Unit 2 Test Study Guide

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

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

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

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!

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)

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

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