Relentless Pursuit

Rock Shake Lab pt. 1

2010-10-14T15:04:00.002-05:00

This week we are talking about weathering, the process that breaks down rock at Earth's surface. There are all kinds of things that contribute to weathering like ice, rain, heat and the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

We are exploring the effects of mechanical and chemical weathering on limestone in our Rock Shake lab. Check out the video and see if you can see the difference between the two samples.

Science Fair

2010-10-05T15:15:00.006-05:00

This week students will get information on choosing a science fair question either from a pre-approved list or on their own.

Some great Earth Science questions are listed here.

You can access a copy of the Project Proposal Form that is due this week click -----> here.
The Variables and Hypothesis worksheet is available by clicking ------> here as well.

Some Crystals from our crystal garden!!

2010-10-01T14:16:00.002-05:00

Crystal Garden

Unit 3 Notes on Minerals

2010-09-29T08:59:00.001-05:00

Fill out your guided notes from the slides below. When everyone at your table has them complete you will earn a reward.

Unit 2 Notes

2010-09-15T14:44:00.003-05:00

Practice up on your density calculations also. Click here and here for some extra practice. Remember Density = Mass / Volume.

Jeopardy game on the structure of an atom here.

Unit 7 Study Guide 2010

2010-04-19T09:35:00.000-05:00

1. Friction is the force that opposes motion and transforms work into heat. Friction can be decreased by adding things like oil or water onto two surfaces that are rubbing together. Friction can be increased by adding things like sand or grit between two surfaces.

2. Know the three classes of levers:
1st Class— Fulcrum in the middle
2nd Class—Load (output force) is in the middle
3rd Class— Effort (input force) is in the middle

3. Power is work divided by _________ .

4. Work happens when an object is moved a distance by a force. If two forces are going the same direction they add together. If they are going opposite directions they will subtract from each other.

5. Machines make work easier.

6. Why do machines give us less work out than we put in? Where is our work going (what does it become)?

7. Efficiency compares the output of a machine to the input: Efficiency = output work/input work x 100%

8. How do you increase the Mechanical Advantage of a lever, pulley, and inclined plane?

9. Inclined planes (ramps) that are __________ have more Mechanical Advantage.

10. In a diagram, how do you know if forces are balanced or unbalanced?

Also, check out these videos of simple machines!!!

Unit 7 Guided Notes 2010

2010-04-19T08:55:00.001-05:00

Just in case you can't find your notes....

Unit 6 Guided Notes

2010-02-22T15:03:00.002-06:00

Missed out? Zoned out? Here are the notes for Unit 6:

Unit 6 Big Ideas

2010-02-21T15:12:00.008-06:00

If you want to get a head start on preparing for the Unit 6 exam, try out this list of Big Ideas that you should be able to do or explain:

I can...

...tell you what sounds absolutely have to have in order to get from one place to the next.
...tell you about pitch--and how the frequency of a sound effects the pitch of the sound.
...explain what makes a microwave oven work.
...tell you about the electromagnetic spectrum.
...explain what electromagnetic waves are made of.
...list the seven general parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, in order, from longest wavelength to shortest wavelength and give an example or use of each.
...tell you what effect wavelength has on the frequency of an electromagnetic or sound wave.
...explain how wavelength is related to the amount of energy in an electromagnetic wave.
...tell you what is refraction of light and explain what causes refraction.
...list the colors that white light separates into when it refracts through a prism.
...list those colors in order from longest wavelength to shortest.
...tell what is reflecting off of objects that allows us to see them. HINT: THGIL spelled backwards.
...compare and contrast the similarities and differences of light and sound. (Including their speed, how they travel, type of wave, and how we perceive them.)

...remember that in order to test an idea it is a good idea to follow a format like:
Make a hypothesis: “IF I do _______________ , THEN I think _______________ will happen.”
Test the hypothesis: “I will change ____________ and record what happens. I will repeat it several times.”
Analyze the data: “I wrote down my observations in this chart and then made a graph.”
Make conclusions based on facts: “When I did _______ the measurement changed to ________, this proves/disproves my hypothesis as correct.”
You would always double check your measurement numbers (dependent variables) and keep all variables the same (controlled variables) except the one that you are testing (independent variables).

Unit 5 Notes

2010-01-25T09:50:00.003-06:00

If you have been absent or just need to review, here are the notes from Unit 5:

Enjoy!

