Sixth Grade Science News

Urbas - Science Week of Feb. 10 - 16

2012-02-10T12:39:00.000-08:00

The results are in!

Score: Students 1, Earthquakes 29.

Yes, only one tower construction was able to withstand a magnitude 9 earthquake this week. The students did a great job on their constructions, but its back to the drawing board. Oh the humanity!

Students have begun their study of fossil fuels and will be looking at available resources and supplies.
This next week they will be working with coal, oil, and natural gas by identifying resource locations, mapping those resources, and mining for results

Urbas - Science Week of Feb. 3 - 9

2012-02-03T13:10:00.001-08:00

This upcoming week in Science student towers will be tested to see how well they can withstand Mr. Urbas's awesome Earthquake Machine. Students have worked this week to build a tower capable of escaping a magnitude 9 earthquake. Wait until you see the results next week.

Urbas - Science Week of Jan. 27 - Feb. 3

2012-01-27T13:02:00.000-08:00

Students next week will start of the construction of their earthquake towers. Student teams will be attempting to engineer a tower capable of withstanding an earthquake of a magnitude 9. Stay tuned for some rockin and rollin. Pictures to follow next week.

Urbas - Science 1/20 - 26

2012-01-20T12:16:00.000-08:00

Whose fault is it anyway?

Students have been learning about the Earth's faults and they agree, there are many. Next week they will be acting Seismologists and responsible for finding the location of an earthquake located somewhere in the U.S.

Keep you ear to the ground, but not too close!

Urbas - Science Week of Jan. 13 - 19

2012-01-13T09:20:00.000-08:00

Students continue their investigations of the plates and earthquakes. This week they will focus on P & S waves and how to predict the epicenter of an earthquake. On Friday the 20th, they will take a short quiz. Look for the study guide on my BLOG.

Urbas - Science Week of Jan. 6 - 12

2012-01-06T11:55:00.001-08:00

Students have started the year studying the Earth. They will be examining the layers, faults, Tectonic plates, and how physical processes cause earthquakes and tsunami's. Stay tuned!

Urbas - Science Week of Dec. 16 - Jan 3

2011-12-16T05:03:00.001-08:00

Students have been full of season cheer and have been looking forward to the break. It is at this time I want to wish you all a wonderful holiday season! Have a great break!

For students interested in extra credit, if you have your parents take you to either the museum of Science & Industry or the Field, free days would be best, and bring back a proof of attendance, you will receive credit.

Urbas - Science Week of Dec. 9 - 15

2011-12-09T11:52:00.000-08:00

Students did several labs this week including investigations of Pulleys and Cranes, Belt Pulley Systems, and Levers.

Ask your student to identify the type of pulley in the pictured crane and they should be able to name and identify the Mechanical Advantage of it.

Next week, gears and "fishing".

Urbas - Science Week of Dec. 1 - 8

2011-12-01T14:51:00.000-08:00

Students this week have been working on structures and levers built to examine properties of machines. Next week they will be constructing two types of pulleys systems, line and belt pulleys. They will be investigating mechanical advantage, speed, direction of motion, and torque.

Stay tuned.

Urbas - Science Week of Nov. 22 - 31

2011-11-22T11:53:00.001-08:00

Students this week started on their LEGO investigations of machines. They are going to be working with levers and pulleys and machine systems next week.

There will also be a test on "Work & Machines" and the study guide can be found on my BLOG.

Have a great Thanksgiving and enjoy the weekend.

Urbas - Science Week of Nov. 18 - 25

2011-11-18T11:51:00.000-08:00

Students next week will start their investigations of machines using LEGO kits. They will be constructing machines to perform various tasks and they will evaluate motion, forces, torque, Mechanical Advantage, and speed. Keep watching!

Urbas - Science Week of Nov. 11 - 17

2011-11-10T12:50:00.000-08:00

Students have started their investigations of Newton's Three Laws of Motion this week and next week will finish them. They will also be starting a unit of discovery of machines using LEGO kits. Students will be building many different machines and investigating the forces that surround and control them.

Urbas - Science Week of Nov. 4 - 10

2011-11-04T12:32:00.000-07:00

Students this week started their investigations of pulleys. Next week they will do one lab with pulleys and then work on Newton's three Laws of Motion.

Urbas - Science Week of Oct. 28 - Nov. 3

2011-10-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

Students next week will be working on pulleys and levers. They will construct a paper lever in order to find the mass of a coin and will start their investigations of pulleys. I am not pulley-ing your leg.

Urbas - Science Week of Oct. 21 - 27

2011-10-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

Students this week have started their investigations of speed and motion and levers. Next week they will continue their work on finding how fast they can travel in addition to how to balance a lever and the differences between mass and weight.

Sounds like infinity.

Urbas - Science Week of Oct. 14 - 21

2011-10-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

Students this week have started their investigations of machines. They will be working with concepts of motion, speed, kinetic and potential energy and many other areas in the upcoming weeks.

