The Think Tank

Newton's Three Laws

2010-12-15T09:38:00.002-05:00

In your own words, describe Newton's Three Laws of motion with your own "real world examples." Make sure you have ONE example for each law.

Movin' Around

2010-12-10T13:06:00.003-05:00

What is motion? In your own words in a one-paragraph response 6-8 sentences

Reflections on 1st Term Exhibitions Projects

2010-12-03T08:55:00.003-05:00

Time to reflect! Were you graded fairly today? Would you have given yourself a different grade in one or more categories?
(Use AEE)
One paragraph.

Elements in Our House?!?

2010-11-29T08:38:00.004-05:00

Post at least ten(10) items from your kitchen, bathroom, cleaning closet, etc, and the elements that are listed in the Table of Ingredients. How to do this? Here's an example...

This is a Table of Ingredients in a brand of deodorant (I don't use this brand :P). I'm looking at it and my Periodic Table of Elements (handed out in class) and I'm looking to see if anything matches up with my Table. I see that Magnesium is present in this product, so I would list this as DawnMist deodorant - Magnesium.

Happy Holidays :)

2010-11-23T15:14:00.000-05:00

(...I'll be doing alot of this during the break, ha!)

After enjoying your holidays, curl up with some hot cocoa (me some DDs, lol) and watch an science-related show like Mythbusters, Future Weapons, Deadliest Warriors, or even CSI. Then write a one paragraph response, and include a picture if you can! Or research a favorite topic and write a brief summary of your research like how it can rain and it's sunny outside? It's up to you!

...AND REMEMBER, don't copy and paste info, use your own words!

Love ya'll
Mr.B

7th grade Digital Journal

2010-10-29T14:07:00.003-04:00

Soooo how are you going to present your digital journal? Comic Life, PowerPoint, or Keynote (my fav!) Using AEE, answer this open response, one paragraph

8th Grade Learning Goals

2010-10-27T11:46:00.003-04:00

Soooo, how's it going? How are YOU going to present your Learning Goals Project? One paragraph explain why you made your choice, PowerPoint presentation, Comic Life, or any other project.

Your Three Choices Are....

2010-10-21T08:16:00.002-04:00

After complete the high school survey on our website, tell everyone your three matches for high schools and explain how these matches reflect the type of student/person you are. Please use the AEE format to answer this blog response. Have a great day!

Can we all be friends o_O ?

2010-10-15T14:49:00.000-04:00

What is your definition of a "real friend." Use AEE to answer this question. One paragraph.

The Grand Canyon, yeaaahhh!

2010-10-08T12:34:00.002-04:00

Sooooooo, in your most descriptive voice, please write a detail description of this scene from the Grand Canyon. Imagine you were there and the things you would do, get creative with your story! One paragraph

Yeaaa, it's story time!

2010-10-04T08:50:00.003-04:00

Soooo, you've wrote your "moon myth" (first draft, ha!) and your just about ready to start the PowerPoint and present to your classmates. But.... a story is only good as the person you are reading it to. Soooooo, read your "moon myth" to a younger person and write how did they receive the story. Did they enjoy the story? Did they "get it" as in get what your "moon myth" was trying to explain about the moon (process or feature)? Finally, if they didn't like it, what could you improve with your story so it can be a hit when you finally present it to your classmates?

ONE PARAGRAPH (or more for extra credit :p )

Gadget Mania!!!!!

2010-06-08T09:55:00.003-04:00

Using your supreme skills of using the Internet and research a piece of new technology that can help either you or a family member. This can be anything , cellphone, new program for a computer, green-car, etc (not this helicopter, something is definitely wrong :P )

Then write a two-paragraph summary of the product's functions and why it is beneficial to you and/or your family. Happy hunting, find something cool :) !

Mr. B

BCW for 6/8/10

2010-06-08T09:46:00.002-04:00

In a full paragraph (6-8 sentences) Answer the following prompt...

What is your definition of reading? What was your first memory of reading, or your first memory of you learning how to read?

What Happened? (Results from experiments)

2010-05-05T13:21:00.003-04:00

WHat happened when you conducted your experiment? Give us all the juicy details! Include data and pics, too!

“How are you going to test it?” Procedures!!!

2010-03-28T11:55:00.005-04:00

Using your approved Science Fair project, post your Plan of Action (POA) on how you/your group will prove your hypothesis (educated guess). Be sure to include ALL of the materials you/your group will be using and the step-by-step procedures for your experiment.

Science Fair Check-in and Questions (cause I know you have some, :p)

2010-03-10T13:18:00.003-05:00

What going on? How's it going? Tell us about your progress with Science Fair. What have you done and what do you need help with, specifically. This blog is a FYI, so I'll be responding to those who post questions, thanks!