Midterm Study Guide

2009-12-11T09:22:00.002-06:00

Hello Parents,

Your students began receiving the study guide (click here) earlier this week. We will be highlighting some specific things from the study guide in class.

It is NOT a study guide where they fill in the blanks and those questions wind up on the test....it IS a study guide where they can read about some of the things that might be tested.

The students will be selecting one topic from each unit that they definitely want on the Mid-Term....I tally the results and let them know what those topics will be. Then I select several topics from each unit that they definitely need to review (core concepts) for the Mid-Term. Finally, all the material from the study guides is fair game...but it won't all be on the test.

Students need to focus their preparation on two things: The topics that they choose from each unit, and the topics that I tell them specifically will be on the test.

Thanks, Mr. Finke

Be Careful of the differences between speed and acceleration graphs

2009-12-08T15:17:00.003-06:00

Motion Graphs

2009-12-08T15:17:00.001-06:00

Force Notes

2009-12-08T15:02:00.001-06:00

Unit 3 Study Guide

2009-11-02T09:34:00.000-06:00

Cell 225-572-7298

You should know the following:

1. Most Metals have high luster, are malleable, and conduct heat and electricity very well

2. The difference between Physical and Chemical changes. The difference between them is best determined by the evidence.

Evidence of Physical Change: The type of matter DOES NOT CHANGE but there might be Changes of state, change of shape, changes in density, volume, or mass(size), and sometimes changes in color.

Evidence of Chemical Change: The type of matter afterwards DOES CHANGE into something different and some evidence is the Formation of a gas, Formation of a Precipitate, sometimes a change in color, and always a Change in energy (endothermic= absorbs heat & feels cooler, exothermic= releases heat & feels warmer)

3. In a chemical equation REACTANTS react or combine or break apart to yield PRODUCTS which are a completely different material

4. Chemical equations must show the SAME number and kind of atoms on each side of the equation. The mass of each side must be the same

5. What factors (kinds) of things affect the rate of a chemical reaction:

A) Temperature: high temperature = faster reaction
lower temperature = slower reaction

B) Concentration: high concentration of reactants = faster reaction
low concentration = slower reaction

C) Surface Area: more surface area (like a powder) = faster reaction
less surface area (chunk) = slower reaction

D) Catalysts: speed up a reaction

E) Inhibitors: slow down a reaction

F) Pressure: higher pressure = faster reaction
lower pressure = slower reaction

Oh, and that experiment that we didn't do in class but

I described to you is here,

just click here.

Remember, the copper sulphate solution turns clear, the iron nail gets a copper coating and copper color, and the solution feels warm.

You'll be asked to list what evidence there is that a chemical change occurred and you'll need to explain what type of chemical reaction (endothermic or exothermic) happened.

2009-11-01T14:57:00.001-06:00

Unit 3 Guided Notes.....Just in case you are missing a few ;)

Unit 2 Study Guide

2009-10-07T15:37:00.001-05:00

If you lost your study guide, or just would like to see an online copy you can click

Unit 2 Study Guide

Be sure to study before next week's test!! "A" days will test on Wednesday, October 14 and "B" day classes test on Thursday, October 15.

Call or email with any questions.

Unit 2 Guided Notes

2009-10-01T14:32:00.000-05:00

Hey, check out the slides from the Unit 2 Guided Notes.

Unit 1 Test Results

2009-09-10T09:01:00.001-05:00

Hey, Unit 1 Tests are finished and we are going over results in our class.

If you wish to retake the exam you must get your test score sheet signed by your guardian and returned to me PRONTO.

Re-takes will happen next week, so be sure you get your score sheet signed quickly!

You will not be allowed to retake the exam without a signed score sheet. You can review for the test with the study guide posted below or a printed copy from me.

Study Hard!!

Mr. Finke is SICK Sick SICK

2009-09-02T15:21:00.003-05:00

So I have the stinking FLU!! No test this week. Lucky YOU!!

We'll take it Tuesday and Wednesday of next week (September 8th & 9th). You should have got a copy of the Unit 1 Study Guide from my substitute Mrs. Spears on Monday or Tuesday. If not, I will be giving out new copies in class this week. We will go over how to use them, go over our labs/assignments from last week, review graphing skills, and talk about studying effectively.

If you don't have a copy here it is.