The 6th grade will also be taking a field trip on Tuesday, Oct. 18th to the Rialto Theater in Joliet to view a series of short plays. It will be an exciting week.

Stay tuned!

Urbas - Science Week of Oct. 7 - 13

2011-10-07T12:58:00.000-07:00

Students this week finished safety and scientific method. Next week they will be taking a test on Friday covering metrics, scientific method, safety, and lab glassware. There is a study guide on my BLOG covering the material.

Students will also begin their study of force, motion, and machines next week.

Stay tuned.

Urbas - Science Week of Sept. 30 - Oct 6

2011-09-30T07:14:00.000-07:00

Students this past week have been working with the Scientific Method and next week will be working with lab glassware and safety in the lab.

On Saturday Oct. 1st, there is an extra credit option available for students. They need to go with their parents to the Downers Grove Sanitary District Open House and take a tour of the facilities. The tour is free and the facility is open from 9am to 12 am Saturday morning. To receive credit, a student must bring back the certificate of attendance to class. For more information, see my blog under Extra Credit.

Urbas - Science Week of Sept. 23 - 29

2011-09-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

Students this week have finished their investigations of unknowns and were very successful in identifying the "mystery objects". Next week they will be developing that idea further with the designing of an experiment to test buoyancy and will start working with the Scientific Method more. Stay tuned.

Urbas - Science Week of Sept. 16 - 22

2011-09-16T12:50:00.001-07:00

Students this week have been working on the concept of density and next week will be using the concept to measure and identify nine unknown specimens. They will be using volume and mass to solve the task. Stay tuned.

There will also be a quiz on Friday, September 23rd covering metrics and measurement. A study guide will available on Monday.

Urbas - Science Week of Sept. 9 - 15

2011-09-09T14:53:00.000-07:00

Students this week worked on the concept of volume and did labs relating to it. Next week they will be learning how to use a Triple Beam Balance to find the mass of objects and will be working toward the concept of density by the end of the week. Stay tuned.

Urbas - Science Week of Sept. 2 -8

2011-09-02T14:49:00.000-07:00

Students this week worked on their measuring skills using metric tools. They measured length and width and also made calculations based on the area of various shapes in the lab. Next week they will be combining that skill with and added dimension of height to create a three dimensional volume concept. Stay tuned!

Urbas - Science Week of August 26 - September 1

2011-08-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to 6^th Grade

Mr. Urbas

Science 6^th Grade

I would like to welcome all of the new students to Lakeview Junior High whether you come from Prairieview or another school. Your next years will be filled with new challenges, opportunities, and possibilities.

I teach science in the sixth grade and have been doing so at Lakeview for the past 17 years. In addition to teaching, I also coach Cross Country, a sport I encourage you as a sixth grader to participate in during the fall. I also coordinate a Science Club in the spring which is open to all students in which we perform various experiments that are not a part of the science curriculum at Lakeview.

The science curriculum in sixth grade is one based on the studies of Earth and Physical Science. The class has an emphasis on hands on activities and the lab is a major part of the curriculum. Students are expected to participate and act in a safe manner whenever working in the lab setting. Units of study include metrics, safety, machines, geology, plate tectonics, color and light, astronomy, and topography.

The curriculum is matched to state standards and is designed for the student to be successful during the process. Required work consists of daily work, pre-labs, lab assessments and quizzes and tests. To be successful a student needs to complete the work in a timely manner. Specific rules and procedures will be given out to each individual student in the fall at the start of the year to be reviewed by the student and parents both.

I can be reached by accessing my e mail at:

murbas@ccsd66.org

(630) 783-5035

Please feel free to contact me and I hope to see you at the Parent Open house sponsored at Lakeview.

Urbas - Science Week of June 3 - 7

2011-06-06T05:42:00.000-07:00

The school year is winding down and the sixth grade students are busy finishing their Lip Sync's and cleaning out lockers and materials.

I want to take this time to congratulate the recent 8th grade graduates and wish them luck next year wherever they are going to school.

Enjoy summer!

Urbas - Science Week of April 27 - May 2

2011-05-27T13:10:00.001-07:00

Students have been using compasses like the one on the left to make and take map and field bearings. They are starting to work with directions and creating maps and following other student maps. Next week they will be doing orienteering and working in depth with Topographic maps.

Urbas - Science Week of May 20 - 26

2011-05-19T12:51:00.001-07:00

Students are now working with maps and
compasses in class and will be measuring and making their own maps of the Lakeview Campus. They will be orienteering around the area and trying to find their way using a magnetic compass, by way of directional bearings. Keep your eyes open for "lost souls".

Urbas - Science Week of May 13 - 19

2011-05-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

Students spent this week inside of the "Starlab" Planetarium, learning about stars, constellations, galaxies, and the universe. Next week they will be finishing up Astronomy and starting on their studies of Topography and Mapping. They will be working with compasses and orienteering at Lakeview. Don't get lost!