Harvard Medical School Contest!!!

2010-02-11T10:13:00.002-05:00

So, we have been working on your excellent projects for the Reflections and Action contest @ Harvard Medical School for about 3 weeks! How's it going? What topic your group will be entering? How will you present it? Let us know so we can help!

What is an Ecosystem?

2010-01-19T11:47:00.003-05:00

What is an Ecosystem?

An ecosystem consists of a dynamic set of living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) all interacting among themselves and with the environment in which they live (soil, climate, water, and light).

An ecosystem does not have exact boundaries—it can be as small as a pond or a dead tree, or as large as the Earth itself.

Explore the Web sites below to discover more about the many and varied ecosystems on Earth.

The Missouri Botanical Gardens has a great Web site with lots of information and great pictures!

The Planet is an extensive (and fun) site that goes into ecosystems and many other things. Be sure to check it out.

This ThinkQuest site offers lots of information about the biomes on Earth.

After reviewing the Web pages, complete the following activity in your notebook.

Identify an ecosystem with which you are familiar (small is good!).
List as many biotic (living) components as you can that live in, or affect, your ecosystem.
List as many abiotic (non-living) components as you can that affect this ecosystem.
Remove one item from each list. Write a paragraph about how these changes will affect this ecosystem.
Collect pictures for you favorite ecosystem and save them to a folder on your laptop.

Important issues in environment, health, and energy

2010-01-14T12:04:00.003-05:00

Global warming, all different types of cancer, gas prices going up with supplies going down. This is the world we live in and we need to find solutions to the major issues in the environment, health, and energy.

So...Using the powerful search engine (your brain!) post at least three major issues for each of the main topic being discussed in Science News today: the environment, health, and energy. Be sure to explain why this is a major issue in each of the main topics listed above.

Example would be: Global warming is a major issue in the environment because it's causing plants we eat to die.

Happy Holidays :)

2009-12-23T13:16:00.006-05:00

Layers of the Earth

2009-12-08T08:52:00.003-05:00

From today activity with JFYSci, post one thing you learned about the layers of the Earth, and how scientists determine the amount of layers the Earth has. One paragraph with an example!

So what we need to know?

2009-12-04T11:20:00.000-05:00

Now, you have your problem statement , it’s time to get background information on your problem statement. Here are some examples of areas of research with example problem statements.

• What is the best way to grow plants in my house?
o Area to research: Plants/how they grow what do they need to grow.

• How can I have a more “awake” morning?
o Area to research: Sleep in humans, the reasons why we sleep

• How can I effectively get rid of odors in my house?
o Area to research: Odors and their causes

Write what areas of research will you/partner will be exploring?

Do we have a problem, huh?

2009-11-30T10:30:00.002-05:00

Write three reasons why you are working independently or with the partner you chose.

Love is committing yourself in writing, so be sure it's a topic and a person you "love" to work with cause once it's posted, you've "committed yourself" in writing to the WORLD (cause this is the internet, duh!)

Science Fair, yeaaahhh!

2009-11-18T13:42:00.000-05:00

Once again Science Fair season is upon us, and it's time for us to brainstorm about possible topics for the wonderful projects ya'll have in mind. Soooo, please post at least three possible Science Fair topics and why you would be interested.

SCIENCE FAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I'm excited, can you tell :p )

Term 1 thoughts...

2009-11-06T14:06:00.000-05:00

Ahh, first term is over! What was one of your most memorable activities here in Science class and why? One paragraph.

JFYSci

2009-11-06T13:14:00.000-05:00

Hi all, how's it going? We have a new program called JFYSci and you worked with it this week, sooo how was it? What did you like? What needs improvement? One paragraph.

Yeeeaaaaaa, it's story time!

2009-10-10T12:06:00.001-04:00

What happened to the dinosaurs?

2009-04-28T11:31:00.000-04:00

Scientists have developed many hypotheses about what killed the dinosaurs. One idea whose thread follows several of these hypotheses is that dinosaurs were unable to adapt fast enough to the changes in their environment and became extinct. Go to the Web site "What Killed the Dinosaurs?" to explore these ideas. Identify the two hypotheses that you feel are most believable. Explain how these events change the dinosaurs' ecosystem.

Science in the Now!!

2009-04-18T14:52:00.000-04:00

Hello fellow science enthusiasts ($5.00 word up for grabs), during the April vacation, watch a science related show and write a review highlighting the main theme of the show and one exciting moment of that program. I'll also blog one of mines, too! Enjoy the break!

