Students of the Month: December

The Supernova teachers would like to congratulate the following Supernovas for earning student of the month honors for the month of December.

Science: Carly S.
English: Taylor R.
Social Studies: Andrew K.

Outstanding Supernova Citizen: Montana G.

Cover2Cover is Back!

Cover2Cover, our school’s book club, meets throughout the school year to discuss books. Anyone is welcome to join. We all read the same book and then get together to discuss it, participate in activities related to it, and have fun! Most meetings are after school. We will discuss How to Survive Middle School at the first meeting, which will take place on January 25th. If you are interested in joining Cover2Cover, have any questions about Cover2Cover, or need a copy of the first book, see Mrs. Barbarino.

Advanced English: Extended Vocabulary List #8

Extended Vocabulary List #8 is posted on Quizlet. The quiz on these terms will be Friday, December 16, 2011.

Energy Research Debate

Energy Research Notesheet & Presentation Notes

CMS Library Energy Pathfinder

Mr. Wolf's Energy Resource Links on Delicious.com

Advanced English: Extended Vocabulary List #7

Extended Vocabulary List #7 is posted on Quizlet. The quiz on these terms will be Friday, December 9, 2011

Egg Drop Awards and Photos: 2011-2012

Mr. Wolf's 8th grade science class conducted an egg drop activity to conclude the physical science portion of the school year. The objective of the activity was to utilize physics concepts learned in class to design and construct a capsule that will protect a raw egg (from breaking) as it is dropped from an elevated position.

Rorschach Lab

The students in Mrs. Porter's English and Advanced English classes are currently reading the short story version of "Flowers for Algernon". The story's protagonist, Charlie, takes the Rorschach test also known as the inkblot test which is a psychological test in which subjects' perceptions of inkblots are recorded and then analyzed. The students created their own inkblots and recorded their observations. Then, the students did a "gallery tour" and observed the other students' inkblots. The students analyzed and interpreted what they saw in their inkblots and the inkblots of the other students in the class. Finally, the students discussed their findings and how the test can show some aspects of one's personality. Through conducting the inkblot lab, the students were able to participate in an activity that mirrored an experience of a fictional character. The students were able to make this portion of the story come alive and be more just than words on a page, but an experience that they had as well.

Cecil Teen Touching Lives of Others: O-R Article

One of the Supernova students was recently featured in an article in the Observer-Reporter due to his good deeds. Please click on the link below to view the article.

Cecil Teen Touching Lives of Others: O-R Article

Food Engineering Essay Contest - 2012

Submissions for the National Academy of Engineering’s EngineerGirl! Food Engineering Essay Contest are now being accepted. Now in its 12th year, the competition invites students in third through twelfth grade to write an essay about the role of engineering in providing safe and nutritious food . Submissions must be entered by 6:00 p.m. EST on March 1, 2012, to be considered. All winning entries will be published on the EngineerGirl! website and winners will receive cash prizes: first place winners $500, second place winners $250, third place winners $100. For more information about the contest, visit the competition website listed below.

http://www.engineergirl.org/?id=14100

Penn State Weather Camp (June 17th - June 22nd)

Click on the following link to view information about Penn State Weather Camp.

http://www.outreach.psu.edu/programs/weather-camp/

Advanced English 8 Author Interviews

Mrs. Porter's Advanced English 8 students recorded author interviews for novels that are currently available in the library. One student portrayed the role of the novel's author while the other student was a celebrity interviewer of his or her choice. To see the author interviews, click the SchoolTube: CMS Videos link on this blog.

English 8 and Advanced English 8: "Flowers for Algernon" Vocabulary Terms

The terms for the short story, "Flowers for Algernon" have been posted on Quizlet.
You may access the Quizlet website by clicking the link in the title of story.

Students of the Month: November

The Supernova teachers would like to congratulate the following Supernovas for earning student of the month honors for the month of November.

English: Antonia G.
Science: Katelyn S.
Social Studies: Brittany B.

Kinetic and Potential Energy Lab

Below are some images of the Supernova students conducting a lab in science class. They had to take various measurements and calculate the kinetic and gravitational potential energy of various objects.

Constitutional Convention

REMINDER: All 3 of the Tic,Tac,Toe Constitutional Convention Projects are due
November 23.

Science Class: Monday - November 14th

Please read all of the following items before beginning your assignment.

