Physical and Chemical Properties

Examples of physical properties are: color, smell, freezing point, boiling point, melting point, infra-red spectrum, attraction (paramagnetic) or repulsion (diamagnetic) to magnets, opacity, viscosity and density. There are many more examples. Note that measuring each of these properties will not alter the basic nature of the substance.
Examples of chemical properties are: heat of combustion, reactivity with water, PH, and electromotive force.
The more properties we can identify for a substance, the better we know the nature of that substance. These properties can then help us model the substance and thus understand how this substance will behave under various conditions.

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays!

Dear Parents,

Thank you for the support, kinds words, and gifts this past semester. Your thoughtfulness and generosity is deeply appreciated.


Mr. Shadow

Matter and 2nd Quarter Exam Study Guide

matter :Anything that has mass and takes up space.

physical properties:Anything you can observe about an object by using your senses. Matter is classified by properties: state of matter, appearance, color, shape, size, texture, magnetic/nonmagnetic, conductor/insulator, odor, solubility...

solid:A form of matter that takes up a specific amount of space and has a definite shape. Its molecules are tightly packed together.

liquid:A form of matter that has a definite volume but no definite shape. Molecules are more loosely packed and move more freely.

gas:A form of matter that does not have a definite shape or a definite volume. Molecules move most freely.

 

melting process:Occurs when heat energy is applied and energy increases. When heat is applied, a solid turns to a liquid.

evaporation process:Occurs when more heat is applied; again energy increases and therefore, molecules move more rapidly. When heat is applied, a liquid turns to a gas.

condensation process:Occurs when molecules are cooled, condense and energy is lost. When cooled, a gas turns to a liquid. Clouds, dew, water droplets on the outside of a glass on a hot day are caused by condensation.

freezing process:Occurs when molecules are cooled even more, and more energy is lost. When cooled even more, a liquid turns to a solid.

plasma:A form of matter that, like gas, has no definite shape nor definite volume. Common forms of plasma include stars and neon signs.

mass:The measure of how much matter is contained in an object.

weight:The measure of the force (pull) of gravity between the Earth and an object.

density:A measure of how tightly packed matter is. The more matter that gets packed into the same amount of space, the more dense it is.

volume:The amount of space matter takes up.

boiling point:Refers to the temperature at which it boils; every substance has its own constant boiling point. Waters boiling point is 100C/212F.

melting point:Refers to the temperature at which it melts; every substance has its own constant melting point. Waters (ice) melting point is 0C/32F.

freezing point:Refers to the temperature at which it freezes; every substance has its own constant boiling point. Waters freezing point is 0C/32F.

grams or kilograms

Mass is measured in these metric units.

celsius

Metric unit for measuring temperature; on this scale water freezes at zero and boils at 100. A Swedish astronomer devised the centigrade thermometer, (1701-1744).

fahrenheit

A scale and unit of measurement for temperature. It has been replaced in most countries by the Celsius scale. A German physicist invented the mercury thermometer and developed the scale of temperature that bears his name, (1686-1736).

scale

A tool used to measure weight.

graduated cylinder

A tool used to measure volume and density.

temperature

The measure of the amount of heat energy in the atmosphere.

physical state

The forms matter can be found in; examples are solid, liquid, and gas.

substance

Matter that has a uniform and unchanging composition.

balance scale

The balance scale is a tool used to measure the amount of mass in an object.

Tour of CERI, Chapter 4 Test, and WHY Project II

 Tuesday, November 25th the 5th grade classes will walk to CERI to expand our knowledge of earthquakes.The continuing goal of CERI is to provide both scientific and non-scientific information about earthquakes and earthquake preparedness to people in the central and eastern U.S. who could someday be affected by a significant earthquake.

During the Iben Browning episode of 1990, CERI was the main regional source of earthquake information. Filling the information vacuum during the period of intense public concern had a permanent impact on public awareness and understanding of regional earthquake hazards. 

Monday, November 24th the students will be tested on Chapter 4. Please review plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, and the atmosphere.

Why Project II forms will be sent home November 20th.

Due Date: December 15, 2014

All students are in the final phase of the written component of their science research projects.  They may now choose how to share their research information. Examples are: poster, PowerPoint, Prezi, video, demonstration, diorama, model, etc.

