Weekly outline

  • General

  • Welcome to Year 9 Science

    Kia Ora Young Scientists,

    Welcome to Year 9 Science. My name is Mrs. Lindsay and I will be taking you through your Science journey this year. We will be exploring various areas of Science, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science. Whilst content knowledge is important in Science, its the Science Skills that permeates through all areas of Science, which will be assess in your Common Assessment Tasks (CATs) delivered under exam conditions this year. 

     Should you need to contact me, face to face is always easiest while in class. Alternatively you can send me an email at alindsay@mhjc.school.nz, but do note that my reply may be brief.

    I look forward to co-creating our Science journey together with you all.

    Mrs Lindsay 

    Image result for science gif


  • Term 1 Weeks 2 - 3

    Kia Ora Scientists,

    Our context this term is Disasters.

    We will be starting the term by exploring the 2022 Tongan Volcanic eruption.

    Success Criteria
    Explore causes and effects of disasters, specifically the Tongan volcanic eruption
    I can describe the structure of the earth
    I have identified world geologic features
    I can explain how convention currents work in the mantle, causing the movement of tectonic plates

    Activities:

    1. Tonga's New Year Disaster 2022 tasksheet
    2. Energetic Earth Tasksheet
    3. Brainpop - Earth's structure
    4. Mt St Helens Reading comprehension

    Further Learning:

    See Google Classroom for learning resources 


  • Term 1 Week 4-5

    Kia ora scientists, 

    Success Criteria:

    I have conceptualised the mantle and its effects.
    I am able to structure a paragraph in a PEDAL format
    I have explained the Continental Drift Theory and presented evidence to support it
    I have applied my understanding of volcanoes and created a graphical poster

    Activities:

    1. The Mantle - ppt
    2. Video - tectonic plate movement
    3. Practical - Sandwich Geology
    4. Practical write up
    5. Brainpop - tectonic plates
    6. Mix and match - PEDAL paragraph on Continental Drift Theory
    7. Write PEDAL paragraph on Continental Drift Theory
    8. Revision of keywords - Headbands Game
    9. Brainpop - Volcanoes
    10. Watch videos - Volcanoes
    11. Volcanoes powerpoint
    12. Volcanoes tasksheet

    Further Learning:
    All learning resources are on Google Classrooms


  • Term 1 Week 6

    Kia ora Scientists,

    Success Criteria:

    I can identify different types of rocks
    I can compare and contrast different rock samples, and how they are formed
    I can connect the formation of each type of rock by explaining the different environmental processes required, aka the rock cycle
    I can create a step by step demonstration of the rock cycle

    Activities:

    1. Types of Rocks Worksheet
    2. Maori uses of rocks worksheet
    3. In class practical - rock samples observation and exploration
    4. Brainpop - Rock cycle activities
    5. Rock cycle interactive and diagram
    6. Practical - Using starbursts to demonstrate the rock cycle
    7. Create a step-by-step storyboard that explains and demonstrates the rock cycle, using photos and keywords

    Further Learning:
    All resources are on Google Classroom



  • Term 1 Week 7

    Kia ora Scientists

    Success Criteria:

    Explain several aspects of earthquakes, including what they are, where they occur, their causes, how they're measured, and the difference between an epicentre and focus
    I can use a large number of scientific keywords in my writing about earthquakes
    I have applied my knowledge of earthquakes on a major NZ disaster, the Christchurch Earthquake

    Activities:

    1. Earthquake ppt
    2. Brainpop - Earthquake activities
    3. Focus on Kaikoura Earthquakes - ppt
    4. Scipad 214-215
    5. Write paragraph about earthquakes using keywords - see tasksheet
    6. Christchurch Earthquake profile tasksheet

    Further Learning:
    All learning resources are on Google Classroom


  • Term 1 Week 8

    Kia ora Scientists,

    Success Criteria:

    I can apply my understanding of geologic activity to NZ disasters and explain how it shapes our unique NZ landscape
    I can use a myriad of scientific keywords in my presentation

    Activities:

    1. Work on your Disasters assessment 

    Further Learning:
    See Google Classroom for resources 


  • Term 1 Week 9

    Kia ora Year 9s

    Success Criteria:

    Produce and submit your assessment
    I can recognise HAZCHEM symbols
    I can work safely in a laboratory environment

    Activities:

    1. Complete assessment - record video and submit
    2. Draw HAZCHEM symbols
    3. Identify hazards in a laboratory 
    4. Recall what to do if there is an accident in the lab
    5. Kahoot
    6. Scipad pg 8

    Further Learning:
    See Google Classroom for all resources


  • Term 1 Week 10

    Kia ora Year 9s

    Success Criteria:

    I can name and draw common laboratory equipment, and use them in an appropriate manner
    I can recall parts of a bunsen burner and light and extinguish one safely, following each necessary step
    I can explain the difference between an orange and blue flame, and decide which is most appropriate for the task
    I  can heat liquids in a test tube, using a bunsen burner safely without overheating/cracking the glass

    Activities:

    1. Lab equipment - Scipad 9
    2. Draw lab equipment
    3. Draw and label parts of a bunsen burner
    4. Recall the steps to light a bunsen safely, using the acronym SETALight
    5. Scipad pg 12
    6. Practical - Compare heating watering with orange vs blue flame, and time
    7. Practical - heating liquids in a test tube
    8. Scipad 14 - 15

    Further Learning:
    See Google Classroom for all resources


  • Term 1 Week 11

    Kia ora Year 9s

    Success Criteria:

    I can read scales accurately, including reading the meniscus of liquids
    I can communicate scientific investigations accurately
    I can write a concise aim for scientific investigations

    Activities:

    1. Reading scales Scipad 17-19
    2. Practical - reading meniscus of liquids in measuring cylinders and thermometers
    3. video - scientific method
    4. Notes - how to write an aim, hypothesis, and identify 3 variables
    5. Writing aim worksheet

    Further Learning:
    See Google Classroom 


  • SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

    The school holiday conundrum for parents | RNZ

  • Term 2 Science of Attraction

    Nau mai, Hoki mai!

    Welcome back to Term 2. I trust that you have had a relaxing break.

    This term we will be focusing on what the world is made of, the nature of matter and how it behaves. We will also be developing our laboratory skills in a safe and responsibly way, doing heaps of chemistry practicals, and learning how to communicate our finding using scientific conventions.

    Memetracker: Chemistry Cat Brings The Classroom LOLs (PICTURES) | HuffPost  Entertainment

  • Term 2 Week 1

    Kia ora Ngahere,

    Success Criteria:

    I can identify fair testing factors
    I can write a hypothesis and justify why
    I can identify the independent, dependant, and control variables in an investigation
    I understand the scientific process

    Activities:

    1. Writing hypothesis
    2. Introducing variables
    3. Brainpop - Scientific method 
    Movie, quiz, worksheet, graphic organiser
    4. Fair testing worksheet

    Further Learning:
    All resources are on Google Classroom


  • Term 2 Week 2-3

    Kia ora scientists,

    Success Criteria:

    I can draw graphs accurately using scientific conventions
    I can identify elements of fair testing and apply them
    I can design and conduct a simple scientific investigation
    I can communicate the findings of the investigation using scientific conventions

    Activities:

    1. Drawing graphs - worksheet
    2. Fair testing worksheet 
    3. Investigation - find the relationship between handspan and height/feetspan/cubit
    4. Create a lab report to communicate the findings of the investigation 
    5. SCIPAD - revision - scientific method

    Further Learning:
    All resources on Google Classroom


  • Term 2 Week 4

    Kia ora akonga,

    This week we still start our learning around matter and lab skills.

    Success Criteria:

    I can identify different states of matter, their properties
    I can explain their behaviour using particle theory of matter, energy levels, and Brownian motion 
    I can explain diffusion of gases and liquids

    Activities:

    1. States of matter worksheet
    2. venn diagrams
    3. Practical - matter circus
    4. Brownian motion class demonstration
    5. SCIPAD 59
    6. Diffusion worksheet
    7. Deodorant demonstration
    8. Practical - tea bag diffusion
    9. SCIPAD 65
    10. "Changes of states" worksheet

    Further Learning:
    All resources on Google Classroom


  • Term 2 Week 5

    Kia ora Year 9s,

    Success Criteria:

    Explain how "energy" allows states of matter to change 
    Conduct a practical that investigates changes in states of water 

    Activities:

    1. Changing states - SCIPAD 61
    2. Practical - investigating state changes - SCIPAD 62 - 63
    3. Graphing of results
    4. "Particles" Making 10 sentences worksheet
    5. Matter questions worksheet 

    Further Learning:
    All resources on Google Classroom


  • Term 2 Week 6 - 7

    Kia ora scientists,

    Week 6 is a short week, with Queen's Birthday and Teacher Only Day on Monday and Tuesday respectively.

