Apologia Biology: Owl Pellet Lab

 I’m teaching Biology remotely.  Lacie finished the Owl Pellet Lab.  I was hoping for Images of the actual dissection and the bones sorted using the bone chart.  I guess I should have been more explicit.

Color the Periodic Table

 One activity I like my kids to do is to color and annotate the Periodic Table.  Here is a guide for coloring the periodic table.  I instruct my kids to color their Periodic Tables using the same colors as their sets of element cards which were part of their summer assignment.  Take a look at the one below.

Lab Equipment at Educational Innovations

 Educational Innovations has tons of fun science toys and equipment.  They just added graduated cylinders and plastic beakers.  EI has pipettes and reaction plates at reasonable prices.  This is one of my favorite stores.  I’m happy to see them add more basic equipment for home-schoolers.

LEGO Boost at Good Will

We’ve been building and programming with LEGO Boost  all summer.  This is an expensive toy.  Guess what?  Good Will has several listings.  Good Will offers LEGO Boost sets often.  These sets retail for $159.  The bids at Good Will run $50.  Open box LEGO sets should go for less.  You do run the risk of missing pieces.  These are amazing deals.

Family Science: Genetic Trait Inventory

 Our little household is studying genetics.  We did a Genetic Traits Inventory together yesterday.  (Here is a complete lesson, including a dot graph.  Perfect for a large, extended family.). Yes, we took off our socks to examine our second toe length, crossed our legs, and folded our hands.  Doing an inventory takes just a few minutes.  Can you roll your tongue?

Doodle Notes

 I’m trying something new—Doodle Notes!  Doodle notes are part of Cornell notes.  Here are more Chemistry examples.  I’m trying them for Atoms and Elements.  Here is the slideshow.  Here and here are student note sheets for atoms and elements.  I should be starting Module 3 next week.  I’ll let you know if the kids like or loathes Doodle Notes.  People sell Doodle Note packets.  We’ll see how much we like it.  

Apologia Biology: Cell Energy Module 5 and Module 6

Cell Energy, cellular respiration, and photosynthesis are Module 5 in the 3rd edition and the second part of Module 6 in the 2nd edition.  The 3rd edition has two labs: Pigments of Photosynthesis Paper Chromatography and Cellular Respiration and Fermentation in Yeast.     Here is a paper chromatography lab with spinach.  Here is a yeast respiration lab.  

Both Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis are tough topics.  Start with these lessons from Texas Gateway.  There are videos and interactive activities.  Here are Cellular Respiration and Fermentation  lessons from Texas Gateway.  

I like hands-on activities.  Here is cut and paste cellular respiration.  Here is photosynthesis comic strip.  Here is a combo cut and paste activity.  The kids should learn the equations for photosynthesis and respiration.  Here Is a 3D leaf model for photosynthesis.  We are doing this for sure!

Apologia Biology: Cell Structure Module 4 and Module 6

I’m evaluating the new Apologia Biology textbook, the 3rd edition.  Module 4 in the 3rd edition and Module 6 in the 2nd edition are Cell Structure and Function.  First have your kids make  plant and animal cell models.  I prefer clay models with beans, buttons, and pipe cleaners for organelles.  I loathe Jello models; they ooze everywhere. I don’t care that Jell-O or Knox represent the cytoplasm well.   Edible Models with cake or cookies are fun.  Cookie and  cake decorating aren’t my passion.  (Here is our Periodic Cookie Disaster from last summer.). My kids color animal and plant cells.  Like the models, it helps the kids to look at the diagrams closely.  

The 3rd edition has a microscope slide lab in which the kids look at cheek cells, onion, Elodea, and banana cells.  Here is a lab comparing onion cells and Elodea.  Here is a cheek cell lab.  Here is an egg osmosis lab which is similar to the osmosis lab in the 3rd edition.  The 2nd edition has two microscope slide labs.  Experiment 6.1 has students make cork and onion slides and examine Hydra, Ranunculus, and Zea prepared slides.  Experiment 6.2 is preparing and studying banana and Elodea slides.  The Apologia Biology Prepared Slides Set is pricey.  These slides and this set have plant and animal slides to observe.  

The 3rd edition has a Plasmolysis lab with Elodea.  One note—Elodea can be purchased at the Pet store.  Spinach leaves can substitute for Elodea.  They are much cheaper and easier to buy.

Apologia Biology: Ecology Module 3 and 10

 Module 3 in Apologia’s new Biology textbook and Module 10 in the 2nd edition are Ecology.  I like to teach Ecology early in Biology.  Kids are familiar with local species.  The first Ecology assignment is to creat a list of local species.  Kids start with about 25 species.  The next step is to look at what each species eats and add to the list.  The kids mark their species as producers, herbivores, or carnivores.  They add the scientific names, the genus and species names.  I encourage the kids to focus on the local ecosystem as opposed to the African Savannah.  Their lists become food webs.  This project takes several weeks.  I have kids work on their lists and food webs in addition to other assignments, such as vocabulary lists.  There are three  key labs we always do: the Owl Pellet Dissection, Mark and Recapture, and The Lynx Eats the Hare.  The 2nd and 3rd editions both have a greenhouse lab to do.  The 3rd edition has a bean lab teaching about competition.  Here is a similar lab.  

