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Prompt:
= = 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//: MRAP v Superbombs The war in Iraq is getting more and more technologically advanced as it advances. MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) are vehicles that can withstand bomb blasts; but with upgraded vehicles, upgraded bombs will follow. Explosively Form Penetrators are a new kind of bomb that sends a high velocity projectile from within the bomb making it almost like a out of water torpedo in a bomb. To increase protection of the MRAP, U.S has made a light weight solution for the armor. This lightweight solution is more durable and will protect the MRAP and the people in combat. Not only did the U.S. increase the MRAP's armor but it gave the MRAP a new name of MRAP 2. In the Science 7 class at Cary Academy students have been studying about projectile motion and how it works. In the bomb there is a projectile that blasts out of the bomb when the bomb hits the target. In class we have been studying parabolic motion. Due to parabolic motion the bomb has to be aimed perfectly for the projectile to hit the correct target.

Hambling, David. "MRAP v Superbombs." MRAP v Superbombs (updated) 24/8/2007 25/8/2007 <[|http://blog.wired.com/defense/2007/08/mrap-v-superb-1.html>.]

Comment 1: I like the topic of MRAP and the superbombs. In the first paragraph you could said how are superbombs used, for example what it was shot from. I'm still a little confused on what does a MRAP exactly look like. Is it sort of like a tank? Other than this your blog was perfect. Adit N Comment 2:

**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:// //A scientific experiment was done by the third period, 7th grade science class to determine the identity of 10 blocks with 20 possible identities. To find the identity of the objects there are many methods you can use, but the best way is using the scientific method which is the process of defining the problem, research and observations, create a hypothesis, experiment, examine you results, and come to a conclusion. This is the best way to conduct this experiment because it is an organized process, not leading to error. Organization in this experiment is key to an accurate answer and if the laboratory and the data is ordered it is easier to look at the data and analyze the data at the end of the experiment.// //The experiment becomes easier when the scientific method comes into play, yet there is no way to get around the difficulty of a trial and error process. The experiment is difficult because of the time constraints. Second guessing is such a big problem when you’re working with a time constraint because second guessing takes time that needs to be devoted to finding the identity of the other blocks. Other than second guessing there really aren’t that many other difficult aspects of the experiment.// //The other main aspect to this experiment is finding the density of the objects. This is important because most of the objects are clearly heavier than the others. With that knowledge instinct tells you that Copper is heavier than PVC so you don’t have to do anything other than weigh the two objects. With something like glass and PVC you really have to weigh them to tell what the difference is because their weight feels so simmilar.//

//Comment 1:// //Your blog entry was great! There was one spelling error and it was on the last word, similar. Your first paragraph was excellent, but read over the last sentence and see if you can make it make more sense. In your second paragraph you can refer to second guessing as it because you used that word to many times. Your third paragraph was great. Instead of writing 3 different paragraphs, write one long one. It says to do that on the directions. You answered the questions in a very descriptive way and they were answered precisly. Overall, your blog entry was very good and the content was excellent.// //~ Ruchi//

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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 an experiment that finds if metal is present in a substance, the metal is found by the different color made when the substance is heated in a flame. Fireworks relates to flame tests because the color in fireworks is produced almost the exact way a flame test is executed. The fireworks show colors because when certain chemicals are launched out of the fireworks the fire is right under the chemical. Near the chemical is the component of the firework that makes the explosion. As the firework blows up, the chemical in the fire make the effect of the color. For example the chemical that makes green is the nitrate of barytes.

