News 04/25-04/29

Dates to Remember:

• 5th grade CST is this Tuesday and Thursday. Keep Zondling!
• Parent Information Night 04/27 (4-5 pm)
• Student Exhibition Night 05/25 (5-6 pm)

Classroom News

Cumulative XP:

5^th Science - Castle

Review: This week is a testing week. You have done the work, you have studied, it is time to show what you know. Do not let nerves get the better of you. I know you will do your absolute best.

6^th Science - Enchanted Forest

Biome Survival  You have your biome and have started on your research. By wednesday you should have a clear picture of where your project is going. Your research should be about done, and you wiull begin working on the text product for your project. Check the rubric often. remember your grade is tied ti the number of days you will survive. Don't get stranded!

^7th Science - Laboratory

Interdependence of Organisms We begin a new unit. This week we will cover different aspects of ecosystem survival. We will analyze data on energy transfer within an ecosystem and learn about biotic and abiotic factors that help an organisms survive. We will then get up close and personal studying how organisms help one another as we explore the different relationships between organisms.

^8th Engineering - Website

We survived the asteroid impact, or did we? Time to put things together and reflect on our successes and failures. What should have been done differently? What questions are yet to be answered? How could you have improved the survival of the citizens of Alabraska?
Once we are satisfied and reflected we will move on to a new EDC - The Thermos Challenge, where we will learn all about heat

Science News 04/18-04/22

Dates to Remember:

• No Blogs this week at any grade level
• End of term April 20th
• 5th and 8th grade - your Science CST is scheduled for April 25th. Start Zondling today!
• Parent Information Night 04/27 (4-5 pm)
• Student Exhibition Night 05/25 (5-6 pm)

Classroom News

Cumulative XP:

5^th Science - Castle

Review: Your Science CST is next week. We will prepare for your test by reviewing the whole year in class. I have several activities planned for this and of course, do not forget to Zondle!

6^th Science - Enchanted Forest

Ocean currents  Your ocean currents story should be about done (due on Wednesday at the beginning of class). I can't wait to see what you came up with.
Moving right along, we start our new unit BiomeSurvival on Wednesday. I think you will have a lot of fun with this one!

^7th Science - Laboratory

FLE: This week our focus changes as we explore family life education. Our main focus is on understanding how your body works and provide information on how to stay healthy. It is an exciting time to be in class.

^8th Engineering - Website

We continue our work on the Asteroid Impact project. This week its all about the build. Remember to bring materials to support your caverns. The goal is that your caverns are dry and ready to test on Friday so make sure to remain focused and work diligently. Oh what fun it is to be in 8th grade!

News 04/11-04/15

Dates to Remember:

• End of term April 15th
• 5th and 8th grade - your Science CST is scheduled for April 25th. Start Zondling today!

Classroom News

Cumulative XP:

5^th Science - Castle

Electricity and Magnetism: This week is all about your own electrical inventions. You will apply your knowledge of circuits and put it to good use developing a product. Do not forget to bring your materials and have a clear plan for your design. I cannot wait to see what you come up with!

6^th Science - Enchanted Forest

Ocean currents  We continue our study of ocean currents. We will discover the relationship between salinity and temperature, figuring out just how the Gulf Stream is powered. We will visit with several historic figures to analyze the effects of currents on trade before finally engaging in the Message in a Bottle project.

^7th Science - Laboratory

Evolution. The beginning of the week will see you putting final touches on your evolution project. Be ready to present on Wednesday! Once presentations are done we move on to my favorite unit "Interdependence of Organisms".

^8th Engineering - Website

We continue our work on the Asteroid Impact project. By the end of Monday you have to have the dimensions of your cave, along with a scaled map. It is important that you realize that all your calculations are in square meters. What is the conversion factor to square kilometers? We will study the geology of Alabraska as we determine the best place to build your cavern. What considerations will you think are important for your build?

News 03/04-03/08

Dates to Remember:

• End of term April 15th
• 5th and 8th grade - your Science CST is scheduled for April 25th. Start Zondling today!

Classroom News

Cumulative XP:

5^th Science - Castle

Electricity and Magnetism: We will explore magnetism this week. Performing a series of investigations, we will figure out if we can insulate against magnetism and determine how strong magnets really are.

6^th Science - Enchanted Forest

Ocean currents You will continue your study of ocean currents. Through a series of hands-on experiments and demos, you will figure out just how things move in the ocean and more importantly... WHY? Does it matter where trash is dumped? What does temperature and salinity have to do with anything? What exactly powers up the Gulf Stream and how does it affect you? These are some of the questions you will answer this week.

^7th Science - Laboratory

Evolution. This week is dedicated to your Evolution project. As you work through, be mindful that "everything comes from something". I can't wait to see your new organisms and listen to you as you tie all evolution concepts together into one seamless presentation. Hard work is upon us.

^8th Engineering - Website

Monday and Tuesday will be dedicated to your YSC projects. You did all the work, now it is time to share it with us.
On wednesday we launch the Asteroid Impact project. What will you create to help humanity survive a catastrophic event?