You need to know:

The three types of variables--Controlled, Independent and Dependent

How to read a thermometer (sometimes each line is two units)

How to read a graduated cylinder to find the volume of a liquid in milliliters (remember, you must measure from the bottom of the meniscus!)

How to read and interpret a graph, data chart, and data table

How to make predictions from a graph, data chart, and data table

The difference between inference and observation

The safety symbol for flammable materials and sharp objects

How to measure volume using the displacement method (ending volume – starting volume)

The last 2 q’s are graphing questions. It is almost like I knew what was coming!! (Aren’t you glad, we practiced this with our Lab and P.O.D.!!) No wonder my students get the highest scores in the district. You must label a pie chart. You must properly format a line graph.

Remember: 1. DRY MIX 2. Scale 3. Plot Data

Steps to Graphing

2009-09-01T18:19:00.000-05:00

D.R.Y. M.I.X.-labeling the axes

a) This is where we label the x and y axis with the names of the independent and dependent variables

b) This does not mean to put the letter y on the y-axis and the letter x on the x-axis, nor does it mean to write the word dependent on the y-axis or the word independent on the x-axis

Scale-where we figure out the numbers to use on the axes

a) Find the largest number listed as a D.V. and place it at the top of the y-axis

b) Place the number zero (or the smallest D.V.) at the bottom of the y-axis

c) Divide the largest number in half and place the answer half-way up the y-axis

Repeat a, b, and c for the I.V. and the x-axis

Plot Data-putting points on the graph and drawing a line

a) Find the first I.V. and draw an imaginary line straight up from its location on the x-axis

b) Find the first D.V. and draw an imaginary line straight across from its location on the y-axis

c) Make a dot where the two imaginary lines intersect

Repeat a, b, and c for all I.V. and D.V.

Connect the dots in order

Unit 1 Notes and Slides

2009-08-24T14:33:00.004-05:00

So far, our notes from class...

Observation and Inference Notes
Reading the Graduated Cylinder
Identifying Variables

A special thanks to Ms. Poarch over at www.science-class.net for letting us use these via a creative commons license!!

Welcome Students

2009-08-24T14:28:00.010-05:00

Happy School Year!!

Alright, so you're not that excited. You can still take time to jump over to explorelearning and play around with the Triple-Beam Balance. Make sure that after you find the correct mass of the four objects you take some time to answer the FIVE sample test questions. After answering them, click on the "Check Your Answer" button and read through why you got some right and why you got some wrong. If you've already been there, good job!

If you need your login and password, you can shoot me an email, ask me after class, or call me at a reasonable hour (225)572-7298.

Parents, you can look at some of the labs we've been working on by clicking on them below:
Tootsie Roll Observations
Bouncy Ball Lab

See you in class....

Congratulations Nick and Ke'Yaun!!

2009-05-15T13:50:00.007-05:00

Some bets work out for the good! I told my classes that any student that scored 'Advanced' on their Unit Benchmark exam could shave my head. It took awhile, but Nick and Ke'Yaun absolutely rocked the Unit 7 test on Work, Power, and Efficiency.

Check out the slide show of the brutal hairdo they imparted.

High Voltage Rotary Motors

2009-05-13T13:31:00.001-05:00

This week we concluded our discussion on electricity and magnetism with a fun lab making high voltage rotary motors based on a design from scitoys. This is always a great way to wind up the unit and the motors performed great.

(Well, most of them...)

Unit 6 Exam Study Guide

2009-03-16T12:51:00.010-05:00

You should know the following:

What does sound absolutely have to have in order to get from one place to the next?
What is pitch? How does the frequency of a sound effect the pitch of the sound?
How does a microwave oven work?
What is the electromagnetic spectrum? What are electromagnetic waves made of? Can you list the seven general parts of the electromagnetic spectrum in order from longest wavelength to shortest wavelength and give an example or use of each?
What does wavelength do to the frequency of an electromagnetic or sound wave? How is wavelength related to the amount of energy in an electromagnetic wave?
What is refraction of light? What causes refraction? What colors does white light separate into when it refracts through a prism? Can you list those colors in order from longest wavelength to shortest?
What is reflecting off of objects that allows us to see them? HINT: THGIL spelled backwards.
What are some similarities and differences of light and sound? Compare their speed, how they travel, type of wave, and how we perceive them.
In order to test an idea you would:

Make a hypothesis: “IF I do _______________ , THEN I think _______________ will happen.”
Test the hypothesis: “I will change ____________ and record what happens. I will repeat it several times.”
Analyze the data: “I wrote down my observations in this chart and then made a graph.”
Make conclusions based on facts: “When I did _______ the measurement changed to ________, this proves/disproves my hypothesis as correct.”

