Geologic Time Project

Today we began work on our geologic time brochure or poster project.
- We chose time periods to research
- Discussed the various eons, eras, and periods that exist in Earth's history
- Began researching our time periods.

Due Dates
A2: Tuesday, December 2
B6: Wednesday, December 3

Homework:
Read Lucky Strike Article and answer questions on reading review

Radioactive Decay

Today in class we discussed:
- Radioactive elements
- Use of radioactive elements in determining the absolute age of rocks
- What is a half-life?
- The role of Potassium 40 and Carbon 14 in dating rocks and fossils.

Worked on Radiometric Dating Activity

Homework due Wednesday/Thursday
Finish lab and study for quiz on geologic time

B6:Stratigraphy

Today in class we:
Discussed the role of unconformities in reading the rock record
Discussed the role of fossils and index fossils in reading the rock record

Worked on stratigraphy activity (due at end of class)

Due Tuesday:
Finish Skills Lab on pg 122: Analyze and Conclude and More to Explore

A2: Relative and Absolute Time

Do Now:
Define relative and absolute time. Give an example of each

Today in class we:
Discussed the difference between relative and absolute time
Discussed how sedimentary rocks, igneous rocks, and faults can tell us about events in Earth's history
Worked on "This is your life" Sequencing Activity

Homework due Thursday:
Read Section 2 pg 117-121, answer questions 1-3 on pg 121
Finish Sequencing activity worksheet

Rock Unit Review

B6: Today in class we reviewed for Rock Unit Test (see sidebar for copy of review sheet)
- Completed rock cycle lab (if not handed in today, due Friday)
- Worked on rock identification lab


Due Friday:
Study for Rock Unit Test - Study session on Friday morning @ 7:20 in Rm 411

Rock Cycle

Do Now: Do rocks change over time? What influences if and when rocks change?

Today in class we:
- Reviewed igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks
- Discussed the rock cycle and introduced some new vocabulary:

• Crystallization
• Weathering
  
• Erosion
• Contact and Regional Metamorphism
• Uplift

- Drew rock cycle diagrams
- Worked on rock cycle worksheet

Homework due Monday:
Questions 1-7 on rock cycle worksheet

Review Quiz / Metamorphic Rocks

Today in class we:
Reviewed the concepts covered in the quiz: igneous and sedimentary rocks
Began discussion of metamorphic rocks

Sedimentary Rocks

Do Now:
Do rocks change over time?
What causes rocks to change?

Today in class we:
Discussed classification of sedimentary rocks

• Clastic, Organic, Chemical
• Coarse, Medium, Fine grained

Discussed lithification of sedimentary rocks

Homework:
Read section 5.3 and answer review questions

Igneous Rocks

Do Now:
What are the three ways in which rocks are classified?
Where are felsic rocks formed?
Where are mafic rocks formed?
What is the difference in environment between where coarse grained and fine grained rocks form?

Today in class we:
Discussed types of igneous rocks: Granite, Gabbro, Rhyolite, Basalt, Pumice, and Obsidian
Worked on Rocks of Earth's Crust worksheet

Homework:
Read Chapter 5 Section 2, complete section 2 assessment as well as Math Analysis

Rock Unit

Do Now:
How are rocks and minerals related? Make a list of all rocks you know

Today in class we:
Discussed classification of rocks, classes of rocks: Igneous, Metamorphic, Sedimentary
Discussed Igneous Rocks: Intrusive vs. Extrusive, Felsic vs. Mafic, Fine grained vs. Coarse grained

Homework:
Read Chapter 5, Section 1 Answer questions 1 and 2 of Section 1 Review

Diamond Deception

Today in class we watched the NOVA production Diamond Deception

Homework: due Monday/Tuesday
Students are to write a movie reflection that address the following aspects of the movie
- Typed 1.5-2 pages in length
- Summarize the science presented in the movie
- Summarize the social and environmental impacts presented in the movie
- Address your thoughts and opinions of the issues presented in the movie

Mineral Identification Lab

Today in class we:
Reviewed Mineral quiz
Began work on Mineral Identification Lab