A. Complete the "Pendulum and Roller Coaster Online Lab" that was given to you on Friday. If you were absent, ask the teacher for a copy of the lab. Remember, your username and password are listed at the top of the lab. Any letter of the alphabet will work for the last part of the username/password as long as you use that same letter for both the username and password.

Note: The "Energy of a Pendulum" portion of the lab, 1st page (front and back), will be graded. The "Roller Coaster Physics" portion of the lab, 2nd page, will given bonus points if it is completed. The due date for the lab is Wednesday, November 16th.

B. Don't forget that your Rube Goldberg Project is due tomorrow, November 15th. Ask the teacher for paper if you need it for your poster. If you don't have a working video to turn in to Mr. Wolf by now, then I strongly suggest that you do a poster.

C. If you finish your online lab early, explore the "Energy Skate Park" simulation.

Energy Skate Park

Use the following simulation to help understand the relationship between kinetic and potential energy. This simulation is also a great representation of the Law of Conservation of Energy.

Click to Run

Chapter 8: Work and Machines (PowerPoint Notes)

The website that holds most of the electronic versions of our science documents has been malfunctioning on occasion the last few days. Click on the following link to view the notes from an alternate source.

Chapter 8: Work and Machines

Science Class: Friday - November 4th

Please complete the following steps in order. Please remain silent during the entire class period due to testing.

1. Complete the Chapter 8 online quiz using the Quia website. You are allowed to take the quiz up to three times. If you do not score a 30 out of 30 (100%), retake the test until you score a perfect or you have used all three attempts. Only your best score will be recorded in the gradebook. All attempts for the quiz must be completed by Monday, November 7th. Your username and password will be given to you by Mr. Wolf on a slip of paper. Write your username and password in your agenda, binder, or on something else that you will not lose.

Note: You may use your notes, book, and internet to help you with the quiz. You are not allowed to communicate the answers with other students. The school’s cheating consequences will be followed if you are caught sharing answers. See your student handbook for more information.

2. Finish any work that you currently owe. Mr. Wolf will be around to let you know if you owe any work.

3. Pick from the following options:
Option 1: Continue planning your Rube Goldberg Project. We will not be breaking into groups today due to students completing their online test. You will have time on Monday to finish planning and/or start a poster. Remember, the due date for the project is November 15th.

Option 2: Explore some of the simple machines websites on the following link for enrichment.
Simple Machines: Interactive Websites

English 8 and Advanced English 8: "The Tell-Tale Heart" Vocabulary Terms

The terms for the short story, "The Tell-Tale Heart" have been posted on Quizlet.
You may access the Quizlet website by clicking the link.

"The Tell-Tale Heart"

Students of the Month: October

The Supernova teachers would like to congratulate the following Supernovas for earning student of the month honors for the month of October.

Social Studies: T.J. V.
Science: Jordan S.
English: Matt M.

Science Class: Tuesday - November 1st

Please complete the following items in order. It would help to open the following items in a new tab or window so you can reference this list.

1. Complete the "Puzzling Pyramids" activity. Ensure you fill in your answers on the answer sheet as you work through the activity. Important: Once you complete a level, a password will be provided for the next level. Ensure you copy down the password before you continue. Turn in the activity sheet once you are finished.

2. Ensure you have completed all the steps from yesterdays assignment. Click on the following link for more details: "Science Class: Monday - October 31st"

3. Turn in the web activity from yesterday, "Webquest: Simple Machines", if you did not do so already.

4. If you finish early, click on the following link to explore some interactive websites on simple machines.

Simple Machines: Interactive Websites

Advanced English: Extended Vocabulary List # 6

Extended Vocabulary List #6 is posted on Quizlet. The quiz on these terms will be Friday, November 4, 2011

English 8 and Advanced English 8: "The Ransom of Red Chief" Vocabulary Terms

The terms for the short story, "The Ransom of Red Chief" have been posted on Quizlet.
You may access the Quizlet website by clicking the link.


"The Ransom of Red Chief"

Science Class: Monday - October 31st

Please complete the following items in order. It would help to open the following items in a new tab or window so you can reference this list.

1. Open the "Mechanical Advantage and Efficiency" worksheet. Scroll through the document to find the answer key from Thursday's homework. Check your answers with the answer key provided.

2. Open "Chapter 8 - Work and Machines" PowerPoint. Go to slide 38. Use the PowerPoint to check your answers in your guided note packet to the review questions for section 2.