Apologia Biology: Module 2 and 5

 I’m working through the new Apologia Biology textbook.  At the same time, I still like the second edition of the Apologia Biology textbook.  Module 2 is Chemistry, Biochemistry, and quite a bit about properties of water.  The labs are different.  Both the 2nd and 3rd editions have the pineapple enzyme and jello labs.  The 3rd edition has a water property lab and a paper chromatography lab.  The 2nd has Diffusion and Osmosis labs.  

I usually postpone Biochemistry and a review of basic chemistry until later in the course.  But now is fine, too.  I’m teaching Lacie Biology remotely.  She took Chemistry last year.  We’ll focus on Biochemistry.  

Focus on the basics.  I would use this guide as your teen reads. Here  is a POGIL Introduction to Chemistry.  Here is the answer key.  I use Lab aids Molecules of Life Kit.  The kit has kids build and answer questions about the models: carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.  A cheaper alternative is this POGIL Biological Molecules activity.  Have the kids build molecules.  Clay models with toothpicks are fine.  

The 3rd edition has an antacid lab titration with vinegar.  The 2nd edition has a  diffusion lab.  We do a Gummy Bear Diffusion lab.  This Diffusion Lab is actually a classic Osmosis lab and uses starch, baggies, and iodine.  I use large yogurt cups in place of beakers and set them aside to observe.  Allow plenty of time for this Module.  I recommend doing all of these labs.

Biology Kit at Good Will

Good Will has a nice  Biology Kit just listed.  It looks like a set of equipment for Apologia or Bob Jones.  The set includes a microscope.  I’ve had mixed luck buying used microscopes.  But there are microscope slides, glassware, and a dissection set. It’s not a bad deal—even if the microscope does not focus properly. While I have several microscopes, I get better results from the kids with digital USB microscopes. The kids focus the slide on the laptop, take a screenshot, and spend more time sketching the slide.  If the microscope works, treat it as a bonus.

Family Science: Extract DNA

 Paul, ten, is learning about genetics.  Want a fun activity?  Extract DNA.  Here is complete lesson with teacher’s notes.  Here are the instructions I use.  Make it an inquiry lab.  The instructions require split peas, salt, dish detergent, meat tenderizer, and either isopropyl or ethyl alcohol.  With a big group, set out two brands of dish soap.  (Dawn dish soap usually works best.). Set out two or three types of alcohol: 70% isopropyl or rubbing alcohol, 95 % isopropyl alcohol, and 70% ethyl alcohol.  Compare room temperature or chilled alcohol.  (Chilled ethanol is best.)  The key to successful DNA extraction is fresh meat tenderizer.  Blend a big quantity of split peas so your family can do several trials.  Remember to change only one variable at a time.  

Apologia Chemistry: Module 2 Experiment 2.1

Update:  I came across these labs, Heat Up Some Cool Reactions.  These reactions require peroxide, yeast, baking soda, and vinegar, all materials in the Chem Kits I sent home.  I want the kids to practice graphing with the graphing calculator.  My kids are going to collect the data for each lab and graph it.  I’ll show them how to create lines of regression,  First, we need to graph.

Update: I used the data below as part of my lesson to use the graphing calculator to graph data in STAT.  Warning!  This is awkward by Zoom.

The first experiment in Module 2, 2.1 is a calibration and heating curve of water lab.  My Co-op kids did the lab last week.  I had them collect the data and graph it on paper.  This week I’m going to show them how to graph the same data with a graphing calculator.  One of my kids gave me permission to post his data and graph.  Note that the graph needs a title and the axes labeled.  It’s a good example.

Periodic Table Battleship Game

 I’m thinking about introducing Periodic Table Battleship.  It looks like a fun way to become more familiar with the elements.  I’ll let you know how the kids respond.

Apologia Chemistry: Rubrics, Tests, and Deadlines

 Usually, I do some direct instruction and labs in class—usually for about three hours a week.  Instead we are Zooming twice a week, usually for 40 minutes a session.  After the Zoom class, I usually start another meeting immediately to answer questions or check on individual kids.  How do you set a deadline?  My kids did three labs last week.  They had to create two graphs and complete the specific heat calculations.  I set a deadline for last Friday.  But, some of the kids couldn’t schedule a meeting until Monday.  I think deadlines should be flexible.  Don’t get me wrong.  I set deadlines to keep the kids on track.  I have a timeline, Conversion quiz, Specific Heat Quiz, and Periodic Table test I want to complete over the next few weeks.  I work with the kids to set due dates.  When I make an assignment, such as the timeline, I create a rubric.  I do this in class.  What does the timeline need to earn full credit?  I jot down their responses: title, all scientists, dates, contributions, etc.  I do add my own requirements.  The Atomic Theory timeline is easier to read if each scientist, his birth, death, and contribution dates are colored differently.  I want the timeline set up like a number line with even increments for the dates.  But, I strongly recommend working with the kids to schedule assignments and set guidelines.  You’re creating a partnership.  I work with the kids even to schedule and take quizzes and tests.  Some kids need to take the Periodic Table test ten times before successfully memorizing 50 elements.  I allow retests.  The mastery is more important to me than the grade.