    Success Criteria:

    I can use chemistry terms to describe substances in a scientific manner
    I can use a range of different methods to seperate different substances
    I can use chemistry terms, such as solution, solvent and solute confidently
    I can describe all the parts of a distillation kit, including the Liebig Condenser and explain the 5 steps of distillation
    I can work safely and responsibly in a lab

    Activities:

    1. LAB - chemistry terms carousel + worksheet
    2. LAB - filtration of milk and vinegar + worksheet
    3. LAB - Separating of rock salt through evaporation
    4. LAB - Separating mixtures carousel + worksheet
    5. LAB - Distillation of coke - Teacher demonstration + writing

    Further Learning:
    All resources on Google Classrooms


  • Term 2 Week 8

    Kia ora scientists,

    Success Criteria:

    I can explain how chromatography is used to seperate mixtures using each substances rate of solubility
    I can explain mixtures, solutions, and Conservation of Mass using chemistry terms
    I can communicate scientific findings of "Solubility" using scientific terminology and conventions

    Activities:

    1. LAB - Chromatography + worksheet + exam style questions
    2. EP revision - "separating mixtures"
    3. "Mixtures" worksheet - fill in the gaps
    4. LAB - "Investigating solubility" SCIPAD 40 + lab report

    Further Learning:
    All resources on Google Classroom


  • Term 2 Weeks 9-10

    Kia ora...

    Success Criteria:

    I can design, conduct a fair science investigation, and communicate the findings using several scientific conventions
    I can demonstrate my lab skills, my knowledge of lab equipment, ways to improve accuracy and reliability of a scientific investigation, my ability to read scales, read and interpret graphs and diagrams.
    I can communicate my understanding of separating mixtures in written form

    Activities:

    1. Assessment - EP Diagnostic
    2. Practical assessment - Making and investigating cottage cheese
    3. EOT revision - Separating mixtures - exam style questions

    Further Learning:
    All resources in Google Classroom


  • SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

    Avoid on weekends in school holidays - Review of Whakapapa - Mt Ruapehu,  Whakapapa, New Zealand - Tripadvisor

  • Term 3 Week 1-2

    Kia ora Year 9s

    This term we will being to explore energy, and how we utilise that power everyday. 
    Our context this term is The Power of Haora. Within this context, our goal is to be able to describe different forms of energy, and how the transformation of energy creates and enhances our experiences of everyday life!

    Success Criteria:

    I can recall and apply the Law of Energy Conservation
    I can identify different forms of energy and their sources
    I can observe and describe the series of energy transformations that occur around me
    I can conduct an investigation that demonstrates how much energy is in different types of foods
    I can compare and calculate energy efficiency
    I can read and make sense of scientific literature

    Activities:

    1. Types of energy - definitions and video
    2. Create a mindmap of different types of energy and give 3 examples each
    3. Describe energy transformations of everyday items using a flow chart
    4. Energy transformation cards - mix and match
    5. Energy transformation - Kahoot
    6. SCIPAD 83
    7. LAB - How much energy is in our food (results and calculations)
    8. LAB - Energy circus + worksheet
    9. Energy efficiency calculation and worksheet
    10. Scientific literacy - SCIPAD 85 - Energy changes inside an engine

    Further Learning:
    All resources are posted on Google Classroom


  • Term 3 Week 3-5

    Kia ora Year 9s

    Success Criteria:

    I can describe how heat transfers through different mediums
    I can describe the properties of different types of heat transfer
    I can describe parts of a waves and explain different types of waves 

    Activities:

    1. Draw a Venn diagram comparing radiation, conduction and convection
    2. Video - Conduction, convection, and radiation 
    3. Categorise everyday examples of conduction, convection, and radiation
    4. Label and explain all 3 methods of heat transfer when cooking eggs on a campfire
    5. Categorise properties of conduction, convection, and radiation
    6. LAB - expansion and contraction through heating and cooling - observe and explain
    7. LAB - conduction vs convection - observe and explain
    8. Particle theory of matter - SCIPAD 68-69
    9. LAB - heat conduction of metals + worksheets
      1. rate of heat conduction in metal rods
      2. Heating a metal ball
      3. Rate of heat conduction of different metals
    10. Brainpop - Waves + activities
    11. Waves notes - worksheet
    12. The anatomy of a wave - notes and keywords
    13. LAB - Create a gummy bear wave machines 
    14. Manipulate and describe the properties of a wave by observing a wave machine
    15. Create and explain longitudinal and transverse waves using ropes and slinky
    16. Draw waves of varying amplitude and frequency

    Further Learning:
    All learning resources are posted on Google Classroom


  • Term 3 Week 6-7

    Kia ora Year 9s,

    Success Criteria:

    I can describe the properties of sound
    I can explain how we hear sounds, using anatomical parts of the ear

    Activities:

    1. Sound definitions and properties
    2. Drawing different types of sounds of various loudness and pitch
    3. Brainpop - Sound + video + activites
    4. Sound - notes worksheet
    5. DEMO - Silencing the bell jar 
    6. Video - Cymatics 
    7. DEMO - visualising the compression and rarefaction of sound waves using speakers and water
    8. Drawing a labeled anatomical diagram of an ear, and describe the function of each part.
    9. SCIPAD page 90 - hearing sound - scientific understanding and literacy

