am guessing you are already aware of by now! It was a great way to end the first quarter before fall break!
They do have some homework to complete before they are officially on break, but it shouldn’t take them too long. I collected their tests and lab notebooks for grading over the break (please see parent note below about science grades). I will have the reading lesson audio posted later this afternoon since I wasn’t able to get it done over the weekend.
Have a wonderful, safe, and relaxing fall break! The weather forecast looks promising for fall-like weather temperatures!
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Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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A NOTE ABOUT SCIENCE GRADES: I did not have a lot of grades to include in their first quarter grade average so everyone's grades averaged out to A's, only having homework checklist points and weekly questions. Just giving you a heads up that the second quarter/1st semester grade could look quite different and will be a better representation of how they are doing in science class since it will include test scores, lab notebook checks, and graded assignments in their lab notebooks. I will give you a percentage grade along with a letter grade next quarter.
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Please Read All Wording on the Homework Checklist: I want to make sure that everyone is paying attention to my notes on the checklist when it comes to requirement differences according to grade level. I will often assign fewer questions for the lower grades, but in grading their questions I see that they are answering more than required. They are always more than welcome to answer all the questions on the sheet, BUT making sure they/you know they don't have to answer anything beyond what is assigned for their grade level. AND on the other hand...there are a few from all grades that are NOT answering assigned questions. This will be reflected in the next quarter's grading.
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework :
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Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
Properties of Matter (Miacademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25Dysq8sPJw
(Start at the 6:00 mark! This is the second half of the video that you started last week)
Physical and Chemical Changes for Kids (FreeSchool): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x49BtB5dOwg
Physical vs. Chemical Changes (Miacademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joT50SYQctc
• FOR QUESTION #5 on Recall & Connect Questions if they need to observe the reaction between vinegar and baking soda… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFZhbEi19M8
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Week 7 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed. Reading lessons will be emailed to those absent.): I am sooooo sorry about the audio being late. I DID record it yesterday afternoon and then got distracted and forgot to add it to the post. Doing too many things at once yesterday.
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 9/26/23 -- More Properties of Matter
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It was another fun day of exploring the many ways that we can identify, describe, and measure physical properties of matter! We pulled out some “big words” today and learned the meanings of the physical properties of viscosity, buoyancy, malleability, conductivity, and elasticity, among many others. I’ve challenged them to see if they can work the word “viscosity” into conversation at the dinner table so we’ll see how many will take on the challenge! Through these discussions and demonstrations they learned why it is important to know the properties of matter when it comes to choosing the right materials for certain products. We used a digital multimeter to test the conductivity of a plastic toy and a key and then discussed how this applies to the design of an extension cord (the plastic coating as an insulator and copper wire as a conductor). The highlight of the class was probably our buoyancy lab where we predicted and then tested the buoyancy of various chocolate candy. There were some surprising results and a lot of excitement! This led to our discussion of density being related to buoyancy. The more challenging part of our class was learning how to calculate the density of two of the candy bars and seeing how the measurement of their density tells you if the candy will float without even testing it. I understand that this can be a bit over the heads of some of the younger classes, BUT the point was not for them to know HOW to do the math problem, but for them to understand how math can solve problems and even predict outcomes. Please know there is a lot of grace in how I grade these portions of their labs. There are pictures posted below of what the inside of the candy looks like AND of my lab notebook for the math portion if they would like to copy my numbers. Despite the challenging material I really do think they gained a deeper understanding of buoyancy, density, and many other properties of matter. Next week we will move onto chemical properties and have loads of fun with chemical reactions by taking a "field trip" to the SHARE chemistry lab!
It is so hard to believe that we are already approaching October and fall break! Buckle up because Christmas break will be here before we know it! Have a wonderful week!
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Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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AGAIN.....IF YOU ARE CHECKING THE WEBSITE USING A PHONE...: I don't know why, but if you are checking the website using your phone, the pdf files and links will oftentimes get moved and will look like they are missing. Things get strangely shifted around from how it appears on a computer screen. Be aware of this if you are not finding video or game links or the pdf attachments.