You would always double check your measurement numbers (dependent variables) and keep all variables the same (controlled variables) except the one that you are testing (independent variables).
Using this slide show as a guide....

.....find the mistakes in Tibby's Lab Report.

Here are the slides for Unit 6

And here is a video clip about the EM Spectrum:

Unit 5 Exam Study Guide

2009-02-24T20:40:00.005-06:00

FIRST and FOREMOST...look here to see if you have all these notes.

There are two main categories of energy:

Kinetic= energy of motion ......This energy is doing work
Potential= energy that is stored......This energy could do work but isn't doing work yet.

There are many different forms of energy and they all can be categorized as either kinetic or potential

Thermal = energy of heat (kinetic)
Nuclear = energy stored in atoms like in the sun (potential)
Chemical = energy stored in chemical bonds like inside a battery or in a plant (potential)
Sound = energy of sound waves (kinetic)
Electrical = energy of moving electrons like through the wires in a flashlight (kinetic)
Stored Mechanical = energy that is stored because of applying a force like a spring or rubber-band stretched out before you release them (potential)
Motion/Mechanical = energy of things that are moving (kinetic)
Electromagnetic/Radiant = energy in electromagnetic waves like sunlight, radio waves, and coming from lightbulbs (kinetic)

Energy can not be created or destroyed, you can only change the version of the energy. This law is called the law of conservation of energy….we can only convert energy into another form.
Heat energy or thermal energy can only move from warmer objects towards cooler objects
Heat energy moves in one of three ways:

Conduction: heat moving through objects because they are touching each other
Exe. A handle on a pot gets hot even though it is not touching the burner, heat is transferred through the pot.
Convection: heat transferred by the movement of currents in a fluid like water or air
Exe. Hot water in a pot rises to the top and the cold water flows to the bottom. This also occurs in a room heated with hot water pipes (like our class). The pipes heat up the air near them, it rises to the top of the room, and the cool air is pushed to the floor (where it is heated and rises).
Radiation: heat transferred by waves of heat energy
Exe. When you step outside on a sunny day you feel heat from the sun even though you are not touching the sun. This is radiation. The same thing happens when your hand is near the stove and you feel heat.

Here are a few videos on energy to jog your memory and get you started studying...

Some Unit 5 Energy and Wave Help

2009-02-19T20:28:00.008-06:00

I thought I would take some time to post the Energy notes that we took in class for anyone who was absent or those of you who have misplaced yours.

You also might want to review the basic parts of a transverse wave:
Keep in mind that the wavelength is not from the first crest to the last crest or from the first trough to the last trough, it is from a crest to the very next crest. So if a wave has more than one crest, you just would measure the distance from one crest to the next.

You should also be very familiar with one type of kinetic energy in particular: THERMAL ENERGY. Don't forget to review the guided notes that we wrote down about Thermal energy and Heat.

2009-02-02T09:00:00.012-06:00

You should know the following for the Unit 4 Test:

Speed = Distance ÷ Time and when we graph speed, distance is on the y-axis and time is on the x-axis...........Constant speed on a graph is a straight line.

Acceleration = Speed ÷ Time.........Constant acceleration is a straight line on a speed vs. time graph
Look at these Sample Graphs to see the difference:

Velocity is speed plus the given direction of an object.

Friction is when two surfaces rub against each other. Friction causes things to slow down, heat up, and wear out.

Forces are pushes or pulls. They can add together (if they’re going the same direction) or subtract from each other (if they are acting in opposite directions). If they add together they generally form unbalanced forces. If they cancel each other out they form balanced forces.

Unbalanced forces cause objects to change their motion. Like:

Speed up….Slow down….Start moving….Stop moving...Change Direction

More mass, more inertia. Inertia is the tendency of an object to remain in motion or stay at rest.

In order to test an idea you would:

Make a hypothesis: “IF I do _______________ , THEN I think _______________ will happen.”
Test the hypothesis: “I will change ____________ and record what happens. I will repeat it several times.
Analyze the data: “I wrote down my observations in this chart and then made a graph.”
Make conclusions based on facts: “When I did _______ the measurement changed to ________, this proves/disproves my hypothesis as correct.”