Next Friday, May 20th will also be a test on Astronomy.

Urbas - Science Week of May 6 - 12

2011-05-06T09:16:00.001-07:00

Students are continuing their study of the universe and this upcoming week will be using the Starlab Planetarium dome in class. They will be inside an inflatable dome and will see constellations, study ancient mythology, celestial coordinates, and galaxies. It promises to be enlightening.

Urbas - Science Week of April 29 - May 5

2011-04-29T12:02:00.000-07:00

Students this week were extremely busy with the MAP testing and all their regular classes. In addition we had the music department go with the bands to Gatlinburg, TN for a music festival. To say things are not hectic around here is an understatement!

In Science, students continue their examinations of the stars and next week they will be using Astrolabes and finding the distance to various "stars" in the classroom using a technique called Parallax. Students will also be building their own "Starfinders" for use at home.

Stay turned and don't forget to look up!

Urbas - Science Week of April 21 - 27

2011-04-21T08:42:00.001-07:00

Students have begun their investigations into the field of astronomy. In the next few weeks we will be studying stars, constellations, galaxies, and the universe. Students will be doing many activities relating to the sun and all aspects of the universe.

Keep your eyes open for more information.

Urbas - Science Week of April 15 - 21

2011-04-14T11:39:00.001-07:00

Students this week have been working on labs relating to falling objects, pendulums, and projectile motion sponsored by the American Physical Society. The labs are designed to follow a theme and solve a problem using experiment results as a key. Below are pictures of some students engaged in timing the period of a pendulum and measuring its swing. These labs will wrap up on Monday and we will be sending in our results to see if students can win a prize for their participation. Stay tuned!

The time is right!

Measure the length of the pendulum arm.

Urbas - Science Week of April 8 - 14

2011-04-11T05:30:00.000-07:00

Students are continuing their investigations of light this week and next week they will be participating in a series of experiments that are offered by the American Physical Society in which they will be trying to solve a problem based on experiments they conduct in groups. Stay tuned.

Urbas - Science Week of March 25 - April 4

2011-03-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

A summary:

Students have just finished a quiz on material covered in our Light unit.

Spring break is here and many students are going to various places around the country.

Now if Spring would just arrive here!

When school returns next month, students will continue to investigate Light and Color, and will be working with colors and pigments. Stay tuned.

New information is that Science Club has started for the Spring and if you are interested, stop by and see Mr. Urbas for an application.

Students pictured are working on determining their "Blind Spots" in their vision.

Urbas - Science Week of March 18 - 24

2011-03-18T12:47:00.000-07:00

This week students have continued their search for the speed of light and reflections. They calculated the distance light travels in a year and determined how far the star Alpha Centauri is from the Earth.

In the pictures below, students are working to prove that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. They are using a light and a protractor to measure the angles.

"I think you have an angle for this."

Urbas - Science Week of March 11 - 17

2011-03-11T10:27:00.001-08:00

Students this week have been investigating light and its effects. The visual you see on the right is an illusion showing how our eyes can trick the mind.

Students below are experimenting with the path a beam of light follows. They observed that light always travels in a straight line unless that beam is reflected, refracted, or obstructed.

We will be continuing with color and light investigations this upcoming week.

Aligning the beam of light.

Trying to reflect the beam.

Urbas - Science Week of March 4 - 10

2011-03-03T16:07:00.000-08:00

Students are beginning their investigations of Light and Color this week. We have just finished our yearly ISAT tests, the kids are happy, and now we are in the third trimester of the school year. In the next few weeks we will be working with lenses, prisms, mirrors and color mixing using pigments and plastics. Stay tuned.

Urbas - Science Week of Feb 25 - March 3

2011-02-25T11:48:00.000-08:00

Students this week have been working on mining and minerals. They worked as "miners" in order to try and determine whether an area was rich enough in mineral deposits to be profitable. The picture on the left shows a team probing a sample area and mapping the percentage of deposits in relation to land area.

Next week we are starting ISAT testing and students will be working on experiments based on Color and Light.

There is also an extra credit option available for Saturday Feb. 26. Information can be found on my BLOG home page under Extra Credit. All students need to do is go to the program and bring back proof of participation.

Urbas - Science Week of Feb. 18 - 25

2011-02-18T11:18:00.000-08:00

Students this week tested the strength of their Tower constructions against Mr. Urbas's Epicenter Earthquake Machine. The students worked for approximately a week on their constructions, sharing ideas and strategies with their teamates. When the final day came, they were ready.

Although several of the Towers were able to withstand a Richter Scale rating of 7, not one was able to withstand the total 9 the machine can generate. This is the first time the machine actually won the battle against all contestants. At the end, most students wanted another shot at beating the Epicenter Machine. Some pictures are below.