Peterson, Robert Evans. "Familiar Science, Or The Scientific Explanation of Common Things." Familiar Science, Or The Scientific Explanation of Common Things 274. 16/10/2007

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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:// In the end the reaction turns the sodium in the chlorine into table salt (Na2Cl2). This happens because when the sodium atoms contact the chlorine atom, an ionic reaction occurs where each sodium atom loses one electron to each chlorine atom resulting in an ionic bond. An ionic bond is the process of either losing or gaining electrons between a non-metal and a metal forming ions. In ionic bonding the negative ion attracts to the positive ion by electrostatic force. For this ionic bond sodium loses its outer electron to chlorine making the sodium ion positive and the chlorine ion negative. For a ion to be positive it has to be sharing its only electron in the outer ring with the other ion. For an ion to be positive it's outer ring has to be full with electrons either sharing with the other ion or just naturally full. When the electrons share their electrons, the positive ion becomes smaller than the negative typically because of the ionic bond.

//Comment 1:// This has good content. There are some mistakes in this paragraph. It's not an ionic reaction, it's a chemical reaction. Other than that you explain what is happening well.

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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 of this trimester in Science 7 is the rap I made with Joseph Parrish and Joseph Cornett. I really enjoyed writing the lyrics with Joseph P. and Joseph really helped with gathering the information. We worked extremely well as a group, and we had a system of writing. Joseph P. and I would talk on Skype and make up the lyrics while we were both looking at the information that Joseph C. sent us. The system was very productive and we got a lot done in a short period of time considering we didn’t have a long time to write the lyrics and especially record the podcast. The snakes were a nice addition to the class and by the last day they seem like a a part of our class. We haven’t done much with them but they are always nice to play with when you have nothing else to do. They seem pretty content and Ms. Todd and our class seems to take good care of them. I wish we could have contributed to their names, but I guess their names are ok. I think I did well with the first quiz on writing and solving the simple equations. I think I excelled in creating the blog entries and making screen casts and podcasts. I think I could have studied more for the Periodic Table of Elements quiz. I could have looked at her blog so I would know what to study. I also think that I could of talked more during the discussion and I think I could work on remembering to study 5 days ahead of a quiz. This trimester has been a good trimester in Science 7. I think that this science class is very challenging and very entertaining. I feel that the class is harder than last year’s class, yet we do more experiments and have more fun.//

//Comment 1: This entry is very well written I agree about the snakes. I think that you did really this trimester, you asked questions when you needed to and worked really hard on all of the projects that we had. Great job!//

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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: Currently I know very little about electricity and i would like to learn more. I know that Thomas Edison evented the lightbulb. I know that electricity can be stored and I know that it is very easy to store. Other than those three facts I dont know hardly anything. I would like to know where and how electricity is stored. I would like to know how Thomas Edison found this source of energy. I would like to know what new appliances that can use less electricy and have more efficieny. I would like to know what other source of energy will we find next. I want to know if solar panels are ever going to be popular. I would like to know how electricity is conducted and what condudcts electricty. I would like to know how people charge thier Ipod's with a lemon, does the lemon have electricity itself? How does that work? Other than that i dont really know what to ask, yet i am ready to sit down and learn.

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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: Coal seems that it have increased the greatest amount over the period of time. This is so because coal never really drops a lot in the graph. The only time it drops is around 2000. It rises at around 1999 yet drops down to a steady 2 trillion kilowatts and throughout 2005 the line stays at 2 trillion kilowatts. Petroleum/Natural Gas and Nuclear Electric Power seem to be used less and less as the years go on. The source that directly contributes to global warming is coal. In 2002 about 40% of US carbon dioxide emissions come from fossil fuels such as coal. Now coal accounts for 93% of the carbon dioxide emissions. When power plants burns the coal they are left with a substance called fly-ash. Fly-ash is the ash that is left after the coal has burned. This fly-ash can be very harmful to the environment because it contains carbon monoxide and other harmful substances. The second largest source is car gas which creates 1.5 billion tons of CO2.
 * 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).**

Natural Resources Defense Council, "Global Warming Basics ." Global Warming Basics 1/6/2008 1/4/2008 <[|http://www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/f101.asp#1>.]

"Global Warming: The Causes." Global Warming: The Causes 1/6/2007 1/4/2007 <[|http://www.ecobridge.org/content/g_cse.htm>.]

