Image from NASA

This image shows the earth from space on the solstices and equinoxes in 2011. Don't be fooled in the equinox pics! Even though the light is hitting the earth evenly, the earth is still spinning on its axis at 23.5 degrees from the perpendicular!

Video Clips for Seasons and a Cool Time Lapse Video

Please check out these videos and jot down a couple notes/questions on a sheet of looseleaf notebook paper!

Click here to check out the first video

Click here to check out the next video

Check out this time lapse video of a few days with no nights!

This is a great diagram that helps to explain the seasons!

Calving of a Glacier

Short Video on Calving!

Pictures of some Glacial Features

Here are some pictures and diagrams that show features create by glaciers:

Moraine diagram

Terminal Moraine

Terminal Moraine (notice the fan shape)

Lateral and Terminal Moraine

Esker in the making!

Esker

Esker



Drumlin Field (aerial photo taken in Canada)

Drumlin (these folks decided to build their village on a drumlin!)

Weathering and Erosion Video Clips

Students in Mr. Guidetti's eighth grade science classes watched this video and completed two worksheets on Tuesday 11-29-11. Watch them in order first and review any section you wish at any time!

Introduction

Physical Weathering

Chemical Weathering

Erosion

The Ice Ages

Mass Wasting

Wind

Human's Effect

Conclusion

Periodic Tables of Elements

The following links will take you to several different Periodic Tables that show the same information but in different ways. Some include extra details about the elements and others have pictures of samples.

Periodic Table we are using in class.
Click on the elements to open a new page with facts about the element.

Periodic Table with pictures.

Periodic Table with information in different spots (use example to help you if needed).

Apple Mummy Data Form

Please click on the title above or here to link to the form to enter your data.

Engineering Design Challenge Presentation Video

This video is an example of one of the presentations that were created for the Engineering Design Challenge on Wind Energy. Thanks to Emma W. and David E. for granting my request to record and post their presentation.

Example Energy Conversion Paragraph

This paragraph is an example that students may use to help them with their Energy Conversion Paragraph homework assignment.

When I ride my bicycle, there are many energy conversions that take place, including chemical energy being converted into mechanical energy, mechanical energy being transferred into mechanical energy in different places, and mechanical energy being converted into kinetic energy. Chemical energy is converted into mechanical energy in my legs when my muscles contract and I push on the pedals. When I push down on the pedals, the mechanical energy from my legs gets transferred to the mechanical energy in the gears and the chain as they turn. The mechanical energy in the gears gets converted into kinetic energy of the bicycle as it moves. Throughout this process, there are several energy conversions and each time that happens some of the energy gets converted into heat due to friction of the chain on the gears and the tires on the road.

Energy Links Submitted By Students

Here is a comprehensive list of links contributed by students ion Team Voyager. Please note, I did not include your link if it was the same domain as any that I posted in my previous blog entry or it did not lead to an active website or specific video. So, if you don't see your name here, that means either I didn't get it or it wasn't different from those I posted myself. In addition, I lumped some together if they came from the same domain.



Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinetic_energy Connor M., Sean M., Ali A.
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/energy/u5l1b.cfm Nicole J., Mark P.
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/mmedia/energy/ce.cfm Kayleigh A.
http://www.explorit.org/science/energy.html Aimee C., Emma W. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/types-of-energy.html Evan D.
http://www.tutorvista.com/science/potential-energy-for-kids Will M.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rn470XtSYK0 Jamie I.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-vky1BhMyo Jamie R.
http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/wcee/keep/Mod1/Whatis/Intro.htm David C.
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/friction Alex H.
http://www.nmsea.org/Curriculum/Primer/forms_of_energy.htm Rohini C.
http://classroom.jc-schools.net/sci-units Kasey K.
http://energy.usgs.gov/Adam L.
http://touchstoneenergykids.com/ Matt D.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/kids/renergy.html Kelly M., Jessica G.
http://www.energy.gov/forstudentsandkids.htm Katie S., Michael R., Kevin M.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light Juliana D.
http://energyquest.ca.gov/story/index.html Kyle M., Goeffrey L., Matt R., Bailey K., Matt G., Hannah M., Margaret S.
http://library.thinkquest.org/2745/data/ke.htm Jennifer L., Katie C., Arianna M., Nick D., Matt M.
http://www.ehow.com/video_4951992_do-turn-nuclear-energy-electricity_.html Kevin K.
http://www.facts-about-solar-energy.com/pictures-of-solar-energy.html Caitriona O.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=kids.kids_index Alyssa C.
http://www.kids.esdb.bg/fungames.html Matt M.
http://www.energyhog.org/childrens.htm Matt M.
http://www.touchstoneenergykids.com/index.php Joe O.
http://www.enwin.com/kids/electricity/types_of_energy.cfm Lexi N.
http://www.kids.esdb.bg/Emma C.
http://thermalenergy.org/ Julianna O.
http://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/science/sciber00/8th/forces/sciber/potkin.htm Sarah C., Andrew H., Kevin T., Matt L., Sarah B.
http://www.topix.com/energyMatt T.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55SFc93v6YM David O.
http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/wcee/keep/Mod1/Whatis/experiments.htm John F.
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/enecon.html Jesse A.
http://tiki.oneworld.net/energy/energy.html Jessica O., Symantha B., Samantha O., Annie R.
http://www.physics4kids.com/files/motion_energy.htmlSam M.
http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/sci/A0857979.html Ryaan M.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/energy George G.
http://www.kidsknowit.com/educational-songs/play-educational-song.php?song=Kinetic%20And%20Potential%20Energy Julia H.
http://www.cstephenmurray.com/onlinequizes/physics/workandenergy/kineticvspotentialenergy.htmIvy C.
http://www.darvill.clara.net/altenerg/index.htm Geoffrey L.
http://www.differencebetween.net/science/difference-between-kinetic-energy-and-potential-energy/ Sabrina C.
http://www.kidsenergy.ca/english/index.cfm Catherine G.
http://www.ftexploring.com/energy/enrg-types.htm Joe R.

Energy

Here are a few links that students can use to help them better understand the abstract concept of energy!

Energy In-Depth has some nice basic explanations and examples of energy.

U.S. Energy Information Administration has some nice energy basics and examples and explanationsof the forms of energy.

I also found this fun little interactive demonstration that may help kids to understand energy conversion in a system.

Presentation Guidelines Posted on Edline

Click here to take you to Edline to access the Presentation Guidelines!

Some pics from Engineering Design Challenge

Here are a few pictures from the design challenge in which students on Team Voyager are taking part.

Wind Power Projections

Check out this latest study from EERE News!

Wind Turbine Construction "Tips"

Click the link for some info about wind turbine construction. This is information that was contributed to a wiki for science olympiad by students competing in the event last year.

Engineering Design Process vs. Scientific Method

In this, our first Blog comment assignment, I would like you to compare and contrast the two processes shown below. One we've learned about and the other you explored in elementary school but will take to the next level here in middle school. You should write your response in a comment by clicking on Comments at the end of the blog post. Your comment should be in paragraph form. You should include at least one similarity and one difference in your paragraph. Be sure to sign your comment with your first name and initial of last name (ex. John S.). You will need to choose the Name/URL profile from the dropdown menu to send your comment. You only need to fill in the name part and can leave the URL blank. Use the same system (John S.) for your name. I will review your comment and then post it for all to see so be sure to do your best and try and respond to the prompt.

Karl Fisch Blog Post on What Students Should Know And Be Able To Do

I read this blog post from Karl Fisch yesterday and thought that I'd share it with anyone interested (is there anyone reading my blog?)

Ooh, just found this one as well from Will Richardson on Better Learning or Better Learners!

Upcoming Engineering Design Challenge

With the tragic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico this past Spring, I thought it was time that my students get their hands dirty and learn about alternative energy sources. Throughout the upcoming design challenge, we will be learning about energy conversion, forces, properties of matter, the engineering design process, and material selection. Each team of students will be designing their own wind turbine which will be tested to determine the maximum sustained voltage output.

I am not quite sure how long this challenge will take as it is a new one for me but each team will create their own presentation (powerpoint, video, photostory with voice over, etc) to demonstrate their understanding of the basics of wind-turbine design and energy production including, I hope, the pros and cons of this type of energy.

If you click the link (title of post) you will be taken to a Science Olympiad web page. I am using this model for our own design challenge.

Scientific Method

Check out this page for tips on using the scientific method!

First Day of School Video

Here's the first day of school video that many of you saw at Back-to-School Night!

If you'd like a copy, I think that can be arranged! Just e-mail me at pguidetti@reading.k12.ma.us