December 14-18

Monday
We will wrap up the unit and review for the test. As study guide will be provided. The study guide can also be printed out from Benson's teacher page. NOTE: An optional assignment to replace your lowest non-test score for December is available upon request (ask Benson for it). It is due by the end of the week.

Tuesday
Students will take the test. After the test, they will do a graph activity.

Wednesday
Students will do a group activity to introduce them to tree-ring analysis. If you were gone, watch this short video. Get a copy of the activity from Benson and do it.

Thursday
Students will watch a 20-minute video about the Little Ice Age and then take notes as Benson explains some famous climate changes. If you were gone, watch this 18-minute video.

Friday
Students will make electric motors. See video below.

Question of the week: Explain what "paleoclimatology" is, and list 4 kinds of evidence used in this field.

Video of the Week

December 7-11

Monday
Students will watch a video called "Inside the Mega Twister". If you were gone, CLICK HERE to watch it.

Tuesday
We will go over the Latent Heat Lab and then students will take notes as Benson explains weather satellites. If you were gone, watch this presentation. Attention honors students: The MESPOW for this week is #111.

Wednesday
Students will take notes on a handout as Benson explains various aspects of tropical cyclones - In the USA we call them "hurricanes". If you were gone, watch this presentation and check out this animation of a storm surge. Also, watch this 3-minute video and short storm surge video.

Thursday
Students will watch a video about Hurricane Sandy. If you were gone, watch it online here.

Friday
We will go over the video that we watched yesterday and then go over the recent map activity (The Blizzard of '93). If you were gone, watch this short video. Students will also take some notes as Benson explains factors that affect climate.

Question(s) of the week: Warm water provides the "fuel" for tropical storms (we call them hurricanes). Explain how warm water contributes to the rain AND wind in a tropical cyclone.

November 30-December 4

Monday
Students will continue to take notes on a handout as Benson explains various hazards associated with thunderstorms. If you were gone be sure to read through this web page and watch watch/read all of the links below as well.

Flash Flood in Australia 2010 (YouTube)

Flash Flood in Southern Utah (YouTube)

Flash Flood in Nepal (YouTube)

Swath from Hi-Line Hail Storm Visible from Space (image and article)

Animation of Hail Formation

Watch This Microburst in Arizona (YouTube)

Microburst Causes Blow-Down Near Butte (image and article)

Tuesday
Students will do a lab related to latent heat (microbursts). If you miss this day, watch this video of the lab and the video below. Then do the make-up assignment - Click here to print a copy.

Wednesday
Students will take notes as Benson explains several aspects of tornadoes. If you were gone, get a copy of the notes handout, copy it, and take a look at this interactive map of USA tornado deaths through the years.

Thursday
We will go over the lab from Tuesday and then students will take notes as Benson explains how Doppler RADAR works. If you were gone, read this web page and watch this video. Students will also be assigned a WS after the presentation. To print a copy of the "WS: Storms", click here. Then select "Click Here to Print Handouts".

Friday
Students will do a map activity (The Blizzard of '93). If you are gone watch this presentation, then do the map activity.

Question of the week: Explain what causes a microburst.

November 23-24: Short week!

Monday
Benson will do some demonstrations related to lightning and then we will finish the lightning video. If you miss Monday be sure to watch this 45-minute video

Tuesday
Students will take notes on a handout as Benson explains various hazards associated with lightning and hail. If your were gone be sure to read through this web page. Get a copy of the notes handout and copy the notes you missed, and watch this 5-minute video.

Question(s) of the week: How does a lightning rod work?

Lightning captured at 7,207 images per second from ZT Research on Vimeo.

November 16-20: Test on Wednesday!

IMPORTANT - The optional assignment to replace your lowest non-test score for November is now posted on the Benson's Teacher Page. It must be handed in before the Thanksgiving Break.

Monday
We will do a map activity related to high and low pressure systems, and then have a short notebook entry. If you were gone, read this web page and take a look at this Real-Time Animation of Winds in USA (Must see!). Also check this site to see current winds around the world - you should be able to identify areas of high and low pressure. Use your cursor to manipulate the world, and see what's happening in other areas. Attention honors students: The MESPOWs for this week are #79 and #116.

Tuesday
We will go over the Map Activity: Prevailing Winds,and then review for the test. A review sheet will be provided.

Wednesday
Students will take the test.

Thursday
Students will do a lab (Understanding Fronts). If you were gone, do questions 1-7 on page 570 (honors students do "concept check" questions on page 558), and take a look at these Cold and Warm Front Animations. Also watch this Cold Front Simulation (from the lab) and this Warm Front Simulation (from the lab).

Friday
We will go over the "fronts lab", take some notes on fronts, and then start watching a video about lightning. If you were gone, take a look at these Cold and Warm Front Animations. Also watch this Cold Front Simulation (from the lab) and this Warm Front Simulation (from the lab). Watch this animation of a mid-latitude cyclone to see how an occluded front forms - watch it a couple times, and be sure to click on the little rectangle to get a side view. If you miss today and/or next Monday, be sure to watch this 45-minute video

Question(s) of the week: What is the weather like along a cold front, and why is it often more intense than weather along a warm front?

Video of the Week

November 9-13

Monday
We will go over and review the concepts covered on the pressure WS from last week. If you were gone check out the links listed below for November 10. Attention honors students: The MESPOWs this week are #23, #41, #88.

Tuesday
Students will take notes as Benson explains global circulation (wind belts). If you were gone, read pages 540-542 (honors 535-538). Also, get the notes handout from Benson and copy the notes from a classmate. If you were gone watch this video.