3. Read through each slide in section 3 of the PowerPoint. Complete the rest of your guided notes for chapter 8 as you view the presentation. Examine, in detail, how each simple machine (lever, included plane, wedge, wheel and axle, pulley, screw) makes work easier. Try to answer the review questions in your guided notes before you view the answers on the PowerPoint.

4. Begin "Webquest: Simple Machines". This handout will be provided for you by the teacher. Ensure you write in the answers on your handout as you work through the activity. A digital copy is also available in the "Science Notes and Documents".

5. If you finish early, click on the following link to explore some interactive websites on simple machines.

Simple Machines: Interactive Websites

PSBR: Poster and Essay Contest

Interested students should see the PSBR website for contest details. If you have additional questions, see Mr. Wolf or Mrs. Porter for help.

Read & React: All Year Science Bonus Opportunity

The Supernova science students have the opportunity to earn bonus points throughout the year by completing open-ended "read and react" assignments. The students are to read about current events that relate to some of the science topics discussed in class. The written articles can be found in newspapers, magazines, online, etc. After reading the article, the students are to write a short reaction paper, at least one page in length, explaining how the article is related to the science topics discussed in class. This is an ongoing bonus opportunity offered throughout the year, up to a maximum of 10 points per nine weeks. Mr. Wolf has the discretion to determine the point value for each submission.

English 8 and Advanced English 8: "Raymond's Run" Vocabulary Terms

The terms for the short story, "Raymond's Run" have been posted on Quizlet.
You may access the Quizlet website by clicking the link.

"Raymond's Run" Vocabulary Terms

Advanced English: Extended Vocabulary List # 5

Extended Vocabulary List #5 is posted on Quizlet. The quiz on these terms will be Friday, October 28, 2011

Door Decorating Contest Winners!

Mrs. Porter's homeroom 403 were the winners of the bully prevention themed door decorating contest. Pictured are Mystery, Kira, and Sabrina who volunteered their time to decorate the door. All of the students in Mrs. Porter's homeroom received coupons to the snack shack at school.

2011 / 2012 Annual Alcohol Awareness Poster Contest

Information from the website:

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is pleased to announce the 2011/2012 Annual Alcohol Awareness Poster Contest. The contest is open to all Pennsylvania students in kindergarten through grade 12, including those who are home-schooled.

The Alcohol Awareness Poster Contest is a valuable educational tool that provides students with an opportunity to learn about the dangers of underage drinking and identify the endless array of healthy, fun, and alcohol-free activities available to them. Working on the posters reinforces the lessons about alcohol and allows the students to make the message their own. Through their posters, students also send an important message to their peers – kids do not have to drink to have fun; there are lots of other fun things to do.

Entries must be received by the PLCB no later than November 18, 2011. For additional information concerning submission dates, guidelines, and prizes, please visit the link below.

Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Annual Alcohol Awareness Poster Contest

Forces and Motion - Simulation

This is a great simulation to help you understand forces and motion.

Click to Run

Advanced English: Extended Vocabulary List # 4

Extended Vocabulary List #4 is posted on Quizlet. The quiz on these terms will be Friday, October 21, 2011

English 8 and Advanced English 8: Elements of Literature Terms

The vocabulary list is posted for the Elements of Literature terms. You may access the Quizlet website by clicking the link.

Vocabulary List for the Elements of Literature Terms

Advanced English: Extended Vocabulary List # 3

Extended Vocabulary List #3 is posted on Quizlet. The quiz on these terms will be Friday, October 14, 2011.

Students of the Month: September

The Supernova teachers would like to congratulate the following Supernovas for earning student of the month honors for the month of September.

Science: Noah M.
English: Kate D.
Social Studies: Alexis L.

The Supernova Sprint: 11-12

The 8th grade science students conducted a lab in which they analyzed their velocity and acceleration during a 30 meter sprint.

Victim of Gravity

Gravity Simulations

Use the following simulations to help you understand the force of gravity. Remember, the size of the gravitational force between two objects depends on the mass of the objects and the distance between them.

(Note: The second simulation focuses on how orbits are formed.)

Click to Run

Click to Run

Friction and Force Song: 11-12

Below are videos on forces and the force of friction to help reinforce these concepts.

Note: The song's are British in origin.  They have a different spelling for the word "tire".  You will see it spelled "tyre" in the video.

Advanced English: Extended Vocabulary List # 2

Extended Vocabulary List #2 is posted on Quizlet. The quiz on these terms will be Friday, October 7, 2011.

Let Your Voice Be Heard!!!

