Dear Seahawk Parents and Students,

            We have completed our unit on geological cycle, forces, processes, and agents that shape our lithosphere. Students will now be conducting investigations on the properties and characteristics of minerals, rock cycle, characteristics of rocks, economic uses, value of gems and precious metals, common gems, minerals, and precious metals and rocks found in North Carolina. Then we will be analyzing soil properties like: color, horizon profiles, infiltration, soil temperature, structure, consistency, texture, particle size, pH, fertility, and soil moisture.  We will also evaluate the ways humans have impacted Earth's lithosphere and learn of measures taken to control the impact of:  vegetative cover, agriculture, land use, nutrient balance, and soil vector.  Last, we will look at the monitoring the lithosphere, and steps taken to maintain soil quality and stewardship.  Students are continuing to discover how scientists see the world inside and out.       

 

November Science News:

  

    There will be a mini-test on properties and characteristics of minerals and how they form on Monday, November 16th. A study guide was provided for each student.  (Please remember that quiz and test dates are subject to change slightly based on overall students performances, assemblies, inclement weather, etc.)

 

     Students have received a study guide for Wednesday's 1st  Trimester Final Exam. The topics on the exam are covered in the study guide.  The exam will be on Wednesday, November 18th.  Students have done a great job learning about the properties and characteristics of minerals and there economic uses. Next we will be completing labs on rocks and the rock cycle.  Last, we will have a series of labs and assignments on soil.  Students will analyze soil properties that measure color, horizon profile, infiltration, soil temperature, structure, consistency, texture, particle size, pH, fertility, and soil moisture.  We will look at ways humans have affected Earth’s lithosphere and the measures taken to control the impact of vegetative cover, agriculture, land use, nutrient balance, and soil vector.

 

 

Solar Panel Debate

       Dear Parents, part of our experience with Progress Energy SunSense is to have student engage in a Solar Debate.  I have three websites students can read about and learn about the pros and cons of using solar panels.  Students are also encouraged to research on their own the benefits or not so beneficial concepts of using solar panels.  We will have the solar debate on Tuesday, November 17th.  This will be filmed and may go on Progress Energy's SunSense website.  If you do not want your child to participate in this event, that is alright.  Simply send a note with your child to me and they may be excused and given an alternative assignment.  Please see solar pros and con websites below, thank you.

 

http://www.clean-energy-ideas.com/articles/pros_and_cons_of_solar_energy.html

http://earth911.com/blog/2007/10/15/pros-and-cons-of-solar-power/

http://wiki.idebate.org/index.php/Debate:Solar_energy

 

 

Seahawk Science Supply List:

 

1 – 3-ring binder only 1.5" or 2" width

1 – pocket divider

1 – pack of wide-ruled loose leaf paper

1 – pack of graph paper preferably with holes for your 3-ring binder

1 – pack of sheet protectors

1 – mechanical pencil

1 – jumbo eraser

1 – small pack of colored pencils 

 

Please replace your supplies as needed throughout the year.