Apologia Chemistry: Module 3

 I’m working ahead.  My kids will be doing Specific Heat problem sets.  I sent home additional materials for their Chem kits, including a bag of nuts, bolts, and washers.  Module 3 has materials about atoms, atomic theory, definite and multiple proportions, etc.  I use hands-on activities all the time to teach.  The nuts, bolts, and washers are for two activities: Nuts ‘n Bolts Matter Activity and Law of Definite and Multiple Proportions Lab.  I’ll start the activities in class.  This week I’m assigning the kids into pairs for POGIL’s Nuclear Atom Chemactivity 1.  POGIL is designed around ‘purposeful process activities’.  The chemactivity starts with diagrams to interpret.  POGIL activities are intended to be done in groups of four; two partners work, too.  It was designed originally for college chemistry classes.  The classes used POGIL activities exclusively.  I use POGIL activities occasionally—not for the entire course.  I find a little goes a long way.  We’ll see how things go.

Apologia Chemistry: Module 3 Atomic Theory Timeline

 My kids are starting Module 3 next week, I hope.  Here is my post from last year’s Chem class.  Yes, the kids are doing time-lines again.  I want to make sure they’ve have the experience.  Here is the list of scientists.  The kids include birth, death, and year of the scientist’s contribution to the development of the atomic theory.  Here is a pdf with loads of information to use for the timeline.  My kids have to explain each scientist’s contribution to atomic theory.  We start with Dalton for the timeline.  Leucippus, Democritus, and Aristotle would distort the timeline.  I’ll post student examples once they finish. My kids assign each scientist a color to keep the timeline neat.

Mitosis and Meiosis

 I’m teaching Biology and General Science.  Both have Mitosis and Meiosis.  Hands-on is the way to go.  I had Paul, ten, copy and label diagrams for Mitosis and Meiosis.  Yes, there was a lot of griping.  These diagrams would look better colored; coloring takes any project over into a craft.  Your kid might like crafts and coloring.  Paul does not.  Biology Corner has a Mitosis Coloring page. Here is a Meiosis coloring page.  Are you teaching Biology?  I recommend your kids buy copies of The Biology Coloring Book, which does have Mitosis and Meiosis coloring, too.  It is time we’ll spent having kids just copy a diagram and label it.  After, ask them how mitosis and meiosis differ. Here are Paul’s diagrams and Mitosis Wheel—which would look better colored, too.

Apologia Chemistry: Module 2 Experiment 2.2 Tips

 My kids are working on labs and graphs this week.  Let me share a few tips for the Specific Heat of Metals Lab.  Pennies are great metals.  Pennies cast before 1982 are 97.5% copper; pennies cast after 1982 are 97.5% zinc.  New pennies are 2.5g each and old pennies are 3.0 g each.  Use at least five pennies.  Another tip is to use 50 mL of cold water in the calorimeter (coffee cup).  The density of water is 1 g/ mL. 50 mL of water are 50 g.  If you want to be more precise, weigh the graduated cylinder, tare or zero the digital scale, add 50 mL, and reweigh the water and cylinder.   Be sure to change the cold water in the coffee cup each time.  Why use 50 mL?  One student used 200 mL.  Because water has such a high specific heat, 1 cal/g degree Celsius, the metal sample, a lead sinker, increased the cold water temperature only slightly.  When the temperature only rises slightly, it’s hard to determine if the temperature increase is 0.5 or 0.8 degrees.  Styrofoam coffee cups work quite well.  One student substituted an insulated travel mug; his results were very close to the young woman who used the coffee cup.  If you want to insulate the coffee cup, put it into a glass beaker or double the coffee cup.  Whew!  I hope this is useful.

Apologia Chemistry: Graphing Calculator

 My kids are still working on the specific heat of metals lab, calculations, and graphing heating curves.  I had them graph the heating curve of water On paper.  Last week I sent home more Chem kits and graphing calculators.  (The calculators are all used.  I bought them from Good Will online.). I made a video explaining how to graph the heating curve of water data in a TI 83 graphing calculator.  Hope this is useful.

Apologia Chemistry: Experiment 2.2 or Specific Heat. Which metals should you use?

Update: The calculations are tricky.  I made appointments by zoom with my kids.  I’m working individually with each one to help them work through the calculations.  With calculations like these, I usually do have to walk each kid through the steps.  Yes, it takes hours.  But I don’t want my kids to be discouraged this early in Chemistry.  Once they work through the calculation, they grow in confidence.