Typical Tower with plates on three levels to simulate the load of a building.

This Tower was leaning a little bit before the start of the earthquake.

The remains of what once was a three story Tower at a Richter Scale reading of 7.

Urbas - Science Week of Feb. 11 - 17

2011-02-11T12:09:00.001-08:00

This week in class, students put their finishing touches on their Tower constructions. Below are picture three of the groups that have made great progress in the process. On Monday, the Towers will be subjected to earthquake stresses up to a level of nine on the Richter Scale. Next week there should be some great pictures of the experiment. Stay tuned!

"All three levels are where they should be".

"Colorful and simple".

"I don't think everything is on the level"!

Urbas - Science Week of Feb. 4 - 10

2011-02-04T12:47:00.000-08:00

Students have been busy this week building their Towers in class. That is until Wednesday, Groundhog's day, when we received a small amount of snow. Due to this minor problem, the Towers will not be due until Wednesday of next week. Below are some pictures of happy groups.

Three platforms done!

One level down, two to go!

Happiness is an almost complete Tower!

Urbas - Science Week of Jan 28 - Feb 3

2011-01-28T10:36:00.001-08:00

Students this week in Science have been working as Seismologists in order to determine the epicenter of an earthquake in the U.S. Pictured below are two groups who are using using triangulation to find the spot an earthquake occurred from seismic wave data.

This week they are working in groups to try to assemble a structure to withstand Mr. Urbas's famous Earthquake machine. Pictures of that project will be in the upcoming weeks. Stay tuned.

Student predictions of where did that earthquake start?

It has got to be in this area!

Urbas - Science Week of Jan 21 - 27

2011-01-21T09:10:00.000-08:00

Students continue to investigate the Earth and the concepts associated with it.

Next week they will start on how to determine exactly where an earthquake occurs just like an actual seismologist does. The process is done using triangulation based on information received at a recording station. Keep tuned in.

Urbas - Science Week of Jan. 14 - 20.

2011-01-14T09:29:00.000-08:00

Students this week have been trying to reconstruct the original continent of Pangaea, "one land". By using clues based on scientific observation, students should be able to reassemble the continent.
This upcoming week, they will be learning about faults, what causes them and the results of movement. Whose fault is it anyway?

Urbas - Science Week of Jan. 7 - 13

2011-01-07T11:48:00.000-08:00

Students are back from the Christmas break and have started investigating the Earth in relation to it's layers and Plate Tectonics this week. Included are pictures from the suggestion of Mrs. Maass in Social Studies that show "Arnold" in a "Pangaea, the SUPERCONTINENT" pose. SS and Sci have been collaborating on the study of Pangaea recently and the kids really enjoyed the connection. The students are also doing their best "Arnold" pose.

Arnold looks ready to hold up the continent.

Parents, the new set of notes from the unit on Plate Tectonics and Earthquakes has been posted on my blog.

Urbas - Science Weeks of Dec. 17 - Jan 3

2010-12-17T09:24:00.000-08:00

Students in class are in a festive mood as the holiday break looms. Here class is finishing a project in which they are building a conveyor system using the LEGO kits.

We are wrapping up the unit and when students return next year they will start shaking up the world studying Plate Tectonics and earthquakes!

Stay tuned.

Urbas - Science Week of Dec. 10 - 16

2010-12-10T11:23:00.000-08:00

Students continue to work on machines using their LEGO kits and this week evaluated pulleys and gears. For fun Friday, they built a car with the idea of seeing who could make theirs go the fastest. See the pictures below.

"The 54 gram weight has to help make it go faster!"

Ready to measure!

Urbas - Science Week of Dec 3 - 9

2010-12-06T05:28:00.000-08:00

This has been a short but busy past week at Lakeview. The students pictured below have studied pulleys and cranes and evaluated mechanical advantage of various machines.

This week they will work with gears and determine what combinations work best for different applications.

Concentration is the key.

It worked and didn't fall down!

The class is demonstrating rotation.

Urbas - Science Week of Nov. 26 - Dec. 2

2010-11-23T08:39:00.000-08:00

We had a short week at Lakeview this week and the students were busy with Lego activities. They have worked with Structures and will be doing labs with levers and pulleys next week. Stay tuned.

Urbas - Science Week of Nov. 19 - 25

2010-11-19T09:18:00.000-08:00

Students this week have been introduced to machines via the use of LEGO kits. In the upcoming weeks, they will be constructing machines to examine work, power, mechanical advantage, speed, and in general, simple machines.

Below are some groups getting used to the individual parts.

Always smiling for the camera.

"I think it goes this way".

"Does this need a connector peg or a bushing".

Urbas - Science Week of Nov. 12 - 18

2010-11-12T12:03:00.000-08:00

Students this week will be starting their investigations of machines using LEGO machine kits. They will be constructing various examples of actual machines that they have been studying. Stay tuned.

