These particles need to stand in line!

Wow, that is a really long line. And standing in line is really tough. But I guess if you are waiting to get into an awesome party it could be worth it.

Anyway, tonight's assignment is to write a story describing sugar particles' experience at an H2O party. You will need to decide which kind of sugar it is (powdered, granulated, or cubed). Also, keep in mind that the story should be metaphor for the experiments we conducted last week. So for example, when the sugar has to wait in the long line outside of the party, it could represent the time before we place the sugar (solute) into the water (solvent). The sugar going around and meeting H2O at the party can be a way of showing what happens when we agitate the solution. And if a LOT of sugar comes by later and they are not allowed in the party this could show that the solution is now saturated, so no more solute can dissolve into the solvent.

Whatever you decide, be creative and have fun! But make sure it is factually accurate. Keep in mind that this is a first draft, so it doesn't have to be perfect. (1/2 page - 2 pages)

It all gets soooo compounded!

Insects like this robber fly have what is known as compound eyes! Weird...

Anyway, tonight's assignment is to explain what a compound is using your own words. (1 paragraph)

Time for some real solutions!

Tonight's assignment:


Explain why solute added to a saturated solution will not dissolve (at least 1/2 page).


Before you can get into a discussion on saturated solutions, you must first explain what a solution is. Be sure to describe the 2 components that make up a solution and explain the ways in which a solution can form (what are the particles doing?) Remember to back up your statements with evidence and provide real life examples. Once you've firmly established what a solution is you will need to explain why a saturated solution is different than a regular solution (unsaturated solution).

Winter Break!

She's back! Young Bill's mom is denouncing Kool Aid once again! And once again you have some homework to complete. The assignments due Monday Feb. 22nd are the following:

Assignment #1 - Lab Report The lab report guidelines are detailed in a pdf file located here. You can download it and use it to help you with your lab report. It tells you what your report needs to include and also gives a few suggestions (like concepts or terms you may want to define).

Assignment #2 - Scientific Photo You are responsible for recreating the above photo of Young Bill's mother giving a 'thumbs-down' to Kool Aid. Of course, you don't have to choose Kool Aid. You can give a thumbs-down to one of Naje's quizzes, or to the San Diego Chargers, or whatever you think deserves a thumbs-down. Remember that this is a scientific study which means observation is key. So the more details you can recreate the better. If you can take the photo in front of a window, great. Or if you can wear a shirt similar to the one Young Bill's mom has on, even better. If you can find a pair of those glasses that would be absolutely awesome. Do your best and have fun with it.

If you have any questions regarding either of these two assignments, feel free to email me.  Enjoy the rest of the break!

What Just Happened?

Based on the data you've collected... Explain how surface area, temperature, and agitation effect the rate at which sugar dissolves. Why do you think it is so? Explain what is happening to the particles. (1/2 page)

KOOL AID FAIL!

Young Bill's mom doesn't approve of Orange Kool Aid!

Unfortunately, Naje never quite figured out how to make that tasty Kool Aid. He either put too much or too little or just plain forgot to stir it! One thing Naje did figure out is how to torment 7th grade SOF students with more and more homework...Oh Yeah!!! Here's tonight's assignment:

Bring in a list of at least 5 solutions. Explain what they are, where you can find them, and how they are used. What makes them solutions and not heterogenous mixtures? Can this change? (Each solution listed should have 3 sentences of explanation/description).


Note: Wednesday night's homework was the same assignment using mixtures instead of solutions.

Substantial evidence!

Einstein received some poor grades on his progress report and decided to try this little technique to remind himself to do better in the second semester, but anyway, I digress...

Tonight's homework was to come up with original definitions for the following terms:

 - element
 - substance
 - compound
 - mixture
 - solution

Happy New Unit!

Hi guys, sorry for the late post. The homework assignment was a triple play:

Assignment #1: clear out your binders (except for the last 9 days). take everything out of there except for physical and chemical change. Solids, liquids and gases can go. Mass, volume and density too! Time to trim that binder down!

Assignment #2: make three scientific observations. write a paragraph about them. what were they? when did they occur? were you able to find a solution to your problem?

Assignment #3: find 3 ways to achieve awesomeness. let us know how you did it?