Unit 2 Test Study Guide

2008-10-27T18:27:00.006-05:00

Memorizing this study guide will NOT help much on the test. This study guide just tells you the type of things you need to study from your notes, class work, and each other to get ready for the test.

You know about the following:

1. The three principal phases or states of matter. You should be able to diagram the molecules of these three states of matter and discuss what you know about each state…...like does it have a definite shape or volume. You also should know that as we add heat energy to matter the molecules start to move faster (more kinetic energy) and as we take away heat energy the molecules start to move slower (less kinetic energy)

2. You need to know that matter can go through two types of change: physical and chemical. The difference between the two can best be determined by the evidence:

Evidence of physical change: The type of matter DOES NOT CHANGE but there might be Changes of state, change of shape, changes in density, volume, or mass(size), and sometimes changes in color.

Evidence of chemical change: The type of matter DOES CHANGE, there might be a formation of a gas, a precipitate, or a change in energy (endothermic-absorbs heat, feels cold exothermic-releases heat, feels hot)

3. How calculate density. Density = mass/volume Mass is always measured in grams. Volume can be measured either in mL or cubic centimeters.

4. How to calculate volume of a rectangle prism (box). This is length x width x height.

5. How to calculate the volume of an irregular shaped object like a wedding ring. a) put some water in a graduated cylinder and measure the volume b) add the object and see the new volume c) subtract the first volume from the new total volume.

6. How to find the dependent and independent variable in an experiment when the experiment is described to you in a paragraph and in a chart.

Unit 1 Study Guide 2008

2008-09-22T19:59:00.002-05:00

For the District Unit 1 Test, you will be asked questions about the scientific method and measurement. Never fear, it is primarily stuff we have already gone over in class.

You need to know:

The three types of variables--Controlled, Independent and Dependent

How to read a thermometer (sometimes each line is two units)

How to read a graduated cylinder to find the volume of a liquid in milliliters (remember, you must measure from the bottom of the meniscus!)

How to read and interpret a graph, data chart, and data table

How to make predictions from a graph, data chart, and data table

The difference between inference and observation

The safety symbol for flammable materials and sharp objects

How to measure volume using the displacement method (ending volume – starting volume)

How to calculate the volume of a regular shaped object (length x width x height)

How to calculate density (mass ÷ volume)

Remember: 1. DRY MIX 2. Scale 3. Plot Data

Open House Tonight!!

2008-09-18T17:37:00.003-05:00

Welcome to 6th Grade Physical Science at Broadmoor Middle.
This class blog is used primarily to inform students about upcoming tests and post online study guides. The study guides generally have links embedded into them to give further information. My contact information is always on the board, on this site, and available from the school. Thanks for coming!

Unit 7 Exam Study Guide!!!

2008-05-05T07:49:00.005-05:00

1. Remember average speed? You should. Avg. Speed = Distance (m) / Time (sec)

2. Friction is the force that opposes motion and transforms work into heat. Friction can be decreased by adding things like oil or water onto two surfaces that are rubbing together. Friction can be increased by adding things like sand or grit between two surfaces.

3. Know the three classes of levers:

1st Class— Fulcrum in the middle

2nd Class—Load is in the middle

3rd Class— Effort is in the middle

4. Work happens when an object is moved a distance by a force. If two forces are going the same direction they add together. If they are going opposite directions they will subtract from each other.

5. Machines make work easier.

6. Efficiency compares the output of a machine to the input: Efficiency = output work / input work x 100%

7. Power = work (j) / time (s)

8. Inclined planes (ramps) that are longer have more Mechanical Advantage.

9. You might also want to review the concepts of kinetic and potential energy and the law of conservation of energy from Unit 5.

Video Clips on Simple Machines

More Help For Unit 4 Test....

2008-01-29T10:07:00.000-06:00

You need to be certain that you can interpret graphs that show the motion of an object.

There are 2 kinds of graphs on the test:

Speed Graphs: This is where DISTANCE is plotted against TIME

Acceleration Graphs: This is where SPEED is plotted against TIME

For some help remembering....click here. (You need to have PowerPoint to view this file)

Unit 4 Test Study Guide

2008-01-29T09:57:00.000-06:00

You should know the following:
1. Speed = Distance ÷ Time and when we graph speed, distance is on the Y axis and time is on the X axis
Constant speed on a graph is a straight line.

