Weekly blog 12/13/15

Summary: This week we were working on our carbon footprint for the charity fair and we worked on our cost a bit too. 2 of our resources are the same but I'm pretty sure the rest has a  different total of CO2 but the 2 resources total of  CO2 is 7,418,510. We are doing two things for the charity fair and those two things are origami and rice crispies. The two resources that are the same is the paper that we're using to make the origami and the ones that are different are the rice crispies. The two resources that are the same are made in Vietnam and Vietnam from San Jose is 12,262 km.

SP5: Using mathematics and computational thinking

In science, mathematics and computation are fundamental tools for representing physical variables and their relationships. They are used for a range of tasks such as constructing simulations; statistically analyzing data; and recognizing, expressing, and applying quantitative relationships. Mathematical and computational approaches enable prediction of the behavior of physical systems along with the testing of such predictions. Moreover, statistical techniques are also invaluable for identifying significant patterns and establishing correlational relationships. 

Did you perform any math calculations?

We made math calculations in the carbon footprint because we had to add distance from origin, Quantity needed for 1000 kilograms of product (kg), and g of CO2 generated by likely mode of transport. When you add these 3 things you get the total number of CO2.

Weekly blog 12/6/2015

Summary: This week we were learning about soil and we are in groups working on a google doc that we have to finish. We need to answer questions such as what is soil, what is the composition of soil, what are the different types of soil, etc. For the first question "What is soil" soil is our most important resource because it can help us support buildings, it helps us make food, and since it is under us everyday we can't notice how important it is. The last question is "What are the different types of soil?". The different types of soil is Tundra soils, Northern forest soils, Prairie soils, Mountain soils, Southern forest soils, Desert soils, and Tropical soils.

SP7: Engaging in argument from evidence

In science, reasoning and argument are essential for clarifying strengths and weaknesses of a line of evidence and for identifying the best explanation for a natural phenomenon. Scientists must defend their explanations, formulate evidence based on a solid foundation of data, examine their understanding in light of the evidence and comments by others, and collaborate with peers in searching for the best explanation for the phenomena being investigated.

Did you participate in a class discussion providing evidence for your answers, and/or used the ACE strategy in your work?

We watched a video about soil and about how important it is. Then we discussed a little bit what we were going to do. Our teacher also said that we could watch the video again and I gained some good information. Another way I gained information is by reading one of the text books.

Weekly blog 11/22/15

Summary: This week we turned in our safest city in america project and we had lots of subs. So we did a on blizzards and I learned that London was the blizzard capital. One other thing I learned is that there are all kinds of snowflakes and they are all very unique in there own ways. Snowflakes come in all shapes and sizes including their design pattern. I also learned that frostbite is very serious and when your out in the cold without a tent you can dig a tunnel for warmth and cover the entrance with snow but there is a small hole for oxygen.

SP6: Constructing explanations and designing solutions
The goal of science is the construction of theories that provide explanations about the natural world. A theory becomes accepted when it has multiple independent lines of empirical evidence and greater explanatory power.

Did you explain something through your work?

The work that I explained is that on the worksheet I explained things about snowflakes such as that snowflakes come in all shapes and sizes or how to keep warm like digging a hole to keep yourself warm.

Safest Place in America - Essay

 



 The safest City in America is Henderson, Nevada because it is free from Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, and Blizzards. Henderson, Nevada is safe from these three natural disasters because it is not possible for them to occur here (There are more than these 3) But the ones that can occur here are Earthquakes and Wildfires. Earthquakes can happen here because of the Tectonic plates that are around the state. Wildfires can occur here because in the daytime it is very hot and wildfires can occur in a drought or a dry and hot place.

  Thunderstorms need 3 ingredients moist air, unstable air, and lift and without these ingredient you can't have a Thunderstorm. A thunderstorm can't happen in Nevada because Nevada doesn't have any moist air. The climate for Nevada in the daytime is 125 Fahrenheit (52 celsius) and in the night time it the climate is -50 Fahrenheit (-46 celcius). It doesn't also include other ingredients that make a thunderstorm. But it is still possible for a Thunderstorm to happen in Nevada.