This week also starts a new feature on my BLOG where a Study Guide will be available for students to download and complete prior to a test. Look for it in the upper right hand side of my BLOG.

Below are pictures of students using balloons and straws to try Newton's 3rd Law.

I knew I could do it!

Success is getting it to spin.

Urbas - Science Week of Nov. 5 - 11

2010-11-08T05:49:00.000-08:00

This has been a busy week in Science this week. Students worked on Pulleys and built three different types. They also worked on Newton's 1st Law of Motion.

Student trying to determine the effect of one washer hitting a pile and Newton's 1st Law.

If you pull the card really fast....

Urbas - Science Week of Oct. 29 - Nov. 4

2010-11-01T05:01:00.000-07:00

The 6th grade students this week made and used a paper lever to find the mass of several coins as pictured.

Nice balance.

Just about right!

Students also used spring scales to compare mass to weight. The lab was a busy place.

Something new has been added to my Blog, there is a posting of all my science notes that are being used in the current machine unit. As we go through the school year, I will be updating each unit so students will be able to access anything they might have missed in class. There will also be a section on Study Guides prior to any test or quiz. stay tuned.

Urbas - Science Week of Oct. 22 - 28

2010-10-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

Students this week will be engaged in labs with levers to determine the mass of coins, Spring Scales to compare the concepts of mass and weight, and will be introduced to the pulley. The machines are coming.

Also under construction will be a section that will be accessible in the future in order to copy notes and concepts in class. Keep watching!

Notes:

Urbas - Science Week of Oct. 15 - 21

2010-10-15T11:39:00.001-07:00

Students have been working with the simple machines this week and next week will start to investigate in depth the lever, and mass. They will be using spring scales and balances to compare weight and mass in addition to balancing levers both mathematically and physically.

Urbas - Science Week of Oct. 8 - 14

2010-10-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

Students this week did an experiment on buoyancy where they had to make a film canister float, sink, and hover in water. There are two good pictures below. Sometimes success can be overwhelming.

"I got it to hover"!

Next week starts speed and machines.

Urbas - Science Week of October 1 - 7

2010-10-01T07:13:00.000-07:00

Students have been working with Lab Glassware recently and are pictured here doing a lab practical.

It looks like someone is playing "Hide and Seek" with the beaker. The view is easier from this level.

There is an extra credit option available this weekend on Saturday October 2nd. Parents will need to take their students to the 21st Annual Downers Grove Sanitary District Open House located at 5003 Walnut Ave., Downers Grove. It is located 3 blocks north of Maple Avenue on Walnut. The facility will run tours every 20 minutes starting at 9:00 am, and will be open until noon. A certificate will be issued to each student attending and they will need to bring it back to Mr. Urbas in class next week for credit.

Urbas - Science Week of Sept. 24 - 30

2010-09-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

Students this week have been working with samples of unknown specimens and by measuring and calculating the volume and finding the mass, have been able to determine the objects density. Then by comparing the answers to a known density chart, they were able to make a prediction as to the identity of the specimen. Ah, Science.

Next week, liquid measurement.

There is an extra credit possibility available. To receive credit students must attend the Downers Grove Sanitary Open House, Saturday Oct 2.

It will be open for tours between 9:00am and

noon. The best part is it is free and a family

event. More to come this Friday.

Urbas - Science Week of Sept. 17 - 23

2010-09-17T11:32:00.000-07:00

Students have been working with various samples of materials and have been finding density of those objects. Next week they will be working on an "Unknown Specimen " lab and will be trying to determine the identity of nine different materials using the density concept.

Next week there will also be a Metric Quiz on Wednesday, the 22nd. Material covered will be of the following:

Metric units
Metric conversions
Area
Volume
Density
Base number of the metric system
Triple Beam Balance parts
Measuring with a ruler

All students are encouraged to bring a ruler and a calculator to class that day.

Urbas - Science Week of Sept. 10 - 17

2010-09-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

Students this week had labs that featured finding the area and volume of various objects in the science room. Next week they will learn how to operate a triple beam balance and start to put together the concepts of volume and mass to find the density of an object. We will see if it floats.

Urbas - Science Week of September 3 - 9

2010-09-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

Students have been working with the metric system this week and are starting to put concepts together. They will be working with area and volume next week and constructing a cube to use in a future lab on volume and density. Stay tuned.

Urbas - Science Week of August 27 - September 2

2010-08-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome back students!

It has been a great summer and I am sure you are energized and ready to begin the new year.

This year the 6th grade will be doing something old and something new in the lab. I have several new ideas that will unfold during the year, stay tuned.

Urbas - Science Week of May 21 - 27

2010-05-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

Students have begun using magnetic compasses and are shown mapping a compass course for others to follow.

"Are you sure this is the right way"?

Urbas - Science Week of May 14 - 20

2010-05-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

Student this week in science class were able to participate in the use of the Starlab dome pictured in my classroom. The dome is essentially a tent that upon entering, students are in total darkness and are able to view the stars and constellations as if they were outdoors.