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Lab Notebooks Collected Next Week: I will be collecting their lab notebooks next week to take home and grade over fall break. If you will be absent next week and there is a friend from SHARE that you can send to class with the lab notebook (and completed test) that would be much appreciated so I can stay on track with grading. Lab notebooks are graded based on how well they follow the guidelines that are on the first page of their books. I will also grade the labs and assignments that were given on their homework checklists for the first 6 weeks. The first quarter report cards will go out next week, so their grades for the first quarter will be based on class participation, homework checklist points, and their recall & connect questions. The test grade, lab work, and lab notebook check will be averaged into their first semester grade.
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Lesson 1-3 Test: The test was sent home and should be in the front pocket of their binder in an envelope. Instructions for proctoring the test are on the homework checklist. IT MUST BE SIGNED AT THE TOP OF THE TEST BY THE ADULT PROCTORING OR IT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. I know this is a big step up for many of the 3rd graders to take a written test and may cause them to be a bit nervous at first, but giving them the opportunity to rise to the occasion will help them to grow as students AND know that I am aware that this is a big step and am mindful of nurturing them through it and giving grace when needed. The proctor may read the instructions, questions and answer choices if help is needed, but please do not give hints in how you read the questions, nor give them the answers. A pdf copy of the study guide questions is posted below the review game. Please utilize both because the test content was taken from these sources. IF YOU WERE ABSENT TODAY, I will email you a copy of the test when you are ready to take it. Tests are to be turned in next week. If you will be absent next week and cannot turn the paper copy in, you can email or text me pictures of your test and then bring me the paper copy when we return from fall break.
Finishing the Buoyancy Lab from class: The math portion of the buoyancy lab was challenging for the 3rd&4th graders to keep up with when filling out the sheet in class. I DID NOT EXPECT THEM TO completely understand that part BUT wanted them to at least be exposed to how math and science go together and can predict outcomes. It was a seed planted. THEREFORE, I do not expect this part of their lab sheet to be filled out for these grades because the numbers may not mean much at this point. I will post a picture of the lab sheet with numbers filled in for 5th & 6th grade if they happened to not get them filled in AND I will post a picture of what the insides of the candy looked like in order to answer question 2 since I had forgotten a knife to cut them open in class.
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Audio for Reading Lesson: If you are using this resource on a regular basis, please send me a quick text or email so I can get an idea if it is still being utilized OR how it is being used. Thank you!
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework :
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Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
Properties of Matter (Miacademy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25Dysq8sPJw
(Only watch up until the 6:00 mark! We will watch the rest of this video next week when we discuss chemical properties of matter)
Buoyancy-What Makes Something Float or Sink (KidsWanttoKnow): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMlXU97E-uQ (Note: there is a brief drawing of the bare backside of an excited Archimedes running through the street)
Mass, Volume, Density Song (Hopscotch): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYsflJxCbQg (Yes, please watch this again! It is very valuable information in an easy and catchy way, especially since lesson 6 covers how to calculate density, which is in the song).
• FOR QUESTION #3 on Recall & Connect Questions…How Do Submarines Work? (SciShowKids): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3W937dORLI&t=2s
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Study Guide Games: Below is a jeopardy-style game AND the game's questions in PDF form to aid in studying for the lesson 1-3 test . The game can be played jeopardy-style OR in flash card mode. If playing jeopardy-style, it will ask you how many teams (choose one or two), if you want to play in buzzer mode (NO), and then you choose your avatar for each team playing (there are many fun choices). There are then instructions on how to play if you click on the arrows BEFORE you click on "begin game." I always suggest playing in flashcard mode first and then when the student is confident with their answers, challenge a parent or sibling to play it Jeopardy-style. Please see the homework checklist for tips on how to prepare for the test. Let me know if there are any issues with the game working for you.
Here is a link to the Factile Jeopardy-style game, Fund of C&P--Lessons 1-3.
Link: https://playfactile.com/lmjxnl4whg/
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Week 6 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed. Reading lessons will be emailed to those absent.):
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Sorry...my daughter ate the Milk Duds on the way home from SHARE! They are solid caramel inside, just like the Rolo candy.