Wednesday
Students will take notes as Benson explains several wind topics. If you were gone check out the links listed below (Nov. 11). Assignment: Prevailing Winds WS due SOC tomorrow. You can print a copy of the WS from this web page.

Thursday
Students will watch a video about WWII balloon bombs (related to the jet stream), and then take notes as Benson explains jet streams. If you were gone check watch this video, read this Wikipedia page, carefully read this web page, and carefully read this web page.

Friday
Today, students will take some notes as Benson explains how "wind barbs" work, and then we will do a map activity together. If you were gone get a copy of the map activity (Jet Streams) from Benson and copy it from a classmate (we did it together in class). Also, copy the notes from a classmate, and read this web page.

Question(s) of the week: What are the three factors that cause the global pattern of prevailing winds?

Nov. 9: Boiling Water With Ice

Nov. 11: Wind Generator Demo

Nov. 11: Why is Livingston, MT so windy?

Nov. 13: Weather Balloon Launch

Nov. 13: Jet Streams Video

Nov. 13: Image of current jet streams

Video of the Week

November 2-6

Monday

After Benson takes roll, we will go to the library where students will take the "My Voice" survey. We will return to the classroom to go over the "Recipe for a Cloud" lab. Attention honors students - MESPOWs for this week are #43 and #62.

Tuesday
We will go over a recent worksheet ("Vapor, Clouds, and Precip.) and then watch a 30-minute video. If you miss this class watch the first 28:45 of this video, and then check out the resources below.

Wednesday
Students will take notes as Benson explains concepts related to atmospheric pressure (demo included) and then students will do a worksheet. If you miss this class watch this Can Crush Demo (YouTube video).

Thursday
After a quick review of recent topics, Benson will do a demonstration and then students will do a "can-crush" activity. If you miss this class, watch this Fountain Demo (YouTube video) and check out the other links listed below for November 5th.

Friday
Students will do a lab ("Convection"). If you were gone, print the lab handout (Convection Lab) from this site, watch the videos of Part A of the Convection Lab and Part B of the Convection Lab, and do the questions on the lab handout.

Question(s) of the week: Explain how the atmosphere was able to crush the cans this week (lab and demos)?

Extras

	November 2: How to make Supercooled Water
	November 4: What might happen to a human in the vacuum of space? (article)
	November 4: What might happen to a human in the vacuum of space? (video)
	November 5: Watch this 55-Gallon Drum get Crushed
	November 5: Can Crush Demo on a MUCH Larger Scale!

Video of the Week

October 26-30 is Cloud Week!

Monday
Students will do a lab to find out what the relative humidity is today. Attention honors students: MESPOWs this week are #61 and #96. If you were gone, watch this video

Tuesday
Students will take notes and watch demonstrations as Benson explains the basics of "cloud formation". If you were gone get a copy of the notes handout, copy the notes from a classmate, and watch the video below. If you were gone, watch this video.

Wednesday
Students will do a lab titled, "What's the Recipe for a Cloud?". If you were gone, watch this video.

Thursday
Students in periods 1, 3, 4 will do a worksheet. Students in periods 6, 7 will take notes on a handout. If you were gone, carefully this web page.

Friday
Students in periods 1, 3, 4 will take notes on a handout. Students in periods 6, 7 will do a worksheet. If you were gone, carefully read this web page and watch this video. Also view the the PowerPoint posted on this page

Question of the week: Tell what Chinook Winds are, and explain how they become warm.

October 19-23: Test on Wednesday!

Monday
We will go over a recent graph activity and then take notes (NE) as Benson explains temperature inversions. Students who miss this day should go to this website and read it carefully. They should also, go back to Benson's website and watch the PowerPoint titled "Notebook Entry: Inversions". Attention honors students: MESPOWs this week are #14 and #104.

Tuesday
We will review for the test. Students will be given a review sheet, which is posted here.

Wednesday
Test today! After the test periods 1, 3, 4 should read text pages 504-509 (honors students read pages 490-498). Carefully examine all of the figures/illustrations and read the captions.

Thursday
Students will do a lab today - Introduction to Humidity. If you miss this lab, do "Reviewing Concepts" 1-6 on page 509. Honors students should do "Concept Check" questions on pages 492 and 498 if they miss the lab.

Friday
Students will take notes on a handout as Benson explains "humidity topics". If you were gone, get the handout from Benson and then copy the notes from a classmate. Also, be sure to watch this video: Relative Humidity at Football Practice and the video below.

Question of the week: What is "relative humidity" and why does it change throughout the day.

October 12-14 . . . No school Thursday and Friday!

Monday
Classes are a bit shorter today due to early release (every Monday). We will go over the recent graph activity, and then students will learn about "acid rain" (notebook entry). If you are gone, go to this web page, find the "Acid Rain PowerPoint", watch it, copy the notes, and watch the video below.

Tuesday
We will have a lab (Heating Land and Water).

Wednesday
Benson will be gone today. Students will do a worksheet (WS: Temperature). If you are gone, go to this web page, print out a copy, and do it.

Question(s) of the week: What is meant by the term, "annual temperature range"? Why is Bismarck (North Dakota) colder than Seattle in the winter AND hotter than Seattle in the summer?

Watch the Video of the Week

October 5-9

Monday
Classes are a bit shorter today due to early release (every Monday). We will review the global warming issue and then start watching the video called "Chasing Ice". If you were gone be sure to watch this video and the video of the week (below). Honors students: MESPOWs for this week are #59 and #94.

Tuesday
Students will continue watching the video called "Chasing Ice".

