This section begun just past the halfway point of the semester.  Students have done great work so far, and I'm excited for what's to come.  Below are materials for this section's work, including the second phase of our rocket project and the section challenge.  Rockets Phase II, Rock Challenge

Below are two places that project work for this section is documented:

1. Motor Thrust and Burnout Time Spreadsheet 
2. Rocket Motor Test Videos

Section 1 ended well, with students producing quality work and documenting it on their blogs.  It was a great start to the semester.

Section 2 is a bit more challenging.  Due to some scheduled events, class time is a bit less than it was for section 1.  In addition, there is more emphasis on students doing self-directed work, requiring additional efforts into developing time management skills and work habits.

Although this section is more challenging, students are familiar with the way the class operates and have the opportunity to plan and move forward in  an easier fashion than the last section.  Below are links to some of the more guided activities for Section 2.

Scales, Magnitudes and Imagination Challenge    Model Rocket Build   Scratch Rocket Build  

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Going into our third week, things are seeming to be rolling along well.  This week put a bit more emphasis on individuals to design and direct their activities. I feel that most students have embraced this freedom, and the work that is currently underway is impressive.  

As an added challenge for the week, students were given a mini-project:    Lava Lamp Challenge

As the second to last week of the section, we also assessed where we were at and made attempts to plan a successful remaining two weeks.  Next week will be the last of the section, so there is importance on making a plan to finish strong, and preparing to follow through each day.  

This week is the second of the semester.  Our agenda is to wrap up Lab Safety (see week 1 items), perform two class experiments to practice our lab safety skills and familiarize ourselves with experimentation (Phases of Matter Day 1, Phases of Matter Day 2), and begin our individual semester science journeys.

 This week is the first of the semester.  We went through intros, developed classroom norms and expectations, and discussed science and lab safety.  (How to start your blog) (Where to post your blog)

Lab Safety Considerations 

Below are all of the documents that detail the work that is available for the semester.  All work typically has an overview and links to more detailed instructions and guiding principles.

If there is any confusion about what is available or where to find more information and support, please see Andrew.

Today we watched a video where comedian and host Stephen Colbert (out of character) interviews astrophysicist Niel Degrasse Tyson about science and its relationship with society.  Below is the video if you would like to view it again.

As your first assignment, choose a quote from the video that strikes you, or causes you to stop and think.  On your blog, make a post titled "Video Response" or such and respond to the following:

• Why did you choose this quote?
  
• What does this quote mean to you?
  
• What thoughts does it provoke?
  

Add more than one sentence answers.  This is not an assignment where I want to see you merely answer questions because I asked them.  This is an opportunity to share your thoughts.

Hello, and welcome to our class blog.  This blog will serve as a forum for our work, where handouts and important announcements will be regularly posted.  It will also serve as a hub for collaborative efforts throughout the semester.  

To get started, begin a blog (either through weebly or blogger) and link it as a comment to this post.  Here is a quick checklist for you:

1. Create your blog using weebly or blogger.
   
2. Once created, publish your blog to make it public (if necessary)
   
3. Copy the url for your blog.
   
4. Click Here to leave a comment.  (scroll down)
   
5. Type in your name in the name field (don't use nicknames)
   
6. Paste the url for your blog in the website field.
   
7. Submit  your comment, and then check to see if your link is working (click on your name).
   
8. If it isn't working, make a reply to your comment and paste it in the comment field.

Awesome!  Your blog will be the place where all of your work is documented and evaluated, so try to get familiar with it and update it often.  I'm looking forward to seeing all of the great work that you do.