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 9/19/23 -- The State of the Matter
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It was another great day in the SHARE science lab! We started class by sharing what they learned about Archimedes from their homework assignment. In sharing their favorite facts we got a good picture of just how impactful the life and work of Archimedes has been in the fields of science, mathematics, and engineering. We then explored the states of matter with some fun AND tasty demonstrations! They were introduced to three states of matter by observing the phase changes of water from a solid (ice), to a liquid, to a gas (steam), then BACK into a liquid again through the process of condensation. We discussed the movement and behavior of the particles in the three states of matter and how the adding or taking away of heat energy (thermal energy) can cause matter to change forms. We tried another phase change by turning whipping cream (liquid) into butter (a solid). The mass of the jar with whipping cream was measured both before and after the phase change so they could see that despite a change in form, the amount of mass was not lost, thus demonstrating the law of conservation of mass. We then enjoyed our tasty experiment spread on ginger snap cookies!
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Please read the notes below about the test and other information I need to pass along, but I wanted to end this part of my post to brag on your children, praise the job you are doing in raising them, and tell you what a blessing they are to me. As I drove home today, I reflected on how many times I had a student come up to me at the end of class and either offer to help me take my things to the next classroom OR to compliment or thank me in some way. There were a lot of extra "thank yous," compliments, and words of encouragement today. AND it was not because I gave them cookies to go with their homemade butter... they were truly going out of their way to encourage us teachers and thank us for our time and planning, which is not something that kids normally think of to do. I needed that today, so I thank you for training your children to be encouragers and instilling in them a servant's heart. They are a special group of kids!
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Enjoy the cooler weather and have a wonderful week!
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Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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IF YOU ARE CHECKING THE WEBSITE USING A PHONE...: I don't know why, but if you are checking the website using your phone, the pdf files and links will oftentimes get moved and will look like they are missing. Things get strangely shifted around from how it appears on a computer screen. Be aware of this if you are not finding video or game links or the pdf attachments.
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Lesson 1-3 Test: I did not send a test home with them this week, but will next week. We did a little review in class while they were shaking the jars of cream and it seems like having an extra week to study might be a good thing! My weekend plans to write the tests, as well as to catch up on all of my grading, were completely upended with needing to help my son and his wife move. They had been looking for a house to rent but I was not expecting them to find one, sign the lease, and move in within 4 days! So, an unexpected change of my plans, but for good reason. Please utilize the review game posted underneath the checklist video links.
Finishing the Measuring Matter Lab: For those that were absent last week and missed the measuring matter lab, I will send you a video this week of me demonstrating what we did in class. I was not able to do it over the weekend as I had hoped due to the extra surprises to my weekend schedule. It was a fun lab that I think really helps with the understanding of mass and volume, which is why I would like those that missed it to have the opportunity to see the demonstrations to complete the lab. I will email the video link to you when it is done and you can have them view it and fill out their lab sheet when you are able to fit it into your schedule. They are not expected to make up in-class labs when they are absent, so this is not a requirement, just strongly encouraged for their benefit of understanding the material.
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Audio for Reading Lesson: I hope having an audio recording of the reading lesson is continuing to be of help to many of you. The recording and editing of the audio was a little rushed this week, so there may be a few spots that don't match up to the printed version. My husband had to go out of town this weekend and he is my "tech guy," so we had to record it before I was completely done editing the writing and literally saved the file and rushed out the door to get him to the airport!
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework :
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Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
3 States of Matter for Kids (FreeSchool): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wclY8F-UoTE
Solids, Liquids, Gases (StudyJams): https://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/matter/solids-liquids-gases.htm
Mass, Volume, Density Song (Hopscotch): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYsflJxCbQg (This is a repeat from last week, but it is so well done and catchy that I think it worth watching again)
For 5th&6th Grade (Optional for 3rd/4th grade): Plasma-The Boss of All States of Matter (MonsterBox):
THIS VIDEO IS REMOVED AND NO LONGER ASSIGNED. I DID NOT CATCH A PHRASE INCLUDED IN A SPEECH BALLOON THAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE, BUT MY DAUGHTER DID. IT WAS NOT SAID OUT LOUD, BUT STILL HAD THE WORDS ON THE SCREEN. I APOLOGIZE IF YOUR STUDENT ALREADY WATCHED IT AND CAUGHT ON TO WHAT WAS ON SCREEN. IT REALLY IRRITATES ME THAT I WILL HAVE TO SCREEN THE VIDEOS THAT MUCH MORE CLOSELY TO INCLUDE ANY GRAPHICS ON SCREEN AND NOT JUST WHAT IS SAID, BUT THAT IS THE WORLD WE LIVE IN...
