Sunday, December 23, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Chemistry EXAM Review
Notes for chemistry exam on Friday:
1) The exam is cumulative. So make sure that you get your notes in order and do the problems on the review sheet to refresh your memory. If you need another copy, click here.
2) You need to know the chemical formula and charge for the following polyatomic ions: nitrate, sulfate, phosphate, hydroxide and ammonium.
3) You do not need to memorize the formulas for converting Celsius and Fahrenheit or any conversion factors. Those will be provided. However, you should know things like density (mass/volume), molar mass (grams/mole) and molarity (mole/liter). These formulas are definitions and will not be provided.
4) I suggest that you prepare a 3x5 notecard with pertinent information that you feel would be valuable to have handy during the exam. Although I am not now allowing the use of this note card during the exam, writing out a note card helps you focus on what you think is important and write all these things in one general condensed location.
1) The exam is cumulative. So make sure that you get your notes in order and do the problems on the review sheet to refresh your memory. If you need another copy, click here.
2) You need to know the chemical formula and charge for the following polyatomic ions: nitrate, sulfate, phosphate, hydroxide and ammonium.
3) You do not need to memorize the formulas for converting Celsius and Fahrenheit or any conversion factors. Those will be provided. However, you should know things like density (mass/volume), molar mass (grams/mole) and molarity (mole/liter). These formulas are definitions and will not be provided.
4) I suggest that you prepare a 3x5 notecard with pertinent information that you feel would be valuable to have handy during the exam. Although I am not now allowing the use of this note card during the exam, writing out a note card helps you focus on what you think is important and write all these things in one general condensed location.
Exeter This Week
Exeter Page 14:
This is due neatly at the end of 1st period (Team Hyphy) and the end of 4th period (Beezeys). See "course materials" section of my web site if you need another copy.
Exeter Page 5:
Please work through problems 3,4,5,6,7 and 11. These can feel more challenging than those we worked last week. Make sure that you take time to ask questions in class. you will have time to consult with your classmates on Wednesday but you need to have made real attempts for all the problems before then. These problems will be due at the beginning of class on Thursday.
This is due neatly at the end of 1st period (Team Hyphy) and the end of 4th period (Beezeys). See "course materials" section of my web site if you need another copy.
Exeter Page 5:
Please work through problems 3,4,5,6,7 and 11. These can feel more challenging than those we worked last week. Make sure that you take time to ask questions in class. you will have time to consult with your classmates on Wednesday but you need to have made real attempts for all the problems before then. These problems will be due at the beginning of class on Thursday.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Using the Internet in Chemistry
Here are a couple of web sites that may be helpful and give you an additional perspective on naming ionic compounds with transition metals and electron configuration.
Remember we are having a short quiz on electron configurations this Friday and a cumulative exam next Friday. The nomenclature assignment is due at the beginning of class tomorrow.
http://www.ausetute.com.au/namiform.html
http://www.physchem.co.za/Atomic/Electron%20Configuration.htm
If you find any other useful sites, add these in the comments section of this posting.
Remember we are having a short quiz on electron configurations this Friday and a cumulative exam next Friday. The nomenclature assignment is due at the beginning of class tomorrow.
http://www.ausetute.com.au/namiform.html
http://www.physchem.co.za/Atomic/Electron%20Configuration.htm
If you find any other useful sites, add these in the comments section of this posting.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Electron Configuration Slides
The diagrams from my electron configuration lessons are posted on the "Course Materials" section of my DP. The diagrams are posted as a PowerPoint file. Please let me know if you have a hard time accessing the pictures of the s, p and d orbitals and I can help you get access to these files in another way.
Exeter This Week
Both pages are in the "Course Materials" section of my DP.
Exeter Page 5 Group:
This week you must complete problems 1, 2a-e, 8, 9, 10 and 12. This needs to be turned on a separate sheet of paper, neatly. You will be completing the other problems for next week- so go ahead and start them when you can. The problems above are due by the end of class on Friday. We will be having a QA time on Wednesday so try and look over the problems as soon as possible. This will not be your only math assignments this week.