Mr B

Limiting Factors (MIT)

2009-04-17T13:01:00.001-04:00

Reflective questions might include:
-What were the limiting factors in the snake pit ecosystem?
-Which factors were caused by humans and which were natural events?
-Complete a food web for the pond and identify other species that are likely to
be affected by the loss of the snakes.
-Should the community do something to protect the snakes? Why and if so, what?

Limiting Factors

2009-04-16T13:32:00.001-04:00

Reflective questions might include:
-What were the limiting factors in the pond ecosystem?
-Which factors were caused by humans and which were natural events?
-Complete a food web for the pond and identify other species that are likely to
be affected by the loss of the frogs.
-Should the community do something to protect the frogs? Why and if so, what?

Plan of Action

2008-12-15T12:17:00.000-05:00

Now with your research out the way, it time to plan out your experiment, yea!!!

How to do this???? You have your problem statement, it time for you to make an educated guess or hypothesis. This is based off of your research and prior knowledge. Here are some examples of problem statements and the hypotheses(plural form) to go with them.

• What is the best way to grow plants in my house?
o Hypothesis: The best way to grow plants in my house would be near my bedroom window with plenty of water and plant food.

• How can I have a more “awake” morning?
o Hypothesis: I can have a more “awake” morning by eating a healthy breakfast before I come to school.

• How can I effectively get rid of odors in my house?
o Hypothesis: I can effectively get rid of odors in my house by spraying Lysol near the areas with the most odor.

Now you/parnter enter your information from your Hypothesis and POA worksheet.

So what do We need to know?

2008-12-04T08:54:00.000-05:00

So what's the problem again?

2008-11-23T18:36:00.000-05:00

Using your Problem Statement worksheet, write in your problem and then your problem statement.

Also using your homework (or in class), write three reasons why you are working independently or with the partner you chose.

Yeahhhh!!!!! Science Fair!!!!!

Science Fair (yeaaa!!)

2008-11-16T17:38:00.000-05:00

Review Science Fair topic sheet and blog to this question...

“What do all of these Science Fair topics have in common? What is the main goal of all these topics?”

Answer by using one of the Science Fair topic as an example to support your inference.

Quote to remember by...

2008-05-05T12:04:00.000-04:00

This week's blog is very simple. Look at last week's blog "Words are powerful" and pick a qoute that best represents peace and briefly explain why you choose this quote in complete sentences. The quotes will be used for the flowering pots for our project "Plants for Peace." You may add a different quote if you can find a better one.

Words are powerful...

2008-04-28T11:52:00.000-04:00

What do we remember the most about famous people after they have passed away? Their words and their actions. We remember Malcolm X for his words about black equality and the protests/marches he led to support these words. Dr. King was remembered for his sermons on non-violence and led marches around the country in the same way. We can also remember loved ones that have passed away and we still remember their words of wisdom, too.

This week's blog is very simple, write a inspirational quote about peace. You may use the Internet to search, use one of your own or from a loved one. Be sure to write down the name of whom the quote is coming from, so they can be properly recognized for their words.

These quotes will be used in our Science Fair project, Plants for Peace.

It's what you do that counts...

2008-04-14T11:36:00.000-04:00

We all know someone who has passed away suddenly due to the violence in our neighborhood. Our Science Fair Project is geared toward those who have passed away, and to also raise awareness of a need to stop the violence around us (See blog entry "This is for the neighborhood"). Some were innocents, and other were part of the problem. But what about the ones that died and was part of the violence, should they be honored, too?

So, what do you think? Should we gear our project towards the innocents, the ones not involved in the violence or to everyone, regardless of the background of the indivdual that was killed? Is there another way of addressing this problem?

This is for the neighborhood...

2008-04-07T11:23:00.000-04:00

Read this objective for our major Science fair project:

Objective: SWBAT create a memorial site for all of this year’s victims of violence through acquiring a greenspace from the city, schedule days for clean up, research appropriate plant life for the greenspace, prepare soil for research plants, and planning a celebration for the opening of this memorial site.

SO...what do U think? Is this a good idea? Is there another way of presenting this project? Where should we start first?

This is a all-out bulliten!!!!

2008-03-24T10:34:00.000-04:00

The purpose of Science is to aid and improve the lives of mankind. SO, this year's Science Fair will have a theme, a problem that is immediate threat to our community. Lack of new parks and greenspaces (areas with trees and plants), illegal dumping in abandon lots, garbage littering our streets, violence, abandon pets, lack of street cleaning, housing, access to the Internet, all of these and more are issues that affect us in one way or the other.

SO, what do you think? What are some problems our community is facing that our Science Fair can help develop a solution? Identify the problem and how we can as a Science class can solve it. IT'S OUR COMMUNITY AND WE HAVE THE SOLUTIONS!!!!

