Today, students finished their graphic organisers on types of chemical reactions. We then did a quick review of identifying types of reactions, predicting products and balancing chemical equations. There will be the opportunity to rewrite the two quizzes on these skills tomorrow in class. If you didn't do well on both of these quizzes, or just on one of them, you can rewrite both or one of them tomorrow. If you did as well as you'd like to, then don't rewrite them! If you want to do the rewrites, I suggest you study for them tonight so that it's not a repeat performance!
See ya Thursday :)

On Friday last week, and today, students worked on a graphic organizer on the types of chemical reactions. We will finish these tomorrow.

So far this week, we've been practising balancing chemical equations. We had a quiz on this today. It's clear that a few of you need to come and get some extra help on this topic. Many of you have mastered it. Great work!

This past week, students completed the lab on conserving mass and reviewed types of reactions. They also had a quiz on identifying types of reactions and predicting products. Challenge Day was on Wednesday for most students. At the end of the week, students began to learn how to balance chemical equations. There will be a quiz on this on Wednesday. Extra help is available on Monday and Tuesday at lunch this week.

For extra help with chemistry, check out chem4kids.com!

This past week, students wrote a test on chemical compounds. They then began working on understanding chemical reactions, include 5 different types of these. They also began to prepare for a lab that they will do on Monday on Does the Mass Change During a Chemical Reaction?
Have a nice long weekend!

On Tuesday, we discussed the worksheet ionic compounds and students wrote a practice quiz on this topic. They then copied a note on polyatomic ions and compounds.
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On Wednesday, students practiced writing names and formulas of polyatomic compounds.

On Thursday, we took up the polyatomic worksheet and students wrote a practice quiz on these types of compounds. We then learned about how to write the names and formulas of molecular compounds and what covalent bonds look like.

Your chemistry test is now on Monday.

Here is the link to the Google survey I'd like you to do for the HP project. Please complete it as soon as possible. The password is our class code SNC2Pa.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHVndTFwQ0VBb3V6RzVtZG9nZkxLWlE6MA

Also,
Please go to the following link and complete the survey on this site. Most of you have already done this survey in class using the HP laptops, but if you were absent on Friday Oct. 30th you will need to do it from home.
https://www.surveymk.com/s.aspx?sm=4iG3bgXP1aOrAaJhCiyhig_3d_3d

Today we took up the answers to the ionic bond Gizmo. Students then learned how to write ionic compound formulas and how to name them. They were given a worksheet to practice these skills, which is homework tonight if not done.

On thursday, students worked on learning about how atoms form ions. They then completed a "Gizmo" on ionic bonds. This will be taken up on Friday.

On Wednesday students created a note on physical and chemical properties and changes. I demonstrated several chemical reactions and students compiled a list of evidence of chemical change.

Today, students answered all the case study questions from the Household Hazardous Materials section of the textbook. They then copied a concept map on matter which we added definitions to.

On Monday, we spent time taking up the periodic table worksheet. We also began looking at Household Hazardous Materials using a short note and the textbook.

On Friday, students completed an activity involving learning the characteristics of the periodic table of elements.

Today we went through the grade 9 chemistry review from yesterday. Many important chemistry concepts were discussed.

Today students worked on a review of grade 9 chemistry concepts. We will be taking up that review tomorrow so please finish it for homework if you are not done.

Today students wrote the ecology issues test. Absent students from today will write it tomorrow.

Acid Precipitation Questions:
1) How is acid precipitation made? What chemical compounds are involved?

2) List 3 sources of the pollutants that cause acid rain.

3) List some effects of acid precipitation on ecosystems and on humans.

4) What can be done to prevent acid precipitation?

Here are the acid precipitation sites to check out:
http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/education/site_students/acid_anim.html
http://www2.wwnorton.com/college/chemistry/gilbert/tutorials/ch16.htm

for the second tutorial, click on the tutorial of acid rain

On Friday, we finished discussing the pesticide case study questions. Students then read about logging practices and answered 4 questions about the value of trees, selective versus clear cutting, what happens when trees are logged, and monocultures. These answers were discussed at the end of the period.

