We are describing minerals in terms of their properties such as color, streak color, crystal shape (if any), luster, cleavage (if any), hardness, density, and any special properties they might have. Not all of these properties are present for every mineral, but these are the kind thing we use to figure out what mineral we are dealing with. Understanding the nature of minerals can help us find the mineral resources that are beneficial. That's what the mining industry works hard to do.
I think we will let interested students try to grow crystals at home. There are many ways to do it, and I will put together this week some ideas on how we can do it for some extra credit. We will do our mineral identification lab soon. Any good ideas for finding the density of the big quartz crystal in our classroom are welcome. Assignments:
It is essential to be honest in reporting our data and results of our analysis in science. One way to be honest is to report our results with the appropriate number of significant figures. We took a look at the reasoning behind this idea today and how to determine if zeroes are significant or not. They key idea is that significant zeroes are an essential part of a measurement and not just a "spacer" or place holder.
We also read about our local salt source in Glendale. Thirty cubic MILES of salt. That's a lot of salt! Assignments:
We are starting our next unit by learning how to write our data correctly and how to read someone else's data correctly. We generally have a decent idea about what to write down when we collect our data, and now we want to make formal rules for doing that. The whole idea is to know just how accurate our measurements are and to be honest in reporting them. We want others to be able to trust our work!
Assignment:
Today was our test on Chapter 2, and tomorrow, you're off on your retreat! Have lots of fun!
We finished up our work on maps today by discussing how GPS works with satellites and our receivers (i.e. phones, etc). Tomorrow is our Ch 2 Test!
We further examined topographic maps to identify peaks, ridges, valleys, steep areas, flat areas, and depressions. We also discussed further different map projections. We are responsible for identifying and describing Mercator, Equal Area, and Conic projections. Each projection has its advantages and its disadvantages. You should know one or two advantages and disadvantages of each type of map projection.
Assignment:
Today we dealt with the advantages and disadvantages of different kinds of map projections and also with interpreting topographic maps.
No assignment for the weekend. |
Earth ScienceMr. Swackhamer Archives
March 2020
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