Physics: Determining the coefficient of friction

The physics class is studying forces and opposing forces.  In this lab, they are determining the affects of friction forces produced by different materials (cork and carpet) and how they affect acceleration of a cart.  They are using our GLX units that allow them to connect force sensors to measure even the tiniest of forces that occur and displays them as graphs for student interpretation.

Dragging the cart across carpet to measure the friction force so they can calculate the coefficient of friction.

GLX unit used to record data

Anatomy and Physiology: The reflex arc

In anatomy, we are studying the nervous system.  Our most recent lab explored our bodies ability to subconsciously respond to external stimuli in order to maintain homoeostasis.  This response is called a reflex arc.  They experimented with the knee jerk reflex with the patellar tendon, the grip reflex and the pupil reflex in response to light.  Included in the learning was the difference between the three functional classification of nerves: motor, integrative and sensory.

Checking the knee jerk reflex.

Another knee jerk relex

How fast can you close your fingers?

and another...

Biology: Surface area to volume ratio

In Biology, we are currently studying cells.  My students are learning why cells can't keep growing and become giant monster cells that take over the world.  One of the reasons is that the surface area to volume ratio in cells decreases as the cell get larger.  This make nutrient uptake and waste removal slow down to a point where the cell could die.  The only options are to divide or die.  This is leading us into the discussion of mitosis (cell division).  Here, my students are experiencing for themselves, what effect cell size has on diffusion of a material into the cell.  The gel blocks (the cell) have an indicator in them so when the liquid (NaOH) diffuses into the cell, it turns pink.  After making measurements and calculations, they we able to determine that the effectiveness of diffusion does decrease as the cell gets larger.

Cell showing a dark area of diffusion and a light area where diffusion was not able to reach during the 6 min. time period.

Students measuring the area of diffusion of their three cells.

The three cells soaking in the NaOH solution.

Observing all three cells

Welcome!

Good Afternoon! The goal with our high school blog is to share our students learning and progress with the world. We have acknowledged the need for our students to have an authentic audience and our need to model sharing by becoming connected educators. Each week different staff members will share what is happening in their classrooms or what is going on with EGHS in general. We look forward to sharing our classrooms with you :)

Mrs. Haugland:
I have entered my fourth year at Eagle Grove, teaching science and health1. I have enjoyed becoming a part of the Eagle Grove Community and getting to know the awesome students we have here. Since the year has started we have built helmets, rollercoasters and rockets in general science. In health we have learned what it means to be drug free and added information to our "toolboxes" to help us make better decisions!

lhaugland@eagle-grove.k12.ia.us
Twitter -- @LindsayHaugland