Exeter Page 13 Group:
The complete page is due on Friday at the beginning of class. We will be doing Exeter presentations on Friday. Work these as much as possible on your own as I would like to see multiple solution strategies for each problem. You will receive extra credit for solving any one problem using more than one strategy. You must be explicit in your written work for BOTH strategies to receive the extra credit.
Exeter Page 5 Group:
This week you must complete problems 1, 2a-e, 8, 9, 10 and 12. This needs to be turned on a separate sheet of paper, neatly. You will be completing the other problems for next week- so go ahead and start them when you can. The problems above are due by the end of class on Friday. We will be having a QA time on Wednesday so try and look over the problems as soon as possible. This will not be your only math assignments this week.
Exeter Page 13 Group:
The complete page is due on Friday at the beginning of class. We will be doing Exeter presentations on Friday. Work these as much as possible on your own as I would like to see multiple solution strategies for each problem. You will receive extra credit for solving any one problem using more than one strategy. You must be explicit in your written work for BOTH strategies to receive the extra credit.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Comments on Water Quality Analyses
Based on your mini-talks with me, I have some general suggestions for all of you before your POL on Thursday night.
Regarding Turbidity:
1) Make sure that you define this and other important terms. Most people will not know what turbidity means.
2) Although we do not have turbidity numbers from Mexico, you can still use the descriptions as part of your conclusions. Do not completely ignore turbidity in Mexico.
Regarding Temperature:
We did not take the temperature on the water while IN Mexico at the site. The reason that you measured temperature in class is because DO is affected by the temperature of the water. So you can not make direct comparisons of temperature measures between US and Mexico. You should only mention temperature in the context of dissolved oxygen.
Regarding Dissolved Oxygen:
Ideal levels of DO are above 6 ppm for healthy fish. Numbers between 3-5 result in slower fish growth. The lower the number, the less the environment can sustain aquatic life. The upper limit is only due to the solubility of oxygen in water at certain temperatures.
Regarding Nitrates:
It is imperative that you mention nitrate differences since these were the most pronounced of all the measures. Nitrate levels should ideally be less than 2 ppm. Increased nitrate levels could be due to fertilizers, waste, fecal matter and decay.
Use the descriptions and your OWN experience of the water source to justify WHY nitrate levels were high in some Mexico locations.
Regarding Turbidity:
1) Make sure that you define this and other important terms. Most people will not know what turbidity means.
2) Although we do not have turbidity numbers from Mexico, you can still use the descriptions as part of your conclusions. Do not completely ignore turbidity in Mexico.
Regarding Temperature:
We did not take the temperature on the water while IN Mexico at the site. The reason that you measured temperature in class is because DO is affected by the temperature of the water. So you can not make direct comparisons of temperature measures between US and Mexico. You should only mention temperature in the context of dissolved oxygen.
Regarding Dissolved Oxygen:
Ideal levels of DO are above 6 ppm for healthy fish. Numbers between 3-5 result in slower fish growth. The lower the number, the less the environment can sustain aquatic life. The upper limit is only due to the solubility of oxygen in water at certain temperatures.
Regarding Nitrates:
It is imperative that you mention nitrate differences since these were the most pronounced of all the measures. Nitrate levels should ideally be less than 2 ppm. Increased nitrate levels could be due to fertilizers, waste, fecal matter and decay.
Use the descriptions and your OWN experience of the water source to justify WHY nitrate levels were high in some Mexico locations.
Math This Week
Non-Exeter Group:
1) CPM pg.372-375 and Trig Table DUE Thursday by the end of the day. Remember to complete the Trig Table BEFORE working on the CPM problems.
2) On Friday, you will learning about tangent and assigned CPM problems completing Chapter 4.
Exeter Group:
1) Page 12 Due Friday (end of day) NEATLY. We will be using these on Monday for presentations. You should complete your Exeter problems so that another student could use your work for their presentation.