 Experiment 2.2 in Apologia Chemistry is a Specific Heat lab.  Which metals can you use?  We used iron nails, steel washers, a lead sinker, and pennies.  Pennies are largely zinc.  Here are the specs for coins.  The composition of pennies changed in 1982. Prior to 1982, the penny was mainly copper with a bit of zinc.  If you can locate five or ten old and new pennies, they work well for this lab.    I sent home kits with baggies of nails, pennies, steel washers, and a lead sinker, just to make sure everyone had something to use for lab.

Graph

 My Chemistry Co-op class is graphing this data for the Heating Curve of Water to compare with their own data from The Heating Curve of Water lab.  I want the kids to graph on paper.  I did graph using an emulator, GraphnCalc83. This is an app which acts like a TI 83 graphing calculator.  The app retails for $5.99.  I recommend that your kids start by graphing on paper.  When my Co-op meets IRL we use a set of graphing calculators I keep for class.  Below is a screen shot of a formula and it’s graph so you can see how robust the app is.

Apologia Chemistry: More Kits

I’m sending home another kit for my Chemistry Co-op kids.  This one has Nuts and Bolts , test tubes, test tube rack, test tube holder, cinnamon for Experiment 5.1, Measure a Molecule, 3D Periodic Table minikit, make a mole kit, 2 Grams Lab, and Bioplastics.  I put in some droppers, another thermometer, and a plastic syringe for the Bioplastics lab.  Yes, as a matter of fact this is a pain.  I’m just that committed to labs and hands-on activities.

Make a mole for Mole Day

National Mole Day is October 26th.  Yes, Mole Day is a thing.  A mole has 6.02 x 10~23 number of parts: ions, atoms, or molecules.  The number is Avogadro’s number in honor of Amedeo Avogadro, who first proposed the idea that equal volumes of gases have equal numbers of parts.  My kids make moles.  Not every household sews or has fabric.  I’m in the habit of buying felt when I find it for a good price.  Here is a copy of the mole pattern.  Below is a video explaining how to make a mole.  I used hot glue and felt.  This is the easiest way to make a mole.

Apologia Chemistry: Module 2 Experiments

 The kids in my Chemistry Co-op are working on Experiment 2.1 and 2.2 this week.  Here is the recent post with videos.  Below are the latest videos explaining the two labs.  The Chemistry  class Zooms twice a week.  After class, I have repeat Zoom chats with kids to clarify any questions.  It’s working—but it’s hard!

COJI

WowWee COJI originally retailed for $59.99.  The price has dropped to around $25 on Amazon or eBay.  We bought a coding robot two years ago.  COJI is easy to use right out of the box.  You can see if your child likes to program.  One caveat.  We have purchased our share of blue-tooth enabled toys.  Usually theses toys pair best with apps downloaded to an iPad.  They should pair with an iPhone easily, too.  We have a Kindle Fire device; none of the apps work well with the Kindle Fire.  I’ve tried many.  I have NOT tried other tablets or smart phones because I just download the app from the iPad and move on.  

Used Thames and Kosmos and K’nex at Good Will

 I buy science kits for rainy days, such as Thames and Kosmos kits or K’nex kits.  We keep a stack in the basement.  I’m too cheap to buy these new.  Good Will has these toys all the time.  Try a search with build toy and see.

Used LEGO Boost at Good Will

 LEGO Boost combines LEGO building projects with programming.  Paul, ten, has been working through Boost Creative Toolbox projects since early summer.  If you’re not sure your child will like Boost, why not buy a used set?  LEGO Boost kits retail for $159.  This set is brand new.  One caveat is that like many Bluetooth apps, the program works best with an iPad.  Factor that in when you bid.  Hey, if it turns out your child loathes programming, at least you’ll have all those LEGO pieces.  

Mitosis Wheel Foldable and Meiosis Activity

I’m teaching Biology and home-schooling Paul, ten.  Both of them have Mitosis and Meiosis to learn for science.   Let me tell you; hands-on is the way to go.  The more activities the kids do or make, the better their understanding.  Start with this Mitosis Whell Foldable. I used it with my Biology Co-op class two years ago.  I was surprised how well a project like this works.  Here are wheel templates if you want your child to draw the stages instead.  I usually have the kids make models with Petri dishes and yarn.  If you have a black surface, chalk in spindle fibers.  Here Is a simplified Meiosis chart to cut and glue with a comparison of Mitosis and Meiosis.   This page  has a simpler Meiosis foldable and PowerPoint slideshow.  (Scroll down.). I usually have the kids make yarn models of Meiosis, too and discuss comparisons.  These activities take time.  Modeling forces kids to examine the diagrams closely.  Have them write out the names of each phase.  It’s worth the amount of time invested.  BTW if the weather is nice and your child likes to draw, have her just chalk both cycles in the drive.  Neither condition applies in our case.  Don’t forget to take lots of photos for your digital portfolio.  Paul started working on Mitosis this morning.