You can use the Citizen's Help Desk to contact your State and Federal Representatives in government to inform them of issues or changes you would like to see made in your state.

The Moving Man

The following simulation can be used to help understand speed, velocity, and acceleration. The simulation includes various graphs that can be analyzed to help understand the motion of the man.

Click to Run

Video: Speed and Velocity

Measurement Week: 11-12

The Supernovas just finished conducting various science labs that involved different types of measurement. The students practiced using units in the modern metric system while conducting their labs.

9/20 - Length Lab
9/21 - Volume Lab
9/22 - Mass Lab
9/23 - Density Lab

Travel Research Project

Mrs. Porter's students selected a city located outside of the United States. The students have spent time in our library gathering information and are currently writing an informative research report. The students will be using an internet resource called Noodle Tools to create their works cited pages. The final component to the project is for the English 8 students to create brochures using Microsoft Publisher. The Advanced English 8 students are creating interactive posters(glogs) using Glogster. In addition, the students will be presenting their papers, brochures, and glogs to the class. Please check back for examples of the students' fantastic work!

Scholastic Writing Competition

The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers and the Western PA Writing Project is accepting submissions for the annual Scholastic Writing Competition. If you are interested in submitting your writing, you are to see Mrs. Porter for more details. In addition, you can click on the link for more information on the competition's requirements. The awards celebration will be held at the University of Pittsburgh in February. The students have the chance to receive scholarships and other awards for their work.

Advanced English 8: Edmodo and Glogster

The Advanced English 8 students will be using Glogster to create interactive posters that they will be presenting to the class. Edmodo will be used to connect students to helpful tools to assist them while creating their glogs. All glogs are to be turned in using Edmodo by Monday, October 3rd.

Scientific Models: 2011-2012

The Supernovas took a hands-on and creative approach to learning about how physical models can be used to replicate an object on a more convenient scale. In addition to physical models, the students also learned about mathematical and conceptual models.

eCYBERMISSION Enrichment Opportunity

eCYBERMISSION is a web-based Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics competition for 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th grade teams. Your team will propose a solution to a real problem in your community and compete for Regional and National Awards.

eCYBERMISSION challenges you to explore how Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics work in your world. Click on the link below to learn more about the eCybermission program.

eCYBERMISSION Website

Expanding Your Horizons Conference (Girls Only)

SCIENCE ENRICHMENT

Date: October 15, 2011
Time: 9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m
Where: Robert Morris University, Sewall Center

What:
EYH is a nationally recognized conference for girls in 6th, 7th, 8th or 9th grade interested in exploring Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers. Throughout the day you will attend hands-on workshops developed by RMU faculty, students and industry professionals in the STEM fields.

Flying the "Wright" Way!

After learning about how the American aviation pioneers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, used scientific processes while designing their aircraft, Mr. Wolf's science class took to the skies in an attempt to utilize the scientific method to improve on their own paper airplane design.

Steps of the Scientific Method
1) Ask a question
2) Form a hypothesis
3) Test the hypothesis
4) Analyze the results
5) Draw conclusions
6) Communicate results

Below are some images from the testing phase of the hands-on lab.

More History of the Day.

Learn more History of the Day @ The History Channel.

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history

Advanced English: Extended Vocabulary List # 1

Extended Vocabulary List #1 is posted on Quizlet. The quiz on these terms will be Friday, September 9, 2011.

The 1st Week of Science Class: 2011-2012

Below are some photos from the 1st week of science class. The students conducted a communication activity on the 3rd day of school in which the students had to work together to accomplish a task that most thought was impossible.

Also, later in the week the students were asked to sketch a scientist. The majority of students shared certain characteristics in their sketches. A student volunteer dressed up in each class as the "stereotypical" male scientist as the students named common items in their sketches. After the activity, the students examined examples of real-life scientists in various fields of work. The students had the chance to see that women can become scientists, and that not all scientists work in a lab, have crazy hair, carry around beakers, and wear lab coats.

Welcome to the Supernova Team!

The Supernova teachers would like to welcome the 2011-2012 Supernova students! We are looking forward to a productive and exciting school year. Please use this blog to stay up-to-date on our team.

Supernova Students of the Year: 2010-2011

The following students have been selected as the Supernova Students of the Year for the 2010-2011 school year.

English: Jon W.
Science: Jessica F.
Social Studies: William K.

Students of the Month: May

The Supernova teachers would like to congratulate the following Supernovas for earning student of the month honors for the month of May.