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Study Guide Games: Below is a jeopardy-style game to aid in studying for the lesson 1-3 test . The game can be played jeopardy-style OR in flash card mode. If playing jeopardy-style, it will ask you how many teams (choose one or two), if you want to play in buzzer mode (NO), and then you choose your avatar for each team playing (there are many fun choices). There are then instructions on how to play if you click on the arrows BEFORE you click on "begin game." I always suggest playing in flashcard mode first and then when the student is confident with their answers, challenge a parent or sibling to play it Jeopardy-style. On the test, I will NOT include the questions about the variables for third graders, but they may be included as extra credit questions, so have them go ahead and give those questions a try. The game includes most of what I will include on the test, but I was not able to fit many questions on the scientific method within the game. Please have them be familiar with the steps mentioned in the lesson and have them look over their recall and connect questions for those chapters. Let me know if there are any issues with the game working for you.
Here is a link to the Factile Jeopardy-style game, Fund of C&P--Lessons 1-3.
Link: https://playfactile.com/lmjxnl4whg/
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Week 5 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed. Reading lessons will be emailed to those absent.):
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 9/12/23 -- Describing & Measuring Matter
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Today’s class was the start to our study of the fundamentals of chemistry. They learned that chemistry is the study of matter and that matter is anything that has mass and volume. We spent most of our class time with a measuring matter lab to introduce the concepts of mass and volume, which are two physical properties of matter. They learned how to use a triple beam balance scale and how to measure the volume of odd-shaped objects using the displacement method and graduated cylinders. We were able to fit all four lab activities in, but they may need to finish answering the questions on their lab sheet at home. We will be learning the physical properties of matter over the next three weeks.
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It was a really fun day doing science AND math! Have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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Finishing the Measuring Matter Lab: Please make sure that they finish answering the questions from the measuring matter lab that we did in class. It is not specifically mentioned on the homework checklist, but there is an instruction to finish any lab work. Please contact me if they are missing any data on their lab sheet, but all classes should have that part filled in to be able to answer the questions.
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Metric Prefixes Extra Credit Opportunity: Not all classes were given the opportunity to fill out the metric prefixes chart for extra credit if they had prepared for that. They will be given the opportunity next week at the start of class.
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Skittles Take-Home Lab (IMPORTANT): I apologize for any frustration experienced with the take-home skittles lab from last week. I did this lab four years ago as an in-class activity and the skittles dissolved within 4-5 minutes, so I had no idea it would take so long this go around. I did a little digging when I had a few parents reach out and there is a strong possibility that the formula for the candy has changed to affect how fast it dissolves. It seems there was a huge controversy over an ingredient that was eventually removed. I NEVER want the students to spend more than 20-30 minutes on a take home lab, so please reach out and let me know if they are having trouble with any future labs where it is taking an excessive amount of time. The point of this lab was to have them practice the scientific method AND to find the flaws in the experiment where variables are concerned. We discussed this in class and the kids were spot on with identifying the need to control the temperature of the water and the color of the skittles being tested. I also LOVED hearing the problem solving that went on in dealing with the slow-dissolving skittles! So, despite too much time being sent on an assignment, I do think A LOT of valuable things were learned in the process!
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Upcoming Test: Students will be sent home next week with a take-home test covering the material we learned in lessons 1-3. The test will need to be proctored by a parent and signed. A study guide and study-aid games will be posted on Friday.
Organizing Papers at Home: Please make sure you are following the instructions given on the homework checklist as to how to organize the papers that are returned. I am still having some students trying to hand in reading lessons and having to sift through to find their papers to hand in. It just takes up valuable class time.