2) Trig Table Due Thursday. You can work in groups but EACH student must turn in their own Trig Table.
1) CPM pg.372-375 and Trig Table DUE Thursday by the end of the day. Remember to complete the Trig Table BEFORE working on the CPM problems.
2) On Friday, you will learning about tangent and assigned CPM problems completing Chapter 4.
Exeter Group:
1) Page 12 Due Friday (end of day) NEATLY. We will be using these on Monday for presentations. You should complete your Exeter problems so that another student could use your work for their presentation.
2) Trig Table Due Thursday. You can work in groups but EACH student must turn in their own Trig Table.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Water Analysis FAQ
Here are answers to some questions that I have been fielding:
1) Q: Where do I find site descriptions for Famosa Slough?
A: Almost all of the postings on this blog so far are water analysis related. I have posted the site descriptions from students as well as the Famosa web site in previous posts-just scroll down.
2) Q: Do I have to do an analysis of each measure (pH, DO, Nitrates, tec.) for each site?
a: Yes! Follow the directions in the guidelines. If you are just starting this will take you quite a bit of time.
3) Q: What format should I write my answers?
A: You do not need to rewrite the question but you can use the number/letter system to head off each of your answers. For. ex. 3a: would be your answer to the informal part a. You must write in complete sentences.
4) Q: How do I know what elevated nitrate levels, DO levels or pH mean?
A: pH should be in your notes from the presentations, so should DO levels really. The nitrate levels you can find by googling "nitrate levels" or something similar related to water. Just googling "nitrate" will give you too much information and not be very helpful.
5) Q: Does each group member need to turn in an analysis?
A: No. I want one analysis per group but each group member is responsible for the conclusions drawn in the analysis that is turned in. You will receive a group grade for the water analysis that is turned in and separate grades for your part of the poster presentations.
1) Q: Where do I find site descriptions for Famosa Slough?
A: Almost all of the postings on this blog so far are water analysis related. I have posted the site descriptions from students as well as the Famosa web site in previous posts-just scroll down.
2) Q: Do I have to do an analysis of each measure (pH, DO, Nitrates, tec.) for each site?
a: Yes! Follow the directions in the guidelines. If you are just starting this will take you quite a bit of time.
3) Q: What format should I write my answers?
A: You do not need to rewrite the question but you can use the number/letter system to head off each of your answers. For. ex. 3a: would be your answer to the informal part a. You must write in complete sentences.
4) Q: How do I know what elevated nitrate levels, DO levels or pH mean?
A: pH should be in your notes from the presentations, so should DO levels really. The nitrate levels you can find by googling "nitrate levels" or something similar related to water. Just googling "nitrate" will give you too much information and not be very helpful.
5) Q: Does each group member need to turn in an analysis?
A: No. I want one analysis per group but each group member is responsible for the conclusions drawn in the analysis that is turned in. You will receive a group grade for the water analysis that is turned in and separate grades for your part of the poster presentations.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Descriptions of US Water Sample sites
These descriptions are directly from students who turned in their descriptions. It is up to you to decide how useful they are to you. In my previous post, I suggested using the Famosa Slough web site to help make conclusions about those sites.
US Famosa Slough Sites
US San Diego Bay Sites
US Famosa Slough Sites
US San Diego Bay Sites
Using Excel for water quality analysis
Using Excel for water quality data:
1) First make sure that you have downloaded the water quality data in an Excel file so that you can manipulate the data.
2) Highlight the entire sheet by clicking on the upper left hand corner.
3) Go to “Data” menu then “sort” and choose the Mexico Sample # column or US sample area.
4) Separate the samples areas by inserting lines between them. Highlight the row just below the last row of one sample area, right click and go to insert. Ctrl “Y” will insert another row.
5) BEFORE you find the averages, you must look at the data and get MY approval to ignore any outliers.
6) Remove the approved outliers from the data set by clearing those cells.
