This Week on the Island 02/27-03/03

Dates to Remember:

• End of Term is 03/03. My gradebook closes 03/01.

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News

  5^th Science

We continue the study of Earth Systems, by looking inside the Earth. You will learn about the different plates and how they move using the WISE platform. You will explore how different plates interact to create volcanoes, mountains and earthquakes. Be on the lookout for interesting ideas as you work extra hard to complete all the assignments.

6^th Science 

After a brief re-cap of what you learned about heat, you will move on to how to limit the transfer of thermal energy. You will be presented with a design challenge. Work with all the information you gathered before as you explain your choices.

7th Science

This week you will work to identify the relationships between organisms in different contexts. Once you are comfortable with this idea, you will receive a challenge. You will have a choice of project to complete, showcasing your knowledge of how organisms interact with each other. 

7^th  Engineering

Monday you will have a final work hour to complete your filming of the Hero's Journey video. You will then move on to an interesting design challenge on bridges. How will you ensure that your work is stable and keeps its shape?

8^th  Engineering

Verify that your project has been approved by looking for the corresponding Level 1 badge. Start by developing a plan and make sure to keep us informed of your progress.

This Week on the Island - 02/13-02/17

Dates to Remember:

• February Break is 02/20-02/24. Enjoy your time off.
• End of Term is 03/03. My gradebook closes 03/01.

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News

  5^th Science

We begin the study of Earth Systems, by looking inside the Earth. You will learn about the different plates and how they move using the WISE platform. Keep up with the workload, as there are many cool things to explore. By the end of the week you will have a clear understanding of why there are earthquakes in California, and what is all this "hoopla" about faults.

6^th Science 

This week is all about understanding the relationship between heat, temperature and matter. You will move through several activities developed in the Wizer.me platform, aimed at deepening your understanding of how matter behaves when energy is added. What does this have to do with popcorn? You will have to wait and see.

7th Science

This week is all about tracking how matter and energy flow through ecosystems. You already know a lot about it, in a different context. It is time to connect two pieces of information and create that mind map that will allow you to think deeper about concepts. Let your ideas cycle through, and put your thinking to good use.  

7^th  Engineering

We have partnered up with the 5th grade to create Hero's Journey videos. You will be meeting with your partners and decide on the different shots you need to fully explain their story. Be prepared with your script and shot list, so that you can pay homage to your partner's journey.

8^th  Engineering

As a class, you decided to tackle the Genius Hour project. This week, you will need to convince us that your idea is worthy of your time and effort. Read the IGNITE presentation instructions carefully (found both in Schoolloop and Edmodo), as the requirements have changed a tiny bit. Prepare to IGNITE us with your passion for your topic, and everything will be well. Remember to document your research using the CITE-IT rubric you created. These will be checked often!

This Week on the Island 02/06-02/10

Dates to Remember:

• Student Exhibition Night is on 02/08. Students should report to their 6th period class by 5:20.

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News

  5^th Science

You have been working on how to solve some problems that arise when working collaboratively. Use what you learned during the CreaTV class to develop your videos. Don't forget your shot list and make sure your voices are heard. Work collaboratively to succeed in this mini-project.

6^th Science 

This is the final stretch. You are finalizing your character portfolios, and making them pop. Remember to make a decision about what you are presenting at SEN, and create your script/note cards to help you remember what you plan to say. Tell us what you know, not what you did!

7th Science

This is the final stretch. You are finalizing your character portfolios, and making them pop. Remember to make a decision about what you are presenting at SEN, and create your script/note cards to help you remember what you plan to say. Tell us what you know, not what you did! 

7^th  Engineering

This is the final stretch. You are finalizing your eco-houses, and making them pop. Remember to make a decision about what you are presenting at SEN, and create your script/note cards to help you remember what you plan to say. Tell us what you know, not what you did!

8^th  Engineering

This is the final stretch. You are finalizing your disaster-proof houses, and making them pop. Remember to make a decision about what you are presenting at SEN, and create your script/note cards to help you remember what you plan to say. Tell us what you know, not what you did!