The project due date is Monday, December 15th, 2014. I will check your progress Monday, December 8th.  I will allow three homefun free weeks to complete the presentation part of your WHYII project.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes can happen along any type of plate boundary. They also occur along faults which are large cracks in the earth’s crust. Most faults are associated with large plate boundaries where violent earthquakes usually occur. Causes of Earthquakes Earthquakes are caused when the tension is released from inside the crust. This happens because plates do not move smoothly - sometimes they get stuck. When this happens a great deal of pressure builds up. Eventually this pressure is released and an earthquake tends to occur. An earthquake starts deep below the earth’s surface at the focus.  The focus is the point inside the Earth's crust where the pressure is released. The epicentre of an earthquake is the position on the earth’s surface directly above its focus. The jerking movement caused by plates sticking then moving releases built-up pressure inside the Earth's crust, in the form of seismic waves. The waves spread out from the focus. The strongest waves are found near the centre of the earthquake. This means that the most severe damage caused by an earthquake will happen close to the epicentre. It is almost impossible to predict when they will occur. The effect of an earthquake depends on the depth of an earthquake as well as its magnitude.

Geological Features-Volcano/Earthquakes

What is a volcano?
A volcano is a mountain that opens downward to a pool of molten rock below the surface of the earth. When pressure builds up, eruptions occur. Gases and rock shoot up through the opening and spill over or fill the air with lava fragments. Eruptions can cause lateral blasts, lava flows, hot ash flows, mudslides, avalanches, falling ash and floods. Volcano eruptions have been known to knock down entire forests. An erupting volcano can trigger tsunamis, flash floods, earthquakes, mudflows and rockfalls.


Click Here to learn more about volcanoes from USGS.

How are volcanoes formed?
Volcanoes are formed when magma from within the Earth's upper mantle works its way to the surface. At the surface, it erupts to form lava flows and ash deposits. Over time as the volcano continues to erupt, it will get bigger and bigger.

What are the different stages of volcanoes?
Scientists have categorized volcanoes into three main categories: active, dormant, and extinct. An active volcano is one which has recently erupted and there is a possibility that it may erupt soon. A dormant volcano is one which has not erupted in a long time but there is a possibility it can erupt in the future. An extinct volcano is one which has erupted thousands of years ago and there’s no possibility of eruption.

Why do volcanoes erupt?
The Earth's crust is made up of huge slabs called plates, which fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. These plates sometimes move. The friction causes earthquakes and volcanic eruptions near the edges of the plates. The theory that explains this process is called plate tectonics.


What are plate tectonics?
The theory of plate tectonics is a interesting story of continents drifting from place to place breaking apart, colliding, and grinding against each other. The plate tectonic theory is supported by a wide range of evidence that considers the earth's crust and upper mantle to be composed of several large, thin, relatively rigid plates that move relative to one another. The plates are all moving in different directions and at different speeds. Sometimes the plates crash together, pull apart or sideswipe each other. When this happens, it commonly results in earthquakes.

Continental Drift: To see this animation again, just refresh this page! This animation shows you what our planet looked like millions of years ago and what it looks like now! (Graphic Credit: Geology Department at University of California, Berkeley)

Click Here to learn more about plate tectonics and the drifting of our continents.

How many volcanoes are there?
There are more than 1500 active volcanoes on the Earth. We currently know of 80 or more which are under the oceans. Active volcanoes in the U.S. are found mainly in Hawaii, Alaska, California, Oregon and Washington.


What are the different types of volcanoes?
Volcanoes are grouped into four types: cinder cones, composite volcanoes, shield volcanoes and lava volcanoes.

Cinder Cones	Cinder cones are circular or oval cones made up of small fragments of lava from a single vent that have been blown into the air, cooled and fallen around the vent.
Composite Volcanoes	Composite volcanoes are steep-sided volcanoes composed of many layers of volcanic rocks, usually made from high-viscosity lava, ash and rock debris. Mt. Rainier and Mount St. Helens are examples of this type of volcano.
Shield Volcanoes	Shield volcanoes are volcanoes shaped like a bowl or shield in the middle with long gentle slopes made by basaltic lava flows. Basalt lava flows from these volcanoes are called flood basalts. The volcanoes that formed the basalt of the Columbia Plateau were shield volcanoes.
Lava Volcanoes	Lava domes are formed when erupting lava is too thick to flow and makes a steep-sided mound as the lava piles up near the volcanic vent. The eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 was caused in part by a lava dome shifting to allow explosive gas and steam to escape from inside the mountain.

What is the difference between lava and magma?
Magma is liquid rock inside a volcano. Lava is liquid rock (magma) that flows out of a volcano. Fresh lava glows red hot to white hot as it flows.

Thank you! and New Test Date

Dear Parents,

Thank you for your generosity. Our fall basket was a huge success! Please make sure to check it out tonight.