Homework (optional)
Turn in typed corrections to the quiz by Tuesday (A2)/Wednesday (B6) for additional credit

Introduction to Minerals

Do Now:
Describe two reasons why color is not a good indicator of a mineral's identify? Name two other tests that might help you identify a mineral

Today in class we discussed:
- Hardness of minerals
- Moh's scale of hardness
- Cleavage and Fracture


Homework:
Study the chemistry of minerals and intro to minerals notesheets in preparation for next class quiz

Introduction to Minerals

Do Now:
Limonite has the chemical formula Fe2O3H2O, what elements compose this minerals and how many of each type are there?

Today in class we discussed:
- Five common properties that all minerals share
- Three tests that help us identify minerals: color, luster, and streak


Homework:
Read Chapter 4, Section 1 and complete the review at the end of the section

Chemistry of Minerals

Do Now:
List minerals that you know

Today in class we began our discussion of minerals by:
- Discussing the atomic structure of elements
- Identifying elements on the periodic table
- Working on Mineral Madness worksheet


Homework:
Complete any unfinished work on Mineral Madness worksheet

8/27: A2- Today in class we completed the metric system lab measuring volume, mass, and density

8/28: B6-Today in class we retook the Mapping Earth's Surface test

8/25: A2 Class
Today in class we:
- Returned and reviewed Map Tests
- Started Volume, Mass, and Density Lab

8/26: B6 Class
Today in class we:
- Returned and reviewed Map Tests
- Reviewed material for mandatory retake on Thursday

Find review materials for map unit on sidebar

Quiz Day

Today in class we took our Chapter 1 quiz on landforms, topographic map and compass use, and world maps.

Homework: Think about doing a science fair project! Although it is optional, it can boost your semester test grade by up to 50%! Bring three science fair ideas to class on Monday when Ms. Virkus returns.

Quiz Review

Today in class the students reviewed for the upcoming Chapter 1 quiz. We went over the relevant material covered in Sections 1-1, 1-2, and 1-4 of the textbook, and practiced our topographic map and compass skills. The material on the quiz is from the following three areas:

Maps and Landforms
Models of Earth and Geographic Location
Using Topographic Maps

Homework: Study for the quiz!

Map and Compass Exercises

Today in class the students learned the different parts of a Brunton compass, and how to use one to take and follow bearings. We also used our compasses and maps together to plan a route of travel. At the end of class the students contoured a given landscape. Note: B6 students will do this map and compass exercise on Monday because of the Admission Day holiday.

Homework (A2 class only): Review Chapter 1 and come to class with questions for the review session. B6 class should hand in their self-made topographic map exercises on Monday.

All about topographic maps

Today in class we learned that topographic maps show features on the earth's surface. We then proceeded to examine the Hilo Quadrangle in great detail, and learn all the information that can be found on a topographic map.

Homework: Construct your own topographic map using the instructions and map you were given in class. Due 8/12 for the A2 class, 8/18 for the B6 class.

Globes and Maps, Latitude and Longitude

Today in class we discussed similarities and differences between maps and globes. We also learned all about lines of latitude and longitude, and how we use them to find locations on the earth. By the end of class, the students were able to find places on earth if given the proper coordinates, and also write the coordinates of a variety of locations chosen at random.

Homework: Read section 1-4 in your textbooks, and be ready to work with topographic maps for next class.

Landforms

Today in class we discussed terms like topography, elevation, and relief. We also went over the main types of landforms (mountains, plains and plateaus), where they are typically found in the United States, and looked at slides of landforms in Hawaii and all over the world. We finished up class with some review of the metric system.

Homework: Read section 1-2 in your text, and be ready to discuss the section assessment questions for Wednesday. Complete the Metric Mania handout if you haven't already.

Syllabus, Class Letter, Cover Books

Aloha students and parents, and welcome to 8th Grade Earth Science! Today in class we all got to know each other and reviewed the syllabus and class rules. We also gave out textbooks, reviewed the basics of the Scientific Method, and began learning how to read a topographic map of the Big Island.