Apologia Chemistry: Flame Test Lab Prep

 Are you planing ahead? Module 6 includes atomic structure and electron configurations.  Here is when teachers use a Flame Test Lab.  Beyond Benign has a Flame Test Lab with Color Flame candles. Walmart carries these candles in the Party section of the store.  Here is another copy of Flinn’s Flame Test lab with teacher’s notes.  Home Science Tools sells spectroscopes and kits.  The kids look through the spectroscope at the different colored flames.  Frankly, these spectroscopes never work very well.  I let the kids try with varying success.  At least my kids know what a spectroscope does.  Flinn’s Flames Test lab has the approximate spectra for each color.  Use these numbers for the calculations.  You could get by with the colorful flame candles alone.  Determine which chemical produces each flame.  Here is an article about producing colorful flames with household chemicals.  My kids are using the birthday candles.

Make Bioplastics

 If you have an Edible Chemistry Kit, two of the ingredients are sodium alginate and calcium acetate.  The  Bioplastics lab calls for sodium alginate and calcium lactate.  I’ve used calcium lactate and to substitute for calcium acetate when I couldn’t find food grade calcium acetate.  Bioplastics are created to make Edible Water Bottles.  The process is called spherification in molecular gastronomy.  I used these spheres for a Yeast Catalase lab.  BTW the Bioplastics lab was in the ACS 2020 publication, Chemists Celebrate Earth Day.  Here is Chemmatters article about Bioplastics.  I’ve been looking for labs my kids can do at home which are both interesting and safe.  Bioplastics fit the bill.

Where does the word, ‘cell’, originate?

The question arose about where ‘cell’ originates.   Robert Hooke observed cork cells through a microscope.  Hooke though the cork looked like the small rooms or cells in a monastery.   I did a quick lesson and showed Paul, ten, a cork tree.  We used an inexpensive clip-on microscope with an iPhone 4 to look at a wine cork.  This clip-on microscope works with any cell phone.  Zoom with your phone to focus.  The first time you clip on the microscope, focus on text or a dollar to become familiar with it.  The entire lesson took fifteen minutes.  Take a look.

Family Science: Backyard Ecosystem

 Stewardship of God’s Creation is important.  Children are naturalists.  They love to explore the woods!  One family project is creating a backyard ecosystem.  Our backyard is next to a retention pond and a bit of woods.  We have a rain garden, bat house, and bird house.  In the late Fall we put out one or two bird feeders and attract a variety of birds.  We see a fox, groundhog, squirrels, and rabbits frequently.

How do you create a backyard ecosystem?  Here are tips.  Basically, wildlife needs water, food, and shelter.  The more variety in plants and trees, the greater variety of wildlife.  You don’t need a big backyard.  Below are pix of our backyard.  The trees out back block the view of the pond right now.  Our house is in the DC suburbs and is tiny.  Our neighbors are stacked on top of us.  We still attract wildlife.  I planted pots of wild flowers to attract pollinators for our vegetables.  Plant wildflower seeds.  Kids like making bird boxes.  Birds do not care what color you paint the birdhouse.  It’s fun to research plants suitable for a rain garden.  Learn the names of the trees nearby.  Your family may want to buy trail camera for the backyard as a Christmas present.  Fun, right?

Apologia Chemistry: Module 2 Specific Heat

 Next week, my Co-op class is doing Experiment 2.1 and 2.2 in Module 2.  Here is Experiment 2.1, Calibrate a Thermometer.  Here is the earlier post about Specific Heat and the other assignments, such as graphing a heating curve.  I made another video explaining how to use the stove and make a coffee cup calorimeter.  Hope this helps!

Science Kit for Kids

I ran across a basic science kit for kids on eBay.  This set has basic equipment: beakers, a test tube rack, red cabbage powder, pigments, and a few chemicals: super-absorbing crystals, baking soda, citric acid, and cornstarch.  Not a bad deal at $14.99 for a birthday present.  Add safety glasses and stow the kit in an empty coffee can.  I would add this book, Real Chemistry Experiments, and Edible Chemistry.  Buy an extra box of baking soda and a jar of citric acid.  What a wonderful gift!

Family Science: Candy

 Let me make a confession.  I use candy for Co-op science experiments.  Candy makes lab more fun.  The rule for labs is you may not eat any of the candy until after you finish the experiment.  Yes, I have extra candy just to eat.  If you find candy anathema skip this post.  First up is Gummy Bear Osmosis.  (Here is a slideshow with more science.). My favorite candy lab is Jelly Belly Dichotomous Key.  These you do eat as you do the lab.  Here is an entire page of Candy Chemistry labs from ACS.  Have you microwaved Peeps?  Try microwaving giant marshmallows.  This is not really Science; you can make stained glass by baking hard candies.  Here is an explanation of why candy is sticky—useful if you’ve ever wondered why as  you chiseled a lollipop off a laminate counter.  One more idea—Rock Candy.  Frankly, I have never had any luck making rock candy.  Do the other labs first in case rock candy fails.  

Which graphing calculator is user friendly?

Which graphing calculator is user friendly?  The short answer is none of them.  However, your kid should be exposed to graphing calculators before college; she is likely to need to use on in college.  Buy a TI 83 or TI 84.  Texas Instruments or TI are the most popular brand for schools and colleges.  HP and Casio sell graphing calculators, too.  TI had a monopoly with the math textbooks.  

