Science

and you all thought Mega Beaver was a joke!

Mega Beaver
At 8 feet long and nearly 450 pounds, the ridge-toothed giant beaver must have dominated North American marshlands for millennia until 10,000 years ago, when it suddenly disappeared. Like its modern-day cousin, the giant beaver was a herbivore, using its pronounced teeth to slice through rough vegetation. But while the giant beaver spent much of its time in the water, it did not build dams. (Modern beavers use dams in part to create water depths around their dens as protection from predators; for much of its existence, at least, the giant beaver would not have had that concern.) Evidence of the giant beaver ranges from Florida to northern Canada.


noisyleroi on 08.30.05 @ 10:17 PM CST [link] [No Comments]

Review Sheet for a quiz on weeks 1-4

All the answers are in the assignments and handouts that you were told to store in your science binder.
The quiz will be on Wednesday September 7th.
We will do review in class on the 6th.
Enjoy! (It will be easy peasy)
ReviewWeeks1to4.doc (22k file)
noisyleroi on 08.30.05 @ 07:38 PM CST [link] [No Comments]

Draw how you ensure the survival of your offspring and your own adaptations for survival

4adaptationsdrawing2.doc (24k file)
noisyleroi on 08.28.05 @ 09:13 AM CST [link] [No Comments]

Drawthe environment and what you eat

3Adaptationsdrawings.doc (24k file)
noisyleroi on 08.28.05 @ 09:11 AM CST [link] [No Comments]

Step2: Pick your environment

2Environmentkey.doc (1631k file)
noisyleroi on 08.28.05 @ 09:06 AM CST [link] [No Comments]

Download, follow instructions to choose your organism type

1Chooseyourorganism.doc (25k file)
noisyleroi on 08.28.05 @ 08:59 AM CST [link] [No Comments]

Adaptations Assignment Week 4

Download these worksheets and follow instructions. Read this one first, this is our schedule for 8/29-9/1
Adaptationswk4.doc (24k file)
noisyleroi on 08.28.05 @ 08:48 AM CST [link] [No Comments]

Assignment 26th August: Murphy's Law Lab Write Up

Article research in class for inclusion in write up 8/26
All data and first draft notes to be stapled to final draft of write up: due 8/29
Use the example template to structure the write up.
noisyleroi on 08.26.05 @ 07:43 AM CST [link] [No Comments]

labwriteuptemplate.doc (32k file)
noisyleroi on 08.24.05 @ 08:25 PM CST [link] [No Comments]

Heed the woofs of wisdom from Chico, "the Science Dog"

noisyleroi on 08.24.05 @ 08:10 PM CST [link] [No Comments]

Lab Write up template

Do your write up in this format.
Substitute YOUR OWN words, the question, hypothesis, prediction, procedure, data, analysis and conclusions.

Don't forget to add any additional research you did and identify the variables.
noisyleroi on 08.24.05 @ 08:07 PM CST [link] [No Comments]

Desert Adaptations

Sites to assist students in researching for the upcoming desert adaptations assignment:
http://www.desertusa.com/animal.html
http://www.desertusa.com/du_plantsurv.html
http://www.stoller-eser.com/adaptations.htm
noisyleroi on 08.24.05 @ 11:50 AM CST [link] [No Comments]

Crocodile Blood Kills AIDS virus

Full story here: http://cnn.netscape.cnn.com/ns/news/story.jsp?idq=/ff/story/
0002/20050816/1034787752.htm


noisyleroi on 08.24.05 @ 06:48 AM CST [link] [No Comments]

Pillar of Wisdom

Here's the class "Pillar of Wisdom" for current Adaptations product.
Only six more to go!
If you have washer/dryer boxes, bring them to class so we can build the rest.


noisyleroi on 08.23.05 @ 08:38 PM CST [link] [No Comments]

Whiteboard Notices from the Open Night

noisyleroi on 08.23.05 @ 08:32 PM CST [link] [No Comments]

Grades So Far

I have prepared a mini progress report for assignments and class activities through August 22nd.
According to the syllabus you will recall that late work that is not excused with a late pass will receive zero points. Assignments never submitted also receive zero. Occasionally, students will not have submitted make up work or absentee assignments before the progress report is printed. Of course in these instances, the next report will reflect any adjustments to grades necessitated by the submission of such assignments.

This is only week three...please view these interim reports as:
1. A reassurance that your student is on track, consistent and assiduous in timely performance of assignments.
2. A timely reminder of the folly of being late.
3. The rewards of always striving to the best that one is capable of.
Please reinforce the desired performance, i.e. on time, on task, always trying one's best.

Note also that I won't be writing grades on assignments themselves. This is for privacy. Feedback will be written on work as required, but the actual points will be recorded and issued on these types of grade reports.

