Upcoming Test!!!

Hey guys,
With all the breaks in schedule, time off from vacation, and absences from my illness it's been easy to lose focus. PLEASE DON'T! It's imperative you study your journals and finish the work we do in class. The next test will be Tuesday, December 8th. It will cover labs 7 through 11. It's worth 100 points and can have a huge impact on your grade at this point. Please do your best to stay on top of your work and ask questions. You can ask me on the blog, after class or in class but please ask!!! Also, check out the websites to the left. They can only help your understandings of heat and temperature.
Mr Crandell

Test on Monday, Oct 26th!!

Due to the 6th grade DSTP's, our test has been pushed back to Monday, the 26th. Please study your journals and check out the sites posted to help enrich your understanding of the concepts of Energy. Poster winners will be announced on Friday, the 23rd and their posters will be hung for all of us to see and enjoy.
Mr C

KE vs GPE in action

Check out the site "How stuff works: Roller Coasters" (left) to show you how this can be a fun way to use science in your futures.

Labs 1-3/Quiz

Okay guys,
Now that we have completed lab safety and begun our labs, it's time to utilize the blog. There will be a quiz on Thursday. It covers labs 1-3. Be sure to study your journals and ask questions during class or in labs. Check out the site to the left under "links" to enrich your understanding of Kinetic and Potential energy. The link we will use in class is posted there as well.
Mr C

Welcome Aces!!

Welcome to my blog. The intent of this blog is to enrich what we learned in class, provide you with other web resources, and to give you an opportunity to get extra credit. You can access the blog at any time from any computer. You will need a google ID and password to leave comments (these will be made in class). Please use this blog as a class resource. It can help you review for tests, keep current on the science that is out there, and provide you with a quick and easy way to learn more science while on the web. I look forward to an enjoyable year with you.
Mr Crandell

Week 2

Okay, I forgot how sleep deprived we can get from a little 2 week old baby. He wakes up approx every 2 hrs to feed (24 hrs a day).....AND THAT"S NORMAL!!! I'm tired, but Sharyn has been a true champ. Brody is doing well and Brynn, thankfully, still adores him. I haven't seen any jealousy yet, but it's inevitable. My parents are visiting and got to see their new grandson for the first time. It's been nice because we can let them watch the kids while we catch up on some much needed sleep. Hope you are all enjoying your summers. Wear sunscreen!!!!! A tan is nice, but not having skin cancer is much nicer. Be safe,
Mr C

Updates

Hey gang,
Thanks for the comments, keep them coming. I love hearing from you all. Brody is doing well. I'd put his picture up, but the internet...my wife....the crazy people....I'm basically not allowed, haha.  But like the spirit of an eighth grader, I did it anyways.  He's growing quickly and had his first check up today. He passed all the tests, which is reassuring. Zach, sorry to put a damper on your summer by making you realize the days are now getting shorter. When you get to be older the years start doing the same thing.

My brother told me you can see Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter out in the morning sky. Remember Venus is the brightest one. Mars is right next to it. Mercury is VERY VERY low on the horizon. It's hard to see, but give it a try.

Look forward to hearing from you guys. Iplan on keeping the blog running all summer. Hope to hear from you,
Mr C

He's Here!!!

I know it's been a while, but the best things come to those who wait, right?
He was born Thursday (June 18th)morning and we got home Saturday (June 20th) afternoon. This is the first chance I've had to update you guys. His name is Brody Michael (my middle name too). He was 7lbs 12 ounces and 22 inches long. He was a great size. Umbilical cord was loosely wrapped around his head, but did not cause any problems at birth. We are all home now. Brynn LOVES him. It's cute to see her hold him and pretend to be a mommy. I'd love to hear from you guys, I took some restrictions off the comments so you don't need you ID or passwords to comment. Enjoy your summers!!! I'll try to get some sleep while I enjoy my new father's day present.
Best always,
Mr C

PS. Enjoy the summer solstice (longest day of the year) in the days to come. Ijust had to get my dorky teacher comments in.....sorry.

Still Not Here

We were at the doctor's on Monday. They said that if the baby doesn't come by next Monday they will induce Mrs. Crandell (meaning give her medicine to make her go into labor). So it's either the baby comes in the next few days or we may be induced next Monday.
Still not sure of the name????
Take care,
Mr C

No Baby Yet

I'll update you when things change. Still don't have a definite name.
Miss you guys,
Mr C

Have a great summer!

hey guys,
I wanted to thank you all for a nice end to the year. Although I was stressed a lot this year with college classes, the baby, and well, you guys, i feel thankful to have met you all. The letters some of you wrote to me made me feel great and inspired me to become a better teacher. Remember "the mode in which the inevitable is certain to occur is effort" . I will put an update on the baby in days to come. Keep checking.
Good luck to you all and always follow your hearts,
Mr. Crandell

Schedule

Hey guys,
The past few weeks have been bumpy with DSTP reviews, assemblies, dances, etc. The weeks to come pose the same challenges. Please maintain your focus. Here's next week's highlights. Plan to study and use the websites to enrich your understanding.