From 1972 to 1985 the US used Coal the most used source of electricity. Throughout the 13 years coal went from 0.5 trillion kilowatts to 1 trillion kilowatts. Petroleum and Natural Gas was used more than Hydroelectric Power and Nuclear Electric Power. Petroleum and Natural Gas stayed at 0.5 trillion kilowatts. Hydroelectric power stayed at a medium of around 0.1 trillion kilowatts. Overall Coal was used the most throughout the period of 55 years.
 * 3.** **Describe the overall trends from 1972 to 1985 regarding the US's sources of electricity.**

Comment 1: Alex - I like the information that you put on your blog. The thing that you could improve on is adding more detail by saying how much the other sources of electricity increased or decreased. That would be an interesting trend. Overall, I think it is good, and has enough length! - Jared

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 * //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.//**

Re-Entry: The four major resources from 2000-2005 are Coal, Petroleum Gas, Nuclear Electric Power and Hydroelectric power. The least used energy supply is Hydroelectric Power. Hydroelectric Power rose from a fall in 2001 from 0.1 trillion kilowatts to 0.3 trillion kilowatts. Throughout the five years Petroleum and Natural Gas went from 0.7 to 0.8 trillion kilowatts. Nuclear Electric Power almost stayed on the same course as Petroleum and Natural Gas, yet at 2003 it stayed at a medium of 0.7 trillion kilowatts rather than rising to 0.8 trillion kilowatts. Coal was clearly the most used energy source from 2000 to 2005. It was at the top of a peak at 2000 with the US using 1.7 trillion kilowatts, and then sinking down to 1.5 trillion kilowatts in 2001. It gradually began to rise from 2002 to 2005, using 1.9 trillion kilowatts at 2005. Even though the other 3 energy sources were used quite a bit during the 5 year period, but clearly Coal was the most used energy source using 1.9 trillion kilowatts at 2005.

Comment 1: The four major resources from 2000-2005 are Coal, Petroleum Gas, Nuclear Electric Power and Hydroelectric power. The least used energy supply is Hydroelectric Power. Hydroelectric Power rose(SPELLING) from a fall in 2001 from 0.1 trillion kilowatts to 0.3 trillion kilowatts(SENTENCE DOES NOT MAKE SENSE). Throughout the five years Petroleum and Natural Gas went from 0.7 to 0.8 trillion kilowatts. Nuclear Electric Power almost stayed on the same course as Petroleum and Natural Gas, yet at 2003 it stayed at a medium(SPELLING) of 0.7 trillion kilowatts rather than rising to 0.8 trillion kilowatts. Coal was clearly the most used energy source from 2000 to 2005. It was at the top of a peak__ at 2000 with the US using 1.7 trillion kilowatts, and then sinking down to 1.5 trillion kilowatts in 2001(REREAD THIS SENTENCE AND CHANGE THE BEGINNING THAT IS UNDERLINED). It gradually began to rise from 2002 to 2005, using 1.9 trillion kilowatts at 2005. Even though the other 3 energy sources were used quite a bit during the 5 year period, but clearly Coal was the most used energy source using 1.9 trillion kilowatts at 2005.CONCLUSION STATEMENT.

This is a well written blog entry. It has a introduction statement but NO conclusion statement. Nowhere in the entry does it refer to GRAPH 1. There is great data throughout the entry. All the information needed is provided.Some sentences need to be rewritten, because they are very lengthy or do not make sense such as:"Hydroelectric Power ROSE FROM A FALL in 2001 from 0.1 trillion kilowatts to 0.3 trillion kilowatts." I think that you can make some of your sentences clearer by rereading them to see whether they make sense and then shortening them or rewording them. There are few minor spelling mistakes, but other wise this is very well written blog entry. Good Job! ~Nupur~

4/22/2008
Go to: [|The Tech Museum: Robotics]. Spend 10 minutes browsing the information and museum. Answer the following blog prompt in complete sentences and in third person. Create a full paragraph. If in the future machines have the ability to reason, be self-aware and have feelings, then what makes a human being a human being, and a robot a robot? Explain. Are there any kind of robots that shouldn't be created? Or that you wouldn't want to see created? Why?