7) To find averages, go to an empty cell below the measure, go to “Insert” menu and then “Insert function” select AVERAGE. This will place the function in that cell. You then need to highlight the cell that you want to take the average of. Once you have the first function inserted for that row, just right click that cell, copy it and paste all the way down the row.
8) Repeat step 5 for each of the sample areas.
9) Print out the data tables (US and Mexico) with all of your calculations and turn it in with your group’s analysis.
10) View the observed comments on each area to help you distinguish between the sites in the US. The Famosa Slough web site has a map with their official water testing sites. We stayed pretty close to those so you can use those pictures and descriptions to help you in your analysis.
1) First make sure that you have downloaded the water quality data in an Excel file so that you can manipulate the data.
2) Highlight the entire sheet by clicking on the upper left hand corner.
3) Go to “Data” menu then “sort” and choose the Mexico Sample # column or US sample area.
4) Separate the samples areas by inserting lines between them. Highlight the row just below the last row of one sample area, right click and go to insert. Ctrl “Y” will insert another row.
5) BEFORE you find the averages, you must look at the data and get MY approval to ignore any outliers.
6) Remove the approved outliers from the data set by clearing those cells.
7) To find averages, go to an empty cell below the measure, go to “Insert” menu and then “Insert function” select AVERAGE. This will place the function in that cell. You then need to highlight the cell that you want to take the average of. Once you have the first function inserted for that row, just right click that cell, copy it and paste all the way down the row.
8) Repeat step 5 for each of the sample areas.
9) Print out the data tables (US and Mexico) with all of your calculations and turn it in with your group’s analysis.
10) View the observed comments on each area to help you distinguish between the sites in the US. The Famosa Slough web site has a map with their official water testing sites. We stayed pretty close to those so you can use those pictures and descriptions to help you in your analysis.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Water Quality Analysis Data
Following the link below for the Excel file with the water quality data. Please NOTE: There are two tabs in the Excel file. One labeled Mexico and the other labeled US. For ease of use, I separated the Mexico data onto a different sheet in Excel. I also made the header rows freeze and print on each page. If you have any questions on how to manipulate the Excel file for your analysis, don't hesitate to ask.
Water Quality Data
Water Quality Data
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Water Quality Analysis
Due Tuesday: You must submit your data for the Mexican water samples and the US water samples in an Excel file. This must be done on an individual basis. I will compile the data and make it available to you on Wednesday.
Due Monday morning (11/25/07): Your complete water analysis (informal, formal and overall discussion) is due by 9 am. One analysis per Beyond the Border group is expected. Even though you are turning in a group analysis, each member of the group is responsible for the information and will need to be able to present it as part of their POL.
Link to PDF of Guidelines for Water Quality Analysis
Due Monday morning (11/25/07): Your complete water analysis (informal, formal and overall discussion) is due by 9 am. One analysis per Beyond the Border group is expected. Even though you are turning in a group analysis, each member of the group is responsible for the information and will need to be able to present it as part of their POL.
Link to PDF of Guidelines for Water Quality Analysis
Math Before Thanksgiving
CPM Math: Your packet that includes pages 334, 335, 340 & 341 with the extra practice on triangle similarities is due at the end of the day on Friday. When you are done, you can do the take home quiz on triangle similarities.
Exeter group: Page 11 of Exeter is due at the end of the day on Friday- neat but not in ink. When you are done with Exeter, you can do the take home quiz on triangle similarities.
Exeter group: Page 11 of Exeter is due at the end of the day on Friday- neat but not in ink. When you are done with Exeter, you can do the take home quiz on triangle similarities.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Welcome to my blog
Ok, So I finally got around to writing a blog and linking it to my DP.
I am hoping that this will be easier for me to keep you guys up to date with assignments and announcements. We'll see about that. I am going to be linking all my Powerpoint presentations and as many assignments that I can on this page. Feel free to send me your comments.
I am hoping that this will be easier for me to keep you guys up to date with assignments and announcements. We'll see about that. I am going to be linking all my Powerpoint presentations and as many assignments that I can on this page. Feel free to send me your comments.
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