Thursday, January 13th, 2010

Hey guys,

Since we have been back from break, we haven't made it to the computer lab with our day being the same as those that we have been off. We are currently wrapping up our Earth Science studies and will be moving on to Life Science in a few weeks. As you are reading, remember that any underlined words are linked to examples for better understanding.

This week we began Space Science, we started by discussing the terms ROTATE and REVOLVE and their meanings. We made a T-chart (see below) to help us classify the two terms and study their differences. We demonstrated rotating by spinning, or turning, in one spot, and revolving by going around, or orbiting, our chairs. We then talked about how the Earth is held in orbit around the Sun, found at the center of our solar system, by it's gravitational pull on us. We learned that the more mass and object has, the more gravitational pull it has. This is what keeps all of the planets in orbit around the Sun. We had volunteers demonstrate how the Sun, Earth, and Moon interact together. Today, we learned that this same concept is what keeps our moon in orbit around us. We learned that it rotates at the same speed in which it revolves, which is why we always see the same side of the moon. We began discussing the Phases of the moon, but will get more in depth on those tomorrow.

P.S. Don't forget to be working on your Science Fair Projects. Projects are due Monday the 24th, and the Science Fair Night is Tuesday the 25th. Let me know if you need any additional help or have any more questions.

Happy Star Gazing,
Mrs. E