Pictured here are four students that participated this year in the Argonne/CNH solar car competition in Burr Ridge last Saturday. They built the car on the table and raced against teams from nineteen other schools in some tough competition. A fun time was had by all.

Urbas - Science 5/10

2010-05-10T10:21:00.000-07:00

None today.

Urbas - Science Week of May 7 - 13

2010-05-07T13:11:00.000-07:00

Students are continuing their investigations of the Universe and next week will be examining the constellations in detail. They will become very familiar with ten common constellations and be able to identify where they are located in the night sky.

Urbas - Science 4/30 - 5/6

2010-04-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

Students this week will be using their Starfinders to locate constellations in the night sky, weather permitting. They should be able to explain how to find the Big Dipper, pointer stars, and the North Star. They will also be able to use their Astrolabes to determine the approximate elevations of various constellations. Keep those eyes open!

Urbas - Science Week of April 23 - 29

2010-04-23T06:40:00.000-07:00

Students this week have begun their study and investigations of the stars and universe. They will be examining all aspects of the universe and will be looking up to see what is really up there.

Keep your eyes open!

Urbas - Science Week of April 15 - 22

2010-04-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

Students for the past two weeks have been studying water and what effects it has on their environment and life. They ran percolation tests and questioned how wells can pollute the environment.

Starting this week we will be starting a unit on Astronomy. We will be focusing on stars, galaxies, and the universe in general. Keep your eyes open!

Urbas - Science Week of April 9 - 15

2010-04-09T11:50:00.001-07:00

Students have started studying about water and how it will be a factor in their lives in the future. Resources will be examined and factors such as pollution and availability will be considered.

We will be examining pollution sources as well as wells and what can affect them.

Urbas - Science Weeks of March 26 - April 8

2010-03-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

Student this week in sixth grade finished their investigations of Color and Light and now have a brighter future. They learned many things about how light affects themselves and why color is what it looks like. When they return from Spring Break in a week, they will be examining the importance of water in our world.

The pictures below are from the Lakeview Skating party after school last Monday. Fun was had by all who attended.

Those wheels keep on turning!

Looks like a great place to play "Crack the Whip"!

Urbas - Science Week of March 19 - 25

2010-03-19T11:29:00.001-07:00

This week in Science Class, students investigated lenses, created the color spectrum, and learned how eye hand coordination affects what they do. They will be finishing their experiments next week in time for a relaxing Spring Break.

The sixth grade also went on a field trip and saw the play "Suessical the Musical" at Hinsdale High School on Wednesday. What a week!

Students continue to investigate light and here we see a student using a prism the separate light into it's component colors.

"Hold still, it keeps on moving"!

A sure sign of Spring, flowers growing in Mr. Urbas's yard.

Urbas - Science Week of March 12 - 18

2010-03-11T15:33:00.001-08:00

Students have finished their experiments using Lasers and Led's this week the class results have been submitted and they are awaiting their scores. The Color and Light unit moves into filters and how different colors of light affect what the eye can perceive.

Some of the 6th Grade Team at the Willis (Sears) Tower on the observation level. Notice how their seem to be standing midair.

Mr. Urbas, Mrs. Snodgrass, and Mrs. Crews enjoy the afternoon.

Urbas - Science Week of March 5 - 11

2010-03-05T11:28:00.001-08:00

Student this week in class have been using lasers to perform several experiments involving wavelength, measuring hair and colors. This is in addition to their taking ISAT tests and they have had a full week.

These students are in the process of finding a wavelength.

Measuring the wave change through Diffraction Grating Cloth.

Careful with that laser!

Urbas - Science Week of Feb. 26 - March 4

2010-02-26T05:19:00.000-08:00

Students this upcoming week will be working on experiments based on Lasers and their applications. They will be measuring the wavelength of a laser in addition to trying to find the thickness of a hair and how things glow in the dark. In addition 6th grade will be taking their annual ISAT tests, which will make for a busy week.

Urbas - Science Week of Feb. 19 - 25

2010-02-19T07:29:00.000-08:00

Students are continuing to see the light in science class and this week will be working with angles of reflection in addition to determining the speed of light and how long it would take to get to another star.

There is extra credit available for Saturday in 6th grade and to gain it students need to go to the Du Page Area Engineers Week at the IIT campus located at 201 East Loop Road, Wheaton. (630) 682-6000

Displays and presentations will run all day and it is open from 11:00 through 3:30. The best part is that it is also free. Please bring back proof of attendance.

Urbas - Science Week of Feb 12 - 18

2010-02-12T08:00:00.001-08:00

Students this week have begun a study of Color and Light in science and in the upcoming weeks will be experimenting with equipment such as lasers and prisms in addition to using various pigments. It will be a colorful time in class.