    Further Learning:
    All resources are posted on Google Classroom


  • Term 3 Week 8

    Kia ora Year 9s,

    Success Criteria:

    I can describe the properties of light, using keywords 
    I can describe how a shadow is created, and explain how to manipulate its size and shape using light
    I can explain how a sundial works
    I can apply my understanding of light and shadows to explain how we see the moon at night

    Activities:

    1. Light powerpoint - notes
    2. Light introduction workbook
    3. Draw a labelled diagram that explains how we see the moon at night using keywords provided
    4. Create a model of a sundial and sketch the shadows of different times of the day in your books
    5. EP - revision on properties of light and colours

    Further Learning:
    All learning resources are posted on Google Classroom


  • Term 3 Week 9-10

    Kia ora akonga

    Success Criteria:

    I can identify parts of a reflection on the plane mirror 
    I have investigated how light we can manipulate reflected light using different types of mirrors 
    I can describe the effects of concave and convex mirrors on an image, and identify the focal point and point of curvature
    I can give real life examples of how different types of mirrors are helpful in our everyday lives
    i can describe and explain the refraction of light

    Activities:

    1. Video - Peppers Ghost
    2. Real life uses of mirrors
    3.  LAB- Investigating angle of incidence vs angle of reflections using plane mirrors 
    4. Light - Mirrors workbook
    5. Light - refraction workbook
    6. LAB - Light ray through a block of glass
    7. LAB - Light rays through a converging and diverging lens

    Further Learning:
    All resources on Google Classrooms


  • Term 3 School Holidays


  • Term 4 Week 1-2

    Kia ora akonga

    Success Criteria:

    I can describe how we see light in form of colours
    I can use primary coloured lights to create different colours
    I can describe parts of an eyeball and its function
    I can conduct an eyeball dissection and identify the different layers of the eye

    Activities:

    1. PHET LAB - Bending light worksheet
    2. LAB - Splitting sunlight using a prism
    3. LAB - combining colours by spinning a colour wheel
    4. LAB - combining coloured light
    5. Draw an scientific diagram of an eyeball and label
    6. Create a eyeball anatomy flipbook
    7. Cow eyeball dissection

    Further Learning:
    All resources are posted on Google Classroom


  • Term 4 Week 3-4

    Kia ora akonga

    Success Criteria:

    I can identify several lab safety signs and lab equipment
    I can identify and describe different lab techniques to seperate mixtures
    I can read scales accurately
    I can draw and label a scientific diagram following scientific conventions
    I can draw a graph using a table, using several scientific conventions
    I can interpret the data/graph given and answer exam style question

    I have prepared for my Science CAT next week

    Activities:

    1. Lab safety signs Kahoot
    2. Lab equipment and techniques worksheets
    3. Reading scales worksheet
    4. Drawing scientific diagrams and graphs 

    Further Learning:
    All learning resources are posted on Google Classroom


  • Term 4 Week 5-6

    Kia ora akonga

    Success Criteria:

    I have prepared for my Science CAT this week
    I can read and analyse an unfamiliar scientific article, and extrapolate information to answer exam style questions

    Activities:

    1. SCIENCE CAT is on Thursday 17th, Session 3-4

    1. CAT prep - ECOSYSTEMS

    Further Learning:
    All resource are posted on Google Classroom


  • Term 4 Week 7-8

    Kia ora akonga,

    Success Criteria:

    I have reflected on my time at MHJC as a Year 9 - so that when you come back next year you are your bigger and brighter selves.

    Activities:

    1. Week 7 - Tuesday 29th November - Inflatable Fun!
    2. Week 7 - Wednesday 30th November - Santa Show
    3. Week 7 - Thursday 1st November - Whanau Day Out
    4. Week 7 - Friday 2nd December - Teachers only day
    5. Week 8 - Tuesday 6th December - Prize giving

    Further Learning:
    Will be where you want it to be - you guys have been the best - make the journey fun!

    See you around next year! And have an awesome summer break!



  • Summer Holidays

    You made it!!



  • 29 August - 4 September

  • 5 September - 11 September

  • 12 September - 18 September

  • 19 September - 24 September

  • 26 September - 2 October

  • 3 October - 9 October

  • 10 October - 16 October

  • 17 October - 23 October

  • 24 October - 30 October

  • 31 October - 6 November

  • 7 November - 13 November

  • 14 November - 20 November

  • 21 November - 27 November

  • 28 November - 4 December

  • 5 December - 11 December

  • 12 December - 18 December