Rocks

In science, it is our duty to ask "Why?" and "How?" questions about things that are around us (whether those things are common or extraordinary). Like rocks. I have a couple of those questions for you, Crazy 8s:A: This is a picture of an igneous rock. You may construct a paragraph that answers the following questions, or you may answer each question individually.

1. Why does this igneous rock have crystals?


2. Where did this rock form? How do you know?


3. What type of igneous rock is this?
   

B: This is a picture taken in the Badlands of South Dakota (there are other "badlands", too). The rocks that you see are sedimentary rocks, and they have NOT always been there. Use your knowledge of the rock cycle to answer this question: (If you need a refresher, view the rock cycle prezi in the blog post below this one.)

• How did these sedimentary rocks get here? (What are some of the events that could lead to the formation of sedimentary rocks?)
  

Rock Cycle

To review the rock cycle, navigate through this Rock Cycle Prezi, noting the three main types of rock and the processes by which they are formed.

Our Podcasts are on iTunes!

Cool, huh? Now (if you have iTunes) you can search for our podcasts in the iTunes store. Search "Mr. Hoegh's Classroom" or "Hoegh" and you should be able to download and subscribe to our podcasts for free. This will allow you to listen to our podcasts on the computer or on an iPod or MP3 player.

Mr. Hannemann was our guest on the latest podcast. He did a great job talking about what he was like as a student in middle school, and what he feels is important for young people to remember as they progress through middle school, high school, and college.

Here is a form, in which I'd love your input. This is a blog that showcases your scientific knowledge, talents, and work. Let it be your podcast.

Minerals

When you first heard that we would be learning about minerals, here were some of the initial comments:

• "So...... we're gonna learn about rocks....... OK......."
• "Are there really minerals in a bottle of mineral water?"
  
• "Diamonds, gold, and other gemstones are minerals. Can we keep the ones we work with?"
• "Aren't there minerals in the Fruity Pebbles I eat for breakfast?"

In the past few days in science, your view of minerals has likely changed. You've discovered that there are many different classes/types of minerals -- each with a unique set of properties that allows us to identify one mineral from another.
In your comment, completely answer the following questions. If you don't want your comment to be published, that is fine! Just let me know in the comment you leave.

1. Minerals are identified by their properties. What are some of the properties you used to distinguish one mineral from another? Why is it best to use more than just one or two of these properties?
   
2. Did some of the properties "work" better than others? Which ones were the most effective? Which were the least effective? Explain.
   
3. What was the most difficult part of identifying minerals?
   

Science Podcast

Coke vs. Diet Coke Challenge

Crazy 8s: Don't let the title of this post fool you. This is not a taste test (although taste IS a property of minerals). Instead, we will test these objects' densities. Please follow the directions that are given below the slideshow.
Coke vs. Diet Coke Density

• Click on "comments". Like always, this will open up a new window where you may type your blog response.
• Advance to the next slide by clicking on the right portion of the slideshow. You can also click on the left portion if you want to go back to the previous slide.
• In your blog response, answer all questions that appear on the purple-ish slides.
  
• Do not advance to the next slide until you have completely answered the questions that appeared on the purple-ish slides.

Crazy 8 Chemistry Labs

This video is also on YouTube with a higher resolution. Click here to view it.