Monthly Archives: August 2024

Chemistry 8-30-24 Density & HW Review

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CHEMISTRY: Today we looked at two things – a couple of the problems from homework last night – #12 & #16, and also density problems.

Remember, in chemistry we use math as a tool, therefore we might work problems a little differently in chemistry than you do in your math class.

When working these problems, don’t forget to follow the problem solving steps we discussed today:

  • Analyze – write down what you’re given and what you’re looking for
  • Plan – write a formula where you isolate the unknown on one side by itself
  • Compute – plug in your data, numbers and units; then cancel the units, and if they cancel correctly, go on to the calculator. Be sure and give your answer what the correct units.
  • Evaluate – does your answer make sense, have you used the correct units, do you have the correct sig figs?


Photo by Scottsdale Mint on Unsplash

Physics 8-30-24 Emily & The Tortoise & the Hare

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PHYSICS: You did a great job with the tortoise and the hare problem today! Have you reached the point where you can do these by yourself without looking? Don’t give up! You’ll get there!!


flickr photo by Marxpix

Chemistry 8-29-24 Conversion Factors, Pt. 2

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CHEMISTRY: Great job using conversion factors to work more advanced conversions! It’s good to able to convert from one unit to another, but can you use that info to solve a real world problem?

Remember, this isn’t just about getting an answer – some of you can do that in your head. This is about being able to convert from one unit to another using the Q-formula. (And yes, you have to do it that way!). Now go forth and conquer!


Photo by jonathan ocampo on Unsplash

Hon Chemistry 8-29-24 Using Density

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HON CHEMISTRY – Here’s a pic of some “high density” koi that I saw in Hawaii (at the Dole Pineapple Plantation, of all places!). Great applications of density today! Remember, in chemistry we use math as a tool, therefore we might work problems a little differently in chemistry than you do in your math class.

When working these problems, don’t forget to follow the problem solving steps we discussed today:

  • Analyze – write down what you’re given and what you’re looking for
  • Plan – write a formula where you isolate the unknown on one side by itself
  • Compute – plug in your data, numbers and units; then cancel the units, and if they cancel correctly, go on to the calculator. Be sure and give your answer what the correct units.
  • Evaluate – does your answer make sense, have you used the correct units, do you have the correct sig figs?

Chemistry 8-28-24 Conversion Factors

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CHEMISTRY: Great job with our start on using conversion factors to work problems! Hopefully this was a review from your earlier academic life. We’ll crank it up a notch tomorrow!! 😉

Remember, this isn’t just about getting an answer – some of you can do that in your head. This is about being able to convert from one unit to another using the Q-formula. (And yes, you have to do it that way!)


Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

Physics 8-28-24 Cars & Swimmers Velocity Problems

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PHYSICS: Great job thinking through the problems today! Here’s a look at the cars from #38 and the swimmers in #51

Remember a few things: You weren’t born knowing how to do these – give yourself a little time. On the really good ones, just one formula won’t work – begin with writing what your know. These are some of the hardest problems we’ll work in physics – not because the formulas are hard, but because knowing how to reason through them is so challenging.

You are doing a great job! Some good advice – go work them again! I promise, it will be good for you. Remember, don’t open the solutions you wrote in your notes! Try them without it!! If you have to, peek, but then don’t stop until you can work the entire problem through without looking!


Photo by Barbara Zandoval on Unsplash

Hon Chemistry 8-28-24 Conversion Factors, Pt. 2

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HON CHEMISTRY: Great job using conversion factors to work more advanced conversions! It’s good to able to convert from one unit to another, but can you use that info to solve a real world problem?

Remember, this isn’t just about getting an answer – some of you can do that in your head. This is about being able to convert from one unit to another using the Q-formula. (And yes, you have to do it that way!). Now go forth and conquer!


Photo by Alexandre Lecocq on Unsplash

Hon Chemistry 8-27-24 Conversion Factors

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HON CHEMISTRY: Can you estimate how fast you can drive in at least one parking lot in Guatemala – and can you show me how you solved the problem? Even better, can I trust the validity of your work?

Good job on remembering how to use conversion factors! Remember, this isn’t just about getting an answer – some of you can do that in your head. This is about being able to convert from one unit to another using the Q-formula. (And yes, you have to do it that way!)

Chemistry 8-27-24 Significant Figures in Calculations & Scientific Notation

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CHEMISTRY: I LOVE the way you are catching on to significant figures! And how will you really unlock the puzzle of sig figs? Practice!!

Super important – keep up with your homework!! The reason I give it to you so you can practice and put together all we talked about in class ….cuz I love you! 🙂

Be sure and check your syllabus!!


Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash

Physics 8-27-24 HW Review & Nate & Elijah Running Toward a Tree

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PHYSICS: Here’s a look at the homework from last night and discussion of the Nate and Elijah running toward a tree problem (no mic so this is a post from last year). Now can you take what we brainstormed together and apply it further? Go forth!