Total value  $625.00

(15) Gift cards totaling - $225.00  & (2) Gift certificates totaling - $400.00

$10.00 - Target
$10.00 - Target
$15.00 - Target
$20.00 - Target
$10.00 - Chick-fil-a
$10.00 - Chick-fil-a
$10.00 - Darden
$15.00 - Starbucks
$15.00 - iTunes
$15.00 - Bass Pro Shops
$20.00 - Sports Authority
$25.00 - Old Navy
$10.00 - Malco
$10.00 - Amazon
$30.00 - Amazon

I have postponed our solar system test until Friday, November 7th. This will allow the children to have more time to enjoy Fall Fest and more time for Mrs. Dixon and I to cover the stars.

Stars and Fall Fest

1.  The star that is closest to the Earth is the sun.

2.  A Star is a gigantic, glowing ball of plasma.
3.  Stars are first formed as clouds of dust and gas.
4.  Stars give off a tremendous amount of energy in the form of light and heat.
5.  Most stars are between 1 billion and 10 billion years old.
6.  Stars that have really strong gravity grow smaller over time and eventually turn into black holes.
7.  The hottest stars give off a bluish light while the cooler stars give off a reddish light.
8.  Stars seem to twinkle because their light travels through the earth’s atmosphere and the turbulence in the atmosphere affects the way stars are seen.
9.  All the stars that make up the Milky Way Galaxy revolve around the center of the galaxy once every 200 million years or so.
10. The oldest star that has been discovered is HE 1523-0901, which is an estimated 13.2 billion years old.

 

• Beautification Day is Saturday, October 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  We will gratefully put to use donations of flats of blue and white pansies, bird seed, and other plant-related items... even if you can't come on Saturday. See wiki for more information.

• The theme of Family Gathering on October 24,  is "Integrity" and will be led by Ms. Caldwell's class.

Looking Ahead @ Campus School:

• Fall Fest is Thursday, October 30.

• We need donations of candy, 2 liter soft drinks and pre-packaged snack cakes.  You may drop these items off at school in the boxes in the lobby beginning Tuesday morning.
• We need lots of volunteers!  Please sign up here for at least one shift.
  
• Reminder: Fall Fest is only for Campus School families and students.

• Support Drive Jeans Day is Friday, October 31, for 100% participation of all families in the CSPN Support Drive.
  

• Family Gathering Helpers - If you would like to help Mrs. Bailey, please click on this wiki link It is a fun way to start your Friday!

• For more updates and reminders throughout the week you can find us on Facebook. Click here to like Campus School.
  
• School Supply Box Chair Opportunity - We are looking for someone interested in taking over our school supply box orders for the 2015-16 school year. Responsibilities for this position begin in February 2015 and will continue through August. Please email Kerry Shepard if you are interested or would like more information.
  

 

Inner and Outer Planets & Fall Fest Class Basket Information

 

 

Differences between the Inner and Outer Planets

Orbiting the Sun are eight planets. Despite all of these planets being different from each other, they can be put into two groups. One group contains the four planets closest to the Sun - Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. These are known as the Inner Planets or the Terrestrial Planets. The other group contains the four planets furthest from the Sun - Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. These are known as the Outer Planets or the Gas Giants. The two groups are separated by the Asteroid Belt, a region of thousands of asteroids in orbit of the Sun between Mars and Jupiter. Below is a table containing differences between the two groups of planets.


Hello Everyone,
I hope you all are enjoying Fall break!  This is a gentle reminder to please purchase gift cards for our class fundraiser basket and please send them in to the class by Friday, October 24th.  You can get your gift card from where ever you choose ... any type, any place, and any amount!  Please send them in an envelope addressed to Stacey Sheppard. 
Thanks!
Stacey

Field Trip Change--Important Notice

Field Trip Change--Important Notice

Dear Parents,

     After careful review of our field trip plans, we have determined that the drive to our original destination, which is 2.5 hours one way, will deeply impact the amount of time students would have to enjoy their experience.  There is also the possibility of inclement weather Thursday night/early Friday morning.  With those two things taken into consideration, the 5th grade team has decided to change our destination to Fort Pillow.  Fort Pillow is located about 40 miles North of Memphis along the Mississippi River.  We have reserved the park's pavillion for our use and plan to visit the museum and view the film provided by the park.  We also plan to take advantage of the many trails in the park.  Dr. Copeland has given permission for students to wear jeans, spirit shirts (or uniform polos), and old tennis shoes (no sandals, Crocs, or dress shoes) Friday for our trip.  