On Thursday, students finished answering all the pesticide case study questions. We began to take them up.

On Wednesday, students finished discussing the zebra mussel assignment and then read the pesticide case study and answered the case study questions.

The photos from our trip to Wawanosh can be found at the following Picasa web album:
http://picasaweb.google.com/jennross11/Wawanosh09?feat=directlink

Today students finished the zebra mussel research assignment and submitted their work to me electronically through either Google Docs or by email. Reminder: your Belgrave Creek Study Report is due tomorrow.

Today, you will be completing a research assignment on zebra mussels. You will find the assignment listed under class notes. Open the assignment and use the laptop to research zebra mussels so that you can answer all the questions in the assignment. Hand in your work by the end of the class.

On Tuesday, students had their final work period on the Belgrave Creek study report...it is due on Friday!

Today students continued working on writing their Belgrave Creek Study. Remember, your report is due on Friday.

Today students worked on researching and writing their creek study opinion report.

On Thursday, students collated their data from the Wawanosh field trip. The creek study report was introduced to them.

Today, students wrote their ecology test. Absent students are reminded that they will write the test on their first day back to school.

Today students traveled to Wawanosh and completed the Belgrave Creek Study.

Today we finished our note on soil and then went through the worksheets for the Wawanosh creek study.
Some of you need to bring me your permission form and fee before 9 am on Monday morning in order to go on the trip.
Remember to bring a lunch, proper footwear (i.e., rain boots) and rain gear. You'll also need a pen or pencil.
Have a great long weekend, see in the foyer of the school at 11:40 Monday!

Today students learned about how soil is formed, it's role in the water cycle, and soil pH. Please remember to bring in your Wawanosh form and fee if you haven't already done so.

Today students worked through a "Gizmo" on food chains. Please remember to bring in your Wawanosh permission forms and $9 tomorrow, if you haven't already.

Today, we went through the rest of the population note. Students then worked on an assignment related to biotic potential. This is homework if not finished.

On Friday we worked through the first part of the population note.

Today, students learned about the nitrogen cycle. They were also given an article by David Suzuki about synthetic fertilizers. There are 5 questions to answer for homework. Remember to print off the populations note for tomorrow's class.

On Wednesday, students finished learning about the carbon cycle. They also filled out a diagram about this cycle.

Today, groups presented their answers to their assigned "question to ponder". We collated the class's answers. These are attached under class notes. We then examined the Carbon cycle. This will continue tomorrow and then we will be looking at the Nitrogen Cycle note, so you might want to print it off!

On Monday, students went through the note on energy in ecosystems. They learned about energy pyramids and how to label a food chain. They were then broken into groups and given a "question to ponder".

On Friday, students continued the note on extinction. They then viewed part of an episode from Planet Earth about seasonal forests.

On Wednesday, we discussed the concept maps students had created on the disappearance of frogs. Students then answered #2-4 on p. 11. We then discussed the species at risk classification system and students filled out a table on this system.

Today we took up the ecology diagnostic quiz from last Thursday. We then examined two important species: the monarch butterfly and frogs. For homework, students are to read The Silence of the Frogs and create a concept map on why frogs are disappearing.

On Thursday, students continued to make a list of strategies when learning and studying, based on their personal learning style profile that they created on Wednesday. They then completed a review sheet on ecology terms and concepts. This will show them and me what they already know and what we need to spend some time working on.
If you haven't brought in your signed science assessement policy letter, please do so on Tuesday.
Have a great long weekend!

Today students completed Felder's Learning Styles Questionnaire. They then used their learning style profile to compile a list of learning and studying strategies that should help them be more successful in school.
Absent students are asked to complete this activity for homework. The questionnaire and the description of the learning styles can be linked to from this blog (look at the side under Useful Web Sites).