Wednesday
Students will do a graph activity called "Climate Data from the Past". If you were gone, get a copy of the handout from Benson, take a look at the PowerPoint posted on this page, complete the activity, and hand it in. Also, watch this short video.

Thursday
Guidance counselors will be doing a career planning activity with all of Benson's classes today.

Friday
Students take a short notebook entry and then finish watching "Chasing Ice". If you were gone view the the PowerPoint posted on this page, and then go to the EIS website and watch both short videos.

Question(s) of the week: When it comes to the "greenhouse theory", both proponents and skeptics use climate data from the past to support their argument. Explain.

September 28 - October 2

Monday
We will have a notebook entry and then Benson will explain the UV Bead Project. Watch the video below. After Benson explains the project, students will have time to start planning their projects. Here is a description of the project-> UV Bead Project. Honors students: Only one MESPOW for this week (#18).

Tuesday-Thursday
Benson will review the UV bead project, and then students will be given these 3 period to work on the project. Projects are due at the start of class on Friday.

Friday
Students will take notes on a handout as Benson explains concepts related to the global warming issue. If you were gone, get a copy of the notes handout, copy the notes from a classmate, and watch this short video. Also, take a look at this interactive graph and watch this video. Finally, watch this video.

Question(s) of the week: The vast majority of climate scientists believe that the current climate change is caused (in part) by humans. Not everyone agrees with the scientists. According to scientists, what are we doing to cause the world to get warmer? Explain how they think is causing our atmosphere to trap heat.

September 21-25: Test Scores are Posted in PowerSchool

Reminder: Students can come in this week (Tuesday-Friday) on their own time (before school, lunch, after school) to make corrections on their tests. Honors students can only do this if they scored below 70/100 - and they can only raise the score to 70/100.

Monday
Classes are a bit shorter today due to early release (every Monday). Benson will be gone today, so students will do a worksheet. Honors students: MESPOWs for this week are #1 and #29. Read them both carefully and choose one to do with the WS.

Tuesday
Students will do an introductory lab activity related to the composition of the atmosphere.

Wednesday
Students will listen and take notes as Benson explains "The Hole in the Ozone Layer". To download/view the presentation, go to Benson's teacher page and select the link titled, "Click Here to Download PowerPoints". If you were gone, get a copy of the notes handout and fill in the notes as you view the presentation. Also read this web page, and watch the video of the week below.

Thursday
Benson will show students a demonstration, and then students will continue to take notes and learn about the hole in the ozone layer. If you were gone, copy the notes from a classmate and read this web page. Be sure to select the arrow to watch the change over several years. Also, read this page and watch the video below.

Friday
Students will do an introductory lab activity to help them understand experimental design.

Question(s) of the week: What causes the hole in the ozone layer to appear over Antarctica every September through November? Why does the hole affect the rest of the world?

August 31-September 4 - The first full week of school.

Monday
Classes are a bit shorter today due to early release (every Monday). The Montana Map Activity is due SOC today. Benson will go over the guidelines and expectations. Periods 1, 3, 4 will have a guidelines/expectations sheet that parents need to read and sign. This should be returned by SOC Thursday. Honors students will have a short assignment that goes with the guidelines handout - due SOC tomorrow.

Tuesday
All of Benson's classes will be doing a "Density Lab" today. If you miss the lab, come in during lunch on Thursday or Friday to make it up. you may also come in during 5th period Friday.

Wednesday
All of Benson's classes will be doing a lab today ("How does salt affect ice-water?)

Thursday
Students will watch a video while Benson issues books. If you miss class, watch this video.

Friday
Students will take notes on a handout as Benson explains concepts related to ocean currents. If you miss this day, watch the video below, get a copy of the notes handout from Benson, copy the notes from a classmate, and read text pages 448-453 (honors 426-433).

IMPORTANT - The "Freshman Tail-gating" event will take place this evening at the football stadium. Listen to announcements for details. . . free T-shirt, free food, free admission to the football game (HHS vs. Flathead).

Question of the Week: Why is water at the equator not as salty as water to the north and south of it? Us the internet or other resources to find the answer.

Video of the Week

Welcome Class of 2019!

I hope everyone had a GREAT summer! I look forward to getting to know all of you, and I am excited about the upcoming school year. This site will be used to keep students and parents updated on what's happening in class. I plan to add a new post (plan for week, resources, etc.) before the start of of each school week. If you (students, parents, etc.) would like to receive the posts when they are added, select Posts (Atom) below and provide your information. Thanks!

Here are some tidbits to get you started . . .

1. www.bengalfrosh.com is a useful site that provides links to the web pages of HHS teachers who teach freshmen. Not all teachers have web pages, but this provides a convenient way to access all of the sites that are available. The teacher sites should be updated by September 1st.

2. I am one of the advisers for the HHS Outdoor Club. CLICK HERE to see our Facebook Page. We meet at noon every Friday (starting after Labor Day).

NOTE: Check out other "Important Links", which will always be available on the right side of this webpage.

Wednesday, August 26 - Bengal Beginnings Day
Freshmen will participate in orientation activities in the morning. In the afternoon, they will go to each of their classes for about 10 minutes.

Thursday, August 27
Students will do a "Montana Map Activity".

Friday, August 28
Benson will do a couple demonstrations, students will take a quiz (not graded) to assess their science background, and then be given time to finish the map activity from yesterday. If you missed this day watch this short YouTube video.

Attention Honors Students - Below are some links that will with the last few questions on your map activity.

1. The Wilderness Society

2. Montana Wilderness Association

3. Wilderness FAQs

Click on the map below for a larger view of Montana's 15 designated wilderness areas.