English: Anna S.
Social Studies: Tom S.
Science: Sarah J.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History: Supernova Field Trip 2010-2011

The Supernova team visited the Carnegie Museum of Natural History on Friday, May 27th. Below are some pictures from the field trip.

Enrichment: C-MITES Steppingstones Classes

SOURCE - Carnegie Mellon University C-MITES Steppingstones Page:

Our popular one-day classes for students in K-9th grades called "Steppingstones" will be offered on the Carnegie Mellon campus in late summer and early fall. The Steppingstones brochure is now online.

Classes include Simple Robot Machines, Crime Scene Investigations, WeDo Robotics, Egg Drop Physics, Engineering 101, Ancient Chinese Secrets, Creative Writing, Let's Go to France, and Chemistry and Analysis of Water.

Course descriptions and the online registration system are available at: Steppingstones website

The brochure is available here.

Black Holes: Interactive Website

Click on the link below to explore and learn about black holes.

Black Holes: Interactive Website

MLA Format Resource

The students of Mrs. Porter's English 8 and Advanced English 8 classes are writing career research papers. The students are encouraged to use the Purdue OWL website to assist them with using MLA format for the in-text citations. The students will be using NoodleBib to create their works cited pages. The papers are due at the end of class on Friday, May 20th. The students will also be holding a career fair in the school's library on Tuesday, May 24th and Wednesday, May 25th.

NASA Science - Astrophysics: Origin, Structure, & Evolution of Our Cosmos

NASA Science: Astrophysics - Focus Areas

Visit the link above to learn about:
1. The Big Bang Theory
2. Dark Energy
3. Dark Matter
4. Stars
5. Galaxies
6. Black Holes
7. Planets Around Other Stars

The Anne Frank Leaf Project

The Advanced English 8 students read the play, "The Diary of Anne Frank" and the novel, The Diary of a Young Girl. As a culminating activity, the students selected from six quotes from Anne's diary. The quotes were based on the themes of freedom, goodness, giving, courage, happiness, and humanity. Each student wrote an essay about the ways that he or she had been inspired by the life of Anne Frank to value that specific theme in his or her own life. The students also created a leaf based on one of the six themes. Each student wrote Anne's quote on one side of the leaf and his or her own original quote on the other side of the leaf. This project was based on the Anne Frank Tree Interactive Monument. Anne Frank often admired the chestnut tree in the courtyard behind the secret annex and wrote about the tree in her diary.

For more information, you can visit the Anne Frank Tree Interactive Monument. You can also leave your own quote or message on the virtual tree.

Abigail Self and Emily Uzar created the display in Mrs. Porter's classroom. Please stop by and check it out!

Students of the Month: April

The Supernova teachers would like to congratulate the following Supernovas for earning student of the month honors for the month of April.

English: Courtney P.
Science: Abigail S.
Social Studies: Sydney C.

Astronomy Think-Tac-Toe: 2010-2011 (UPDATED 5/17/11)

Mr. Wolf's 8th grade science classes are conducting a student choice activity in which they choose and complete at least TWO astronomy activities. The students can complete a third activity to earn bonus points. One activity will be due on each of the following due dates.

Due Date 1: May 17th
Due Date 2: May 24th
Due Date 3: May 31st (Optional Bonus Activity)

Note - The students will be able to work on the project in the computer lab on the following days: 5/13, 5/16, and 5/23.

Astronomy Websites


Astronomy Think-Tac-Toe (Printable PDF File)

Engineer Your Life: A Guide to Engineering for High School Girls

Website - Engineer Your Life: A Guide to Engineering for High School Girls

Below is some information from the website that is posted above:
In 2004, members of the engineering community formed a coalition to encourage academically prepared girls to enroll in engineering programs. After extensive research revealed some of the reasons girls were not interested in pursuing engineering, the coalition developed and tested new messages that emphasized how varied and creative engineering can be and what a difference engineers make in the lives of others. The messages—creativity has its rewards, explore the possibilities, and make a world of difference—are now part of a national campaign designed to encourage college bound girls to explore engineering. The Engineer Your Life Web site is the centerpiece of the national campaign, and is meant for high school girls and the adults in their lives (parents, counselors, teachers, and other educators) who want to learn more about what life and work are like for engineers. The campaign will:

• Introduce high school girls to young women
engineers who embody these messages.

• Showcase engineering careers and illustrate that
an education in engineering is both desirable and
within their reach.

