Q3W8 (2/24-2/28)

• Study Guide on PS4.2 (wave interactions) is due Tuesday 2/25. Students had all of class 2/24 to work on it and ask questions
• 3 (Communication with Waves) activity on Wednesday
• 2/PS4.3 Target Concept on Friday 2/28
• Please begin reviewing a little each night for our Q3 Cumulative test tentatively scheduled March 10 but that day could vary by a couple days.

Hopefully everyone had a pleasant long weekend. Recently I read an article suggesting more condensed newsletters, but students will still have the DoK levels in their possession on their study guides, so here we go…

8.PS4.2 Compare and contrast mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves based on refraction, reflection, transmission and absorption and their behavior through a vacuum and/or various media.

• Mechanical vs electromagnetic waves
• Wave behaviors
• Effects of density

*Quarter 3 cumulative test, tentatively scheduled for 3/10 (begin now reviewing a little each day)*

Happy Valentines Week!  Students seemed to be relieved that we are progressing past our most difficult standards for the year.  With that said, we are very proud of the students overall, although their grades may not be what they want or that we would like to see.  We have noticed that averages were higher on the unit test than on the individual target concepts (quizzes), so that is a win and we have expressed to students that it is growth and they should be pleased.  We will continue to practice these skills and see them on the quarter test (most likely the last week of this quarter) to continue to improve. 

            Wave properties study guides were handed out last week, students should complete the sections as we cover them in notes to ensure they finish the entire study guide on time. Class discussions and notes are aligned to be able to answer a set or two of questions at a time. 

            Students have also received information for high school registration from guidance classes, can you believe it?!? These last weeks of middle school will fly by and before you know it, your baby will be a high schooler.

Here is a preliminary look at the week (please remember that plans are always subject to change):

Monday (2/10): Wave properties discussion and a look at wave speed

Tuesday: Wave speed practice and Correlations of the properties of waves (frequency, amplitude, wavelength, etc). CK-12 assignments due for Mrs. Farrell

Wednesday:  More practice and Study Guides due completed

Thursday: Review and there is a possibility of the quiz this day, dependent on classes

Friday: ½ day for students (PS4.1 quiz planned)

Standard Addressed:  8.PS4.1  Develop and use models to represent basic properties of waves including frequency, amplitude, wavelength and speed.

Learning Targets (DoK levels):

1-3 DoK 1, 4-5 DoK 2, 6 DoK 3, and 7 DoK 4

1. Draw, label, and define the parts of a transverse wave.
2. Draw, label, and define the parts of a longitudinal wave.
3. Define frequency, amplitude, and wavelength.
4. Calculate frequency, wavelength, or speed given two of the three variables in situational phenomena or math problems.
5. Model the inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency.
6. Create a physical model of a mechanical wave and use that model to investigate the relationship between amplitude and the amount of energy, and frequency and the amount of energy.
7. Analyze and describe how adjustments to amplitude, wavelength, or frequency affect the sound emitted by devices.

Here is a preliminary look at this quarter, of course, plans may change. It will be imperative for student to practice when they can and stay caught up with this unit.  Graph paper will also be helpful but is not required.  In an effort to help students, various portions of the study guide will have different due dates.

Q3W2 (1/13): Quick review on non-contact and contact forces and that net force causes acceleration. Begin PS2.3 with velocity calculations.

Tues: Motion Maps (Ticker tape graphs)- emphasis on constant velocity, acceleration, and deceleration

Wed - Fri: Motion maps to Position v Time graphs

Standard Addressed:  

8.PS2.3 Create a demonstration of an object in motion that describe the position, force, and direction of the object.

1. Use v=d/t to calculate speed.
2. Identify and define contact and non-contact forces.
3. Calculate speed from a ticker-tape or distance v time graph.
4. Explain the effect of force on an object’s motion.
5. Examine ticker-tape graphs, distance v time graphs, or velocity v time graphs to tell if an object is stationary, constant velocity, or accelerating.

Q3W3 (1/20): No school

Tues: Intro to velocity versus time graphs

Wed: Velocity graphs

Thurs: Converting motion maps, to position v time, to velocity

Fri: Study Guide Due and more converting

Standard Addressed:  

8.PS2.3 Create a demonstration of an object in motion that describe the position, force, and direction of the object.

Learning Targets:

8.Convert situational phenomena into ticker-tape graphs, distance v time graphs, and velocity v time graphs and vice versa. 

Q3W4 (1/27): Go over study guide, review

Tues: TC on PS2.3

Wed: Begin PS2.5 (Newton’s 3^rd law)

Thurs: Newton’s 3^rd Law

Fri: PS2.5 Study guide do and go over SG

Q3W5 (2/3): PS2.5 TC

Tues-Wed: Review PS2.1-PS2.5

Thurs: Unit Test over PS2.1-PS2.5

Fri: Begin Waves

Q3W6-Q3W7: Waves

Q3W8: The universe and gravity

Q3W9: Finalize and give cumulative test.

Spring Break: March 16-20