Buttermilk Falls Field Trip

A great fall day studying the sedimentary and metamorphic rocks at Buttermilk Falls. 

Buttermilk Falls Study

The Earth Science class headed over to Buttermilk Falls today to investigate the rock outcrops there. Students did a great job analyzing the rocks they found by putting their rock cycle knowledge to use to figure out the geologic history of this area.

Collecting and Recording Data

What do you notice about this outcrop?

Using a hammer to collect a sample:

 This rock does not look like the others. How did it get here?

 More sample collection:

 Another interesting outcrop to study!

Field Studies

We took the break in the rain this week to measure and calculate stream velocity in a very tiny stream. Velocity was 16.8 cm/sec - enough to move fine sand, silt, and clay - lots of clay!

Moon Phases Calendar for Albany

All 8th graders will be studying the Moon Phases this year. I found this moon calendar site which will tell you what phases is occuring, illumination percentage, and distance from Earth. You might think of an extra credit activity based on this page. Tomorrow we should see a full moon! Enjoy:

http://www.timeanddate.com/moon/usa/albany

Volcanic Eruption Continues

Click on this link to see what is what is going on with the Bardarbunga volcano in Iceland.


Here is some background into the simple technology used to film it.

Lab Day Monday

Lab day is Monday! Here are some students getting ready by massing out their solutes for making a solution. Make sure you know the definitions of solute, solvent, and solution for the lab!

A new school year begins...

Welcome to 8th grade Science and Earth Science!
This blog applies to both classes as some of the units and many skills are similar. We'll all be studying Plate Tectonics later in the year so I thought I'd add this little video of what is happening in Iceland right now.

A fissure eruption started last week near Bardarbunga volcano in the middle of the interior. Here is what it looks like from the ground, and from the air.

Enjoy!

Another Moon Shot and Bonus Opportunity!

Tonight's moon and the beautiful weather kept me out taking photo's well after dark. This moon was low in the western sky at 9:30 P.M. 

For 2 bonus points, what is its phase? Is it waxing or waning and how can you tell?

Moon views

We are going to see a full moon on May 14th, so here are some shots of the May 13th moon. If you can identify the correct name of this phase in the comments, you;ll score a bonus point! Notice that the right side of the moon is crisp and clear, but the left side is a bit blurred due to being in shadow.

Science 8 Review Guide

For those of you getting a head start on Wednesday's Test, here is a review guide. Make sure you understand each term's definition and how it describes motion and/or energy. I'll have a paper copy for you Monday.

Motion, Forces, and Energy Review Guide                  

Terms to know:

Motion-

Frame of Reference-

Speed-

Velocity-

Acceleration-

Force-

Gravity on Earth =

Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation-

Newton’s 1^st Law of Motion-

Newton’s 2^nd Law of Motion-

Newton’s 3^rd Law of Motion-

Friction -

           

            Sliding Friction-

            Rolling Friction-

            Fluid Friction-

Energy-

Kinetic Energy -

Potential Energy-

Chemical Energy-

Mechanical Energy-

Heat Energy-

Heat Transfer-

            Conduction-

            Convection-

            Radiation-

One Way Mission To Mars

In Earth Science we briefly discussed the 2024 planned, one way, mission to Mars. Who would sign up for a one way trip to Mars, with no plan to return to Earth? Well, apparently 200,000 people have applied for the mission! For some insights on their thoughts, here is an 11 minute video about their decision to try to be on the team that makes the trip:   Mars One Way

For those of you more concerned with having fun, I mean learning about science on Earth, click here for a simulation of kinetic and potential energy at a skate park. Have fun!

Class Field Trip To MiSci

Students enjoyed the morning at the Museum of Innovation, Science, and Technology in Schenectady. The saw a Planetarium Show, attended a demonstration on Nanotechnology, and enjoyed the Notion of Motion exhibits on loan from the Exploratorium in San Francisco, CA

Having fun with the rope squirter.

Finding out how things move on the rotating disc.

Earth Science Info and more...

Here are the previous Earth Science Regents Tests to help you study!

Science 8 students need to finish the Speed Lab, including the graph of data and three questions.

Don't forget to study for your quiz on SPEED.

Predator in the courtyard!

This hawk made a brief appearance last week during the cold snap.

Is it a Cooper's hawk or a Sharp-shinned hawk?

Here is a link that may help you identify this bird.

Earth Science Students! Take Note!

The unit test will be on Tuesday next week as you'll need a double block of time to complete it.

Make sure you review how to draw a landscape profile. I'll add a link later today so you can practice.


Here is a link to help you practice topographic map skills.