June is here! - This will be the last post for the school year.

Monday
Students will make Solar System bracelets. Check out this Solar System Scale Model Calculator.

Tuesday
Benson will be gone. Students will watch a video called "NOVA Invisible Universe". If you missed class, print out this worksheet, watch the video here, and answer the questions on the WS.

Wednesday
Students will take notes as Benson explains several astronomy topics.

Thursday
Students will take notes as Benson explains the life cycles of stars. Gone? Read pages 707-714 (honors 693-699).

Friday
Benson will tell students about the test. A study guide will be provided. For other review resources, check out the links below.

CLICK HERE to print a copy of the study guide for the semester final (does not open on some mobile devices). - Benson will provide you with a copy next week.

Below: Links to IMPORTANT Review Resources

1. It is important that you understand the Rock Cycle (several questions). To review watch/listen to this PenCast. It does not work on all mobile devices.

2. This graph will be on the test - CLICK HERE

3. There will be several questions to check your understanding of this Moonphase Exercise

4. Make sure you understand the motion, varying speed, and tail of a comet. Watch this animation

5. There will be a diagram and questions to check your understanding of Giant Springs

6. Honors - One of your level 2 questions will be about the Bakken formation. Read this to review.

7. Honors - One of your level 2 questions will be about the Northern Lights. Read this to review.

Question of the Week
What can we see (Hubble Space Telescope) that indicates there is a supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy?

May 26-29

Tuesday
We correct the WS called "Earth Motions" - Benson will explain the concepts as we do this. Students will do a WS (periods 1, 3, 4: "The Solar System" . . . periods 5, 7: "The Planets").

Wednesday
Students will take notes on a handout as Benson explains comets, dwarf planets, asteroids, etc. If you miss this class - get a copy of the notes handout, copy the notes from a classmate, and read text pages 660-665 (honors 655-660).

Thursday
Students will watch a video called Asteroid - Doomsday or Payday. If you miss class, watch it online. There is no WS with this movie.

Friday
We will correct the WS from Tuesday as Benson explains the answers, etc.

CLICK HERE to print a copy of the study guide for the semester final (does not open on some mobile devices). - Benson will provide you with a copy next week.

Below: Important Links to Review (Be sure to check them out if you missed class.)

Wednesday: Animation of Halley's Comet

Wednesday: NASA announces next step on Asteroid Initiative (March 2015)

Wednesday: The Meteorite Man from Malta, MT

Wednesday: More about Meteorites

Wednesday: Daylight Fireball of 1972

Thursday: Meteor Explodes over Russia in 2013

Thursday: Impact Craters on Earth

Thursday: YouTube Video - How to identify a stony meteorite (8.5 minutes)

All Week: Solar System Animation

Question of the Week: Why does Mercury get so hot during the day and so cold at night?

Video of the Week

May 18-22

Here are photos of the winning rockets. The winner gets 3 extra points, the others in each photo get 2 points for "honorable mention", and the overall winner gets 1 more point (and bragging rights): photos of the rockets

Information about the hike on Monday, May 25 (Site does not work on some mobile devices.

Monday
We will review some highlights of the space program and then students will do a WS (Earth Motions).

Tuesday
Students will take notes as Benson explains several concepts related to the Earth-Moon relationship, including tides, phases, and eclipses.

Wednesday
Weather-permitting we will launch rockets today.

Thursday
We will watch a video that explains why Pluto is no longer considered to be a planet.

Friday
Students will take notes as Benson explains solar activity, sunspots, northern lights, etc.

Interesting Links

NASA's YouTube Channel

Monday: Brief History of Animals in Space

Monday: Video of Probe Landing on Mars in 2004 (6-minute YouTube video)

Monday: Are we going to Mars?

Monday: History of Exploration of Mars

Tuesday: Moon phase animation

Tuesday: Another Moon phase animation

Tuesday: Moon phases this month

Tuesday: Online Moon Phase Exercise (very good)

Tuesday: Lunar Eclipse Animation

Tuesday: Lunar Eclipse Explained

Tuesday:Tides Animation

Tuesday:D-Day Moon

Tuesday: Tides - select "Launch Interactive"

Tuesday: Spring and Neap Tides

Tuesday: Bay of Fundy Tides Explained

Tuesday: Eclipse Animations

Tuesday: Various Moon Animations

Thursday: Space Weather

Thursday: Solar Max of 2013

Thursday: Northern Lights Explained

Thursday:Spaceweather.com

Thursday: Northern Lights Explained

Thursday: Northern Lights over Iceland

Question of the Week
Why is Pluto no longer considered to be a planet?

Video of the week:

May 11-15

Here are photos of the winning rockets. The winner gets 3 extra points, the others in each photo get 2 points for "honorable mention", and the overall winner gets 1 more point (and bragging rights): photos of the rockets

Monday - Tuesday
Students will be constructing rockets.

Wednesday
Students will begin watching a video about the "Space Race" and then be given time to put finishing touches on their rockets. If you miss this class, print out this worksheet and watch the first 65 minutes of the video below.

Thursday
We will finish watching the video and then Benson will explain the Apollo missions.

Friday
Students will take notes on a handout as Benson explains what NASA has been working on since Apollo.

Interesting Links

NASA's YouTube Channel

Thursday: Brief History of Animals in Space

Thursday: The 1972 Gold Medal Basketball Game - USA vs. USSR (16-minute YouTube video)

Friday: Space Shuttle Landing Sites (6-minute video)

Friday: Video of Probe Landing on Mars in 2004 (6-minute YouTube video)

Friday: Video of Probe Landing on Mars in 2012 (6-minute YouTube video)

Question of the Week
Why was it so important for the USA to land a man on the Moon before the USSR did?