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework :
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Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
What is Chemistry?(FreeAnimatedEducation): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8x3wdXZGEY&t=104s
What is Matter and Its Properties (FunWorldForKids): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu6JAjmPXyQ
Mass, Volume, Density Song (Hopscotch): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYsflJxCbQg
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Archimedes Links for ALL Grades (to help with your Archimedes research):
Biography of Archimedes: https://www.ducksters.com/history/ancient_greece/archimedes.php
Britannica Kids: https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Archimedes/624952
History for Kids: https://www.historyforkids.net/archimedes.html
Archimedes: http://archimedespalimpsest.org/about/history/archimedes.php
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Study Guide Games: Below is a jeopardy-style game to aid in studying for the lesson 1-3 test that will be sent home next week. The game can be played jeopardy-style OR in flash card mode. If playing jeopardy-style, it will ask you how many teams (choose one or two), if you want to play in buzzer mode (NO), and then you choose your avatar for each team playing (there are many fun choices). There are then instructions on how to play if you click on the arrows BEFORE you click on "begin game." I always suggest playing in flashcard mode first and then when the student is confident with their answers, challenge a parent or sibling to play it Jeopardy-style. On the test, I will NOT include the questions about the variables for third graders, but they may be included as extra credit questions, so have them go ahead and give those questions a try. The game includes most of what I will include on the test, but I was not able to fit many questions on the scientific method within the game. Please have them be familiar with the steps mentioned in the lesson and have them look over their recall and connect questions for those chapters. Let me know if there are any issues with the game working for you.
Here is a link to the Factile Jeopardy-style game, Fund of C&P--Lessons 1-3.
Link: https://playfactile.com/lmjxnl4whg/
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Week 4 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed. Reading lessons will be emailed to those absent.):
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 9/5/23 -- Introducing the Scientific Method
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Another great day in the SHARE science lab! We started class by sharing data from the colored candies lab from last week’s lesson, comparing the most common and least common candy colors. We then made inferences as to possible reasons why orange and green were the most common colors in all four classes and red and yellow were the least common colors. The students had some very thoughtful ideas.
The remainder of class was spent introducing the scientific method with a lab on surface tension using pennies, water, dish soap, and pipettes. We discussed the different steps as we went through the lab together and talked about how to set up an experiment that will get reliable data. All classes did so well being engaged in what they were learning and I was also impressed with the older grades knowing how to calculate averages with their data. We did not get into the three types of variables as much with the third and fourth grade classes, but it is covered in the reading lesson. A picture of the white board is posted below with the answers for the variables section to finish the lab (only list one or two controlled variables). They were given a clean pipette to take home to try changing the independent variable in the experiment if they wish to do so. Ideas could be to change the coin, the liquid, what is mixed in the water, or test to see if there is a difference between what side of the coin will hold more droplets. This is optional. They will get plenty of scientific method practice in their homework this week in preparation for starting on our chemistry topics next week. Lab kits were sent home for the items they need to complete the skittles lab and for question 5 on their recall & connect questions page. See additional notes on skittles lab below. Reading lesson audio will be posted early afternoon (have to wait on my husband to help me after his meeting). BE SURE TO REFRESH THE PAGE FOR IT TO SHOW UP WHEN I POST IT LATER. I will also include some pictures from our day.
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Have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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Skittles Take-Home Lab (IMPORTANT FOR FINISHING HOMEWORK): A couple of changes from what is on the lab sheet on page 18 of their lab notebook. I did not include the plastic marked cups in the lab kit this year. Please have them use two identical clear cups from home (glass or plastic) and add the same amount of water to each. Also, I gave them mini packs of skittles so the ingredients are not listed on the package to read as instructed on the lab sheet. Below is a picture of the ingredients from the main packaging. The idea is for them to equate the amount of sugar in the candy to their observation of the sugar cube dissolving in the water. AND when doing the graph-- they are to make a bar graph using blue for the cold water and red for the warm water, having the two colors side by side for each trial. If the times already labeled on the graph do not work for their data, have them cross out and relabel a time range (in seconds) that works for them. Page 19 of their lab notebook is to be used for additional note taking on lab and answering questions on what could be improved in the procedure for more reliable data. Please text or email with any questions.
Organizing Papers at Home: Please help your students learn how to organize their papers at home. The homework checklist has instructions on where to file the papers that they are given each week. Instructions are not being followed from the class procedures sheet that they signed the first week. Reading lessons are not being filed behind the reading lesson tab at home and are getting mixed in with what they are to turn in each week. ALL PAPERS THAT ARE TO BE TURNED IN FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK NEED TO BE CLIPPED IN THE VERY FRONT OF THE BINDER and only those papers. Everything else is to be filed behind the proper tab. Help them get into the habit of keeping their current checklist at the front of the binder as they work on it throughout the week. When they finish their recall and connect questions, they are to put it with their checklist in the front, along with anything else that they are asked to turn in. This makes our paper shuffle go much faster at the beginning of class and helps us get to the "fun stuff" planned for class.
