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PhET Simulations
After researching and compiling data from the first trimester, I found that using CU's PhET simulation for natural selection has a strong correlation with multiple positive academic attributes, including increased understanding of challenging scientific concepts. I have a history with the University of Colorado Boulder and there are some really great people there!
"PhET provides fun, free, interactive, research-based science and mathematics simulations. We extensively test and evaluate each simulation to ensure educational effectiveness. These tests include student interviews and observation of simulation use in classrooms. The simulations are written in HTML5 (with some legacy simulations in Java or Flash), and can be run online or downloaded to your computer. All simulations are open source (see our source code). Multiple sponsors support the PhET project, enabling these resources to be free to all students and teachers" (University of Colorado , 2024).
The button will take you to the physics simulations since we are starting are physics unit! Nothing is assigned as of 11/8/2024 but this is a fun way to build on the understanding and see it from different perspectives.
Eighth grade is working on nuclear physics, so I suggest "Build a Nucleus."
NO HOMEWORK FOR ALL GRADES - 11/08/2024
References:
University of Colorado: PhET Research and Development. (2024). PhET: Research and Development. https://phet.colorado.edu/en/research
After researching and compiling data from the first trimester, I found that using CU's PhET simulation for natural selection has a strong correlation with multiple positive academic attributes, including increased understanding of challenging scientific concepts. I have a history with the University of Colorado Boulder and there are some really great people there!
"PhET provides fun, free, interactive, research-based science and mathematics simulations. We extensively test and evaluate each simulation to ensure educational effectiveness. These tests include student interviews and observation of simulation use in classrooms. The simulations are written in HTML5 (with some legacy simulations in Java or Flash), and can be run online or downloaded to your computer. All simulations are open source (see our source code). Multiple sponsors support the PhET project, enabling these resources to be free to all students and teachers" (University of Colorado , 2024).
The button will take you to the physics simulations since we are starting are physics unit! Nothing is assigned as of 11/8/2024 but this is a fun way to build on the understanding and see it from different perspectives.
Eighth grade is working on nuclear physics, so I suggest "Build a Nucleus."
NO HOMEWORK FOR ALL GRADES - 11/08/2024
References:
University of Colorado: PhET Research and Development. (2024). PhET: Research and Development. https://phet.colorado.edu/en/research
Below this heading: trimester one archives
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9/15/2024 Updates (all grades)
There will not be any homework this week.
Gentle Reminder:
There will not be any homework this week.
- Over the next couple of months. Students will be investigating fundamental concepts in physics and chemistry, focusing on the properties of matter, energy, forces, and the interactions between them. These lessons emphasize understanding of how physical principles govern the natural world and everyday phenomena.
- I often provide outlines for students to follow along and take notes; I also provide full sets of notes upon parent request or for excused absences. Please feel free to reach out.
- On Fridays, I will be informally assessing understanding of that week's material so that I can fill learning gaps and tailor plans for the following week accordingly.
- Students will have a list of "academic vocabulary" related to the section. I encourage families to take a look at the list and point out when the terminology is relevant to our every day living. Students know that, to me, vocabulary lists are not for memorizing definitions, but for understanding the meaning and applications of each word.
Gentle Reminder:
- My science classes are heavy on participation, whether it be verbal, written, or behavioral. Students start out with 10/10 participation points each week. The most frequent loss of participation points has been attributed to disruptive classroom behavior. Talking out of turn and intentionally creating distractions is disrespectful to teachers, other students, and those working in surrounding rooms.