2. Acceleration = Speed ÷ Time Constant acceleration is a straight line on a speed vs. time graph

3. Friction is when two surfaces rub against each other. Friction causes things to slow down. Friction is very important for brakes to work

4. Forces are pushes or pulls. They can add together (if they're going the same direction) or subtract from each other (if they are acting in opposite directions)

5. When there is no air resistance objects fall at the same speed and will hit the ground at the same time.

6. More mass, more inertia. Inertia is the tendency of an object to remain in motion or stay at rest.

7. What factors (kinds) of things affect the rate of an object accelerating:
mass: more mass = less acceleration less mass = more easily accelerated
force: more force = faster acceleration less force = slower acceleration

8. In order to test something you would:
A. Make a hypothesis: “IF I do _______________ , THEN I think _______________ will happen.”

B. Test the hypothesis: “I will change ____________ and record what happens. I will repeat it several times.

C. Analyze the data: “I wrote down my observations in this chart and then made a graph.”

D. Make conclusions based on facts: “When I did _______ the measurement changed to ________, this proves my hypothesis as correct.”

Unit 2 Test Study Guide

2007-10-10T19:32:00.000-05:00

In addition to the things posted below about the Atom, you need to know the four states of matter:
Solids
Liquids
Gases
and Plasma

"Uhh, Mr. Finke...what is Plasma?"

Something we haven't studied that you really at this point only need to know is the fourth type of matter. Plasma= fourth type of matter that won't get talked about again for quite some time, just know it.

The little molecules in Solids do not move around but do vibrate in place. A lot like a very well-behaved class of kindergarteners. Sitting in one place.......but still vibrating. That is why solid stuff holds its shape.

The little molecules that make up Liquids do move around and are still fairly close together. They will move around and take the shape of whatever container they are poured into.

The molecules that make up Gases are moving around very rapidly and are very far apart. They will keep spreading apart until something stops them from spreading apart.

You should be able to draw the little boxes that we sketched in class that show the movement of the molecules for each state of matter. You can read up on these three states here.

Finally, you must know that water's boiling point in degrees Celsius is 100. Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius. As we add energy to a substance (like water), the molecules move faster and the substance heats up. As we take away energy from a substance (like water), the molecules move slower and the substance cools down.

Unit 2 On Atoms and Such

2007-10-03T07:17:00.001-05:00

Our second unit of study for this year will focus on the atom, the smallest unit of matter that retains its unique properties.

"What? I don't understand a word you are saying, Mr. Finke!"

That's okay, you'll pick it up over time and with practice during class. Meanwhile, take some time to head over to science-class.net and check out the slideshow called "The Atom 2" for some review help. Out of all the models shown on that slideshow, you are only required to learn how to draw the BOHR model.



In order to draw a Bohr model, you really need to know the three all essential 
ATOMIC RULES!!!
Atomic # = # of Protons (P)
Atomic # = # of Electrons (E)

Atomic Mass = P + N

"Uhh, okay Mr. Finke, but I still have no idea where to get
that information."

Ah, yes. The actual information about each type of atom is found
in the Periodic Table.
Here is an example.
This link will give you all the information about each element.
We really only focus on the first 18 elements in the 6th grade.


You should also know:

How to determine what element is being represented by a Bohr
model shown to you.  IF the model shown has 6 protons it must be a
atomic model of Carbon, because only Carbon has 6 protons.  8 protons
would have to be Oxygen, etc....

You need to know that table salt is a compound made up of Sodium 
(Na) and Chlorine (Cl).
You need to know that Rust is made of Iron (Fe) and Oxygen (O).
You need to know that we cannot cut an atom of anything in half and
still have that same element, therefore an atom is the smallest unit of
an element that is still that element.

Study Guide for The District's Unit 1 Test

2007-09-17T16:00:00.000-05:00

For the District Unit 1 Test, you will be asked questions about the scientific method and measurement. Never fear, it is primarily stuff we have already gone over in class.

You need to know:

The three types of variables--Controlled, Independent and Dependent

How to read a thermometer

How to read a graduated cylinder to find the volume of a liquid in milliliters (remember, you must measure from the bottom of the meniscus!)