    We would like to ask parents to still meet at Campus by 7:30 in order to avoid the arrival traffic and arrive at the park before 9:00.  Thank you so much for your understanding and cooperation with this.  We appreciate everything you do to help make Campus the wonderful place it is.  

http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/fort-pillow​ 

Fort Pillow State Park — Tennessee State Parks

Located on the western edge of Tennessee, approximately 40 miles north of Memphis, Fort Pillow State Historic Park is rich in historic and archaeological significance. Steep bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River made this area a strategic location during the Civil War. The fort was originally built by Confederate troops in 1861 and named after General Gideon J. Pillow of Maury County. It was abandoned in 1862 due to the Union Navy’s advancement along the Mississippi River. The area became a state park in 1971. The 1,642 acre Fort Pillow is known for its well-preserved breastworks and reconstructed inner fort. The park’s museum offers Civil War artifacts including a canon and interpretive displays relating to the history of Fort Pillow. There is a 12 minute video on the 1864 Battle shown by request as well as tours of the museum and restored fortifications. The museum is open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Lunch is still provided!  We will send home a map with where to meet by tomorrow.  

WHY PROJECT 1, Parent Teacher Conferences, and Field Trip

Jim Jaggers will be riding to our school on Wednesday Oct. 1. Along with Jim we see other bicycle riders, a Go Jim Go pace car and a WREG news van. Jim should arrive between 1:30-1:40, however this time frame does vary year to year.

Dear Parents, 

                                          

        Thank you for returning the parent-teacher conference sheets back to me so quickly. Many conferences are scheduled back to back. Therefore it would be helpful if you could be in our classroom at your scheduled time so that we may make the most out of our discussion. If for any reason you cannot make your appointment please call me at 678-2285. The master list may be viewed on the pages tab of our blog.

Why Project I

Due Date: September 29, 2014

A student may choose any area of science that we have already covered this year. This is designed so the student will investigate a question or topic to expand their knowledge. A student may request a topic outside of this if they receive prior approval from me.

A student may choose how to share their information. Examples are: poster, written report, PowerPoint, Prezi, video demonstration, diorama, etc.

o   Student must provide a specific question that they want answered by their project presentation.

o   Student must provide a minimum of three factual statements concerning their area of study.

o   Spelling counts!

o   Student will provide a separate written five paragraph summary (see rubric) that will contain a) a statement of their question, b) the facts provided, c) the procedures they used in their quest for knowledge and d) a conclusion. This will be on a separate sheet from the presentation material. You can view the rubric below for the written report and the project.

The project due date is Monday, September 29th, 2014.  

Field Trip Permission Slip
Date: Friday, October 3, 2014
Time: 7:30 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
Activities: Visit Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park
Curriculum Connection: Students will visit a Civil War battle site that includes a museum, video presentation, and a hike to the highest elevation in West Tennessee.
Transportation: Parent drivers.
Cost: $5 per student—CASH ONLY, no cost for chaperons—All money is due Friday, September 26.
Lunch: Students will be given a picnic lunch at the park including hot dog (turkey dog), chips, drink, and cookie.
Chaperones: Mr. Stearnes, Mrs. Cordero, Mr. Shadow, and Ms. Fenney

Week 9- Nine Week Unit Test, The Fossil Record, and Go Jim Go/Coins 4 Kids

Coins 4 Kids
Monday, students will bring in pennies, Tuesday—nickels, Wednesday—dimes, Thursday—quarters and on Friday dollars will be collected.

Students who bring in a dollar may wear jeans!

Go Jim Go is an annual event that supports Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. Le Bonheur Children's Hospital is a place for hope and healing for children and their families across the Mid-South and beyond. More than 250,000 children are cared for annually at Le Bonheur Children's. With the expertise of our physicians, medical team and state-of-the-art technology, Le Bonheur Children's has the ability to care for the community's sickest children.

Le Bonheur is a not-for-profit hospital relying on the support of a generous community to provide the best health care to all children. Our care and services extend beyond the walls of Le Bonheur, providing many benefits to the community. Our associates dedicate hours of tutoring and reading in elementary schools, and  our community outreach offers unique programs that serve more than half a million children in the region. In addition, Le Bonheur is recognized as one of the nation's "Best Children's Hospitals" by U.S News and World Report.

Participating in Go Jim Go is beneficial for students. Studies show youth who volunteer are more likely to do well in school, graduate, become responsible adults and continue being philanthropic throughout adulthood. Additionally, students who participate in community service reported feeling better about themselves and gaining respect and understanding for others. Go Jim Go is an important community program, impacting the lives of youth across the region.

The fossil record provides snapshots of the past that, when assembled, illustrate a panorama of evolutionary change over the past four billion years. The picture may be smudged in places and may have bits missing, but fossil evidence clearly shows that life is old and has changed over time Nicholas Steno's anatomical drawing of an extant shark (left) and a fossil shark tooth (right). Steno made the leap and declared that the fossil teeth indeed came from the mouths of once-living sharks.