Courtney's+Blog+1

= = toc Back to Student Blogs

=Your Blog=

Make sure to follow the instructions on the Student Blog Page

8/24/2007
Find an web article from a reputable news website that contains information about any type of projectile. The article must relate to some science topic this could include something having to do with the projectile of bullets or weapons but should not focus on killing!Write a short (1 paragraph) summary of the article and then describe how anything you have learned in the past week about projectile motion might relate to it (second short paragraph). Finish with a citation to the web article. Enter all of this under "Entry" below.

//Entry:// While looking for a site about projectile motion, a very interesting article was found. It was about a new object called the Trajectory Tracker. The Trajectory Tracker is a video projectile tracking system that provides an accurate tracking of projectiles in flight. It does that by using a controlled trigger rotating mirror in front of a high-speed digital video camera. The Tracker can also track projectiles in slow motion while they are in flight. That can be useful for accurate diagnosis of many things. The Trajectory Tracker is a very useful machine.

Anything that has been learned in this past week about projectile motion might relate to the Trajectory Tracker in a couple ways. One way is that the Tracker tracks projectiles in flight, and the flight of a projectile was one of the things that was taught in this past week. Other things that the Tracker does with projectiles were also learned. In conclusion, the Trajectory Tracker will be very useful now and in the future.

//Comment 1:// The first paragraph is a very good summary of the article. The second paragraph is a little too short, and in the first sentence you say it relates to what we did in class in a couple of ways. In the paragraph, you only mention one way of how it relates to the class. At least one more sentence needs to be added about a specific way it relates to our class, because that is the main topic. All of the spelling and grammar looks fine. Besides the second paragraph being too short, it is good overall.

//Comment 2:// I really like the way that you discribed what the Trajectory Tracter was. The spelling and grammar looks good throught the entry. The second paragraph only has one specific example about how it relates to what we have learned. I think that the second paragraph needs a little more information about what we have learned in class (specifically). The topic sentence of your second paragraph needs to be more specific. Overall your entry was wonderfull! ~Nupur~

9/24/2007
Reflect upon the mystery density cube experiment. You may write in first person. Create a long paragraph addressing these questions:

1.) Was the scientific method necessary in this experiment? If not, why? If so, why? 2.) What made this experiment difficult? or was it easy? 3.) Is density very important in finding the identity of an unknown substance? . //Entry:// During class, our group performed a density cube experiment. There were many important and some difficult things about it. The scientific method was necessary in this experiment. Our group had to come up with a hypothesis, observations, qualitative and quantitative data, analysis, etc while performing it. The experiment was very difficult, our group had some struggles sometimes. It took us a while to come up with a hypothesis. We had to measure, weigh, and calculate many things with the cubes just to find out what material they were. Also, we were only given a list with a limited amount of items that they could be. Density helped us a lot throughout the experiment, especially when we were making our analysis. Density is very important in finding the identity of an unknown substance. When you research different objects, you need to know the densities because that's the easiest and most accurate way to figure out something unknown. The Density Cube Experiment was very challenging, but fun!

//Comment 1:// First of all, make sure you add the date of the blog entry when you copy the blog prompt. Also, why did you include that last sentence? It's a little unnecessary. There were a couple grammatical errors, but nothing which is really important. Finally, in the next-to-last sentence, you described density as 'the easiest and most accurate way to figure out something unknown.' You might think about clarifying that phrase. Overall, you explained your three points very well and with good detail, and this blog entry is great (once you make those changes, that is). -Joseph Comment 2:

10/16/2007
What is a flame test in your own words? How does this relate to the use of chemicals in fireworks? Make sure to include your MLA citations you may not use Wikipedia! . //Entry:// A flame test is a test used to determine the identity of an element. Each element produces a different color flame when burned. This relates to the use of chemicals in fireworks because when fire is combined with the chemicals in the fireworks, they shoot up into the air and create different colors. But, fireworks shoot up into the air unlike the chemicals in a flame test. This is probably because the chemicals in a flame test just go into the air, but in the fireworks they are trapped except for a small spot which is where the fireworks come out of. Flame tests and fireworks are also similar because you don't know what element is making the different color flames (or fireworks) until you do some research. Flame tests and fireworks are similar in a lot of ways, even though you might not realize it.