Welcome to the SNC2P course blog! Here you will find daily updates on what was done in class, important dates, homework, as well as many useful links and videos. The purpose of this blog is to keep you and your parents/guardians informed about what is happening in class. If you are absent from class you can check the blog to find out what you missed, no need to ask me what you missed!
On the first day of class, we will be reviewing the contents of the student planner and then discussing the SNC2P course. Here is a link to my classroom expectations list, please review them with your parent/guardian.
Also, please remember to show the course newsletter and summative assessment policy letter to a parent and have them sign both sheets. You will return these signed sheets to me the next day.

On Tuesday we discussed populations and examined different shapes of histograms. There were 3 homework questions to be done from this.

Here is an outline on your exam and a set of exam review questions. These documents will be available to you on Tuesday, but I'm posting them here in case you are working on them from home and don't have them with you.

Outline for Exam

Exam Review Questions

Today students worked through the textbook case study on pesticides. All the case study questions were answered.

On Friday students completed the ecology quiz. We then went out to the daycare playground and helped them move and spread mulch. Check out the school website in a few days. A write up and photos will be posted there. Thanks for your hard work everyone! Have a nice weekend.

On Thursday, we took up the questions related to the Suzuki article and reviewed the nitrogen cycle. Students then completed a practice quiz on ecology terms. This is in preparation for Friday's ecology test. Finally, we played a jeopardy review game on ecology topics.

On Wednesday students learned about the nitrogen cycle. They copied a note on this, or they had it printed from the blog...it is posted under class notes. They then completed a diagram on the nitrogen cycle and read a Suzuki article on fertilizers. There were 5 questions related to this article for students to answer for homework.

On Tuesday we read about and discussed zebra mussels. Students added to their zebra mussel answers on the assignment from last week.

Today we took up the chemistry unit test. We then discussed the 5 big ecology questions that are listed in the previous post. Finally, we finished the note on the carbon cycle. There are four homework questions to do....#3,4,5,7 on page 29. Also, finish the zebra mussel assignment if you haven't already.

Here are the 5 ecology questions that we discussed in class today. You will likely see one or more of these on your exam!


Questions to Ponder
1. How have advancements in agriculture and industry changed demands on ecosystems?
2. From an energy economy point of view, is it better to have a mixed diet, or to be a vegetarian?
3. Do you think it will be possible for technology to allow for longer food chains to exist?
4. How would a pyramid of energy for a prairie community differ from summer to winter?
5. Why is an ecosystem with high biodiversity more stable than one with a low biodiversity?

On Friday, the species at risk project was collected. The class then copied a note on the carbon cycle. We discussed the role of carbon in global climate change and viewed an episode of The Eyes of Nye on global climate change. Remember, if you didn't get the zebra mussel assignment done in class on Thursday, it is to be done for homework.

Parents....if you are reading this blog, please ask your child what happened in the computer lab on Thursday. I'm very disappointed that someone in our class used a school computer and printer in a very offensive and inappropriate way. We are in the process of trying to determine who is responsible. I would encourage all parents to discuss with their child their responsibilities as part of a school community, especially as we begin to prepare for final examinations...it's a stressful time of year for all involved.
Thank you,
Mrs. R-H

Good afternoon SNC2P students! Today you will finish your specis at risk project, print it or save it to the S: drive (Students/Grade 10/SNC2P folders) and then complete the following research based assignment on zebra mussels. If you are already finished your project then you can begin this assignment right away.

http://206.130.199.25/~jennross@fc.amdsb.ca/S0395BA85.24/Zebra%20mussels%20assignment.wpd

Open this link to the assignment and type in your answers. Print it and hand it in when you are done.

Today we reviewed the species at risk classification terms. Students then analysed the 3 views on managing ecosystems that we discussed yesterday in reference to the wolves in Yellowstone Park case study. Students decided which view they most agree with. We then created a flow chart to illustrate the effects of the removal of the wolves from Yellowstone. Finally, students began to copy a note on food chains and food webs (The Flow of Energy in an Ecosystem). We will continue this note tomorrow.

Today we reviewed a collection of ecology terms that are important for all students to know in this unit. We then read about and discussed the removal of the wolf population from Yellowstone Park.

On Friday, students had their second work period on the species at risk project. A few students are finished and many are close to being finished. So, one more work period will be provided on Thursday of this coming week and the projects are due on Friday May 29th.

