Science Fair

We did not have science class today as Grade 9 students were presenting their science fair projects to judges. Well done to all on their hard work and learning. Please note that there is no science class tomorrow due to the all-day P.E. trip.

Melting Point and Freezing Point

In yesterday's science class, we learned more about characteristic physical properties - melting/freezing point and boiling point, and how the Celsius grade was made to fit the melting and boiling point of water. Students were asked to complete the density questions on the worksheet they were given and Q. 2 - 10 and 12 on p. 198 of the student textbook.

Characteristic Chemical Properties

We learned that there are unique physical properties that can be used to identify substances. These are called characteristic physical properties. The first is density. We defined density as the ratio of mass to volume for a particular substance. Students practiced calculating density.

Homework & Reminders

• Complete density calculations on worksheet provided in class today
• Complete Q. 5 - 10 on p. 198
• Lab reports are past due

Trip

We did not have science class today, as Grade 9 students were away on a trip. Students are reminded that their forensic chemistry lab report is due on Monday.

Chemical Reactions

The Grade 9 class finished up the chemical reactions investigation they started working on yesterday. Their need to complete their lab report for homework today and submit it tomorrow.

Forensic Chemistry

Today, Grade 9s got about half way through their investigation into whether the chemical and physical properties of substances can be used to identify an unknown substance. We will continue with this investigation tomorrow.

Students should be finishing up their science fair projects. Science Fair takes place on Thursday, November 27.

Lab Reports

Grade 9s reviewed how to write a lab report today. They were introduced to an investigation they will be conducting tomorrow where they will determine if a powder can be identified by its physical and chemical properties. Today they discussed and wrote up the question, hypothesis, experimental design, materials & equipment in class. For homework they should write up the procedure.

Notes and OSSLT Practice

Today we finished up written notes for our work on physical changes, chemical properties, and chemical changes. We then worked through an article while focusing on the following reading strategies, questioning, identifying the topic of a paragraph, and paraphrasing. Students then completed a quiz to help prepare them the OSSLT test in Grade 10.

Homework & Reminders
Students should  be working hard on their science fair projects. The science fair is next week, Thursday, Nov. 27

Trip

We did not have science class today as Grade 9s were away on a trip.
Grade 9s are reminded to bring their devices to school tomorrow as they will be watching YouTube clips on lab safety while I am away. They will also need their science textbooks to complete work related to safety in the lab.

Chemical Changes

We had a double period of science today to make up for missing science class tomorrow when the Grade 9s are on a trip.
We reviewed qualitative and quantitative properties and added a list of physical properties to our repertoire.
We then had fun experimenting with physical and chemical changes in and around the school.

Homework & Reminders
The following is all due on Monday, November 17
 - Close Up of a Running Shoe
 - Common Chemical Changes
 - Qualitative versus Quantitative worksheet  (both sides)
 - To Rot Or Not - predictions only

Quantitative and Qualitative Properties

Today we learned about physical properties of a substance. Students used a running shoe as an example. They used their senses to make qualitative observations, and then instruments such as a balance, metre stick, and thermometer to make quantitative observations.

Students are asked to complete the write up of their running shoe investigation.

Pure Substances and Mixtures

We made good progress in beginning our chemistry unit today. We reviewed the particle theory of matter to ensure that students had a more comprehensive understanding of its main ideas. We defined pure substances and mixtures.

Squash & Tennis

There was no science class today, as the Grade 9s were away playing squash or tennis.

Chemistry

Grade 9s started their chemistry unit today. We spent time reviewing concepts they had learned in prior grades such as the particle theory of matter, density, viscosity, etc.
Students who wold like to, may meet in P1 from 8:00 to 8:45 to work on their science fair projects.

Homework & Reminders
-Hand in materials and procedure tomorrow
-Be ready to start testing tomorrow
-Read p. 172 of the textbook

Ecosystems Unit Test

Grade 9 students wrote their Ecosystems unit test today.