Wednesday, March 30, 2011
3-30
Today: Notes: Decompression Melting As magma moves upward through gaps in Earth's crust, pressure on the magma decreases. This decrease in pressure allows magma to expand from a "putty - like" solid into a liquid state of matter. Discuss: relationship between decompression melting and theory that the Earth's inner core is solid. Discuss: Contrast decompression melting and what happens when you step / skate / sled on ice. Discussed homework from yesterday - extra detail on answers #16-18 Remember: essay cheat sheet due tomorrow at the beginning of class. Video: Volcanoes - different types around the world with good footage. After school: SuperVolcano movie
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
3-29
As requested: TGT review in advance Objectives for this unit (essay questions will come from a topic on this list) Retired Essay questions (yours will be different, but you should be able to look at these for ideas of how questions might be asked. You haven't seen the exact same content, so you might not know all answers. Tonight's Homework: (except 7th hour) - p. 378#1-7 and p. 385# 16-18 ALSO, start studying / working on your "cheat sheet" = one page of paper you may put any information on to help you answer your essay on Friday's exam. Diagrams, definitions, etc. are a good start. These must be turned in Thursday in class and may only be used on the essay part of the exam. Ideas from today's class activity are a good place to start. Choir People: Make up the exam when you can; tomorrow after school if you really want to do it early, or after school/before school next week. Your assignment: p. 384, #1-14 READ p. 786 - 790 no, actually read it!!! ...Before next week. It would be a good idea to try out p. 790, # 1-6 and make sure you can answer as well.
Monday, March 28, 2011
3-26 & 28
on Friday we spent time discussing the evidence supporting Plate Tectonics theory. Homework was p. 369, but I shouldn't have assigned #4 since your book didn't include a map. My fault - no penalty for those not turning it in today since I was overambitious.
Today in class we looked at several things;
tall buildings and earthquakes
a model of mountain building - above and below the surface
volcanoes!
Notes were taken on vocabulary: volcano, lava, magma, tephra, pyroclastic.
Big ideas: Felsic vs. mafic magma/lava characteristics and results. *Think Viscosity!!**
Volcano types - composite (most common), shield (mafic lava) cinder cone, undersea, and lava domes.
Exam Friday - Earth's Interior - earthquakes, composition, volcanoes, plate tectonics
Tonight's homework: READ p. 373-378.
Remember, Wednesday after school: SuperVolcano
Today in class we looked at several things;
tall buildings and earthquakes
a model of mountain building - above and below the surface
volcanoes!
Notes were taken on vocabulary: volcano, lava, magma, tephra, pyroclastic.
Big ideas: Felsic vs. mafic magma/lava characteristics and results. *Think Viscosity!!**
Volcano types - composite (most common), shield (mafic lava) cinder cone, undersea, and lava domes.
Exam Friday - Earth's Interior - earthquakes, composition, volcanoes, plate tectonics
Tonight's homework: READ p. 373-378.
Remember, Wednesday after school: SuperVolcano
Friday, March 25, 2011
3-25
Today in class:
We sketched the 3 different types of convergent plate boundaries and explained/drew what happens at each:
Ocean - ocean: One plate (whichever is most dense) subducts, forming a trench. As it subducts, it melts, forming volcanoes (volcanic island arc). Example: Japan
Ocean - continent: oceanic plate is more dense, so it subducts, forming a trench. As it subducts, it melts, forming inland volcanoes. Example: Cascade mountains (Mt. St. Helens)
Continent - continent: Since both plates are of low density, neither plate subducts. Plates are deformed as they mash together, becoming thicker. Mountains are built this way. Important to note that plates become thicker atop the water and below. Thickest crust on Earth is under mountains. Example: Appalachians (not growing anymore) or Himalayas (still growing rapidly)
Discussion of answers to last night's homework and how the time scales work out closely to support Wegener's "coastline matching" evidence.
Slides of evidence for plate tectonics. The big ones that I focused on and expect freshmen to understand and be able to apply:
1. Matching coastlines (North/South America vs. Europe/Africa)
2. Fossil record (ancient fossils of plants/animals found only in certain locations across continents which are now very distant, separated by oceans)
3. Geologic similarities between different regions (rock record similar in now distant regions, Appalachian Mountains - formed as parts of other mountains formed, most recently some in Britain and Scandanavia)
4. Evidence of continental rifting (East Africa Rift Valley) show that continents can split apart.
5. Mid Ocean Ridges and Seafloor Spreading - discovered due to military - submarine needs, there exists a huge mid ocean ridge up and down the Atlantic ocean, growing every year.