Today students began researching their species at risk and preparing their product (either a brochure, a web page, or a slide show). Tomorrow, students will continue this work.

Here is the species at risk project.
Species at risk project

Some good sites for finding a species to study:
http://www.rom.on.ca/ontario/risk.php
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Species/2ColumnSubPage/246809.html

Today we took up the questions from yesterday and then discussed the terms abiotic and biotic factors. Students added a group of ecological terms to their working glossaries. We also went over a research project that students will begin working on tomorrow.

Today we discussed biodiversity again and students answered #3 and 4 on page 13. They then filled out a table on the classification system for species at risk. Be sure to get this from me if you were absent today. We then viewed a Bill Nye video on food chains.

On Friday, students created a concept map on the reasons why frogs are disappearing. They also answered #2-4 from that section of the textbook. We then viewed a short film about "biodiversity" and discussed that term as a concept. Students were given a note on biodiversity which we read through together. Have a wonderful long weekend!

Today we began the new unit, Ecology. We first examined the monarch butterfly as an example of an Ontario species that plays many important roles and should be monitored. We then looked at Ontario frogs using the frogwatch.com website. Students wrote down a list of reasons why frogs are valuable and good indicators of ecosystem health and problems. Students then began o compile a glossary of ecology terms which they will add to throughout the unit.

Today students wrote the chemistry unit test. We will begin the new unit, Ecology, tomorrow.

On Tuesday, students continued to work through the test review and individual support was provided to those who asked for it. Some students took the initiative to come to science help at lunch as well.

On Monday, we reviewed many of the main concepts, laws and skills from our chemistry unit. Students were given an extensive review which they began working on.

Here is the review you will receive in class on Monday. Doing this review will prepare you well for the big unit test.
Chemistry Unit Review

A few students STILL need to hand in Blast Off. Don't take an incomplete on this...there's not much time left to pull up marks before exams. Every assessment matters!

We will be reviewing on Monday and Tuesday for your chemistry unit test which is on Wednesday.

Today we discussed the properties and examples of acids and bases. We then went over the pH scale. Tomorrow, we will be looking at how acids and bases neutralize each other. If you haven't handed in the Blast Off lab report, it is now overdue.

Today students finished typing up their Blast Off lab reports and then used the computers to research acids and bases. Students created two comparison charts on acids and bases: one on the properties of acids and bases, and one listing common and laboratory acids and bases. This will be discussed further tomorrow.

On Monday, students worked in the computer lab typing up their Blast Off! lab report. This is due on Tuesday.

Here's a copy of the "Blast Off!" lab. Open this and fill in your design, procedure, observations, and answer the four questions that follow. Print your report when done and hand it in.
Blast Off! Lab Report

On Friday, students performed "Blast Off!". Congratulations to Devin, Brandon and Mitch for winning the competition (and ice cream!), and to Mike, Sarah and Brandon for a very close second place. You will be writing this lab report on Monday. Have a nice weekend!

Today we discussed the four factors that can speed up or slow down the rate of a reaction. Students then began to design and plan the "Blast Off" investigation which they will be performing tomorrow.

On Wednesday, students completed a textbook activity on the four factors that affect the rate of a reaction.

On Tuesday, almost the whole class was away at the career symposium. Those that remained in class watched an episode of Planet Earth.

Today students completed a quiz on balancing chemical equations. We then peer marked the quiz. If you did not do well on this quiz, be sure to come for extra help with balancing during lunch tomorrow in room 226.

Tomorrow, since most of the class will be away at the career symposium, the class will be viewing an episode of Planet Earth.

On Wednesday, you will be completing a textbook activity on Factors that Affect Rates of Reactions.

On Friday we took up the worksheet on balancing chemical reactions from yesterday. Students were then paired up with another student in the class and they worked on completing more balancing on a puzzle sheet.

On Thursday, students practiced balancing chemical reactions by first watching a "Gizmo" on this topic and then by completing a worksheet on balancing.

On Monday, students corrected their quiz on types of reactions. They then practiced classifying reactions and predicting products.