"Qualititave Analysis-Flame Test." __About: Chemistry__. New York Times. 16 Oct 2007 <[|http://chemistry.about.com/library/weekly/aa110401a.htm>.]

//Comment 1:// Positive: Good Job Courtney! It looks like you understood what was happening in the experiment. Your paragraph is very descriptive. Good Job! Negative: Some of the sentences had different verb tenses. I think that you should state the charges of sodium and chloride after they bond, and explain why they take certain charges.

~Nupur~

Comment 2:

11/1/2007
Go to this site: [|http://www.visionlearning.com/library/module_viewer.php?mid=55 .]Click on "Watch the Reaction with Sodium and Chlorine" In your own words and in third person, create a blog entry describing the reaction and explaining what is happening in terms of the bonding. Write a long paragraph. Explain in detail.

//Entry:// The virtual simulation that was seen was interesting, but a little confusing. But, when some research was done, the answer was able to be found pretty easily. When the sodium and chorline come together, the sodium gives 1 of it's electrons to each of the chorline. This is an ionic bond. The transfer that just happened released energy, causing the sodium to light on fire. The compound that's left is held together by electrical charges. The compound that was formed is a hard, white solid called sodium chorlide. We know it well as table salt, though. This virtual simulation was very interesting!

//Entry 2:// The virtual simulation that was seen was very interesting. When some research was done, the answer was able to be found pretty easily. When the sodium and chorline come together, the sodium gives one of it's electrons to each of the chorline. This is an ionic bond. The transfer that just happened released energy, causing the sodium to light on fire. The compound that's left is held together by electrical charges. The compound that was formed is a hard, white solid called sodium chorlide (NaCl). We know it well as table salt, though. This virtual simulation was very interesting!

//Comment 1:// Positive: Good Job Courtney! It looks like you understood what was happening in the experiment. Your paragraph is very descriptive. Good Job! Negative: Some of the sentences had different verb tenses. I think that you should state the charges of sodium and chloride after they bond, and explain why they take certain charges. ~Nupur~

Comment 2: Positive: Your blog was clear and precise. You seem to take a real understanding of the experiment and the different aspects. You used good grammar and had a good vocabulary. Good job! Negative: Although fantastic, you might be able to change a few things. When you had put “gives 1” you should write out the number one instead. Also, you might want to take out “but a little confusing.” Besides changing these aspects, your blog was great! -Myra

11/08/2007

What was your favorite project, experiment or topic this trimester and why? (projectile motion, density cube experiment, podcasts, chemical reactions, flame tests, etc.) You can also comment about the snakes. What do you think that you excelled at this trimester? How could you have improved your performance in Science 7? (Make sure to check your spelling and grammar).

Entry: My favorite project was the chemical reaction experiment. I loved how we got to actually watch chemicals react, light things on fire, and deal with poisonous substances. I also loved to hold the snakes during break, it brought some excitement to our day. I think that I excelled in the experiments and helping other people. I could have improved with my test grades, because they were my weakness.

Comment 1: During this trimester, Courtney was a good influence. She helped when help was needed and always cared for her friends. She was very attentive during class and knew what we had done after class. During the trimester, she improved and grew as a young scientist. This year, Courtney was fantastic and always cared! Courtney is very clever, attentive, and grew to become a get young scientist. -Myra

Comment 2:

12/18/2007
Our next unit is about electricity and electronics. In first person write a long paragraph about what you know about electricity and what questions you might like to have answered in our electricity unit. If you could investigate any subject area related to energy in the home, electricity, electronics, computers, etc. what would you like to research or investigate?