Are you shopping for used calculators?  Yes, there are several versions.  TI 81 or TI 82 are older versions which are similar to TI 83 calculators.  TI 81/82 do not have as many features.  Skip these.  I avoid TI 86, too.  The TI 86 is a hybrid of the TI 83 and the TI 85.  It had the faults of both and few of the features.  Usually, the TI 83 is more affordable.  The TI 84 has more apps and connects to Vernier sensors, such as Easy Temp.  When you bid on used calculators, check the photos to see if it operates.  If there is a blotch on the screen, it means the calculator is on its last legs.  

Where can you find instructions for using the TI 84 calculator? I never found the owner’s manual instructive.   Texas Instruments has free tutorials; they want you to buy and use their calculators.  Math it’s has loads of math tutorials.  Try not to pay more than $20 for a used TI 83 or $40 for a TI 84.  You can do this!

Apologia Chemistry: Module 2 Experiment 2.2 Measuring the Specific Heat of a Metal

 Module 2 Experiment 2.2 is Measuring the Specific Heat of a Metal.  My kids have iron nails, steel washers, and a lead sinker.  Specific Heat is always a tough topic.  The idea is that you heat the Metals in boiling water—at least ten minutes.  You take the metal and put it in cold water. Lastly you measure how many degrees the temperature of the cold water rises.  Theoretically, all of the heat from the metal sample is transferred to the cold water.  In reality Heat is lost as the metal is transferred and from the cup.  Here is a slideshow about specific heat.  Here is a specific heat lab, which has a data table.  I made a video.  Below is a picture of the metals and the video.  Hope this helps.

Apologia Chemistry: Module 2 Energy, Heat, and Temperature

 I usually combine Module 2 with Module 13, Thermodynamics.  This year, I’m following the textbook. My kids are doing Experiment 2.1 Calibrating Your Thermometer and creating a heating curve.  Here are data they can graph to compare with the data they capture with the lab.  

Once the kids calibrate the thermometer, pour the ice water into a pan on the stove.  Check the temperature every minute until the water boils.  Let the water boil a few minutes and record the temperatures.  My kids graph the data.  It can help to practice graphing with the data first. Remember to remove the thermometer as you check the temperature.  A class thermometer can burst if left on the stove in the pan of water.

Apologia Chemistry: Module 2: Calibrate a Thermometer

Module 2 is about Heat, Temperature, and Energy.  The first lab, Experiment 2.1 is How to calibrate a thermometer.  I read the experiment and consulted the GLOBE instructions.  I calibrated a digital thermometer, a metal backed thermometer, and two different glass thermometers.  Anything worth doing is worth overdoing.  Use a large container, such as my giant yogurt cup, with more ice than water.  Let the thermometer sit at least ten minutes.  Here is a video.  Normally I wouldn’t do a video on a simple lab.  But, based on the number of emails and extra video chats, I should video everything.  Every. Single. Thing.

The Periodic Table

 I don’t know about you; but I associate Chemistry with the Periodic Table.  Most Chemistry textbooks do not teach anything about the Periodic Table until well after the course begins.  I like to introduce the Periodic Table early and get into more specifics, such as periodic trends later.  My Co-op Chemistry class makes Elements Cards as a summer assignment.  Adopt an Element is a project for younger kids; they research elements and create an ad. Element Trading Cards is another way to introduce the Periodic Table.   Here are instructions to color-code the Periodic Table.  Here is a slideshow introduction.  What am I doing?  My plan is to show kids different versions of the Periodic Table, talk about the origin of names for the elements, the names of the groups or families, the numbering systems, and give them instructions to learn the names of 50 elements.  The kids are using the same colors for the groups as those in the summer assignment, Elements Cards to color code blank Periodic Tables.  They will annotate the names of the groups on the Periodic Tables.  I hope.  

Household Experiments

 I was doing some planning and ran across older editions of National Chemistry Week publications from the American Chemical Society, ACS.  Chemistry Colors our World has several experiments; one is Color Changing Liquid, using dishwasher detergent, blueberries, vinegar or clear soda, and baking soda.  Marvelous Metals has an experiment with pennies and salt with a data table.  The Sweet Side of Chemistry has a Candy experiment using lemon juice, sugar, and baking soda.  Put it aside for Halloween. The same issue has Skittles Floating Letters.  ACS publications include explanations with the experiments.  Here is the current issue and previous issues.  The different themes will spark more ideas.

EScience Chemistry Kit

Good Will has the EScience Chemistry kit of my dreams.  This kit has a digital scale, plenty of labware, and equipment.  Check the shipping before you bid.  If you need some basic lab equipment, here’s your opportunity.