On Tuesday, we began to examine the Law of Conservation of Mass, and why we must balance chemical equations. Students practiced identifying the number of atoms in various compounds.

Wednesday was a PA day.

Today students wrote a short quiz on the types of reactions. We then performed the lab called Measuring Masses in a Chemical Reaction. Students will answer the lab questions on Thursday or Friday, depending on when they will be in class and not at Challenge Day. Enjoy the Challenge Day experience!

On Tuesday we reviewed the 5 types of chemical reactions and the students completed a worksheet on this. We then took up the worksheet and began preparing for a chemistry lab.

On Thursday, students completed a graphic organizer on types of chemical reactions.

Today we went over covalent compounds again and we practiced writing formulas and names for these types of compounds. Many students are starting to master these. See me for extra help if it's still troubling you. We then went over the types of chemical reactions. You will be creating a graphic organizer on these tomorrow.

On Tuesday, we reviewed ionic and polyatomic compounds. Students worked in groups to help one another master this skill. Please come out for extra lunch help if you are not getting this stuff!

On Monday, students received a handout on chemical reactions. They learned about synthesis, decomposition, single displacement, double displacement, and combustion reactions. They also answered some textbook questions on reactions.

On Friday students wrote a short quiz on ionic compound naming and formula writing. They then learned about covalent bonds and practiced writing these kinds of formulas and names.

Today we reviewed polyatomic compounds. You will have a short quiz on writing formulas and names of simple ionic and polyatomic compounds. Good luch with your literacy test tomorrow. Get a good night's rest.

Today students practiced writing formulas and names of polyatomic compounds.

Today we reviewed how to write ionic compound formulas and names. Students then copied a short note on polyatomic ions and compounds. They then learned how to write these types of compound formulas and names. They will practice these skills tomorrow in class.

On Friday, students completed a worksheet where they practiced writing ionic formulas and ionic compound names.

On Thursday, students completed a quiz on atomic structure. They then learned how to write ionic compound formulas and names.

On Wednesday we did a literacy test preparation activity on writing a series of paragraphs to express an opinion.

Today students looked for patterns in atomic structure within the first 20 elements by viewing the element posters created by students yesterday. We discussed valence electrons and the formation of ions. They then completed a worksheet on the valence electrons and ion formation for 6 of the elements. There will be a quiz on this on Thursday.

On Monday, students reviewd some basic chemistry terms. They then reviewed atomic structure and were assigned one element to make a poster about. The poster included the Bohr-Rutherford diagram and other useful information about the element. We then arranged the elements on the blackboard.

Today we took up the vectors test. We then reviewed how to classify matter by discussing many important chemistry terms. At the end of the class students were given a list of other chemistry terms to define and provide an example of. This is to be done for homework. Have a nice break!

Today students will complete the writing task "Writing a Series of Paragraphs to Express an Opinion" on a topic related to motion. Here is the task for those of you who will be using a computer for your writing.
Writing Task

Today we examined chemicals in everyday life including the household hazardous symbols. Students answered some case study questions. The writing activity will be done tomorrow.

Today we spent some time learning how to do one of the grade 10 literacy test writing tasks(writing a series of paragraphs expressing an opinion). Tomorrow you will be putting these skills to work and writing a response to an opinion question related to motion.
We also began reviewing grade 9 chemistry terms. This will continue tomorrow if the class is finished the writing task in time.

Today students wrote the vectors test. This is the final test in the unit. We will be doing a writing activity on Monday and Tuesday and then we will be beginning the chemistry unit.

Students worked on completing an extensive review today in order to prepare for tomorrow's vector test. The questions on the test will be VERY similar to the review, so if you're able to do these problems, you should be fine for the test. If you were absent today or have lost your review, I've posted it under the notes section of this blog. Note, however, I had to draw in some graphs and those won't show up on the attached review here.

Today we finished discussing position-time graphs and then we copied a note about acceleration. The class then practiced a few sample acceleration problems. This is the last topic we will cover in this unit. Tomorrow, we will review for Friday's vector test.

Today we had a short class, so we only had time to take up yesterday's homework on Position-Time graphs.