Entry: I know a couple things about electricity. I know that Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. I also know that at my home, we pay for an electricity bill when we put on our lights, use the computers, or anything else that needs electricity to run. Benjamin Franklin first invented electricity. I would like to know how electricity works and what is in it to make things work. If I could investigate any subject area related to energy in the home, I would probably choose computers. I would choose that because I like computers and I think it would be interesting to write about them. I would also like to learn about electricity to cut down green house gas and pollution. Electricity is very interesting!

Comment 1:

Comment 2:

1/3/2008
Our next unit is about electricity and electronics. Observe the following graph, Graph 1. Write at least five sentences for each of the following questions. Write in third person. Directly cite data and identify the graph (1). 1.) Which electricity source in the US has increased the greatest amount over the time period shown in the graph? 2.) Which of the sources listed below directly contribute to global warming? Provide evidence and explain using the Internet (MLA citation). 3.) Describe the overall trends from 1972 to 1985 regarding the US's sources of electricity. [|This graph can also be seen at this LINK.]

Here is an example statement: "Graph 1 shows that from 1960-1965 there was a steady increase in the use of coal as a source of electricity. It rose from roughly 0.2 trillion killwatthours to 0.5 kilowatthours.

Entry: 1.) Graph 1 shows that coal has increased the greatest amount over the period of time shown as an electricity source in the US. It rose from around 0.2 trillion kilowatthours in 1950 to around 1.9 kilowatthours in 2005. From 1950 to 1970 it increased gradually but not that much. But, from 1975 to 2005 it started increasing a lot more, and faster too. The use of coal increased steadily, but a lot.

2.) Out of the sources listed in Graph 1, coal contributes most to global warming. Coal emits about 1.7 times as much carbon per unit of energy when burned. This causes greenhouse gasses, which causes global warming. Coal also contains about 80 percent more carbon per unit than gas does. Since coal contributes most to global warming and it has increased in use over time, it is very bad for the enviorment.

3.) Graph 1 shows that the overall trends from 1972 to 1985 both increased and decreased. Nuclear Electric Power increased from 0 trillion Kilowatthours in 1972 to about 0.3 Kilowatthours in 1985. Hydroelectric Power increased and decreased, it increased from about 0.2 Kilowatthours in 1972 to 0.3 Kilowatthours in 1975 but then decreased from 0.3 to 0.2 in 1978 then back up to 0.3 in 1980. It then increased up to about 0.4 Kilowatthours in 1985. Petroleum and Natural Gas increased and decreased, in 1972 in decreased from about 0.6 Kilowatthours to 0.5 in 1975. In 1976 it went back up to 0.6 but then dropped down to about 0.4 in 1985. Coal also increased and decreased. In 1972 it was at about 0.7 Kilowatthours, raised to 0.8 in 1974, dropped to 0.7 in 1975, raised to about 1.1 Kilowatthours in 1980, dropped down to 1, then finally raised back up to about 1.4 Kilowatthours in 1985. All of these increased and decreased use between 1972 to 1985 except Nuclear Electric Power, which increased and didn't decrease.

Comment 1: Excellent scientific writing style! The whole paragraph is in third person, you directly referenced the data (although you could have put "Graph 1 shows" or "As seen in Graph 1" in more than one place), and you backed up your ideas with considerable amounts of data. You also answered the blog question correctly and followed all of the blog prompt guidelines. The numbers which you pulled from the graph are accurate in most cases as well (for example, it seems like there was about 0.1 trillion kilowatthours of nuclear energy being produced in 1972 as opposed to 0 trillion kilowatthours). Overall, this is a very good blog entry! -Joseph Cornett

Comment 2: Great Job! The whole paragraph is in third person and you refered to the graph. In sentence five you wrote in 1972 in decreased, I think you should change in to it. Overall, this is an excellant blog entry! ~ Ruchi

1/8/2008
Please read the paragraph below about energy use to create electricity from 1972-1985 in the US. Observe that the graph is referred to, there is an introductory statement, supporting statements are backed up with data, and that their is a concluding sentence. This would have been a well written paragraph for question 3 in our previous blog entry.