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Correction on Reading Lesson: There is a slip of paper clipped to the front of their reading lesson this week. I overlooked going back to finish a paragraph in the reading lesson that I was rewording before sending it to the printer. It has my "notes to self" and does not make sense as written. The slip of paper has the corrected paragraph and the audio version will have the correction.
5th & 6th graders: 5th and 6th graders did not get back their lesson one recall & connect questions this week. They will get them next week.
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework :
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Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
The Steps of the Scientific Method for Kids (FreeSchool): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAJ8IF4HI20
Variables in Science (BioManBiology): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9kCgWAuB0Y
For extra credit work: Metric System for Kids Explained Through Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6vca9PnlyI
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Week 3 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed. Reading lessons will be emailed to those absent.):
Audio is posted below. I will post pictures once I verify who signed the photo release waiver...
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 8/29/23 -- Practicing the Basics
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Today, the students were introduced to two types of observations that scientists make, quantitative and qualitative. We learned the difference between the two while observing a Brussels sprout together. They learned that it is important to not include opinions, facts, and beliefs when making qualitative observations and that their descriptions of disgusting and delicious were not acceptable scientific observations! They also learned to be as accurate as possible when observing and that you need tools of measurement for making quantitative observations. We then spent the rest of class practicing the basic process skills of observation, measuring, predicting, inferring, classifying, and communication using a package of M&Ms. They used a digital scale to compare the package’s actual weight in grams to what is labeled on the package. They will need to finish their colored candies lab at home. Please read the note in the parent note section below.
Your students were engaged and enthusiastic science students today! I am looking forward to a great year of science study with this group!
Mrs. Sonya
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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Colored Candies Lab (IMPORTANT FOR FINISHING HOMEWORK): Finishing this lab is listed on their homework checklist, but I do need to call your attention to a few details. #1 I did not have them cut the sheets and glue them into their lab notebooks during class. They will need to do this at home. They were given 3 handouts. They need to cut each sheet in half, which gives them 6 half sheets to then be glued into their lab notebooks starting with page 8 through 13 (this will be skipping a few pages but I have plans to fill those in next week). They are to be glued in in order of the question numbers on the sheets. So, the page glued onto page 8 will have the Colored Candies Lab title on it and the page that will be glued last on page 13 will be the classifying page with the two circles. #2 They may not eat the M&Ms until they complete the lab work and everything is filled out. WITH THE EXCEPTION of questions 20-22 which we will complete at the beginning of class next week. #3 If you were absent and do not have access to a digital scale you can use the measured weight of 50.34 grams for the M&M bag and 0.88 grams for the individual M&M (the weights varied). #4 Third graders may have the help of a parent to transcribe answers for the longer questions, but most require one word or number answers. #5 If you have any questions please text or email me. This lab will be graded.
Paper Shuffle: Today was the first day for the students to actually exchange papers in our paper shuffle at the beginning of class, which is them quickly putting their new papers in their binder and turning in their checklists and other assignments to be graded. Please have them organize their papers at home. The reading lessons are to be kept behind the reading lesson tab in order of page number. This is their textbook. I had several trying to turn them in or asking if they are to throw them away. I would also like the homework checklist that they are working on during the week to stay in the front of the binder along with any papers that they will need to turn in. If everything that is to be turned in for the day is located in the front, then it is fast and easy for them to open their binder and grab the papers they need without sifting through all their papers. It will take a bit for the third graders to get used to this but it is part of the training process of having them take ownership of their work. Please help them along in training them at home to have their papers organized and ready.
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A Note About Colored Markers/Pens: I apologize for the lack of clarity on the supply list with the Papermate Flair pens. Words indicating that they needed to be in a variety of colors was left off and many ended up with 12 black pens. In years past I have always required colored pencils for the lab notebooks, but found that the kids would end up using Crayola markers instead because they didn’t like the scratchy feel of using the pencils. Crayola markers bleed through the pages and made a mess of the field journals/lab notebooks, making it hard to read and grade. Papermate Flair felt-tip pens do not bleed through the pages. As you can see from this week’s lab, we often need colored markers or pens for graphs and lab work. I do not really care what the kids use for lab notebook work when colors are required as long as it does not bleed through the page, is not messy, is visible (pastels are not a great choice), and they have a variety of base colors to work with. Gel pens may be a good option. Personally, I have found the Papermate flair pens to be the best option.