3-D Printer

 Good Will has a 3D printer for sale.  Here are the specs.  It lists for $700 on. Amazon.  You probably don’t need a 3-D printer.  Our local library system has several Makerlabs.  I was ‘badged’ on their 3-D printer—meaning I was trained.  Here’s the thing.  Printing is slllloooooowwww.  You can print cool things such as this Frog Dissection Kit, available free at Thingaverse, which has Baby Yoda among hundreds of thousands free plans to print.  Using a 3-D printer is not hard.  I doubt I could draw up original plans; but the process itself  is easy.  The plastic filament is not expensive.  Check your local library to see if they have a 3D printer and training.  Then you can browse Thingsverse for your own plans.

Animal and Plant Cells

Biology, Life Science, and General Elementary Science include a study of animal and plant cells.  Go ahead and learn the names of the organelles now.  This booklet, Inside the Cell, is free.  The images are excellent.  The booklet has complete descriptions for each organelle.   Start your instruction  by making clay models of both animal and plant cells.  Color animal and plant cells—the more detailed the coloring page the better.  Buy a used copy of the Biology Coloring book.  Coloring helps the child look closely at material.  I print several copies of plant and animal worksheets to study.  Paul, ten, made the clay models last week.  Today, he’s labeling the organelles using a word bank and several images, including those from his textbook.  Go ahead and pull several images.  Practice labeling both cells with and without a word bank.  Take a day to write out the names of the organelles and their purpose in a cell.  Muscle cells have more mitochondria.  Research why.  Liver cells teem with lysosomes.  Look up why.  This process takes several days.  Understanding plant and animal cell structure pays off—especially in Biology when you study mitosis and protein synthesis.

Family Science: Experiments

 Want experiments?  Yes, Steve Spangler is always a good source for ideas.  I use books, too.  One great resource for experiments is Janice Van Cleeves’ books.  Pretty much all of her books are useful.  For years, I used The Science Explorer and The Science Explorer, Out and About from Exploratorium for Camp.  The book has experiments like Root-copter.  Once the local libraries reopen, look in the children’s section for science activity books.  Below are some I picked up from the last library book sale.  I usually leaf through to see if there are new ideas and return them to the library for the next sale or send them to my friend who teaches in Alaska.  Often science activity books have a more robust selection of experiments to try.

Tops Science

Are you familiar with Tops Science? These books have been around since 1977.  Most of the books target elementary-aged students.  I’ve used Electricity and Magnetism for Physical Science classes.  I pull out the materials and have the kids work in groups through the tasks in each book.  Planning done.  Before you buy a copy, (eBay has loads.) try free lab samples.  You’ll have a much better idea whether these activities work for your kids.

Family Science: Water

 Update: Here are more experiments about water from ACS.  They are from 1997.  Really!

Water is a good theme for science.  In Chemistry, a good question is, ‘ Why is water wet?’  ACS has a publication called The Wonders if Water.  It has experiments and a diagram with an aquifer.  (Here is an edible aquifer—a very successful experiment we did this past summer.). ACS also has Liquids Have Properties to compare mineral oil, water, and corn syrup.  Here is a student activity sheet to use for your science portfolio.  ACS has Chemical Education Reources on Water.  Try floating a paper clip or yen on a cup of water.  Try Floating Water over the sink.  Why is water wet?  Here is an explanation about water’s wetting properties.  Here is a thread from the Guardian explaining why water is wet.  It does come down to a water molecule’s polarity.

Beakers and Bubbles

 Good Will has a listing for this chemistry kit; here are a better description of the contents.  Note the kit has citric acid, sodium bicarbonate or baking soda, food coloring, colored pencils, a thermometer, and timer.  The tablets are color tablets or dyes.  Add up the materials included and the kit might be worth $10-$15.  Do you want colorful reactions?  Try these from Frugal Fun instead.

Family Science: Do Labs Together

Several years ago, when I first started working with Co-op, one family always sent younger siblings along for science class.  Lydia took Physical Science and Biology along with her older sister.  Her mom felt she would benefit later.  The poor kid had taken Physical Science twice by the time she was twelve.  Since then, several families have sent siblings along, with the idea the child will pick up something.  I like this approach to lab, too.  When my Anatomy or Biology classes test blood, I order extra kits for their siblings or parents who want to test their blood.  Lacie is taking Biology at home.  I sent extra owl pellets for her to dissect with her seven year old brother.  I told her to do as many labs as possible with him, such as gummy bear osmosis.  My kids did an Accuracy and Precision lab where they dropped a sponge into a yogurt cup 30 times.  I encouraged them to work with siblings.  Timmy, who has six siblings, Zoomed me to ask what to do about the wild inaccuracy of his lab.  He said his sisters helped and the results were completely inaccurate.  Since the purpose of the lab was to understand accuracy and precision, crazy results in the data aren’t important.  What is important is Timmy explained the concept to his sisters.  Whenever possible, do labs as a family.  Buy a family set of safety glasses and have a blast.  Yes, your child will do the lab again as a teen; his understanding will be far greater the second or third time he does the lab.

