NEW and IMPROVED!!! Stemscopes!

We are so lucky to have access to a great science resource.  You will be able to review topics we have already gone over and get vital extra practice on test questions similar to the STAAR. 

The website is hereStemscopes

If that link does not work then the URL is https://springbranchisd.stemscopes.com/

Once you are at the log on screen you can log on exactly as you do when you log on at school.

Short log on and then the password is your lunch number.

This week's homework is to log on and complete at least 20 minutes of practice.  There are games and practice quizzes.  These would be VERY helpful when benchmark time comes around.  This first set will be due Friday November 30.

Hot and Cold Balloons

Mrs. Charles filled a balloon with air.  She tightly tied the balloon so no air could get in or out of the balloon.  She kept the balloon in a warm room.  An hour later she put the balloon in a cold freezer.  When she took the balloon out 30 minutes later, it was still tied tightly shut.  No air escaped form the balloon; however the balloon had shrunk.  Mrs. Charles wondered if the mass of the balloon (including the air inside it) had also changed. 

What do you think?  Is the mass the same or less than?  Give examples, try it out, research on line.  Remember Wikianswers is not a valid scientific website!

Anyone with the right answer and a GOOD explanation will get a pink free sit pass!

Rube Goldberg's awesome systems

We know a system is a group of objects working together to make something happen. Check out these! Can you find all of the energy transfer? http://www.rubegoldberg.com/ 

Also this video is really great example of energy transfer and systems!

OR this old honda comercial is fun too! 

Enjoy!

What's in the Bubbles?

Mrs. Charles is boiling water in a glass tea kettle.  she notices bubbles forming on the bottoms of the kettle that rise to the top and wonders what is in the bubbles.  She asks her friends what they think, and this is what they say:

Dr. Coolidge: "They are bubbles of heat."
Mrs. White: "The bubbles are filled with air"
Mrs. Demeris: " The bubbles are an invisible form of water"
Mrs. Juan:  "The bubbles are empty-there is nothing inside them."
Mrs. Harn:  "The bubbles contain oxygen and hydrogen that separated from the water."

Which person do you most agree with and why?  Look for evidence online or  by doing some investigating at home.  You will get a trip to the prize box for right answers by Friday.  Answers must be complete and have some evidence in order to receive a prize! Have fun!