The new trend in education is Project Based Learning. This means that there is less of the teacher standing in front of the room lecturing, and more activities that require the student to research information, discover ideas, organize concepts, and present their learning to others. We will be trying a project based approach to learning about atomic structure. It may be a different learning style than you are used to, but I will be guiding you through it. Let's find out if PBL is the way to go.

PS: You have until December 20 to pass your elements quiz!

I know I've put a lot on your plates, so I thought I would list when things are happening in class over the next few weeks.

Vocab Quizzes - every Friday
Chemical Formula Quiz - Fri 11-2
Recycle Project due - Wed 11-7
Chapter 2 Test - Thurs 11-8
Element Symbol Quiz - Tue 11-27

Layers of the Earth Model
due Friday 10-5-12

You will create a model of the Earth that shows the 4 layers.

• If you create a 3D model or an original digital model, it is sufficient to show the layers and just label them.
• If you create an original 2D model, then you are required to show the layers, label them, and include a description of the layers. (temperature, composition, etc.)

This week's words are HEAT and WEIGHT. Chapter 21 Test is scheduled for Thursday, Oct 11.

The chapter 1 test will be a week from today. It will cover all of the topics on your 'I can' list.

DON'T FORGET YOUR TECHNOLOGY ESSAY!!! Due Monday at the beginning of class. First full week after the fair...whew! We learned a lot this week. Remember to keep referring to your I can's and review your class notes often so you don't fall behind.

Next week's words are motion and plate tectonics.

My first post for this school year!
The first two words of the week were OBSERVATION and TECHNOLOGY.
Next week's words will be INFERENCE and BIG BANG THEORY (not the TV show). Don't forget, we will have quizzes on these words every friday. ENJOY THE FAIR!

Yesterday was Earth Day. If you didn't get to do anything for Mother Earth yesterday, it's not too late! Plant a tree, pick up litter, Reduce Reuse Recycle, or even try to convince your parents to make one of the changes that you discovered during your research project! HAVE A NICE DAY!