Homework Checklists: The mystery word is actually a phrase this week: Please Sign the List. As I glanced through the checklists when collecting I saw several that had the mystery word from last week written in but the checklist was not signed! As per the wording from last week's post I will be taking ten points off their point total for unsigned checklists. Hopefully this is the only time I will have to do this and a lesson is learned. I know as homeschool parents we are busy and are often going in many directions at once. Docking the points is not a punishment to you, but a wake up call to the students to take ownership of their work and see that it is signed. Homework checklist points count for 30% of their grade. (From last week's post....The checklist must be signed to receive full credit. This year I will take off 10 points if the checklist is not signed. It is the student's responsibility to make sure this is done which makes them be accountable and take ownership of their work.)
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NEW THIS YEAR--Reading Lesson Audio Recording: I received a lot of positive feedback on the audio option for the reading lesson. Many found this helpful so I will continue to offer it each week. Please continue to give me feedback so I know in what ways it is helpful, what grade levels are using it, OR if there are any technical problems. A shoutout to my husband and daughter for adding the bumper music to the audio. They were very proud of themselves!
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework :
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Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
Qualitative and Quantitative Data (MooMooScience): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwFsRZv4oHA&t=1s
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Cheer (Science4us): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S2EiPD4-W0 (this is a silly little video, but I bet you will remember the differences after watching it! Might be good to watch it a few times.)
Units of Measurement (Dr. Binocs): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVC-426M6V0
Pirates Plunder the Kilogram (NISTory): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoUBpPbv0zs&t=1s
For extra credit work: Metric System for Kids Explained Through Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6vca9PnlyI
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Week 2 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed. Reading lessons will be emailed to those absent.):
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Fundamentals of Chemistry & Physics: Summary for 8/22/23 -- What is Science?
A packed house and a cyclone of backpacks, but what a good first day was had! Of course the first day is a little more on the boring side with class rules and procedures, but we tried to make quick work of it and get onto the good science stuff…
If the kids learned one thing today, they learned that I am passionate about teaching science and am pretty goofy while teaching it. I told them my science teacher role model is Ms. Frizzle from Magic School Bus, so I tried to pull out my best Ms. Frizzle tricks with a few demos to see if I could come close to her magical science teaching ways. Most students determined that I was NOT magic, which led into our discussion of what science is, observing and explaining the natural world. There were scientific explanations for what they observed. We then briefly discussed worldview approaches to science and how we will approach our study of science with a biblical worldview, recognizing that God is the Creator of all and we are to learn all we can to be good stewards of all that He has made. We ended class with a brainstorm activity on “What does a scientist do?” to get them thinking like a scientist. Right from the start, the students were engaged and active in discussions so I am truly excited for the school year. It is a LARGE group of students in 3rd-6th, BUT it is a GOOD group of students!
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Important Parent Notes : PLEASE READ!
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This is an important section for me to communicate with you, the parents, since we are partners in your child's science education this year. We have a lot of new families AND a much larger crowd on the 3rd-6th grade hall, so I will be changing some things up a bit from my norm in order to better keep up with 73 students and still have a brain at the end of the school year. That means that you veteran parents can't skip through the introduction material so you don't miss any changes I have made. I will break up my parent letter into chunks over the next few weeks. This week I will introduce myself, explain the homework checklist, and tell you about an audio option for the reading lesson.
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A Little About Me and Why I Teach Science: This is my sixth year teaching science at SHARE, but my nineteenth year homeschooling. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 29 years and we have five children—a married son with a baby on the way, a newly married daughter who is a senior in college, a son who is a freshman in college, a high school freshman daughter, and a daughter in fifth grade. Life is busy! My actual degree is in political science communications, but I have developed a real passion for teaching science. I do a lot of research when writing the science lessons that fit our tutorial schedule, using a multitude of reputable resources, both bible-based and secular. In addition, I have a dear friend from church that edits my lessons, of whom I have great respect not only as a man of strong faith, but also as a seasoned scientist, having been a physics professor for over fifty years and receiving his doctorate from Berkley. Where my expertise ends, his FAR exceeds. I tell you this so you understand that I take great care in writing the lessons and in my teaching of your children. In a world that is consistently putting the “truth of science” on a high pedestal to serve as our moral standard, I feel strongly that our children need to have a strong foundation of the basics of what the nature of science really is so they are well-equipped to discern the truth from all the noise and maintain their faith, giving glory to our awesome Creator. Which is how I came to be such a passionate science nerd.