May 11- Normal schedule (finish Solar System in class)
May 12-13 6th Grade DSTP Review ( Mr. Campell will be in our class)
May 14- Test on Planets and Solar system
May 15th- Ecology Unit begins


May 18th- final day for DSTP review
May 19th DSTP Science
May 20th DSTP Social Studies

Please maintain your focus!!!
Mr C

Extra Credit/ Test upon return!!!!!

First of all, Have e a great break! For those of you who strive to be excellent, here are some questions I will consider extra credit. Please write these on a separate piece of paper to turn in on April 20th (your first day back). Also, you will have a test on the seasons and moon phases the week you return. Stay familiar with these topics. Did you take your journal home?

Here it is, my friends. Please try hard and help yourself out. You must answer a minimum of 5 of the 10 questions for the extra credit!!!


Question #1: Which planet has the most moons? How many does it have?

Question #2: Why is Venus hotter than Mercury, if Mercury is closer to the Sun? How hot is it on Venus?

Question #3: List two reasons why Pluto is no longer considered a planet.

Question #4: What's the difference between a meteor, a meteorite, and a meteoroid?

Question #5: What is a comet? Where do we believe most comets originate?

Question #6: Why is our Sun considered a yellow Sun if it is sending white light?

Question #7: Does the Sun rotate? If so, how long does it take?

Question #8: What is the largest known asteroid called? Where is it located in our solar system?

Question #9: Is Saturn the only planet that has rings? If not, what others have rings around them? What are the rings made of?

Question #10: How come we always see the same side of our Moon?

Good Luck!!
Mr. Crandell

Seasons and Celestia

Hey all,
For those of you who want Celestia on your computer, go to Google and type in Celestia. It will show you their home page. Go to the link and follow directions to download the program. It's free and can really aid your ability to picture the motions involved in this unit.

Also, here are the links we used in class to help you refresh your brain on seasons:

http://videos.howstuffworks.com/hsw/12886-spin-around-the-solar-system-the-earths-seasons-video.htm

http://www.classzone.com/books/ml_sci_earth/page_build.cfm?id=none&u=5##
Go to Exploring Seasons under Visualizations

http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/visualizations/es0408/es0408page01.cfm?chapter_no=visualization

Have fun,
Mr. C

Astronomy Unit

It's taken us a while, but we are finally ready to explore into the depths of space. Over the past month, many of you have had some great questions regarding the stars, planets, and moon. You have been recording the Moon Phases for over one month, now and we've been recording the tides for two weeks. It's time to answer those questions. Please check out the new sites I've posted for you under Science Links. They will serve you well in the next few weeks and may help explain things better than myself (not possible, haha). Looking forward to this unit with you,
Mr C

TEST Tomorrow!!

Please study your journals and review from the links we used in class (to your left). remember USA Today has great tutorials and reviews, many of which we saw in class. The Forces of nature site was the one we used today to build hurricanes and tornadoes. This is the last big test before the 9 weeks end. Strive for excellecne!
Mr C.

Last Chance

Last chance for extra credit. Remember to study your journals. You will be having a quiz early next week on fronts, types of precipitation, clouds, and types of storms.

Question of the Day:

What is a Nor'Easter?
Explain how they affect Delaware?
Have we had any really bad ones?

Keep up the good work!!

I've seen a lot of you working hard during the state test. That's good. Continue to put forth the effort and success will follow. Many of you have also done the extra credit. here's another:

Question of the Day?

What is an El Nino? How does it affect the weather in the continental United States? How about Delaware?

DSTP/Extra Credit

As you know classes may be twenty to thirty minutes over the next week. You WILL have a quiz on air masses, fronts, and pressure systems AFTER the DSTP. Please get some sleep and eat a healthy (and large) breakfast. Lunch may not be until after 1pm on testing days. In the meantime, here's another chance at some extra points.

Question of the Day:

How does lightning produce thunder? What are the different types of lightning that can occur? How can you prevent yourself from being struck by lightning (safety measures)?

DSTP/Save your grade

Now that the DSTP is upon us it will be hard for me (and you) to maintain a rythym in class and in schedule. I know some of you are concerned about your grade. Here's another opportunity to bump your grade up. Often times we ask great questions in class that are beyond the scope of what I teach. Here's today's extra credit opportunity:

Question of the day:

What is daylight savings and why do we do it? (keep in mind some states opt not to do it)

Remember, written responses only. Do not post your answer on the blog!!!
Mr Crandell

Warm and Cold Front Links

Check out these links to help you understand the difference between warm and cold fronts. Note where the rain falls, the types of air masses involved, and the weather involved.

Links:
http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/visualizations/es2002/es2002page01.cfm?chapter_no=visualization

http://www.mesoscale.iastate.edu/agron206/animations/05_cnWfronts.html

Question of the day:

How are occluded fronts different from cold fronts? Include the air massess involved and associated weather.