6. Hot Spots - plate movement and new volcanoes in the "same" location relative to the mantle below.
7. Magnetic evidence - reversals and pole movement stored in rocks formed during times of altered magnetic fields provide evidence of time scales and rates/directions of movement.
HOMEWORK!
READ p. 373-378.
P. 379 Due Monday
We sketched the 3 different types of convergent plate boundaries and explained/drew what happens at each:
Ocean - ocean: One plate (whichever is most dense) subducts, forming a trench. As it subducts, it melts, forming volcanoes (volcanic island arc). Example: Japan
Ocean - continent: oceanic plate is more dense, so it subducts, forming a trench. As it subducts, it melts, forming inland volcanoes. Example: Cascade mountains (Mt. St. Helens)
Continent - continent: Since both plates are of low density, neither plate subducts. Plates are deformed as they mash together, becoming thicker. Mountains are built this way. Important to note that plates become thicker atop the water and below. Thickest crust on Earth is under mountains. Example: Appalachians (not growing anymore) or Himalayas (still growing rapidly)
Discussion of answers to last night's homework and how the time scales work out closely to support Wegener's "coastline matching" evidence.
Slides of evidence for plate tectonics. The big ones that I focused on and expect freshmen to understand and be able to apply:
1. Matching coastlines (North/South America vs. Europe/Africa)
2. Fossil record (ancient fossils of plants/animals found only in certain locations across continents which are now very distant, separated by oceans)
3. Geologic similarities between different regions (rock record similar in now distant regions, Appalachian Mountains - formed as parts of other mountains formed, most recently some in Britain and Scandanavia)
4. Evidence of continental rifting (East Africa Rift Valley) show that continents can split apart.
5. Mid Ocean Ridges and Seafloor Spreading - discovered due to military - submarine needs, there exists a huge mid ocean ridge up and down the Atlantic ocean, growing every year.
6. Hot Spots - plate movement and new volcanoes in the "same" location relative to the mantle below.
7. Magnetic evidence - reversals and pole movement stored in rocks formed during times of altered magnetic fields provide evidence of time scales and rates/directions of movement.
HOMEWORK!
READ p. 373-378.
P. 379 Due Monday
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Today in class, 3-24
We reviewed seismic waves and plate tectonics material today, went over homework questions, and demonstrated elastic rebound: when lithospheric plates stretch/compress and are deformed, elastic PE is stored. Rebound occurs when much of this energy is released (quake).
Tonight's homework regarding Wegener's continental drift theory and current rates of divergence in the Atlantic Ocean:
From Halifax, Novia Scotia (Canada, near Maine) to Agadir, Morocco (NE corner of Africa, near strait of Gibraltar), there is approximately 4915 km of ocean. The plates between these locations are expanding at a total rate of about 2.5cm per year (average).
How long ago would these two cities have been near one another?
AND:
From Rio de Janiero, Brazil (East Coast of S. America) to Lobito, Angola (W coast of Africa), there is 6090 km of ocean. The plates between these locations are expanding at a total rate of about 3.4 cm/year (average). How long ago would these two cities have been near one another?
BONUS: Look up these cities on a map online. Print out the maps while zoomed out to where you can see the entire continent they're on and cut them out. You should be able to guess the next step.... Look up Alfred Wegener if you need a hint. Bring in your completed work tomorrow to class.
Tonight's homework regarding Wegener's continental drift theory and current rates of divergence in the Atlantic Ocean:
From Halifax, Novia Scotia (Canada, near Maine) to Agadir, Morocco (NE corner of Africa, near strait of Gibraltar), there is approximately 4915 km of ocean. The plates between these locations are expanding at a total rate of about 2.5cm per year (average).
How long ago would these two cities have been near one another?
AND:
From Rio de Janiero, Brazil (East Coast of S. America) to Lobito, Angola (W coast of Africa), there is 6090 km of ocean. The plates between these locations are expanding at a total rate of about 3.4 cm/year (average). How long ago would these two cities have been near one another?