Please feel free to contact me at any time to discuss grades and progress of your student.
noisyleroi on 08.23.05 @ 05:21 PM CST [link] [No Comments]

Murphy's Law

If it can go wrong ...it will.
This aphorism is now studied at universities worldwide... The commonly experienced law of "Oh Poop!" is assigned as a research project at every major engineering college. The likelihood of one's toast falling butter side down on the new carpet has been investigated and now enshrined in mathematical terms. Check out your own SNAFU quotient here: http://www.breakingnewsblog.com/discoveries/murphys_law_calculator.php

Your students will be involved in cutting edge bioengineering research this week. Please provide them with the "bread" they need to do this research.


noisyleroi on 08.22.05 @ 08:23 PM CST [link] [No Comments]

noisyleroi on 08.20.05 @ 08:54 PM CST [link] [No Comments]

Einstein's Last Theory Found

What happens when atoms get really, really cold? Here's What Einstein theorized...in his own handwriting.
Nice hypothesis Alfred!
Read all about it here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4170212.stm


noisyleroi on 08.20.05 @ 08:53 PM CST [link] [No Comments]

Textbooks and Online Access

As of August 19th, all students have been issued their ID and password to access the online version of their textbook. There is a classroom set of books for all and of course those without internet access will be issued a book to work with at home.

The books may be accessed by going to my.hrw.com and logging in with the student ID and password

Project work and research may sometimes require some internet research. Please assist your student in responsible and safe use of search engines.
If you have concerns please contact me.
noisyleroi on 08.20.05 @ 12:30 PM CST [link] [No Comments]

Predator and Prey adaptations Assignment

Create a data sheet using the pokemon card format for a predator or prey animal. Include all adaptations for success and survival.
Due Friday 19th August
Predator.doc (20k file)
noisyleroi on 08.17.05 @ 11:47 AM CST [link]

OPEN NIGHT!

The Parent Open Night has been postponed till August 23rd at 6pm due to construction issues.
Sorry for any inconvenience, see you there!
noisyleroi on 08.16.05 @ 06:40 PM CST [link]

Coyote and Javelina Skulls

Among a dozen AZ skulls studied for the Adaptations lab in week two

noisyleroi on 08.16.05 @ 06:36 PM CST [link]

Adaptations of AZ Predators and Prey Lab: Week 2

Skins courtesy of AZ Game and Fish

noisyleroi on 08.16.05 @ 06:34 PM CST [link]

Safety Poster: Words to live by

Art by Josh, Period 3

noisyleroi on 08.16.05 @ 06:32 PM CST [link]

Heroes and idols of genius for Gardner's Multiple intelligences

Student created "in progress" shrine to different types of genius

noisyleroi on 08.16.05 @ 06:30 PM CST [link]

Multiple Intelligences Pie Charts from week one

A questionnaire and data analysis led students to discover their learning styles represented in pie chart format


noisyleroi on 08.16.05 @ 06:28 PM CST [link]

The Agenda section of the front whiteboard...students need to check and write this stuff down in their own agenda daily

noisyleroi on 08.16.05 @ 06:23 PM CST [link]

Worlds's Ugliest Dog.

noisyleroi on 08.16.05 @ 06:15 PM CST [link]

First Week Over!!

After one week it is back to normal class rules...no more settling in time. So be sure to hand assignments in on time (or get zero unless you have a late pass!) and no eating or drinking or being goofy and off task or unsafe in class...check the class rules handouts and be safe and be good or beware!
So far you are all lovely people, except for that horrible spotty person in the back.
noisyleroi on 08.15.05 @ 05:08 PM CST [link]

My Idol! Takeru Kobayashi

noisyleroi on 08.15.05 @ 05:04 PM CST [link]

My other job is world champion hot dog eater (I wish!)

We all have ambitions and mine was to be the best eater in town. But then I found out what hot dogs are made of. So I worked and worked and...became a teacher, YAY!
See what I've been missing at this link:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4151334.stm
I coulda been a contender!
According to this site they aren't really made of snouts, lips and pig bottoms...who knew?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_dog

noisyleroi on 08.15.05 @ 05:02 PM CST [link]

Fascinating Factoids for your Superquiz5000

AllAboutYourTeacherx.doc (24k file)
noisyleroi on 08.03.05 @ 05:22 PM CST [link]

Clone Dogs To Take Over World

I'll try not to re-pet myself
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4742453.stm
noisyleroi on 08.03.05 @ 04:07 PM CST [link]

If you want to leave eighth grade with both eyes, ten fingers and most of your teeth...read this important document

SafetyContract.doc (26k file)
noisyleroi on 08.03.05 @ 03:52 PM CST [link]

Class Policies

What to do, how and when to do it, what not to do, what we expect from each other...please read!
8thGradeScienceClassroomPolicy.doc (32k file)
noisyleroi on 08.03.05 @ 03:49 PM CST [link]

noisyleroi on 08.03.05 @ 03:46 PM CST [link]

Parent Welcome Letter

Parents...make sure you read this for contact info and details of the open house.

8thGRADESCIENCEparentletterx.doc (26k file)
noisyleroi on 08.03.05 @ 03:38 PM CST [link]

Tenth Planet Discovered

Way out beyond pluto is a larger object...does it qualify as a planet? Go to this site for the story:http://space.com/scienceastronomy/050802_planet_definition.html


noisyleroi on 08.01.05 @ 10:29 PM CST [link]

Homework Helper

Go to this site for lots of handy study aids

http://www.scholastic.com/kids/homework/
noisyleroi on 08.01.05 @ 10:25 PM CST [link]