"As seen in Graph 1, there were four sources of electricity production in the US from 1972-1985. These sources were coal, petroleum/natural gas, nuclear electric power, and hydroelectric power. From 1972-1985, the US needed greater and greater production of electricity from these combined resources. This best example of this is that during these years, coal increased from 0.5 trillion kilowatthours to roughly 1.5 trillion kilowatthours. During this same time period hydroelectric sources remained approximately the same at 0.3 trillion kilowatthours. There was a slight increase in nuclear electric power sources from 0.1 trillion kilowatthours to 0.3 trillion kilowatthours during this same time period. Finally, petroleum and natural gas showed the greatest amount of fluctuation during this time period staying about the same from 1972-1980 at 0.4 trillion kilowatthours but then deceasing to 0.3 trillion kilowattthours by 1985. Thus, although greater and greater amounts of resources were needed to produce electricity during this time period, coal accounted for the greatest increase in use." - JT

//**Using the above paragraph as a model, describe the changes in electricity production sources from 2000-2005. Make sure that you reference the graph (Graph 1). Make sure all statements are backed up with data. Make sure you have an introductory sentence and a concluding sentence that provide an overall summary/statement.**//

Entry: As seen in Graph 1, there are four main sources of electricity production. They are Coal, Petroleum/Natural Gas, Nuclear Electric Power, and Hydroelectric Power. The graph shows that they these resources both increased and decreased in use between the years 2000-2005. Hydroelectric power went from about 0.2 kilowatthours in 2000 down to about 0.1 in 2001. In 2002 it went back up to around 0.2 kilowatthours and stayed the same until 2005. Petroleum/Natural Gas steadily grew in use between the years 2000-2005. It went from about 0.6 kilowawtthours in 2000 and grew slowly but steadily to about 0.7 in 2005. Nuclear electric power stayed about the same, around 0.7 kilowatthours from 2000 to 2005. Coal both increased and decreased. It went from about 2 kilowatthours in 2000 back down to 1.9 in 2001. Then it grew steadily back up to 2 kilowatthours in 2005. Overall, all of the resources grew over time with more people using electricity. With all of the resources growing, coal is still used the most between the years 2000-2005.

Comment 1: This is a very well written blog entry, Courtney. The Introduction and Conclusions are great, but some sentences are a little to worded. Some of your sentences can be cut down to something like " Nuclear Electric Power stayed at about 0.7 trillion kilowatthours from 2000-2005. It is not just Kilowatthours it is trillion kilowatthours. Other than that this was a great Blog entry! ~NK~

Comment 2: Your entry, overall, was nicely written and passed the required criteria. However, you do have some small glitches here and there that you might want to take into consideration. Coal, Petroleum/Natural Gas, Nuclear Electric Power, and Hydroelectric power should not be capitalized. Also, you might want to take 4 and write it as 'four' to make it seem more professional. Nice job, Courtney. ~Christina

Comment 3: Courtney, your overall blog entry was well written. You wrote in third person, referenced to the graph and, referenced to data. I felt that you followed the prompt well and provided good evidence for the data you used. However, there are a couple things you might want to fix. “They are Coal, Petroleum/Natural Gas, Nuclear Electric Power, and Hydroelectric Power,” you do not have to put them in capital letters. Also, instead of writing trillion kilowatthours, you wrote killowatthours which is incorrect. A suggest is for your conclusion sentence, your should add data not only from coal but from the other sources of electricity. But, your conclusion was still correct/ good, good job! ~Myra