Urbas - Science Week of Feb. 5 - 11

2010-02-05T13:20:00.000-08:00

Students this week have been busy building their towers that will be tested Monday to see if they can withstand Mr. Urbas's Earthquake Machine. Students engineered their constructions and as of Friday were confident that they will be successful. Below are some typical examples.

Thumbs up on this design!

"Are you sure it's supposed to go there"?

"Easy does it".

The guy on the right seems to be praying.

Urbas - Science Week of Jan 29 - Feb 4

2010-01-29T11:12:00.001-08:00

Students have picked their groups for the project
to build a structure like the one pictured to
withstand Mr. Urbas's Earthquake Machine. They will be constructing their towers this week and next week pictures will be posted of many of their constructions. Stay tuned.

Urbas - Science Week of Jan 22 - 28

2010-01-22T07:32:00.001-08:00

Students have been working with the idea of how earthquakes are located using P & S waves. Next week they will actually find the location of an earthquake by using data and calculating the epicenter of an earthquake in the US. Shocking!

Urbas - Science Week of Jan 15 - 21

2010-01-15T12:43:00.000-08:00

This has been a terribly sad week for the people of Haiti with their earthquake that was a 7 on the Richter Scale. The 6th grade has just started studying about Plate Tectonics and earthquakes and they have a real understanding of what occurs. The picture at left shows some of the devastation in Haiti this week from the earthquake.

Students next week will be learning how to find the location of an earthquake from the waves it produces and will become Lakeview's latest group of Seismologists.

Urbas - Science Week of Jan 8 - 14

2010-01-08T12:45:00.000-08:00

Students have begun their studies on the Earth. They will be examining the Faults, Plate Tectonics and the basic structure and causes of earthquakes in the upcoming weeks.

They will also find out just "whose fault it is".

Urbas - Science Weeks Dec. 18 - Jan 1

2009-12-18T07:36:00.000-08:00

Holiday break is here and there is no homework.

There is an extra credit option available for students. To participate, students can go to a museum, Sci, Field, or the zoo, etc. You must bring back a proof of admission with the date, or an exhibit brochure with a note on it from Mom or Dad saying you attended on what date. You can go to a maximum of two different museums over break.

Do you know what this is below?

Scroll down.

Frosty the Snowman's Baby Picture.

Happy Holidays!

Urbas - Science Week of Dec. 11 - 17

2009-12-11T06:22:00.000-08:00

Students this week have been build and evaluating several different Lego constructions that involved pulleys and gears. They have been investigating Mechanical Advantage and what it means to a machine and the work it performs.

Next week there will be a test on machines and students will be finishing up their machine building.

Below are students working on various constructions.

Since we are also at the holiday time of the year, won't you please help out this charity, it doesn't cost anything more than your time every day.

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/

"Did you see what we built"?

A successful day in the lab.

Urbas - Science Week of Dec. 4 - 10

2009-12-03T14:41:00.001-08:00

Science this week has been all about Lego's and what can be done with them. Students have learned the basic assembly of several prototypes and have also built various structure that have characteristics they will be using in the future.

These students have been building some amazing machines that shown how conveyors work as shown in the photos below.

It's all aligned.

It works, just like we thought it would!

Urbas - Science Week of Nov 27 - Dec 3

2009-11-24T13:05:00.000-08:00

Students have begun their work with Legos and have had a great although short week. The Thanksgiving holiday will recharge their batteries and for the next few weeks before winter break they will be examining all types of machines using lego kits.

Urbas - Science Week of Nov. 20 - 26

2009-11-20T13:25:00.000-08:00

Students have started the unit on LEGO machines this week and are excited about using "toys" in class. Little do they know that there is actually real science content that they will be exploring. The introductory aspect of learning the part names took place this week and next week they will start building structures and working models using Lego's.

"We want to build".

Urbas - Science Week of Nov. 13 - 18

2009-11-13T11:02:00.000-08:00

Students are working with Newton's Three Laws of Motion at the current time. They are starting to understand why events occur and what the results are. The laws can be tied to football games and rockets and many occurrences they come into contact with daily.

Happy Friday the 13th, by the way.

Urbas - Science Week of Nov. 6 - 12

2009-11-06T08:43:00.000-08:00

Students this week started their investigations of pulleys and have started to realize some of the uses for them. As pictured, pulleys and cranes have been instrumental in the building of our country and important buildings.

Next week students will continue to explore the pulley system and will lift objects, themselves included to new heights.

Urbas - Science Week of Oct. 30 - Nov. 5

2009-10-30T10:38:00.000-07:00

We had a great week in science this past week with students working on the difference between weight and mass. They should understand that weight is a function of gravity and mass is just the "stuff" something is made of. Mass doesn't change but weight can because of a planets gravity. (Oh, also the amount of candy consumed also.)

There was also a field trip which the kids enjoyed thoroughly on "Mathemagic", ask about it.