Virtual Science

 If you are instructing remotely or learning science remotely, you’re probably looking for help.   I have used TEKS, Texas Gateway for specific lessons.  Life in the Nerdom has loads of high quality science curricular resources, including Georgia Virtual.  TEKS, Georgia Virtual Learning, and Virtual Virginia are public school programs.  In rural areas, public schools use similar programs to offer AP subjects or Computer classes.  Often in small, rural schools, there are no teachers available to teach a foreign language or Calculus.  Sometimes the science teacher is responsible for all of the science for grades seven to twelve.  Additionally, some public schools offer online classes during the school day or after school for credit recovery.  Students can retake a class online needed for graduation.  Use these types of resources as an overview or tutorial.  The material tend to be basic.  But, if your child is stuck, try it.

Buy a Human Skeleton.

Update: Five Below has 3 ft Halloween Skeletons for $5.  The neck and midsection are strangely elongated.  Buy $5!  This Bag of Bones for $5 may be better for anatomy.

  Good Will has these bones and these bones as listings.  Good Will is a good place to look for fine human skeletons.  I use human skeletons for Anatomy and Biology classes.  I want a skeleton kids can use without any worry.  I like Halloween skeletons.  Try Walmart, or Target.  There may be skeletons leftover after Halloween.  

The first question I ask my class is, ‘Is the skeleton accurate?’  The kids compare the Halloween skeleton to anatomical charts.  Sometimes the sacrum is off or it doesn’t have a coccyx.  See?  The kids have already had an anatomy lesson.  

Apologia Chemistry: Density Labs Remotely

 Teaching Co-op remotely feels more like remote control chemistry.  This past week, the kids are working on several density labs.  How does this work remotely?  I’m glad you asked.  Let’s take Bowling for Density or The Floating Bowling Ball.  Each kid was assigned a different mass.  The kids email me their answers.  I had to explain to several kids they could complete the activity even if they did not own a bowling ball.  The kids were welcome to borrow one of mine.  I made videos of the calculation and a demo of a bowling ball actually floating.  I had to redirect several kids after looking at calculations.  We had a separate video chat to answer questions, too.  Below are the bowling ball videos one more time.  

Family Science: Mixture Separation Challenge

Apologia Chemistry’s Module 4 has an experiment separating sand and salt.  A traditional mixture challenge lab has kids separate a mixture of sand, salt, and iron filings.  I like sand, salt, and iron filings with a twist; sometimes I add hydrophobic sand.  Educational Innovations sells a Mixture Separation Challenge with polymers.  This set is nice to use with a Co-op class and can be reused.  Here is a detailed lesson for the Mixture Challenge Kit.  Want a bit more science?  Here is a lesson from Teach Engineering.

Apologia Biology: Indian Corn Genetics

 It’s Fall.  Michaels has dried Indian Corn for Genetics.  (See?  Every store is a science store.). I grew some this summer from seed.  (See below.  Yes, I’m hard core.)  Let’s use Indian corn for Genetics.  First, here are images of Indian corn if you do not want to buy your own ears.  Here  is a clear overview of corn color genetics.   Here is a Chi Square worksheet.  Here is the student introduction to Mendelian Genetics from Carolina Biological.  Here are the teacher notes.  Here is a good follow-up worksheet.  Lastly, let me show you my corn.  Prepare to be underwhelmed.  We may need to use the Corn Gallery.

Apologia Chemistry: Flinn-At-Home Lab Series

Flinn Scientific has prepared a series of lab videos..  I wanted the teacher materials so I registered with my home address and the name of our Co-op as the name of the school.  Why videos?  Some chemical reactions are too volatile unsupervised or too expensive.  I like doing precipitate reactions with silver nitrate.  But at $16.95 for two grams, it’s too expensive to home to eight to ten families.  I’m not crazy about letting kids light magnesium strips unsupervised when the light can damage their retinas.  We’re doing loads of labs—-some the kids are going to watch.  These videos will enhance instruction.

Nuts and Bolts of Chemistry

 I’m working ahead for Chemistry because I’m sending home more materials for lab kits.  One idea is to use nuts, bolts, and washers to represent elements, mixtures, and compounds.  Here is Flinn Scientific’s Classifying Matter demo and Wong’s Nuts and Bolts Matter activity.  I’m using the second one with the mini-kit below.  Here is a journal article about unconventional methods, which include nuts and bolts.

Remote Chemistry: Send Grades

 My Co-op class is meeting twice a week virtually.  Each week the kids have several assignments.  A few of the kids are attaching their work directly to Classroom.  The majority of the class is emailing me their work, photos, and videos.  I just made a short video explaining how to scan with an iPhone.  Why?  I explained by Zoom to a kid as he took written notes how to scan.  Not ideal.

Mole Day Kits

 Mole Day is October 26th.  I am preparing mole kits with the stuffed mole pattern.  Each kit has eyes, fiber, pattern, and felt or fabric.  Felt is easy to sew.  If a kid does not like to sew, felt can be hot-glued.   Yes, some kids just staple the mole together.  Stapling does NOT result in a polished looking mole.  Camouflage fabric makes a great ‘cameo-mole-flage mole.  Below is a mini kit.