Wednesday, October 8, 2008

In Regents Chem, Matter Matters!

We are working hard in our second unit, Matter and Change. I've begun integrating Power Point notes into our routine instead of the antiquated overhead projector. It's a lot of work, but students seem to be enjoying the graphics and pictures. And one day I'll finally get the hang of the wireless mouse.
We've been doing several labs in this unit. We determined how to find mass several different ways, and then how to find volume using a few different methods. Combining mass and volume together we determined the density of several objects. A class favorite was the Indiana Jones lab, where we watched the first 10 minutes of "Raiders of the Lost Ark." When Indy tries to switch a bag of sand with the golden idol, he has the cave crash in around him. Silly Indy should have known that the gold and sand had different masses, and thus different densities! We also enjoyed finding the density of a Hershey's chocolate bar. Yummmmmmm!
Chemistry requires us to make calculations constantly. Please make sure you are bringing your calculator to class! It's part of the class expectations.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Marking Period 1 ends this Friday (Oct. 10), with Marking Period 2 beginning after the long weekend (Oct. 14.) Students are responsible for staying after school and making up any labs or finishing up any assignments.

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