Next week we will be working with pulleys and it will be an uplifting experience.

Have a safe Halloween!

Urbas - Science Week of Oct. 23 - 29

2009-10-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

Students this week examined the concept of speed and next week will be working with speed and velocity. They will also be using newton scales to develop a relationship between mass and weight.

The sixth grade will also be going on a field trip Thursday to see "Mathemagic" at College of DuPage. It sounds like a great week.

Urbas - Science Week of October 16 - 23

2009-10-16T08:01:00.001-07:00

Students have begun their investigations of simple machines starting with the lever. They will be learning how levers are in everyday use and how common they are in life.

This week also, letters are going out from the various 6th grade teachers about the upcoming conference scheduling. Please respond ASAP because it is first come, first served.

Urbas - Science 10/9 - 15

2009-10-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

Students have finished the investigations of metrics, scientific method, safety, and lab equipment. They will be beginning the study of work, power, machines and forces kinetic and potential energies next week.

The real work starts next week.

Urbas - Science Week of Oct. 2 - 9

2009-10-02T12:56:00.000-07:00

Students have been working on Science Safety rules this week and have also been using the Scientific Method. Next week there will be a test on Friday the 9th, covering density, safety, scientific method, measurement, and lab glassware.

There is an opportunity for extra credit Saturday Oct. 3. Students need to visit the Downers Grove Sanitary District at 5003 Walnut Ave. three blocks north of Maple Ave. at the Burlington tracks. The facility opens at 9:00 am and tours begin at 9:15 and run until 12:00, every 20 minutes. Students will receive a certificate for attendance and need to bring it in to me for proof of attendance.

Urbas - Science Week of Sept. 25 - Oct. 1

2009-09-25T11:50:00.000-07:00

Students have been applying the concept of density to an objects ability to float or sink. This week students were challenged to make a film canister float, sink and hover in a beaker of water. Some of the results can be seen below.

Just a little more water.

That should be about right.

Wait, it's supposed to sink!

Next week students will be concentrating on safety and the scientific method in science.

See you then.

There is an opportunity for extra credit for students this Saturday, Oct. 3. Students can visit the Downers Grove Sanitary District and take the tour from 9:00 am - noon on Saturday. Tours start every 20 minutes and upon completion, students will receive a certificate of attendance and bring that in to show to me next week.

Address: DGSD

5003 Walnut Ave.

Downers Grove

The location is three blocks north of Maple Ave. at the Burlington railroad tracks.

Urbas - Science Week of Sept. 18 - 24

2009-09-18T05:33:00.000-07:00

Students are continuing their work learning about and using various science equipment. This week they worked on the concept of density and measured volumes and mass in order to calculate density of different objects. Next week they will be working on my "Unknown Specimen Lab" in which they will determine the density of nine blocks and determine from what material they are made of. More to follow.

Below are some pictures of measuring lab specimens.

Finding the mass of a block.

"I know our calculations are correct".

"What do you think it measures"?

Urbas - Science Week of Sept. 11 - 17

2009-09-11T05:42:00.000-07:00

Students have been working on metric units this past week and in the upcoming week will be introduced to the Triple Beam Balance and they will learn how to operate it in relation to the mass of objects.

During the Open House Curriculum Night this week at Lakeview, Mrs. Snodgrass and her twin Mr. Urbas are seen posing for the upcoming "Twin days".

Urbas - Science Week of Sept. 4 - 10.

2009-09-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

Students have been busy this week with metric measurements and working on area problems. They will be using these units throughout their years at Lakeview and beyond.

This week they are adding volume measurements and will be working on labs that require them to make accurate measurements in centimeters and millimeters. The big assignment this week will be to determine the volume of our classroom. Stay tuned.

Urbas - Science Week of August 28 - Sept. 3

2009-08-28T06:08:00.000-07:00

Welcome Back students! I hope your summer was fun and you all had a great time. School is back and I will weekly update this Blog to keep you up with current events in 6th grade and other items of interest.

The start of the year is always exciting and I have an extra credit possibility available this weekend. You and your parents can go to Argonne National labs on Saturday and take in the exhibits. Go to this site for more info:

The Argonne Open House is Saturday August 29, 9:00 – 4:30.
http://www.anl.gov/Community_and_Environment/Open_House.html

To receive extra credit, you must bring in some proof that you attended the open house on Saturday to me next week.

Urbas - Science 5/29 - 6/5

2009-05-29T06:05:00.000-07:00

Students are working with maps and compasses and have been learning about direction. They have been making their own maps and tests for other students and learning about how to give and take directions. Next week they will continue to work with their compasses and will be trying to follow an orienteering course.

Urbas - Science 5/15

2009-05-15T12:57:00.000-07:00

Students have finished their study of the universa and next week will begin the study of maps and topogrqaphy with the use of compass's. They will be learning the use of map and compass and will be working toward being proficient in orienteering.