Deserts!

Our next chapter, chapter 12, will focus on deserts. Now, you might ask, why learn about deserts this time of year? Well, it's a great time of year to think warm thoughts! You might also ask, whatever happened to chapters 9 and 10, I was really looking forward to them!? Well, don't dismay. We'll do those, because I'm looking forward to them also! I just want to hit them when we can get outside a bit, so we'll save those for spring and jump around just a little as we begin this new semester. Deserts are a fun places. If you've been to a desert, then you know what I mean! I've been to deserts in several states (and countries), Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Kansas, Greece...just to name a few. But, Mr. Kohrs, I didn't know there were deserts in Kansas! Well, the great plains is sometimes referred to as "The Great American Desert". The plains to get more rainfall then, say, Nevada, but it's still limited. So what defines a desert? Rainfall! We'll talk more about this, but you should certainly begin working on your homework!

A new year...and an end to a semester!

I sincerely hope that all of you had a wonderful Christmas and that your new year is staring off well. Have you resolved to improve yourselves in any way this year? While your performance in my class is important to me, and hopefully to yourself, it's more important to constantly find ways to perform well as "you". That ability will take you much further in life than any knowledge of geology!

We'll be ending the semester with chapter 11. It's a cold topic, glaciers, that is appropriate for this time of year. It's also a relatively short chapter that can easily be fit before exams. Consequently, we'll finish with the homework and quiz on next Friday, January 15th. This will give us some time to review for your exam which will take place one week after that.

Let's finish the semester strong!

Merry Christmas!

Well, we just wrapped up chapter 8...in time for Christmas! And, with the prospect of the best snowstorm in years on our doorstep, we can look forward to an exciting bit of meteorology as well. Can it get any better than this!?

When we return, we'll begin a new chapter. But, until then, just enjoy your time with friends and family as you reflect on the many gifts that you may receive, but remember to focus most on the greatest gift of all...and may God keep you safe and healthy during your break!

Καλά Χριστούγεννα!
Ευτυχισμένο το Νέο Έτος!

Chapter 7 to 8 transition...

Golly gee, Mr. Kohrs, do you have to make it sound so formal??

Ha! You're silly. Seriously, tomorrow, Tuesday, December 8th, we take our chapter 7 quiz. We'll also be starting chapter 8. So, bring your books and your brains!

Thanksgiving to Christmas Intermission...

Well folks, now that you've spent so much time being thankful for all of the wonderful rocks around you... :) Let's talk metamorphism!!!!!!

Seriously, we'll begin and end chapter 7 in only one week. Monday, we took notes, which are posted to the left of this message. Wednesday, we'll identify rocks and do some work from the book, Friday, we'll review, and Tuesday next week...well, you guessed it...Chapter 7 quiz! So, hold on!

Thanksgiving...

Aren't you thankful that you're about to have a break!

Today, we head to Mundy Quarry to learn about the business of quarrying rock and what that rock is used for locally. On this coming Monday, we'll take our chapter 6 quiz and start chapter 7.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Chapter 5 Wrap up

Well, we have explored weathering, soils, and karst a bit. Tomorrow (Thursday, Nov 12) is the day of our quiz. Be sure to study! For 4th period, we will also wrap up the karst lab, so bring your maps with you!