Weekly Blog 09/14-09/18 - Plate Tectonics

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Earth-cutaway-schematic-english.svg/2000px-Earth-cutaway-schematic-english.svg.png

Summary

The earth is made up of several layers. The crust, mantle, and inner and outer core. There is also another way to identify the earth's layers; there is the lithosphere(crust and upper mantle), asthenosphere(part of mantle right after lithosphere), mesosphere(the rest of the mantle), and the inner and outer core. The lithosphere is actually plate tectonics which float on top of the asthenosphere. All plates have boundaries (or edges). There are three types of ways boundaries move. Ther ear transformed (when they spread apart), convergent (when they go in and hit each other), and transformed boundaries (when they slip past each other). When they boundaries move or hit each other it causes earthquakes.

SP2: Developing and using models

This week I developed models by making stacks using clay. In our groups we had to create stacks of "pancakes" and "pebbles". We take one 3 flat oval of clay and stacked them on top of each other with small balls of clay in between each layer. First we constructed one in 3 minutes. We then found out we needed and more efficient way to build it since we couldn't finish in 3 minutes. Then we built it in 5 and 7 minutes but with more pebbles in each layer. Later on, we used the models that we developed by having them get cut in half and placing popsicle sticks to model as a fence going the opposite way of the cut (which represented a fault line). This showed us how when on side of the fault moves, the fence would move with it instead of breaking or collapsing or something.

Weekly Blog- Rock Cycle 09/07-09/11

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Summary

The rock cycle the cycle of how rocks turn into different kinds of rocks. There are three kinds of rocks: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous. One thing that is different about the rock cycle is that it's not really a cycle (like the water cycle for example that repeats in a circle in a certain order), it is more like a rock web. A sedimentary rock has several layers. Over time, different sediments layer over each other and become 1 type of rock. An igneous rock is actually just cooled and solidified magma or lava. A rock turns into a metamorphic rock with pressure. Now, back to the web concept. The reason why the rock cycle is like a web is because there is no specified order. Any kind of rock and turn into any kind of rock by any many ways. That's why it's more like a web than a cycle.

SP2: Developing and Using Models 

 This week we developed models of the rock cycle and a volcano (which we will use later when they are finished).We created a rock cycle cartoon. First, we rolled different dices and recorded some data. Then we used that data to create and develop rock cycle cartoons. We also developed and created paper mache volcano models. First, we used a paper template which we cut, then we wrapped it around a (PVC? I think?) pipe. We next covered the whole model with wet sticky newspaper coated in glue. 

Scientific Method Cartoon Project Blog 9/6-9/11

Summary

The project we did this week is called the scientific method cartoon. In this project we had to draw and comic/cartoon that demonstrates the steps of the scientific method. Observation, question, hypothesis, gathering data, experimenting, analyzing data, the conclusion, and communicating. First we wrote a draft of our cartoon, then we drew the final copy. We also had to take a picture and turn it in digitally.

Backwards

In what ways do you think you need to improve?

I think that I could improve several ways. One way is to work more efficiently and faster. I had to bring the work home on the last day to finish it up. I had to skip my Martial Arts to finish all my work for the day. Another thing that I want to change is to ALWAYS go over all the requirements after I am finished. In this project I also forgot to add the draft to the final copy. I left my draft at home even though I was supposed to turn it in.

Inward

How do you feel about this piece of work? What parts of it do you particularly like? Dislike? Why? What did/do you enjoy about this piece or work?

I was very happy with my work. I particularly liked my drawings and how I took the time to draw and color my pictures neatly and nicely because the final draft turned out really nice. One thing I disliked was how I was working really slow until the last minute because in the end I had to rush to get things done resulting in me forgetting to bring my draft.My favorite thing about doing this project was that I got to be creative in my cartoon. For example, my question was are rainbows magic.

Outward

What grade would you give it? Why? 

If this was worth 10 points I would give it a 8/10. This is because I forgot to attach my draft to the back of my cartoon. The reason why I only docked off 2 points was because the draft is not as important as the final copy. I think that my final copy itself is very good and detailed. I also think that it follows all the requirements other than the draft.

Forward

What's one goal you would like to set for yourself for next time?
Next time I want to do my work quick and get everything done on time or with time to spare. This way I will have more time to go over my work and make adjustments so I can make sure it is good. I think this is a good goal because it assures that my project will be turned in on time. Also, I won't have to worry about staying up late working on my project after school.