Video of the week:

May 4-8

Monday
We will finish taking notes on the handout called "Glaciers", and then start watching a video called "Snowball Earth". If you miss this class go to this website and read pages 1 and 2. Attention honors students: MESPOWs for this week are 68, 91, 101, 112.

Tuesday
We will finish the video and then take notes on a handout called "Ice Ages". If you miss this class go to this website and read pages 1 and 2. Honors students who were gone should read the text section titled "Causes of Glaciation" (pages 174-177).

Wednesday
Students will take notes as Benson explains various ways that the last ice age impacted Montana.If you miss this class be sure to open the "Wednesday" links below and carefully read the web pages.

Thursday
We will watch a short video and then prepare for the test. If you were gone, scroll down and watch the "video of the week". A review sheet will be provided or you can print one out here.

Friday
Test over groundwater, surface water, glaciers, ice ages

Below: Important Links - Be sure to check them out if you missed class.

Monday: Glacial Landforms

Monday: Striations

Tuesday: Milankovitch Cycles

Wednesday: Ice Ages changed the Missouri River

Wednesday: Flathead Lake

Wednesday: Snake Butte in North-Central Montana

Question of the Week: What caused the formation of Glacial Lake Missoula, and how did the outburst floods cause the Scablands of Washington?

Video of the Week

April 27-30

Monday
We will go over recent map activities. Here are photos of some of the best maps and islands from the Island Watershed Project. Photos

Tuesday
Students will do a lab activity called "Testing Water for Hardness". If you were gone, get a copy of the handout from Benson, and then watch this presentation. Do as instructed on the presentation.

Wednesday
Students will take notes as Benson explains various aspects of glaciers. If you were gone read pages 188-198 (honors 158-171).

Thursday
Recommended (not required) 1-Hour Video: Wooly Mammoths

Thursday
To be announced (TBA).

Friday
Vigilante Day (no school)

Below: Important Links to Review (Be sure to check them out if you missed class.)

Monday: SNOTEL Sites

Tuesday: Hard Water

Wednesday: 11 year-old Boy Discovers Wooly Mammoth in Russia

Wednesday: Glacial Landforms

Wednesday: Animations of Stationary, Advancing, Receding Glaciers

Question of the Week: What is "hard water" - how does it get "hard" and why is too much "hardness" a bad thing?

Video of the Week

April 20-24 . . . Unit 8 continues.

Monday and Tuesday
Students will continue working on the Island Watershed Activity. It is due at the start of class on Friday. Honors students - There is no MESPOW this week. Instead, you will do an assignment called The Carbon Cycle. It is due SOC Friday.

Wednesday
Students will do a map activity called "Helena Area Watersheds". If you were gone, do this make-up assignment. Happy Earth Day!

Thursday
Students will take notes as Benson explains various Helena area water resources. If you miss this class, read this webpage, get the notes handout, watch this PowerPoint Presentation, and watch the video of the week below.

Friday
We will watch a video called "The Last Extinction" - If you were gone, watch it online HERE and answer the questions on this worksheet.

Honors: Carbon Cycle Tutorial

Honors: Carbon Cycle Diagram (May not open on some mobile devices)

Video of the Week

April 13-17

Monday
We will go over a recent WS, watch a short video, and then complete the map activity that we started on Friday. Honors students - MESPOWs for this week are . . . Read 3, 4, 36, 45, 58, 68, 69, and do 120.

Tuesday
Periods 1, 3, and 4 will do a map activity called "Montana Rivers". Periods 5 and 7 will go over the "Map Activity: USA Drainage Basins" and then learn about the plight of the Pacific Salmon.

Wednesday
Benson will be gone today - lesson plan TBA (to be announced later this week).

Thursday
Period 1, 3, and 4 students will start the Island Watershed Activity. Friday
Students will continue the "Island Watershed Activity".

Monday: Make-Up Assignment for Montana Rivers

Monday: Montana's Rivers

Monday: Montana Rivers PowerPoint - WATCH IT IF YOU WERE GONE!

Monday: The Great Falls of the Missouri

Monday-Friday: Watershed of the Yellowstone River

Tuesday: Milltown Dam

Tuesday: Triple Divide Peak

Tuesday-Friday: Handout for Watershed Project (pdf file)

Tuesday-Friday: Island Watershed Project

Thursday: Oxbow Lakes

Thursday: SNOTEL Sites

Question of the Week: Where does the water used in the city of Helena come from?

Video of the Week

April 7-10

Monday
No school - Last day of Spring Break

Tuesday
Students will learn some basic terminology associated with the water cycle (Handout), and then complete the "Porosity Lab" that we set up before the break. If you miss this day, read pages 158-161, read through the "Water Cycle Tutorial" (see link below), and watch this PowerPoint (goes with handout).

Wednesday
Students in periods 1, 3, and 4 will be listening to a presentation about the Montana Conservation Corp. Period 5 and 7 students will take notes on a handout (Groundwater Issues). If you were gone, read pages 140-150 (honors) and watch this video.

Thursday
Period 1, 3, and 4 students will take notes on a handout (Groundwater Issues). If you were gone, read pages 171-180. Period 5 and 7 students will do a map activity called "USA Drainage Basins".

Friday
Period 1, 3 and 4 students will do a map activity called "USA Drainage Basins". Period 5 and 7 students will do a map activity called "Montana Rivers". If you were gone for the Montana Rivers Activity, do this this makeup assignment.