How to read and interpret a graph, data chart, and data table

How to make predictions from a graph, data chart, and data table

The difference between inference and observation

The safety symbol for flammable materials and sharp objects like these

How to measure volume using the displacement method (ending volume – starting volume)

How to calculate the volume of a regular shaped object (length x width x height)

How to calculate density (mass ÷ volume)

The last question is a graphing question. It is almost like I knew what was coming!! (Aren’t you glad, we practiced this for MY test!!) No wonder my students get the highest scores in the district.

You must properly format a line graph. Remember: 1. DRY MIX 2. Scale 3. Plot Data

For help on graphing click here and here.

Unit 1 Test Re-Take Help

2007-09-09T20:40:00.000-05:00

Just some pointers:

1. Make sure you can graph two sets of points with your Dependent variable on the Y axis (DRY) and the Independent variable on the X axis (MIX).

2. You need to know the difference between observation and inference.

3. Two of the four 'What is Science?' list would be a good idea to know.

Missing those notes? If you have PowerPoint on your computer, try clicking here and view the slide shows called "Observation and Inference Activity" and "The Nature of Science". If you don't have PowerPoint, you can get a free program here to view the files.

See you at lunch.

Mr. Finke

Oh No! I Failed the Test!

2007-09-06T10:24:00.000-05:00

Test Re-Take Procedure:

You are given a chance to re-take tests on your own time (at lunch or in the morning)

You are given a parent test failure notice letter

The letter must be returned to Mr. Finke signed by a parent in order to re-take your test

The re-take test is VERY (wink, wink) similar (wink, wink) to the original test

Study this time! (Or if you did study last time, are you studying the right things?)

Ask Mr. Finke to re-take the exam

Re-takes must be completed by the week after you get your Parent Test Failure Letter

Any questions, please call me, email, or post a comment

Unit 1 Test Thursday 8/30 (A day) Friday 8/31 (B day)

2007-08-27T16:39:00.001-05:00

Unit 1 Test Study Guide Mr. Finke 6^th Grade Science

Need Help? Email: kfinke@ebrschools.org or Cell: 225-572-7298

Or you can post a comment on this Blog, I will be checking it Wednesday and Thursday night from 7 to 8 pm.

Part A of the test will consist of general questions about observation and inference. Then you will be given a picture to study for five minutes. During the five minutes you can jot down notes on scrap paper about the picture. Afterward, you will be required to answer questions about things you OBSERVED and INFERRED about the picture. Hint: take very detailed notes about the picture and ABSOLUTELY know the difference between the two!

Part B of the test will consist of a reading prompt (story) that tells you about a lab investigation and a simple graphing exercise. The graphing exercise will require you to either set up a graph using our steps: 1. DRY MIX 2. Scale 3. Plot Data or answer questions about where and how to set these parts of the investigation up.

From the reading, you must answer a set of questions correctly. You will be required to pick out the following elements of an investigation:

1. Controlled variables- definition here _________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Alternate name:_______________________________________________________

There will be more than one variable that is controlled in the investigation. You will need to be able to pick out at least two.

2. Dependent variables- definition here _________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Alternate name:_______________________________________________________
There will be only one of these.

3. Independent variable- definition here _______________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Alternate name:______________________________________________________
There will be only one of these.

For example: We will test the number of drops of water that will fit onto the surface of a penny. For the experiment, we are going to see how many drops will fit if we drop water from 2 cm, 3 cm, and 4cm above the penny. We will count the number of drops that fit from each height. We will use the same penny, the same dropper, and the same table.

You would answer the following:

The dependent variable is the __________________. The independent variable is the _______________. And the controlled variables are _______________, _____________, and _________________. Sounds like a lab we once did ;)

Part C will test your general knowledge about everything we have taken notes on and studied in class so far this year. This will include:

What is Science
Two Types of Investigations
Inference
Details about the Two Types of Investigations
Observation
3 kinds of Variables

Classroom Expectations and Procedures

2007-08-27T16:31:00.000-05:00

Very simple really

1. Be Prompt- be in your seat working on the POD when the tardy bell rings.
2. Be Prepared- bring two sharpened pencils, a single-subject science notebook, and your planner everyday
3. Don't Talk While Others are Talking-it only shows that you aren't listening and that is rude.
4. Fold Trash Papers Neatly-wadding it up creates unwanted distractions and makes a mess of our room. (It doesn't need any help getting dirty)
5. Get Permission Before Getting Out of Your Seat-people cannot learn in chaos