Re-Entry: As seen in Graph 1, there are four main sources of electricity production. They are coal, petroleum/natural gas, nuclear electric power, and hydroelectric power. The graph shows that they these resources both increased and decreased in use between the years 2000-2005. Hydroelectric power went from about 0.2 trillion kilowatthours in 2000 down to about 0.1 UNITS in 2001. In 2002 it went back up to around 0.2 trillion kilowatthours and stayed the same until 2005. Petroleum/natural gas steadily grew in use between the years 2000-2005. It went from about 0.6 trillion kilowawtthours in 2000 and grew slowly but steadily to about 0.7 in 2005. Nuclear electric power stayed about the same, around 0.7 trillion kilowatthours from 2000 to 2005. Coal both increased and decreased. It went from about 2 trillion kilowatthours in 2000 back down to 1.9 in 2001. Then it grew steadily back up to 2 trillion kilowatthours in 2005. Overall, all of the resources grew over time with more people using electricity. With all of the resources growing, coal is still used the most between the years 2000-2005. GREAT JOB- JT

2/05/2008
What is a watt? How do you calculate the amount of electrical power that is used in a circuit? Finally, if a lamp with a 200 watt lightbulb burned for 24 hours straight (you forgot and left it turned on), how many kilowatt hours would it use? Make sure to write in complete sentences and in third person. Explain how you calculated the amount of kilowatt hours that would be used in the question above.

Entry: A watt is a measurement used to measure Power. It is calculated by multiplying current times voltage. If a lamp with a 200 watt light bulb burned for 24 hours straight, it would use 4.8 kilowatt hours. This was found by multiplying the watts by the hours and then dividing the result by 1,000. Watts and kilowatt hours are very important things to know about electricity.

Comment 1: Courtney, your blog entry was very well written with just some minor things you can improve on. I was impressed by your good grammar and the way you explained the way you calculated to get your answer. One thing I would say to improve on is your ending sentence, it could be a bit more descriptive. You should wrap up everything with your ending sentence but, I didn’t really see that in yours but, besides that your blog is great! -Myra

Comment 2:

2/28/2008
This trimester we started by finishing up our chemistry unit by doing an acid/base experiment. After this, we started our electricity/electronics unit in which we first made basic series and parallel circuits with buzzers, speakers, motors, and lights. We applied ohm's law to these experiments. Following this, we started working on the Radioshack Electronics Kits where we made complex circuits that had a variety of functions- blinking LEDs, screeching speakers, analog to digital converters, etc. The technology we used this trimester included the pH probes that we connected to our computers to get the pH of household chemicals, using the wiki to create an class test review sheet, the Radioshack Electronic Kits, and creating collaborative lab reports in the wiki for our electronics unit (instead of a formal lab report).

//__In this blog prompt, please write a paragraph long entry (5-6 sentences with a intro and concluding sentence) that addresses what you enjoyed during this trimester and what you have learned. You can also comment on what you would like to improve upon for next trimester or what was difficult for you. Feel free to comment on our snakes- Peppermint and Diablo if you would like to as well as the technology that you enjoyed this trimester. Please check your spelling and grammar as this blog entry may appear in your end of trimester comment. You may want to write it in Microsoft Word to check the spelling, etc. and then copy it in the blog.__//

Entry: This trimester, I had a really good time in science. I learned a lot of things about electricity and circuits. The electricity assessments were really hard but I learned a lot of information from them. When we built circuits, I learned that you really had to have everything in the exact spot or else it wouldn’t work. My group also had to troubleshoot a lot, but it was really fun to make them and I always felt good after they worked. It was also fun to take pictures of the circuits and interview each other with cameras. I also enjoyed holding the snakes, Diablo and Peppermint, during break and in class. I was afraid of them at first, but once I held them a little I found that they were very sweet. Science has been a very fun class this trimester, I’ve enjoyed it very much! -Courtney Figure 1: Diablo

Figure 2: Peppermint

Comment 1: Courtney, you did great in Science this trimester. I really enjoyed working with you on projects because you make everything really FUN!! I think that you might have been a little confused at times but when others were not getting it you were always willing to help. I had a great time with you in Science this trimester, Courtney. It was really fun!!! ~Nupur~

Comment 2: