Okay, we learned that Oog, the caveman, sat on the beach and watched ocean waves. He noticed a stick bobbing in the water. Using his Mickey Mouse watch, Oog timed the number of times he saw the stick at the top of a wave during a one-minute time period. It was 60. The next day, it was 30, the next day it was 120. Hmmm. He discovered frequency, wavelength, and cycle.
Radio
The munchkins learned this same frequency and wave pattern works for radio -- most favor 97.7 radio station. They were shocked to learn the 97.7 means 97,700,000 Mhz or 97.7 million cycles per second.
Light
This same frequency equates to color. White light refracted into the seven-colors of the rainbow show blue is a short wavelength and red is a long wavelength. The wavelength determines if the light is coming toward you or away. With that, we learned objects in space, for the most part are moving away from us. We learned how doppler and sonar work, etc.
Math
Sine wave
Oscilloscope
Monitoring a hospital patients heartbeat, electrical impulses from electrical components.
All that from watching a stick in the water.
Have a great weekend, everybody.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
I Made Some Teachers, Happy
I ended the lesson on waves, today, with a final display in the hallway with my train whistle. It certainly annoyed a lot of teachers trying to teach their lessons. Sorry, folks.
Missed the Tournament
Ah, the sixth grade had their volleyball tournament, today, during related arts. The sixth grade teachers had some things to do before our grade-level meeting, and therefore, we missed the entire tournament. Rats. I always like to get photos of the tourney. Who won?
BASE
What will the world be like after humans are gone? Today, we focused on the disintegration of timber and concrete structures after just 40 years. Not the most exciting aspect of human disappearance, but, it does set the stage for what comes next as 2,000 years of human domination is erased.
Have a great night.
Missed the Tournament
Ah, the sixth grade had their volleyball tournament, today, during related arts. The sixth grade teachers had some things to do before our grade-level meeting, and therefore, we missed the entire tournament. Rats. I always like to get photos of the tourney. Who won?
BASE
What will the world be like after humans are gone? Today, we focused on the disintegration of timber and concrete structures after just 40 years. Not the most exciting aspect of human disappearance, but, it does set the stage for what comes next as 2,000 years of human domination is erased.
Have a great night.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Slow Train A'Comin'!
Talkin' 'bout ocean waves, today. Yes, even sound waves. Referred to frequency, wavelength and wave period! Out comes my trusty train whistle and the munchkins are lined-up in the hallway - and there I go, marching up and down the hallway tooting on my train whistle so the kiddoes can understand the doppler effect. I even snuck in a little Fig Newton 3rd Law of Motion by bouncing a ball on the floor and then a tabletop to show wave action as it comes into shore.
The morning classes reenacted the making of a wave in the hallway.
Strollin'
Using PSSA writing rubrics I graded the morning classes essay on taking a walk on the ocean floor. I showed the prompt and a student's paper to Mrs. Pulizzi and Mrs. Nemeth. First thing Mrs. Pulizzi noticed was the prompt was not restated. The afternoon classes get this assignment on Friday. I hope I survive.
Vallamont Park
I am still in shock. I used BASE to show a powerpoint presentation on Vallamont Park. The kids loved it. In fact, they wanted to spend the entire period talking about historical Williamsport. I actually had a ball. I hope I piqued some interest in local history.
Have a great night.
The morning classes reenacted the making of a wave in the hallway.
Strollin'
Using PSSA writing rubrics I graded the morning classes essay on taking a walk on the ocean floor. I showed the prompt and a student's paper to Mrs. Pulizzi and Mrs. Nemeth. First thing Mrs. Pulizzi noticed was the prompt was not restated. The afternoon classes get this assignment on Friday. I hope I survive.
Vallamont Park
I am still in shock. I used BASE to show a powerpoint presentation on Vallamont Park. The kids loved it. In fact, they wanted to spend the entire period talking about historical Williamsport. I actually had a ball. I hope I piqued some interest in local history.
Have a great night.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
A Couple of Cool Strollin' Stories
Thanks Mackenzie and India. The stories these girls composed for "Strollin' On The Ocean Floor," were FANTASTIC!!!!! My morning classes are composing stories that jive with the PSSA Writing Rubrics. Bailey did a great job, as well. Section 62 and 64 are due, tomorrow. Any late work is worth half-credit -- no exceptions, save for Abby, who was absent when the assignment was given.
Afternoon Classes
Are working on Motions of the Oceans. Today, they realized the up and down motion of waves is simply, water molecules vibrating. Geez, Z, how obvious can this become?
Life After People
Absolutely fantastic two-hour event on the History Channel, last night. The computer graphics were awesome.
Future Fright
My new social studies class watched "Future Fright." A 25-minute story about a family that returns to the U.S. after seven years, abroad, to find the Bill of Rights has been refuted and a totalitarian government in place. It scared some of my cherubs, who, apparently took our freedoms for granted. Boy, is this gonna be a fun marking period with the 27 Constitutional amendments.
TP'ed the Boss' Truck
When you send out a group of gamey middle school teachers on a video scavenger hunt and then offer them a free-style portion, expect, the unexpected. Yep, we went to Mr. Fausnaught's house, found his truck parked there, and videotaped ourselves applying two rolls of toilet paper about the vehicle. To add to the fun, Mr. F's dad and sister-in-law showed up. We got them in our video.
Have a great night. Be careful in the snowfall, tonight. Hope there is no delay, tomorrow. I gotta get some teaching completed.
Afternoon Classes
Are working on Motions of the Oceans. Today, they realized the up and down motion of waves is simply, water molecules vibrating. Geez, Z, how obvious can this become?
Life After People
Absolutely fantastic two-hour event on the History Channel, last night. The computer graphics were awesome.
Future Fright
My new social studies class watched "Future Fright." A 25-minute story about a family that returns to the U.S. after seven years, abroad, to find the Bill of Rights has been refuted and a totalitarian government in place. It scared some of my cherubs, who, apparently took our freedoms for granted. Boy, is this gonna be a fun marking period with the 27 Constitutional amendments.
TP'ed the Boss' Truck
When you send out a group of gamey middle school teachers on a video scavenger hunt and then offer them a free-style portion, expect, the unexpected. Yep, we went to Mr. Fausnaught's house, found his truck parked there, and videotaped ourselves applying two rolls of toilet paper about the vehicle. To add to the fun, Mr. F's dad and sister-in-law showed up. We got them in our video.
Have a great night. Be careful in the snowfall, tonight. Hope there is no delay, tomorrow. I gotta get some teaching completed.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Strolling revisited
My morning classes are rewriting their fantasy story, "Strolling on the Ocean Floor." I am using the PSSA writing rubric for this lesson. Students received a copy of the rubrics and instruction for the writing. Also, students were required to get my initials on the introductory paragraph before they left school, today. The story is due Wednesday, Jan. 23.
The afternoon classes spent some time learning about how sonar works to determine the depth of the ocean. Then, we went into the hallway to demonstrate how water molecules move up and down, but the energy of that movement creates a wave. Remember when they chased those waves into the ocean, only to be chased back onto shore by the waves?
What a Nice Guy
Our superintendent, Dr. Richard Mextorf, is one in a million. Tomorrow is a clerical day for teachers. He sent us an email advising us about the possible weather hazards and that we should first consider safety in coming into work, as scheduled. He said if the situation appears too hazardous, to wait and come in later, but to put in the prescribed time, or work later into the day. Safety first! How many employers would think of their employees safety? The bosses in this district are top-notch. I really do love working here.
Time Off
The new marking period begins when the munchkins arrive on Tuesday. That means new related arts and the sixth graders rotate social studies. My group moves to Mrs. Pulizzi and I get Mrs. Antonacci's group.
Brrr, Looks Cold
The kids have gone for the day, I am looking outside my classroom window. The snow is pretty, but, boy does it look cold, out there. I notice many children left school wearing thin jackets, complaining how they have to walk home. I remember, as a kid, my parents rarely were able to control my outerwear apparel, because I had to sneak to wear the right clothing to be cool. I see times have changed, but kids haven't.
Have a great night and weekend. I will return to bloggin' on Tuesday.
The afternoon classes spent some time learning about how sonar works to determine the depth of the ocean. Then, we went into the hallway to demonstrate how water molecules move up and down, but the energy of that movement creates a wave. Remember when they chased those waves into the ocean, only to be chased back onto shore by the waves?
What a Nice Guy
Our superintendent, Dr. Richard Mextorf, is one in a million. Tomorrow is a clerical day for teachers. He sent us an email advising us about the possible weather hazards and that we should first consider safety in coming into work, as scheduled. He said if the situation appears too hazardous, to wait and come in later, but to put in the prescribed time, or work later into the day. Safety first! How many employers would think of their employees safety? The bosses in this district are top-notch. I really do love working here.
Time Off
The new marking period begins when the munchkins arrive on Tuesday. That means new related arts and the sixth graders rotate social studies. My group moves to Mrs. Pulizzi and I get Mrs. Antonacci's group.
Brrr, Looks Cold
The kids have gone for the day, I am looking outside my classroom window. The snow is pretty, but, boy does it look cold, out there. I notice many children left school wearing thin jackets, complaining how they have to walk home. I remember, as a kid, my parents rarely were able to control my outerwear apparel, because I had to sneak to wear the right clothing to be cool. I see times have changed, but kids haven't.
Have a great night and weekend. I will return to bloggin' on Tuesday.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
The Speed of Sound
Sound travels through air at about 1,000 feet per second. Through water, sound travels about 4,500 feet per second. If we want to know the depth of the ocean, we need to send a sound wave pulse down to the ocean floor and time how long it takes to go down and back. What we want is the time it takes to go down. Therefore, munchkins learned; Distance = rate of speed of sound in water times the time it takes to go down. Whew!
One Question Quiz
A luxury on my part. By giving one question, I was able to see some students do not read the question. You see, each student at a table, got a different question to answer. Many of them glanced at their neighbors and copied answers -- oops. Fortunately, very few students did that. Most kiddoes received a 100% on the quiz. GREAT!!!
Shanghai Massetti Got Me
It was picture make-up day. Despite my avoidance of cameras, Miss Massetti, our girls' gym teacher, got me. She even sent a student to escort me to the weight room, where they were taking pictures. Can you believe the photographer asked me to smile!?!?!?!?
Have a great night.
One Question Quiz
A luxury on my part. By giving one question, I was able to see some students do not read the question. You see, each student at a table, got a different question to answer. Many of them glanced at their neighbors and copied answers -- oops. Fortunately, very few students did that. Most kiddoes received a 100% on the quiz. GREAT!!!
Shanghai Massetti Got Me
It was picture make-up day. Despite my avoidance of cameras, Miss Massetti, our girls' gym teacher, got me. She even sent a student to escort me to the weight room, where they were taking pictures. Can you believe the photographer asked me to smile!?!?!?!?
Have a great night.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
One Question Is The Test
Better work extra hard on the homework questions for tonight. One of them will be your quiz, tomorrow. The three forms of life in the ocean, are: Plankton, Nekton, and Benthos. The three factors that regulate ocean life are: sunlight, temperature, and water pressure. The three major zones of ocean life are: Intertidal, Neritic, and Open-Ocean zones. The open ocean zone is made-up of the bathyal (thermocline) zone, and the abyssal (deep) zone.
A Real Hero
I learned, today, the father of one of my students has been deployed to Iraq. She cried, all morning. I tried to reassure her that his sacrifice in leaving his family is much appreciated and that he is a real hero to go off and defend our way of life. If you know a hero, hug that person and thank him/her for the sacrifices made in the name of the United States of America. Each morning we stand at attention for the playing of the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegience to the flag. Let's really mean it, tomorrow, kids!
Have a great night.
A Real Hero
I learned, today, the father of one of my students has been deployed to Iraq. She cried, all morning. I tried to reassure her that his sacrifice in leaving his family is much appreciated and that he is a real hero to go off and defend our way of life. If you know a hero, hug that person and thank him/her for the sacrifices made in the name of the United States of America. Each morning we stand at attention for the playing of the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegience to the flag. Let's really mean it, tomorrow, kids!
Have a great night.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Ocean Life Zones
Three factors that affect ocean life are: sunlight, temperature and water pressure. Three types of ocean life are: Plankton, Nekton, and Benthos. Three major ocean life zones are: Intertidal, Neritic, and Open-Ocean Zones. The open-ocean zone is divided into two parts: Bathyal and Abyssal. That's it. That is what we are covering today and tomorrow. Pretty easy, eh? Can you guess what the one question quiz will be about? Ok, here's a hint. There will be four different one-question quizzes. That means, each person at a four-person table will have a different question to answer.
Am I good, or what?
Old Photos
The James V. Brown Library website features an online services historical archive of old photos. My BASE students are getting a chance to look at these photos. If I can get myself out of the school before nightfall, I can go around and get some today shots of these same places.
Have a great night.
Am I good, or what?
Old Photos
The James V. Brown Library website features an online services historical archive of old photos. My BASE students are getting a chance to look at these photos. If I can get myself out of the school before nightfall, I can go around and get some today shots of these same places.
Have a great night.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Bye Key
We arrived at the State College airport about 4:45 a.m., today. The daughter's plane left at 6:15 for Detroit, then Houston, then a friend was to drive her back to Galveston. The stuffed cougar was a gift from her boyfriend when she arrived in Galveston, last August. His note with the toy, "Welcome to Texas." Krysia brought it home for Christmas to show us and to remind herself of Eric. She arrived back on campus about 2:30 p.m. and opted to crash for the next several hours. We have been up since 2:30 a.m. Krysia is driving home May 7 for the summer.
School Business
A few failures, but, overall, really good grades on the ocean floor quiz. They have a writing assignment for Monday. Write a description of 5 features of the ocean floor as part of a fantasy story.
Really tired. Have a great weekend.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Prepare for the Ocean Floor
Okay, looks like sections 62,63 and 64, are ready for tomorrow's ocean floor quiz. We reviewed, pointed to illustrations and redefined vocabulary. Students used highlighters to highlight important passages in the textbook. Good luck.
Silence
It was eerie, this morning. I meet and greet the kiddoes in the lobby, each morning. Usually, the noise is overwhelming, and then, when Mr. Fausnaught dismisses to the lockers, the resulting stampede causes even me to seek shelter along the wall. This morning, it was utter silence, particularly when they were dismissed to lockers. The procession was orderly and nearly silent. The locker scene was even more disturbing. Students were quietly chatting and quickly hanging up jackets and getting books for class. Brrrrrrr. Mrs. Nemeth then explained the students were told about our presenting tickets for random acts of kindness and behavior. Aha!!! Pavlov lives!!!!!!
My Baby is Packed
Krysia is nearly all packed. She is ready to go back to school. My heart aches something terrible as I realize it will be another four months until I see her. Thankfully, she is happy with her choice of school and friends. Although she is homesick, I can see she is nervous about leaving, this home. The dog has been sleeping with her every night. Last night, the dog realized something was awry and opted to sleep in the hallway, outside my daughter's room. Even the cats kept their distance. However, home alone, all day with the animals, she says they stayed close to her as she packed. They know.
I Saw a Scowl
I must really must be a meanie. Those tickets the kids are designing had one that showed illustrations of a smiling Mrs. Pulizzi, a smiling Mrs. Antonacci, a smiling Mrs. Nemeth, and a scowling Mr. Z. I will try to be nicer, but, I refuse to smile!
Have a great night.
Silence
It was eerie, this morning. I meet and greet the kiddoes in the lobby, each morning. Usually, the noise is overwhelming, and then, when Mr. Fausnaught dismisses to the lockers, the resulting stampede causes even me to seek shelter along the wall. This morning, it was utter silence, particularly when they were dismissed to lockers. The procession was orderly and nearly silent. The locker scene was even more disturbing. Students were quietly chatting and quickly hanging up jackets and getting books for class. Brrrrrrr. Mrs. Nemeth then explained the students were told about our presenting tickets for random acts of kindness and behavior. Aha!!! Pavlov lives!!!!!!
My Baby is Packed
Krysia is nearly all packed. She is ready to go back to school. My heart aches something terrible as I realize it will be another four months until I see her. Thankfully, she is happy with her choice of school and friends. Although she is homesick, I can see she is nervous about leaving, this home. The dog has been sleeping with her every night. Last night, the dog realized something was awry and opted to sleep in the hallway, outside my daughter's room. Even the cats kept their distance. However, home alone, all day with the animals, she says they stayed close to her as she packed. They know.
I Saw a Scowl
I must really must be a meanie. Those tickets the kids are designing had one that showed illustrations of a smiling Mrs. Pulizzi, a smiling Mrs. Antonacci, a smiling Mrs. Nemeth, and a scowling Mr. Z. I will try to be nicer, but, I refuse to smile!
Have a great night.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
I'm Back
Hi folks:
Took a holiday break of my own. I needed some down time to spend with the daughter. She goes back to Texas on Friday morning. She leaves from the State College airport.
Ocean Floor Quiz
Short quiz on the features of the ocean floor is slated for Friday, and then, a writing assignment for the weekend. Honestly, if the munchkins utilize classtime on Friday, they should complete the writing assignment before leaving the classroom.
Using Map Coordinates
I am wrapping-up the social studies marking period with lessons on how to use latitude and longitudinal measurements. Boy, did I have one frustrated boy, today, as he attempted to complete a 10-question test finding coordinates on a map grid. He left the test blank. He and I worked one-on-one, he took the test back to his seat and worked on it until afternoon announcements. He handed me the test, went to his locker, and left for the day. Guess what? He got a 100%!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Archaeology BASE
As you know, I am a member of our local archaeology society. At our meeting Tuesday at the museum, members of the Muncy Historical Society joined us and invited us to the dig site on Pepper Street. It is the Pennsylvania Canal project. They invited me to bring the 6th graders to participate in the digs. Excitedly, I started teaching my BASE students about archaeology. I hope they take an interest and we can perhaps visit the dig site in late April or early May.
8th Grade Teachers Are Fun
You've got to checkout Mrs. Wright's blog http://mrs-wright.blogspot.com/. Really great things going on in 8th grade. This middle school is a great place. Well, I, too, am having fun. I really love our kids. From 6th grade through high school, they are a very polite and friendly group of children.
I Miss Mrs. Fry!
Don't get me wrong, Mrs. Nemeth is a treasure and we are lucky to have this talented woman in our school, but, gee, I miss Mrs. Fry. It's funny how close you get to the people you work with. (oops, ended with a prepositition) Anyway, parents and kids, fire off an email, letter, note, postcard, get well card, anything. Let her know she is missed and loved. I have been avoiding making contact with her, fearing my loud, overzealous demeanor may be too much for her, right now. I will call her, tomorrow, during my free period.
Have a great night, folks.
Took a holiday break of my own. I needed some down time to spend with the daughter. She goes back to Texas on Friday morning. She leaves from the State College airport.
Ocean Floor Quiz
Short quiz on the features of the ocean floor is slated for Friday, and then, a writing assignment for the weekend. Honestly, if the munchkins utilize classtime on Friday, they should complete the writing assignment before leaving the classroom.
Using Map Coordinates
I am wrapping-up the social studies marking period with lessons on how to use latitude and longitudinal measurements. Boy, did I have one frustrated boy, today, as he attempted to complete a 10-question test finding coordinates on a map grid. He left the test blank. He and I worked one-on-one, he took the test back to his seat and worked on it until afternoon announcements. He handed me the test, went to his locker, and left for the day. Guess what? He got a 100%!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Archaeology BASE
As you know, I am a member of our local archaeology society. At our meeting Tuesday at the museum, members of the Muncy Historical Society joined us and invited us to the dig site on Pepper Street. It is the Pennsylvania Canal project. They invited me to bring the 6th graders to participate in the digs. Excitedly, I started teaching my BASE students about archaeology. I hope they take an interest and we can perhaps visit the dig site in late April or early May.
8th Grade Teachers Are Fun
You've got to checkout Mrs. Wright's blog http://mrs-wright.blogspot.com/. Really great things going on in 8th grade. This middle school is a great place. Well, I, too, am having fun. I really love our kids. From 6th grade through high school, they are a very polite and friendly group of children.
I Miss Mrs. Fry!
Don't get me wrong, Mrs. Nemeth is a treasure and we are lucky to have this talented woman in our school, but, gee, I miss Mrs. Fry. It's funny how close you get to the people you work with. (oops, ended with a prepositition) Anyway, parents and kids, fire off an email, letter, note, postcard, get well card, anything. Let her know she is missed and loved. I have been avoiding making contact with her, fearing my loud, overzealous demeanor may be too much for her, right now. I will call her, tomorrow, during my free period.
Have a great night, folks.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
It's My Birthday and I'll Smile if I want to.
Wow! I was overwhelmed with the greetings, today, by all the munchkins at the middle school. The sixth grade sang the birthday song to me, while 7th and 8th graders, throughout the day, wished me well. It was neat. Sixth and 7th graders even made me cards. I hung them up on my classroom door. Take a look at the picture of the cards.
CAPPA Looks Cool
I was really impressed with the video presentation made by Mr. Loni Gamble about CAPPA. Here are our sixth graders gathered in the auditorium for the presentation. Some boys chuckled and tried to be cool, others were fascinated, and oodles want to participate. They m
eet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. This Saturday is the last time until after the holidays. Ask your munchkin about the presentation.
Writing of Letters
Ouch! It appears the sixth grade, as a whole, needs more work in letter writing. It's going to be an ongoing struggle, but, I believe Mrs. Pulizzi, Mrs. Nemeth, and I, will get this skill down before the kiddoes get to 7th grade. My letter was one lesson of six on this project, so all those grades are averaged together as one project grade. If they scored well on Activities 1,2,3,4, and 5, a poor grade on Activity 6, will not affect their grade, to "awful" bad.
Awesome Hand Boiler
Lee Lee gave me a really neat hand boiler. A glass tube, with glass bulbs on either end. You hold one bulb in your hand and it shoots a green liquid up to the other bulb and water appears to be boiling. My daughter and I are now trying to figure out, how it works. It must have something to do with compression of the bulb and the ethel alcohol. Since I'm just an elementary school teacher, I'll have to pose this question to Mr. Conoway, our resident physical science expert. Thanks, Lee Lee, you've amused Krysia and myself.
Bowling Tomorrow
We go bowling, tomorrow -- return to school and eat lunch in our homerooms (some kiddoes have preordered lunch from the cafeteria, the others opted to bring a bagged lunch), then we are seeing a movie. Nice way to start off a holiday vacation. The kids are burned-out and ready for a break. I will try to get photos for tomorrow's blog.
Have a great night.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Changes
The sixth grade hallway is getting a new look -- school colors. Check out the new look versus the sterile "we just moved into this building" appearance. It's starting to feel like home.
Tonight's Concert
Don't miss the 6th grade concert, tonight. We were privvy to a dress rehearsal, during BASE. The kiddoes are awesome.Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Dear Mom and Dad
Dear Mom and Dad:
I would like to convince you to buy a water softener for our home. I have come to realize that the water we use is considered, hard water. I know this, because I have completed an experiment in which I tried to lather with hard and soft water. Soft water lathers easier and as you know, the more a soap suds,the greater the chance for the soap to lift and carry away dirt.
Through experimentation, I found that water comes in different degrees of hardness. Bottled water appears to have many minerals in it. The minerals are usually calcium and magnesium and are the reason soap does not work well in hard water. Besides bottled water, I tested tap water at school. That water has been softened through chemical action by the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority. I also tested salt (ocean) water and found it to be very soft, but only second to distilled water, which is simply water that was allowed to boil and steam. The steam was collected and condenses back into a liquid. Distilled water is the purest form of water available, and boy, is it soft. In comparing my results with other groups in my classroom, we concluded that distilled water was the softest, followed by salt (ocean) water.
I also tested the water at school and compared it to our water. Strange, I thought the water would be the same, but, apparently, our home uses unfiltered well water. Looking at a map of the United States, northcentral Pennsylvania, is hard water because of the various types of limestone and sandstone of our area. That explains why our water is hard. The school's water is relatively soft and that is because it is treated with different chemicals, primarily a sort of sodium (salt) solution.
A member of my group tested his/her water and found it to be as soft as the ocean water, I tested. A closer look revealed this student has a water softener in his/her home. The water softener works by introducing sodium (salt) into a tank and filling it with water. The ions in the salt work like a magnet attracting the calcium and magnesium in the hard water -- pulling the minerals right out of the water. The result is the water has been softened.
Although hard water is safe to drink, it is miserable for cleaning and the mineral deposits can collect inside the pipes of our dishwasher, clothes washer, water heater and even our furnace. Those same deposits shorten the life of those appliances and our clothes, which is simply adding more to the costs of running our household.
I would like to convince you to buy a water softener for our home. I have come to realize that the water we use is considered, hard water. I know this, because I have completed an experiment in which I tried to lather with hard and soft water. Soft water lathers easier and as you know, the more a soap suds,the greater the chance for the soap to lift and carry away dirt.
Through experimentation, I found that water comes in different degrees of hardness. Bottled water appears to have many minerals in it. The minerals are usually calcium and magnesium and are the reason soap does not work well in hard water. Besides bottled water, I tested tap water at school. That water has been softened through chemical action by the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority. I also tested salt (ocean) water and found it to be very soft, but only second to distilled water, which is simply water that was allowed to boil and steam. The steam was collected and condenses back into a liquid. Distilled water is the purest form of water available, and boy, is it soft. In comparing my results with other groups in my classroom, we concluded that distilled water was the softest, followed by salt (ocean) water.
I also tested the water at school and compared it to our water. Strange, I thought the water would be the same, but, apparently, our home uses unfiltered well water. Looking at a map of the United States, northcentral Pennsylvania, is hard water because of the various types of limestone and sandstone of our area. That explains why our water is hard. The school's water is relatively soft and that is because it is treated with different chemicals, primarily a sort of sodium (salt) solution.
A member of my group tested his/her water and found it to be as soft as the ocean water, I tested. A closer look revealed this student has a water softener in his/her home. The water softener works by introducing sodium (salt) into a tank and filling it with water. The ions in the salt work like a magnet attracting the calcium and magnesium in the hard water -- pulling the minerals right out of the water. The result is the water has been softened.
Although hard water is safe to drink, it is miserable for cleaning and the mineral deposits can collect inside the pipes of our dishwasher, clothes washer, water heater and even our furnace. Those same deposits shorten the life of those appliances and our clothes, which is simply adding more to the costs of running our household.
Your Loving Son, Henry
Monday, December 17, 2007
Writing A Letter and Saying Goodbye
Mrs. Antonacci's homeroom finished their holiday door featuring a snow-covered hill and multi-colored snowflakes. Joining in was Mrs. Phillip's learning support class. We certainly have a talented group of sixth graders.
Okay, Blog Title
Students worked on writing a persuasive letter to mom and dad to purchase a whole-house water softening unit, After studying hard and soft water; comparing distilled, tap, salt, and bottled water; reading about how water softeners work, and discussing experiment results, the munchkins approached the assignment by reviewing and jotting down notes, creating a 4-square graphic organizer and writing a rough draft. We will type these letters in the computer lab.
Map Reading
Social Studies begins a unit on map reading and finding locations. I call it, "Human Global Positioning System (HGPS).
Sad Ending
We go to the vet at 6:30 tonight, to decide if "Snowball (A.K.A. Kitty)," our 18-year-old short-haired domestic cat should be put down. The arthritis, loss of teeth, incontinence and senility prompted a family decision, last night. We'll see what the vet says. I will photograph him and post the picture, tonight. It's tough to say goodbye to an old friend. He had a great life -- one that would envy any feline.
"The King, Snowball" passed away peacefully at 6:50 p.m. He dined on warm milk, mashed beef and gravy, and lotsa love. Below, is Snowball's successor, Skunk. Skunk is our last male cat. His predecessor and next in line after Snowball, was Buttercup. "Cuppy" died on Jan. 18, 2007, after choking to death on a cat treat. We came home from the vet, Dr. Winton, to find Skunk in the place of honor at our house -- the couch. If you ever smelled the litter box after Skunk has been there, you would understand the name we gave him.
Sleep well, old friend.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
It's 7:20 p.m. Sunday
The kids and I took a quick jaunt to South Williamsport and then to the Golden Strip. The roads are starting to freeze. Will there be a two-hour delay tomorrow? Whaddaya' think?
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Let's Get Personal
Nothing About My Science Class
Well, I shoveled snow, this morning. I so wanted to zip to school to retrieve my digital camera. You would have loved seeing a photograph of my dog, Missy, a black chow/spaniel mix, covered in snow and romping around the yard, while I shoveled the driveway. Then, the neighbor's black Lab came over and the two pups kept running at me, sliding down the driveway and plowing into me to get me to play. Arrggghhhh. I hate snow.
Krysia's Journey Begins
My daughter is in Houston, today. Students at Texas A&M, Galveston, were required to vacate the campus by noon, today. Her roommate invited her to stay at her parents house in Houston, today, and they would take her to the airport, tomorrow morning. She leaves at 9 a.m. Central Time, and arrives in Philadelphia, before boarding a puddle-jumper for State College airport. She is due to arrive at 3:37 p.m.
Thanks Richard's Boss
My son, Richard, made arrangements with his boss --- thanks, boss -- to give Richard the day-off, tomorrow, so he can go with me to pickup Krysia. Wifey has to work, tomorrow, and she did not feel comfortable with me driving the State College, alone.
Wifey
Wifey is one of the salad bar ladies at the Lycoming College cafeteria. Every night, she talks about how polite the students are at that college. She is always amazed that children today know how to say, "Excuse, me" or "Thank you."
Cats Love This Weather
As I type this blog, one of my cats, the baby, Daisy, is curled-up inside a box by my feet. Tight fit, she has one paw hanging over the edge of the box. Another cat, Snowball, is sleeping on the stair landing, curled-up under the staircase window. A third cat, Wheezie, is sleeping on the radiator in the kitchen. The radiator is encased in a wooden frame with a glass-topped shelf on top. Fluffy and Skunk opted to come in and eat and then go back outside. Fluffy retreated to the garage, while Skunk is curled-up in a wicker basket we keep on the front porch.
At The Mall
Weather is too nasty to have school, today, Richard works at the mall and called, he said the place is inundated with school children. I'm glad Loyalsock opted to cancel school rather than chance having a kid get hurt going to or from school. If parents want to permit their kids to go to the mall, well, it's their conscience -- our's are free.
Pappa Z's Christmas Wishlist
A class III trailer hitch for my '99 GMC Jimmy 4dr/4wd. Installed with tongue, ball, and wiring, $260. I remember the last time I had a hitch put on one of my vehicles $79 total, and that was just 10 years ago.
Play Safe, My Charges
I want all my monkeys to remember safety while playing in the snow, today. I want you back, tomorrow, healthy and in one piece. Sorry, Cole, I'm too late for you. However, take care of that knee and it will heal quickly.
Uh, coffee maker beeped. Ah, another pot of coffee is ready for consumption. Have a great snow day.
Well, I shoveled snow, this morning. I so wanted to zip to school to retrieve my digital camera. You would have loved seeing a photograph of my dog, Missy, a black chow/spaniel mix, covered in snow and romping around the yard, while I shoveled the driveway. Then, the neighbor's black Lab came over and the two pups kept running at me, sliding down the driveway and plowing into me to get me to play. Arrggghhhh. I hate snow.
Krysia's Journey Begins
My daughter is in Houston, today. Students at Texas A&M, Galveston, were required to vacate the campus by noon, today. Her roommate invited her to stay at her parents house in Houston, today, and they would take her to the airport, tomorrow morning. She leaves at 9 a.m. Central Time, and arrives in Philadelphia, before boarding a puddle-jumper for State College airport. She is due to arrive at 3:37 p.m.
Thanks Richard's Boss
My son, Richard, made arrangements with his boss --- thanks, boss -- to give Richard the day-off, tomorrow, so he can go with me to pickup Krysia. Wifey has to work, tomorrow, and she did not feel comfortable with me driving the State College, alone.
Wifey
Wifey is one of the salad bar ladies at the Lycoming College cafeteria. Every night, she talks about how polite the students are at that college. She is always amazed that children today know how to say, "Excuse, me" or "Thank you."
Cats Love This Weather
As I type this blog, one of my cats, the baby, Daisy, is curled-up inside a box by my feet. Tight fit, she has one paw hanging over the edge of the box. Another cat, Snowball, is sleeping on the stair landing, curled-up under the staircase window. A third cat, Wheezie, is sleeping on the radiator in the kitchen. The radiator is encased in a wooden frame with a glass-topped shelf on top. Fluffy and Skunk opted to come in and eat and then go back outside. Fluffy retreated to the garage, while Skunk is curled-up in a wicker basket we keep on the front porch.
At The Mall
Weather is too nasty to have school, today, Richard works at the mall and called, he said the place is inundated with school children. I'm glad Loyalsock opted to cancel school rather than chance having a kid get hurt going to or from school. If parents want to permit their kids to go to the mall, well, it's their conscience -- our's are free.
Pappa Z's Christmas Wishlist
A class III trailer hitch for my '99 GMC Jimmy 4dr/4wd. Installed with tongue, ball, and wiring, $260. I remember the last time I had a hitch put on one of my vehicles $79 total, and that was just 10 years ago.
Play Safe, My Charges
I want all my monkeys to remember safety while playing in the snow, today. I want you back, tomorrow, healthy and in one piece. Sorry, Cole, I'm too late for you. However, take care of that knee and it will heal quickly.
Uh, coffee maker beeped. Ah, another pot of coffee is ready for consumption. Have a great snow day.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Wow! Did I Trick My Munchkins
Okay, so the assignment was to bring in a sample of water from home. From what I could see, today, most everyone gets their water from the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority. What that means is, if we measure out 3-mL of water into a plastic test tube, add a drop of soap, and use a stopwatch to shake the test tube for 5-seconds, then, the height of the suds should be approximately, the same.
Guess what?
It wasn't. In fact, comparing the home water with water from my spigot at school, which, by the way, is also courtesy of the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority, most of my kiddoes recorded the water at school is being hard water, while their home water was soft. Hmmm, the same water, different results. Why?
4-Sight Testing
To accommodate the math and language arts teachers, giving this test, we had double-periods, today. That means, I met with Section 62 for two class periods and Section 63 for two class periods. Tomorrow, I get the other two sections.
Remember the Ions in Salt Water?
Children still did not understand why the sample of salt water was softer than distilled water. Even after reading the article on how a water softener works, and placing the order of events on softening water with salt, students still did not understand the relationship between the ionization in a water softener and the ionization of salt water in the classroom. I hope the light bulb comes on soon.