On Monday, students were given their speed test and it was taken up. We then copied a note on position-time graphs. There is homework from this note. Due Tuesday.

On Friday, students completed and handed in the motion unit project.

Today, students worked on completing the motion unit project. For those who didn't finish, you will have time tomorrow to finish it.

On Thursday, students will be working on a motion unit project. Here is a link to the project. It can be partially completed at home.
Motion Unit Project

Today students created their own vector problem and solved it. They then completed a few velocity problems.

On Tuesday, students practiced adding vectors. They then learned how to solve velocity problems.

Today students completed a short quiz on vectors. They then copied a note on Adding Vectors Along a Straight Line. We began practicing this skill and it will continue tomorrow.

Happy snow day #2! Have a great weekend. See you on Monday.

Good morning, happy snow day! I'm here at the school so if you live in town and would like to come in for extra help, I'll be in room 228 all day except over the lunch hour.

On Wednesday, students practiced drawing vector diagrams and reviewed the differences and similarities between scalar and vector quantities.

Today students began to learn about vectors. We will continue with this tomorrow.

On Friday, students completed the speed test. Absent students are expected to write the test on Tuesday. M.A., you will write the test sometime later once you've had the opportunity to catch up. Have a nice long weekend!

Today we reviewed for tomorrow's speed test. Remember to study for this test and complete the review questions you were given today.

Happy fog day grade 10's! I'm here at school today, so if you want to come in for extra help, I'll be in and out of room 228 all day. Your speed test will now be on Friday. Some of you need to finish the tobogganing lab for homework. I'm expecting you to hand that in on Thursday. We will review for the test tomorrow as well. Have a nice day!

Today students worked on completing the tobogganing lab report. The data was graphed and then the slope of the 3 lines was found. The analysis questions also need to be answered. This report is due tomorrow if you didn't get it done today in class.

Today we took up the homework from last Thursday (#3, 4 on p. 155). We then reviewed how to graph distance-time data and how to use that graph to find the average speed of the object (=slope of the line of best fit). Students then completed an activity involving graphing distance-time data and finding slope. Tomorrow we will be graphing our tobogganing data.

On Friday we gathered tobogganing data. We measured the time of the sleds at 2m intervals down a slope. On Monday, you will be graphing the data for the 3 sleds and using the graphs to find the average speed of each sled. Remember a few of you still need to get forms signed and all of you have 2 homework questions to do (#3 and 4 from the distance-time graphs section). Have a nice weekend!

If you are having trouble finding the slope of a line on a distance-time graph, try this online tutorial. Click here for the link.

Today we discussed instantaneous speed vs constant speed. There was a note and then students answered #1-3 from p. 153. They then copied a note about distance-time graphs. We practised graphing and finding slope. Please answer #3 & 4 on page 155 by Monday. Remember to bring a toboggan tomorrow for our speed lab. Also, dress for cold weather...hat, mitts, snowboots!

Today students had the whole class to practice solving speed problems. They used the "GRASS" problem solving method to solve questions 2-6 on page 149. We took these problems up at the end of the class.

Today we practiced converting units, such as meters to kilometers, hours to seconds. We then went over the "GRASS" problem solving method and practiced a few speed problems. Tomorrow, students will solve several speed problems on their own.

Today we began to complete an outline on the motion unit. The first three terms on the back of the sheet were completed (distance, time, speed). We then began copying a note on Measurement and Calculations. This will continue tomorrow.

During the first class, the course information sheet will be discussed. This sheet can be downloaded here. Students will also complete a learning styles questionaire and evaluate their own learning style in order to create an individual learning plan. This questionaire can be linked to here and a description of the various learning styles can be found here. Be sure to have a parent or guardian sign your course newsletter. Please return this to me on Monday.

Welcome to the SNC2P course blog. Over the course of this semester you will find valuable information and resources on this blog. It is important that you regularly check the blog for any missed work, important dates, course notes, and other useful documents and links. I work hard to maintain the information in this blog, so please make good use of it. Feel free to contact me, either by including your name, or anonymously, through the blog comment function.