BONUS: Look up these cities on a map online. Print out the maps while zoomed out to where you can see the entire continent they're on and cut them out. You should be able to guess the next step.... Look up Alfred Wegener if you need a hint. Bring in your completed work tomorrow to class.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
3-22
Today we worked together to complete the "locating Earthquake Epicenters" packet. *Some* time will be given tomorrow if you need to use a compass for some last-minute finishing touches.
Tomorrow we'll also summarize some of the big ideas about S&P waves as they move through the Earth and what exactly that means to what we know about the Earth's interior. Maybe get on to some really wild stuff in Earth's geologic history if we have time...
Homework!! Due Thursday:
READ p. 362-372
p. 369#1-7; p. 372#1-3
*** #7 has a bad typo! the 10 km/s possible speed should be for P waves, not S!
Thanks to several folks for pointing that out.
Tomorrow we'll also summarize some of the big ideas about S&P waves as they move through the Earth and what exactly that means to what we know about the Earth's interior. Maybe get on to some really wild stuff in Earth's geologic history if we have time...
Homework!! Due Thursday:
READ p. 362-372
p. 369#1-7; p. 372#1-3
*** #7 has a bad typo! the 10 km/s possible speed should be for P waves, not S!
Thanks to several folks for pointing that out.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
3-16
Today we finished up the magnetism exam for some classes , went over homework, and talked a bit about refraction. Tomorrow we'll hopefully finish that discussion on refraction and add more details on Monday.
Tomorrow's guests: Two of my students from last year who have successfully mastered Honors Chemistry will come to speak to 1,2,3,and 7th hours (4th - we'll get to you on Monday). They are ready to answer any of your questions about next year's difficulty, study load, compare it to how easy Freeman's class was, etc... Come ready to ask questions.
Tonight's Homework: If you didn't do it already, READ p. 301-303 in the text. You are responsible for the material covered here.
Weekend Homework???~!!!!! Well, it's not due until next Wednesday, but you will want to have a head start on it. See a copy here - everyone except 4th hour will get one tomorrow. 4th hour students - feel free to come by and pick one up!
Tomorrow's guests: Two of my students from last year who have successfully mastered Honors Chemistry will come to speak to 1,2,3,and 7th hours (4th - we'll get to you on Monday). They are ready to answer any of your questions about next year's difficulty, study load, compare it to how easy Freeman's class was, etc... Come ready to ask questions.
Tonight's Homework: If you didn't do it already, READ p. 301-303 in the text. You are responsible for the material covered here.
Weekend Homework???~!!!!! Well, it's not due until next Wednesday, but you will want to have a head start on it. See a copy here - everyone except 4th hour will get one tomorrow. 4th hour students - feel free to come by and pick one up!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
3-15
Today we looked at notes on Earth's interior, saw video clips of S&P wave propogation, and discussed what some of the issues are with Japan's nuclear reactors in the news.
Today's notes
Tonight's homework (see yesterday's post) due tomorrow.
Tomorrow: PLAN test for some students, magnetism exam and a look at waves and refraction for others.
Today's notes
Tonight's homework (see yesterday's post) due tomorrow.
Tomorrow: PLAN test for some students, magnetism exam and a look at waves and refraction for others.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Pi Day!
Today we practiced using compasses (will use in earthquake triangulation) and celebrated Pi day by finding the meaning of pi; it is the number of times a circle's diameter will go about its circumference. A circle's radius will go around its circumference 6.28 times, or 2 pi. Radians are the measurement of angles equal to one unit of radius about a circle's circumference.
We continued discussion of relevant topics from Japan's earthquake and Tsunami today after learning more regarding "S" and "P" waves; specifically:
S waves move through the crust at about 3000 m/s and P waves move at about 5000 m/s
(Primary and Secondary waves)
S waves do most damage, and are associated with rolling motions that cause tall buildings to rock and fall. Shorter buildings or buildings that are mounted into bedrock don't have the same scale of problems.
A location some distance away from the earthquake will experience two waves; first, the primary (P) wave, and later, the secondary (S) wave. The farther the site is from the earthquake source, the greater the time delay between P and S wave arrival.