• Help school counselors and teachers better
understand engineering and give them the
resources and training they need to advise
students.

• Mobilize America’s more than one million
engineers with compelling resources, training, and
messages to use in their ongoing outreach efforts.

8th Grade Strip Stroll!!!

After reading the Novel The Macaroni Boy, 8th Graders at CMS were offered an opportunity to tour the Strip District in Pittsburgh on April 26th and 27th.

Calendar Enrichment/Bonus

Bonus (Optional): Although many societies base their calendars on the movements of the sun or the moon, a calendar's starting date is often linked to cultural or religious traditions.  For example, both the Muslim and the Hebrew calendars are based on the phases of the moon, but they differ in a number of significant ways.  Research a calendar used by another culture and find out the cultural significance of the calendar's starting date, the number of days per month, and the number of days per year.  Write a short paragraph to explain your findings.  

English 8 and Advanced English 8: "The Diary of Anne Frank" Act Two

The vocabulary list is posted for "The Diary of Anne Frank" Act Two. You may access the Quizlet website by clicking the link.

Canon-McMillan Highlights March Edition

The Highlights Online Magazine

English 8 and Advanced English 8: "The Diary of Anne Frank" Act One, Scenes Four and Five

The vocabulary list is posted for "The Diary of Anne Frank" Act One, Scenes Four and Five. You may access the Quizlet website by clicking the link.

Raging Planet: Severe Weather Videos

Tornadoes:


Hurricanes:


Lightning:

Science Class: April 14th - 15th

Some of the Supernova students will be missing class on Thursday and Friday of this week due to a band trip or another activity. The students were given the work that they will miss while they are gone. Below is a quick summary of the instructions for the students that will miss science class.

Thursday:
Complete the notes titled, "CH 16-3: Severe Weather". Here is a quick link to the PowerPoint presentation to assist you while completing the notes: .

Friday:
1. Log on to Quia and complete: "Chapter 16 - Sections 3 & 4 Online Quiz". You are permitted to attempt the quiz two times. Only your best score will be counted for a grade. You are permitted to use your notes, book, and the internet.

2. After the quiz, complete: .

CH 16-3: Severe Weather (Notes)

Weather Websites and Yesterday's Weather Map

Edheads - Weather: This website will introduce you to basic weather reporting and forecasting techniques.

National Geographic - Forces of Nature: This website allows you to explore interactive information on hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanoes, and earthquakes.

Station Model Link : This website provides some information on how to interpret a station model on a weather map.

Weather World: This informative weather website contains forecasts and other features produced by Penn State University.

Yesterday's Weather - April 4th, 2011 (about 7 P.M.):
Yesterday started out as a relatively warm and humid day due to the warm air mass that originated from the south. The warm front symbol on the weather map signals the boundary of the warm air mass on the surface.

You may have noticed that intense thunderstorms went through our area last night. Also, when you woke up this morning, the air temperature was much colder. The intense precipitation and colder weather was a result of the cold front that you see on the weather maps that were taken from the weather channel at about 7 P.M. last night.

English 8 and Advanced English 8: "The Diary of Anne Frank" Act One, Scenes 1-3

The vocabulary list is posted for "The Diary of Anne Frank" Act One, Scenes 1-3. You may access the Quizlet website by clicking the link.

Students of the Month: March

The Supernova teachers would like to congratulate the following Supernovas for earning student of the month honors for the month of March.

Science: Isabella T.
English: Madison S.
Social Studies: Faith L.

(Reminder) Science Bonus and Enrichment Opportunity: Read and React

Are you looking to earn some science bonus points before the end of the nine weeks? Click on the link below to refresh yourself on Mr. Wolf's ongoing bonus opportunity.

Read and React Information

Simulation: Gravity and Orbits

Experiment with this simulation to see how certain variables influence the orbital motion of our planet caused by the force of gravity.

Click to Run

Astronomy PSSA Notes

Below are the PowerPoint notes for the upcoming unit on our solar system.

Tsunami and Earthquake Information/Imagery

Click on the links below to view information and satellite imagery from the devastating tsunami in Japan. The tsunami was a result of the magnitude 9.0 earthquake that happened near the east coast of Honshu, Japan on March 11th, 2011.

Tsunami Satellite Imagery

USGS Earthquake Information

CNN Interactive - Japan's Nuclear Concern Explained

CH 15-16: Meteorology PSSA Notes

Advanced English 8: Extended Vocabulary List # 13

Extended Vocabulary List #13 is posted on Quizlet. The test on these terms will be Friday, March 11th.