Mr Crandell

DSTP Week(s)

We've reached that time. I know you have all been working hard to pass these tests and your work will pay off. Keep in mind that the next two weeks will be a bit bumpy as far as scheduling. Classes may range from twenty minutes one day to an hour the next. It is very important you don't lose focus and that you keep your journals updated and accurate. I will be posting "questions of the day" to give you a chance to improve your class grade before report cards come out. Please check the blog each day for the question. I'll accept written responses to the questions for extra credit.
Tips to help you on the DSTP:

• Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night before testing
• EAT BREAKFAST- you wouldn't run a race, play a game without eating. Your brain needs food too!!
• Take your time during test. There is no blue ribbon for first place.
• Try your best. It can be frustrating at times so skip the problems that are giving you trouble and come back to them later.

You have two more days to ask questions. Please talk to someone if you are confused!!!

Mr. Crandell

Will we be in School on Monday?

Hope some of you are reading this while you prepare for your quiz.  Check out the Low Pressure system in the Carolinas.  As it spins CCW it will be pulling heat and moisture into our area.  To make matters worse (or better) the High pressure to our North west will be adding cold, dry air from Canada.  We (Delaware and other eastern states) will be the "mixing bowl" for these ingredients.  Keep a close eye on the direction the Low travels.  If it continues to travel North East (hence the name Nor'easters) it may just get you out of school on Monday.  Make your prediction.

If we don't have school Monday, we will still have the quiz on Tuesday!

Take care,

Mr. Crandell

Coriolis Effect

Hey gang,
Check out these sites to help you master the idea of the Coriolis Effect discussed in class.
Also, keep a close eye on the weather. The goal is for you to be able to make an accurate two day prediction. With consistency and practice you will become an amateur meteorolgist.

http://www.wiley.com/college/strahler/0471480533/animations/ch07_animations/animation2.html

http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/visualizations/es1904/es1904page01.cfm?chapter_no=visualization

http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/visualizations/es1905/es1905page01.cfm?chapter_no=visualization

A quiz on the High and low air pressure systems is coming up. Study your journals!!!

Local and Global Winds

Today may have been very confusing. Although we looked at these sites in class, I think you could really understand it if you can play with it yourself. here they are:

Global wind sites:
http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/tlw3/eBridge/Chp29/animations/ch29/global_wind_circulation.swf

http://www3.interscience.wiley.com:8100/legacy/college/strahler/0471238007/animations/ch07_animations/animation3.html

Local winds (Sea/Land Breeze):

http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/visualizations/es1903/es1903page01.cfm?chapter_no=visualization

Please feel free to explore the others site to the left. Remember: Success is rooted in failure. Please feel free to make mistakes in class and ask for the answers that you cannot find on your own. A quiz will be coming up next week on air pressure and wind. Prepare yourselves!!!
Mr Crandell

Astronomy Night

This Thursday February 12 at 7:00pm, Ingram pond outdoor recreation center is having Astronomy Night. Questions like:
How do locate the North Star?
What's the largest object that can be seen by the human eye?
What's that bright object in the western sky at sunset?
along with many more will be answered. You and your family are invited to attend.

Dress warm and bring flashlights with RED lenses.
Hot chocolate will be provided.

RSVP to Ingram Pond (302) 934-3216 or scardano@irsd.k12.de.us

If cloudy skies occur, reschedule date is February 19, 2009 at 7:00pm.

Updates

Hey guys,
It's been a while since I've updated the Blog. My apologies. Please keep browsing the websites posted to the left. There is so much to learn and so little time in class to show it all to you.
This week we finish unequal heating. We will be having a quiz on this topic early next week. Please study your journals and ask questions in class. If you find any sites or have any questions, post them on this blog and I'll address them in class
Mr Crandell

PS.. Mrs. Roberts found this article for you. Go to site and see if you win.

Public invited to vote on Hubble telescope mission
January 30, 2009NASA wants to give you a chance to play with the Hubble Space Telescope. The space agency is inviting kids, teachers, anyone, to vote on which of six astronomical objects they'd like to photograph with Hubble. There are dying stars and spinning galaxies and more, none of them ever seen by Hubble before. The agency will turn Hubble's attention to the one that gets the most votes. You must cast your vote online by March 1, and in April, 100 lucky participants will receive a copy of the resulting photograph. To cast your vote, go to YouDecide.Hubblesite.org.

Jan 19 - Jan 23

Hey guys,
Keep an eye on Saturday and Sunday's weather. I would ask that you go to the sites and use the maps we looked at in class. Try to predict the weather and sunrise/moonrise times.
Next week we will look at station models and ways in which the earth is unequally heated.

Report cards go out Feb 5th. You have one more week to improve your grades.

Mr C

Weather

This week we begin Weather Systems. Many of you have a solid base for understanding the weather and others just wait for the weather man to tell us what is going to happen. The goal of this unit is for you to become confident and informed about predicting the weather. To get you started check out the websites to the left. Several of them have tutorials and graphics to help explain. Explore and have fun.