Practice: New Madrid (240km away) has an earthquake. Find time for each wave to arrive, and find the delay between P and S waves.
P: 240,000m / 5000 m/s = 48 seconds
Now find S using the same method and the slower (3000 m/s) speed...
S: 240,000m / 3000 m/s = 80 seconds
Delay: 80s - 48s = 32 seconds.
Homework: Find the delay between P&S waves for a distance you choose. This can be any number, but if you make it realistic it may mean more to you; try out a distance you know if you can. To convert miles to km, multiply miles by 1.61.
AND
Homework due Wednesday (even if you're supposed to take the PLAN, make sure you've done it in case it's postponed...)
Read p. 354-361. P. 357 has one problem; do it. also, P. 361#1-9
We continued discussion of relevant topics from Japan's earthquake and Tsunami today after learning more regarding "S" and "P" waves; specifically:
S waves move through the crust at about 3000 m/s and P waves move at about 5000 m/s
(Primary and Secondary waves)
S waves do most damage, and are associated with rolling motions that cause tall buildings to rock and fall. Shorter buildings or buildings that are mounted into bedrock don't have the same scale of problems.
A location some distance away from the earthquake will experience two waves; first, the primary (P) wave, and later, the secondary (S) wave. The farther the site is from the earthquake source, the greater the time delay between P and S wave arrival.
Practice: New Madrid (240km away) has an earthquake. Find time for each wave to arrive, and find the delay between P and S waves.
P: 240,000m / 5000 m/s = 48 seconds
Now find S using the same method and the slower (3000 m/s) speed...
S: 240,000m / 3000 m/s = 80 seconds
Delay: 80s - 48s = 32 seconds.
Homework: Find the delay between P&S waves for a distance you choose. This can be any number, but if you make it realistic it may mean more to you; try out a distance you know if you can. To convert miles to km, multiply miles by 1.61.
AND
Homework due Wednesday (even if you're supposed to take the PLAN, make sure you've done it in case it's postponed...)
Read p. 354-361. P. 357 has one problem; do it. also, P. 361#1-9
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Waves (review/Intro)
Today classes reviewed wave concepts such as wavelength and amplitude, plus looked at the difference between S (transverse) and P (longitudinal) waves.
With S waves, the medium (what the wave is passing through) vibrates perpendicular to the direction of a wave. (Side to side motion)
With P waves, the medium vibrates in the same direction as the wave (front and back).
We looked at examples plus some phenomena when waves interact using the Slinky; more on this later when we look in-depth at waves. Also, most classes got practice calculating the speed of a wave when given wave length and frequency (waves per second)
Tonight's homework: Read p. 288-293
Due tomorrow: p. 293#1-6
*** Since no PLAN test tomorrow, this is due for all classes ***
With S waves, the medium (what the wave is passing through) vibrates perpendicular to the direction of a wave. (Side to side motion)
With P waves, the medium vibrates in the same direction as the wave (front and back).
We looked at examples plus some phenomena when waves interact using the Slinky; more on this later when we look in-depth at waves. Also, most classes got practice calculating the speed of a wave when given wave length and frequency (waves per second)
Tonight's homework: Read p. 288-293
Due tomorrow: p. 293#1-6
*** Since no PLAN test tomorrow, this is due for all classes ***
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Freshman Girls - Opportunity at Washington University
Catalysts for Change
You will get to:
• Do fun and exciting science experiments in
Wash U.’s labs
• Talk with successful women scientists
• Hang out with female college students
• Meet lots of other 9th-graders who enjoy
science
Come join us on these three Saturdays,
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Lab Sciences on the
Wash U. Danforth campus. Lunch, snacks, and
other goodies will be provided. You will even
get a t-shirt!
To join us, please email us at
catalystforachange@gmail.com or
call Jen at (217) 825-4247.
Ashley Brosius and Jen Lapp
Email me if you would like a copy of the flyer.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Back... Sorry. With a new optional assignment
More to follow this weekend.
25 points if you work this one out and do it well; plus an option at 5 bonus points depending on how well you do on the bonus problem and the research portion. Due no later than Tuesday.
Be sure to show your family the motors we made today with a simple battery, nail, wire, and your magnet. All because a moving charge creates a magnetic field. I had several students leave the free materials in class; you may pick up before or after class on Monday.
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