Homework Checklists: Each week your student will be given a homework checklist to work on and complete within the week before the next week’s class. As a reminder, SHARE’s history and science classes are the two homework classes offered, while art and math are enrichment classes. In order to give you a full year science curriculum, time needs to be spent on science outside of class, not just on Tuesdays. The checklist is designed to encourage your student to start learning how to schedule their work in small chunks throughout the week. If they save it all until the Monday before class, it will be overwhelming, they will hate science, and worst of all, they won’t learn very much. The science curriculum is written to build on the concepts as we go, so if they are not getting anything out of the homework, they will become lost in class. It is best for them to read the lesson first before they do anything else on the list since that sets the stage for what they are learning for the week. The checklist this week looks very cumbersome but that is only because I have given an explanation for each item as an introduction to our new SHARE students. It will not have long paragraphs for each item going forward. In general, the checklist will always consist of a reading lesson, recall and connect questions, supplemental videos, and one or two lab notebook activities or a take home lab. The checklist must be signed to receive full credit. This year I will take off 10 points if the checklist is not signed. It is the student's responsibility to make sure this is done which makes them be accountable and take ownership of their work. The signature communicates to me that the work was completed at home. (The magic word is: Einstein) The checklist points count for 30% of their grade. It is up to the parent to total the points earned and record them at the bottom by their signature. Since you are overseeing their work at home, it is to your discretion if you want to dock their points for failure to complete an assignment when there is no excuse. I do not dock points unless it is something that was checked off and I can see that it wasn't completed OR if the checklist is not signed. As I write this, I just remembered that when I duplicated a checklist from last year to keep the same format and add the new information, I did NOT remember to adjust the point totals on this week's checklist so it may not add up right at all...see why it's important to check the website?!?! That's on me so for this week don't worry about the point numbers, just check off all that was completed and sign it...I will fix the points in my records.
I understand that life can sometimes get in the way of our homeschool schedules, so if you have a week where you need grace, please contact me and we will figure out how to adjust things that week. I am always approachable and am your partner on this part of your homeschool journey so don't hesitate to reach out for whatever is on your mind. In my nineteen years of homeschooling I have had a lot of ups and downs, so you are also welcome to reach out to me for things in homeschooling not related to science class. I won't always have answers, but I have an understanding and listening ear. You will find this true for any of us on the SHARE staff. We truly do love and care for your kids. Texting or email is best. I am trying to be more mindful this year of not having SHARE business interrupt my school day too much with my girls during the week but if you need me right away I will respond quickest by text. I do check my email often, but less so during school hours, so if you have a question about homework in order to stay on schedule, please text me.
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NEW THIS YEAR--Reading Lesson Audio Recording: While I consider myself far, far from being any thing close to a voice talent, I thought it might be helpful to offer an audio version of the weekly reading lesson for the less independent readers or for those that are better auditory learners. I also thought it may help with independent learning in households that have multiple students. I would still like them to follow along with their paper reading lessons and highlight or underline main points, but it When I told my husband my idea and asked for his help to make it happen, he said it would be easy to do. So when he came home yesterday afternoon he dropped a bag on my lap with a fancy microphone and other gadgets I don’t know how to use. Again, he said it was easy. He has a meeting this morning but said he would teach me how to record it when he gets back early afternoon, so I hope to have the audio posted this afternoon. After this first week I will have the audio posted by 10 a.m. on Wednesday when I post my summary. It will be located each week in the weekly pdf handout and audio section underneath the video link section.
It is NOT a requirement to use the audio recording, but if you do use it, I would like your feedback so I know if there are any kinks to work out in how you access it OR if it is even a useful endeavor. If it is of great help to even one student I will continue to do it.
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VIDEO LINKS for Homework :
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Checklist Video Links for ALL Grades:
Science is a Way of Knowing (BrainPOP): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRvpM34drpU
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Week 1 Handouts and Audio: (Posted here to access if lost or absent. Some weeks there are handouts I am not able to post on the website, so will need to be individually emailed. Reading lessons will be emailed to those absent.):
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