Regents Chem Update

Things are moving along in Regents Chemistry. We are continuing with our study of significant figures. This is a new concept to students. Significant figures are all certain digits in a measurement plus one uncertain digit. This means that depending on the scientific instrument being used, there are different levels of accuracy and uncertainty. Sig figs are not a favorite topic with students, but they are essential to know for the Regents exam in June as well as use throughout the year.

The scientific method lab, the Bubble Lab, was due yesterday (Monday.) Most students handed in wonderfully decorated and expertly typed labs. I'm pleased with the results and should be returning them within a few days. There will be 3-4 formal typed labs throughout the school year. This is to ensure that our students are aware of the scientific method at work in every lab performed in class. As an aside, each student is required to have 1200 logged lab minutes in order to take the chemistry Regents exam. 

We are entering into quantities measured in the lab, such as mass, length, temperature, energy, and volume. Before the end of the week we will be performing the Sig Fig lab... stay tuned!