Entry: If in the future if there was a robot that could be self aware and have feelings

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Re-entry 2: The four major resources from 2000-2005 are Coal, Petroleum Gas, Nuclear Electric Power and Hydroelectric power. The least used energy supply is Hydroelectric Power. Hydroelectric Power rose from a fall WORDING in 2001 from 0.1 trillion kilowatthours to 0.3 trillion kilowatthours. Throughout the five years Petroleum and Natural Gas went from 0.7 to 0.8 trillion kilowatthours. Nuclear Electric Power almost stayed on the same course as Petroleum and Natural Gas, yet at 2003 it stayed at a medium of 0.7 trillion kilowatthours rather than rising to 0.8 trillion kilowatthours AWKWARD. Coal was clearly the most used energy source from 2000 to 2005 GOOD. It was at the top of a peak in 2000 with the US using 1.7 trillion kilowatthours, and then sinking down to 1.5 trillion kilowatthours in 2001 GOOD. It gradually began to rise from 2002 to 2005, using 1.9 trillion kilowatthours at 2005. Even though the other 3 energy sources were used quite a bit during the 5 year period, but clearly Coal was the most used energy source using 1.9 trillion kilowatthours at 2005. PRETTY GOOD JOB. PROOF YOUR WORK FOR AWKWARD SENTENCES. -JT

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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 the measure of power in a circut. You can calculate the amout of electrical power that is used in a circut by a simple equation Power=Current*Voltage. If a peron left a 200 watt lightbulb burning for 24 hour straight, you would be using 4.8. To find how many killowat hours you would be using you would multiply the number of watts by how long the lightbulb was on then divide it by 1000 (200*24=4800/1000=4.8).

Comment 1: Alex good job answering all of the questions. Something’s that you could change are to add commas when needed. Another thing you need to do is when you first tell what the answer is you don’t say what unit of measure it is you need to say it is kilowatt-hours. Other than those few mistakes great blog entry. -Zack L.

Comment 2: Alex- Good job on the paragraph. You explained your equation well. The main thing that you should work on is giving units. When you say how you calculate electrical power, you should also give what current and voltage is measured in. When you do the problem that was given, you need to say your units, by saying 4.8 kilowatt hours. Then, you need to explain the equation from the beginning, by saying how you set it up earlier in the explanation, because it is all in the last parentheses. Last, you need to say "one can" and "one would" instead of "you." I think you understand it, but just did not make it clear enough. - Jared

Rewrite: A watt is the measure of power in a circut. You can calculate the amount of electrical power that is used in a circut by a simple equation Power (watt)=Current (amps)*Voltage (volts). If a person left a 200 watt lightbulb burning for 24 hours straight, you would be using 4800 watt hours. To find how many kilowatt hours one would be using you would divide 4800 watt hours by 1000 (200*24=4800/1000=4.8).

4/22/2008
Go to: [|The Tech Museum: Robotics]. Spend 10 minutes browsing the information and museum. Answer the following blog prompt in complete sentences and in third person. Create a full paragraph. If in the future machines have the ability to reason, be self-aware and have feelings, then what makes a human being a human being, and a robot a robot? Explain. Are there any kind of robots that shouldn't be created? Or that you wouldn't want to see created? Why?

Entry: If in the future machines have the ability to reason, be self-self aware and have feelings there would be no difference between robots and humans except their exterior unless robots get a skin coating, hair, and a perfectly resembled human voice. If there was to be a robot with a human exterior skin, and perfectly resembled human voice there would be no difference from a human and a robot. I feel that the only kind of robot that shouldn't be created is one that is meant to do harm to anything at all. The reason is, when robots are programmed to do something they cannot be stopped in any way, especially while robots get stronger and more durable, they will be soon indestructible. Other than that robots could be the best thing that has happened to human kind. They could bring us less stress, more resources and replace manual labor.

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