Homework: Over the weekend, parents and students should both read and sign the letter that was distributed in class today. Also, check the syllabus and make sure that you have all the binder and divider materials required for this class. In addition, you need to put a cover on your book over the weekend. This is your first homework grade and should be an easy way to earn a few points! Finally, remember to read Section 1 of Chapter 1 in your textbooks and be ready to discuss the "section assessment" at the end of the section on Monday (or Tuesday if your class meets then).
Mahalo,
Mr. Eric Haskins (substitute for Ms. Virkus until August 25)

Welcome Back Students

Welcome Cardinals to the 2008-2009 School Year.
Check the sidebar for syllabus and introduction letter.

Review Volcanoes

Do Now:
List 3 volcanoes you learned about from last weeks presentations. Include three characteristics of each volcano you learned about.

Today in class we:
Reviewed volcano material which included:
- Factors which affect whether a volcano has a quiet or violent eruption: Viscosity and Silica Content
- Life stages of a volcano: Active, Dormant, and Extinct
- Types of Volcanic features: Shield volcanoes, Cinder Cone volcanoes, Strato or Composite volcanoes

Due Wednesday:
Volcano Review in preparation for volcano quiz on Wednesday

Volcano Project Presentations

Today in class we heard a variety of presentations on Volcanoes of the World which included volcanoes such as:
Mnt Etna
Mnt Vesuvius
Mnt Fuji
Mnt Kilauea
Mnt St Helens
Mnt Pinatubo
Mnt Krakatau
And much more!

Volcano Project

Do Now:
Draw the anatomy of a volcano, label and define the following parts: magma chamber, crater, vent, pipe

Today in class students had the opportunity to work in their groups on their Volcanoes of the World Projects

- Projects are due and will be presented on Tuesday, April 22nd
- See sidebar for links to project outline

Viscosity

Today in class we:
Discussed the property of viscosity and its importance in volcanic activity
Participated in viscosity lab (see sidebar for download)

For Thursday:
Come to class prepared to do research for your volcano project

Welcome Back Students

Today in class we:
- Reviewed earthquake quizzes
- Began discussion on volcanoes: Volcanoes related to plate boundaries, hot spot volcanoes, magma vs lava

Homework:
Earthquake quiz corrections due Thursday, typed and stapled to quiz

1st period: come with prepared answers for your video conferencing questions, also have questions prepared for the Maine students

Earthquake Quiz

Today in class we:
Took a quiz on the Earthquake Unit


Happy Spring Break! Have fun and be safe, I'll see you back for 4th quarter!

Earthquake Shake Lab!

Today in class students competed in a building contest to see who could build the most earthquake resistant building. Buildings were put to the test on Ms. Virkus' Shake Table. Students constructed very unique and creative buildings and had various degrees of success when faced with the BIG ONE!


Homework due Friday
Complete the post lab for earthquake lab
Study and finish review sheet for earthquake quiz

Locating Earthquakes

Today in class we:
Discussed how seismographs can teach us about the magnitude of the Earthquake and our distance from its epicenter.
Discussed and practiced using triangulation technique to locate an Earthquake's epicenter using 3 data sets from seismographs
Began work on Earthquake Shake Lab

Homework:
due Wednesday: You and your group should have a drawing of your earthquake resistant building completed and ready to build
due Friday: Earthquake Review Sheet (see sidebar for downloadable copy)

Faults and Seismic Waves

Do Now:

Name three types of faults and describe how they move.

Today in class we:

- Discussed three main types of faults: Normal, Reverse, and Strike-Slip 

- Demonstrated how seismic waves move and reviewed types of seismic waves: body wave- p and s waves and surface waves- love and rayleigh waves

- Worked on fault movement lab

Earthquake Webquest

2/28:
Today in class we:
Began work on Earthquake webquest in computer lab (see sidebar to download copy of webquest)

2/29:
Today in class we:
Reviewed plate tectonic test
Finished earthquake webquest and turn in

Homework due Tuesday:
- Typed test corrections
- construct fault blocks

Earthquakes

Today in class we:
- Began the chapter on Earthquake
- Discussed the force of stress and 3 types of stress: tension, compression, shearing

- Finish watching "The Core"

Homework due Thursday:
Read pg 44-47 2.1 Stress and Faults
Complete questions 1 and 2 all on pg 50

Plate Tectonic Test

Today in class we took the Plate Tectonic Test

Note:
Friday we will be viewing the movie "THE CORE", students are invited to bring in snacks to share with the class during this period.

