Sunday, March 26, 2017

This Week on the Island 03/27-03/31

Dates to Remember:

  • Cesar Chavez Day 03/31 - No school

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News

  5th Science



This week you will start your Severe weather project. Read the assignment carefully and ask questions as you go along. I cannot wait to see what you come up with.




6th Science 

We continue to work on climate change. This week we will focus on the different ways that humans are adding carbon to the atmosphere. You will explore the effects of climate change in ecosystems and in humans. You will also get an opportunity to think hard about how your own actions are contributing to the problem. What will you do about it?



7th Science



After an in-depth study about the periodic table visiting Castle Mendeleev, we will begin studying chemical reactions. Follow the different paths to understand how a molecule is formed, and how different reactants produce products. Get ready to use that knowledge in a challenging game.


7th  Engineering



Impending doom is upon us, and only your team of engineers can help us! Discover how your knowledge of earth science can be applied to to avoid a mass extinction. Will you be able to save the people of Alabraska? Identify the problem this week, and determine how big a shelter you will need as you are introduced to the Asteroid Impact project.

8th  Engineering



This is the last week! Use your time wisely to prepare for your Ted-talks. It is now time to show all that you accomplished!

Sunday, March 19, 2017

This Week on the Island 03/20-03/24


Dates to Remember:

  • Country Western Day - 03/24
  • Cesar Chavez Day 03/31 - No school

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News

  5th Science



Now that you know how water is recycled, you will start the week exploring how much water is actually available for use. Is it more or less than you thought it was? By wednesday we will start to make the connections between water and the atmosphere. You will get a chance to prove that air is really there is a fun lab, and finally discuss what does all of that have to do with the weather.


6th Science 

Once we learn how to read weather maps on Monday, we will begin our discussion on the effects that carbon has on the weather system. You will get an opportunity to become a carbon molecule and decide what role you play in keeping the Earth warm. what can you do to curb carbon emissions, and why is this important? Find out as you graph carbon trends!



7th Science



We continue to study matter, adding isotopes to the mix. You will explore the periodic table in depth, and learn how to use it as a tool for investigations. Everything you ever wanted to know about a particular element is right at your fingertips. Stay focused as there are many concepts to learn and discuss.


7th  Engineering



Impending doom is upon us, and only your team of engineers can help us! Discover how your knowledge of earth science can be applied to to avoid a mass extinction. Will you be able to save the people of Alabraska? Identify the problem this week, and determine how big a shelter you will need as you are introduced to the Asteroid Impact project.

8th  Engineering



Need I say more? You have been put in charge of your own learning. It is time to hunker down and develop your idea. Show us what you are capable of doing. You can do it!

Saturday, March 11, 2017

This Week on the Island


Dates to Remember:

  • Wear Green Spirit day - 03/17
  • Cesar Chavez Day 03/31 - No school

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News

  5th Science



As we continue the study of Earth Systems, we will talk about another material that is recycled in the earth system. Water! You will play a fun game where you become a molecule of water and experience what it "feels" to travel through the cycle. Take care of your notes as you will need them to create a fun comic strip.





6th Science 


Now that you know the difference between weather and climate, we will start developing more in-depth ideas about the weather. How do winds develop? How is this related to storms, and where does it all happen? These are some of the questions you will be able to answer by the end of the week!



7th Science



This week we start studying matter and how it reacts. You will build atoms and molecules, and determine the different properties of materials. How does matter change? Is it melting or dissolving?What is up with rust? Chemistry is so much fun!


7th  Engineering

Your bridges are about to be done. How will they behave during testing this week? Which structure will withstand the most weight? As you prepare for the week, make sure you have all your documents in order.

8th  Engineering



Need I say more? You have been put in charge of your own learning. It is time to hunker down and develop your idea. Show us what you are capable of doing. You can do it!

Sunday, March 5, 2017

This Week on the Island 03/06-03/10

Dates to Remember:

  • Wear Green Spirit day - 03/17
  • Cesar Chavez Day 03/31 - No school

Need help with something? Post your questions on Edmodo.

Classroom News

  5th Science



As we continue the study of Earth Systems, you will make some observations on different types of rocks. They may all look the same, but are they? What processes are at play as one rock is changed into another? What happens to rocks over long periods of time? These are some of the questions you will be able to answer as we explore how matter on Earth is recycled.






6th Science 


Your response to the thermos challenge is almost ready. Who will win and make Mrs. Garcia's coffee stay warm the longest? Remember that you need to be able to explain how your product works. What types of heat transfer are being avoided? what types are inevitable?



7th Science




You are almost done explaining just how organisms interact in an ecosystem. Can an endangered species become invasive? Why or why not? How is your species affected by changes in the environment? These are the questions you will be able to explain as you present your projects on Wednesday 


7th  Engineering

This week you will build your bridges. As you construct them, keep track of your work. It is not enough to build, you will need to be able to explain your choices. Get ready to test on Thursday so that you have all the information you need for your final report.



8th  Engineering



Need I say more? You have been put in charge of your own learning. It is time to hunker down and develop your idea. Show us what you are capable of doing. You can do it!