This week we continued our study of renewable energy sources (Chapter 18) with a focus on solar power and wind power as well as hydrogen power. We discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each renewable energy source analyzing both the costs and benefits. We also watched a recent presentation by the Secretary of the Department of Energy on hydrogen power and recent technology advances. A laboratory experiment was completed in class in which we produced hydrogen gas by electrolysis of water. We also made different electrolytic solutions to determine which solutions were most effective in the production of hydrogen gas. 

This week we also discussed the progress of the semester project. All materials, samples, and reporting documentation produced to date should be brought to class on Monday, 4/29. We plan to begin analyzing sample collection cards this week. There will be time provided in class this week to work on the semester project.

We will conclude our study of renewable energy sources next week.

Blessings and have a great weekend!

This week we continued our study of nonrenewable energy sources covering the topic of nuclear power and generating electricity from coal. To expand our understanding of nuclear power, we experimented with an interactive computer simulation of the operations of a nuclear power plant. In addition, we researched clean coal technologies and watched a video on the latest advancements in clean coal technology research.

We also discussed in greater detail the Unit 5 Project: The Energy Audit, which will be presented in class on Monday, May 22.

This week concludes our study of nonrenewable energy sources (Chapter 17). The Chapter 17 Test was provided in a separate post. The completed worksheet on the advantages and disadvantages of each nonrenewable energy source is to be provided with the completed chapter test on or before Wed, April 17.

We will begin our study of renewable energy sources next week.

Blessings and have a great weekend!

This week we completed our study of climate change with a review of Chapter 16 concepts and an experiment simulating ocean acidification as a result of carbon dioxide (CO2) being absorbed rapidly into the ocean. Students were provided with the Chapter 16 test on Monday to be completed at home on Tuesday. 

 

On Wednesday, we began our study of Energy witn a slideshow presentation of Lesson 17.1. We discussed various types of energy and energy sources. We also conducted an experiment on Wednesday demonstrating the transfer of heat energy as a result of a chemical reaction.

 

Next week we will continue our study of Energy. The Lesson Plan Schedule for April will be provided in a separate post.

 

Meanwhile, have a blessed Easter Weekend and a joyous celebration on Resurrection Sunday

This week we continued our study of climate change with a focus on the effects of climate change and responses to climate change. We began our Ocean Acidity activity/experiment which will be completed next week. Next week we will conclude our study of climate change (Chapter 16) with a Chapter Review and Chapter Test (3/26). We will begin our study of Energy on Wednesday.

This past week students also provided an update on their progress with their semester projects as well. We also discussed and answered questions about written reports documenting their semester projects. The written semester project report is due for submission on May 8 (two weeks prior to the last day of school).  

As previously discussed in class, students will document their project using APA format. An example of a student report in an APA format was shown in class.  It should be noted that high school students are more familiar with MLA format. APA format is more commonly used in the sciences. The purpose for using APA format for this semester is to provide students with experience using this format for a science paper. I am primarily concerned about best effort using this format. I let students know that the emphasis in final scoring of project reports will be based on content, not format. Again, concerning APA formatting, students should make their best attempt. 

Further guidelines will be provided in subsequent post(s).

Blessings and have a great weekend!

Hi, Parents and Students,

 

Unfortunately, my email address is temporarily out of order. It is not sending or receiving. The last email that I received was on March 8. I let Kati know and I am sure it will be returned to operation as soon as possible. I understand there were some system-wide issues, which occurred the week before spring break. For most, these issues were resolved but my email is still not functioning.

 

If you have any communication needs, please feel free to message me using the Oak Grove app.

 

My apologies for any inconveniences.

 

Mrs. Horenburg