Statistics - How good is "good enough"?

In both Chemistry and Physics, students analyze data.  Typical student answers when it comes to accepting or rejecting data include data points being "close", "really close", "kind of close", "sort of close", etc.  In order to determine mathematically whether or not to accept certain data points, we use simple forms of standard deviation and outlier determination.  Although we will cover this in depth in class, here are some additional helpful resources:

Standard Deviation (ST DEV)

• Math Is Fun (ST DEV)
• About.com (ST DEV)
• Missouri University Psychology
• University of Florida - ST DEV on Calculators
• U-Conn ST DEV in Excel
• PSU - Spreadsheets in Google Docs

Outlier Determination

• Outliers Using Box-and-Whisker Plots
• WikiHow Outlier Calculation Steps
• Excel Outlier Steps (pdf)
• Simple Outlier Steps (pdf)

Organizational Systems for Class Materials

Students in Chemistry and Physics will need some sort of "organizational system" to maintain class materials.  Since there are no textbooks for Chemistry or Physics, organizing class materials becomes essential to the success of students.  Most students gravitate to a 3-ring binder system, or a collection of folders and notebooks.  Either one will work as long as it is maintained!  Students also need a report folder with three metal clips to use as a reference binder.

Connection Charts

This year I'm trying a new organizational tool for my classes called "Connection Charts".  These charts explain the thought process behind a given unit, and list what's covered and assigned daily as we go through the unit.  They are a "work in process", so hopefully they'll improve!  The charts are created in Excel, so there may be some translation issues with Google.

Here are the connection charts for the first units in Chem 11, Chem 12, and Physics 12…

Chemistry 11 Unit 1 Connection Chart

Chemistry 12 Unit 1 Connection Chart

Physics 12 Connection Chart Unit 1

Weekly Lessons and Links (8/25-8/29)

Chemistry 11

• Google "Chemistry lab equipment" for possible pages to put in your reference manual.  You can have a maximum of three pages.
• Good links for lab equipment review (BE CAREFUL FOR SLIGHT DIFFERENCES IN NAMING!!) - Chem Lab Equipment Quizlet #1, Chem Lab Equipment Quizlet #2, Chemistry Equipment Blog
• Flinn Science Safety Contract
• The Ultimate Lab Safety Video
• Burner Lighting Steps for Reference Manual

Chemistry 12

• General Chemistry Review #1
• General Chemistry Review #2
• General Chemistry Review #2 Answers

Physics 12

• "Build A Square" Short Lab

Green Devil Science Twitter Account

In order to keep the technology ball rolling, in addition to this blog, I have also started a "Green Devil Science" Twitter account.  This account will be mainly for quick reminders about upcoming due dates and tests.  You can find me at "Eric Dralle@greendevilsci"!  Look for this icon…

Chemistry Goggles

Students in Chemistry 11 and Chemistry 12 are required to wear goggles for any lab experiments involving glassware, chemicals, or fire.  Lab goggles must be impact and splash resistant with NO open venting to the sides.  Covered vents are acceptable.  Students should have these goggles when they return from Labor Day vacation.  They will not be necessary before that time.  The pictures below show possible examples.

Acceptable (covered vents)

Acceptable (covered vents)

NOT Acceptable (open vents)

Useful First Day Documents!

Here are the grading sheet and lab report guidelines handed out during the first few days of class.

Science Unit Grade Sheet (Excel)

Chemistry 11/12 Lab Report Requirements

Physics 12 Lab Report Requirements

How Important is Mindset?

Over the summer, I read the book "Mindset" by Dr. Carol Dweck.  This insightful book explains many successes and failures in life as being attributed to "mindset".  I felt it was an important enough topic that it should be shared with students.  Here are some links explaining the concept of "mindset" and a quick mindset quiz.

Developing a Growth Mindset - The Key to Improving Your Grades

Mindset Powerpoint

Mindset Quiz Assignment

Welcome to the Green Devil Science Blog!

Welcome to the 2014-15 school year and the Green Devil Science Blog!  I will attempt to post most assignments, useful links, and important messages on this site for all chemistry and physics classes, so bookmark it and refer to it often.  Good luck with the beginning of the school year and I look forward to seeing you!