Paper Airplane Experiment 8/31-9/4

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Glybbs_Paper_Plane.jpg

Summary

When you conduct an experiment you need to make sure all your variables are correct and how they should be to assure the fairness of your test. For example, if you do a test about which type of paper makes the paper airplane fly the furthest, then you need to make sure all the airplanes are thrown the same way. If your first airplane was thrown weak, then you need to re-throw the airplane or throw all the airplanes weak. Also, you need to make sure there is the same amount of wind blowing when you throw. This is what my group found out during our paper airplane experiment.

S&EP: SP6: Constructing explanations and designing solutions:

We constructed explanations and designed solutions by conducting and designing our own experiment.

First we had to think of a question with our group.  Our question was which type of paper makes the paper airplane fly the furthest. Next we had to design and find a way to answer our solution (write our procedure). After we conducted the experiment. We had to do lots of things to make sure the test was fair like cutting he paper to all the same sizes. After we did the experiment, we had to construct our explanations and write/ draw our findings in a conclusion, graph, and data table. After that we wrote our report, put the papers on a poster and finished!

Scientific Method 08/24 - 08/28

Image Source: https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4070/4683034709_b9650bccee_o_d.png

Summary

The "NEW"scientific method is the method to answer a question. There are many different orders in which it could be. The scientific method is like a cycle of about 10 different things. The process (though the order can be altered) is to make an observation, define the question, research the known, find a hypothesis, gather and verify data, run the experiment, test and reflect on findings, and finally communicate. They are all connected and often you will go back or skip steps to find your answer. That is why this is called the "NEW" scientific method and not the old standard one that was in a specific order.

SP8: Obtain, evaluate and communicate information

This week I gathered, obtained, and communicated information all about the scientific method. Everyone in the class had to obtain information by reading different pages of text about the scientific method. We then evaluated the information and used that information to answer questions on our Scientific Method a Refresher page. By doing this I refreshed my mind on the scientific method and remembered everything I forgot from last year. I also worked on a sheet called the "NEW" scientific method. I had to order the steps of the scientific method in an order that I thought was reasonable. There actually is no correct order. I communicated the information with my partner and also to Mr. Chavez who asked us what we thought the answer was. 

Goals for 2015-2016

This year I want to finish all my work on time to avoid once a zero always a zero. This is really important because you can't get rid of a zero (unless you bought a pass with gold coins). Also, I want to try to really participate in everything like the battles. I also want to get good grades and A's.

Article Blog 5/29/2015

Surprise
This week I was surprised by how I made it into the talent show. I was not expecting to get into the talent show because me and Sabine came extremely unprepared. The reason why we were unprepared was because we have not practiced together with the music at all. Even worse, Sabine had not memorized the whole periodic table song yet. This happened during the tryouts on Tuesday during 1st period. Next time I will come more prepared and I will make sure I am ready for any tryouts.

Summary
This article was about a man named Ernie Feld who's life was saved by food. He was a baker. During WWII he was captured by the Nazis and he had to work as a cook. The only reason they did not kill him was because they enjoyed his cooking. He was a good cook and he also saved many lives. by asking the Nazis to spare the people and instead make them work in the kitchen with him. When tides turned and the Nazis went on the run, Ernie was set free. He later found that everyone in his family died. Now, he owns a bakery in Tahoe, CA.

Citation
Los Angeles Times. "At 90, Baker Still Makes the Strudel That Saved Him from the Nazis in WWII." Newsela. Ed. Newsela Staff. Newsela, 1 May 2015. Web. 29 May 2015.

Backwards
how much did you know about the topic before you read the article? What do you now know about the topic that you did not know before?

Before I read this article I knew only a little bit about this topic. I knew the basic idea of what WWII was with the Nazis, Jews, Nazis camps, and Hitler but not into specifics. Now I know some different things about how the Germans loved to eat Poppy seed strudels and pasta. Seriously, I learned about what the some of the Nazis ate. I also learned about why some people were taken. For example, they even captured people to cook for them.

Inward 

Why did you choose this article?

The first reason why I choose this article was because Catherine showed it to me and said it was very touching and interesting. The second reason why I choose this article was because I thought it sounded interesting. I saw how it was somewhat about WWII and I decided I wanted to read it to also learn more about WWII since I don't know much about our wars. The final reason why I choose this article was because it had strudels in it and I LOVE PIE AND STRUDELS!!!!

Outward
How does the information provided in this article affect the community?

The information in this article affects the community by teaching everyone about the story of this old man who owns a bakery. When everyone hears this story they feel very heart warmed and it brings the community together. Also, his bakery attracts many customers in the community and they all enjoy his delicious food.

Forward

What would you suggest to the author as a possible expansion on the topic?

I would suggest the author to write about his life now and how his business is going. The reason why is because I want to know about how the bakery runs things. The author could also add some information about how cooking for the Nazis affected his life no and how it changed him to become a better person. think this would be very interesting to read.