Monday, October 31, 2011

Friday, October 28, 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"

Thursday, October 27, 2011

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.

Friday, October 21, 2011

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.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

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

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Friday, October 14, 2011

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Monday, October 10, 2011

Friday, October 7, 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.)


Monday, October 3, 2011

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.