Joined the Archeology Society
With only five members in attendance, I joined the North-Central Chapter 8 of the Pennsylvania Archeology society, last night. This is the group that assisted with archeological digs at Canfield Island and at Muncy. We met at the Lycoming County Historical (Taber) Museum on West Fourth Street. Although unable to attend meetings, James Bressler, past president of the local society, was the topic of discussion as we were treated to a glimpse of paleo-indians exhibit. That's the first humans in our area over 10,000 years ago, when this valley was semi-tundra (without many trees and covered in permafrost). I was mesmerized as we talked about Bressler, who happens to be #2 in my hero worship, list -- preceded only by Benjamin Franklin. Take a look at the society website -- maintained by Robin Van Auken.
Will It Snow?
Arrrggghh, I hope not. It looks like we may be getting out early due to snow and sleet. Although I like the prospect of getting out early, I really need to get some old-fashioned teaching in. Worst, yet, I have to take off a half-day on Friday to drive to State College to pick up my daughter at the airport. YES!!! She is coming home for Christmas. I have not seen my baby daughter since the middle of August. Talk about separation anxiety -- daddy's got it.
Have a nice night and get your kids ready to shovel snow, tomorrow. I have the snow blower gassed-up and right next to the garage door.
Guess what?
It wasn't. In fact, comparing the home water with water from my spigot at school, which, by the way, is also courtesy of the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority, most of my kiddoes recorded the water at school is being hard water, while their home water was soft. Hmmm, the same water, different results. Why?
4-Sight Testing
To accommodate the math and language arts teachers, giving this test, we had double-periods, today. That means, I met with Section 62 for two class periods and Section 63 for two class periods. Tomorrow, I get the other two sections.
Remember the Ions in Salt Water?
Children still did not understand why the sample of salt water was softer than distilled water. Even after reading the article on how a water softener works, and placing the order of events on softening water with salt, students still did not understand the relationship between the ionization in a water softener and the ionization of salt water in the classroom. I hope the light bulb comes on soon.
Joined the Archeology Society
With only five members in attendance, I joined the North-Central Chapter 8 of the Pennsylvania Archeology society, last night. This is the group that assisted with archeological digs at Canfield Island and at Muncy. We met at the Lycoming County Historical (Taber) Museum on West Fourth Street. Although unable to attend meetings, James Bressler, past president of the local society, was the topic of discussion as we were treated to a glimpse of paleo-indians exhibit. That's the first humans in our area over 10,000 years ago, when this valley was semi-tundra (without many trees and covered in permafrost). I was mesmerized as we talked about Bressler, who happens to be #2 in my hero worship, list -- preceded only by Benjamin Franklin. Take a look at the society website -- maintained by Robin Van Auken.
Will It Snow?
Arrrggghh, I hope not. It looks like we may be getting out early due to snow and sleet. Although I like the prospect of getting out early, I really need to get some old-fashioned teaching in. Worst, yet, I have to take off a half-day on Friday to drive to State College to pick up my daughter at the airport. YES!!! She is coming home for Christmas. I have not seen my baby daughter since the middle of August. Talk about separation anxiety -- daddy's got it.
Have a nice night and get your kids ready to shovel snow, tomorrow. I have the snow blower gassed-up and right next to the garage door.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Saltwater is the softest
Hey!?! Saltwater is the softest? You mean it outdoes distilled, bottled and tap water? But, it has so many minerals in it!?! Yep, you kids tested it and all seem to agree, saltwater provided the most suds in testing.
Is There A Secret?
Yup. The ions in salt actually attract minerals in water and sort of neutralizes the minerals, making the water soft. If you really wanna know. That water softener some of you have for your wells, uses rock salt to soften the water. When we get to Activity 5, you will learn all about it.
Don't Forget
Those of you working on your bar graph have to remember the "Y" axis has to be identified. You just can write 1mm, 2mm, 3mm. . . Those numbers have to be labeled as "Measured Height of Suds," or something like that. And the "X" axis is not just distilled water, tap water. . . These are water samples used.
Joining Tonight
I have been invited to join the Northcentral Chapter 8 of the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology. They meet tonight at the Taber Museum on West Fourth Street. I am excited about this organization since I have a severe love of the history of our valley. I'll let you know, tomorrow, how the meeting went.
Have a great night.
Is There A Secret?
Yup. The ions in salt actually attract minerals in water and sort of neutralizes the minerals, making the water soft. If you really wanna know. That water softener some of you have for your wells, uses rock salt to soften the water. When we get to Activity 5, you will learn all about it.
Don't Forget
Those of you working on your bar graph have to remember the "Y" axis has to be identified. You just can write 1mm, 2mm, 3mm. . . Those numbers have to be labeled as "Measured Height of Suds," or something like that. And the "X" axis is not just distilled water, tap water. . . These are water samples used.
Joining Tonight
I have been invited to join the Northcentral Chapter 8 of the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology. They meet tonight at the Taber Museum on West Fourth Street. I am excited about this organization since I have a severe love of the history of our valley. I'll let you know, tomorrow, how the meeting went.
Have a great night.
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