William is the 2011 Carson Scholar!

William has been selected as the 2011 Carson Scholar for the Canonsburg Middle School. A teacher is permitted to nominate and submit an application for one student out of the entire school who fits the description of a Carson Scholar. The contest was open to all students at the Canonsburg Middle School who met the academic requirements. The nominating teacher is required to write about the student's reading activity, attitude toward leaning, leadership ability, scholastic work ethic, motivation, and achievements. William was also required to list his school activities, extracurricular activities, community service, and he wrote a persuasive essay based on a given prompt.

He will receive a $1,000 scholarship award that will be invested for his college education. William is among a very special group of over 4,200 students from across the country that have been named a Carson Scholar. His academic achievements and service to his community are what make him a future leader of tomorrow. William will also receive a medal, certificate, and a place on the Carson Scholar Trophy at Canonsburg Middle School. In addition, William is invited to attend the Pittsburgh Carson Scholars Fund's Annual Awards Banquet.

The Supernovas are Shaking Things Up in Science and English

The students of Mr. Wolf's science classes and Mrs. Porter's English classes worked on a cross-curricular project. In science class, the students studied earthquakes. In English class, the students wrote informative articles using the facts and new vocabulary they had learned about earthquakes. Some students imagined a fictional earthquake. While other students decided to write their articles on a real earthquake. These students were required to do additional research for their articles. Abby and Jon are standing next to the Supernova student work display outside of the library.

Advanced English 8: Extended Vocabulary List # 12

Extended Vocabulary List #12 is posted on Quizlet. The test on these terms will be Friday, March 4th.

Students of the Month: February

The Supernova teachers would like to congratulate the following Supernovas for earning student of the month honors for the month of February.

Science: Alex H.
Social Studies: Blair C.
English: Jon W.

The 2011 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge (Enrichment)

Information from the website:

Do you have what it takes to be America’s Top Young Scientist? Discovery Education and 3M are looking for students in grades 5-8 who are enthusiastic about science. The top 10 students will receive an all-expense paid trip to the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minnesota and the grand prize winner will receive $25,000!

Click here to learn more.

Lord of the Flies Literature Circle Champs!

Congratulations to Logan, Max, Nicole, and Cierra!

The students of Mrs. Porter's Advanced English 8 class just finished reading the novel, Lord of the Flies. The students met with their literature circle groups weekly to discuss and analyze the twelve chapters of the novel. While working with their groups, the discussion directors constructed questions as part of a weekly review game. The team pictured above accumulated the most points over the course of the novel. The picture also shows the illustrator wall that had been created while reading the novel.

Rock Cycle Web Activity: Early Finishers (Enrichment)

Below are some optional activities to complete if you finish your "Web Activity: Rocks and the Rock Cycle" early.

Option 1: Examine the rock kits near the windows. The rock kits are separated by rock type: metamorphic, sedimentary, and igneous. Use the rock description key to learn about each rock. Please limit to three students at a time.

Option 2: Complete a "Read and React" paper. Click here for details.

Option 3: Click here to visit enrichment websites on rocks.

Option 4: Google Earth - When the website opens, click on the "Open in Google Earth" link. Click here to explore volcanoes around the world.

Option 5: Click here to explore various science simulations. See Mr. Wolf for a username and password.

Option 6: Video - How the Earth Was Made: Hawaii. If you choose this option, you must use headphones.

Option 7: Click here to explore various volcano websites.

Poetry Glossary

The terms for parts I and II of the poetry unit are posted on Quizlet. The students are encouraged to click on the embedded link to study the terms.

Volcanoes 101: National Geographic Video

Click on the link below to view a video on some volcano basics.

Volcanoes 101: National Geographic Video

Chapter 9: Volcanoes (Presentation Notes)

PSBR Essay Contest: Science Enrichment

English 8: "The Ruum" Terms

The vocabulary list is posted on Quizlet for the terms from"The Ruum". The students are encouraged to click on the link embedded in the title of the short story to study the vocabulary terms for the upcoming test.

I'm Just a Bill.

Chapter 8 Power Points

If you need a refresher for the test on Thursday, here are the power points we used in class.

Advanced English 8: Extended Vocabulary List # 11

Extended Vocabulary List #11 is posted on Quizlet. The test on these terms will be Friday, February 4th.