Groundwater Basics

Tuesday: Water Cycle Tutorial

Tuesday: Interactive Water Cycle Graphic

Wednesday-Thursday: Ogallala Aquifer Video

Wednesday-Thursday: Ogallala Aquifer Article on Facebook

Wednesday-Thursday: Berkeley Pit in Butte

Wednesday-Thursday: Giant Springs in Great Falls

Wednesday-Thursday: Septic Systems

Thursday-Friday: PowerPoint for USA Drainage Basins Activity

Thursday-Friday: PowerPoint for Montana Rivers Activity

Friday-Monday: Montana Rivers

Friday-Monday: Depleting Water (60 minutes segment)

Friday-Monday: California's Water Crisis

March 23-27 Last Week of the Quarter

Monday
We will go over some concepts related to tsunamis and then prepare for the test on Tuesday. Students will be given a study guide or they can click on this link to print out a copy of the Study Guide for March Test.

Tuesday
Students will take a test and then do a worksheet. WS: Water.

Wednesday
Students will take notes on a handout (Groundwater). If you were gone, read pages 171-180 (honors 140-150) and watch this video.

Thursday
Students will do a lab activity related to groundwater.

Friday
Students will watch a video as Benson checks folders.

Question of the Week . . .
What is a "water table"?

Rock Cycle Pencast (Review)

Montana Earthquakes Virtual Field Trip (optional for periods 1, 3, 4)

Virtual Earthquake Exercise for honors (read instructions)

Monday: Animations of Seismic Waves

Monday: Tsunami Demonstration

Monday: Tsunami Simulation

Wednesday: Groundwater Cartoon

Friday: Water Cycle Tutorial

March 16-20

Monday
Students will take notes on a handout. The topic of the presentation for periods 1, 3, 4 is "Earthquake Hazards". The topic of the presentation for periods 5 and 7 is "Earthquake Basics". Honors students should click on these links to print out guidelines for the Disaster Paper or the Science Circus Project

Tuesday
Periods 1, 3, 4 will watch a video called "Ultimate Tsunami". If you were gone, do 11-20 on page 243 (periods 1, 3, 4 only). Periods 5 and 7 will take notes on a handout (Earthquake Hazards).

Wednesday
Periods 1, 3, 4 will take notes on a handout (Montana Earthquakes). Periods 5 and 7 will watch "Ultimate Tsunami".

Thursday
Periods 1, 3, 4 will do a group problem-solving activity (Locating Epicenters). If you were gone, do this Virtual Earthquake Activity - put your answers on your own paper and hand it in (periods 1, 3, 4 only). Periods 5 and 7 will take notes on a handout (Montana Earthquakes).

Friday
All classes will watch a video about the 2011 Earthquake/Tsunami in Japan.

Montana Earthquakes Virtual Field Trip (periods 1, 3, 4)

Virtual Earthquake Exercise for honors (read instructions)

Monday-Tuesday: Animations of Seismic Waves

Monday-Tuesday: Alaska Earthquake Video

Monday-Wednesday: Tsunami Animation

Monday-Wednesday: Tsunami Demonstration (Oregon State Lab)

Tuesday-Wednesday: Lituya Bay Tsunami (1958)

Tuesday-Wednesday: Lituya Bay Tsunami #1

Tuesday-Wednesday: Lituya Bay Tsunami #2

Tuesday-Wednesday: Lituya Bay Tsunami #3

Tuesday-Wednesday: Tsunami Facebook Page

Tuesday-Wednesday: Impressive Video of 2004 Tsunami

Tuesday-Wednesday: Animation of 2004 Tsunami

Tuesday-Wednesday: Tsunami Tutorial Video

Wednesday-Thursday: Montana's Greatest Earthquake Disaster

Wednesday-Thursday: Earthquake Destroys Helena High in 1935

Wednesday-Thursday: Montana Earthquakes Virtual Field Trip

Wednesday-Thursday: Photos of Damage from the 1935 Helena Earthquakes

Wednesday-Thursday: Helena Has Its Faults

Friday: Major Quake Hits Japan

Friday: Japan's Earthquake Warning System Explained

Friday: Before and After Photos of Tsunami Damage in Japan

Friday: 30-Foot Wall no Match for Tsunami

March 9-13

Sorry - I'm a little late getting this updated. The hour we lost last weekend was the hour I normally use to do this. :)

Monday
Students will do an activity that helps to reinforce what we learned about the rock cycle last week. If you were gone, read pages 67-69. (honors pages 52-54)

Tuesday
We will correct and go over a couple assignments from last week - "WS: Princples of Geology" and "Dating Deep Blood Kettles" . . . there is nothing to make-up.

Wednesday
Students will learn about the basics of earthquakes as they take notes on a handout. If you were gone, read chapter 7 - honors read chapter 8.

Thursday
Benson will be gone. Students will do a WS. WS for honors and WS for regular

Friday
Benson will be gone. Students will watch a video called "Ultimate Earthquake".

Wednesday: Animations of Seismic Waves

Wednesday: Largest Earthquakes by Magnitude since 1900

Wednesday: YouTube explains Moment Magnitude Scale

Wednesday: Animation of Earthquake Waves

March 2-6

Monday
Students will take take notes as Benson explains metamorphic rocks. If you are gone, read text pages 80-84 (honors 69-75). Honors students - The MESPOWs are #63, #73, #103.

Tuesday
Students will do a station to station activity. If you are gone, do "Reviewing Content" 1-10 on page 89 (periods 1,3,4 only).

Wednesday
Students will learn about the rock cycle and then do a WS related to the rock cycle. If you are gone see the links below.

Thursday
Students will do a WS (see links below). If you were gone watch this video.

Friday
Students will learn about radiometric dating and then do a WS related to it. If you were gone . . .
1. Watch the video of the week shown below.
2. Read this web page: Radiometric Dating at a Bison Kill Site
3. Print out the "Radiometric Dating Assignment" handout here or get a copy from Benson.
2. View the PowerPoint Presentation. Do as instructed.

Question of the week
What are the limitations of radiocarbon dating?

Click on the links below to see many resources related to this unit.

Wednesday: Rock Cycle Worksheet

Wednesday: Rock Cycle Presentation

Wednesday: Rock Cycle Tutorial

Thursday: Principles of Geology Worksheet for Regular (periods 1, 3, 4)

Thursday: Principles of Geology Worksheet for Honors (periods 5 and 7)

Friday: Radiometric Dating

Friday: Radiometric Dating - A Christian Perspective

February 23-27

Monday
Students will watch a video about the K-T boundary. If you were gone, carefully read this web page and watch the video here. Honors students - MESPOWs are #26 and #87.

Tuesday
Students will take notes as Benson explains weathering and erosion. If you were gone, it is important that you read chapter 5 in your text. (Honors - chapter 4)

Wednesday
Students will watch a video. If you are gone, print out the WS here and watch the video called How the Earth Was Made: The Alps.

Thursday
Students will take notes on a handout as Benson explains sedimentary rocks. If you were gone, read pages 76-79. (Honors 62-68)

Friday
We will review several concepts and then do some maintenance on our crystals that are growing in the jars. Here's the explanation about the dress.

Tuesday: Weathering and Erosion Cartoon

Tuesday: PowerPoint Presentation - Weathering and Erosion

Tuesday: Notes handout for PowerPoint Presentation: Weathering and Erosion

Tuesday: Bill Nye Video - Erosion (Watch it f you missed class.)

Tuesday: Washington Mudslide Interactive

Tuesday: Mass Wasting in Gates of Mountains

Tuesday: Mass Wasting in Jackson Hole

Tuesday: Mt. Rushmore Facelift

Tuesday: Photos of March 2011 Rockslide Near Billings

Tuesday: Rockslide Caught on Camera in Tennessee

Tuesday: Cleaning Lichens from Mt. Rushmore in 2005

Thursday: Formation of the Himalayas

Thursday: Coal Mine Near Colstrip

Thursday: Eagle Sandstone

Thursday: General Article About Limestone

Thursday: Madison Limestone

Thursday: An Ice Cave in the Madison Limestone

Thursday: The Belt Supergroup

Thursday: (YouTube Video) Virtual Tour of a Wyoming Strip Mine

Thursday: Montana Coal Mine

Thursday: Montana's Oldest Rocks

Friday: Chief Mountain

Friday: Sea Creatures in Glacier Park?

February 17-20: Test on Thursday

Monday
No school today.

Tuesday
Students will do a lab. During the lab they will determine the density of 3 different kinds of igneous rocks. Honors assignment: There is no MESPOW this week, but read through The Crown Butte Virtual Field Trip - Look at all of the photos/diagrams and read all of the explanations.

Wednesday
We will return and go over several recent assignments/labs, and review for the test. A review sheet will be provided.

Thursday
Students will take a test and then do a WS.

Friday
Students will do a lab titled, Frost Wedging. (If you were gone, click on the link and follow instructions.)

Question of the Week: Crown Butte is made of an igneous rock called "porphyry". Explain how this rock formed.

February 9-13

Monday
Students will take take notes as Benson explains several aspects of mineral formation, including crystals. IMPORTANT: Print out the Crown Butte Virtual Field Trip and hand it in by the end of the week. Your score on this assignment will replace your lowest score so far this quarter. Honors students - The MESPOW is #115.

Tuesday
Students will take notes as Benson explains "plutonic formations". If you were gone, read through the Crown Butte Virtual Field Trip and read/watch all the resources posted in the links below. Read pages 295-297.

Wednesday
Students will watch a video about the geology of Yosemite Park. If you are gone, print the handout here and then watch the video here.

Honors students will take notes today and then watch the video on Friday.

Thursday
Students will take notes as Benson explains various types of igneous rocks. Read 70-74.

Honors students will do the lab today (see Friday links below - If you are gone, print the lab and follow instructions).

Friday
Students will do a lab titled, "Igneous Rocks". If you were gone, see the links below for Friday - Print out the lab handout and follow directions.

Honors students will watch the video today (see Wednesday). Honors students: Print the handout here and then watch the video here.

Question of the week
If plutonic formations form beneath the surface, why can they be found standing above the surface today?

Click on the links below to see many resources related to this unit.

Tuesday: Plutons Animation

Tuesday: Plutons Animation

Tuesday: Benson and Daughter Climb Devils Tower (photo album)

Wednesday: Longer Video (13-min) about Alex Honnold Climbing

Wednesday: Excellent Video About Hiking Onto Half Dome

Thursday: Ringing Rocks

Thursday/Friday: Igneous Rocks Pictures

Friday: Igneous Rocks Lab Handout

Friday: Igneous Rocks Lab

February 2-6

Monday
Students will take continue taking notes as Benson explains various hazards associated with volcanism. See links below if you were gone.

Tuesday
Benson will explain 3 great eruptions and we will finish the notes on volcanic hazards. Then students will set up a crystal growth lab. See links below if you were gone.