 Tornadoes can't happen in Henderson, Nevada because Nevada is no where near Tornado valley and Nevada's terrain is pretty rocky. If a Tornado were to happen the most dangerous one would hurl a vehicle hundreds of miles away. It could also destroy large building and have a wind speed of 300 mph. Tornadoes mostly occur in the central part of the U.S or also known as the Great plains and more than 500 Tornadoes occur in this area each year. Tornadoes can also be formed by a Thunderstorm but like we said thunderstorms aren't likely to happen in Henderson, Nevada so having a tornado is a little to none chance of having one.


 Blizzards can happen in Henderson, Nevada but are not very common because you need cold air, lots of moisture, and lift. But as we said in Thunderstorms Henderson, Nevada doesn't have that much moisture in its air and its mostly hot in the daytime and cold in the night time. Since it's cold in the night time I guess it's possible to have a blizzard at night. A blizzard and a ground blizzard are different because Blizzards are large ice storms and ground blizzards are made from the fallen snow and then carried up by strong winds. In different places in Nevada there are blizzards but blizzards are not that common in Nevada.


 We chose Henderson, Nevada as the safest place in America because it only had 2 natural disasters which were Wildfires and Earthquakes. But then other than that it doesn't have Blizzards, Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, etc. We also think that New York times is incorrect because Oregon also has Wildfires and Earthquakes but can also be attacked by Tsunamis. Plus now that you think of it Tsunamis are very dangerous because Tsunamis flood everything and destroy a building after some time. The only way to escape a Tsunami is to go to high ground or else you'll be swept away by the giant wave.

Weekly blog 11/15/15

Summary: This week we started our slides for the safest place in america project and I learned that most natural disasters don't happen in the northeast that much. My group is doing a slide but we could have done a powtoon video but we decided to do a slide. I also learned that when there's a wildfire the fire fighters use a pink smoke to put out the fire. Another thing I learned is that California has more than 1 natural disaster along with a few others. One last thing I learned is that wildfires could be caused by lightning.\

SP2: Developing and using models

Science often involves the construction and use of models and simulations to help develop explanations about natural phenomena. Models make it possible to go beyond things you observe and simulate a world not yet seen. Models enable predictions of the form “if…then… therefore” to be made in order to test hypothetical explanations.

Did you build a model, draw a picture, created a concept map, etc?

My group is working on a google slide and we got a map worksheet. On that worksheet we put where all the natural disasters happen.

Weekly blog 11/8/15

Summary: This week me and my partner worked on Earthquakes, I think blizzards, and Tsunamis. We had a few bumps on the way but then we got to tsunamis which is the last one for the research part of the project. I learned that a Tsunami can happen from a volcanic explosion or an Earthquake. I also learned that a tidal wave is different from a Tsunami because a Tsunami goes straight and a tidal wave goes in a circle. We are almost done with Tsunamis but we have to do the map part.

SP6: Constructing explanations and designing soulutions

The goal of science is the construction of theories that provide explanations about the natural world. A theory becomes accepted when it has multiple independent lines of empirical evidence and greater explanatory power.

Did you explain something through your work?

I explained how a natural disaster is created, where it happens, description, where it doesn't happen, why it doesn't happen there, and why it does happen there.

Weekly blog 11/1/15

Summary: This week we worked on a project that has to do with natural disasters and the disaster we have researched on so far are wild fires, thunderstorms, hurricanes, and another that I forgot. We are researching natural disasters for the actual project we are doing and whatever we put on the paper is our research we use for the project. For example we put where the natural disaster happens, how it occurs, which natural disaster it is, and the description of it. We use one computer per team and while one person uses the computer for research the other person rights down the data on the paper. One thing I know so far for researching on where natural disasters happen is that most of them happen in Florida.

SP8: Obtain, evaluate and communicate information

Science cannot advance if scientists are unable to communicate their findings clearly and persuasively or learn about the findings of others. A major practice of science is thus to communicate ideas and the results of inquiry—orally; in writing; with the use of tables, diagrams, graphs and equations; and by engaging in extended discussions with peers. Science requires the ability to derive meaning from scientific texts such as papers, the internet, symposia, or lectures to evaluate the scientific validity of the information thus acquired and to integrate that information into proposed explanations.

Did you research something, used the CITE-IT strategy and then “told” the class about it?

We researched information and cited some of the websites.