Quick update

Hello Science Explorers,

This is just a quick update to the blog.

We are moving along with motion.  Get it? moving???  Anyway, motion is fairly simple to understand. Objects move, they slow down, they turn, the go up, fall down.  You get the idea.  However, when it comes to word problems we suddenly cannot remember how things move.  Those pesky word problems always confuse us.  The basic idea is this.  Read the problem and try to picture what is going on in the problem in your head.  It is just like reading a book.  If you can visualise it, that helps you to understand what is going on.  The next step is to pull out the important information. Such as, what is the question asking for us to solve?  Which equations can we use?  What important numbers were given to us.  Once you pull out the information you can usually see which equation to use.  You gotta get it down to one variable to solve for, the rest is just plug and chug.  Plug in the information and chug out the answer.  We will practise this quite a bit in the coming weeks.  Looking forward to the lab this thursday and friday.  YAY

Update for weekend

Hello Year one Scientists.
This is a friendly update.  Today we are having a check your understanding quiz.  This quiz is worth participation points and will not affect your academic grade.  It will count towards your effort grade.  My goal with this quiz is to check to see if you are getting the information before we move on to the test and then the next chapter.
For the weekend, you should work on finishing your Ch1 reading and the Making Measurements worksheet.  The reading is on your own and not worth a grade.  The worksheet is worth a grade.  The worksheet should help you prepare for the Making Measurements test on Monday and Tuesday of next week (8 13/14).
Our next unit will be on motion.  If you want to get ahead, you can go ahead and start the 1-D kinematics tutorials on physicsclassroom.com.  This is an excellent resource and will be used in conjunction with the Cambridge texts.  Have fun, and don't overdo it.  Fifteen minutes a day to study should do a lot to further your understanding.  Good luck and have a fun weekend.

Moving into physics

Hello!

I have finished grading the pre-test and I am excited about the results.  The average grade is a 15 out of 40.  Now do not worry, this is not necessarily a failing grade.  Cambridge does not grade in the same way you are used to grading.  It does give us a guideline as to what you know, what you can scientifically guess at, and what still needs to be learned.
We are going to move quickly now.  This requires a lot of time and effort on your part at home.  I will be handing out Chapters for you to read on your own at home.  Expect tests and quizzes to come directly from these chapters.  In class, I will cover the main topics as defined by the Cambridge 2014 Syllabus for Coordinated Science.  I will also cover any of the 'trickier to understand' ideas.  Expect in class worksheets, assignments and presentations.  Expect to do extended learning at home by answering questions from the assigned chapter reading, reading the summary at the end of each chapter, and answering the end of chapter questions.  If you do at least 15 minutes EVERY day on science, that should be enough to keep you on track with the course.  If we are going to fast, just let me know.  Chances are you are not the only one struggling.  Lets work together to get through this fun year of science!

Physics objectives

1. Develop ability and skills related to metric conversions and types of measurement.
2. Distinguish between mass and weight.
3. Describe and experiment to determine the density of a liquid and of a regularly shaped solid and make the necessary calculation using the equation density=mass/volume.
4. Determine the density of an irregularly shaped solid by the method of displacement and make the necessary calculation.

Introduction to Year One

Welcome to ASU Prep Coordinated Science.
We will begin the year by studying Physics.  Most folks believe physics to be the foundation science.  The laws of physics govern everything!  If you like exploring how things work and why, then physics is the science for you.
Our study of physics begins at the beginning.... measurement.  We cannot explore the how and why unless we know how to measure stuff.  This includes: mass, volume, density, length, time, and precision.  It is important to be accurate and to have standard units of measure.  How would you tell someone in London that your desk is 32 pencils long?  What if they have different pencils?  If we do not have a standard then we cannot communicate what we have learned.
Phew this is a lot of information.  Well we have a lot to cover in a short period of time.  Look for lots of class discussions, reading, vocab, math, and extended learning.  Please check the blog often.  Extended learning assignments will be posted here along with their due dates.
Relax, it will be hard, but fun.  Wait until we go to LAB!!!

Looking forward to getting to know all of you in the coming year!