Introduction in to Cell Unit

We can't really study atoms and molecules and "Kitchen Chemistry" without talking about food and how it works to produce energy throughout your body.

Take a look at this great website:

https://www.centreofthecell.org/

Have some fun playing the games and reading about different cells and how they interact!

Rube Goldberg Project

Matter and Motion

As we work through our next unit on Matter and Motion, learners will be exploring the world of Physics and Chemistry.

Through various activities, learners will gain knowledge and should be able to do the following:

• I can illustrate what an atom is.
• I can explain each atom takes up space and has mass and is in constant motion.
• I can support that mass is the amount of matter in an object.
• I can describe and measure mass, volume, and density.
• I can distinguish between mass and weight.
• I can explain elements are made up of one type of atom and that molecules are made up of two or more atoms joined chemically.
• I can explain compounds are composed of two or more different elements.
• I can justify each element and compound has properties, which are independent of the amount of the sample.
• I can explain everything is composed of atoms.
• I can identify the states of matter and distinguish between their properties.
• I can interpret changes of state and how their state is related to the motion of their molecules.
• I can summarize that changes state do not change the structure of atoms or molecules.
• I can deduce that thermal energy is a measure of motion.
• I can prove the amount of mass does not change during a change of state.
• I can distinguish between kinetic and potential energy.
• I can classify all forms of energy as either kinetic or potential.
• I can defend how motion is affected by speed and direction.
• I can graph an object’s position and speed as a function of time.

In order to provide a context for this learning, we will utilize an instructional strategy called "Problem-Based Learning!"

Learners will be challenged to create various Rube Goldberg designs in order to show their knowledge and gain new knowledge necessary to complete the challenge. 

Learners were introduced to Rube Goldberg designs through a series of YouTube videos. Some of those can be seen in this playlist:

The final problem will incorporate physics, chemistry and literature! More to come on that one...

Here is the only successful project from last year!

Here are some designs from challenges so far this year:

Look for more to come!!!

Design Your Own Learning Portal

Learners in our classes will be designing their own learning and reporting that learning out on their own website.

Websites will be created using our locked down, Google Sites app.

Students: Access to the site is here:
https://sites.google.com/a/napls.us/thinkmoorescience/

Some great resources can be found at:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.elvista.atoms&hl=en