It's in the water...

2008-03-10T11:10:00.000-04:00

A large amount of pharmaceuticals (prescription drugs) including antibiotics, mood stabilizers, and sex hormones have been found in 41 million American drinking water supplies. Where you may ask, from YOU!!!! After you take a pill for a headache, muscle pain, depression, ADD, etc, the "leftover" meds are flushed out of your body (via a #1 or #2). Some of that water is treated to be consumed by us as "tap water." In the current small doses present in the water supplies there are no immediate threats to humans, but during a long time period that might be a different story. Already there has been an impact to wildlife, like instances where male fish becoming "feminized" carrying yolk proteins, a process only seen in female fish. These effects, over time and with consistent exposure, can transfer to humans, too.

So...what do you think? Is this a big enough problem, where the residue (leftovers) of prescription drugs are present in our drinking water supply, for the general public to be aware of? Or would it be simple "overreacting" and would cause alot of unnecessary worrying for the people?

In the not too distance future...

2008-03-03T10:31:00.000-05:00

For years, experts have been saying that the world will soon run out of crude oil, the main ingredient drives most of today's machinery.

"With the rapid decline of global oil supplies, the United States is heading for an economic crash unlike anything since the 1930s. And the collapse of the dollar will affect every nation on earth."

With this happening, the threat of a '"resource war" is possible, to the scale of a "World War III". Some people say that the Iraq war now is a "resource war" and our only interest is the oil the nation possess. But there are alternatives like bio-fuel cars that run on methane, or hydrogen-cell cars that produce instead of clouds of carbon monoxide, but containers of water. These cars also have way better gas mileage than gas-burning cars, too. These new innovations in alternative fuels come at a higher price, in comparison to regular gas-burning cars. So...what do you think? Why aren't most auto-industries turning into the direction of creating cars that use "green" fuels? Would you now buy/suggest buying "green" cars knowing that this possibility exist in the "not too distance future?"

Quote taken from
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0504-06.htm

This will cost you...

2008-02-25T09:56:00.000-05:00

In a area in the Middle East called Dubai, engineers are building man-made islands and selling them to the highest bidder, going for more than 6 million US dollars. These islands are shaped into various figures like palm trees and a map of the world. These islands, however are made of hundreds of tons of sand and rocks, which some experts say may not be able to hold up against hurricanes and tsunamis(underwater earthquakes that produce HUGE tidal waves). This is not stopping those who can afford it, where there are people on a waiting list until more island are built. If given the opportunity to own one of these islands, would you move there even with the warnings of hurricanes and tsunamis? Is this a good idea anyways, building "man-made" islands in this area? What do you think?

For more information, click here: http://guide.theemiratesnetwork.com/living/dubai/the_world_islands.php

OR

http://www.theworld.ae/

Are you going to eat that?

2008-02-11T08:30:00.001-05:00

In China, the government has for a long time imposed a law stating families are encouraged to have one child per household, or a number of children equal to their annual(yearly) income. This law was put in place due to the fact that China's "population of 65 years olds was only 66 million in 1990, and now is expected to grow 90 million by 2000, and 167 million by 2020. The population has put a tension on the limited resources of China. Many people are moving to the cities, leaving less people to farm the land, thus having less food in total for China's people." Some experts say that the United States is heading in that direction and a "population law" would help, in especially unplanned pregnancies. What do you think? Should there be a limit in how many children a couple can have, provided they have the means to take care of them? Or is this a violation of someone's right to bear children?

info provided by: http://nhs.needham.k12.ma.us/cur/kane98/kanep2/chinas1kid/dcva2.html

Green Peace

2008-02-04T05:06:00.000-05:00

A recent scientific study is stating that in urban areas where the presence of "greenspaces" (like parks, playgrounds, fields, etc) is lacking; there are more cases of violent crimes, poverty, and a overall "bad mood" of the people living in these areas. These experts say that with more "greenspaces" available, statistics like crime and vandalism will decrease. What do you think? Do you think planting trees around neighborhoods in Boston can help, or hurt?

What would you do?

2008-01-27T13:55:00.000-05:00

A famous company had created a new cleaning product that could get rid of virtually any type of stain, no matter what surface. This product, when introduced to the public, was a big success. After a while, reports started to come in saying that in some households, overuse of the product may cause breathing problems. The company stated in response to the reports "the reported effect of our product is only in 5% of the people that use the product." The company also said they will be marketing a "extra-strength" formula of the original version. Should the company take their product off the shelves until they know what is causing the breathing problems in "the 5%", or continue selling their product in its original formula?