Wednesday
Students will watch a video called Earth's Deadliest Eruption. See links below for make-up assignment.

Thursday
Students will do a lab to called "Magma and Lava"

Friday
Students will take notes as Benson explains various types of volcanic formations.

Question of the week
How can geologists determine whether an igneous rock formed from lava that cooled above the surface, or from magma that cooled beneath the surface?

Click on the links below to see many resources related to this unit.

Monday/Tuesday: Mt. St. Helens Lava Dome

Monday/Tuesday: Deadliest Eruptions of All time

Monday/Tuesday: The Eruption of Mt. St. Helens

Monday/Tuesday: Benson's Three Days of Hiking - St. Helens and Rainier

Monday/Tuesday: Laki Eruption in Iceland 1783-1784

Monday/Tuesday: Mt. Rainier Mudflow (future)

Monday/Tuesday: Bodies at Pompeii

Monday/Tuesday: Krakatau Tsunami (1883)

Monday/Tuesday: Ship Survives Krakatau Tsunami (1883)

Monday/Tuesday: Ashfall Fossil Site in Nebraska

Monday/Tuesday: Mazama Ash near Helena

Monday/Tuesday: Virtual Tour of the Ashfall Fossil Site in Nebraska

Monday/Tuesday: Yellowstone Volcano Explained by the Scientist-In-Charge

Monday/Tuesday: Misconceptions about the Yellowstone Volcano

Monday/Tuesday: The Elkhorn Volcano (near Helena)

Monday/Tuesday: Igneous Rocks in Montana

Monday/Tuesday: Ancient Volcano Between Helena and Great Falls

Monday/Tuesday: Time-Lapse of Mt. St. Helens Lava Domes 2004-2008 (1:26)

Monday/Tuesday: Short Time-Lapse of Mt. St. Helens Lava Dome (00:07)

Monday/Tuesday: Animation of Mt. St. Helens Lava Domes (00:12)

Wednesday: Make-up Assignment for Video: Earth's Deadliest Eruption

Wednesday: Siberian Traps Article

Friday: Animation of Lava Flows at Craters of the Moon (Idaho)

January 26-30: The new semester begins.

Monday
Students will take notes (on handout) as Benson explains basic concepts related to volcanism. Attention honors students: MESPOWs this week are #6 and #80.

Tuesday
We will review the different types of volcanic activity and then students will be given time to start the assignment (WS: Intro to Volcanism). Attention honors students: Benson will also explain the "science circus project" to you. A handout for the project is available HERE.

Wednesday
Students will do a lab - "What happened at Lake Nyos?"

Thursday
We will watch a video - "Mystery of the Meagavolcano". If you were gone, be sure to watch it HERE.

Friday
Benson will explain various hazards associated with volcanoes as students take notes.

Question(s) of the week: What are the three basic types of volcanic activity? Provide an example of each.

Interactive: Three Types of Volcanism

What happened at Lake Nyos?

Video of the Week

Finals Week - January 20-22

Monday
No school

Tuesday
First period final exam from 9:55-11:15

Wednesday
Third period final from 8:20-9:40

Fourth period final from 9:55-11:15

Fifth period final from 11:50-1:10

Thursday
Seventh period final from 9:55-11:15

Friday
No school for students.

Video of the Week

January 12-16

IMPORTANT: The review sheet for the semester test (and other handouts) can be found HERE.

Monday
Students will take notes (on handout) as Benson continues to explain Plate Tectonics. Attention honors students: No MESPOWs this week.

Tuesday
We will watch a video about the Mariana Trench. If you miss this class, be sure to watch it online: Video: Deepest Place on Earth (43 minutes)

Wednesday
Students will do a group problem-solving activity realted to the movement of tectonic plates.

Thursday
We will review several concepts related to plate tectonics, and then Benson will explain the different types of geology that takes place at different types of plate boundaries.

Friday
Benson will tell students about the test, provide a review sheet, and then give students time to organize their notebooks.

Question(s) of the week: What is a zone of subduction, and what are the various features and activity that take place there?

Sea-Floor Spreading Animation

What makes the plates move?

Interactive: Position of the Continents Over the Past 600 million years

Interactive Plate Tectonics Map

Read About Wegener's Last Expedition

Journey to the Deepest Place on Earth

Animation of a Hot Spot

Video of the Week

January 5-9: Welcome back!

Monday
During the two weeks before finals week (January 20-23) students will be learning about the basic structure of the Earth and plate tectonics. Today they will start watching a video titled "Magnetic Storm" (to be finished tomorrow). If a you miss this day, get online and watch the 55-minute video HERE. Attention honors students: The MESPOWs this week are #20 and #118.

Tuesday
We will finish the video and then Benson will explain the different "schools of thought" pertaining to the age of the Earth. Students should read text pages 233-237 (honors 249-252)

Wednesday
Students will watch a video titled, "Birth of the Earth". Click here to watch the video.

Thursday
Benson will explain the structure of the Earth and paleomagnetism, and then students will do a WS titled, "Plate Tectonics".

Friday
Students will take notes as Benson explains the development of the Theory of Plate Tectonics.

Question(s) of the week: What is paleomagnetism, and how does it support the theory of plate tectonics?

Jan. 5-6: NOVA: Magnetic Storm

Jan. 6: The Northern Lights

Jan. 6: Northern Lights FAQs

Jan. 6: Science and/or Religion?

Jan. 8: Interactive: Position of the Continents Over the Past 600 million years

Jan. 8: Interactive Plate Tectonics Map

Jan. 9: Read About Wegener's Last Expedition

Video of the Week