Plate Tectonics

Today in class we discussed:

Convergent and transform plate boundaries
Reviewed for test
Worked on plate tectonic map

Homework:
Study for test on Wednesday

Seafloor Spreading and Plate Tectonics

Do Now:
List and describe three pieces of evidence used to support Hess's theory of seafloor spreading.

Today in class:
-We concluded our discussion of seafloor spreading, and began talking about plates, and plate tectonics
- Watched video on continental drift and plate tectonics
- Began plotting earthquakes and volcanoes activity

Homework: due Friday
Plate Tectonics Chapter review packet (see sidebar to download)

Seafloor Spreading

Today in class we:
Reviewed seafloor spreading homework
Took mini-quiz on continental drift
Finished Do the Pieces Fit? Activity
Discussed the evidence used to support the ideas of seafloor spreading

Homework due Monday
Magnetic stripes worksheet

Seafloor Spreading

Do Now:
Define continental drift
Describe 3 forms of evidence used to support the theory of continental drift

Today in class we:
Reviewed homework and ideas of continental drift
Discussed the topography of the ocean floor: continental shelf, abyssal plain, ocean ridges, rifts
Discussed technology that lead to idea of seafloor spreading
Identified the theory of seafloor spreading

Homework due Thursday:
- Do the Pieces Fit? activity
- Seafloor spreading worksheet
- Study for mini quiz on Thursday: will cover heat transfer, continental drift, and ocean floor topography

Alfred Wegner's Continental Drift

Today in class we:
Discussed scientist Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift and the evidence used for the theory such as: congruent landforms, fossils, and climate.

We worked in small groups on continental drift activity

Homework:
The Curious Case of the Mesosaurus worksheet

Plasticity of the Mantle Lab

DO Now:
From memory:
1. Define convection current
2. Draw a convection current and label the points of highest temperature, highest density, lowest temperature, and lowest density.

Today in class we:
Reviewed convection currents
Worked on Plasticity of the Mantle Lab

Homework due by end of class Thursday:
Lab write up on separate paper:
1. Title for the Lab
2. Purpose statement for the lab
3. Description of the lab procedure
4. Written obervations (#1-4)
5. Written conclusions (#1-3)

Heat Transfer in the Earth's Mantle

DO Now:
Brainstorm ways in which heat moves.

Today in class we:
Discussed three types of heat transfer: radiation, conduction,and convection
Discussed how convection currents move through the mantle of the Earth

Homework due Wednesday:
Convection currents worksheet

Earth's Interior Quiz

Earth's Interior

Do Now: Describe two characteristics of each layer of Earth's interior.

Today in class we:
Discussed the characteristics of Earth's interior from crust to core

Homework:
Seismic Wave Worksheet due Wednesday
Study for quiz on Wednesday

Earth's Interior Poster Projects

Today in class we:
- worked on completing our Earth's interior poster projects
- all completed work due Friday

Evidence for Earth's Interior

Do Now: List the three main layers of Earth's interior. Describe one characteristic of each layer.

Today in class we:
- Discussed two forms of evidence geologists have about Earth's interior: rock samples and seismic waves.
- Discussed how both temperature and pressure change as you move through the layers of Earth's interior.

Homework due Wednesday:
pg 12 Math Analysis 1-4

Extra Credit:
1. Bring in a food donation to share with the judges of Thursday's science fair. Items might include juice, fruit, pastries, and snack items (5pts)
2. Attend Wednesday's science fair open house. Find three projects that interest you, type a one page summary of the three projects that answer the following questions (10pts):
- summarize the purpose of each project
- briefly describe how the experimenter tested their hypothesis
- give your thoughts and opinions about each project