Students of the Month: January

The Supernova teachers would like to congratulate the following Supernovas for earning student of the month honors for the month of January.

Science: Greg L.
English: Amber A.
Social Studies: George C.

Earthquakes: PowerPoint Notes (Ch 8-1 and 8-2) and Enrichment Websites

Below are the PowerPoint notes for the first two sections on earthquakes.





Earthquake Enrichment Websites

EXTRA EXTRA STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS!!

Hey, are you looking for some extra bonus points in Social Studies? Well you have come to the right place! Simply print out this BINGO card and play along while watching the Presidents State of the Union Address tonight! Bring it in tomorrow and earn up 5 pts.

Advanced English 8: Extended Vocabulary List # 10

Extended Vocabulary List #10 is posted on Quizlet. The test on these terms will be Friday, January 28th.

Meet Your Congress Memebers!!!

Check out the CITIZENS HELP DESK!!! On this page you can check on legislation we talk about in class and see how far the bill is along in the lawmaking process we will be discussing in class. Also you can check in with your Federal and State Representatives in Government.

English 8: "The Fifty-First Dragon" Terms

The vocabulary list is posted on Quizlet for the terms from"The Fifty-First Dragon". The students are encouraged to click on the link embedded in the title of the short story to study the vocabulary terms for the upcoming test.

Advanced English 8: Lord of the Flies Chapters 9-12

The vocabulary list is posted on Quizlet for the terms from Chapters 9 through 12 from the novel, Lord of the Flies. The students are encouraged to click on the link embedded in the title of the novel to study the vocabulary terms for the upcoming test.

Penn State Weather Camp (June 19th-24th): Science Enrichment

Click on the following link to view information about Penn State Weather Camp.

http://www.outreach.psu.edu/programs/weather-camp/index.html

Lord of the Flies Rap

Logan A. wrote and performed his very own rap for the novel, Lord of the Flies. He is truly an English All-Star! The Advanced English 8 students are almost finished with the novel. Check the Supernova Team Blog soon for pictures of the Lord of the Flies illustrator display that has been created by the students.

Fun Dough Lab: 2010-2011

The Supernova students used Play-Doh to model various types of stress and faults.

University of Pittsburgh SWE Engineering Day: Enrichment Opportunity

Plate Tectonics: Online Activity and Enrichment Websites (2010-2011)

Click on the link below to view a printable digital copy of the "Plate Tectonics: Online Activity" (45 Points). 

Plate Tectonics: Online Activity

Click on the link below to view various websites on the topic of plate tectonics. 

Enrichment Websites: Plate Tectonics

Advanced English 8: Extended Vocabulary List # 9

Extended Vocabulary List #9 is posted on Quizlet. The test on these terms will be Friday, January 14th.

English 8: A Christmas Carol Terms for the Final Test

The terms are posted on Quizlet for the final test on the novel, A Christmas Carol. Please click the link embedded in the title of the novel to access the terms. The test will be Thursday, January 13th.

The Incredible Edible Earth!: 2010-2011

Mr. Wolf's science classes kicked off the transition from physical science to Earth science by creating physical models of the Earth's interior. These models didn't last too long because of hungry Supernovas! Fortunately, the real Earth is not in danger because, unlike our models, it does not consist of SunButter, jelly, chocolate chips, grahams crackers, powdered sugar, and honey.

Ambassador for Respect Essay & Art Contest

The Supernova Team is participating in the Ambassador for Respect Program. This week the students will be wearing blue wrist bands that signify that they are "Ambassadors for Dignity and Respect". The students are encouraged to participate in the essay and art contests provided through the program. The topic of both contests is "self-respect in cyberspace." Students participating in the contest are required to have their submissions to Mrs. Porter by Tuesday, January 11th. Any student who submits an essay or art work and follows all of the requirements will receive extended challenge points to use towards improving their grade in English 8 or Advanced English 8. The best submissions will be sent in to the Ambassador for Respect Program to compete. Winners of the contest will receive $100 prizes and their essays will be published in the Observer-Reporter newspaper. Winners will also be awarded certificates and prizes at the Teen Outreach Awards Night in May. For more information on the contest or the Ambassador for Respect Program please go to www.healthyteens.com

Advanced English 8: Extended Vocabulary List # 8

Extended Vocabulary List #8 is posted on Quizlet. The test on these terms will be Friday, January 7th.

Layers of the Earth Rap Song

Chapter 7: Plate Tectonics (PowerPoint Notes)